Month: August 2022

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom

Like A Mother Hen

On our recent Montana trip, we saw a grouse family on our long hike up Sentinel Mountain. These birds, also called partridges, were along the trail and then fanned out when we came along. There were about seven birds, and most of them must’ve been babies.

The mother called them to her as we passed by. It was cool to watch as they flocked back to her. She stood in one place and let them come to her, but I imagine she would’ve gone berserk if we had come closer!

These birds reminded me of the partridges we have at my house. For some reason, lately, they have been all over my yard! It makes me smile and laugh when I see them all waddle across the street into my yard. Occasionally, I have seen them by my free little library… maybe they like to read?!

Anyway, it is fun to watch the birds, even though they all run or fly away when I come around the corner. So funny! Soon the weather will change, and I wonder where they will end up.

Now, I could make this post about mothers or mothering… such as how ‘mothers know best’ or ‘mom is always there for you.’ But, for today, I want to keep the focus on Jesus.

In Luke 13:34, NLT, Jesus said, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”

Jesus was filled with sorrow because His people would rather kill Him instead of turn to Him. He knew the disaster that was coming their way years later when the temple and much of the city were destroyed. He wanted to protect them, and He was saddened at their resistance.

Jesus said all that about Jerusalem and the Jewish people, but His words are a good reminder for us, too. When chaos comes, who do we run to? What is our gut reaction?

 It’s easy to turn to friends or turn on the television, but only Jesus saves.

We can find temporary comfort in the things of this world, but only Jesus brings peace that lasts. When you don’t know what to do, ask Jesus.

Better yet, seek Him first! Find where He is and join Him. Then, you for sure will be on the right path! His grace covers you, and He will make a way for you.

God sees you and knows you…even better than your mother. 😉 He understands exactly what you need even before you figure it out! 

Run to Him. Lean on Him. Let Him protect you and lead you. He is faithful.

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God, thanks for drawing us near and holding us close. May we not turn away from you, but run to You instead. May all we do glorify You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you like to birdwatch? Do you have a favorite bird? Do you find yourself running to God in hard times, or do you try to solve your own problems?

Tasks: Grab a bird identification book and put a pair of binoculars in your car, so you are ready when you see some cool birds! Remember, draw near to God and He will draw near to you!

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

Finding Grace #338

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 week was full of God’s refreshing grace. The weather was good, some days sunny and some days cloudy and cool. We even saw some foggy, rainy days. Fall is just around the corner in the Northern Plains!

At work, I will be sitting downstairs in the walk-in nutrition office, covering for my friend on maternity leave. It was so sweet having several Veterans ask if my coworker had her baby. These men were all over-the-moon to hear she had a precious baby boy! Having grown men –tough soldiers in their past lives– gush about a little baby was heartwarming. Sitting downstairs means I am also available to mentor a newer dietitian, also Natalie, who is still learning her new role. It was fairly busy, but it was also fun. 

This week, I woke up extra early to work out before my day started. I joined some friends online for a month-long accountability challenge. I did various things but met the daily goal of thirty minutes at a time. (Recently, I have been breaking it up throughout the day or staying up really late to squeeze it in… and sacrificing sleep.) Anyway, overall that meant I had to prioritize my evening schedule and chores in order to go to bed earlier. We’ll see if that kicks off other healthy habits. So far, so good!

On Thursday, Lydia started 5th grade, and it was fun to meet some new neighbors at the morning bus stop. Lydia’s teacher seems friendly, and it was encouraging to hear she has similar education philosophies to Lydia’s teacher last year, where she thrived. Here’s to her final year of elementary school!

Today, we cleaned around the house, and then Lydia played with friends while I met another friend for coffee and catching up. It was just what I needed. We lost track of time and talked for nearly three hours! We prayed together before we left. I really appreciate godly friends!

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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, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

Comfort Zones

I read a quote this week by Pastor Levi Lusko, and it said, “Comfort zones don’t keep your life safe, they keep your life small.” Wow. As someone, who often prays for God’s protection and safety, this spoke to me!

As Lydia starts her last year of elementary school this week, I am thankful for the (relative) status quo of this year. It is bound to be a transitional time, but still, more of the same. Some of her friends were redistricted to a different school, but Lydia got to stay where she’s been. I am glad for her, but also helping her understand how others may feel.

I can foresee some changes on the not-so-distant horizon (also known as middle school next year). But, we will address those needs when they come. For now, I am going to enjoy each moment that Lydia (still) hugs me in front of her friends. Each moment she laughs at my jokes or tells me all the things I am doing well and that she’s proud of me.

Those are all good things, and far be it from me to rush into the next season. At the same time, I don’t want to run away from challenges. Not all problems are bad, if they push us to be our best!

