Category: Journey of Grace

Perspective on our cancer journey

Posted on in Apologetics, Books and Movies I Like, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Wisdom

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Gospel

This week, I finished one of my church training courses! It was about the Synoptic Gospels, that is, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These books have a lot in common, so they are grouped together. We may see them as biographies of Jesus Christ, though they actually provide little detail about his early life. Mostly, they capture the three years of Jesus’ ministry.

The course was not a super deep dive, but it helped me to see the bird’s-eye view. As I read my Bible alongside the course, it was cool to envision the authors’ word choices and what they included or left out. Of course, they were divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, who is the main Author.

As an author myself, I also felt this way when I was scribing the Gospel of John. It is fascinating to understand the overall purpose, the grouping of texts, and why things aren’t always chronological. It is even more amazing that, despite their differences, each of the four Gospels contributes to our understanding of Jesus. In fact, if they all ‘matched’ in details, that would signify possible collaboration and lead to speculation.

I’ve heard the parallel that if you and I were at the scene of a car crash, we could each give our report to the police. However, I might focus on who ran the red light, and you might focus on how many passengers in each car were hurt. We’d have different perspectives, but we’d have a more complete story.

Matthew, an eyewitness and disciple of Jesus, writes for a Jewish audience to show Jesus is the Messiah and King. It opens with the genealogy of Jesus, a perfect bridge between the Old and New Testaments, as lineage remains an important concept for Jewish people today. Matthew groups teaching topics together, such as the Sermon on the Mount in Chapters 5-7. Also, he writes of the Kingdom of Heaven because the Jews do not like to say God’s Name, out of respect.

Mark is next in our Bibles. He likely captured Peter’s account before Peter was martyred in Rome. Mark’s Gospel is full of action and urgency, with every other paragraph starting with ‘at once, or immediately, or after that.’ The Romans loved action, and Mark focused more on what Jesus did rather than what He said. Jesus is shown to be the Suffering Servant.

Luke’s perspective is broader, and we find the most information about Jesus’ childhood. Luke, a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul, wrote for the Greeks, and he uses classical Greek methods to portray Jesus as the Son of God. Luke talks more about the body and medical conditions because the Greeks were focused on these things. (Think about Hippocrates, the “Father of Modern Medicine,” or the physicality of Greek sculptures.) Luke shows that Jesus is for everyone.

Mark’s Gospel was likely written first, and Matthew and Luke then drew on Mark’s content and added their own material. Mark was written around 58-65 AD, while the other two were written around 60-69 AD. The Apostle John wrote his gospel, much later, likely in the 90s AD, along with Revelation. His perspective was to show the signs of Jesus being God, Messiah, and Savior. I love that he took a different strategy altogether.

I also learned more about Jesus’ parables and miracles. He did more than what is recorded, but what we have in the Gospels is sufficient for our faith. (John 20:30-31). Parables were used to hide the truth from those who opposed Jesus and to reveal it to those who cared enough to seek it. They are simple stories to show Kingdom principles. Miracles are unusual events that would not normally occur without an outside force or power. In the Bible, Jesus’ miracles demonstrated His power over Nature and illness.

Overall, this was a great course. The more I read and learn about the Bible, the more I am amazed. My favorite part was piecing together the chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry. It helped me understand the story better and avoid getting lost in the middle. I am looking forward to the next course on Acts!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for Your Word and Truth. Teach us Your ways and help us to walk in Your love and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Which is your favorite of the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John?

Tasks: For a cool chronological way to read the gospels, check out PlusNothing.org. For a great book on understanding Jesus’ parables, check out this book by John MacArthur. Read this article about the reliability of the New Testament compared to other ancient texts. The Bible wins, hands down!

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Worship

Well-Nourished

Last week, I had a cool conversation with a Veteran, and it confirmed I am right where God wants me! And to think, I almost missed the call! I ended up calling him about half an hour later because I had overlooked the appointment on my schedule. Ooops!

The man answered the phone right away and was forgiving. He was a little younger than me and had several food issues, including ulcerative colitis and food allergies, that were causing him much stress, fear, and anxiety. It was such an interesting conversation, and God opened a door to talk about spiritual matters.

Of course, we reviewed some strategies to help him avoid certain foods. We talked about how to communicate his needs to his family and about having a separate spot for some of his favorite foods, so he doesn’t feel left out. We discussed symptom management regarding his other eating issues. We came up with a game plan.

Then, I brought up how the vagus nerve is part of our fight or flight mechanism, and it connects the brain to the gut. If someone is mentally anxious, that can affect how well the gut processes food. Similarly, if the gut is struggling to digest something, that can impact the health of the brain. So, for this Veteran, it was cyclical!

