Category: Being Gracious

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

Finding Grace #501

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 Pumpkins Vegetables photo and picture

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

This was a very full and fulfilling week with lots of personal connections! On Sunday, after the service, we served during lunchtime in the Oasis, which is the older adults ministry. Then, in the evening, we had family Zoom!

On Monday morning, I heard the landscaping company would be coming over. I was very pleased with their work, though I had them make a slight change. I’m proud of myself for speaking up and for finally getting this project done!

That night, I had my leadership training class. We talked about discipleship, which goes hand-in-hand with evangelism. It was cool to learn about the differences and how to do a better job of both. I also saw some friends and caught up with them while we ate dinner… Panda Express!

Work was pretty full this week, and I definitely relied on God to help me complete my tasks and direct my path. I saw lots of patients and taught three classes. I prepared for another round of classes and got my charting done in a timely manner! 🙂

On Wednesday evening, I went to visit my coworker/friend, Natalie, and her family. I got to hold her one-month-old baby girl for over an hour! She is so little and cute! We always have fun talking about life and spiritual matters. I am grateful for the opportunity!

Thursday after work was Lydia’s school conferences. I met with her four core teachers, and they all told me she is doing well academically. A few mentioned she is quiet but eager to learn and help others. I also heard she is a great writer, and I am not surprised. 😉 She has spent several evenings diligently preparing for her next “Congress” meet, too.

Yesterday, after work, I went to visit another mom, my coworker, Maddie, who had identical twin girls in June. She will be coming back to work soon, but I wanted to encourage her and get some more baby snuggles!

Today was more of a typical Saturday, one day to rest before another full and busy week! We did a few chores, studied, made some calls, practiced for Congress, etc.

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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, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality

Landscaping and God’s Love

For the last twelve-plus years since Dave died, I have been thinking about my landscaping. Yes, that’s practically forever! I’ve known I needed to do something, but I wasn’t entirely sure what to do. So, I did nothing.

I wasn’t being lazy; I was at an impasse. Part of me realized that once I make a decision, there’s no real going back if I don’t like it. However, on some level, it was overwhelming to make decisions on my own. Dave was so good at the outdoor projects!

Then, two years ago, my parents visited, and I took notes when Dad provided me with ideas and exact details. Nothing fancy, just adding soil around the foundation, as well as river rock and a border. That was awesome, but I just didn’t know where to start or who to call. So, I forgot about it.

Finally, this summer, I requested a quote from a local company, but the timing was delayed since summer is their busiest time of the year.

On Monday, I heard they would be coming that day. I was eager to get it done, but I had to be at work before they came. Initially, I thought the foreman would come and outline where everything would go. But I decided not to worry about it.

I got home that night and was impressed by how much had already been done. The three men said they would return the next day to complete the task. I noticed one area of concern, but did not mention it. Instead, I thanked them before heading out to an evening activity. It’s been a packed week!

Then, yesterday morning, upon review, I still felt the border layout was too close to the deck. It could become a tripping hazard around the stairs, but it also didn’t look quite right to me. Yet, the work was done well, and exactly according to the quote. I wasn’t sure if I should say anything or just live with it.

I briefly texted with my family, and they encouraged me to speak up, so I had no regrets. I worked with the foreman to resolve the issue. We decided to extend the border by another foot or so on two sides to match it all the way around.

I apologized that it would take more effort to undo and redo the line, but the foreman was gracious. They even offered to add two flat stones to make a landing spot off the stairs, and I agreed. I was at work this whole time, so I had to trust them!

After work, I went to check it out. I LOVED the final result! I could not be happier with how it turned out! It’s exactly what I wanted and how I imagined it. I texted the foreman to express my gratitude and sent pictures to my family.

I am in awe of how the project turned out, and even more so, of how good God is. He stretched me and gave me the courage to say what I needed. He provided the overall plan through my dad and the foreman, and the money for the work to be done. I am both relieved and joyful about the final result!

