Category: Parenting

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance

Finding Grace #359

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 Mountain Snow photo and picture

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

This was an awesome week. It felt like God came through for us in big and small ways!

On both Sunday and Monday, we met with friends and did some art projects. On Monday, my dear friend helped me take down the Christmas tree. For the last few years, I could not get it all apart. My friend and I were finally able to pull it into its three pieces for storage. I was so thankful!

We were off due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, so we used the time to get Lydia’s glasses updated. She kept her frames but needed new lenses. I had shopped around, and found a good deal with same-day service. It felt good to save some money and cross it off my to-do list.

Because of the holiday, it was a short work week. It was made even shorter because Lydia had two appointments. On Tuesday, her orthodontics appointment went well, and we will wait on a second round of braces (to see if she needs them). On Thursday, we had some good news, too. With her permission to share, Lydia has been having frequent, yet unpredictable episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and so on for many years. Apparently, she needs a lot more water and sodium than the average person. At least that’s what we are going to try for now, though it will likely be long-term. She is already feeling better with no symptoms for the last two days. I’m grateful for answers, and I’m praising God that this is a manageable medical condition!!

The weather gave us some sunny days and some overcast days, but minimal wind. Still below zero but enjoyable! 

Today, we did our usual Saturday tasks, and I listened to a webinar while cooking soup and baking sweet potatoes. I also cleared two shelves in the pantry and reorganized them before taking an official inventory. This helped me group like items together and even carried over to a couple of the kitchen cabinets, too. It feels really good to see everything I have all at once. Then, I don’t accidentally buy something when I already have it in storage!

**********

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 Books and Movies I Like, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Prayer

On Fog and Fasting

The last few mornings or so have been foggy. Sometimes it clears off to reveal a beautiful sunny day, and at other times, it remains as-is. I don’t mind, especially since that means the temperature is rising!

We had a two-hour late start on Monday since our school district includes many rural families. We enjoyed a little more time together, unexpectedly! I even had time to bake some delicious sweet potatoes, which made me revamp my lunch that day. 🙂

After work yesterday, I could barely see a giant airplane flying in through the clouds. It looked like it came out of nowhere! When I finally saw it, it was about fifty feet in the air, preparing to land. Surreal!

Free Mountain Forest photo and picture

In other news, many of the people at our church are doing a new year’s fast. I decided to join everyone, though I am unsure what kind everyone else is doing. I am doing a twenty-one-day Daniel Fast, which is a partial fast. Think vegan combined with a few more restrictions, such as no sugar and caffeine. (Daniel 10 and Daniel 21)

I have followed the Daniel Fast various times over the years. When Dave was sick, I would fast during his chemo treatments (three days). It worked well to calm my nerves and coincided when he wasn’t eating much. My hunger reminded me to run to Jesus and invite him into our chaos. It was a great help back then when I was running in so many directions, but I didn’t have the bandwidth to do much else.

Over the last couple of years, I held off from fasts because I didn’t feel ready to put in the effort. Not that I discount the importance, my heart just wasn’t where it needed to be. 

This time, the Daniel Fast feels different, joyful even. Perhaps that’s because I signed up for daily encouragement from Susan Gregory, who has authored several books on the subject. I appreciate her level of detail and the way she honors God. It also helps to know other people are fasting with me!

Free Fog Sunset photo and picture

Here are a few key points: First, Jesus talked about fasting as a normal part of a godly life. He did not say “if” but “when you fast.” (If you read the verse, know I am sharing this as an exhortation, not to get attention!) Second, fasting is not to gain God’s approval. He already loves you and wants what’s best for you! Sometimes, though, we get in our own way.

Third, fasting is not about the body or our food… what you eat or don’t eat, or how you look. We already pay enough attention to that! As Lisa Bevere says, “A diet changes the way you look. A fast changes the way you see.” You temporarily lay aside your desires and routine for a higher purpose. Thus, fasting is about saying ‘no’ to the ‘flesh’ and saying ‘yes’ to God. That looks different for each of us, of course. For me, it’s about tuning my spiritual ears to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

As Lydia grows, I want to make sure I am raising her how God wants. If I need to change something, I want to hear and follow through! I don’t want to drag my feet or miss something altogether. That’s just one example, but I am praying about God’s wisdom in several areas. I am excited to see what He does!

