Category: Worship

Posted on in Food and Nutrition, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Don’t Just Settle for Snacks

Ahh, the holidays! A wonderful time of the year, full of snacks and treats! I have already received some delicious Christmas treats, both at my door and through the mail!

As a Registered Dietitian, I always recommend eating regular meals to my clients and patients. Yet, many people eat only one or two meals per day. Or, they eat in front of the television or while distracted. Then, they snack late into the night. Their whole day can be thrown off by poor habits and not eating well.

No judgment here… this happens to all of us from time to time. It is so common! As it is, many people need to rely snacks to reach their unique health goals.

Some people want to manage chronic diseases, like diabetes or kidney failure. Others want to lose weight or have more energy. Snacks can help some people achieve their goals. Even so, if they are not careful, too many snacks can hinder their progress!

If someone fills up on snacks all day, they may not be hungry for a meal. Or, if they do eat regular meals, too many snacks can still add up in calories.

Keeping a food journal could be helpful to track the trends, eating on real plates with real forks or spoons, or maybe just paying attention to natural hunger cues will help.

Some people mistake treats for snacks. I love treats, too, but the difference is snacks are ideally foods to fill in the nutritional gaps between meals. For instance, fresh vegetables and hummus, or yogurt with berries, or a few small pieces of cheese and crackers, or an apple with peanut butter.

Treats, on the other hand, are just that… treats. Not meant for every day, but rather a special occasion. Treats are “sometimes foods.” If one’s daily food intake allows for extra calories, perhaps they can squeeze in a couple of treats. Yum! But most of the time, we should be choosing snacks over treats.

If it’s your birthday, go for it! Celebrate your birthday. But, if your birthday happens five days a week, that’s becoming a habit. The things we do everyday have the most impact.

At the end of the day, it is important to have balance.

Spiritually, we can also load up on too many snacks instead of a meal. We can settle for little tidbits of Scripture or songs on the radio, without really chewing on God’s word. This is especially true when we are stressed or running around with too much activity.

Some days, I’m just as guilty as the next person. In our fast paced world, we need to be intentional with our time. Otherwise, we might miss Jesus altogether!

Let’s take time to ‘set the table,’ be still and focus on God. Then, and only then, will we have the strength to do all else that’s needed. But we can’t skip first things first. Jesus!

This season, take time to really feast on all of God’s goodness and grace. Read the Bible with a fresh perspective. Sit awhile with Jesus or take a walk with just Him.

Don’t settle for just snacks!

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Lord, may we hunger and thirst for Righteousness. You are the Giver of all good things. Everything we need is in You! Fill our lives with more of You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you like snacks in addition to your meals? What’s your favorite snack and/or holiday treat?

Tasks: Set aside fifteen minutes (to start) to read God’s Word each day. Lay aside your electronics and sit in peace. For the Christmas story, read Luke Chapter 2.

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Paper Chains and Peace

You’ve probably heard the saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change.” Just about everything cycles back around, including emotions, birthdays, and holidays. There are seasons of much and seasons of little.

There are days we can’t get enough of something, and there are days we get tired of the very same thing! Excitement gets balanced by apathy, as the newness wears and off, and becomes, well, old. But, like most things, soon we start the cycle again.

As we start December, I am grateful. I’m praising God that when everything else changes, He remains the same. Jesus is our one constant in amid chaos and change.

Whether I am having an awesome day or a less-than-stellar day, He is there. When I feel on top of my to-do list, or when I can’t even find my to-do list, Jesus is my guide.

As we head into the Christmas season, remember you don’t have to have it all together. Grief can be particularly difficult during the holidays. It’s okay not to be okay. Especially this year!

But, when darkness presses in, cling to Jesus, the Light of the World. 

Also, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Certain traditions can take a break if needed. If that happens, perhaps even some new memories will be made!

Maybe, like me, you are keeping the decorations simple. Going through a pile of memories and ornaments isn’t always helpful, so this year, we opted for a red, white, and green paper chain while watching Home Alone. We may still add a few ornaments, when we get the time, but I am giving myself the grace to just see what happens. No pressure.

For anyone struggling this season, it’s okay to feel how you feel. Just remember to take it to Jesus. He loves you more than you can understand, and He knows exactly what you need. That’s why He came… to save us and help us. He is our Living Hope!

