Tag: celebrate

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

MacGyver Mishmash

As a single parent and homeowner, I have had to be resourceful over the years. Sure, I can call someone to help me with random issues, and sometimes I do. But often, it is a matter of timing. I don’t want to inconvenience someone, or I don’t want to wait for them to show up.

Occasionally, a friend will volunteer to help me, but I don’t always run into these handy types of friends! I have a few bigger projects that I might pay someone to do, but even then, I’ll have to organize the logistics of calling and being available.

I know I am not the only one with these issues or house projects, but sometimes, I just decide to do it myself! Sometimes, I research it online and other times, I have ‘jerry-rigged’ a solution. So far I have figured out how to “unstick” my garbage disposal with a crowbar, fix my coffee machine with a dremel, change toilet seats, fix a dent in my car, and more. I have used safety pins, glue, and tape to attach buttons and shore up pant hems, too!

These are in addition to other routine tasks, like changing a plethora of light bulbs and adding air to my car tires.

On Monday evening, I (once again) attempted to fix one of Lydia’s drawers. The drawer has a track for wheels that periodically comes loose. I have had to tighten the screws from time to time. But, on Monday, I couldn’t find all four screws!

I found a couple of the screws, which had fallen down into the drawer beneath. I did what I could to replace them, but the two screws were different sizes, and I needed two more.

I searched the garage for more matching screws, but alas, I didn’t find what I was looking for. No worries! I thought of a solution. Just call me MacGyver!

Lydia learned a new word that day: INGENUITY. I told her what it meant and then showed her a practical example. Yes, I used one screw on each side of the drawer railing, but then I also superglued the remaining edges!

It worked so well (or at least until next time) that I also superglued part of my gutter outside! It has been coming loose, and I will still have to go to the hardware store at some point. But, it should hold until the next storm, at least!

I’m really thankful God gives us bursts of creativity and helps us when we need it. The slightly sticky, gluey fingers are worth the feelings of accomplishment. But, I am also glad He doesn’t rely on superglue, duct tape, paper clips, safety pins, or zip ties to hold us together or fix our problems!

Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT) says, “for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

God holds the whole world together through Jesus. And that includes us. Whatever problems you are facing today, bring them to the Lord. If you find yourself in a sticky situation (sorry, I had to!), remember nothing is too difficult for Him.

He cares for you and knows exactly what you need!

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God, thanks for giving us creative solutions to our problems. There is nothing You can’t do, and You extend that grace to us! Help us come to You first, and not as a last resort. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you enjoy DIY projects? Do you consider yourself pretty hand-on (as in building, repairing, gardening), or would you rather hire someone to do the dirty work?

Tasks: Meditate on Colossians 1:16-17 today. Here you can compare several versions. Consider what it means for Jesus to hold all things together and what that means for your life. Trust Him!

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

Finding Grace #276

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 an awesome week full of surprises! On Sunday afternoon, we went to see the new movie, Peter Rabbit 2. It was really cute and full of good lessons.

Lydia and I went for a handful of walks this week to enjoy the beautiful weather. I’m hoping to make it more of a habit to walk around our neighborhood! I used to do it twice a day when we had a dog, so it is doable. Though, I don’t plan on getting a dog anytime soon.

One evening, we walked toward Lydia’s school, and then stopped at the Holiday gas station on the way back. She wanted to buy “something” and even offered to buy me a donut. Of course, I said yes and saved it for breakfast! I love my generous girl!

The next night, we helped a young neighbor track down her dog that had gotten loose (again). Then, she invited herself and her dog on our walk, and that was approved by the little girl’s dad. We had fun hearing all sorts of funny stories. The little girl is so sweet and never stopped talking! Lydia had fun and wanted to walk other dogs in the neighborhood!

On Thursday, President Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday. This is today (Saturday), which means that it was “observed” on Friday. It was unexpected, but I’m always grateful for extra time with Lydia. We discussed the meaning of the holiday, played some games, and enjoyed walking along Forest River Park!

Also on Thursday, I gained a new little niece! My brother and sister-in-law had their baby a couple of weeks early. Lily’s a cutie and we can’t wait to meet her!

