Category: Life is Short

Posted on in Apologetics, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom

Preparing for Persecution

I woke up thinking about a solemn topic yesterday, Christian martyrdom. I have been praying and thinking about the several international cities in flames due to riots. These dangerous situations are mostly politically and religiously motivated, yet they are nothing new. Persecution and violence happen every year around the world. While American Christians are sometimes mocked, we generally are not hunted down and attacked!

John Bunyan, the Puritanical preacher who wrote Pilgrim’s Progress, was imprisoned for preaching God’s word without “permission” for about twelve years! In fact, most of his writings were done while he was locked up! Similarly, I was recently reminded of the 21 Coptic Christians beheaded for their faith by ISIS members in 2015. And, I often think of Christians being killed in Africa or the those imprisoned and tortured in the underground churches in Asia… not to mention those in the Middle East.

So, one of the first thoughts in my mind yesterday was this: If a gun or ax was held to my head and I was asked to deny my faith, what would my reaction be? I pray that I would stand firm for Jesus, but it is easy to cave into fear. It makes me a little sick to think about the possibility. Hopefully, it will never happen and I am not trying to be dramatic… But in any case, I like to visualize what I would do and work through it well in advance. As I read Revelation, monitor the news, and pray for our upcoming elections, I know now is the time to prepare.

Generally, my focus is to write about God’s abundant grace in my life and show how He is making lemonade from all the chaos life brings. But when push comes to shove, every moment and decision counts. How I use my time and words each day matters.

Do I scroll on social media or do I read about heroes of the faith? Do I yell at Lydia to do the dishes, or do I talk with her about godly priorities? Do I pray for what I want, or do I persevere in prayer for the persecuted brothers and sisters around the world?

Last week, I had a conversation about reading the Bible. It seemed the people I was talking with had known God for quite awhile but were relatively new to reading the Bible, or at least they were not very proficient. One person said she was content with one simple Bible verse on a plaque that she received as a gift years ago. She did not want to move past that one simple verse, so I challenged her to find similar verses in the Bible to give her better understanding! Read the history, read the Psalms, read the Gospels, read the epistles, just read!!

We cannot survive on random Bible verses. How can we expect to know God or stand in our faith when trials come? We must dig deeper to find Truth, as one day, our very lives might depend on it. As we spend time with God in the Bible, the Holy Spirit will teach us and help us grow in faith. And, He will bring those verses to mind when we need them.

Jesus is the soon returning King; knowing Him personally, through prayer and reading His Word is vital. That is the only way we won’t be deceived in the future. Presently, we also can speak up on important topics, be kind and generous to those who need it, and exercise our right to vote for God-honoring policies and freedoms. Imagine if American Christians would actually vote in each election!

Ultimately, I know I don’t have to worry. I must take each day as it comes but look toward for the future. While I can’t always plan ahead, I am not helpless. Jesus is my Victory! The best thing I can do is to stay close to Jesus, reading His word, pouring out my heart to Him, and listening for His Voice. He is faithful to care for me and all my concerns! He is my hiding place!

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God, thank You for being my Protector. Help me stand firm in my faith and represent You well. Give me wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: When trials come, how do you handle them? Do whine and complain about the difficulty, or do resolve to never give up? Do you back down and cower in fear, or do you boldly rise up and move forward with Jesus?

Task: Check out this website and pray for the persecuted Church around the world!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Little Free Library, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #554

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 but also relaxing. I went to the chiropractor and got a massage on Monday, but also worked hard helping a friend/coworker. It was a good mix of self-care and service!

Work has been good and busy. Between patients, projects, classes, deadlines, and meetings, I have had little downtime. But, my patients have been really sweet and eager to learn for the most part, so that has made it all worth it! 

On Thursday, my family celebrated my mom’s 70th birthday, her second in Heaven. I took a half-day off work and walked through some local parks. It was peaceful watching the colorful leaves fall like confetti! Then, I ran some errands before heading home. Lydia was off from school, so we hung out for awhile before I went to Alpha in the evening!

Yesterday after work, I offered to watch another coworker’s kids (ages 5, 3, and 1) while she ran to Kohls to find a dress for an event. It is difficult to try on clothes with three little ones! Lydia and I had fun playing soccer and wiffle ball with the boys and holding the little girl. They even picked out some books from my little free library! I am so glad we could help!

Today was focused on a few chores, mowing, and errands, among our usual Saturday things. Tonight she is hanging out with school friends and I am relaxing! I will pick her up in a bit and can’t wait to hear all about it!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer

Pampering and Peace

On Monday, I was off for Columbus Day. It is the only holiday of they year that I have off  from work, but Lydia does not have off from school. So it has become a day to pamper myself a bit!