We also talked about stress management and coping skills. He agreed that talking with a mental health counselor could be helpful. Then, he shared some spiritual concepts he is learning, and I let the conversation go that way. I am not paid to talk about Jesus, but I am allowed to share my faith. I don’t ever start with that, but it is always surprising how many people need spiritual support and connection. At the VA, we treat the whole person, and I am grateful to meet each person’s needs individually!

Subtly, I worked to apply Scripture to this man’s anxiety and fear. I said we are commanded to renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2), and that fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). I explained how our enemy could be using his food issues to distract him from his greater purpose. I told the Veteran he could trust God with his meals, since Jesus wants the best for him and wants him well-nourished. At last, a lightbulb went on, and he said, “So I don’t have to be afraid. I can stay calm and use my Epi-Pen, if needed. It doesn’t have to be life or death every day!” He was both in awe and relieved.

At some point, this Veteran asked if I was a Christian. When I said yes, he asked if he could pray for me, and I could pray for him. I was happy to participate and prayed that God would give him peace and show him the power he has over his thoughts.

Later, I got to share with some of my coworkers what God had done. We talked about His goodness, faithfulness, and timing. Moreover, I was so happy God could use me both nutritionally and spiritually!

Food is nourishment, but so is God’s word! We can’t help others on our own; we need to be in our Bible daily, soaking it up so we have something to share. Last week, it was amazing to see the work Jesus has done in my heart, enabling me to call out fear in others and teach them to combat it with Scripture. Thank You, Lord!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for using me to change this Veteran’s life by giving him a new perspective. Help him continue to make progress in renewing his mind. Give him health and guide our next conversation at his follow-up in a couple of weeks! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has the Lord been using you lately to bless others? How can you renew your mind with Scripture today?

Tasks: Take a few minutes to praise God for how far He has brought you. He is so faithful and good. Then, listen to this song, “Won’t Start Now,” by Seph Schlueter.

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!

**********

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 Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Worship

My Personal Hall of Faith

Last week, I mentioned the so-called “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, as we read in verse six. I talked about how it would read if written from a fear-based perspective. In short, Noah would never have built the ark, and we would not be here!

That got me thinking about my own personal hall of faith. Here are a few things that came to mind on what that might look like… Keep in mind, all of these are only possible by God’s grace – He has done all the heavy work, I am just walking them out. (Ephesians 2:8-10).

By faith, Natalie accepted Jesus into her heart at age three. And though she struggled at times to live it out, she kept close to the One who loves her most. Praise God, I’m in my fortieth year of following Jesus!

By faith, Natalie trusted that God somehow still had a good plan when her teenage best friend died in an accident. It took four years to be able to even talk about it without crying, but God never left her side.

By faith, Natalie went two-and-a-half hours away to college. It would have been easier to stay close to home, but she knew God had good things in store for her.

By faith, Natalie focused on her studies and asked the Lord to help her succeed. She did what she could do and trusted Him with the rest. She knew her life was in His capable hands, so she didn’t have to overachieve – she just focused on finishing the work in front of her.

By faith, Natalie walked up to a friend at a wedding to say hello after not seeing him for a few years. She and Dave grew closer over time and were soon happily married.

By faith, Natalie and Dave moved to North Dakota, trusting God for a big adventure. They did not know what that meant, but wanted to be in the center of His will. That included crazy winters, being apart from family, becoming parents, and colon cancer. But, God was so good to them and helped Natalie address her deepest fears.

By faith, Natalie kept moving forward when Dave died. As a widowed single mom, she knew she needed to work through her grief and rely on God so she could be an example for Lydia someday. It is an ongoing process, but God has been so gracious to walk with them.

By faith, Natalie wrote a memoir and finally published it. It was a sacrifice of love, but it has touched many lives. It has given Natalie opportunities to bless others going through difficult times and point them back to Jesus.

By faith, Natalie trusted God to help her steward her household and finances. It was touch-and-go at times, but He is a good provider. Natalie has worked various jobs and has had the best coworkers. In His wisdom and grace, Natalie’s passion for nutrition was reignited, and she found new ways to serve her patients.

As I review the list above, it is fun to look back on how God has blessed me and come through for me. I can see Jesus’ faithfulness over time, and this helps me trust Him more now and in the future. He is so, so good. On the contrary, what if I hadn’t trusted God for all the above? I don’t even want to think what my life would look like in reverse!

**********

Father God, thanks for staying close to me and bringing me through all my challenges. You are trustworthy and true. Thank You that You will never leave me nor forsake me. My life is Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What life stories would be in your own hall of faith? How would that affect your faith going forward?

Task: Review Hebrews 11 and then write your own version! I’d love to see it in the comments!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

A Fear vs. Faith Comparison

Romans 12:2 NLT says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

God’s will includes holiness and living honorably, abstaining from sinful behaviors, being thankful in all circumstances, praying in the Spirit, rejoicing, and growing in patient endurance and humility, while continuing to meet together with other believers. Read through Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Hebrews 10, and more!