It took me a long time to reach this point, but I am also praising God for bringing me this far. He is so faithful, and this is one more way He pressed me to keep moving forward. When I look at my landscaping now, I will think of His gracious love for me and His good plan for my life!

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Lord, thanks for giving me the courage to follow through and speak up when needed. Thanks for all the ways You challenge me and provide for me. Help me honor You in all I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God been stretching you lately? Is there something you have been putting off that you know you should do?

Task: Go ahead and take a prayerful first step. If you are trusting God, He will make sure it goes well. There may be some bumps along the way, but He will work it out for you.

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

Pasta and Feeling Perturbed

Yesterday, I woke up with a sore neck and spent most of the day trying to stretch or rub the affected area. Periodically, at work, I noticed I was slouching a bit and clenching my jaw, which didn’t help the pain. I tried to correct my posture, of course.

Also, I had a few stressful moments at work and knew I needed to refocus. By the time I got home, I was trying to relax; however, I was still a bit agitated. Lydia then asked me to pick her up from the high school a block away because she was hot, and it was hot outside.

I agreed to pick up Lydia, although she is fully capable of walking to and from school. Still, when I saw her, I was a little annoyed to see that she was wearing sweatpants and Uggs — definitely not a good choice when it is 80+ degrees! Teenagers…  🙂

Free Noodles Pasta photo and picture

I decided to make pasta for dinner, specifically, a box of cavatappi noodles. These are like corkscrews, and I was eager to enjoy them since the shape was kinda fun.

Well, I left the kitchen and asked Lydia to finish the noodles. I expected her to wait until they were fully cooked and then drain them. For whatever reason, she only watched them for a couple of minutes before draining the noodles. Apparently, Lydia likes them still crunchy, but I prefer them softer.

Well, the only way to fix the noodles would have been to reboil them. I didn’t want to do that… I was too hungry and too irked to wait! Lydia could tell I was a little grouchy and apologized several times. I told her it was fine, but that her saying sorry was also “too much,” especially just for pasta.

After dinner, we each went our own ways. I started my blog post (this one!) and she worked on some homework downstairs. About when I got to this point, I went downstairs to check on Lydia. I apologized for my bad attitude, and she again apologized for the undercooked pasta. 🙂

My neck still hurt, but I needed to keep moving forward. I happened to read a little table calendar with a short prayer: “Lord, help me to rest in You, keep a quiet heart, and look forward with hopeful expectation to the things You are working together for good.”

Free Poppy Flower photo and picture

I started to thank God for all the ways He has been moving lately. We’ve had amazing weather, uncharacteristically warm (but not too hot). I’m on top of my winter house preparations list. Lydia has been doing well at school, and work can get crazy, but I appreciate having a good job. We have plenty of food and clothes. I have amazing friends and an awesome family. So, I just need to chill.

I have no reason to stay perturbed for long. If things don’t go my way, it’s not the end of the world. Life is too short not to enjoy it. Thankfully, I was able to get over myself, lol!

On some level, these minor annoyances can also be viewed as a spiritual attack. The enemy only pushes us when we are making progress. When he feels threatened, he tries to trip us up. If I weren’t doing something important, he wouldn’t bother. So, consider this a reminder to check your pride and ego, as well as anything that might hinder your progress. Use God’s armor to remind our enemy of the Victory we already have in Jesus!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for being in my corner. Forgive me for my bad attitude. Help me walk in Your Truth with eyes wide open. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How have you turned a bad attitude around to praise God?

Task: Don’t live by your feelings, but pay attention when you are in a funky mood. Catch it, check it, and change it!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Finding Grace #497

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 Flower Impatiens photo and picture

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

This week was both hectic and heavy, but there was still a bit of joy and grace.

I have had a tension headache for several days, which may, in part, just be related to various stressors. Nothing unusual, just lots of things all at once. Mowing, cleaning, studying, parenting, work, etc. I saw the chiropractor on Monday and am starting to feel a bit better now.

