Category: Wisdom

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

A “With Us” God

This week, I am praying and reflecting on the great losses of life and property in recent Texas floods. Natural disasters, like fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes, have also happened, though the Texas floods hit home because Lydia is at camp this week.

In the midst of tragedy, including wars, people tend to ask “Why didn’t God prevent this?” and Where is God in all of this?” I don’t have all the answers, but I have asked those same questions. I am absolutely sure He is right in it with us. He is Emmanuel, God with us, or as someone once said, He is a “with us” God.

God is outside of Time, but He’s right here, too. He can be everywhere all at once. There’s no place He’d rather be than with those He loves.

God is a loving Father who fights for His children. He, too, faced heartbreaking loss when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus could have shunned the cross, but He knew it was the only way. In fact, this was His redemptive plan from before the beginning of Time. So, I don’t know His purposes in Texas, but I know He understands and grieves with us.

Free Poland Castle photo and picture

God is our refuge and shield. He is a safe place, a hiding place. We can run to Him for protection. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. I imagine God holding and carrying the girls from Mystic Camp, along with so many others who were swept into the water. I am praying everyone is found.

God’s delay is not absence or apathy. His timing is just different, and His ways are higher than ours. He is sovereign over the good and bad. (He does not send bad things upon us, but uses them for our eventual good.) We can trust Him even when we can’t see how it all turns out.

Our Heavenly Father helps us deal with fear, and He comforts us in our grief. We, too, are called to mourn with those who mourn; we can pour out all our emotions to Jesus because He cares for us.

As sad as tragedies are, I cannot imagine facing them without Jesus because He is our only Hope. Every day, we are getting closer to when Jesus will come back. One could say things will continue to get worse before they get better…

Nonetheless, our main focus is to stay close to Jesus and keep our eyes on Him. Whatever you are facing today, lean into God’s love, mercy, and grace. He is faithful and good.

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Father God, thanks for being with us in the good and bad. Please be with those in Texas who are dealing with the aftermath of the flooding. Give them Your comfort and peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How do you reconcile life’s tragedies? Do you turn to Jesus or your own insights?

Task: Read Psalm 91. When the unfathomable occurs, bring everything to the Only One who can hold it all together and work it out for your good and His glory. It will take time, and you may never fully understand it, but He can handle all that concerns you.

 

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Wisdom

God of Justice

This week, I am thinking about God’s justice, and while I can understand it on some level, I don’t think I can do it… justice…. in a simple blog post. (Yes, I intend all my puns!)

Our human justice is relatively low-level compared to God’s. It is a good start, but imperfect. We can do our best, but it can be challenging to manage our biases. We have to be careful not to let our emotions or preconceived ideas get the best of us.

God’s Justice overflows from His character and is connected to His righteousness. He is Holy and always just. We humans can not fully grasp God’s justice. If we disagree with Him, it is not He who is at fault. His thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours!

I have been watching the news about Israel and Iran. While Israel is not perfect, they are God’s beloved people. He will always fight on their behalf. That does not necessarily mean we jump in to help, but we must pray for our leaders and about our next steps.

I believe Israel would have been attacked either way, as this has been a longstanding part of Iran’s history toward them. (Note: I am not referring to the native Persians; in fact, many Israelis are also Persian Jews.) So, to me, it seems the pre-emptive attack is “justified” to some degree. Whatever your opinion, my point is that it’s not always clear. There is much to consider and no easy solution. We are not privy to all the background details, so you and I can only judge based on the information we have. God alone knows each person’s heart and motivation. Whatever happens, He is still in control.

Personally, I have been an observer and a ‘sometimes advisor’ to a few people in a complex situation. I see and hear things that are so unfair, but there is little I can do about them. I am limited in my decision-making and coaching because I mostly see the situation from one viewpoint.

I have to continually check my heart because while I want justice, I kind of want the other side to feel a little pain. I want to shake some sense into them and make them bear the consequences of their actions!

Needless to say, justice can be complicated. This I know: God will not be mocked. We reap what we sow, so we cannot afford to be wise in our own eyes. We must seek and pursue God’s justice and wisdom. While our Heavenly Father defends those He loves, He also disciplines them when needed. None of us is off the hook. We all must give an account someday.

God is a God of Justice. I am His conduit, but He does not ‘need’ me to do His work. I get to humbly participate because I am part of His family. That said, I still need to let God be God and have the final word. Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You.”