I slept in since Lydia was actually at a Congress event in Bismarck. I ate a good breakfast, exercised, and went to the chiropractor. After that, I went home to work on some continuing education before going to get a massage. In the afternoon, I went to a friend’s house to help her move some items ahead of a major house renovation. We saved the heavy furniture for others to do!

About six weeks ago at church, I had asked for prayer for my hip. At the time, the chiropractor gave me some exercises for my hip flexors, muscles deep inside the area. But, they didn’t make much of a difference and I gave her the update on Monday. The pain is more on the outside of my hip and thigh.

With the new insights, my chiropractor explained my IT band and TFL are likely irritated and inflamed. This area has caused hip pain on and off since I was a teenager playing soccer. In college, I would run and have pain for a few days, as well. Over the years, I suppose I have just gotten used to it! Perhaps it is related to general tightness, but now that other areas are resolving, I am realizing that my hip is also due to be healed.

Yes, praise God, I have learned a lot about myself in the last three years: Just by changing to minimalist shoes, my body is moving better. I’ve had many physical improvements as a result. I am not willing to stay in pain if I can help it! Noticing more about my body gave me hope and a surge of bravery leading me through my MARPE journey.

Anyway, my chiropractor gave me a few exercises and tips to decrease the pain and inflammation. She encouraged heat, stretching, and continuing to work with the various tools I have. It felt really good to have a strategy, confirmation of all I have been doing. I explained this to my massage therapist who was also able to work on that left hip area and release some of the fascia. It is still sore but I hope to keep making progress with heat, fascia work, and gentle massage on my own. My massage therapist also encouraged me to do some more self-care techniques at home. I felt so supported by both ladies!

As it was, during my massage, I thought about my mom who would be celebrating her 70th birthday tomorrow. She had such horrible pain over the years, even though she pushed through it with grit and sheer determination. Mom was always learning, trying new things, and doing her best. I know she is cheering me on.

My motivation is to deal with these issues head-on because I want to prevent them from getting worse, leading to a poor outcome some day. This body is the only one I have, a temple of God, and I want to take care of it the best I can. Then, I can serve others more joyfully!

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God, thanks for Your rest, peace, grace, and healing. Help me take good care of myself and my body so I can continue serving others joyfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you ever go to the chiropractor for an adjustment or get a massage? What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?

Task: Take a few minutes to assess your physical body. Notice any aches or pains and how they may be hindering you from living a full life. Then, see what you can do about it. You personally working on your body is even better than a rehab specialist doing it for you!

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

Finding Grace #553

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 a little lighter than the last couple. The fall colors are really pretty, too. Just what I’ve needed!

Monday night was my monthly church book club. We had a good time discussing our book and then picked the next few months worth of books. I enjoy meeting with and learning from the ladies, as we represent several decades of life.

On Thursday, I skipped Alpha to attend a school orchestra concert for Lydia. She did great, and I always enjoy listening to her and the others play! I am looking forward to seeing her grow over the next four years!

Work was full as usual, but somehow I stayed on top of things. Yesterday, I left early for an appointment and then ran some errands. I ended up adding a new string of Christmas lights outside. It felt good to get them up early while the weather is warmer!

Today, we video called a friend in Europe. She’s a dear college friend, and we chatted for 2.5 hours! 🙂 We got to visit with her kids and husband, too. It was wonderful to catch up!

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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 Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #550

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

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

This was a pretty good week overall, though I did not sleep well and felt a little depleted. I did everything I needed to do, by God’s grace and help!

The weather was definitely cooler this week. I saw my breath one morning walking into work! I am guessing all the Monarch butterflies are gone for the season. I will be sure to keep an eye out next year!

On Monday, I left work early to go to an orthodontic appointment. I got new mouth trays, including some for the top, too! I am making good progress, though I will have to wait a little longer to get the MARPE metal device out of my mouth. This is because of the extensive nature of my expansion. It is better to let it sit a little longer so my facial bones don’t try to revert back to how they were. I am okay with that since I want the best outcome!

On Thursday, I helped host an Alpha table at church. This will go until December and we discuss spiritual questions in a safe place. I have enjoyed my group and met a widow who needed some support. I am grateful for how God is using me!

On Friday, Lydia had off school but woke up sick. I ended up going to work for a few hours but was able to leave and take care of her. I am glad she didn’t miss any classes because she is still sick! She is not vomiting anymore but still has a fever. She will probably have to skip her Congress event tomorrow, which is a bummer after working so hard on her topics. But, God’s grace is sufficient!

