Tag: family

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #217

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! We kicked off the week with a fun family video chat on Sunday evening. We always have a great time and laugh a lot! It took a little coordination since my brother and his wife recently moved to Phoenix, AZ, so now we are in at least three time zones! We hope to do it again soon!

Lydia and I tried to get outside each day this week! We visited with neighbors, did some yardwork, and played some games. I noticed baby leaves on my trees, and Lydia took a picture of some tree swallows. We even went to check out the river one afternoon!

I am really grateful for God’s leading and guiding in my life! The last few weeks, I have been considering various options and decisions. I have prayed, researched, and asked questions. This week, I took some steps forward. I’m excited for what God has for me next!

Yesterday, I called a dear family friend and talked with her for 2+ hours. We hadn’t had the chance to connect for quite some time, so it was wonderful to catch up and learn all about what her family is doing. I loved hearing about God’s faithfulness!

Today, I practiced my kitchen knife skills for our online cooking class. I already feel like that was worth the cost of the class. Somewhere along the way, I realized that working on dicing, chopping, etc., will only make me more efficient and create more sustainable habits. I am a good cook, and this will take me to the next level!

This afternoon, a friend came over to visit. We hadn’t seen them for awhile, so it was great to catch up. We chatted for awhile and ended up playing some games. It was also fun to see Lydia’s competitive side come out!

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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 Being Gracious, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

On Beating Boredom

We all know what it feels like to be bored (or in a pandemic, cooped up with nowhere to go). I have previously listed many wonderful options, such as virtual tours of famous cities, zoos, and museums, so will take a different angle today!

During this time, I have not been very bored. But, unlike many people, I have not been ‘stuck’ at home for the last month-and-half. I am thankful I’ve had the opportunity to work!

At home, Lydia and I often talk about being content and making the best of each situation. We probably talk about gratitude just as much as we talk about healthy grieving!

I am so happy Lydia is not a routine complainer. That all makes the difference! 🙂

Yet, in my tenure as a parent, I have periodically heard her say, “Mom, I’m bored. I have nothing to do.” Sure, as an only child, Lydia has no built-in playmates. But she still has loads of art supplies and a fair amount of books and toys.

Awhile back, I read an article (somewhere) about how boredom can lead to creativity. So, I am not worried about Lydia being bored, per se. Instead, I encourage her to do something creative… or I give her a chore to do!

The more she starts to whine, the more I lean toward chores…

Naturally, in terms of personal application, this makes me wonder…

How often do we tell God we are bored or stall in disobedience? How often does our attitude affect how we see what is going on in our lives? How often do we overlook the good and complain about what we still don’t see?

When life is stable, isn’t that a good thing? Still, there have been times, in my life at least (ahem), when I have been tempted to complain. “God, when will my circumstances change? I’m so bored doing the same old thing. Hurry up and do something new!”

But, when we simply change our attitude, it’s amazing how quickly our perspective can change! How about this instead: “God, here I am. I am available. Let me know what You would like me to do. Help me be content.”

Then, suddenly, our eyes are open to what God is doing around us! We start looking for opportunities to serve others and find joy in meeting their needs. Having an outward focus and blessing others is what makes life exciting again!

Reminder: This life is not about me, it’s about loving God and loving others.

Ironically, at other times, we can grow so comfortable in our own little bubble, that we don’t appreciate or enjoy when God shakes things up or challenges our security.

How fickle we can be! I’m sure grateful for God’s mercy, grace, and patience!

Lydia and I were recently discussing the concept of ‘beating boredom.’ We decided instead of saying, “I’m bored, I have nothing to do,” we should say, “Well, I have a lot of time right now.  Is there someone who needs help? What can I do?”

Just that little switch helps us recognize the gift of time, which is from God. May we use our time wisely and not waste it with grumbling and complaining!

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God, thanks for the gift of TIME. Thanks for giving us so many resources and creativity. Help us use all of our gifts and talents to bless others and bring You glory. Make us aware when we start to complain or take it all for granted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you doing this week? Are you bored or do you have plenty to do? Either way, how can you bless someone else?