It’s ironic that our foggy weather coincides with our church’s fasting period. Fog is difficult to see through, but fasting opens our spiritual eyes. In both cases, we must slow down, pay attention, and rely on God to guide us. Thank You, Lord, for being our Light!

**********

God, thanks for the opportunity to draw near to You. Open my eyes and ears; help me perceive what You are doing and join you there. Bless me, in Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever done a fast? (Again, this differs from fasting or dieting for weight loss or making yourself look or feel better.) What did you learn about God and yourself?

Task: If you are in need of answers or a breakthrough, consider a spiritual fast. There are many types. Remember, God doesn’t require perfection. He offers us His abundant grace!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance

Finding Grace #357

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 fun, full week! We rang in the new year with friends and had off Monday. 

Work was a little slower but good. We celebrated a coworker’s birthday, which is always fun. I had a few people not come, but I did still have some good conversations with Veterans. I love seeing them learn how to take better care of themselves with their food choices!

I took a couple of cool tree pictures at home and work. The snow and frost on the trees were so pretty! I park in a local church lot and then walk across the street (and through the healing gardens Spring through Fall). It is one of the best parts of my day, enjoying the beauty around me.

This week, Lydia and I started a 1,000 piece Peanuts puzzle I bought her for Christmas. I don’t know how long it will take, but we will be working on it here and there. I don’t recall if we have done as big of a puzzle or not. We set it up on an extra table in the living room, so hopefully, it is done soon! It was really fun to hear Lydia chat away – she talked my ear off for about an hour about all sorts of things! She really opened up when her hands and mind were busy!

Lydia and I went out to eat for dinner last night to celebrate my 15th wedding anniversary. Dave and I would have done something similar, so she was happy to be my date. We had some good food and good conversation. It was fun to tell her more about Dave and hear what was on her mind.

Today, we have been busy with lots of little chores. I have been cooking some meals for the next week and doing our Saturday things. It’s all fun when I have time to do these tasks in an unhurried manner! It’s also been good to reflect on my time with Dave. Thanks for all your love, prayers, and encouragement!

**********

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 Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom, Words

Easing Into the New Year

Ahh! Don’t you love the beginning of a new year?! 

We often see the ‘new year, new you’ types of posts, but this year, I have been pleasantly surprised to read more posts about starting small and just showing up. Small changes add up over time! It’s refreshing in a way because most New Year’s resolutions don’t stick.

Perhaps our goals aren’t well thought out, or we try to change too much. Setting small goals and re-evaluating them each week can be helpful to make sure you stay on track. You may have heard of ‘SMART goals’ which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

SMART goals are a practical way to keep moving forward. Here’s an example: At least four days this week, I will add 1 cup of vegetables to my lunch. Then, you can look back and know for sure if you have been successful. It’s low pressure, but you can adjust the goals as needed and have built-in accountability.

An excellent way to ease into the new year! Who knows… maybe you will be surprised!

Free photos of Winter

It’s only a few days into January, and Lydia and I have already had several weighty conversations! It’s normal to become more self-conscious in the pre-teen years, and Lydia has been asking great questions. It’s not easy, and I appreciate your prayers!

This week, we discussed the difference between being passive and proactive in what we watch, say, think, do, and feel. Being passive means we just let things happen, and being proactive means we look ahead and plan when possible; we direct our responses and position ourselves for success.

For example, it’s not our fault if someone swears in a movie we are watching, but we are responsible for whether or not we keep watching. And, we are accountable if we choose to use the bad language. 😉

Also, feeling upset sometimes is normal, but choosing to stay upset is our choice. If we react in anger or spread gossip, then we have to face the consequences of our actions.

Negative thoughts come and go, just like positive ones. We should acknowledge our emotions, but they don’t run the show! And if we don’t get ahold of them, they can become a stronghold. We need to uproot lies, fear, anger, and resentment!