Recently, Lydia and I have been discussing growth. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Growth means many things, but I think about beating stagnancy with learning, serving, and giving. If nothing changes, nothing changes!

Growth is possible when we lean on God and trust Him to bring us through. If we fight the growing process or drag our feet, we just prolong the test. As Joyce Meyer once mentioned the Holy Spirit lets us repeat the test as many times as it takes to get it right! Of course, the sooner we “get it,” the faster we can get on to new things!

If we are wise, we will use both comfort zones and challenges to draw close to Jesus.

Even with things staying mostly the same this school year, we still have plenty of opportunities for growth. Each day has its own challenges and troubles, and some days we are just glad to stay afloat. I am really grateful Jesus is with us!

You know, praying for safety is good, but perhaps it is better to pray for God’s will be done in each season and situation. There is always something to learn. We can’t expect life to be easy, but we can ask and expect God to show up and fight on our behalf.

Again, if you are in a comfort zone, that may be just fine. But if you’ve been there for a while, God might just be calling you to grow. Don’t be afraid; He is with you. Lean into His grace and let Him lead you to greater things!

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God, You are so good! Thanks for leading us with love and kindness. Don’t let us stay stagnant, but help us lean into Your grace during each challenge. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you in your comfort zone? Are you needing to trust God through a challenge?

Tasks: Start each day with Jesus! Be grateful for when the days are calm and even-keeled, and be grateful when life rocks your boat and challenges arise! Be willing to grow and be stretched!!

Posted on in Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #337

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 as we eased back into normal life!! On Sunday, we were in Glacier National Park in Montana. We flew home on Monday after celebrating my fortieth birthday with friends. It was a fun and memorable trip, and I am so happy we went!

I returned home to a ‘Happy Birthday’ yard sign, a few cards, and some gifts in the mail. I have some thank you notes to write, but I am very appreciative! It feels good when people think of me. 🙂

On Tuesday, we went back to work and the Y! It felt good to jump in, and I felt refreshed. It was perfect timing because we had ‘The Joint Commission’ walk in to do their routine survey! They come about every three years, and we received a really good report!

On Friday, Lydia and I went shopping after my half-day at work for some school clothes. We only went to one store because the checkout line was so long. Later, we had one of her friends over. We ate tacos and sampled some ‘Crumbl Cookies’ that the friend’s mom brought over. Yummy!

Today, we slept in, made a few calls, mowed the lawn, and prepared for school, which starts next Thursday. In the process of going through winter gear, we cleaned out the coat closet! Now, we have some donations to make. It’s sad when Lydia grows out of items, but it’s also fun to buy new things!

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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, Perseverance, Travel

Forty and Fabulous

Last week, Lydia and I spent a fun-packed few days in Missoula, Montana visiting some dear friends and celebrating my fortieth birthday! Birthdays just aren’t the same without Dave, so this year, I really wanted to do something special. I am very glad I did!

We went to visit one of my best friends, who happens to be one of my college roommates. Katie’s husband is like the big brother I never had, and her kids are both around Lydia’s age. It was great to reconnect since it’s been several years since we met in person! (This is the same Katie in my book, and we have had lots of adventures over time!)

We flew in on Wednesday and hung out that evening. The next day, we hiked the “M” and made it to the top of Sentinel Mountain and looked down in the valley at Hellgate where the pioneers came through. It took about four hours in the heat, but we had water and snacks to get us through. We saw some grouse, a redtail hawk, a hummingbird, and a few chipmunks! We also met an 89-year-old woman hiking with her son and some fellow North Dakotans! Later that afternoon, we went to Splash Montana, a water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river. It was the perfect way to wrap up our day.

Earlier on Thursday, we tried to get a reservation to Glacier National Park, but 500+ tickets were sold out in three minutes! It has been on my bucket list for a while, but in the past, it seems something has always come up. So, while I didn’t visit Montana just for Glacier, I really hoped to go. I decided just to leave it in God’s hands, knowing He could work out the details on my behalf.

Eventually, Katie found a boat tour at St. Mary’s Lake that would let us gain entry for Sunday instead. So, that gave us time to regroup and spend my birthday in another awesome way. Yes, on Friday, we went white water rafting!

After a special birthday breakfast, we rafted the Clark Fork River (Alberton Gorge) with Katie and her kids. Our twenty-year-old guide was very experienced, and no one fell out! We saw three beavers swimming and sunning themselves, as well as a few bald eagles and a huge golden eagle! It was absolutely breathtaking floating through the mountains. The only other time I had been white water rafting was on the famous New River Gorge in West Virginia right before I turned twelve. So, it seemed like a fitting way to celebrate my fortieth!