I haven’t written about fear and faith in a while, but in many ways, the Bible verse above is key. We cannot let ourselves be ambivalent, thinking two ways about something and letting fear win. We need to let God change our minds and how we think. Only then will we be able to walk in Victory.

So, how can you know if you are responding in fear or in faith? To start, love and faith go hand in hand. When reading 1 Corinthians 13 (“the love chapter”), I found it interesting to put fear in the place of love and reverse it with a slight rewrite (verses 4-7): Fear is impatient, fear is unkind. It is full of envy, boasting, and pride. It dishonors others, is self-centered and easily angered, and tracks tit for tat. Fear delights in evil and hates the truth. Fear never protects, never trusts, never offers hope or encouragement, and always gives up. In short, fear is a dead end.

Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the Hall of Faith. It reviews the faith of several people in the Old Testament and how they pleased God by trusting Him. (Now reread this chapter as if it were written from a fear point of view! “It was by fear Abraham did not believe God…”) Hebrews 6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God…” Conversely, we understand that fear never pleases Him! Faith is essential, and fear cannot be our default.

When we operate in fear, we have to work quickly and jump right in. That’s because fear gives in to pressure and tries to solve its own problems. At the same time, fear can mean shutting down and stalling. Yes, a fear response can feel chaotic and out of control… all over the place as we try to find what will work “best.”

On the other hand, living by faith means we pause to check in with the Master, Jesus Christ. A faith response is in no hurry because the solution doesn’t depend on us. Faith means going at the Lord’s pace, which often feels slow, yet is always right on time.

Fear involves sticking with what you know because it feels familiar, if not safe. Often, fear refuses to look at the data as a whole, yet obsesses over every detail. Fear involves confusion!

Faith involves asking Jesus for wisdom to know what to do and the courage to follow through, knowing He will fill in the gaps as you move forward. Clarity comes along the way, as you don’t have to have all the answers to walk by faith. Often, faith pushes our limits and requires us to trust God to take risks and try something new. But it is always worth it.

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for empowering us to live in faith, not fear. Lord, we want to please You! May honor You with our decisions and in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What pattern of fear are you struggling with today? What does walking in faith look like for you in that situation? Can you flip the scenario around to see the difference?

Task: Take the next step of faith on your journey today. When you are vacillating between fear and faith, consider which choices will please God. Dare to do the difficult thing!

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! 

**********

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!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom, Worship

Holding Space During the Holidays

Well, we made it to December! It has already been an interesting month. On Monday, we had work and school, followed by a funeral and a class in the evening. It was a lot to juggle!

The funeral was for a thirteen-year-old girl, someone Lydia knew a bit from church. They were in the youth group together, though they went to different schools. They were two months apart, so her sudden death was very sad and shocking. We attended the visitation (skipping the funeral) because I also needed to take Lydia home before returning for my church leadership class in a separate area.

Free Wreath Flowers photo and picture

The funeral was still happening when I walked back into the building, and I heard several students talking about how the girl had made a difference in their lives. She loved Jesus and seemed to be very sweet and encouraging.

My class was the final meeting of the semester, and we had pizza for dinner, a lesson on prayer, and then a white elephant gift exchange! It was a lot of fun, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity.

During the training, we prayed for the family of the girl who died. We discussed how to hold space for these two different events of the night – the funeral and the training/party. We can rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.

It’s not easy, but it is important to honor the sadness and grief while also moving forward and celebrating Life. The holidays seem to be full of these situations, don’t they?

This year feels like it flew by, with so many personal wins, but there’s also sadness because my mom died in February. This time of year is challenging for other reasons anyway, including Dave’s birthday, Christmas, and the fact that he’s not here either.

But, I also recognize how GOOD God is through all of it. Jesus very much understands the dual nature of sorrow and joy. He was a Man of Sorrows, yet He also possessed the fullness of God’s joy (Psalm 16:11). Somehow, He held both simultaneously and remained faithful to His mission.

If Jesus can hold space for emotional duality, so can we. I know from experience this is true. While I don’t know what you are facing this Christmas season, Jesus does. He loves you deeply and cares about your concerns.

It is okay to feel conflicted, whatever you are experiencing. None of it is a surprise to the Lord. Take a little time to rest. Then, bring all of your emotions to Jesus and let Him help you sort them out. He really wants to be there for you, if you will let Him.

**********

Father God, thank you for the gift of Life and for emotions to express how we feel. Help us hold space for all You are doing in us and through us this holiday season. Bring us comfort and peace as we trust You and lean into all You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you holding up so far this week? Do you have any helpful tips for the holiday season?

Task: Take a few minutes and check in with Jesus and tell Him how you really feel. Don’t stay stuck in your emotions; let them be indicators, not dictators.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Pivot

Finding Grace #508

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 Autumn Leaves photo and picture

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

This was a fairly restful week.

