Category: Finding Grace Weekly Recap

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #40

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in 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?

  • We welcomed full-blown winter weather this week! We had a blizzard on Tuesday, which meant an unexpected snow day for us. A blizzard on the Great Plains does not necessarily mean tons of snow. It has more to do with the lack of visibility. Because of that, Lydia’s school was closed and I worked from home.  It felt like an ‘extra’ day, so that was fun! Later, I shoveled and used my snow blower to clear the snow drifts!
  • I had several good one-on-ones with people. During one meeting, I received meaningful feedback regarding a personal project. And, then a new friend came over to visit. She and I discovered we were quite alike, so that was so much fun!
  • My neighbor offered to help me put up our large Christmas tree. It has been in the closet for at least 5 years, mainly because it was physically and emotionally challenging to put it up on my own. This year, Christmas feels joyful as I see everything through Lydia’s eyes. So, I am so grateful my neighbor encouraged me and helped me set it up on Thursday! We also ate homemade cheesecake, sot that really ‘helped’!
  • This weekend, Lydia and I have been enjoying holiday traditions, such as watching Christmas movies and listening to seasonal music. Tonight, we attended a Christmas program at church. It was fun to see all the kids use their God-given gifts (singing, dancing, and playing instruments). Maybe Lydia will be up their next year or so!

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #39

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

poinsettia

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

  • This has been a busy, but good week. I rearranged a few things in my “normal” schedule, to give me more flexibility in other areas. Besides my regular work hours and Lydia’s preschool schedule, I had a deadline this week, three extra meetings with various people, an oil change, and Lydia’s annual well-check at the doctor. So while they were all good events, it took some creative planning!
  • When my dad was here visiting last week, he noticed a hazardous problem with my garage door. He temporarily fixed it, but didn’t have all the right tools. So, I promised to have someone look at it. I asked my neighbor for a reference, and he suggested someone. Thankfully, the man came right away and was able to fix it promptly, so no more damage occurred! Praise God, it was an inexpensive repair!
  • My other neighbors gave us a pair of ice hockey tickets yesterday to watch the local team play. Lydia and I had so much fun! We hadn’t been to a hockey game in almost two years, so this time, Lydia really got to enjoy the experience and atmosphere. She cheered, danced trying to get a t-shirt, and asked a million questions! We were so thankful for the opportunity!
  • Today, Lydia and I went bowling with another dear family. My friend, Amy, is a widow like me, so we try to get together regularly and support each other. We had a great time with the kids, and we enjoyed good conversation. I always leave encouraged that someone else understands the ups-and-downs of our journey!

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #38

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

trees-in-autumn

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

  • We’ve had the best week celebrating Lydia’s birthday and Thanksgiving! In fact, this has been memorable in many ways, since my parents visited us this week. They have not been to North Dakota for Thanksgiving since the week Lydia was born! My mom and dad brought Lydia lots of small gifts and we celebrated her birthday again… We had a yummy cake and played several rounds of Go Fish!
  • My dad was able to help me out with several little house projects this week. I have friends who help with other tasks, on occasion, but some of the little ones add up. Dad fixed several drawers in three dressers, so now we can open them all the way! He also hung up my bike and a hose, and made us all breakfast on a couple mornings.
  • My mom, Lydia and I went thrift shopping one afternoon. We didn’t need any Black Friday items, but we got some really good deals and had a relaxing time together. Other than that, we’ve had fun touring the Fargo area, reading a multitude of books to Lydia, and decorating for Christmas!
  • We’ve been watching ‘The Crown’ on Netflix. It’s been fascinating to watch and a good history refresher (with creative licensing, of course). We didn’t watch the new Gilmore Girls show, ahem, but perhaps I will do that another time. 😉
  • God is always so good to us. Psalm 68:5 always comes to mind, where it says God is “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” This week, celebrating Lydia’s birthday and Thanksgiving with my parents was just what we needed!

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #37

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

snow-and-grass

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

  • This has been a fun week! A friend from Illinois stopped by to visit on Tuesday. She was in town for a few days, and we were so glad she made the effort to see us.
  • On Wednesday, we discussed the power of forgiveness at church. Per brain researcher, Caroline Leaf, when we forgive, endorphins and other chemicals are released in our brains. The effects of forgiveness are then carried all throughout our bodies. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). Science shows what we already knew from the Bible…forgiveness is healing!
  • Lydia and I had a great day on Thursday. We took some treats and a handmade thank you card to our favorite drop-in daycare, since they are closing next week. We’ll miss those ladies, who have been a big part of our lives these last few years! Then, we had about an hour before preschool, so went to read books at the bookstore. As we were leaving, a man sitting nearby said thanks for the story time. We reminded him of several missed opportunities over the years with his kids, when he traveled long distances for work. Now that he has a little grandson, he’s happy to have another chance. (As a result, Lydia and I promptly decided we should do that more often!) 🙂
  • We had our first snowfall of the season early Friday morning. We only got a couple inches, perhaps, but it was a wet, heavy snow. Our temperatures should be in the 30s for a few days, so it is likely to stay. Thankfully, my driveway and the local roads weren’t too bad! I think Fargo was on the edge of a big snow storm in Minnesota!