I’m grateful that Christmas is not about the decorations, gifts, or even the wonderful Christmas music. It’s about God seeing our pain and suffering and sadness, and then doing what only He could do to bring peace, healing, comfort and joy… for good.

Christmas is all about Jesus; some people will understand that this year more than ever. There are many beautiful aspects of the season, but let’s keep it simple and focus on Jesus. Just like the song, O Holy Night, says, “fall on your knees” and worship Him!

Only He can make all things right in due time.

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God, thank you for Jesus and all He is to us! Thank you that He came to save us, something we could never do on our own. Lord, You are so good. Help us glorify you in all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you already started decorating for Christmas? Are you planning to keep all your special traditions this year… or switch it up?

Tasks: I challenge you to rethink your traditions and why you do them. Do they honor God and family, or are they really just a distraction? Pick your best options and consider letting go of the rest (at least for this year).

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

Special Days Are Still Difficult

As I previously mentioned, Lydia’s 9th birthday was last weekend! We had a fun day together, as you might expect. But, as the evening wore on and bedtime grew close, Lydia started feeling sad.

Perhaps she was already feeling sad, but she didn’t say anything earlier in the day. We were watching “Jingle Jangle” on Netflix, and I thought everything was going well. But toward the end of the show, Lydia started softly crying.

She said the show was sad, although I hadn’t noticed anything overly sad about it. It could have been the fact that it was growing late, or maybe it was just coming down after a high point (celebrating her birthday). Either way, I still needed to help her understand and deal with her emotions.

I silently prayed for help and asked Lydia to share what was on her mind. She couldn’t quite express her thoughts, so I asked a few questions to get her talking. She missed her dad, my late husband, Dave.

Soon, I remembered I had some of Dave’s clothes, saved for this very reason. Around seven years ago, I had packaged up a medium-sized box of his favorite shirts and a pair of jeans, so Lydia could one day understand more about how tall he was and his interests.

I asked Lydia if she wanted to see the clothes, and naturally, she said yes. Going through the box was bittersweet… and, I had to explain what that word means. Each piece of clothing brought back specific memories with Dave or reminded me who he was.

To me, the saddest part of all is that Lydia doesn’t have memories of Dave. She just has his clothes, his pictures, and other people’s memories. Nonetheless, I validated Lydia’s emotions and acknowledged that it was normal to feel sad, angry, or even a sense of unfairness. As she grows, so does her grief.

I offered to wash her Daddy’s clothes so she could hold them close. Just about every week, she wears her Caterpillar sweatshirt and a couple of t-shirts honoring Dave. She quickly asked if she could wear them around the house or to sleep in some of them. Sure!

I started a load of laundry, never thinking I would wash those items again… Then, I coached Lydia how to handle those difficult emotions.

I explained that some people want to run away from their emotions or numb the pain in various ways. But that doesn’t really take care of the problem, it just prolongs it.

I encouraged Lydia to do the following. We can:

  1. Draw near to God, asking Him to help us through the pain. We can tell Jesus all about it. He understands and knows exactly what we need.
  2. Share our pain with someone trustworthy. Our feelings are not the only thing, but they still are valid. Not everyone will understand, but find someone who will let you cry it out, if needed, and who won’t just tell you to get over it.
  3. Sit with the pain, as long as needed. Just let it be. Try to get to the root of the problem to understand how to deal with it appropriately.
  4. Then, find someone else you can help with the lessons you learned. Be gentle and don’t assume that everyone wants to be helped. Trust God to use your pain to bring comfort and peace where it is needed most.

Lydia and I sat on the couch for quite awhile, maybe an hour. My legs were falling asleep, as she was snuggled on my lap. It was well past bedtime when I finally turned out her light. Parents want to shield their children from pain, but there are still some situations where that’s not possible.

The next day, I gave Dave’s clean clothes to Lydia. She embraced them and took them straight to her room. She picked out the largest sweatshirt she could find and wore it the rest of the day. She even slept in it and said she had the best sleep ever. Thank You, Jesus!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and that will look dramatically different for many of us. For me and Lydia, it’s par for the course. We’ve had seven years to adjust, but then again, we’ve been adjusting for seven years! Special days are still difficult at times.

