Category: Being Gracious

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Worship

Finding Grace #546

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 our last full week before the school year starts!

Work felt quite busy all week. But I had great patients and felt like I made a difference. One day, I literally felt like God was giving me words to teach and encourage them. I connected with Jesus and felt His holy fire!

The weather was great this week. It was cooler and darker in the mornings, then warm and sunny in the afternoon. It was perfect! Yesterday after work, it was pouring while I walked to my car, yet when I got home, the ground was completely dry. I was soaked but decided to mow and then take a shower, lol!

Today, I was on-call and had to go in for two patients at work. I saw a bald eagle flying over my car as I drove on the highway! Because of work, I had less time for errands, but ended up having a two-hour conversation with someone instead! I always love when Jesus redirects my schedule.

Tonight, I made a delicious lentil soup with a lot of fall-inspired spices. Even though it is still August, I am calling it “early fall.” At this latitude, the season feels so short, so I am starting it sooner this year. Lydia loved the soup and has already started putting out fall decorations around the house!

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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, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Food and Nutrition, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance

On Parenting Yourself

This week, I met with a patient for some of her chronic conditions. We have worked together for a few years, and she has slowly lowered her barriers to changing her eating habits. She is a Christian, and I see God working in her life to make her more like Jesus! Still, that doesn’t mean her challenges or post-traumatic stress are any easier.

She told me she has learned she sometimes has to ‘parent herself.’ She can have emotions like those of a little child, but as an adult, she realized she still has a certain level of responsibility. She said, “I can want to eat a pan of brownies when I am upset, but I have the responsibility to eat a balanced diet instead.”

She told me the formula she uses, in essence: “It is okay to feel something (insert an emotion), but I am still responsible for (fill in the action). I was so proud of her coming to this conclusion! She is more capable than she realizes, and I hope she keeps growing in that direction.

Soon, I started to think about how I could apply these “reparenting” principles in my own life. I don’t need to make huge changes, as I feel pretty confident in who I am and what I do. (I had great parents who kept us accountable!!)

Now I have always been very responsible when it comes to other people’s expectations. In fact, my first grade teacher wrote on my year-end report card that I was “very diligent,” and I still think about that today. Nonetheless, there are certainly days when I fail to meet my own goals. I know I am not the only one! 😉

Here are some examples I came up with! Feel free to adapt these for your own needs!

Financially, I can envision this working well. “I may want a new _________, but I have the responsibility to pay my bills on time and buy Lydia school supplies. So, I can be patient and save up for it.” Even just repeating the logic out loud could be a life changer for some people!

Physically, I thought of two situations related to rest and action. (Sleep)”I feel like watching another episode of this show, but I have the responsibility of getting up early for work tomorrow. So, I will push pause and go to bed now.” (Exercise) “I don’t feel like exercising today; I’m tired and don’t want to go jogging. But I have the responsibility to care for my body as a temple, so I will go for five or ten minutes.” Just keep it simple and listen to your body when it needs rest or movement!

Mentally,  we are called to renew our minds and to take every thought captive. So, if you are stewing on something, thinking about perceived injustices or revenge, STOP. Catch those thoughts, present them to Jesus, check them for Truth or lies, and change them. Think on these things instead!

Spiritually, sometimes we don’t feel like worshipping the Lord, praying, or reading our Bibles. Instead of skipping time with Jesus, we can just tell Him how we feel. He really wants our hearts, after all. “Lord, I don’t feel like sitting here with You, but You are so much better than anything else I can imagine. I want to know You more, so help me find delight in You, Lord.” Amen

Remember, God’s Holy Spirit works in us to make us more like Jesus. We can’t do anything to save ourselves or earn His favor. We already have it because of Jesus! Still, as the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, we must put away childish things and grow into Christ. It’s worth challenging our emotions from time to time and pushing ourselves a little bit!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for working in us and calling us higher! Continue to refine us so we can show others Your love and character. May we come to you expectantly and unhindered. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What is one area in your life that you can apply the basic formula above? How can the Lord help you through that challenge?

Task: You can read a little more about the concept of reparenting here. Regardless of your thoughts on it, it is still important to set good boundaries and regulate our emotions.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Fruit, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Prayer

Finding Grace #543

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 grace! 