*******

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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #36

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

leaves

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

  • Wow, what a week this has been! Many people thought the outcome of our US election would be different. Watching the news and social media has not been helpful; I feel it has only built strife. For every article I read on one view, there is one to refute it. For every opinion piece, there’s another angle to consider. People are upset and afraid, for many reasons. Still, my eyes are on Jesus. Only He brings real and lasting change! I have previously spent years dealing with fear, and I refuse to live that way anymore. I will not worry, knowing that the Lord can turn anyone’s heart. I will pray for our leaders, and lovingly support those who need it.
  • Thank you to all the veterans, and our current military men and women, for your service. Thank you for fighting for our freedoms with your lives. The sad irony of our current political situation happening in the same week as Veteran’s Day is all the more poignant. We wouldn’t even be here without the personal sacrifices of our military families!
  • On a more personal note, I am aware that only Jesus never changes. Nothing in life stays the same. This week, I was sad to learn that our favorite drop-in daycare is closing in two weeks. The ladies there have been a huge part of my support system in the last 5 years. Lydia has been going there since she was six weeks old! While we have found other places, this is still Lydia’s favorite. All good things come to an end, or so it seems. I am viewing this as another opportunity to trust the Lord and let Him provide for us. He won’t let me down!
  • Finally, we got to spend time with several neighbors OUTSIDE this week. It was sunny and warm, and then grew cooler as the skies grew dark. It was great to catch up with some of them, as we took advantage of weather that was 16 degrees warmer than usual at this time. Praise God!

*******

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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Finding Grace #35

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

chicago

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

  • This week was intense. I mentioned feeling a little under the weather at the beginning of the week. It might sound silly, but in hindsight, I think it was nerves and adrenaline from watching the Chicago Cubs in the World Series! The Cubs’ history, reputation, and generational appeal made for a great storyline. Looking back, we often see God’s grace in the way something works out so perfectly. For example, winning in the 7th game, late game with a rain delay, 10 innings, close score, great plays…all made for an EPIC headline with maximum glory. If it had happened any other way, the impact would have been different.
  • For me, the Cubs winning represents hopes, dreams, goals, and discipline paying off. All the effort, time, tears, trials, and setbacks are rewarded. I see how the concept of #FlyTheW applies to other areas of my life. In those moments when I feel like giving in, I am reminded that with Jesus, we have already won the final Victory! So, I will raise the “W” banner and hold my head high, knowing that despite the overwhelming odds, God makes all things possible. To Him be the glory!
  • As a result of not feeling well due to the adrenaline rush, late nights, and early mornings, I did not have any extra energy. I was wiped out! 🙂 So instead of working on my normal projects this week, I finished little ones. I voted early, did laundry, shopped for Lydia’s birthday and Christmas gifts, had an impromptu dinner with our neighbors, and made a couple car maintenance appointments. I took it easy, and decided to rest! Now that’s evidence of God’s grace! Historically, I would’ve pushed harder without acknowledging the benefits of taking a break!
  • Lydia received a surprise gift in the mail this week! It’s a My Little Pony zip-up hoodie and with matching headband. Rainbow Dash, of course! Pretty cool! It came from Amazon, but there was no gift note inside the box. I did a double-take, questioning if I had ordered it… Nope! So, we are very thankful for the thoughtful gift. God always has a way of blessing us in the best ways! (But if you are reading this and are the sender, please let me know so we can properly thank you!) 🙂

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #34

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

fall-scene

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

  • It’s been a relatively relaxing week, so Lydia and I have done special activities throughout the week. We’ve enjoyed watching the World Series, and I’ve been trying to teach Lydia about baseball. In the kitchen we made a few new recipes, including butternut squash noodles and arugula pesto. Yum! On Wednesday, she dressed up as a rocker-princess (or something like that!) for a kids’ party at church. We played and chatted with neighbors outside. Then today, we practiced roller-blading in the garage and rode on a Ferris wheel at Scheels (a large outdoors store, with other fun family activities). We might make cookies tonight during the next Cubs game… 🙂
  • On Wednesday, I joined a class at church, studying a DVD series by Dr. Caroline Leaf. She’s a cognitive neuroscientist (aka brain researcher) and the information she shared was quite fascinating. I was in awe at the science showing how the human brain works. To think most of us use less than 1% of our brain, but we have millions of years of potential brain “storage”…it’s compelling if you consider we have all of eternity to praise God and know Him!
  • Otherwise, it was an insightful week for me. There were a couple of days where God showed me some not-so-pleasant areas where I need to grow change. Yet, in His grace, each time when I felt convicted of a bad attitude, etc., He showed me mercy and love. All throughout the week, I received well-timed hugs, phone calls, texts, and cards in the mail. I even received amazing pumpkin bars, homemade salsa and applesauce, as well as garden veggies from my neighbor and her mom. (Thanks!!) Instead of feeling discouraged, I felt loved—thankful that the Lord cares so much about me to gently correct me and help me move forward to Victory.