I am so glad I am not God because making just decisions is tough. We can weigh the pros and cons and listen to wise advice. We can pray and negotiate. We can try to minimize negative consequences. In the end, we must trust God to do what is right and just. He has already given us Jesus, and His Spirit will give us the strength to endure. Only He is above reproach!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for fighting on our behalf. Thanks, also, for loving us too much to let us get away with poor behavior. May we be a faithful example of your justice, mercy, and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Did you know Israel is the size of New Jersey, and Iran is twice the size of Texas? Did you know Jewish people comprise only 0.2% of the World’s population?

Task: Memorize Micah 6:8. For more background information on Israel, check out these two (not super political) videos: History of Israel and Gaza   and   a conversation with Mike Huckabee.

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

Microwave Christians

I was reviewing some notes on my phone yesterday and found a few comments I saved for later. These were some things I discussed with my dad in February, when Lydia and I visited my parents one week before my mom died.

We were eating dinner one night at Cracker Barrel. We weren’t too hungry, but I wanted to make sure Dad had something good to eat. He was tired from weeks of being stretched, and we were trying to make sense of the situation. Over biscuits and cornbread, we talked about how we need to lean on God and trust Him during trials.

Dad mentioned how many Jesus followers are “microwave Christians” in that they have no patience and want life to go their way, right away. Ding! But we can’t get by just pressing buttons and hoping for the best. God calls us to go deeper with Him.

Free Marguerite Close Up photo and picture

Then, we compared other kitchen gadgets and how they take a long time to work, but accomplish much more satisfying results. A “pressure cooker Christian” develops an intensity during trials. It’s extreme but yields a tender heart, pliable for doing God’s work. A “rotisserie Christian” may face the same situation repeatedly, always coming back around. But, those trials also serve their purpose: a softened heart understands God’s grace and can nourish others in the Truth.

We could make other parallels, such as a “crockpot Christian” or an “oven-baked Christian.” Haha, maybe not! If anything, these are best seen as we marinate or stew in God’s goodness. In doing so, we let Him have His way in our lives, slowly and steadily waiting for Him.

Also, don’t get me started on a “deep-fat-fryer Christian!” As a Registered Dietitian, I’d recommend an air-fryer and using minimal oil, if any at all! 😉

Looking at this another way, we see that very few things in Nature happen quickly. Mammals tend to have a long gestation period before the baby is born. Flowers take days and weeks to grow leaves and stems before blooming. Trees grow only one ring each year. Good things take time!

Overall, we can see that in trials, we need to settle in for the long haul, becoming all God has for us. As Dad said, “How will you learn to wait upon the Lord, if you don’t ever have to wait upon the Lord? Or, how will you learn to persevere in faith, if your faith is never tested?”

We can’t run away or bypass trials. We can’t just push the “easy button.” With God’s help, we can bear up under the weight of our trials and choose to be cheerful in affliction…

Trials are a guaranteed part of life. Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) says, “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.“

I also love James 1:4-5 (NIV), which says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.“

Today, resist acting like a microwave Christian and settle into God’s mercy, grace, and provision. He is faithful and more than able to bring you through… until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19).

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God, thanks for being with us in trials. May we grow in perseverance, character, and hope so we can be mature in Christ, lacking nothing. May we yield to the Holy Spirit as He refines us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Which kitchen tool do you identify with the most, based on the explanation above? How can you trust God more as you face trials?

Tasks: Consider how your current circumstances are growing you and making you more like Jesus. Pray for wisdom and strength, and be prepared to dig deep!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Finding Grace #481

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 Pansy Purple photo and picture

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

This went so well, and it was all because of Jesus. On Monday, I had a heart-to-heart chat with Him and asked Him for help. He came through like He always does!

All week, I was swamped with work. I had many patients, but I also needed to catch up on charting from last week. I also had to complete my Monday and Tuesday notes before the long holiday. Plus, I had three competencies and quizzes to finish. I kept checking in with God and didn’t let myself get too stressed. I was calm and expectant and tried not to panic as the week went on! I raced to finish before my tour ended on Friday, and I finally clicked the last thing just as my shift was done. It was amazing, and I am so grateful!

Lydia finished seventh grade on Thursday! She also found out she was chosen to be in the chamber orchestra again next year. I am so proud of her hard work. She celebrated with a friend by going to dinner and then watching a baseball game.

I spent the evening mowing. It was a gorgeous day after several days of rain, so it was great to spend the time outside! I was proud of myself for getting it done ahead of the long weekend.