Today, I was on-call so had to go into work for one patient. Later, I made some calls and made some blueberry muffins. Tonight, we are watching a little television. Lydia finally made it from her bed to the couch and ate a little food! Hopefully, she will sleep well and wake up more rested tomorrow, though I think she will need another day to fully recover.

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

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

Don’t Let the Fire Die

Last week, I talked about identifying apathy, which is the complete lack of emotion or desire. This week, I wanted to go a little further and review some ways to combat it or address it before it becomes an issue. Just like we might fan the flame on a campfire to prevent it from burning out, we can stoke ourselves to keep our love for God and others strong.

First, we must be honest with ourselves and God on how we are feeling. If we are creeping closer to apathy, we must acknowledge it. You can’t defeat what you can’t define. We can pray about our attitudes and take steps to deal with them in advance. Check your “why” and your motivation. Consider if there is sin or unforgiveness in your life. We are naturally selfish, so embrace the discomfort in order to figure it out.

Personally, I periodically have to remind myself that this is God’s Kingdom, not mine. Therefore, HIS will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven… Sooner or later, I accept that I am not in control and never will be. I remember that I can choose to get on board with what God wants me to do (and thrive), or I can choose to grumble, resist, drag my feet, and miss out on the blessing and joyful reward. Tough love!

Next, we can lean into self-care to shore up any area in which we are overextending ourselves. We cannot pour from an empty cup, and knowing about the seven types of rest can be a first step in feeling replenished. Sleep, gentle movement, proper nutrition, and taking a break from social media bring welcome renewal. Seeking professional support may be warranted here to process, plan, and reset boundaries. There is no shame in asking for help!

Learning to say “no” to the wrong things is a must! Once we do, we have the opportunity to say “yes” to the task(s) God has specifically for us. Sometimes, we just need to fill a gap or need, but if we never do anything that is personally fulfilling or part of our God-given call, then we will just circle back to burnout and be worse off than before.

We can also remember a grateful heart is a happy heart. Gratitude and serving others in practical ways can be a powerful combination to beat apathy. When we serve with the right priorities, God is glorified, we find our purpose and connect with others, and our problems come into perspective.

Finally, to prevent apathy and keep the fire going strong, try something new! This helps us get out of a rut when our routine feels boring. Maybe it is going on a trip or buying a nifty gadget, but don’t overlook all that we can do for free! Take a nature walk or find a different way home. Go to your local library to check out a book on an interesting topic or experiment in the kitchen for supper. Do an art project or listen to music. Find something that brings you joy!

Ultimately, our spiritual life is a vital part of who we are. We have value just as we are, and the Holy Spirit is the source of our spiritual fire. Thankfully, we don’t have to figure it all out or get our ducks in a row for God to love us or help us. He has everything we need, as we seek His Kingdom first. So, we can be kind to ourselves and come to Jesus!!

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Heavenly Father, all power and glory and dominion belong to You! Soften our hearts and  give us fresh fire. Help us see the bigger picture and all that is at stake if we remain blasé. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you keep your spiritual fire stoked? What other ideas do you implement when apathy creeps in?

Task: Read about the lukewarm and ineffective church in Laodicea. They received a direct warning from Jesus in Heaven. Confess your apathy and ambivalence to the Lord. Use any tears and frustration as fuel to bring you back to where He wants you to be.

 

Posted on in Apologetics, Fruit, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom

Don’t Let Your Love Grow Cold

A man once asked me, which is worse, ignorance or apathy? I told him, “I don’t know, and I don’t care.” (Get it?!) 😉

According to dictionary.com, apathy is defined as, the “absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.” Or, the “lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.”

Spiritual apathy is a risky place to be. I have found myself there from time to time. It’s good to be challenged, but prolonged unpredictability and discomfort can deplete us. And, with the state of the world, that is, crazy politics, controversial religious issues, and evil around every corner, it is easy to stop caring and focus instead on ourselves. But, we cannot let our love grow cold.

There are many things in our lives that can lead to spiritual apathy. Here are four.

First, apathy can be a byproduct of unconfessed sin or feelings of guilt. Sin and guilt can lead us to separate ourselves from God. We feel judged or condemned, and eventually may not care to draw near to God due to bitterness or resentment. He is holy, just and righteous, but also full of love, mercy and grace. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and selfishness, but He never shames us. Read Romans 5:1-11 and then ask for the forgiveness (available only through Jesus) and be reconciled to God!

Second, we grow apathetic when we compare ourselves with others. We notice our lack and see how it stacks up with someone else’s skills or abundance. Remember, we are all uniquely made and individually called. Ephesians 2:10 says that we are God’s masterpiece, and He created us for good works long before we ever came to be (my summary). He doesn’t make junk!