On Sunday, after church, we met some dear friends for coffee. We had fun catching up! Then, Lydia and I had a relaxing afternoon before family Zoom.

Work was very busy, finishing off a full month of patients, meetings, and so on. But I know I was right where I needed to be. I helped several patients who were really special. I enjoyed a potluck with my coworkers and helped solve some minor problems. I also finally got my full-time status officially approved. I have been working FT since March, but there were a few glitches, so I wasn’t getting paid properly. It’s all good now, and I will get some backpay. I am grateful my manager and supervisors are such great advocates for me!!

This week, I connected with a newly widowed, single mom. We texted and chatted on the phone, hoping to meet in person soon. She has a ten-year-old girl, and we have a lot of similarities in our stories. It made me think of my other friend, Amy, who was a godsend when Dave first died. I hope to be a good resource for her, with Jesus’ help and grace!

Lydia and I had several good mom-daughter moments. I am so proud of the decisions she is making, mostly on her own. She is learning to listen for the Lord and follow His voice. We had a lot of good laughs and some deep conversations. I am so grateful for her!

This week, we had a lot of prayers going up for various friends and family. I could sense God moving in and around me. There’s no better place to be! As a side note, I prayerfully postponed some upcoming plans, and immediately, God showed me He has better plans for me during that time. He is so good!

Today, we went to a small flower farm outside Moorhead. Then, we did some thrift shopping and dropped off a huge bag of puzzles for some friends at church. They were so surprised! Then, Lydia went to help a friend with a fundraiser, and I did some cooking at home. It was a great start to August, my birthday month!

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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, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Riding Around the Neighborhood

For the last several weeks, the roads in my neighborhood have been under construction. It started with reconfiguring some drainage tiles and sewer upgrades. That included busting up part of my yard and sidewalks. Technically, those parts belong to the city, but it was still a little surprising.

It took a month or so to finish that initial project. One of my boulevard trees (technically the city’s) was also damaged, and it has taken even longer to report and hear back about the tree. I think it will be okay, but I wanted it documented in case it struggles next year!

The next phase of the project was to resurface the roads. This has needed to be done since I moved here in 2010. I don’t know what has taken so long, but I am looking forward to having a smooth road instead of a lot of bumps and dips!

On Monday morning, the machines started laying asphalt on my street. There were impassable orange cones in front of my house blocking the quickest way out, so I had to go the other way. No problem.

But, on my way home, things quickly turned strange! I attempted to drive through the neighborhood in reverse from my morning route. It was blocked by more orange cones. So, I went the opposite way, but my street was closed, too. I tried two other streets, but they also were impassable. Finally, I tried one last road, thinking this might be it. NOPE. I could not get through there, either!

Literally, every street I could possibly use to get to my house was blocked. Did I miss a memo?! I considered parking on one of these roads, or maybe at the middle school. But, as I thought about it, I noticed a man on a resurfacing machine pass in front of me. I parked in the middle of the road and ran toward him as he rolled away. I raced ahead of him and waved around like a fool. 😉

He stopped to listen while I “yell-asked” him how I was supposed to get home. He spent a minute backing up to park and then got out to talk with me where it was quieter. I explained the situation, and he kindly said he could move a couple of cones as long as I stuck to the opposite side of the street. I thanked him and soon pulled into my driveway.

Later, I was thinking about how funny it was, and then sadly, it struck me how many people go round and round in life and don’t know how to get Home. We foolishly think we know best but often find ourselves lost and alone. But the Lord is good, leading us and directing our steps.

Every day, sometimes every hour, we must stop what we are doing and turn to Jesus. He is both the Way and the Door. No one comes to the Father except through Him. Connect with Him and hold fast to Him, for He loves you dearly!

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God, thanks for leading us on the path Home. May we have eyes to see what you are doing and a heart to understand. Help us walk in step with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How are you navigating the summer road construction where you live?!

Task: Whatever path you are on today, stop and check in with Jesus. Make sure He is leading, and you are following!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Procrastination

The Ripple Effect

On Monday, I came home from work to find about three cabinets’ worth of stuff on the kitchen counters. I was a little surprised, but Lydia was so excited. She proudly showed off her ideas for rearranging the spices, coffee, pasta, and baking items that are in those cabinets. She even had made some tentative labels with sticky notes. 🙂

My first thought was, “Oh, great… here we go. All wanted was to eat supper!” I made a few executive decisions. “Let’s leave the coffee alone because I want it near the sink and coffee maker.” But I also listened to Lydia explain she wanted to move the vanilla and maple syrup closer to the baking soda and baking powder. I agreed, and we worked on a few other decisions.