This year, people around the world are missing their loved ones who either passed from COVID or who are socially distancing to protect themselves or others. I’m so sorry.

In the struggle, remember it’s normal to feel how you feel. Let it out and deal with it in healthy ways. Pray, journal, call your loved ones, take a nap, go for a walk, etc.

Also please remember you are loved. You are not alone. We are in this together, and God is here with us. Despite all we have lost, we still have so much to be thankful for.

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God, thanks for always being there for us, in the good times and bad. Thank you we can draw near to You at any time of day, no matter how we are feeling. Please be with each of us, and wrap us in Your love and grace. Help us keep our eyes on You, not our circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you altering your plans this holiday season? What is your favorite tradition, and can you put a new spin on it? What are you most thankful for this year?

Tasks: Make a gratitude list, or write down what is going well. Be on the lookout for ways you can encourage others. You might be surprised how God uses your pain to help someone else!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Supreme

NOTE: I started this post before the election, so I could watch the results roll in on election night… and, I wanted to minimize my own biases.

While this is not political blog, I do value the right to vote. I appreciate all the women who fought for me to choose our government leaders. I don’t take that lightly.

However, regardless of the outcome, the final results are only one part to consider. The results carry a whole lot of impact, but they are not the end-all-be-all.

That’s because our eyes are on Jesus. He is not swayed by American politics, or any others, for that matter. He is not impressed by catchy campaign slogans or snappy comebacks. He does not rely on our (sometimes misguided) choices to inform His will.

He is above it all, and He reigns SUPREME.

It seems every four years, or perhaps every two years (midterms), people get all worked up. They get mad, and many make fools of themselves. What happened to civil discourse and agreeing to disagree, while still being friends?

Then, we readjust and life goes on. Of course, that may change from one decade or generation to another… but for better or worse, true change takes time.

It still comes down to individuals doing what is right and good, not strict government mandates. This requires each of us to stand in the gap and look out for each other.

You know, be kind to each other and consider others before ourselves…

If you are overly anxious about the election results thus far, perhaps it’s time to take a break. Yes, we can pray and vote our conscience, but we only have one vote. 

Don’t carry a burden that’s not meant for you. Do what you can, but then, let God be God.

Like many people, I look forward to watching the results. It’s easy to be on edge as things progress, especially if there are surprises! But, no matter how you voted, it’s a new day.

If our country is going to experience healing and move forward, we have to put our differences behind us. Let go of any bitterness or animosity.

Each of our choices matter, but we don’t have to wait another four years to get involved. Be the change. Join a campaign. Volunteer at a local shelter or run a food drive. 

At the end of the day, we are all works in progress. So, let’s give God credit and know He has a plan for us and America. He is always faithful and will not forget about us.

In God we trust!

What happens in the next four years is not a surprise to God. And, we don’t have to have all the answers to walk by faith. God is still on His throne, and He is always good!

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God, we praise You! You are not surprised nor swayed by politics, yet You place leaders in charge. Then, You guide those who are willing. Lord, we need revival! Turn the heart of our nation to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you enjoy watching the election night results come in?

Tasks: Regardless of who wins the election, keep the bigger picture in mind. Be kind, pray, and get involved. Check out these Bible verses: Isaiah 9:6; Romans 13:1.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Even More Special

When I was little, we would often get seasonal candy, such as Hershey’s kisses or chocolates with decorative wrappers. Like many families, we enjoyed pastel colors for Easter, orange/brown/red for fall or Halloween, green/red for Christmas, pink/red/silver for Valentine’s day, etc.

My favorite was either Reese’s peanut butter cups or Special Dark Hershey’s miniatures. They still are at the top of my list, along with various types of Hershey kisses!

The miniatures typically came in a bag with other items, like Krackel and Mr. Goodbar. My mom would always save the Special Dark pieces for me since I was the only one who enjoyed them. She still does!

Recently, I bought my own giant bar of Special Dark chocolate. It’s hard to pass up a good sale! 🙂 As I was reviewing the nutrition information on the back of the wrapper, I noticed something I have never seen before.

There was a little note that mentioned the Milton Hershey School (MHS), which was founded in 1909. Apparently, the school has helped educate over 10,000 children in need.