Today, we hung out at home, and I finally finished some chores I had been putting off. Lydia helped too. Since we had a three day weekend, I was able to both relax and get some stuff done! We also enjoyed a morning and evening walk together!

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

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

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

In a Dry and Barren Land

Have you noticed that much of the western United States seems to be in a moderate to severe drought? We’ve had temperature over 100 degrees in Fargo, which is unusual to say the least! My grass is rather crispy in spots, and I have only mowed one time! 

From full-on deserts to out-of-control fires, droughts are serious. 

While we can’t do much about the weather, besides addressing climate change perhaps, we can make the best of it. We can thank God for His provision in every season. And, we can pray for rain!

Spiritually, there are some parallels to drought conditions. Our spirits can feel hot and dry at times, isolated. We can grow impatient with what we want to see and feel, but don’t.

Unfortunately, in a spiritual drought we can miss the joy of God’s presence. He is still at work even when we can’t understand what He is doing. But if we’re not careful, we can miss out on all of His goodness, too.

We can miss the heat and sunshine. We can miss the breeze sent to cool us down. We can miss beautiful flowers, as well as birds chirping. We can miss morning walks and ice cream in the evening. We can even miss opportunities to praise God!

If you are feeling dry and without spiritual hope, cry out to Jesus. He’s right there with you. Like a fountain, He will refresh you and set you back on the right path.

Late Monday night, there was an unexpected thunderstorm. The thunder and lightening woke up Lydia, and she had difficulty falling back to sleep. It’s not fun feeling vulnerable and afraid!

I was thankful for the rain, but I also needed to be a parent and comfort my child. I ended up letting her sleep with me, and of course she slept soundly after that!

I was thankful to be her safe place, pointing her back to God Himself.

Then, last night, I introduced Lydia to the Sound of Music. It’s nearly a three-hour movie, so we’ll have to finish it later. But, we gave it our best shot!

She recognized many of the songs and had fun singing along!

I could have easily just focused on my long to-do list last night; there is always something to do! But, instead, I enjoyed some refreshing time with Lydia.

If we know where to look, we can find peace, hope, and restoration in the desert setting. God made beautiful sunsets, flowers, cacti, and camels, right? 

Similarly, spiritual deserts can also have beauty. While they may or may not be preventable, our attitude (weeding) and willingness to trust God (watering) certainly make them more enjoyable.

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God, thanks for refreshing us with Your grace and love. Help us turn to You in the dry times of life. May we not wither away, but please restore and renew us. Have mercy on us and heal our land. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What have you been doing to stay cool in this heat? Do you prefer the hot, hot, hot weather?! Or, do you prefer more moderate temperatures?

Tasks: Read the lyrics to this song, “We Will Stand (In This Dry and Barren Land)“. Bonus points if you can sing it or play it on the guitar! Pray for rain and God’s renewal.

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

Finding Grace #273

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

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

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

I don’t usually start off with the weather, but this week we had a good variety! I really enjoyed a couple warm days, followed by some cooler days. Sun, clouds, blue sky, wind. One day, I wore my jacket and the next, I wore shorts and ate dinner outside!

Lydia finished school this week! She went to school all year, with a little bit of online learning at first. I am so grateful she had that option. As a single mom, life would have been much more challenging if we had to switch our school and daycare options so I could work. She made it the entire school year without having to quarantine. That doesn’t mean we won’t have to do so sometime, but I am praising God for protecting us!

Tonight, we are heading to a friend’s high school graduation. I can’t believe she is going to college, as she was a little younger than Lydia is now when we met her! It will be good to see her and her family. They also knew Dave through Caterpillar, so that’s a nice connection, too.

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

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

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

Finding Grace #272

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 another full week, but I saw God at work all around me!

I participated in my first VA2K, which involves a 2,000 meter short walk and food drive for Veterans. VA employees (and others) donate food and resources for those Veterans who are food insecure and/or homeless in our community. It was a beautiful day, and we dietitians organized about sixty individual bags of food to be given away, as needed. Lydia really enjoyed going through our cupboards for items to donate!