Then I suggested we take a break to eat, which let me gather my thoughts before I got too hangry. Once my stomach was happy, I realized I had indeed told Lydia she could help me with this project. I didn’t want to do it at all due to timing decision paralysis. I kept putting it off, procrastinating. So I was grateful for the help.

We ended up tossing some old spices and regrouping others. It turned out to be really helpful, and it opened up some space for some random items sitting on the kitchen counters. We made plans to tackle that this week when I have some time off work.

This was a good example of ‘the ripple effect,’ or how one decision impacts other events or choices.  One kind word or one generous act can make all the difference. I heard something about this recently, which reminded me of how God can turn all things into something good – for His glory and on our behalf (see Romans 8:28). It doesn’t mean all things are good, but that God is working them out. The ripple effect seems to be God’s specialty!

In my case, it was thankfully not too complicated. Lydia cheerfully challenged the status quo, and that prompted us to make some changes. It will feel good to update our storage and for everything to have a place again!

Then, yesterday, I had an unexpected phone call from a patient. She thought she missed her appointment, but it’s not until next month. Still, we were able to talk for a while, and it turned out to be a good thing. She has cancer and some personal challenges because of it. I answered her questions and put her mind at ease. But, more importantly, I was able to help her see the bigger picture: that all hope is not lost.

From our conversation, I could glimpse the ripple effect. By God’s grace, during our phone call, I was able to support and encourage her. I pray she will make healthier choices. Perhaps her new plan and sense of peace will translate to a better outcome for her, too. I can’t wait to talk with her in a few weeks!

Some people would say that all things are connected. I choose to give God credit, but even if someone else doesn’t, He still oversees everything and reigns over it all. His decisions carry the most weight, but we get to take a part in what happens. On a personal level, our choices today set us up for the future, and they can also influence others people. It can feel like a lot of responsibility, but I am grateful for Jesus’ help! In His Name, we can “spur one another on toward love and good deeds!”

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Heavenly Father, You are sovereign and good. Thanks for Your help and favor. Help me choose well and be a blessing for others. Draw us close to You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What are your thoughts on the ripple effect in your life? Where do you see God working right now?

Task: Prayerfully consider your day and see how everything is connected. Ask the Lord to help you make choices that positively impact others.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom

Priceless

I was reading in Acts 19 recently, which talks about the Apostle Paul in Ephesus. He spent a lot of time there and grew to know those believers well. Through an interesting series of events, the believers began to radically change how they lived. They threw away resources related to idol worship and sorcery, a value of “50,000 drachmas,” when one drachma was worth a day laborer’s wage.

At one point, the local silversmiths and tradesmen resented Paul’s influence on their businesses. So, they gathered a bunch of ruffians and sparked a riot. The local amphitheater, seating around 25,000 people, was full of arguing and confusion. Eventually, after two hours, they were dismissed by the city clerk. If they didn’t disperse, the Roman officials would come to enforce their rule.

The crowd never did lay their hands on Paul, but they did rough up some of his companions. After that, in Acts 20, Paul left Ephesus (modern Turkiye) for other towns to encourage more believers. What stuck with me, though, was the 50,000 drachmas…

I had Lydia help me try to wrap our minds around this. It could be 10 days’ worth of money for 5,000 people, or any other combination. The amount is worth around $6 million dollars in today’s value!

I imagine it would take several of my neighbors and me selling our modest homes together to raise that much cash. The Ephesian believers, at least at that point in time, had their priorities straight. You can read more about them in Ephesians and Revelation 2.

Jesus is greater and more worthy. Following Him is costly, but the rewards are priceless. He is our Lord and King, but He takes good care of us, too. Similarly, we buy good things for our children and sometimes bless them as God has blessed us.

On Saturday, I bought Lydia a brand-new viola. I rented for the last three years and had a store credit to put towards buying one for her. She had some concerns with her rental viola, showing she knows the difference between what is working and what is broken.

I knew it was a matter of time before I had to make a decision, since many high schoolers transition to their own instruments. With it being summer, our schedule is a little more open, and it’s a good time to get comfortable with a new instrument before school starts up again.