I have never heard of this school before, so I looked it up online. It’s amazing!

It gives lower income children an opportunity to get ahead at no-cost to the families. In essence, it is like a boarding school that provides K-12 education, meals, clothing, non-denominational religious training, sports, healthcare, counseling, and other cares.

Some students are from the local area, and others come from several states away. Each of them receives high quality education and care, as well as structure and tools to succeed in life. Wow!

But, what’s more interesting is that the costs are paid primarily through a trust set up by Milton and Catherine Hershey. I don’t know all the details, but what struck me the most was the vision for the school and the means to keep it running for over one hundred years.

I couldn’t find any sort of evidence of  fundraising or donations, but that may also occur. Plus, it appears buying more chocolate is another way to support the school! 😉

Perhaps MHS is well-known locally in Pennsylvania, and at times, publicity can be a good thing. But, I appreciate that this organization has been quietly doing good and making a difference for all these years without drawing attention to itself.

The Milton Hershey School is a wonderful example of how we can use our gifts, tools, and resources to bless others. With the current cultural and political shifts we are facing, it is refreshing to find an organization who continues to do the right thing, for the right reasons.

I’m grateful for how much God has blessed me, and it doesn’t take much to bless others. Just a little planning ahead can make a big difference for someone in the future.

The holidays are just around the corner. This season, I will be thinking of ways to bless those in need. I hope you will too. It may be as simple as buying some chocolate to share, or perhaps it means setting up something with more longevity.

Let God lead you, and then, whatever you do will be even more special!

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God, thanks for all the ways You bless us. Thanks for letting us partner with You to serve others. Open our eyes so we can see more ways to bless others with Your abundant grace and goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What holiday treat is your favorite? Have you started to buy holiday candy yet?How can you use your gifts to bless someone else today?

Tasks: As a registered dietitian, I’d remind you to be wise… but also enjoy God’s goodness through celebrating. In other words, buy some chocolate and enjoy it!

 

 

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

A Time for Healing

Sometimes God brings things full circle when we least expect it…

To start, the last gift I ever received from Dave was a gift certificate for Mother’s Day to a local massage place. I had been having a lot of neck and shoulder pain, and massage generally seemed to help. Plus, it was nice to be pampered!

Back in 2013, when I finally used the gift certificate, I burst into tears as soon as the massage therapist started. She stopped and asked me if I was okay. I explained that my husband had recently died and this massage was reminding me of him. She was very understanding and spoke comforting words to me.

Honestly, I have had noticeable back, shoulder, and neck pain for many years, noticable even in college around the time Dave and I met (in 2000). This is probably related to walking to campus every day with too many heavy books in my backpack! Perhaps, I did not focus on proper posture or prioritize self-care amid other daily life stresses… I just accepted the pain as normal for so many years.

While my pain may not be as bad as someone else’s pain, it has hindered my choice to be as active as I would like. I have gone “easy” when exercising, in order to not make the pain worse. The pain has been building over time, and I haven’t wanted to push myself.

Flash forward through many massages, yoga, chiropractic care, a new mattress, several new pillows, and various contraptions to “help” my pain in the 7.5 years since Dave died… I have spent a fair amount of money trying to find the missing link in becoming well again!

Well, I recently found ‘one more thing’ that promised to build shoulder strength. It seemed fairly simple and only takes a few minutes. By focusing on several muscles, it helps cover any other weak or torn areas. The tool is called ROTATOReliever (not an affiliate), and I figured the money-back guarantee was worth me trying it.

To my great relief, my pain has been nearly eliminated!

I can now sit up fully straight with no issues, other than if I sleep funny or start to slouch or am at my computer for a long time. I have been amazed to have long periods of no pain at all. I’m pinching myself, and wondering if it will last. I am also doing more exercises and challenging myself more.

I am still being careful, to some degree because I don’t want to blow my success! I will certainly keep up with these new habits to maintain being pain-free, but at this point, I am calling it a win. I have been praying for healing all these years!

Then, to bring it back around, this week, I was off from work on Monday. I decided to use up what remained of another massage gift certificate (from my birthday). My massage therapist is moving to a new location, so I wanted to use it up before she leaves.