On Saturday, we attended a ladies’ self-defense class in the morning, and then we went ziplining through the mountains! The course was part of the off-season attraction at a ski resort. It was beautiful flying through the woods, and we had fun racing each other! That evening, some of the neighbors came over for a party! I made a charcuterie board and cheese board to share. It was so cool that one of the neighbors made a carrot cake and a chocolate espresso cake (as well as a cute mini version for me!). She enjoyed reading my book last fall, and so it was an honor for both of us to meet!

On Sunday, we drove three hours to Glacier National Park! It was even prettier than I imagined! We saw glaciers and fire damage, but also waterfalls, fields of flowers, bighorn sheep, and even a moose swimming! We swam in the icy river, too. Actually, the others went swimming, and I fell in while wading. But I think that counts, right?!

All in all, we laughed morning, noon, and night. We stayed up late playing games. We caught some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. We saw magpies, wild turkeys, burros, and a fox, among other animals. My legs are still sore from all the hiking we did, and I wore my swimming suit three of the days we were there! It was just what I needed!

We flew back on Monday, after a brief in Minneapolis-St. Paul. My car was dead, and I flagged down a kind lady who let me borrow her car to jump mine in the airport parking lot after I left the light on last week! We had to connect our two sets of jumper cables, but I was grateful for her willingness to help with no hesitation.

Well, this new decade is off to a great start! I wanted to make this one count, so I don’t look back with regret. It’s easy for me to get stuck in a routine and obligations. But, it occurred to me that occasionally I have to create my own adventure! I only have one life to live, and no one is going to live it for me!
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God, thank You for forty, fabulous years! Thanks for being so kind and gracious. Thanks for the beauty of Nature and dear friends. Help me to live with an expectation of Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What adventures have you been on this summer? What is your favorite National Park?
Tasks: Live every day like it is an adventure. Look for ways to step out of your usual routine and have some fun. Walk freely in God’s grace and love!
Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #336

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 Flower

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

This was an awesome week!! I had a short work week, and then took off a few days to celebrate my fortieth birthday with friends. It was a lot to prepare for but, totally worth it!

Overall, it was definitely a memorable adventure! I will share more about it later, but let’s just say I knocked something off my bucket list! 😉

Work was jam-packed but good. I will have to catch up with charting next week, but I am not letting that take up too much mental space. I am still feeling relaxed from my birthday.

Thank you for all the birthday well wishes! I really appreciate your kind words and prayers!

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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, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Forty-Year Tune-Up!!

Woohoo! In a couple of days, I am celebrating my fortieth birthday! That sounds a little crazy because I still feel like I am twenty-five!

My thirties started off with Dave being sick and then dying, so the majority of that decade was dedicated to processing my grief and making sense of my new life as a widowed, single mom.

I learned how resilient I am and what it means to cling to Jesus. I quickly realized there are no shortcuts when it comes to emotional healing. You have to put in the effort, be willing to accept help, and let God carry you sometimes. The only way through is through.

One big part of processing my grief was writing about my journey here. So thanks for reading, praying, and cheering me on! I appreciate you all.

I also spent a significant amount of my thirties writing and editing my book, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward. It was a labor of love, and I am proud that I finally pulled it off! I am beyond pleased with how my book turned out, and I really appreciate the continued support and feedback. Thank you!!

In short, my thirties were rough at times, but I learned to roll with the punches. God was reliable and gracious. He lead me to higher ground and has let me help others through their grief. I can’t thank Him enough!

Free illustrations of Watercolour flowers

Over the last year, I have been learning how to take better care of myself. This is an ongoing thing, which includes continuing to chase seven or eight hours of sleep, exercise consistently, and eating well. That’s all great currently, but in a couple of weeks things will shift again as we acclimate to the new school schedule. That’s life, right?!

This year, I went to the doctor for my toe (of all things, lol!). Later, I went for my routine physical and a couple of new tests. I found a chiropractor I love and now have a lot less pain, too! It’s like I have had a forty-year tune-up! 🙂

Really, I look at it as setting myself up for success. Not everything can be prevented, but I want to do what I can. That said, you can do ‘everything right,’ and something wild comes from out of left field. But, we can learn to trust God no matter what.

While I have been working hard, I have also been learning to rest more in God’s grace. Thankfully, He is patient with me! I am excited to see where He leads and how He continues to provide for me. He has never let me down!

Lately, I find myself smiling and laughing a lot. I have found joy in clarifying my priorities. It’s a balance of finding ways to care for myself and others, including Lydia. This also includes letting go of what doesn’t serve me anymore and not taking myself so seriously!