We spent two hours at the store, and Lydia tried out five violas! We took notes on each one, and she played each one a couple of times. The last one literally came alive when she played, and she was all smiles. Of course, it happened to be the most expensive!

Still, I learned so much and considered the cost as an investment in her. She has a good ear for music, and she understands things more intuitively than some of her peers. It seems that some students cannot discern the subtleties among notes, problems, instrument quality, and the like, but Lydia can.

Oddly, choosing the right viola felt like a personal test for me. I have faced times where spending a little more money was the wise thing to do, but I went back and forth over whether it was worth it (and if I was worth it). Can you relate?

For example, thirteen years ago, when I was buying my new Subaru, I was unsure whether paying extra for a better backup camera was worth it. In my grief, I wondered if I could get by on the lesser one. But, through prayer, reflection, and some wise advice, I made the better choice. Now, I use my car’s backup camera daily!

When I realized what God wanted me to do on Saturday, I welled up with gratitude. I have learned a lot about how much God values me. I wanted to emphasize that to Lydia, too. She is a priceless treasure and worth way more than the cost of the new viola!

The amount was close to what I expected and planned for, just a little stretch. And I know there will be days when Lydia does not want to practice. I told her that if she decides to quit later in high school, then I get to keep the viola for myself. I don’t have much musical talent, so the thought of me screeching on it is enough for Lydia to take me seriously!

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God, thanks for showing us how precious we are to You. You are worthy of all our praise and adoration. Help us reflect all Your goodness and give You all the glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God been stretching you lately? What stood out to you in the post above?

Task: Next time you are faced with a costly decision, think through what is really at stake and how you can trust God to make the best choice. Also, watch this insightful archaeology documentary on the seven churches of Revelation, including Ephesus (17 minutes in)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Life is Short, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Not Luck But Grace

Not quite two months ago, I started my MARPE orthodontic journey. I have had some routine follow-ups, and I am turning the device (cranking it each morning with a small wrench). I now have a small gap between my teeth!

My speech is improving, though sometimes, my words still sound garbled. I think I talk so much for work that my mouth just gets tired! It helps to swallow or drink some water. My patients have been kind and understanding when I explain the situation. I just don’t want to hinder their understanding of me!

Eating is still a bit of a challenge, but I am doing well overall. I am able to eat more variety now. I take my time and eat slowly as much as possible. But at work, it is more challenging. As it is, my lunch break is sometimes cut short due to patient care or interruptions. So, the thirty minutes fly by considering all that needs to be done to eat, brush my teeth, and clean food out of my MARPE device!

Mostly, I am eating simple soft foods, like beans and rice for lunch. I can add veggies chopped up in my food processor, too. I will probably branch out and add new things at some point, but these are easiest for now.

My coworker, another Registered Dietitian, said I was the perfect person to go through the MARPE experience because I can figure out how to eat well. 🙂 Notice the small gap in my upper teeth in this St. Patrick’s Day photo at work yesterday!

This week, I started teaching a multi-week class for Veterans. I will be educating them on how to add more anti-inflammatory foods (such as fruits and vegetables). I told them about my MARPE journey to explain why I might be talking a little strangely. Also, I explained how trying new foods can sometimes be awkward, but it is so important to give it all they’ve got. I said, “If I can do this MARPE journey, which is rather awkward, you can add some broccoli and cabbage and figure out how to cook them.”

Good health is not luck. It is God’s gracious blessing and takes discipline to maintain it. We must build good habits and do the difficult work: chop those veggies, manage stress, go to bed on time, and exercise, etc. I am convinced that even then, it is God’s grace that sustains us. We cannot guarantee a long, healthy life. Sometimes people still die prematurely, yet we can trust that God has numbered our days and will fulfill His plan in our lives.

I am grateful for what God is doing in my mouth through the MARPE. Moreover, I am excited to see how He uses me (and my mouth!) to continue to bless and serve others. He is so good!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for the work You are doing in my life (and my mouth!). Help me use everything You’ve given me for Your glory. May my mouth bring You praise and glory! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What’s one step you can take to promote healthful personal habits today? If you don’t make that change, how will that affect your health over time?

