Tag: friends

Posted on in Being Gracious, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Words

Love Moved First

I love how God always prompts us to move out of our comfort zone. He often guides us by placing several “markers” around us. For me, this most noticeable when sermons, songs, conversations, and circumstances all line up.

Being a mom also has a way of bringing up certain topics! It is important for me to set a good example for Lydia, so I can coach her through her own issues.

God’s timing and Lydia’s questions about friendship got me thinking!

Good relationships take time to cultivate. Friendships are an investment.

Over time, I’ve learned to take responsibility to preserve my friendships if I value them.

Then again, not every relationship needs to be salvaged. This can be especially difficult when feelings have been hurt and the other person doesn’t seem to care. Sometimes growth means growing apart instead of closer together. And that’s okay.

We live. We learn. We move on.

However, as long as it is up to me (Romans 12:18), I need to do everything God is asking me to do when things go wrong. I can forgive, even if the other person does not apologize.

Besides, forgiveness is not really about the other person. It sets me free and makes me right with God. Then, I can move forward with peace. Thank You, Jesus.

The true test of a good friend is that they point me to Jesus and bring out my best traits. They pray for me, call me out, and lift me higher. I do the same for them. 

We won’t always agree, but we will allow for each other’s differences. We will give each other the benefit of the doubt (instead of presuming the worst).

There will be both give and take in a healthy relationship. If it is a good fit, it will stand under pressure. But, I may need to prayerfully reconsider how close someone is (or should be) if it is always a one-sided relationship.

Thankfully, I can follow Jesus’ example. He did the right thing, even when it cost Him greatly. He made the first step while we were still unaware of the problem (Romans 5:8).

I can also take the first steps of obedience, even if what happened isn’t my fault or my problem. I can extend grace, even when it feels unfair. Grace, by definition, is undeserved. 

If I want to be like Jesus and live for Him, I have to be willing to go the extra mile and turn the other cheek. Ultimately, it’s not about me, but what God is doing through me.

Similarly, I don’t have to let someone’s stubbornness harden my heart, too. I don’t have to accept their behavior or abandon my convictions, but I can always be gracious.

In fact, the person may never change… but I can keep praying for them anyway.

Reaching out may mean calling or sending a card to let someone know I care. It could mean inviting them over to hang out, but that may not always be possible. In some cases, the best thing I can do is give the person space. Often, time and distance bring clarity.

Of course, each decision requires a certain measure of prayer and wisdom. Indeed, it can be challenging to be supportive yet not get sucked into someone else’s drama! A true friend will show up and be willing to have difficult conversations.

As long as I set solid boundaries, I am able to let God direct my path, knowing He will bring the right people in my life. And while it is sad when people choose to leave, I can continue being kind and trust God will be good to them as well. He loves us all so much!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your unconditional love. Help me love people like You do, with hope, grace, and perseverance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Is there a relationship in your life that needs a little extra TLC? How is God leading you? Is there something specific you should do to reach out?

Tasks: Listen to the song, “Love Moved First,” by Casting Crowns.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #205

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

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

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

This week was fun and full! Although, Lydia started off not feeling well and stayed home from school on Monday. Of course, by lunchtime, she was feeling better! We enjoyed a quiet day of rest, and I am grateful for an understanding manager at work.

This week, several friends came over at different times and were able to catch up or hang out. One helped with maintenance, another stayed for dinner. One friend stopped by briefly to pick something up and chat for a few minutes. And, still another friend came for Bible study and awesome discussion. I appreciate each person who God puts in my life!

Lydia’s school had a family dance on Friday evening. She didn’t dance much but mainly wanted to go see all her friends. I really enjoyed catching up with some of her friends’ parents. I’m happy Lydia has a solid group of school friends at this age. I still coach and supervise her, but it is fun to see her interact with these girls and boys. I pray she will continue having a positive experience, but also know it is good to stay involved, even if behind the scenes.

It snowed a little today, and it looked like a snow globe! I also watched a little rabbit outside my window. I was only a foot or so away, with the windowsill in between us. The rabbit seemed to enjoy itself while it was eating snow. 🙂 I was reminded of how God takes care of each of us by providing for and protecting us.

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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, 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 Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #201

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 such a sweet week, full of God’s gentle grace. I celebrated my twelfth wedding anniversary and received some wonderful encouragement. Thank you!