I was saddened and disturbed about Charlie Kirk’s death, and it is awful all around, not to mention the internet comments, which I mostly avoided. While I don’t know that much about him, I can understand the element of grief. It made me want to vomit when I heard the news. I did not watch the actual footage, and I probably never will. Each person has their own perspective, so I don’t need to add my two cents. I will share what one pastor said, however: Grieve. Share Truth boldly. Proclaim Christ. Love. Do not fear. Walk by faith.

We had a new baby girl born this week on our team! We now have two ladies out on maternity leave, and the first one out brought in her adorable 2.5-month-old twin girls. I got to hold one of them, and we made lots of smiley faces at each other. I can’t wait to meet the new little baby sometime, too!

Work itself was busy as usual. I had some time to prepare for a talk I’m giving on Monday. We are shifting things around for coverage, too. I stayed a couple of extra hours on Friday to help out. I’m grateful that God always helps me get things done!

Yesterday, my mother-in-law came to visit! We went shopping and out to eat. We also walked around some flower gardens and did some fall activities. We always have fun when she comes! It should be a relaxing weekend, which is just what I need.

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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, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

A Few Good Quotes

I usually finish writing my Wednesday post on Tuesday evening, and I usually make it my main priority. But, occasionally, I need to focus on other things. Sometimes, it is just good to take a break and rest. This week has been busy, so it’s a bit of both!

So, for this week’s post, I am keeping it simple. I decided to share a few quotes I have been collecting and just give a few insights and let you mull on them as well! I do not remember all the sources, sorry, but if I find them, I will link them.

The first three are from some excellent sermons on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This is the first in the series, but they have all been good!

Our shield of faith is not just for protection; it is also for advancement. We don’t just hold it up when attacks come, but we can “hide” behind it while taking ground in Jesus’ Name. For me, this is a mental game-changer. It reminds me I have the responsibility to take action.

Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.  Essentially, our enemy’s strategy is to use anything – good or bad – to make us distrust God. (God can use those to bring Him glory and us good.)  So, when we believe God and do what He says, we fight against the lies.

Free Fat Chicken Stonecrop photo and picture

Hope is when your present borrows strength and hope from you future. No matter how grand, the things of this world will always disappoint us. But, Jesus is our Living Hope and our future is secure!

God did not redeem us only to abandon us. I don’t recall the source, but it does remind me of the line, “God did not bring you this far, only to bring you this far.” Lies can creep in and make us doubt God’s love and presence. But, He is with us and for us!

Preach the gospel to yourself daily. Remind yourself that apart from King Jesus, you are dust. Not to be outdone, check out this line, attributed to Jonathan Edwards: “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” Well, that’s enough to keep me humble!

Slow days still count. I have been staying up late to get things done, and as you know, you can’t do that for long without feeling it. For the last week or so, I have felt a little run-down and have been intentionally trying to rest. I took a nap on Sunday and am being kind to myself by ending my post… here. 😉 Thanks for reading!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for giving us wisdom and guidance. May we live out our faith with boldness. Help us to know when to move forward and when to rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Have you heard any other good quotes lately?

Task: Think about the quotes above and how you might apply them to your life. I’d love to know your thoughts!

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

On Finding Balance

It’s that time of year again! School, church, and community activities are ramping up. I don’t know about you, but I can quickly become overwhelmed with all the expectations thrust upon me, including the perceived pressure to say ‘yes’ to everything.

As Paul wrote, we must “redeem the time because the days are evil” (see Ephesians 5:16). Enough is going on in the world that we don’t have time to waste. Jesus is coming soon!

It seems the idea of finding balance is a myth. At best, we can manage competing priorities, but still one or another will always be at odds with the rest, demanding more of our time. We can’t do it all in our own strength. Everything we truly need (and need to do) is in Jesus.