Task: Please continue to pray for my mouth and MARPE journey. My teeth are often sore, and I would still very much like to avoid any further surgeries. Thank you!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Sitting In the Silence

There is so much going on in the world right now, and much of it can be overwhelming. On the flipside, it is tempting just to ignore it ala ‘ostrich style’ and bury our heads in the sand. We don’t really have that luxury, though!

Here and abroad, violence, politics, and social issues are taking up many of the headlines, not to mention retaliation, fearmongering, persecution, misunderstandings, and twisting the Truth. Some of these issues affect people I know, while others are more distant. But on the whole, they are concerning. We are moving ever-closer to the end (Revelation!).

In times like these, I am more grateful for the hope we have in Jesus. We don’t have to shoulder these burdens alone. We can submit all our fears and concerns to Him; Jesus is more than capable and will take care of them in His timing.

It is good to be aware, stay informed, speak up, and take action. But sometimes, it is best to disconnect from the media and stay close to the Lord. As we fix our gaze on Him, He calms our hearts and instills courage. He may lead us to get involved in an issue, or He may direct us stay the course and carry on with whatever He has already told us to do. It’s unlikely I will change the whole world, but I can impact my little corner of it. (Galatians 5:22-23 and Galatians 6:9).

I find that being too busy is the worst thing when I want to hear from the Lord and find His peace. I have to let go of expectations, turn off the noise, lay aside my phone, and just sit with Him so I can tune in and listen. I might read the Bible or journal. I might sit in silence or sing a worship song. The goal is to seek God’s heart, and that takes time and intention.

Artificial Intelligence can make it difficult to know what is true, similar to someone fired up on the internet! Pick a topic; either way, people make assumptions and generally don’t check the facts or care to present all sides of the issue.

Yet, when we sit in silence and wait on the Lord, we are reminded that all Truth belongs to Jesus because He is the Truth (John 14:6). All details, data, and decisions must be filtered through His lens. Sitting in silence does not mean remaining silent or squandering a God-given opportunity to make a difference. It just means submitting to the Lord’s timing and plan first, waiting on Him instead of forging ahead on my own.

When I read a post online, sometimes I wonder if I am doing “enough.” People debate whether Jesus would do this or that… when statistics show they’ve likely never read the Bible in its entirety. Do they actually know the real Jesus, or just a cultural idea of Him? Then, I think about all I do daily to provide insight or to listen to patients, friends, family, etc. I would much rather pray and respond in my actual life than get into a heated debate with a stranger I’ll never meet in person or someone I only run into a few times a year (or less).

I don’t generally share all my thoughts and opinions in person, let alone on the internet! But that doesn’t mean I don’t have ideas to share. I generally prefer to wait, gather well-rounded information, and share it with those I know personally. We don’t have to agree, but we can have a respectful conversation!

The key for me is sitting with the Lord and listening, so I know what to say when the Holy Spirit gives me the opportunity. His words are life and peace. We have the ability to bring His merciful conviction or gracious comfort to a world in desperate need. But, we can’t be in a rush or ignore Him!

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Lord, thanks for giving us peace, grace, wisdom, and courage. Help us listen to You today and be willing to pivot in a new direction, as needed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have a difficult time hearing from God? What is He telling you today?

Task: Sit with the Lord today. Lay aside any distractions and be willing to sit in silence, if that’s what it takes. Write down anything He tells you for future reference.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality, Pivot

Making Disciples

Recently, I read a social media post that reminded me that most of Jesus’ twelve disciples were likely teenagers. With the exception of Peter, who would have been at least twenty years old as he was required to pay the Temple tax, along with Jesus. The boys Jesus chose would have been those who were not the best students. They would have entered the workforce around thirteen or fourteen after completing their basic education.

I knew the disciples were young, but I never connected that on a deeper level. Now that Lydia is a teenager, I can see how things went over their heads! I am reading the Bible a little more clearly! Jesus told them about His death multiple times, and they missed it. Instead, they were competing with each other and asking Jesus for special favors. It was tough sometimes, but Jesus knew what He was doing!

The disciples were awkward, impulsive, eager, and brave boys (until they turned panicky during storms or fled when Jesus was arrested). Being teenagers also probably partially explains how they were so passionate and energetic after the resurrection. They were all in, ready to give their lives for the cause. If they had been older, they might have relied on “human wisdom” (reasonable caution!), rather than on God’s strength and power.