Task: Next time you are bored, consider how best to use your time. Sure, you can learn a new skill or clean out a closet, but perhaps you can find a way to help someone else!

 

 

 

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

Finding Grace #215

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

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

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

This was a great week! I received several compliments throughout the week regarding various areas of my life. It was gratifying to get such positive feedback. One person even presented me with a cool opportunity. (I don’t know if it will work out, but it was nice to be asked.) All of this made me feel like God has me in just the right place. I’m grateful!

Lydia continues to attend daycare and participate in online school. She is doing well overall, but this week, she grew frustrated with some of the technology. It probably doesn’t help being gone all day and then starting homework just before dinner. In the end, I let her take my tablet to so she could some of the tasks at daycare. (The kids are supervised.) That way, she does not have to cram in more at the end of her day.

This weekend has been spent doing a variety of activities. We sat outside and enjoyed some nice weather. I enjoyed researching some information online. We talked with several friends and family members on the phone and over social media. I appreciate having the down time and have been making good progress on some personal projects!

On Thursday, after work and daycare, Lydia and I went to check out the Red River in its flood stage. It’s always impressive to see the river flooding over its banks! (See picture above.) It was a beautiful day, and it was nice to meander on the way home. 

This afternoon, Lydia threw herself a beach party, complete with sea shells, stuffed sea turtle, beach towel, and a cooler for snacks. She decided to camp out in the living room tonight. I love her creativity!

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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 Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Finding Grace #212

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 felt smoother than last week! This week, I received some solid answers about Lydia’s child care, in that they will continue offering services. I am really thankful for their efforts to provide continuity of care. I am also grateful for God’s provision while I work.

The week started off with gray skies but turned out sunny and bright. With Jesus, we are never without HOPE!! Lydia and I saw several birds this week, including a robin, a sparrow, and several geese. Thank You, Lord!

On Thursday night, I was also able to video chat with some ladies in my small group from church. It was fun to see parts of everyone’s houses and hear how they are coping. I’m grateful we can support each other through prayer and encouragement.

One afternoon, Lydia and I saw our neighbors outside enjoying the relatively warm weather. It has been a while since we connected, so we took the opportunity to catch up with them (from ~6 feet away!). It was fun and felt at least a little more like normal!

Because we canceled plans to visit family in Illinois, we switched gears and decided to meet virtually. Last night, we met with everyone online via Zoom! Although we were in four states and two timezones, we had a fun time laughing and visiting for ~two hours!

This week, Lydia was able to do some practice school work online. Her actual coursework will resume online next week. It will be an adjustment, perhaps, but I am glad for this option. Really, it adds another layer of resiliency for our school district! We will get through this together, and I bet many of the kids will remember this as a positive time!

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

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

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

Finding Grace #211

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?

What a wild week this has been! I definitely felt some anxiety this week but also felt God’s grace surround me. We are doing well, overall, and the stress mostly came from plans changing every five minutes with new coronavirus information. Lydia’s daycare sent out several emails with important updates, and it was difficult to keep up. They did their best, and I am thankful. The guidelines they also received kept changing, hence all the emails.

It is a little difficult to know if I should keep working right now, but while we still have daycare, I feel it is God’s provision. As a healthcare provider, I want to do my part, and trust God to take care of us. But if (when?) daycare is no longer available, I will take that as His guidance to stay home. I’m just rolling with it! Lydia and I do still follow all the CDC guidelines for washing hands, maintaining social distance as best we can, and not running unnecessary errands.

This pandemic has caused many disruptions to everyone’s plans, mine included. I had hoped to travel to Illinois to see family next weekend. However, after some discussion, we all decided it wasn’t worth the risk of getting each other sick. While it is certainly sad to miss out, canceling our plans became an act of love. Plus, I would have probably been in quarantine for two weeks when I returned so as not to bring the illness to work. It is wisest to stay put and help “flatten the curve.”

This week, on the days we stayed home, we watched “Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems.”It was quite moving to watch this author/illustrator take time to connect with his young audience. He shared old files and drawings, answered fan mail, and taught the kids how to draw some of his beloved characters. He also addressed certain emotions, such as being nervous, anxious, and stressed and how we can rely on each other. It was therapeutic for me, too, and he reminded me a little of Mr. Rogers.