I heard someone say that being fully present is one key to enjoying life as it comes. For example, when at work, do your best there. At home, stay fully committed to family life. If at the beach, be at the beach, not on your phone playing video games. In any situation, we can be ‘all in’ wherever we are. It does not mean we aren’t planning a few steps ahead, but rather we’re not distracted.

Free Hand Write photo and picture

Not too long ago, I received a couple of extra requests for my time. I normally enjoy these activities and using my skills. However, I am still holding back a little to ensure I have the energy and clarity to attend to Lydia and my other obligations.

I asked God what to do but was still on the fence until I prayerfully ran my ideas by someone. She asked me a few questions, and I explained my hesitation. We went through the ideas of good, better, best. Just because something is good, doesn’t mean it is the best.

I mentioned previous experiences with saying yes to too much, and how it made me less available for other things that actually were God’s best for me. She and I talked a little more, and she felt I could say no to the new requests. I had peace after that, knowing God would provide the right people in His time.

No joke, the next night, Lydia needed my 100% focus and energy. She had homework questions and was having a mini meltdown. If I were not home, she would have been stuck until I returned, and we would have been up late into the night. As it was, I was able to calm her down and help her find a resolution. Whew!

Free Lake Forest photo and picture

I’m so thankful Jesus knows our hearts and set an example for us. He demonstrated the need to take time away for solitude, rest, and prayer. We cannot hear our Heavenly Father if we are always running around or heading out the door!

That does not mean we never sign up to help people. Serving others is so important. We have an opportunity for growth and refinement. As we come together, we can work through any conflict. We learn how to show up even when it is difficult or inconvenient. For me, knowing the difference starts with having a good attitude. And that is so much easier to maintain when I am well-rested and able to focus on Jesus.

The idea behind all of this – whatever decisions we make – is to be quick to move, but not run ahead of God. We move in step with Jesus. When He speeds up, so do we. When He slows down or leads us to rest, then we follow.

Balance may be an illusion, but Jesus is the real deal. He knows exactly what we need and when. Either way, may we stay close enough to hear His whisper. Don’t make Him shout to get your attention! 😉

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Heavenly Father, thanks for answering my prayers and giving me wisdom and discernment. I pray each opportunity will have me pointing people back to You. May my ‘yeses’ be all in with a good attitude! And may I have peace when I need to say no. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you notice a shift in your mood when you have too many commitments? What would it feel like to pare down? Would you find more peace, joy, and rest?

Tasks: List out your top priorities and ask God if anything needs to change. Check in with Him before adding anything new to your list!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Let Us Salad

On Sunday, Lydia and I served at church during a lunch gathering for the Older Adults Still In Service (OASIS) ministry. This is for seniors to enjoy fellowship and implies that although they likely have retired, they are not done living, giving, serving, etc. God still has a good plan and purpose for each person until He calls them Home.

Lydia has a heart for the elderly, so I arranged a time for us to help out. My goal is to let her experience various ways to serve. We really enjoyed it! We set up tables and chairs, then added place settings, and more. Later, we picked up garbage, cleaned the tables, put away the chairs, swept, and so on. We did not do it for recognition, but many people thanked us. I think we will do it again!

Free Appetizer Background photo and picture

The potluck meal’s theme was “salads,” and people brought a variety of dishes. I recognized a retired NDSU nutrition professor, and we agreed that some were definitely from an old church cookbook somewhere! 🙂 We sat with her and enjoyed talking with all the seniors around us. We met some new people but also saw several we knew, including a few who have watched Lydia grow over the years.

In the Midwest, it seems just about anything can pass for a salad. We had taco salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, cucumber salad, multiple jello-type salads, fruit salad (with whipped cream, of course), a couple more dessert salads, and one token green salad. Many of the older adults took home leftovers, which made me happy as a Registered Dietitian.

After everyone ate, there was some worship time followed by a short sermon. We sang several hymns, and then the pastor asked us if we wanted another salad. We were all pleasantly full, but he went on to talk about the “let us salads” of Scripture.

