Tag: travel

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #333

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Marguerite

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This was a good week!! We jammed a lot in, including work, art, and family.

Sunday was a noteworthy example of God’s perfect timing. He helped me provide comfort to a friend amid her grief. It was good to be in the right place at the right time… at church!

I had a similar experience at work, comforting a widowed Veteran. He said he was lacking motivation healthwise and later mentioned losing his wife fairly recently. I helped him understand changes he can make for his nutrition and health status but also identified that he may need some grief support. It is difficult to move forward if you don’t deal with those strong emotions. I will connect him with someone in the VA but also suggested he reach out to some other local resources. He left feeling much better than when he came in!

I got a new badge at work, ahead of my three-year anniversary in August. Every so often your tech credentials and federal authorization certificates need to be updated. The funny thing is you can’t smile for the picture. I suppose it’s a little like a glorified mugshot! Thankfully, I have enjoyed my three years and hope to have many more!

We had beautiful weather this week, warm and sunny but not humid. I’m trying to soak it in knowing in a few short months it will be cooler!

Today, we are racing back to Fargo after seeing family. We had a great time, though it was a really quick trip! Even so, Lydia is leaving for church camp tomorrow! We appreciate your prayers that everything goes smoothly!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality, Travel, Worship

Go With the Flow

Last weekend, Lydia and I took a little road trip a few hours into Minnesota! On Saturday, we visited Safari North Wildlife Park, near Brainerd. We fed the giraffes carrots and the parakeets millet. We enjoyed seeing cheetahs, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!); several types of monkeys and birds (some I had never seen before); kangaroos and wallabies; plus, gazelles, zebras, and ostriches, just to name a few.

We had been wanting to go for a while. In fact, we were going to go a couple of weeks ago to commemorate the anniversary of Dave’s death, but the weather seemed iffy, so we didn’t. Emotionally, I was on the fence because I wasn’t sure what to expect. So, I gave Lydia a fun Yes Day instead.

Even this past weekend, I wasn’t sure if we were going to go. I don’t know the area very well, and I wasn’t sure if there was anything else to do. Plus, there was another chance of rain the entire holiday weekend.

Nonetheless, a conversation with my coworker stirred my imagination and helped me lean toward going. She was telling me of a quick trip to Florida she was taking over the holiday weekend, a babymoon of sorts. They didn’t have much planned but were going to make the most of their time, go with the flow, and lounge on the beach.

On a personal note, I was inspired to just have fun since life is so short. On Friday after work, I ran some errands and was going to just relax. Then, I remembered my coworker’s enthusiasm and suggestions for things to do near Brainerd.

On a whim, I decided we should go that very day! It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day, and while I couldn’t predict the rain, my weather app showed about a forty percent chance later on Saturday afternoon. So, we had a decent amount of time to travel and still accomplish our goal!

I picked up Lydia from daycare and made my proposal. She quickly agreed to throw whatever she could into her backpack and hop in the car. I am so proud of us… we didn’t overpack! We each took one change of clothes, a swimsuit, our toothbrushes, and plus a few other small necessities, but that was it! I knew if we really forgot something major, we could just buy it or do without.

We made a hotel reservation before leaving home. Then, we drove about 2.5 hours to Baxter, MN (next door to Brainerd). I soon realized it was good to break up the drive between two days instead of one long day. On the way, Lydia and I surveyed the scenery and some Amish horses and carts driving along the highway! We also enjoyed some music, laughter, and conversation.

At one point, we heard the song “Jireh” by Maverick City Music on the radio. Lydia asked me what Jireh means. It was a name given to God by Abraham. Jehovah Jireh means ‘The Lord will Provide’ and I reminded Lydia of the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was stopped just before sacrificing his son, Isaac, only to have God provide a ram in the thicket that day… I told her, “It was as if God said, I don’t need you to sacrifice your son for Me, but instead, ‘I will sacrifice my son, Jesus, for you.'”

We also discussed how we had no real plan, but that it was the perfect opportunity for us to trust God. We didn’t know where we would eat dinner, but we knew He would provide. We didn’t have all the details about the zoo, but we would figure it out as we went. We weren’t sure if it would rain, but we were doing our best (by coming early) and trusting God with the rest.