Over these last few weeks, I have enjoyed looking back and seeing God’s faithfulness. I am grateful for the Victories He has given me over these forty years, and especially the last ten years. He is so good!

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God, thanks for an amazing forty years! This is just a flash of time to You, but You are so kind to let me walk with You. Thanks for taking care of all that concerns me. Help me walk with more grace and joy in this new decade! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God been good to you so far this year? What Victories do you see?

Tasks: Take a few minutes to reflect on how far God has brought you in the last few months or years. Write it down so you can remember it! (It’s easy to forget otherwise!)

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

Finding Grace #335

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 really nice week and went smoothly overall. Despite some challenges, I found myself smiling a lot. God is so good!

At work, I filled in downstairs for two mornings while someone was out of the office. It was fun to do something different! And, I stayed later at work on Friday to catch up on some paperwork. It was a little unpredictable at times, but we all pulled together for a team effort win. 

I focused on some housework and maintenance this week. I replaced a light in the pantry, organized my office (an ongoing project), and prepared for the last few weeks before school starts again.

The weather was variable this week, but I am not complaining! The temperature ranged from the 70s to 90s; some days were calm, and others were so windy. One day was a little muggy and hot, but overall it was a beautiful, sunny week! I enjoyed more seasonal flowers in the healing garden at work!

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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, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

As Close As You Want To Be

Three separate, somewhat random sayings came to me yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work.

You are only as close to God as you want to be.

If you want what they have, are you willing to do what they did to get it?

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Free photos of Flowers

Here’s the short backstory: I was thinking about a picture I saw recently filled with some great people I don’t know very well… Well, this is off to a good start, right?!

Even though I have tried to get to know them better at various times, we just run in different social circles. I’m sure it’s nothing personal, and they are kind when we happen to run into each other. They are just busy serving God and going about their days, as am I. 

Still, for a split second, I started to compare my walk with God with how I perceived theirs must be. Perhaps they pray more or read their Bible more… If I were more spiritual, maybe I could… 

STOP. Thankfully, I nixed that game before it got out of hand!

While each of the three phrases is noteworthy on its own, yesterday, they somehow all seemed to converge together. For me, they felt like a personal reminder, or perhaps a timely challenge. So here goes!

Free photos of Rose

You are only as close to God as you want to be. God is never far from us, though sometimes we feel like He is nowhere to be found. The good news is that’s simply not true. Our emotions can change quickly, but the Lord is always faithful, steady. Nonetheless, connecting with God takes time, effort, and intention. Thankfully, He is infinitely patient and wise. Yes, God makes Himself known to those who seek Him and want to know Him.

Gut check: Are you just skimping by on quick, little prayers and random online Bible quotes, or are you really digging deep into God’s Word? Do you come to Jesus several times a day, or just on Sunday mornings? Do you run to Him first, or as a last resort?

If you want what they have, are you willing to do what they did to get it? This one could be a bit convicting, though it doesn’t have to be. Perhaps those people are praying more than me or reading their Bibles more than me. That’s wonderful… if it’s true. I really can’t know for sure, and I am not responsible for them. Besides, I don’t know all the sacrifices they have had to make!

I am only in charge of what God has put on my plate, and I can rest in that freedom. When I consider all that is, well, He must think I am pretty capable. I don’t have it all together, but neither do the people in that photo. The little I know them, I’m pretty sure they would agree.

Gut check: I can only do my best, but am I actually doing my best? Or could I do better? Spiritually, how does this look? Am I willing to sacrifice more, or do I need to be content with my resources and limitations?

Free photos of Dahlia

And finally… Comparison is the thief of joy. This adage is so true. Thankfully, I caught those thoughts and bent them toward making me better, not bitter.

Of course, life isn’t automatically easy for anyone. Perhaps the grass is greener on the other side because they are watering the grass. Or, perhaps God decided to bless them with rain, so they could focus on other things He has asked them to do. Both situations require a decent amount of God’s grace, plus a good deal of faith and a whole lotta elbow grease. 

Gut check: Am I spending adequate time with Jesus, letting Him be my all in all? Am I being obedient and walking in peace? Or am I getting sidetracked with sin and/or envy? 

Ultimately, I don’t have to compare my life or walk with Jesus to anyone else’s. I just need to stay close to Jesus and walk humbly with Him, grateful for where I am at this moment. He is so good and has good things in store for me!!

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God, thanks for all the wonderful ways You have blessed me. Help me not take You for granted, but put You above all else. Help me have a good attitude, think the best of others, and do what you have called me to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Which of those phrases stood out to you today? How can you apply them in your life?

Task: If you are feeling far away from the Lord, reconnect with Him this very moment! He draws close to those who draw close to Him (James 4:8). Don’t delay; just come as you are!