Lydia and I had some funny conversations this week. For example, we had an hour-long conversation about French Impressionists, like Claude Monet. Lydia also decided to make some healthy, kid-friendly recipes but needed supervision. Later, she shared about how she helped her classmates and handled a couple of sticky situations at school. It is fun to see her be creative and take on more responsibility. She’s such a cool kid!

On Friday, I had coffee with a friend. We don’t know each other super well, but I was grateful we could meet and spend time together. I appreciate how God uses each of us to encourage each other. It is helpful to listen, make decisions, and process life’s challenges. Thank You, Jesus!

I had several other great conversations with people this week. I was able to catch up with various people and challenge a good friend with God’s truth. Sometimes, we misunderstand people’s intentions, so it’s good to pray first and then communicate clearly. Life is so short. A good friendship goes both ways and iron sharpens iron! 

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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, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #198

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 really fun week, though there were a few tough moments! God came through for me with an extra dose of grace! I also really appreciated everyone’s support for Dave’s birthday.  Thank you!

This week, we had several fun holiday activities at work. We worked hard, but also wore ugly Christmas sweaters, exchanged Secret Santa gifts, took pictures, laughed and told stories, and ate some yummy meals and treats together. I’m grateful for a good job and wonderful coworkers who are becoming friends!

Lydia and I also hosted a white elephant exchange for my Thursday night small group friends. I unwrapped a 2012 giant phone book from Knoxville, Tennessee! I happened to give away an expired container of prunes, so I got even, lol! It was a fun time all around!

Today Lydia and I had fun relaxing around the house! We enjoyed playing new games, watching movies, baking treats, and finding Christmas gifts on the porch from loved ones. Lydia has had fun rearranging the boxes under the tree for Wednesday!

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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, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

A Tale of Two Birthdays

Well, here we are in the swing of the holiday season!

Yesterday was Dave’s birthday. Of course, it comes every year, but yesterday felt different. I intentionally put off thinking about it all until later in the day because I was trying to keep it together and get things done. Still, I’ve been thinking of him quite a bit lately.

It’s interesting to think about how things would be different if Dave was here…

This particular week is very busy trying to squeeze in a trillion activities before Christmas. Some of the stress is normal and would be the same even if Dave was here. Work and school, making meals, washing dishes, Christmas parties, shopping lines, etc.

But yesterday, I caught myself being frustrated by all the stressors that result from Dave being gone. Several things are more difficult now. Many things take longer to complete or just don’t get done. As a single mom and homeowner, all the responsibility falls on me.

Most of the time, I just deal with it. But yesterday, it took more effort. Missing Dave was one component, yes. But after work, school and Lydia’s orthodontist appointment, several random chaotic things happened all at once. It didn’t help that we were also sad, cold, overwhelmed, frustrated, tired, and hangry. It was the perfect storm.

Yesterday was a little rough at times. But, I noticed my mindset wasn’t particularly helpful and I didn’t want to linger there for long, though that would have been easier.

Thankfully, God showed up in the many people around us. Several people sent texts or called to chat. Last night, our neighbors dropped off a delicious box of goodies with perfect timing. And for dinner, a dear friend came over with pizza and cupcakes.

Last night, I reminded myself of all I have to be thankful for… Dave was a wonderful man and now I have Lydia! Then, a few Caterpillar guys checked in and sent thoughtful messages. We also received a number of beautiful Christmas cards reminding me of all the people cheering us on from near and far. I’m grateful for your prayers and support.

And, I reminded myself of how far God has brought me. That’s the beauty in all of this. Despite my (sometimes) heartache and frustration, Jesus is here with me.

Yesterday, Dave’s birthday was a little sad because it reminds me of all we have lost, but we look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birthday, too. We rejoice that Jesus’ birth brought us hope and redemption. A solution to the world’s collective heartbreak.

Emmanuel means ‘God with us’ and when Jesus steps into a situation, He will help us get through it. He brings peace and joy, grace and power, as well as hope and healing. But we have to invite Him in. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

When all is well or when (I feel) nothing is going right… Emmanuel.

When problems arise and nothing gets solved… Emmanuel.

When I don’t measure up despite giving my best effort… Emmanuel.