On Friday, we picked up Lydia’s school supplies in case they don’t return. Our state is going to start online classwork in the near future. It made me a little sad that the kids will miss out on time together, but I also understand why this is important. I overheard Lydia telling herself she can’t wait to see her friends again. This has been an adjustment for everyone.

Still, Lydia has been such a trooper this week. Her daycare met in two different locations, with another one next week (to maximize resources). Also, being a strong reader, she unknowingly picked up a children’s book on grief. I was unaware until I came upstairs and found her crying. We talked about Dave, Heaven, Jesus, and why bad things happen.

Among many positive other things, I noticed that Lydia got her teeth cleaned, her braces off, and received her retainer before her orthodontist and dentist shut down for the next three weeks. I’m grateful that all the hard work was not “undone” during this time.

I LOVED connecting with friends and family via phone and various video chatting platforms today. I even did a few online meetings (not for work). I am grateful for technology this week! We will get through this together!

That said, this week, I “unplugged” from the news and social media at times. Nonetheless, I read heartwarming stories online, of how people are helping and encouraging each other. I pray that instead of panic, God’s overwhelming peace will reign in our hearts. He’s got this!

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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 Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

Roll With It!

Ah, the world has become a different place overnight! It’s been a little crazy lately!

I’ve seen some really compelling facts and arguments for staying home to protect others and ourselves from illness. And, I’ve seen some pretty funny memes about toilet paper and germs. When all this over, I’d love to see a ‘best of the best’ meme contest!

I’ve replenished my pantry with key staples (though I still haven’t found any TP). I’m not worried, however, because I still have some on hand. In terms of supplies, many of us could be just fine without stocking up for quarantine. We are that blessed.

Even if we do end up eating stuff from the back of the cupboard.

This year has already proven to be a wild card. In fact, this new decade is not what many expected it to be. But God is not surprised, and He is right here with us.

I am still working, and Lydia’s at her daycare program full-time because school is closed this week (likely longer). I’m trying to be as flexible as possible with our plans.

Most of us have had several plans canceled or postponed. Despite the disappointment and uncertainty around us, in terms of traveling, public events, school, and work, we can fully rely on the wisdom and peace God brings.

We may run low on toilet paper, but instead of freaking out, we can roll with it. 🙂 We may not know how to make ends meet, but we can trust God will take care of us. He is our Provider and our Sustainer.

God is still in control. He’s got this.

Even though we face some unknowns, we are better off in terms of resources than many of those who came before us. We will get through this together.

This is a huge challenge, but we are still quite well off. We have history to show us what has worked in all the other plagues and viruses. By using wisdom, caution, and social distancing, we can hopefully slow the trajectory and “flatten the curve.”

I’m so grateful for science and technology! Some online newspapers are providing free access so we can stay up-to-date. Many churches have moved weekly services online.

We have electricity, running water, and the internet. We can exercise, clean, work on projects, learn a new skill, and call loved ones. We have books, television, puzzles, games, and chocolate. In many ways, God has given us the gift of family time and a slower pace.

In all of the chaos and negative press, I have seen some good news, too! I saw an article saying air quality has improved worldwide because factories have trimmed hours (and perhaps jobs, sadly). The full impact remains to be seen.

Overall, I’ve seen a wonderful outpouring of generosity, community, and compassion.

Certain stores are catering to the elderly and others who are at the highest risk. Lydia’s daycare even made cards for local nursing home residents.

Online, many teachers have volunteered to help parents with educational questions so their students don’t fall behind. Other resources are being made available for free to promote learning. Various people are posting videos of them reading children’s books. I love that the zoos and museums are providing virtual tours.

Let’s use this time to reset, reprioritize what matters, and rest in God’s grace.

Moms have stepped up to support each other and take care of children without daycare. In fact, two local friends have offered to help with Lydia in a pinch. I haven’t needed the support (yet), but I am grateful for the options.

Yo-Yo Ma and several other musicians have posted beautiful songs to bring comfort. They are using their gifts, talents, and resources to serve others and set the tone for the rest of us. What an example!