Free Salad Fruit photo and picture

Here a few:

Romans 13:12 (NIV) says, “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) says, “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Galatians 5:25-26 (NIV) says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

There are even some “let us nots!”

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV) says, “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

Well, I will never look at the phrase “let us” the same way again. It was a creative tie-in and pun, as well as a fun memory for us while we helped others. Let us spur each other on to good works!

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God, thanks for helping us spread Your lovingkindness to others. May we serve with joy and a grateful heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What is your favorite type of salad? Where do you like to volunteer?

Task: Read through more “let us” phrases. Some are just part of the narrative, but some of them are very applicable to us today!

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

Becoming Like Jesus

“I have found that trying to become more like Jesus yields far better results than trying to become a better me.”

I came across the quote above last week on Substack, and it has stuck with me since. (I could not find the original source.) The process of becoming more like Jesus is a work of the Holy Spirit, commonly referred to as sanctification. It is not always fun or easy, but it is really the main work of God in our lives.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to come to Him just as we are; we don’t need to do a bunch of good things to earn His favor (that’s grace). At the same time, He also loves us enough not to leave us the way we are. So, God transforms us into the character likeness of Jesus and makes us holy, as He is holy. (Holy does not mean perfect, but set apart.) He is fitting us for Heaven!

Sanctification occurs when the Holy Spirit checks our heart and prompts us to do something different than we would in our own human power. This might be giving money or a favorite belonging when you’re feeling stingy. This might be biting your tongue instead of letting someone know what’s really on your mind. You know you are on the right track when something doesn’t seem fair, but you listen and follow God’s lead anyway.

Free Mountain National Park photo and picture

Slowly but surely, we start to think and act like Jesus. Our hearts become more aligned with His, and we are able to see things from a Heavenly perspective. The Holy Spirit is patient but diligent. If we make a mistake, no worries, He can convict us and set us straight. He is not condemning, but gracious with us if we are humble and repent (Romans 8:1).

Becoming like Jesus is never time wasted, even if it takes a while to come full circle. Often, we have to lay aside our desires and expectations to serve someone else. We can hold space for God to move when we want to rush ahead. We can submit our ideas and plans and take His on instead. We may not fully see the impact of obedience, but, it is always worth the sacrifice.

We will never be perfect on this side of Heaven, but we will receive an eternal reward if we don’t give up. We don’t have to be right or justified, we just need to follow Jesus.

Sanctification often involves serving other people, which helps refine us. It may include waking early to spend time with the Lord before a busy day at work. It may include tending to the kids and letting your spouse sleep in. Or, maybe it’s praying for that certain person who drives you a little crazy. 🙂

Even recently, I have been learning that I don’t have to figure out what I want to do next in life. I don’t have to worry or try to become a more ‘exciting’ person. This frees me up to let God shine in my life more than my own accomplishments. As John the Baptist said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

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God, thanks for saving me and preparing me for Heaven. Change my heart, Lord, and make me like You. Holy Spirit, continue to move in my life. Thanks for not giving up on me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How are you becoming more like Jesus… today, this week, this month, so far this year?

Tasks: Read Romans 8 and also Romans 12. Instead of running after your dreams and goals, submit them to Jesus. Chase after Him and be transformed.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Kindness, Life is Short, Little Free Library, Miscellaneous, Worship

Everyday Kindness

These days, we find ourselves in a fast-paced, highly politicized world, and we must keep our eyes on Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). It can take a lot of discernment to see where He is working and how I should join Him. Many of the world’s “causes” are important, but I am not called to go and get involved in each one of them.

There are so many issues, and sometimes it feels like I am not doing enough. Have you ever felt that way? Time feels short, and problems accumulate faster than solutions. Often, I feel called to donate money and pray. However, I also keep my eyes and heart open to those who are in need of help and encouragement in my local community.