Lydia finished up her swimming lessons on Thursday. It was a big time commitment the last few weeks, but I am glad she had fun. She had a huge smile the entire time in the pool.

Recently, I was asked to consider being a mentor for small groups at my church. Once I learned more about it on Friday afternoon, it felt like a perfect match. It will be a small commitment in the fall, but I am looking forward to it.

Yesterday was Lydia’s half-birthday. We celebrated by sharing some ice cream, getting our hair trimmed, and picking up her new glasses. Yes, she is near-sighted! Thankfully, she is very excited and confident. Several of her friends have glasses, so she’s looking forward to wearing them to school on Monday! Here’s hoping she doesn’t break them right away!

The weather was warm-to-hot this week, so I put off mowing until it was cooler today. It felt good to tackle the “jungle” that was my lawn! Being outside also means opportunities to catch up with my neighbors. I also saw some tree swallows, which is always a treat!

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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, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer, Travel, Wisdom, Worship

Grand Forks Getaway

As I previously mentioned, Lydia and I had a special getaway last weekend.

We had a great weekend about an hour north in Grand Forks, North Dakota! I had made a short list of potential activities and places to visit. But, as always, God took my loose plans and put His own spin on them!

On Friday evening, we visited dear friends at a park and were visited by the ice cream truck! My friends have three kids, ages 2 to almost 6, and they are all so cute. The little boy, the middle child, wanted to hold Lydia’s hand, sit right next to her, and have her carry him. It was fun seeing Lydia respond favorably to him and his sisters. As an only child, she’s not used to siblings!

Then, Lydia and I drove across the border to Cabela’s in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. She loved it and even came out with a new stuffed animal! Soon, we crossed the bridge back to the North Dakota side. We walked around downtown before heading back to Minnesota for our car. Later, Lydia lived it up at the hotel arcade. She even won first place in the racing game! Reminds me of her dad!

On Saturday morning we had breakfast with the same friends, this time the kids were left at home. The man was one of Dave’s Caterpillar coworkers and a pallbearer at his funeral. After Dave died, I gave him Dave’s Bible. It felt like the right thing to do to bless this ‘CAT guy.’ God has blessed that small act of faith, and it has been fun to see him lead his family toward Jesus.

This man was mourning the lost of his best friend, who had just died from COVID-19 complications earlier in the week. So on Saturday, we talked about faith, Dave, family, our Caterpillar connection, and more. He acknowledged that our visit seemed like God-ordained meeting. I am so grateful I could encourage this couple because they have been such an encouragement to me!

Then, Lydia and I drove around town, visiting Widman’s confectionery and the University of North Dakota/Ralph Engelstad Arena (known for intense ice hockey games!). Later, we went to the Blue Moose Restaurant and ate tapas, walked around the mall, and visited a local indie bookstore. Lydia also drew a crowd with her marksmanship skills at Scheels!

Saturday night, we spent a couple hours at the water park in our hotel. It was huge, and we had a blast on the water slides and practicing Lydia’s swimming skills. We even ran into another friend! Then, we relaxed and watched a movie while eating some snacks.

On Sunday, we drove about 20 miles west to Turtle River State Park. We had fun hiking around and were glad we went early to beat the heat. It was gorgeous! Then, we came back home and listened to an audiobook on the way. Lydia played with a friend while I did some yard work before family Zoom.

When making our plans, it took me awhile to decide what to do and where to stay. I was trying to decide about the water park and what other attractions to see. I was also uncertain if I should contact my friends since it had been a few years since we saw them. I didn’t want them to have to adjust their plans. Turns out, I contacted them on the same day they found out about the loss of their friend. Wow!

Our whole trip was covered by God’s grace. I’d like to take Lydia to Medora, ND sometime, too, but this was the best weekend we’ve had in awhile!

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God, You are so good and faithful! Thanks for leading us and for guiding our steps. Thanks for helping us encourage others as we honor Dave’s life and legacy. Help us continue to be a blessing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you been to Grand Forks or Medora? What do you like to do on vacation? Do you like to relax or go sight-seeing? Do you make big plans or just meander?

Tasks: Next time you are considering a trip or step out of your normal routine, prayerfully go for it! Invite God to direct your path and see how He moves on your behalf! You never know just how He may use you to bless someone else.