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #33

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

boxed-goods

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

  • Lydia and I were in Illinois early in the week, and we enjoyed hanging out with my family. Once again, it was the break I didn’t know I needed! When we flew back to Fargo on Wednesday, a friend picked us up at the airport. Then, I worked on Thursday and Friday, while Lydia went to daycare to see friends. Our travels were well-timed because her preschool had a few days off. (It was an added blessing because I didn’t know that when I booked our trip to Illinois!)
  • At my mom’s 60th birthday party, she asked for donations for the local food pantry in lieu of gifts. The table we set aside to receive the items was not big enough! Boxes and bags lined the floor as well. Later, everything was sorted and re-boxed for delivery. (See the picture above!) The monetary donations will also be used to provide for those most in need. These boxes and donations represent God’s abundant grace in the generosity of people in my hometown (and surrounding areas). Many thanks!
  • As I talked with my mom on the phone today, she explained how God protected her (and my dad) yesterday! My parents were almost hit by an out-of-control black SUV, careening over a bridge. Mom said at the very last instant it veered away from them. My dad estimated the vehicle was going around 90 mph; it had also blown a tire. As my parents continued down the road, they saw tire tracks four different times where the SUV crossed the median. Thanks, Lord, for watching over us and sending Your Angels to protect us (see Psalm 91:11)! I’m so glad they were alright, and that God still has work for them to do here on Earth! 

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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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #32

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

sunset-sky

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

  • This week was another restful week. Actually, it was quite busy…but I just took each thing as it came instead of spinning my wheels to get ahead. That really helped me not feel overwhelmed. By God’s grace, I decided if something didn’t get done, it was not a big deal. Thankfully, the most important tasks got finished!
  • I had many things to do because…Lydia and I flew to see family and friends in Illinois! We went to celebrate my mom’s birthday and host a party for her. My mom loves a good party (she’s an excellent host!), but it has been years since we had one in her honor! Perhaps I will write more on this later!
  • Lydia’s nearly a pro at flying, having been on approximately 25 flights in the last few years. No, we have NOT traveled to that many places…but rather we have at least two connecting flights each time we fly! It’s fun, and for this trip, the time-savings quickly outweighed the cost-savings of driving twelve hours. And, Lydia loves all the sight-seeing and people watching in each airport!
  • Depending on the day, the weather might be similar in Fargo and my hometown in Illinois. Fargo is often cooler, of course! But I have grown used to Fargo’s weather and actually enjoy it. Heading South is a warm welcome, but it can still be difficult to know what to pack. Still, I’m proud of myself for fitting all of my clothes and toiletries with Lydia’s in one suitcase!

*******

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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #31

I love the concept of giving God a shout out for what He has done.

We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 in God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

frozen-yogurt

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

  • This week was more restful than expected! I still completed most of my normal activities, but for some reason it felt easier. I think it was primarily God’s grace and faithfulness pulling me through, because I certainly didn’t finish everything on my own! In fact, I postponed a few activities and am catching up on them today.
  • Instead of completing my to-do list each day, I simply did my best before putting it aside. Then, I relaxed by watching a movie with Lydia, accepting an impromptu dinner with some neighbors, reading some books for fun, and practicing some yoga.
  • Throughout the week, I felt God rearranging a few of the tasks…and some ended up not needing to be done after all. If I had rushed ahead to finish these items, I would have been frustrated to do the work for nothing. Thankfully, I let Jesus set the pace, which meant more peace for me!
  • Lydia’s preschool is across the river into Minnesota. This means a little longer drive and more refueling for me! It’s been chilly at the gas pump lately! But, the trade-off is that I am enjoying sunny skies and beautiful fall colors in red, yellow, and orange foliage along the highway!
  • In other news, it took two weeks for Lydia to get enough ‘tokens’ on her chore chart to beat her previous score….but we went out to celebrate with frozen yogurt this weekend! She’s had a better attitude (most days) and is eager to help around the house. Praise God we didn’t have to go another week because she might have lost some steam! 🙂

*******

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)!

Where did YOU see or experience God’s grace this week?