A gym trainer in Spain led his community in an exercise program from the top of his roof, while everyone else was on their respective balconies. Similarly, some gyms are posting free workout videos for everyone (even for nonmembers).

Here are some other creative ways to roll with it: Share a roll of TP. Make cinnamon rolls or dinner rolls (get in the kitchen). Roll a camera (make memories). Roll on some paint (home improvements). Roll dice (boardgames, not gambling!). Roll a ball or roller skate (exercise). Shake, rattle, and roll (find joy and have fun). 🙂

This particular situation is hard on everyone. No one is free from risk. But we can all help someone else (even remotely from home via Zoom or Google Hangouts). We can be the church we are called to be.

Whether we feel ready or not, the situation is what it is. We can pray and be prepared, but we don’t have to panic or be afraid. We can use this time to draw closer to Jesus.

We can come up with new ways to solve problems. Necessity is the mother of invention, right? Maybe future generations will learn from us in their time of great need.

Let’s make the best of this situation. Our minor inconveniences of social distancing has potential can literally save lives. There is always something to be thankful for.

And, we know that God will use this all for our good.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your protection and provision. Help us share Your light and love with others. Draw all of us closer to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you doing? What is good today? What are you learning through this time? Is there someone you can encourage today?

Tasks: Listen to Matt Maher’s new song, “Alive and Breathing.” Find the good. Praise God!

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

Finding Grace #204

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

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

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

This week was full of God’s grace and peace! I sensed God’s perfect timing which helped me know I am right where I need to be. Interestingly, someone asked me to get together, but we couldn’t make the timing work (for either of us). Unfortunately, the person was disappointed when I didn’t drop my other plans. However, for me, it was a good reminder to let God lead and not live to please people. If I walk with Jesus, I can’t go wrong!

This week, I enjoyed meeting with my writing group and picked up some timely ideas. I’m so thankful for the collaboration, motivation, and fellowship these ladies provide! Thank you, dear friends!

Our current weekly activities include AWANA and a ladies’ Bible study. The kids at AWANA were so sweet this week. I enjoy helping them build a godly foundation and am grateful I can influence them for Jesus. My Bible study ladies canceled this week so Lydia and I had fun doing some special activities together. I love it when God redirects me!

Lydia and I really enjoyed catching up with my sister and parents. Mom and Dad sent us a whole bucket of Cheryl’s cookies! Lydia already divided them and told me which ones I can have. They are delicious, and I am happy to share!

During winter, it is easy to just come home and relax. The temptation to hibernate is real, but unfortunately, that means we don’t see our friends or neighbors as much! This week, a friend came over to chat, and I was so glad to catch up! I also ran into another friend at work, which was a fun surprise. I love seeing God at work around me!

I love January because it gives me time to spend with Lydia and to work on projects. The rest of the year seems to fly by, once weekly activities start up again. Lydia and I grew together and each accomplished a lot for the first month of the year! I am excited to see what God has in store for us in February, 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, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Prayer, Worship

Finding Grace #203

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 rather low-key, but I am glad for that because I was able to focus on a big project. This week, I had some great moments of worshiping the Lord. And, there were plenty of other fun blessings along the way!

I appreciate Lydia’s current interest in cooking and helping around the house. She selected a healthy recipe all on her own, and we made it together. Later, I went to the store, for fun, and I “surprised” her very own cans of kidney beans, raisins, and dried cranberries. Lydia was so excited! She said they are her favorite, so who am I to disappoint?! I’m glad she is learning to be content.

The ladies in my small group Bible study came over this week. Only two ladies could come, but we still had a wonderful time together. We discussed our Bible reading plan and challenged each other to draw near to the Lord. It was such a sweet time of fellowship and prayer, made sweeter by an apple crisp my neighbor gave me! Thank you!

I had fun catching up with my parents and sister this week. My mom sent me a beautiful green Kate Spade purse, which reminds me of spring! I have already received compliments on it. In turn, I sent a box of items to bless my sister. Also, my dad finally received his birthday present from Lydia and me. His birthday is in December, but the socks I ordered for him (with Lydia’s face) took forever to arrive! In fact, he still has something else on the way. Hopefully, it comes soon!