Lydia and I have discussed how we can reject unhelpful thoughts or emotions by applying God’s Word and Truth. Lydia has been looking up Bible verses in context and summarizing them. Then, we discuss them and think of ways to apply them to her life and mine! Slowly, I see her becoming more confident and comfortable with her identity in Christ!

Free photos of Mountains

Like Lydia, it’s good to keep learning new things and changing. That’s called growth! 

Although, I’m grateful God doesn’t usually ask us to change everything all at once. The Holy Spirit does prompt us to change so we can be more like Jesus, but He is a gentleman. In my experience, however, He is persistent!

God might keep bringing up a topic on the radio, online, or in conversations with others. Or, He might prick your heart at inconvenient or uncomfortable times. It’s good to check in with Him daily and make sure we are listening.

This year, I don’t have any big goals or resolutions. I just want to be godly! I am making it a priority to tune my ears to the Holy Spirit. I want to make sure I am staying close to the Lord, as He helps me lead and guide Lydia through these next stages. There is a lot at stake, and we are relying on Him!

**********

God, thanks that we don’t have to prove ourselves or earn Your love. You accept us just as we are, yet love us to much to let us stay that way. Change us little by little, and help us stay close to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have any goals to start off this new year? How can you stay close to Jesus this week… and year?

Tasks: Remember to keep close to God, so He can direct your path! Write down one SMART goal for the week. Be ready to pivot, as needed. Don’t overthink it, and feel free to change it next week! 🙂

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Worship

Finding Grace #354

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 unpredictable but good! Mostly it was all related to the weather. We had snow from Tuesday night through today!

The schools were closed and had virtual learning Wednesday and Thursday, and then started two hours late on Friday, so people had time to clear the snow. Of course, this altered my work schedule. I decided to go in for a few hours but also needed to balance everything with Lydia. Thankfully, my boss is understanding – and everyone else was in the same situation! It all turned out well enough!

The snow itself was quite pretty and really was ideal considering how it could have been. I was grateful for a timely reminder from the Lord that I am not alone. My snow service took care of most of the driveway and sidewalks. I just cleared the parts closest to the house.

With the weather, my chiropractor moved up my appointment to Thursday morning instead of the evening. The timing was good since I hadn’t left for work. She mentioned her four-year-old daughter is into Belle from “Beauty & the Beast”. Well, Lydia voluntarily offered her a gently used blanket she hasn’t used in a few years. It has both Belle and the Beast on it, so the little girl will surely enjoy it! We washed it, so it was ready to go. It feels good knowing it is going to a good home!!

On Friday, Lydia and I each had eye doctor appointments. It has been four years since my Lasik surgery and everything looks well! Lydia’s vision has gotten a little worse, so she will need to get new lenses for a new prescription. But, overall things look good!

Today, we celebrated Dave’s 44th birthday, his tenth in Heaven. We love and miss him still. But, we are grateful for how good and faithful God has been to us! We made brownies, played a rousing game of Monopoly, and are now watching Home Alone. It’s been a sweet day remembering Dave.

**********

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/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Empty and Filled

This life is full of contradictions and competing scenarios. We don’t think about them all too often, but lately, I have noticed more of them.

Here are a few to get us started: You can be invited somewhere yet feel both excited and nervous to go. It’s okay if you want to attend and stay home simultaneously. You can have low energy and feel wiped out due to a big event, yet feel fulfilled. We may feel one way when we are rested and another when we need to rest!

In the Bible, the Beatitudes also show some contradictions. Jesus turned things upside down! And, as Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” A win-win!

Sometimes, contradictions are a matter of perspective. What causes one person to feel “empty” may cause another to feel “full” and vice versa. We can be empty or full or anywhere in between.

Free photos of Cup

On Sunday night, Lydia told me she was “dreading” going to school. That was a strong statement, so I asked why and she said, “Because tomorrow is Monday.” After a little more digging, she was actually looking forward to seeing her friends. Whew!

A lot of it was just Lydia’s attitude, and she was sleepy… which tends to morph into other emotions. Before it went too far, I used it as a learning opportunity! I reminded her that there are about fifty-two Mondays in a year, so if she doesn’t get ahold of herself, she could face the same dilemma every week. And weeks become months, which become years.