Work went well, though a few people canceled or did not show up, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. I don’t get credit for seeing them, but I also get some time to catch up on charting!

My coworker had her baby, a sweet little girl, so she is now on maternity leave (the third one this year). So, I was the backup for her weekend on-call. I went in today for one patient, and it wasn’t too difficult. The next five or six weeks will be fairly busy until the second coworker returns from her leave in January! But God is good, and we are grateful for all the cute babies!

Thanksgiving was just what I needed. Instead of a big turkey dinner, we had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie from Costco. I didn’t want to spend all day cooking, so Lydia and I just kept it simple. We had a fun and quiet day, relaxing and watching movies.

Yesterday, after work, I braved the Black Friday crowd at the mall. I needed to return something and picked up a few small items. I enjoyed the holiday sounds, lights, and overall atmosphere. If I didn’t have an appointment to get my oil changed, I would have stayed to people watch!

We got our first snow of the season on Tuesday, and it took me an extra twenty-five minutes to get home! But it was good to go slow and stay safe. We got a little more snow today, but further south will probably get a lot more. I bet the snow we received this week will not melt, since temperatures will stay chilly and probably dip lower!

Today, Lydia and I both had online tests. Lydia passed her driver’s test for her learner’s permit! It will be a couple of weeks before I can take her to pick it up, lol. And, it will be at least a year, maybe two, before she can get her actual license, but at least she can start practicing. I passed my last test for the church leadership course I am taking this semester! Our final class is next week, and then we start up again in January. We also did some cleaning and Saturday things. Later, she will hang out with a friend, and I might watch a movie!

**********

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 Food and Nutrition, Fruit, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

God’s Good Gravy

This week, I heard a new-to-me term: the good gravy of God. I had to laugh because it just happens to be the week of Thanksgiving. Even before I heard an explanation, I understood that gravy isn’t the main thing, it is the “extra.”

Psalm 103 talks about some of God’s benefits, including healing, redemption, love, grace, and compassion. All of these are wonderful, but they are just “gravy” compared to the forgiveness and reconciliation we have through Jesus.

Really think about that for a minute. Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Jesus fills our individual lives with good things, too. Blessings. Gravy. Benefits. Extras. Bonuses. Over the top. This week, I am filled with gratitude for all He has done for me. It is a good time to reflect.

Free Biscuit Gravy photo and picture

God’s good gravy is pure grace. You and I may enjoy different amounts of gravy slathered over our food (I like a lot!), but God’s grace is always abundant…. superabundant, in fact. There’s no way we can contain it!

Lately, I have been more aware of His daily blessings, such as special moments with Jesus in the morning. He has given me inward peace. I have such a gift in Lydia, as well as a beautiful home and all that goes with that… warmth, plenty of food, protection. The Lord keeps coming through for me at work and helps me get back and forth safely, too. Thank You, Jesus!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and take some time to consider all of God’s benefits for His beloved children. A good parent, He only wants what is best for us. And, He is more than capable of blessing us.

That said, it’s not about the benefits and blessings… the stuff. It’s about drawing close to the One who loves us most and relishing His grace and goodness. He won’t give us anything that pulls us away from Him.

May we have wisdom to see Jesus at work around us and understand all of God’s good gravy in our lives. He has an everlasting and eternal supply, and He loves going over the top on our behalf!

**********

Father God, You are so good and gracious. Thanks for all Your grace and love. May we seek You more than all You do for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you doing anything exciting for Thanksgiving? When it comes to gravy, do you have a preference on type or quantity?!

Task: Make a list of all your blessings and praise God. Whether on turkey, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits, next time you have gravy, pause and give God thanks!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Fruit, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality

Finding Grace #507

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 Fall Waterfall photo and picture

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

This was a red-letter week full of many blessings!

On Sunday, Lydia and I had an awesome day at church. It was fun to see how we are connected to so many people in God’s family!

This week, I had my performance evaluation at work. It has been a wild year with a lot going on, but by God’s grace, I received my highest ranking ever! I was pleasantly surprised and want to give Jesus all the glory!

On Tuesday night, I was asked to teach a lesson on personality traits and spiritual gifts at church. There were sixteen people, and I had them complete two brief assessments. Then we discussed their answers and some details to consider. I have not done that in a few years, so it felt really good. I was right in my element! I was honored that a couple of people heard I was teaching and came to hear me speak. And, the pastor in charge of that group asked me to come back again in two weeks to share more!

Yesterday, Lydia turned fourteen! She is such a blessing. To celebrate, we had one of her friends spend the night. They watched a movie and ate snacks. 🙂 Then, today, I took them to the movies to see Wicked: For Good. It was somewhat sad, but it was well done!

**********

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)!