On Friday after work, Lydia went to hang out with another friend, so I went to Barnes and Noble for a coffee and to work on some continuing education. I like going there sometimes to focus. It is quiet, but it also minimizes distractions. I actually sit still and work since I don’t want to leave all my stuff unattended!

Today, we decided to do some cleaning. I enjoy being able to clean without rushing, so I listened to some podcasts and got lost in my dusting and organizing! Lydia did some laundry and cleaned her room. Tonight, we can relax a bit!

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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, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Straight to the Source

What has God been telling you this week? I’d love to know in the comments!

Sometimes, it is difficult to hear God if we are running around like crazy. I have removed many things from my schedule, but there are days when it is still challenging to find some quiet time to listen. If God has been telling me anything lately, it’s just to spend some quiet time with Him.

Now, I do have regular time with God, but sometimes I feel rushed or distracted. It is easy to feel overwhelmed with work, house maintenance, errands, and parenting. Even when everything is going really well, like it often is, there can still be a lot to do.

Free Lamp Oil Lamp photo and picture

On Sunday, our church’s sermon was about King David and how he was a man after God’s own heart. The question posed was this What kind of heart does God look for? A great question, right?!

That could be a whole different blog post, but the point was to bring your heart to God and be open about what He shows you. I already do this, but it made me think, maybe I needed a reset. After all, our hearts are deceitful and not reliable; yet in quietness and trust I can find strength. I cannot do life in my own strength!

So, this week, I said enough was enough. On Monday, I woke up early and literally just sat with God at my dining room table. I left my phone on the charger, determined not to touch it at all. That was key! I sang a couple of old, simple worship songs and told Him all that was on my heart.

I had a small case of the ‘Mondays’ and was already projecting everything that could go wrong this week. It’s not like me, normally, but I had a very full day at work and was a little worried about getting everything done. I went straight to God, my Source of life and Creator.

God’s Presence in my every moment is vital. In John 15, Jesus said He is the Vine, and I am the branch—not the other way around! We read that we must abide in Him, for without Him, we can do nothing. Our purpose is found in Jesus alone.

As my Provider, He knows exactly what I need. He is my Protector and can shed His light on my situation. I wonder how often He is just waiting to be asked!

On Monday, it took a while to feel at rest—and, dare I say, excited—about my day. But you know what? Soon, I had total peace. Nothing about my day had changed yet, but I was content to let God move as He saw fit or just give me His strength to get it all done.

The whole day was great, even easy! It was indeed super busy, but I was peaceful and joyful the whole day. I could reconnect with Jesus easily and prayed for the Holy Spirit’s help from time to time. God did have one patient move to someone else’s schedule, but it was because the Veteran never confirmed our time slot.

Things at home also went well, and I was able to tell Lydia all that God had done for me. It was a good example for her and a reset for me. Moving forward, it is also a timely (daily) reminder for me not to neglect or take this most important thing for granted!

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Father God, thanks for taking such good care of me. Thanks for calling me to just sit with You and walk with You each day. Help me not forsake this most treasured gift. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: So… what has God been telling you this week? Do you have a quiet place to sit with God and pour out your heart? What can you do to make sure you meet with Him?

Tasks: Get up at least fifteen minutes early to spend time with God before you do anything else. Do not touch your phone or anything that would distract you from His presence. See Proverbs 4:23.

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

When You Feel Like An Appendix

Have you been ‘feeling like an appendix’ lately? Yes, the little organ we don’t quite understand! There is still a lot of scientific debate about the role of the appendix in the body. Spiritually, the Church is called the Body of Christ, and the ‘mouth’ and ‘hands’ often get a lot more attention, unlike those working behind the scenes.

Feeling like an appendix is my description for how it feels when it seems no one gets me. 😅 I may refer to it when I feel a little lost or forgotten. You, too, may feel like a footnote or an unread supplement at the end of a book (another appendix!). But take heart. God notices. He has a good plan and purpose for you!

Free Bread Baked photo and picture

Next time you feel like an appendix, check out the end of 1 Chronicles 23, which explains the Levites’ duties. Verses 28-31 are below.

“The duty of the Levites was to help Aaron’s descendants in the service of the temple of the Lord: to be in charge of the courtyards, the side rooms, the purification of all sacred things and the performance of other duties at the house of God. 29 They were in charge of the bread set out on the table, the special flour for the grain offerings, the thin loaves made without yeast, the baking and the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. 30 They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening 31 and whenever burnt offerings were presented to the Lord on the Sabbaths, at the New Moon feasts and at the appointed festivals. They were to serve before the Lord regularly in the proper number and in the way prescribed for them.”