Well, we ended up having pizza for dinner and went on a brief mission to see a couple of local lakes before swimming and watching cable tv at the hotel. On Saturday, we slept in, bought Lydia a Caterpillar hat to combat the sun (a quick stop at Fleet Farm), and then headed to the zoo. I’m glad we came the night before and decided to go with the flow!

Turns out, that day was perfect to be outside with the animals. It was a little cooler and cloudy having rained overnight. So, the animals were wide awake and active! I’m glad we didn’t wait a couple more weeks when it surely will be hot!

We really enjoyed seeing so many animals! We were there for about four hours and could have stayed longer! However, we decided to head back and continue enjoying our long weekend at home. We had the best time together, and it was sweet that God blessed us with an impromptu adventure!

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God, thanks for leading us on an adventure with You. Thanks for being our Provider. We do not need to worry or be afraid because You have us covered. Help us trust Your plans are greater than ours! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God provided for you lately? What is your favorite zoo animal?

Tasks: Listen to the song, Jireh, and trust God for your next adventure!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #315

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This was a good week! Lydia and I had fun with our family in the Phoenix area, and we enjoyed being in the warm desert. We saw cactuses, palm trees, and even a pretty type of bush called a great bougainvillea (pictured above). Arizona doesn’t participate in daylight savings time, so we had a jumpstart into the rest of the week!

Lydia and I went to the chiropractor on Monday. She was adjusted for the first time ever and said, “My back feels so fresh!” 🙂 I don’t think we are 100% just yet, but definitely feeling better day by day. Thank You, Jesus!

Work went well, and I had a lot of great patients. I also had someone confirm I am right where I need to be, which feels great! Also, someone in our department volunteered to make us omelets on Friday! So yummy!

I had a fun conversation with some church ladies on Wednesday, totally unexpected but so rewarding. I am grateful for the women God has placed in my life!

On Friday, I got my taxes done and had an interesting conversation with my accountant. She was rather talkative and shared with me more than usual. It made me really thankful for how God has taken care of us, for who Dave was, and how hard he worked.

Then, yesterday evening, Lydia and I went to Scheels as well as the mall to look around. It was so nice to enjoy the beautiful weather! Lydia promised me she didn’t need her coat! We made some purchases, but it was really just fun to spend time together!

Today, Lydia and I updated a couple of our electronic devices, read books, and caught up on chores. I usually have a lot going on at home on Saturday, but I tried to take a relaxed approach to my to-do list.

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #302

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Christmas, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Baubles

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was quite memorable! On Sunday and Monday, we were still with family celebrating my dad’s birthday. We flew home Monday afternoon, but we are so grateful for the fun and memories we made together!

Tuesday through Friday went fast. Work went well, though several cancellations meant I could get caught up on some tasks and help others!

Wednesday night was the children’s ministry Christmas party. Lydia really had a lot of fun! But even more important, she has learned more about God’s word!

Friday was Dave’s birthday in Heaven. Congratulations to Jordyn B. who was the winner of the book giveaway in his honor. It was a fun thing to send off the book today!

Today, I finally bought a new snowblower. Every year, I have tried to coax my old one along. It was so finicky and often wasn’t up to the task. I spent a couple of hours yesterday at the store, and even more online comparing prices and features. I reached out to some friends who were able to help me make the final decision. It helped that they have a truck and that I found an online coupon which was honored in-store!

Tonight, Lydia and I are going to finish decorating the Christmas tree. We started it before our trip, but haven’t gotten back to it until now!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Wisdom

Ageless

This past week, Lydia and I took a long weekend to fly to Chicago and visit family. My dad turned seventy, and it was so fun to surprise him!

Dad thought he was flying to see my sister and her family, but Lydia and I wanted to come, too! I had coordinated our tickets with Mom, but the rental car was in my name. Then, Lydia and I had an unexpectedly long delay at the Fargo airport, so Mom and Dad had to wait around. He was a little annoyed, but when Lydia ran up to him, he was completely shocked! He realized the joke was on him!

Lydia really enjoyed being the big cousin, and I rented my first car on a trip! God graciously helped me navigate Chicago traffic, too! We saw a few beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. And all in all, time with family was just what I needed.

In the days and weeks leading up to our trip, my siblings, mom, and a few others came up with “70 Things We Love About Tom.” Basically, we thought of all our favorite things about my dad, though we have done this for others in my family, too. My mom, my aunt, my sister, etc. It is good to honor each other and make them smile, too!