I did not expect things to come full circle, but this time, she was the emotional one. She said she was nervous to open her own business, and I did my best to encourage her. I really appreciate this massage therapist’s approach to body work, and I will likely follow her to her new practice.

But, throughout the massage, I kept bracing myself for the usual pain. I kept waiting for the first twinge, but then I noticed something. I had no pain at all! This was a first for me, and it caught me by surprise and made me praise God! What a breakthrough to have little to no pain! Not only that, but I was also able to encourage someone who comforted me when I really needed it before.

Sometimes, God brings immediate, miraculous healing. But, most often, healing takes time. Changing our habits takes effort, as there are many layers to growth! Success is not just from one tool, but from many positive changes all adding up. And still at other times, He takes us to Heaven for a more complete healing. No matter how he does it, He is faithful.

Whatever season you find yourself in, remember to trust God. He is with you and for you; He will make all things right in His time. Nothing surprises God, and nothing is impossible for Him. Perhaps He wants to use you (and your joy or pain) to bless someone else. Either way, He’s got your covered with His grace!

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God, thanks for Your healing touch! Thanks for not only restoring my heart and body, but also for letting me encourage others. Help me extend Your grace to others so they may experience Your goodness, too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What life season do you find yourself in? Are you content or not? Do you have more joy or more pain? Are there any changes you can make? How can you turn the situation over to God?

Tasks: Read Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. Time does not heal all wounds, but God can and does. Trust Him!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Not So Different

On Sunday, one of my African friends came over to hang out. We had a great time sharing a meal, talking about food, clothes, shopping, church, work, and family. Then, we played games with Lydia. Our usual.

My friend complimented me on a new houseplant. I laughed and told her it was fake. These days, I don’t have much time to devote to real houseplants, though I do enjoy them!

She then told me that some of her houseplants found homes with other friends because she always kills them. Apparently, her other friends were quick to tell her she doesn’t have a green thumb. How ironic other cultures have similar nuances!

My friend often gives me updates about her other international friends. For example, one of her Middle Eastern friends had twin boys earlier this year. I have not met the babies since the family moved out of state recently.

So, on Sunday, we watched a video of the mother talking to her seven-month-old boys. They were so cute, and I could really see their personalities coming through.

It was fun listening to the mother’s language, and it made me happy the boys will grow up knowing her language first and English second. It is good they will learn about her culture and their heritage, as well.

To my surprise, I could understand the gist of what the mother was saying. Well more or less! I could not understand her exact words, of course, but I could understand her tone of voice. Every mother I know says the same things to her precious baby!

It seems she was saying how big and how strong and cute they were. One of the twins was moving his arms and legs like a choo-choo train and she mimicked those sounds.

It happens all over the world. You probably know exactly what I am talking about!

Years ago, when I was pregnant with Lydia, some people visiting from Singapore were trying to guess my baby’s gender. They had a whole set of old wives tales they were relying on to make their decision! The same ideas exist in other cultures, too!

Even further back, I once traveled to Sweden to visit some friends and still remember with exact enunciation the phrases, “Kan du klappa? Kan du vinka?” which means “Can you clap? Can you wave?” There was a baby boy and his family kept excitedly asking him to show me.

As I sat and talked with my friend on Sunday, I was reminded that our similarities outweigh our differences. We have very different hair, skin, cultures, backgrounds, and preferences, but we both love Jesus. And, God brought both of us to North Dakota!

Over the years, we have both helped each other problem solve. We have learned a ton from each other and are better off for it. In the end, we are really not so different.

There is so much going on in our world right now. I hope each of us can remember to set aside our preferences and enjoy each person for who they are. We can celebrate our differences and rejoice in our similarities. It really doesn’t matter, just treat each other well.

Each person you see is loved by God. Each person represents a part of His character and creativity. Think about that for a minute. All of that diversity within each of us shows you just how vast God is. We cannot put Him in a box or contain Him!

We need each person’s contribution; none of us is better than the other. If you sit down and share food and conversation, perhaps you’ll learn just how much you have in common! Everyone feels the need to belong. For those of us who know Jesus, we are family.

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God, thank You for creating so many different kinds of people. It shows us how wonderful You are, to think up so many special characteristics. Help us love each other well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Which do you typically notice first, someone’s differences or similarities to you?