I have read (or skimmed?) these words before, but they stood out to me this time. I saw that basically, the Levites here, who helped their priestly relatives, were in charge of cleaning and baking for the Temple every day!

Sure, they also worshipped God, taught His word, and acted as guards, among other things, but many likely did rather mundane work. It was not always exciting or glamorous, but they were called and set apart for sacred things. It truly must have been an honor, but also a little boring sometimes. Still, their work was important and would have been missed if they stopped.

In fact, without the daily routines of cleaning and baking, the Temple sacrifices would not run smoothly, which would affect the entire nation’s worship and relationship with God!

I find reading about the Levites’ work fascinating and even a little freeing. Surely, God noticed their work, and He notices yours and mine. That said, it is good for me to exhibit humility regardless of my actions. This has been described as not thinking less of myself, but thinking of myself less! It’s not all about me!

Today, you might feel like an appendix or an afterthought, overlooked and underwhelmed. You might be tasked with childcare, caring for elderly parents, making meals, mowing the lawn, paying bills, meeting deadlines, etc., not to mention keeping up with other commitments outside the home. 

Yet, we can humbly and cheerfully do our best and find joy in our tasks, knowing it all matters. God notices and loves you dearly! Indeed, we should work not for human praise, but to please Him. He is the One who calls us, sets us apart, and makes all things right.

So, let’s worship and serve God wholeheartedly and with joy. Our efforts sometimes feel thankless, but we can’t live by our feelings. God will reward your faithfulness one day. Don’t give up!

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God, thanks for Your love and grace! Thanks for seeing me and calling me to serve You. Help me not get stuck in self-pity. Help me do my best and keep moving forward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: When did you last feel like an ‘appendix’? What did you do about it?

Tasks: Read more about the Levites and know you are not alone. Set realistic expectations and adjust your attitude, if needed. Give it all to God, and remember… His calling and purpose for your life are good!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer, Travel, Wisdom, Worship

Trusting When We Cannot See

This season is full of opportunities to trust God. Often, we have to make a decision when we don’t know the full picture of what He is doing. It seems God asks us to trust Him at a new level every so often (if not daily). Yet, we don’t have to lay aside our questions or logic. Trusting God does not mean ‘blind faith.’ We may not fully see what He is doing, but we can see that He has a good track record!

We can trust everything He does. Even when we can’t quite see the full picture in our own lives, we can trace His faithfulness through Scripture. The main thing is not to get stuck on our questions or logic… in order to trust, we still have to take action!

Free Building Porch photo and picture

“When you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart.” — Emily P. Freeman

I came across this quote again recently, and it struck me a little differently than before. Previously, I focused on the word hand in terms of a physical body part. This time, however, I thought of a deck of cards, where hands are dealt. Depending on the game played, we may not see all the cards at once! God does not play games with our hearts, and we can trust His. 

God also doesn’t ask us to trust Him for no reason. He loves us and has the best things in store for us. As we see in Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), “…we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We just have to walk them out. 

God continually shows me His faithfulness. Yesterday marked two months since my mom finished her race and entered Heaven. It has been difficult, but I am grateful that people are still encouraging us, especially my dad. Thank you!!

Free Door Building photo and picture

Lydia is going on a school trip to Washington, DC, next week, and although it was my idea to send her, I need to trust God for her safety, health, provision, etc. I know she will have a great time and will make many memories as she spreads her wings. Thankfully, she already has experience traveling and being apart from me, thanks to summer camp the last few years.

I am also trusting God with summer plans and some opportunities in the fall. Remember, I am a planner and like to get my ducks in a row! But, sometimes, I just have to wait and have faith. In time, I will know more details. God always provides them on time, though in my humanity, I like to know early! 🙂

This season, I am reminded of how God cares for all His birds. I have woken up to the robins, sparrows, purple house finches, and others singing their songs of praise. I have seen a Northern Flicker grace my yard for a few minutes, too. If they can trust God to provide for them amid the uncertain rain, wind, and various temperatures, then I can too!

While waiting for God, I can worship and keep praying for wisdom and discernment. I can take the first step without worrying about making a mistake. I can rest knowing He will redirect me as needed. I can even “borrow faith” from someone else’s journey until mine strengthens!

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God, thanks for all Your loving care and provision. You are so good to me. Help me trust You more, even in uncertain times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Where are you in your faith journey? How can you trust God and keep moving forward?

Task: Listen to the song, “Sparrows,” by Cory Asbury. Think about how much God loves you and takes care of you!