My parents are alive and well, and I am so grateful. But, life is short, and we’ve already lost several loved ones over the years. Now is the time to show our love!

As I think about our trip and celebrating family birthdays in general, the word ‘ageless’ keeps coming to mind. Not in terms of the absence of wrinkles… those are lines well earned! But, rather for those of us who love Jesus, we will keep building upon those wonderful moments for eternity.

Yes, in Heaven, we will be made new, but I have a feeling that those godly qualities or what makes us special will just be made better! All our negative qualities will be swallowed up along with death; only the good things will survive.

My late husband, Dave, has already experienced all for that first hand. He was already pretty amazing, to begin with, so Dave being even more “Dave” blows my mind!

As Christmas is just around the corner, now is a good time to reflect on how Jesus makes all things possible. One day, all we know will be renewed. The old will pass away, and we will become how God sees us already, all He made us to be.

On December 25th, we celebrate Jesus’ birthday, that is, His coming to Earth. But, He always has been and always will be.  He is the Alpha and Omega, the Ancient of Days.

Yes, Jesus truly is ageless… but His birth (and death) are also timeless. One sacrifice with an impact that will be felt for all eternity.

I love how Jesus welcomes us in like family and holds everything together. He is unmatched and loves you more than life itself. Life is short, so don’t miss the opportunity He brings. Invite Jesus into your life, and prepare Him room this season!

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God, thanks for the blessing of birthdays and family. Thanks for Your love and for all You do for us. May we remember to look for the best in others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you made a personal decision to follow Jesus? Can you imagine what the celebration of Christmas must be like in Heaven?

Tasks: Spend as much time as possible with family! Also, check out my Grace and Lemonade page on Facebook for a special giveaway, in honor of Dave’s birthday!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Personality

A Good Reset

Last Saturday, right after I posted my weekly Finding Grace post about my busy week, I did something I am still trying to wrap my mind around. On my personal social media page, I posted a recap after the issue was more or less resolved:

Me, seeing my cup of coffee on the counter, ready for some milk:
Q: If my coffee is here, what did I put in the microwave? (28 seconds ago)
A: My phone!!!
Next steps: Wait a few minutes to see if it catches on fire. Open the windows to air out the house. Put the phone in the freezer to see if it will cool down enough to turn on. Send a message to friends coming from out of state (using Messenger because the phone is dead). Tell Lydia to get in the car so I can get a new phone before the store closes! Make a quick, but thoughtful, decision on the upgrade. (At 3+ years old, it was starting to show its age, anyway).
So yeah, one way to decide about getting a new phone… Nuke it in the microwave instead of your coffee.

Yes, I totally microwaved my cell phone! I’m so glad it didn’t cause a fire, and I am grateful to have the resources to get an upgrade so quickly.

I am chalking up this mistake to my mind being so busy that I wasn’t paying attention. Life was moving ‘microwave fast’ and I quickly realized I needed a mental reset! Perhaps I need to create a no-phone-in-the-kitchen boundary as well!

It is crazy how we rely on our phones, isn’t it? On Saturday, I immediately thought of how I couldn’t connect with my family as easily. And, my college friends coming all the way from Indiana could only reach me through Facebook otherwise.

So, that’s why I needed a quick solution. While I am glad so many things were stored in the ‘cloud’ I still had to set things up. In fact, I still am working on password resets, downloading certain apps, and rearranging my new phone.

Thankfully, the visit with my longtime friends was a perfect reset! These particular friends are funny and calm and gracious. I always am refreshed when they are around. They speak life into me and provide wise input when needed. I try to do the same for them.

Even though it’s been eleven years since we’ve seen each other in person, they have been encouraging us from afar. They were unable to travel to Dave’s funeral years ago, but they were determined to come when they could.

Last year COVID19 prevented them from making the trip, but this past weekend was wonderful. My friends even brought some old pictures of Dave from college! Lydia really enjoyed seeing her dad when he was younger!

I was honored by their visit and we had fun showing them around Fargo! It was fun to introduce our kids and watch them interact. Really, we were able to pick up right where we left off. It was just the slower pace I needed.

I am grateful God always knows how to minister to us, whether we are busy or relaxed. He is King over chaos, and He is a loving Father sending love and hugs through friends. Thank You, Jesus!