Third, we may be dealing with defeat, discouragement, or disappointment in God. Maybe He didn’t do what you thought He should and you feel let down. Well, I understand, but in my experience, the issue is that my faulty expectations of God do not match the actual reality of His sovereignty. He is in full control, even when we don’t like it or don’t understand.

As my dad says, “We don’t have to have all the answers to walk by faith.” So, rest assured, if the Father calls you His child, He will take care of you. Bring all your hurts, questions, and doubts to Jesus. He can handle them and give you peace, if you let Him!

And fourth, apathy can be related to exhaustion or burnout from doing too much. This may include saying yes to too many things, or saying yes to the wrong things. If you are “Still Trying To Run the Entire Solar System,” it’s no wonder you are dealing with STRESS. Indeed, exhaustion comes in several forms: spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, social, creative, and sensory. When your tank is empty, at least one of them needs to be addressed! Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith has some good resources on rest and restoration here. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to the giving your best yes.

Finally, we must guard against apathy and let the Lord replenish us. I will talk more about that next week, but for now, take some time to reflect on how well you are loving others. If you “just don’t care,” consider that a sign that you need to take a break and come to Jesus!

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Heavenly Father, thanks that we don’t have to be in control of our lives. Instead, we can rest in knowing You are sovereign and will lead us where we need to be. Help us wait on Your timing and stay in step with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you recognize apathy in your life? What has made you turn the corner toward caring again?

Task: Take this free quiz to help you identify where you need to rest.

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

Finding Grace #545

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?!

I had a great birthday week! Originally, I took the week off work for a trip, but we canceled it due to unexpected circumstances with our fellow travelers. We hope to reschedule, but I kept the time off anyway. I soon discovered God had a lot of other things planned for me instead!

On Sunday, after church, I attended a short training. I had been through a version of it years ago, but it was good to get up-to-date on ways to serve in the church. I prayerfully signed up for some activities this Fall, but we will see how it all pans out.

On Monday, Lydia and I did some back-to-school shopping, then cleaned the car and the garage. Later, I squeezed in a quick hair cut and met a friend for coffee. It was great to catch up!

On Tuesday, I got messages from two coworkers that I had a flower delivery. I was not expecting anything, so I went in to pick them up. Lydia came with me and had fun saying hi to my coworkers!

Tuesday evening was really special, as we met some old Caterpillar friends for dinner. They contacted us within seconds after we canceled our previous travel plans, so I feel like it was from God. It would have been a bummer to miss them; I always hold a special place in my heart for friends who actually knew Dave. Thanks, Lord!

I did not have any overt plans for my actual birthday on Wednesday. But that was 100% fine with me since it was good to relax! Also, I usually receive a ton of cards, calls, texts, and social media messages, so I like to take time to connect with everyone who thought of me and made me feel special. Thank you!!

Thursday was a good day for continuing education and errands. Mainly, I wanted to get a few things done to set us up better for when Lydia starts high school in a couple of weeks!!! In the evening, we had a blast attending a murder mystery dinner show. This was unlike your typical dinner theater. The cast was dressed like everyone else and was interspersed within the audience, so we all participated in solving the crime. The four-course meal was delicious, and we had a lot of laughs!

On Friday, I got my oil changed, along with some other minor car repairs. It was all part of my scheduled 120K-mile tuneup. I gotta keep my car in good working order! In the evening, Lydia and a friend met up with the church youth group for a Redhawks game before enjoying a sleepover at our house.

Today, I did Saturday things while Lydia and her friend slept in. Later, I took the girls shopping and out to eat. It was a fun end to my birthday week!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Cheers to Another Year!

Today, I am celebrating another trip around the sun!! I am really grateful for all the ways God blessed me over the last year! Last summer, I sensed that He had something special for me. Soon I recalled that I was about three years old when I decided to follow Jesus… So, essentially, this was my fortieth year of walking with Him!

Here’s a quick recap of some of the highlights:

Last Fall, I finally had some landscaping done! It took me years to get around to it (to have the money, set it up, and make the decisions). But the Lord helped me follow through. No, I have not added any plants yet, lol. But, truthfully, I just love how the rocks look, and so the plants are not my top priority right now!

From September to May, I completed two semesters of leadership training at my church. This was a comprehensive class where we met once a month for teaching and did some online coursework. It covered many important topics and gave me more confidence in sharing my faith. I am excited to see what God has in store for me next!

After years of avoiding it, I made the decision to widen my palate and start orthodontics in January! I will get the metal MARPE device out in the next couple of months and then finish with more aligners. I am still hoping to avoid double jaw surgery, but I am happy with my progress so far!