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

Finding Grace #271

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 busy but fun!

Work went well, and there were many interesting things that happened. Besides patient care, we had various meetings and trainings that show just how capable my team is. I really appreciate the perspective each person brings to our field. We have a lot of fun, too!

Lydia had fun at swimming lessons and learned some new techniques. It’s fun watching her bop along with the other kids. I enjoy watching her learn and grow!

Thursday, I took Lydia for a quick health check-up before school. She had symptoms of a cold and I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t COVID. Thankfully test was negative. The provider thought it was just allergies and gave her some Claritin. Overall, that seems to have helped. As a side note, I am grateful that was our first go-around with any sort of symptoms during the pandemic. Praise God!

The weather was great this week, with a lot of sunny days. It finally felt warm enough to leave my jacket at home! Spring is later here than my home state of Illinois. But, I also noticed my tulips are starting to bloom!

Today, we met with old friends, ate out, and spent time at a local water park marking eight years of Dave in Heaven. It was fun to do something different as we celebrated his life and legacy. I’m thankful for how far God has brought us, and I know Dave would be so proud!

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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, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Worship

Good God Almighty

Singer/songwriter David Crowder has a new song, called ‘Good God Almighty.’ Every time I hear it, it makes me happy and I turn it up! For me, it is a celebratory song about Who God is and for all He has done. But, it’s also a prompt to keep moving forward.

Good God Almighty
I hope You’ll find me
Praising Your name no matter what comes

‘Cause I know where I’d be
Without Your mercy
So I keep praising Your name at the top of my lungs

Tell me is He good? (He’s good)
Tell me is He God? (He’s God)
He is, Good God Almighty

This weekend, as we ‘celebrate’ eight years of Dave being in Heaven, we will continue to honor his memory. How we do that has changed over time, but in years past, we would eat some of his favorite foods and/or I would give Lydia a special gift. Despite the sadness, we have tried to enjoy the day.

As Lydia continues to grow and learn, she has more questions and emotions. That’s normal, but these things have been coming up more in conversation these last few months. So, it seems appropriate to do something bigger this time, like visit a local indoor water park! We might even meet up with some friends who knew Dave. Lydia is so excited which is fun to see!

We will have fun and might even be a little sad. That’s okay because we can still move forward in the midst of mixed emotions! And, I know Dave would be so proud of us.

Besides, if I really believe God is God, then I need to trust Him and make sure I am representing Him well. I can set a good example of perseverance for Lydia (and others).

I can praise Him when things are going well and when they are not. He knows exactly what I need, and He can help me get through it with His grace.

He is Good God Almighty despite my feelings and circumstances!

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God, thanks for bringing us through the last eight years. You are so good and faithful, Lord. Help us keep praising You no matter what Life throws at us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you find it difficult to keep moving forward when Life gets rough? (I understand how difficult it can be… don’t give up!) Will you let God help?

Tasks: Listen to the song, ‘Good God Almighty.’ Then, praise God for Who He is and for all He has done!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

In Good Company

In about ten days, Lydia and I will celebrate Dave being in Heaven for eight years. I say “celebrate” but that does not mean we don’t miss him every day. I’m simply trying to keep an eternal perspective because that’s the only way to keep moving forward.

I mentioned this previously, but I continue to see God working all around me, especially in terms of grief and loss. I am alright with that.

For instance, at work, I once talked with a Veteran who lost her twin sister. She thanked me for acknowledging her grief, and we had a wonderful conversation. I’ve learned sometimes I have to reach someone’s heart before I can address the “work” that needs attention in their head (i.e. their mindset or habits).

Then, recently, I talked with a Veteran who has been in my care for about a year and a half. He has been through all sorts of health issues including cancer and multiple falls.

I called this man to check in with him, nutritionally, but I also wanted to offer my condolences. His wife of fifty years had suddenly died. She had been such a support for him, and now she is gone. I knew it would be a tough conversation, but he reminded me about the book, A Grief Observed, by CS Lewis. Suffice it to say we had a God connection.