When I was at the store earlier in the week, I was meandering through the floral department looking for anything that caught my eye. I didn’t buy any flowers that day, but I did see a cute little yellow bird! As you can see in the picture above, it is so cheery and bright! I didn’t see any others, but it felt like a personal blessing from God!

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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 Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Pillows and Pizza

Can you believe we are already one full week into the new year/decade?! Yes, Christmas was already two weeks ago! Just like clockwork, here we are! 🙂

Yesterday, I celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary, and of all the awesome Christmas gifts we received, one stands out to me. My sister and sister-in-law made me two beautiful pillows (pictured below)!

Receiving the pillows was such a wonderful surprise! Their kindness made me feel so special because I love birds (peacocks are especially pretty). Blue and green are my favorite colors, and the blue satiny material is from my sister’s bridesmaid dress.

Every time I look at the pillows, I not only have fun memories of Dave, but I also imagine all the effort that was put into them. They spent a lot of time traveling to each other’s homes (2+ hours away) and thinking ahead about how to piece the materials together. In fact, that these dear ladies wanted to bless me is a gift in itself!

Yesterday was a good day all around. I saw it on my calendar, of course, but it didn’t faze me like Dave’s recent birthday. For some reason, our anniversary doesn’t hurt as much.

It was about ten degrees outside (felt much colder, below zero), but the lovely blue-skied day made everything feel bright! I felt cheerful and grateful.

My mom left an encouraging voice mail while I was at work, and when I got off, I called her back. We laughed as we reminisced and told ‘Dave stories.’

After that, I ran a few errands before picking up Lydia. As we got in the car, I asked her if she wanted to get pizza from Papa Murphy’s. Then, we invited a friend to join us. We had a fun evening together and shared more memories of Dave.

Pillows and pizza. These are just some of the ways I see God show me His love and grace. I appreciate it when people take the time to encourage me and pray for me… So thank you!

I can feel everyone cheering me on, and it makes all the difference!

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God, thanks for showing me your love and grace through the kindness of other people. Help me be a blessing to others and bring them comfort, too. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What are you celebrating this week? Something special or something routine?

Tasks: When you have the chance to bless someone, go for it! No gift is too small.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom, Worship

Finding Grace #199

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 we enjoyed celebrating Jesus’ birthday! He really is the perfect gift! We enjoyed the Christmas Eve service at church and also joined another family for dinner on Tuesday. Then, we spent Christmas day at home. We talked with family and received so many wonderful gifts! Thank you!!

I worked on Monday but have had the rest of the week off. Lydia and I ran some errands this week and have enjoyed spending lots of time together! We have baked treats and played a ton of new games.

Lydia has really ‘grown up’ this week before my eyes. First, Lydia opted to put the Christmas money she received in her savings account. Then, we had some intense discussions about all sorts of topics, including body image, accepting our perceived flaws, and being who God made us to be. I was hoping these topics wouldn’t come up so soon, but I felt God directing our conversations. Lydia calmed herself down and considered what I was saying as I helped reframe her concerns. Thanks, Lord!

This week, Lydia decided she actually does like to eat bell peppers. She also made herself breakfast (toast, etc.) and lunch (which included salad). Then, she read an abridged children’s version of Moby Dick and was happy to discover a new-to-her genre of classic literature. It was fun to watch her engage with the story. Thankfully, I bought her a handful of these books over the summer and she has several more days off school!

On Thursday, Lydia also volunteered to help me shovel snow and did a fabulous job. Then, we had fun sledding in the lot behind our house! We stayed outside for over an hour and then came in and enjoyed some hot chocolate. Later, we upgraded Lydia’s closet to bigger hangers and donated some clothes that were too small for her.

Today Lydia and I enjoyed the snowy weather! She started a new book (Journey to the Center of the Earth, abridged) while I “hiked” in Austria on my treadmill! Then, this afternoon, a friend came to visit and we introduced them to several of our new games. The extra player made everything a lot more fun and competitive! We will be laughing about that for quite a while. Tonight, we are watching another movie or two. It’s been a full week!

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

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