There is power in the Name of Jesus and peace in His Presence. He is our Emmanuel. So instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’m seeing my pain as a reminder to draw closer to Jesus. I’m trusting in God’s grace and focusing on His goodness. Thank You, Jesus!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for sending Your son, Jesus, to be our Emmanuel. Thanks for never leaving us nor forsaking us. You deserve all our praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Is there someone who needs a little encouragement or support during this season? How can you bring them comfort and point them to Jesus?

Tasks: Ask a grieving friend to come over for the holidays. Or, see if you can help them finish their shopping or baking or other preparations. Sometimes just being present is all they need to remember Jesus is with them, too.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #197

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 flew by! The temperatures were below zero for much of the week, but I am grateful God kept us safe and warm. I’m also thankful for merino wool sweaters and socks!

On Wednesday, after work and school, Lydia and I went on an afternoon adventure! We walked around Scheels, an outdoor store, and played games. Lydia really enjoyed the shooting game and I was proud of how quickly she learned what to do. She also had fun on a motorcycle game. It was a fun and relaxing time together!

Last night, Lydia and I went to hang out with some of my coworkers. We had dinner and watched a movie while catching up and getting to know each other better. It was a lot of fun, and we all agreed we are blessed to have such a cohesive team!

Today is my one year LASIK anniversary! I had my routine eye exam yesterday and everything looks fantastic! My eye doctor is really pleased with my results. I am too! It is so nice to not think about glasses and contacts anymore. It was a life-changing decision, and I am so glad I decided to do it. Thank you, Jesus!

Today, a friend came over to play while her parents watched her brother’s basketball games. She and Lydia had fun playing their own games and putting together a giant LEGO set from Lydia’s birthday. The girls were very cooperative, and we appreciated her help!

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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

Finding Grace #196

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 really great week! It has been chilly, but we haven’t received any more snow since Sunday. I’m grateful the roads weren’t super slick.

All week I trained full time in the hospital portion of where I work! I really enjoyed working ‘inpatient’ again, as it has been a long time since I have done that. On Friday, the lady training me was off, so I covered for her and had a good day!

On Thursday, my small group friends canceled, so Lydia and I enjoyed watching ‘The Polar Express’! It was different than we expected but we both had a good time together.

That night, I also fixed a curtain rod in Lydia’s room! Years ago, she broke it when she used the curtains as a swing. I half-fixed it back then but needed to do a better job this time. A friend coached me over the phone but it feels good to finish the job on my own!

Today, Lydia and I attended an out-of-town baby shower for a friend. It was a fun way to celebrate her and we met some of her other friends! We played games and had yummy food! Thankfully, the weather was also good and the roads were clear.

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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, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer

Finding Grace #192

I love giving God a shout out for what He has done. We don’t do that nearly enough!

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 ups and downs, along with the fullness of God’s grace!

On Monday morning, I received a disappointing ‘confirmation’ that something I had hoped for wasn’t going in my favor. It will be alright and, though it may be difficult currently, it is actually a good thing in the long run. I prayed about it and am trusting God. Ironically, as soon as this happened, a friend texted me and asked if we could have dinner together. It was a well-timed visit and I was glad for the company. We briefly discussed my issue while we caught up and encouraged each other! It was refreshing.

On Tuesday evening, I received some more discouraging news. It is unrelated to the other issue, but again, I was praying for a different outcome. Once again, I was upset and God provided another friend to encourage me. We had dinner and caught up, too. I really appreciate friends who help me see God’s goodness and grace! Encountering resistance helps us lean on God and remember we don’t have to worry because He is in control!

On Thursday, more friends came over for Bible study. We had a good conversation and I shared my updates with them. One friend made a good point, that it was good to know this information sooner rather than later so I can readjust my plans. I agreed that God’s timing is perfect. And, I am no worse off than before… I just have a clearer path to follow now.

Work went well this week! I transitioned to my part-time schedule (my actual job). I previously was working full-time while someone was on maternity leave. I am grateful for both opportunities (working more or less), and it feels good to have work-life balance. I even picked Lydia up early from daycare early!

Today, we are celebrating Lydia’s November birthday early! Because she was born close to Thanksgiving, getting friends together for a party can be tricky. So, we decided to do it this weekend instead. Lydia decided to take a friend to paint pottery at a local shop. Then, we had pizza and brownies. So far, the girls are having a fun sleepover and have painted fingernails, watched a show, and are singing while playing several games. 🙂

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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)!