Tasks: As you go about your week, see if you can notice any similarities across cultures. We all laugh, enjoy selfies, like to celebrate, tell jokes, eat fruit, kiss our babies, value hard work, have bad days, become sad, etc. In the end, we are not so different!

Posted on in Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Prayer, Worship

The Same Power

Some weeks are smooth sailing, while others feel chaotic right from the start. Usually, most things go well enough, but there are days when it is difficult to stay on top of everything. This started out as one of those weeks! 🙂

I usually prefer to have at least a basic idea of what needs done when, but this week, I feel like I am still catching up. Periodically I have the nagging sense that I am forgetting something. I probably just need more sleep!

On Monday, I received three emails from students in my nutrition class, while at my other job. They were confused about what needed to be done. The students had misread the syllabus, so there was no real problem, but it was something I needed to address sooner rather than later.

Then, after work and daycare, I picked Lydia up. We made it home and were preparing for dinner before we needed to leave for an evening activity. We had enough time, so I decided to get a head start on the birthday treat I was going to make for someone at work.

That’s when I questioned if the treat I had planned was a good idea afterall. This person has a food allergy, and even though I planned ahead, I decided to buy something instead just to be safe. So, Lydia and I raced across town to visit a special bakery to by some allergen-friendly cookies before they closed. We just made it!

We had just enough time at home for a quick supper before the evening activity, a class for Lydia. She had a great time and was super chatty afterward. She wanted to play a game with me and kept on talking. She shared her heart on several topics indeed!

While I was listening to Lydia recap her day, I realized if I hadn’t bought the special cookies, I would have missed the quality time with her. She was so excited after her class, and it felt like a priceless opportunity. Someday, that may change, so I am soaking them up!

All of Monday’s events felt stressful at first glance. I really was just focused on getting through the next couple of days. But, when my plans failed, God reminded me His ways are better. He even gave me time with Lydia in the evening that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Tuesday also turned out differently than planned, but this time, I just rolled with it. I prayed for God’s help, and He blessed my day. I didn’t accomplish everything on my list, but I did my best and had peace about it. His grace is sufficient!

18 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”– Ephesians 1:18-23, NIV

I’m so glad we don’t have do life solo or in our own strength. Our success in life does not depend entirely upon what us! Sure, we each have to do our part, but we can rely on Almighty God. He is the One we live for, and His Spirit is ready to helps us. (Zechariah 4:6)

If you belong to God, you have full access to God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit… the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us. Don’t forget it!

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God, thanks for all You do for me. Thanks for the gentle reminders that I should depend on Your strength alone. I choose to rely on Your Power, Lord, which far exceeds any of my problems. Help me persevere and walk victoriously with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How is your week going so far? Are you operating in your own efforts and resources or are you relying on and asking God for His limitless strength and grace?

Tasks: Listen to this song, by Jeremy Camp, and memorize Romans 8:11.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Prayer Precedes Breakthrough

When I think of this next season and semester, I am both excited for the opportunities ahead and a little nervous about how it will all play out. There are so many factors, even under normal circumstances. We have Lydia’s school and my two (part-time) positions, plus social activities and other things. Not to mention Covid-19.

Overall, Lydia and I are just going with it. We will do our best and trust God with the rest. He is with us and for us! We will get through it all with His help.

Prayer is a vital component of staying close to Jesus, and it is also a way to bless others and join God in His work. I certainly am praying for us this semester, but I am also praying for others. I pray for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who comes to mind!

When I am driving, I also praise God for all kinds of things I see on my way to wherever I am going. I thank Him for the beautiful day, the lovely trees, colorful flowers, little rabbits, or squirrels, and the sound of birds chirping. It helps me feel His presence.

I pray for random people who look like they need some encouragement, too. I hope others do the same for me. We all need uplifting prayer!

Generally, prayer is the first step, and it needs to be followed-up by action. But sometimes, it is the best we can do in the moment. Loving someone through prayer still invites God to work in their situation.

Once, I saw a lady in a motorized wheel chair who was crossing the street in bad weather. I prayed God would keep her safe and help her feel His love that day.