It was a good conversation, and I briefly explained that I was a widow. Professionally, I don’t share my story often, but it made sense in the moment. I was simply following my heart, grateful that he knows the Lord, too. That made all the difference.

My very next patient was a Veteran whose sister recently died after a brief illness. I thought that was ironic, dealing with grief twice in the same day. For this man, I did not share my story because it wasn’t necessary. I was able to encourage him just by listening.

After that, I met with still yet another Veteran. I was supposed to educate him about one illness, but then he mentioned he is receiving treatment for colon cancer. (He actually was wearing his chemo pouch, just like Dave had to do.) He mentioned one of Dave’s doctors, and his chemo regimen was the same, too. I almost couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

To my surprise, this Veteran has been dealing with his cancer for a few years and has almost zero side effects. He does not feel overly weak and still has good appetite. He is still able to be active remodeling old buildings! That made me so happy. I did not explain my background, but inwardly, I was celebrating and thanking God for giving this man good quality time with his family.

I don’t know why God has me talk with all these people (besides for work reasons), but I am grateful He can use my pain to relate to and serve others. No matter who we talk with each day, we can look for similarities and ways to connect.

Perhaps we discuss something funny, or perhaps it’s something sad. Either way, chances are God can use it to bring comfort. Each of us has pain that only He can heal. Once we understand that, we will see that we’re in good company.

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God, thanks for Your redemption and for using me to bless others. Thanks that my story can bring comfort and healing to others. You don’t waste my pain or my tears. All glory and honor to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you see God at work in you story? Will you let Him use you to bless others and bring healing?

Tasks: Next time you sense an opportunity where God can work, don’t resist. Just pray and trust that it’s His timing. Your job is simply to be obedient, not worry about the outcome. Let Jesus bring the SUPER to your natural abilities!

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Life in Color

Last Friday night, Lydia and I watched a show on Netflix called Life in Color with David Attenborough. So far, it’s really good!

If you like nature documentaries (or David Attenborough’s voice) like we do, this is right up your alley. We really enjoyed watching various birds around the world. A peacock showing off his feathers, the flamingoes dancing around, and birds of paradise trying to win mates.

We also enjoyed seeing flowers, butterflies, and tropical fish in UV light. There’s also a giant shrimp and poison dart frogs wrestling in the cutest way. And that’s just episode one!

The part about UV light and how animals see was very interesting. On butterflies, for instance, we see the basic black and white or orange or yellow. The butterflies see each other differently, in iridescent purples and greens and pinks!

On Life in Color, we saw that (what appear like) basic yellow fish actually have unique markings visible under UV light. In fact, two very similar yellow fish were actually different species altogether! This could help each animal identify one another, but for me it was a good reminder. There is more than meets the eye.

On this documentary and others, we see a mere sample of the world God created.  In light of that, it’s easy to see just how small we are! For starters, think about human attempts at space exploration. Kind of humorous when you think of it. Valiant effort, though! 😉

Interestingly, the first (grainy, incomplete) pictures of Earth from space were taken around 1947. The famous Blue Marble picture was taken in 1972, relatively a short time ago. Then, there’s also outer space, with images from the Hubble telescope and others. God sees it all at simultaneously, though!

Don’t forget God made underground caves and deep jungles, too! Yes, there’s always something exciting to discover! Not to mention only the beauty, but also to learn how each of them work and are interconnected with each other. Mind-blowing, right?! 

As we were watching the Netflix show, this thought came to mind: “If God can create such wonders and sustain millions of species around the world, surely He can take care of me, too.”

I already had been having a good day, not one filled with doubt or dread. But, even so, peace overwhelmed my heart, and I felt so special as I thought about God’s wisdom and love. Thank You, Jesus!

I hope, you too, can soak up God’s love for You today. His grace covers you!

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God, thanks for making such a beautiful universe for us to enjoy. May we understand Your heart for us as You draw us near. May we also be wise stewards of our resources. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you enjoy nature documentaries? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Tasks: Make a list of your favorite places in nature. Maybe you enjoy camping and hiking, or maybe you have a traveling bucket list. Then, consider what it would feel like to know God made them specifically for YOU to enjoy. Let that awe carry you back to His heart!