Posted on in Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

From Passover to Easter

I have been learning a lot about Passover and Easter lately! This year, Passover was last Saturday (4/12), and Easter is this coming Sunday (4/20). Perhaps they are on my radar because Season 5 of The Chosen is all about Holy Week and the Last Supper. For me, the hope we find in Jesus’ resurrection is especially poignant amid grief.

I’ve found many helpful videos providing insights into the first-century Jewish culture and the elements of the seder dinner. It is fascinating! The Last Supper, as we call it today, was the first and only mention in Scripture of how the annual Passover seder was held, outside the actual Exodus from Egypt.

Recently, I watched a Bible Project lesson on the meaning of the word Hebrew ‘pesakh.’ Surprisingly, it does not refer to ‘passing over’ but rather to a protective covering (like a mother hen). So, yes, during the Exodus, the Angel of Death passed over the houses containing the blood of the lamb, but God also hovered over them with His fierce protection. Additionally, He gave the Israelites specific instructions on what and how to eat so they would be ready to leave Egypt at a moment’s notice!

The word seder means ‘order,’ and each of the fifteen components is important. The Haggadah is a liturgical text retelling the Exodus from Egypt. For brevity, I will review a few key points that have stood out to me and post some videos that explain more at the end.

There are four cups of wine during a seder dinner based on four promises of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-7. First is the cup of sanctification, being set apart for God’s purposes. Then, the cup of judgment recalls the Egyptian plagues, and the cup of redemption, the sacrificed lamb and its blood. Lastly, the cup of hallel has to do with praise (as in hallelujah). Certain foods and songs coincide with each stage of the meal.

Jesus instituted His new covenant with the third cup. He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! He reframed each part of the meal and showed His disciples how each part pointed to Him. Though, they didn’t fully understand it until after Jesus died and rose again!

Free christianity communion passover illustration

When Jesus broke bread with the Disciples, He used unleavened bread. This was not just a pita! Matzoh has stripes and is pierced with holes, foreshadowing how Jesus was tortured. Somewhere along the way, another tradition began with putting three matzoh in a cloth bag. The middle one is broken and hidden for children to find at the end of the meal for a prize. The word for this is borrowed from Greek, ‘afikoman,’ meaning “I have come” or “I am coming.” Jewish scholars have various ideas about this, but it makes the most sense that it represents Jesus. He is the second part of the Trinity, and His body was broken, buried (hidden), and brought back. Wow!

As modern Christians, we miss a lot of the meaning found in the seder meal. I attended one many years ago but now would like to revisit it someday! While in some ways, our Communion is like a mini seder, we can see Jesus in every part of the meal. God is so good to help us remember and look for Him along the way!

We can’t really have the Easter Resurrection without Passover. Some years, the calendars are linked closer together, but both are intricately connected. I’m so grateful for the hope we have in Jesus. Learning about His life and culture makes me love Him even more!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for the love, mercy, grace, peace, and new life we can access through Christ Jesus. May we live worthy of His sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever experienced a seder meal? What connections do you see between Passover and Easter? (I only covered a handful!)

Tasks: Check out these amazing videos about Passover/Pesakh: Bible Project; One for Israel; and So Be It!  You can also learn about the Feast of Unleavened Bread and First Fruits, which occurred on the day of Jesus’ resurrection!

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

Numbering Our Days

As I read through the Bible again this year, I am learning a lot! There are always new things each time you go through a passage. Once again, I am participating in Read Thru the Word. There are about three ladies who post online lessons for us to review.

I’m about a week behind since I took a break when my mom died. I will catch up soon, as I tend to listen to a couple of lessons in a day (and often get ahead!). Either way, I was struck by the connection between Deuteronomy and Psalm 90.

One of the teachers, Lisa, mentioned that an estimated two million Israelites left Egypt in the Exodus. This may or may not have included women and children. Later, Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan to scout it out and bring back a report. To recap, ten of the twelve spies let fear shape their views, leading to the whole nation wandering in the desert for forty years. Every person over twenty years old, except the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, died before reaching the Promised Land.

Free Desert Sand photo and picture

Mathwise, 2,000,000 people divided by 40 years is an average of 50,000 people dying a year, or around 960 people a week, or about 137 people a day. Now, I have been to three funerals or celebrations of life in the last year. Regardless of the numbers, thinking this would have been the new normal in the desert is mind-blowing. What sorrow!