Recently, Lydia and I saw a man riding his bike. He was riding with an artificial arm, which was quite a feat, but perhaps a little difficult to use. We had a whole discussion about how brave he must be to not give up activities he enjoys just because it is difficult. We prayed for God’s protection in traffic and that he wouldn’t lose his balance or fall.

I have prayed at Target for moms of crying young kids to persevere. I often say a quick prayer for my patients (before they arrive or after they leave). I also pray for people from other cultures or lifestyles different than mine; I want them to feel loved and welcomed.

Even though I don’t know these people I pray for, it is always a good reminder that each person carries great worth. Praying for strangers gets me out of my own little bubble and helps me stay thankful. In many ways, prayer keeps me from being prideful.

Prayer changes us and our environment. Prayer precedes breakthrough.

As we enter this uncertain season, let’s be in prayer for all those around us, whether we know them or not. Sure, we can pray for our own concerns, but perhaps by praying for strangers, we will see our own challenges through another perspective.

And who knows? You may just spread God’s grace and goodness everywhere you go!!

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God, thanks for letting us partner with You in prayer! Give us wisdom and strength as we go through this next season. Help us spread Your love, goodness, and grace to all we come in contact with. Help us be Your Hands and Feet. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you ready for this upcoming season? How can I pray for you?

Tasks: Whether you walk or drive to work, school, or even the grocery store, keep your eyes open for anyone who needs help or prayer. Pray for them, yes, but don’t forget to offer practical support if you can!

Posted on in Food and Nutrition, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Personality, Worship

In His Hands

On Sunday, Lydia and I were talking with friends outside after church. We were talking about school with a little girl Lydia’s age. They often play together and, occasionally, have sleepovers. Our conversation included discussing school supplies, which somehow led to us talking about some clay the little girl has at home. Both girls really love art supplies!

Then, Monday, I attended orientation on the campus where I will be teaching a nutrition class this fall. I will be an adjunct instructor, and this is in addition to my VA position (in my off time). I really enjoy the academic atmosphere and the campus is quite beautiful! There are so many gorgeous trees!

I always enjoyed school and was, thankfully, good at it, so this is probably no surprise to those who know me best. I love teaching and helping people learn new ways to think and live. I also enjoy the relative quiet on campus (at least until the students arrive, haha!).

It was great to meet other new employees, as well. 

Needless to say, it was peaceful and I felt like I was in my element… all of this despite of the fact that I have a ton of organizing and preparing to do for the semester, which starts next week. I have my work cut out for me, but I’m excited for it all to come together!

When I woke up on Tuesday, I had the sense that I am right where I need to be. That said, I had the passage from Jeremiah 18:1-6 in my head:

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.

This passage is part of a prophecy, warning Israel of impending judgement.  There were many types of clay jars in Biblical times. Some likely carried water or held olive oil, grains, fruits, or other foods. Some might have been toys, gifts, or decorations. Each served a purpose!

Today, I am focusing on these verses above. There are at least a couple of ways to think about them. I could be scared and fight against what God is doing in my life (trying to do it my way), or I could let Him mold me and transform me into whatever plans He has for me.

Similarly, some people might read these verses and doubt, saying, “Oh, I’m only a lump of clay.” But, I read them as a challenge to dream of all God’s plans for me. He fortifies me with His strength.

With Jesus, I am more than just a lump of clay! I am a vessel. He puts me in the right environments to grow and be successful. He brings the right people to encourage me and for me to help and inspire, too. That doesn’t mean it is easy or always fun, but I know He is leading me and walking with me. Thank You, Jesus!

I have been in Fargo, ND, now for ten years. Even now, I am seeing fruit in relationships I made when I first arrived. God has been faithful and I can trust Him in the future, too. The best is yet to come!

When I relax and realize I don’t call the shots, I can let God shape my life and just ‘roll with it.’ Life is tough enough without me trying to wrestle my way through it! When I walk closely to the Lord, He prepares the way before me. He never lets me down!

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God, thanks for all You do for me. Thanks for giving me infinite value and new opportunities to grow! I know You have good plans for me, Lord. I leave it all in Your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: As you prepare for this next season, are you letting God move you or are you trying to move yourself? How is that working for you?!

Tasks: If you are struggling to yield to God, ask yourself why. Pray about your feelings and ask God to help you see the big picture of what He is doing in your life. Then, trust Him.