I shared with her some ‘opposites’ I have been pondering lately about feeling empty or full. Some examples could include feeling hungry or satisfied; yearning for something or finally getting it; feeling tired or well-rested; disliking the weather, or being content with it. In each case, the point is that we can be grateful and invite Jesus to fill us and sustain us!

Lydia quickly understood what I meant and started to apply it. Her attitude improved almost immediately, and she soon drifted off to sleep. The next morning, she came into the bathroom to brush her teeth. “Mom, I woke up feeling a little empty, you know?”

I nodded and asked if Lydia was feeling better after eating breakfast. She agreed and said she had asked God to help her. I was so proud of her! She ended up having a good Monday after all, though I am sure we will continue to refine this point!

In this Advent season, I, too, have been feeling a little empty at times. I may be a little sad and missing Dave, but I am also thinking of friends who are suffering or missing loved ones. I am so grateful for the full hope we have in Jesus!

We need to be careful not to fill the void with anything else but Jesus. Though it is quite easy to… eat, watch a show, play on your phone, call a friend, etc. Only Jesus will do.

When I feel empty, I can ask Jesus to fill me. When I am full, I can praise God for His blessing. When I want or need something, I can ask the Lord to help; when I have no lack, I can praise Him for his provision.

When I am sick or in pain, He is my healer. When I am well, I can praise Him for making me whole. When I am weak, then I am strong. Jesus is my all in all.

**********

God, thanks for Your love, grace, and provision! Thanks for filling me when I am empty and letting me perceive Your grace when I am full. Keep reminding me You are near. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever noticed feeling empty or full? In those cases, what is your go-to response? Do you try to fill the space yourself, or do you turn to Jesus?

Tasks: Regardless of your circumstances or feelings, invite Jesus in. He is our hope and healer, so watch Him move on your behalf. Also, read Ephesians 1, and notice the very last line!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #351

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 fun and relaxing! My family celebrated Lydia’s birthday over Zoom, and it was great to see her excitement with opening a few gifts and receiving a list of “everything we love about Lydia.” She is so special to us!

On Monday, we celebrated Lydia’s actual birthday. I left work a little early and took her to the mall after school to walk around. We bought a few little items and visited the puppy store, fountain, and a few other favorites. Then, we ordered pizza and picked up some cake and ice cream on the way home! We finished off the night with a movie. Lydia sometimes gets a little emotional missing her dad, Dave, but we ended on a happy note!

Work went well, on the three days I was there! I finally got caught up on my charting now that we are fully staffed again! It felt really good going into the long weekend!

For Thanksgiving, Lydia and I made a delicious meal together. Then, we invited our new African friends over for pumpkin pie. It was their first time experiencing this holiday, and they enjoyed it overall! I just wanted to make sure they felt loved; I have always appreciated people inviting us and looking out for us.

On Friday, I took the day off to hang out with Lydia and just relax! It was wonderful not to have to be anywhere or do anything. I slept in, exercised without feeling rushed, enjoyed leftovers, and set up Lydia’s new tablet (her birthday present from me and some other family – we all pitched in). Perfect!

Today, we did our Saturday things and mostly relaxed, similar to yesterday! I did run a quick errand, cleared out some old emails, and also cleared off the rest of the ice from the driveway and sidewalk, since it was close to 40-degrees!

**********

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, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance

Finding Grace #347

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 photos of Deer

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

This week was low-key at first but then picked up at the end.

Lydia was still sick on Sunday and stayed home on Monday. We used the day to rest, and I made sure she ate. Thankfully, she felt better (enough) Tuesday, and we went back to work and school! I am grateful for some awesome coworkers who could cover all my duties!

Work was busy as usual, but I did my best as usual. I had some fun patients and some good conversations with professionals in other fields. My dietitian coworkers and I had fun dressing up for an early Halloween party on Friday. We did a group costume where one person made a pool table costume to wear, and almost everyone else was the colored balls! I happened to be the cue stick. We all had a good laugh! 

My friend with the new baby came over for Chinese food and a movie. It is so fun to see how much the baby has grown over the last eight weeks. It reminds me of how Lydia was once so little… she really enjoys holding the baby, too. 