Interestingly, years later, when the Israelites finally enter Canaan, they spend seven years trying to conquer it. After that, they fulfilled their promise to Joseph (one of the sons of Jacob/Israel) to bury his bones in the historic family plot. Just so we are on the same page, that means they carried his bones around for ~47 years! Sadly, they were more committed to the bones than to God.

In Deuteronomy 29:5, Moses reminds the people that God provided for them the entire time they were in the wilderness. They lacked nothing, and their clothes and sandals did not wear out. God provided water, manna, and quail, too.

Free Desert Rock Formations photo and picture

Also, before he died, Moses also may have written Psalm 90 about this experience. If so, it gives a lot of insight into the ‘wilderness wandering’! Check out verses 3-12 below!

“You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals.’ A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The last phrase, “teach us to number our days,” is pertinent in light of grief. It is important to remember we are just a vapor but God is eternal. All we have is in Him. For those of us who have received God’s forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer under His wrath. God is with us and for us.

God has a purpose and plan for us, but we don’t need to rush into anything. In our grief, God will walk with us and sit with us when we need it. We don’t know the actual number of our days, but there is grace in not having to know all the details. Numbering our days works best when we go at His pace and trust Him to lead us. Keep moving forward!

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God, thanks for all the ways You take care of us. Whether we have abundance or are going through the wilderness, You are faithful and true. Heal our hearts and help us trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What are you reading in God’s Word right now?

Task: For different perspectives on how many Israelites may have been rescued out of Egypt, read these two articles from gotquestions.org and The Gospel Coalition.

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom, Words

The Heart of the Matter

The week before she died, Lydia and I visited Mom and Dad in Florida. I’ll be forever grateful to the Lord for those four days together. One day, in a brief moment of reflection, Mom mentioned how each of her kids is like her in certain ways.

Her words felt somewhat like a blessing, so I committed them to memory: Mom looked at me and said, “Livi, is bold and strong, but kind. Patrick, he’s got my sense of humor. Now, Micah is the most like me. Not much gets in his way. But you, you have my heart.”

It is cool to see how my parents’ traits are spread across each of us. We all love learning and are uniquely creative. We all rise to the occasion and use our strengths to help people. Let me explain… I’m the second oldest, but I’ll write about myself last.

To start, the picture above is one of my favorites. It was taken right before Dave and I (right) moved to Fargo in 2010. We were so young, lol! Up top is Patrick, then Olivia, and Micah, next to me.

Olivia is the firstborn and a great leader. Livi always went before us and prepared the way. Even now, she can pull the ‘big sister’ card, and we all fall in line. She also didn’t balk too much when I tagged along. She has always been gracious and patient with me!

Coming in third, Patrick is so funny. He clearly has my mom’s quick wit and way with words. Pat is full of one-liners and movie quotes. Pat is super smart but humble. He can be serious and deep, but we all appreciate his lighthearted joy. 

My youngest brother, Micah, has the best mix of Mom’s fire and Dad’s drive. As a classic strong-willed child, he most certainly required the most discipline—perhaps more than the three of us older kids combined! Yet, this has served him well, as he is very responsible, playful, and a good friend. I love seeing how God has matured Micah over time.

I am perhaps Mom and Dad’s most compliant one on the surface. Cheerful, quiet, and patient, I’m go-with-the-flow… more cerebral, like Dad. However, internally, I can also be equally stubborn and “particular.” I want to do what is right and will stand on principle! As a child, I was fairly emotional, but I learned to hide my feelings at times. Somehow, I thought showing emotions was a weakness, and I did not fully realize the error until years later when God went to war against all my fears.

Through my grief journey, Mom was impressed by my resilience. Our weaknesses can become great strengths if we let God work in our lives. In my case, I dug deep and clung to Jesus as He remade me! During this time, He graciously showed Mom and me some problems in understanding each other. Our differences were getting the best of us.

God challenged us to get to the heart of the matter. Moving past our annoyances and personality quirks, we soon discovered that we shared the same passion for those in need! Our hearts were one regarding compassion and serving others. We might go about doing things differently, but we often arrived at the same conclusions! Isn’t God good?!

Mom was always quick to tell us how proud she was of us. In the same way, make sure you tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them. Spend time together and challenge each other to grow. Focus on the good, and don’t take your time for granted.

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Father God, thanks for all Your blessings. Thanks for challenging us and infusing our weaknesses with Your strength. Give us wisdom and courage as we share Your heart with the World. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you more like your mom or your dad… Or, are you a really good blend of their traits? How do you resolve conflicts with others who are different than you?

Tasks: Listen to this song. Thank God for His blessings and favor!