Matthew 28:18-20 says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” You can compare how each of the four gospels records it here.

The verses above are known as The Great Commission, some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples. Discipleship starts with connecting through relationships. Then, we can learn and grow in our faith. Most of us have opportunities every day to share the love and good news of Jesus. That may be out in the world or in your own home.

I am so proud of who Lydia is becoming. But sometimes I have to remind her of simple tasks and chores on repeat. She is fairly reliable otherwise, so maybe that’s why I expect her to “get it.” Sometimes I have to laugh and stop myself from getting too upset. Lydia is totally normal, and I’m reminded that she’s my little disciple. How I say things is just as important as what I say. Indeed, I can offer her grace, especially since Jesus has been so gracious with me, and my resistance and dumb mistakes!

Last weekend, I gave Lydia the opportunity to drive in a blizzard. She did really well despite the lack of visibility! The next day, however, she decided against the “opportunity” to help me clear snow in our driveway. 🙂

Yes, teenagers are awesome in many ways. They can be funny and lighthearted. They hone in on what is important (to them) and go after it. They can be persistent and think outside the box. I have seen them do amazing things, going above and beyond.

Teens are not to be discounted! I appreciate the church youth group leaders who build into Lydia and her friends each week, and all those who built into my life years ago…

Now, let’s go and make disciples!

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God, thanks for Your patience and grace when we drag our feet or make mistakes. Help us to grow in wisdom, understanding, and endurance. May we be quick to help others and run to You for all we need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What can you learn from the teenagers in your world?

Task: Invest time in the teens around you today. Take them out to lunch and listen to everything on their mind. Pray for them and encourage them to follow after Jesus!

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

The Old Made New

Happy New Year!! As I reflect on 2025, I see many answers to prayers. God was definitely at work and did some pretty awesome things in my life!

I think of how my life was at the beginning of the year and how it is now. In some ways, things are similar, but if you look deeper, they are very different. I have grown and have been transformed by renewing my mind and letting go of the old to grasp the new.

Naturally, the biggest life change was my mom’s death in February. Yet, this was the best year of her life because she met Jesus face-to-face! We miss her, but are grateful she is with the One who died so she could live forever. I hear my mom’s voice in Colossians 2:5-7 below:

5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Some people get stuck after someone dies. But for others, Death can be a catalyst for change. When we’re reminded how short Life is, our perspective shifts from complacency to “it’s now or never.” There is no time to waste!

Although Mom is not with us physically, we certainly will carry her memory and legacy with us. I want to make her proud and live out the calling God gave me, which she cultivated. The Colossians passage above is like a parting reminder: Continue in Jesus, stay rooted in Him, remember what I taught you, be grateful.

Lydia and I visited some new-to-us places in North Dakota, and she also went to Washington, DC. We each started new activities, too. Lydia participated in a program called Congress, and I started a leadership training program at church, something I have wanted to do for a long time. We have both learned a lot this year!

I made some changes around the house, including finally getting some landscaping done. It was several years in the making. I am so glad it is finished, and I love how it turned out!

Praise God, I am now mostly pain-free in my neck, back, and hips – it has been years since I felt this good! I am giving all credit to Jesus, my Healer. He has done all the hard work; I have just walked it out with some new tools, habits, and mobility training.

The Lord provided for me in new ways this year. I picked up extra hours here and there at work, which helped bring in a little more money. In other areas, He showed me how to adjust my spending habits to stretch my dollars when needed. He is so faithful and good!

Speaking of habits, I finally realized that going to bed and getting up early is non-negotiable! This meant I’ve had to say “no” and strengthen boundaries. But I feel better all around when I get a short walk and stretching in early. Also, my morning time with Jesus is top priority. With His help, I have been fairly consistent in both areas. It feels good to get into a rhythm… and coffee certainly helps!

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This year was full of challenges, but Jesus made old things new again. He brought things to completion and answered prayers. I grew in my faith, and my life was transformed. And you know what? Jesus wants to change your life, too! So let Him! 

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Heavenly Father, You are so good. Increase our faith and transform us from the inside out. Your Word is Truth – help us live it out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How have you grown this year? How has Jesus transformed you?

Task: Keep a running list of all the ways you see Jesus moving in your life this next year. Praise Him along the way!