Today, Lydia had a playdate with a friend. They went to a dance class and had fun! I cleaned the bathtub and paid some bills in peace. 😉 Later, we bought some Halloween candy for trick-or-treat and ran a couple of errands. It was a beautiful day to get outside!

**********

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, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #346

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 photos of Beech

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

This week was sweet and straightforward. We enjoyed Zoom with family and more baby snuggles. My work was fairly routine with a few highlights professionally.

I started working with two different cancer patients who are each contemplating the need for feeding tubes. I reviewed the ‘how and why,’ and gave them an idea of what to expect.  There were some similarities and differences, so I had to account for each nuance. I also am following a patient who has grown more malnourished over the last few months. I reached out to his doctor after performing an extensive micronutrient assessment on him. She agreed with me that he needs greater intervention than what he has been receiving. I hope they all improve soon, and I am glad I could advocate for my patients.

Lydia had a ‘fall break’ with three days off school. She went to the Y and enjoyed playing with some Kindergarteners. She’s one of the oldest kids there, but I am having her focus on her attitude and try to help others instead of complaining.

Today, Lydia woke up sick. She’s spent most of the day on the lounge chair, mostly sleeping. I did some of our normal Saturday chores, but otherwise, I just tried to be quiet so she could rest. We appreciate your prayers that she feels better tomorrow!

**********

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, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality, Wisdom

Sprinkles, Leaves, and Kindness

A couple of Sunday mornings ago, we were preparing for church when Lydia had an ‘accident’ in the kitchen. She was not hurt, but when she reached up into the cupboard for the cinnamon-sugar shaker for her toast. In a flash, Lydia touched a small condiment container full of tiny sprinkles, which immediately crashed out all over the counter, sink, and floor.

“Mo-ooooom!” Lydia yelled. She needed help.

I was still getting ready for the day but rushed out to see what happened. I was a bit angry when I saw sprinkles in every direction, but tried to stay calm and just started cleaning up.

It took about twenty minutes to move aside (and rewash) a few dishes on the drying rack, shake off a package of English muffins, and clean out the toaster. Yes, sprinkles were EVERYWHERE.  I found them on the stove, under the blender, in the sink, and on the floor.

Of course, this made us a little late to church, and honestly, I was still a little upset. I felt Lydia should have seen it coming and been more careful. Similar ‘accidents’ have happened in the last few weeks, where she drops something because she wasn’t paying attention.

But mostly, I was annoyed that I ‘always’ have to clean things up. A parent’s job never ends! Lydia helped, but I did the majority of the work because I could see more of the mess.

Now, Lydia is fairly conscientious, as am I. A touch of discipline usually goes a long way for her. Thus, I have to manage my emotions, so she doesn’t take them to heart. I can’t prevent all the world’s problems, but I can prevent her from taking on my anger or drama and turning it into fear. Been there, done that!

We talked about it on the drive to church because we needed to clear the air. I’m so glad we did because we had a good time worshipping God together!

Later that day, Lydia and I took went on our Autumn Adventure. I took a cute picture of her throwing up some leaves in the woods. It was like a ‘ticker tape parade,’ and I loved seeing the joy on her face. Then, we went to eat and had a fabulous time.

Now, I could have let the stress of the morning stop us from having fun. But, I extended grace to Lydia, and it made all the difference. In other news, I found more tiny sprinkles all throughout the week. 😉

Well, you may have heard the saying, “Throw kindness around like confetti.” To me, that implies an abundance of generosity and goodness toward others. It also implies celebration. But, I never thought about it in the context of parenting! 😉

Truthfully, kindness isn’t the same as being nice. It’s loving someone enough to tell them what they need to hear, or show them tough love.

So… last night, when I was writing this blog post, guess what I found in the kitchen. Yep, a solitary white sprinkle! This time, I just smiled and moved on.

**********

God, thanks for Your lovingkindness, which knows no bounds. You are always quick to forgive and extend us grace. Help us share Your love with everyone we meet; may kindness spread just like sprinkles… everywhere! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How can you ‘throw kindness around like confetti’ today?

Task: Here’s a simple double-check for you: Make sure all the lids are tight on all your pantry and refrigerator items. You’re welcome. 😉