Every day, God gives us opportunities to share His love with others. Quite often, He does not require big or bold gestures, but simple acts of kindness…

Recently, at work, I heard about a special request. A hospice Veteran with ALS wanted to take a last ride in his son’s convertible. Our VA police helped the Veteran get into the vehicle. He had a look of pure joy. Over a hundred of us lined the front driveway of the VA to cheer and wave to him. It was also funny when people started cheering for the UPS and garbage trucks, too!

The Veteran also had another wish: to travel to Europe. This is a challenging task to accomplish, given his circumstances, but we were able to assist him by using a virtual reality headset. I’m sure it made a world of difference to this brave man.

Free Antique Car Mg photo and picture

On Sunday afternoon, my doorbell rang unexpectedly. I almost didn’t answer because I thought it was simply a routine package delivery. I’m glad I did because I met a family of four siblings. The kids asked to use my garden hose to fill up their water balloons. At first, I was skeptical, but then I realized they did not have access to a hose at their apartment building.

On the one hand, it is not my responsibility to provide for them, but a few gallons of water is not too much to pay to be a good neighbor. English might be their second language, so I want to make sure they feel safe and welcome. As we talked, I learned their ages range from second to ninth grade. I did not get many details, but I sent them home with their water balloons and some other water toys. If they come back, maybe I will offer them a popsicle!

Yesterday, I made Lydia and her friend frozen pizza and fruit for an impromptu dinner before loading her bike into my car and driving her home. An enterprising young neighbor also sold me a little bracelet to earn some money to fix up his bike.

Free Colorful Colourful photo and picture

For many years, I have had a Little Free Library in my front yard. On Monday, I chatted with a couple of ladies and pet their dog. One of them was happy that she had found a paperback of a book she has been listening to. I encouraged them to stop by anytime.

At work, I’ve had several “extra” patients who needed some help. One that stood out was a tube-feeding patient who has had several challenges. He called me with bad news; he is not long for this world. I offered encouragement, yet he is at total peace and is looking forward to seeing Jesus soon. I included that part in my chart note to inform others, per his request, but also to remind them of our eternal hope.

There are times when we need to take a firm stand for what is right. But with everyday kindness, little by little, we can change the world.

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God, thanks for showing me that I am making a difference in the lives of those around me. Thanks for each person listed above and for all of my readers. Help me continue to live for You and share your grace and love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How have you seen God at work this week? What can you do to join Him in blessing others?

Task: Don’t overthink kindness (like I sometimes do). Just start small and offer a smile, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement. It might be making a frozen pizza, contributing to a fundraiser, or offering a popsicle… it all counts!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Travel

Finding Grace #485

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 Cranesbill Geranium photo and picture

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

This week was a great week! We had a perfect mix of hard work and relaxation, rain and sunshine, cooler weather and heat.

On Tuesday, Lydia had volleyball camp and is feeling more comfortable.

I worked two days and then had the rest of the week off! I kept busy at the office but mostly helped my coworkers after I was done with my own patients.

On Wednesday, I was off to prepare for a trip. On Thursday, Juneteenth, I was off anyway, so we flew to Nashville for a family reunion (just a central spot we hadn’t been to yet).

Several people came to the reunion. This includes my dad’s family from all over the US, plus Greece and England. We also invited some sweet Florida friends who have been so kind to our family. The more the merrier! We went downtown, to the Zoo, ate lots of yummy food, played games, and so much more.

Before we left, my washing machine stopped working. I am hoping it is an easy fix, but I could not figure it out. My family offered ideas over the phone, but I ended up asking my neighbor to check it out. However, it will have to wait until next week due to the timing. Thankfully, I have plenty of clothes and towels, so it is not an emergency!

Yesterday, several parts of North Dakota had tornadoes. I don’t know all the details but there were some damages and a few deaths. So sad. I am grateful for my neighbors watching my house and glad we were safe (far away).

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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)!