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God, thanks for the gift of friendship. Thanks for helping me rest and refocus. Renew me with Your love and grace. Strengthen me in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: How has God ministered to you lately? Who can you reach out to encourage today?

Task: Listen to the song, My Jesus, by Anne Wilson.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #283

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This was a great week! We started off the week in Ohio family. It felt great to relax with some of our favorite people! Then, Monday we flew back home. We had two flights with a few hours in O’Hare. It was late when we finally went to sleep in our own beds, but it’s always good to be home after traveling.

At work, I hit the ground running. I saw several Veterans and completed some online trainings. finished setting up my new office space, too. I moved a filing cabinet, and swapped the garbage and recycling cans. I organized some drawers and handouts. Also, the printer was moved around the corner and my cabinets and bulletin board were moved up a few inches to give me more space. I am happy with how it turned out! 

The rest of the week was spent unpacking (laundry!), organizing the house, running errands, making phone calls, and catching up with mail. Lydia’s suitcase, which actually belonged to Dave and is at least fifteen years old, came off the airplane with a large hole. It was time for an upgrade! I bought her new slippers, too, since we snagged a good sale!

Today, we mostly cleaned and organized before company comes next week. If we don’t stay on top of things, they quickly get out of hand! So, you we had our work cut out for us. 🙂 Lydia rode her scooter and drew with chalk a bit. Later, some neighbor friends came over to play!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Travel

Like Ants or Amoebas

This past week, Lydia and I flew to Chicago and stayed overnight with my sister’s family. Then, we all drove together to northwestern Ohio to see family for my aunt’s birthday. The party was fabulous, and we loved the dueling pianos!

It was extra special since it was the first time my parents and all my siblings have been together in close to three years! We are now spread out over several time zones, plus we have work and family responsibilities, which can be a challenge to show up all at the same time and place. I’m grateful for calls, texts, and Zoom, but meeting in person is best!

On our way back to Fargo, I let Lydia have the window seat on both flights. She loves looking out the window, and in a small way, I am shielding her from potential trouble by keeping her tucked out of the way. She really enjoys watching earth fade away and then grow close again. The picture above shows Lake Michigan and beyond!

Monday was a beautiful, sunny day, and we watched the lush green Ohio countryside grow into a patchwork quilt of trees and farmland. It was so pretty. We watched river and lakes shine back their reflection to the sky. Stunning!

We saw whole communities spread out before us. We even saw tiny little cars driving along the road. Lydia and I both agreed they looked about the size of ants! 

Then, we had a cool conversation about God. We talked about how people are even smaller than cars, and we wondered just how tiny we must look to God. If you watch this video (below) from the airplane, you’ll see a couple tiny cars! 

Isn’t it cool to think about? God is SO much greater than us, and as our Holy Creator, He so far above us. Heaven is far beyond our flight pattern! Yet, at the same time, God is right here with us. Before us, after us, within us, all around us. Mindblowing!

Our problems really must seem insignificant to God, yet He still cares about every little detail of our lives. Perhaps my problems appear like ants… or microscopic amoebas to God! No worries, He’s got this!

Indeed, a good vacation can remind me that my problems aren’t that important. Time away doesn’t make problems disappear, but when I return, I see they carried on just fine without me! Still, I am grateful for the break!

Jesus ascended in the clouds, and that’s how He will return, too. Whatever problems are on your mind today, trust God. He rides upon the wind and speaks peace to the waves. He calms the storm and controls the weather. He sustains us and takes good care of us, too!

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God, be praised, forever and always! Thanks for the reminder that I don’t have to handle all my burden on my own. God, thanks that You are with me and for me. Help me keep my problems in the right perspective. Help me trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: When going on vacation, do you prefer to drive or fly? Where is your favorite place to visit?

Tasks: Consider how great our magnificent God is and how small we are. Watch this video by Louie Giglio about our awesome Creator and Father and Sustainer.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #282

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This was a full week! On Sunday, Lydia enjoyed telling everyone on Zoom about her adventures at camp.

Work went well, too. A lady in our department is retired after 20+ years, so we had a surprise celebration for her. It was so funny because we chose Wednesday for the actual party, but I suggested Friday as a “fake” celebration to throw her off a bit. My other coworkers  and I had a fun time covertly planning the party. We will miss having her around, but we also have a good plan in place for the transition as she leaves.