In March, I went full-time at the VA, after years of being classified as part-time! I am grateful for all the ways God has provided for us since Dave died in 2013. He continues to be a wonderful Provider. Somehow His math always works out!

In May, Lydia and I flew to Chicago to see family and attend a barefoot shoe expo. Spending time with my sister was just what I needed! We hadn’t had that much time together – just the two of us – in many years! It was a fun trip and helped us get through the thirteen-year mark of Dave’s death. The Lord has been so faithful!

I have continued my journey to relieve pain and tension in my neck, shoulders, back, and hips. I’ve changed my workouts, practiced mobility exercises, gone to the chiropractor, prioritized sleep and rest, and said ‘no’ to better manage stress.  I can’t take good care of others if I don’t take care of myself! One specific praise is that in June the Lord healed my neck on the spot at a prayer event. I was surprised but gladly received His personalized gift.

I joined a book club at church, and it has been such a joy. Books + deep conversations about faith + friends = a few of my favorite things! Pretty much any book or genre is fair game. So far, we’ve read Murder, Motherhood, and Miraculous Grace by Debra Moerke, and also Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi. Our current book, The Winning of Lady Wisdom, is by a North Dakota author, Sarah Dixon Young!

Over the last few months, Lydia and I have visited with several Caterpillar families. It’s really special when we meet up with friends who actually knew Dave when he was at his best. I appreciate how these dear ‘CAT guys’ still reach out to connect with us. Thank You, Jesus!

This year, I have greatly enjoyed watching Lydia grow in confidence and faith. She got her driver’s permit last fall, and it’s been fun watching her learn the rules of the road and put them into practice. I can’t believe she will start Freshman year in a couple of weeks! I’m extremely grateful for how God has gotten us to this point!

Finally, I’ve seen how God continues to use my story to help others. I have had the opportunity to share my book and, in some cases, to get together for coffee to encourage people: widows, moms, etc. After all, the highlights above don’t overlook the real struggles and sacrifices of the last year, but God’s goodness and grace triumph over them.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your faithfulness in my life. It is a privilege to walk with You every day and move Your heart. May I never take it for granted! Help me continue to be a blessing to others so they may know You, too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: As you reflect on the past year of your life, where do you see God’s faithfulness? Have you thanked Him for all He has done for you, or are you focused only on the lack?

Task: If you’ve read this far, the yellow roses in the picture were sent to me at work yesterday!! It was a timely reminder that God sees me – and it felt like a capstone to finish off an amazing year. My kind, generous friend was simply obeying what God told him to do, and we had a good chat about all that He is doing in our lives. We don’t always know the outcome of our obedience, but as Dr. Charles Stanley always said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”

Posted on in Apologetics, Books and Movies I Like, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, MARPE/Orthodontics, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #544

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

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

This was a great week, and I felt God’s grace all around me.

On Sunday, after church, we stayed to serve at OASIS. I’m glad we did, because some of the ‘regulars’ who serve were not able to attend. Later, we enjoyed family Zoom.

Monday was quite a full day! Work was busy, and then I left early for an orthodontic appointment. I am on track with my treatment plan, though I still have a long way to go to get my teeth in correct alignment. Hopefully, at my September appointment, I will find out more about when I will get the MARPE device removed!

Monday evening was fun because I went to my small group/book club at church. We shared our thoughts on Nabeel Qureshi’s Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus and other facets of salvation and our walk with the Lord. It tells the story of his conversion from Islam to Christianity before his death in 2017. I learned so much about the differences between various Muslim sects and how they think vastly differently than we do in the West. One important thing to remember is that the Bible stands on its own when compared to any other book or religion. We need to know what’s in it and how to live it out, but God is the one who changes hearts. It is on us to develop friendships with people and share His Truth mixed with grace and love.

Work was once again very busy, but good. I had a full schedule with patients and meetings, but also had almost no cancellations or no-shows. This is really good for my patients, though, and I enjoyed seeing them. Many of them were quite friendly and had fairly easy issues to work through. So, while I had a lot of charting, at least it all went fairly smoothly! We also celebrated one coworker’s birthday, and I had a good conversation with another about my story. They ended up buying my book, so that was really cool!

The weather was amazing this week! The mornings were much cooler (in the 50-60s on some days!), and it was great walking into work. The afternoons were warm but not hot, which is just about perfect. That said, it is an early indication of the changing of seasons! Fall will be here soon!

Today, I met a newly widowed single-mom friend for coffee. It was nice to finally get together in-person. I listened to her tell her story and encouraged her in her faith. We talked for nearly three hours, and we both were grateful for the time together!

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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)!