On Tuesday I felt so loved at work. A friend, who arrives earlier than me, saved me some coffee from the old batch, specifically knowing I am not a fan of the fresh, flavored kind that she made afterward. It was sweet of her to think of me! Also, a couple of the managers went out of their way to help me transition to my “new” office space. It was kind of them to take the time to help when they are usually so busy!

Lydia and I had a great time visiting family in person this week!! We celebrated my aunt’s birthday, and it was the first time my parents and all my siblings had been together in at least a couple years. We saw my nephew, now a year old, and met my new baby niece. Lydia enjoyed playing with both of her little cousins and seeing much of our extended family. Many of us meet weekly over Zoom, but visiting and hugging in person was wonderful!

Otherwise, Lydia and I did some deep cleaning as we prepare for a busy August full of visitors. She reorganized some of her play areas, desk, and backseat of the car. I worked on the kitchen table and my bedroom, since things seem to pile up there! It felt good to cross these tasks off our list! Now, we just have to keep these spaces looking nice!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer, Travel, Wisdom, Worship

Grand Forks Getaway

As I previously mentioned, Lydia and I had a special getaway last weekend.

We had a great weekend about an hour north in Grand Forks, North Dakota! I had made a short list of potential activities and places to visit. But, as always, God took my loose plans and put His own spin on them!

On Friday evening, we visited dear friends at a park and were visited by the ice cream truck! My friends have three kids, ages 2 to almost 6, and they are all so cute. The little boy, the middle child, wanted to hold Lydia’s hand, sit right next to her, and have her carry him. It was fun seeing Lydia respond favorably to him and his sisters. As an only child, she’s not used to siblings!

Then, Lydia and I drove across the border to Cabela’s in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. She loved it and even came out with a new stuffed animal! Soon, we crossed the bridge back to the North Dakota side. We walked around downtown before heading back to Minnesota for our car. Later, Lydia lived it up at the hotel arcade. She even won first place in the racing game! Reminds me of her dad!

On Saturday morning we had breakfast with the same friends, this time the kids were left at home. The man was one of Dave’s Caterpillar coworkers and a pallbearer at his funeral. After Dave died, I gave him Dave’s Bible. It felt like the right thing to do to bless this ‘CAT guy.’ God has blessed that small act of faith, and it has been fun to see him lead his family toward Jesus.

This man was mourning the lost of his best friend, who had just died from COVID-19 complications earlier in the week. So on Saturday, we talked about faith, Dave, family, our Caterpillar connection, and more. He acknowledged that our visit seemed like God-ordained meeting. I am so grateful I could encourage this couple because they have been such an encouragement to me!

Then, Lydia and I drove around town, visiting Widman’s confectionery and the University of North Dakota/Ralph Engelstad Arena (known for intense ice hockey games!). Later, we went to the Blue Moose Restaurant and ate tapas, walked around the mall, and visited a local indie bookstore. Lydia also drew a crowd with her marksmanship skills at Scheels!

Saturday night, we spent a couple hours at the water park in our hotel. It was huge, and we had a blast on the water slides and practicing Lydia’s swimming skills. We even ran into another friend! Then, we relaxed and watched a movie while eating some snacks.

On Sunday, we drove about 20 miles west to Turtle River State Park. We had fun hiking around and were glad we went early to beat the heat. It was gorgeous! Then, we came back home and listened to an audiobook on the way. Lydia played with a friend while I did some yard work before family Zoom.

When making our plans, it took me awhile to decide what to do and where to stay. I was trying to decide about the water park and what other attractions to see. I was also uncertain if I should contact my friends since it had been a few years since we saw them. I didn’t want them to have to adjust their plans. Turns out, I contacted them on the same day they found out about the loss of their friend. Wow!

Our whole trip was covered by God’s grace. I’d like to take Lydia to Medora, ND sometime, too, but this was the best weekend we’ve had in awhile!

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God, You are so good and faithful! Thanks for leading us and for guiding our steps. Thanks for helping us encourage others as we honor Dave’s life and legacy. Help us continue to be a blessing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you been to Grand Forks or Medora? What do you like to do on vacation? Do you like to relax or go sight-seeing? Do you make big plans or just meander?

Tasks: Next time you are considering a trip or step out of your normal routine, prayerfully go for it! Invite God to direct your path and see how He moves on your behalf! You never know just how He may use you to bless someone else.