Tag: God’s provision

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

Finding Grace #511

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?!

When I looked at my schedule this week, I thought it would be overwhelmingly full! But it ended up being much more manageable!

Work was the main thing that weighed on me time-wise, but then we had a blizzardy Thursday, which led to some no-shows and cancellations. So, that gave me time to catch up with my charting. I also stayed a few more hours on Friday, which helped!

Besides patient care, I had several really good conversations with my coworkers. We are covering quite a bit right now, and we are wearing a lot of hats, so to speak. We encouraged each other and it felt good to share the load.

On Wednesday, I attended Lydia’s chamber orchestra Christmas concert. My coworkers covered a couple of appointments for me so I could go. It made me feel really good, and it also happened to be Dave’s 47th birthday – so a nice way to celebrate! He would be so proud of Lydia!

A big praise: God helped me avoid a large bill for a special UV light device for my psoriasis. I had talked with my dermatologist about it, but never received a quote… it was ordered and just showed up! Due to a weird billing process, it was out-of-network and therefore not covered by my insurance. I thought the company would bill me a significant amount, but after discussing it with them, they decided to write it off. I basically received the device for free! I thanked the company for their generosity; they said it was more important for me to have it than to try to figure out how I would pay for it. Thank You, Jesus!

Today, Lydia and I went to see the new movie, David, in the theater. We enjoyed it, especially the music. I might have to find the soundtrack! Then, I had Lydia practice driving on the ice and snow. She did great!

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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 Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Pivot, Wisdom

Shopping Our Shelves

Here we are a week into the new year. How are you doing?!

This year, I am trying something a little different. Well, I have been meaning to do it for awhile, but just decided to go for it now, thanks to a little godly conviction. 😉

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6

I will probably never be a minimalist, as I have many interests and like to have options! Yet, the reality is that I have plenty of stuff, possibly bordering on too much. Ahem.

Over time, I have realized it is much easier to organize my stuff if there is less of it. I don’t need more hangers or baskets; I need to use what I have and be content. Having stuff is not bad, but I want to use my resources, not just collect them. Trying to maintain “all the stuff” takes time and mental effort, so in this case, less is more.

Last week, Lydia and I spent a little time organizing around the house. Here’s the problem: I like trying new things but don’t always go through them quickly enough. I might buy a few extras to save money (buy one, get one!) and then don’t have room to store them. So, things tend to accumulate or get wasted. On top of that, sometimes I forget what’s in my pantry… so I may buy things again. (Now you know why this blog is about grace, not homemaking!)

So, this year, we are challenging ourselves to “SOS” or “shop our shelves” (or stockpiles?!) before buying more. That applies to our food, toiletries, and, yes, even my books! If there is something we don’t truly need or won’t use, we will donate it to others. The main goal is to check our storage first and see if we can make do.

Hopefully, we’ll save a little money since I have already paid for the items on my shelves. I have already paid some bills and bought gas for my car, though it feels good to save time not going to the store or shopping online. I’m running low on milk and Q-tips, and they don’t have great substitutes. Still, I’ll likely hold off a little longer and start a list.

While my budgeting has been more manageable, it’s not about the money but the principle. I’m seeing God’s provision in a new way and creating space for Him to move in my life. We cannot experience His goodness without putting our faith in Him!

We’ll have to be creative as our experiment progresses and we run out of our favorites. However, I probably already have a perfectly good swap in storage. That said, we don’t want to leave ALL the beans for the end! So far, we have been using them for dips, salads, burritos, and chili.

Ultimately, God doesn’t want our stuff; He wants our hearts. I don’t know how long the experiment will last, but I am excited to see God move in our hearts. I feel grateful for His provision. It has been freeing not to be focused on “getting” and just relaxing and using what we already have. I’ll keep you posted!

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God, thanks for all You do to provide for me! All I have is from You and belongs to You. Help me be a good and wise steward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have any big plans for the new year?

Task: Watch Madame Blueberry by VeggieTales and pray about your next steps.

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Prayer, Worship

Birds, Boots, and Blessings

Last weekend, Lydia and I played in the snow with our next-door neighbors. Lydia joined the kids who were building a snowman, while I talked with their mom. I had my back to the wind, but my legs and feet were still cold.

At one point, someone pointed out a bald eagle, flying low and parallel to our property line. It has been awhile since I last saw an eagle, and I’ve never seen one so close to my house. So, it was really exciting!

The next day, Lydia and I were inside and we heard a cute little purple house finch on our deck. He sang his heart out, as we spied through the window. I had just assumed most of the birds had gone south for winter, so it was a nice little surprise!

Then, yesterday, I bought a new snow shovel. My neighbor across the street, Melissa, helped me clear my driveway that morning and recommended it. A great friend, she also recently inspired me to get a heated mattress cover… It’s awesome! So, I happily took her word on the snow shovel too! 🙂

As I drove home from the store, I was in awe. Besides the shovel, I also bought myself a new pair of snow boots. (Ok, Melissa had nothing to do with that!) I have been in search of snow boots since we moved to Fargo in 2010—7+ years ago! Besides snow, we get many days of below zero temperatures and negative wind chills.

Yes, I have hiking boots and dressy boots. But for our super cold winters, I hadn’t found something that would work for me day-to-day. I’ve tried other snow boots, but none have fit just right. They are either too big in the ankle or too tight in the toe—or both. Most boots I’ve seen have lousy traction or make my feet look huge…or are crazy expensive.

Gray, mid-calf, lace-up boots with a rubber bottom, these new boots are rather simple. But God knew what I wanted, and they are exactly what I had been looking for. And, they will go with everything I wear. Bonus!

On my way home with my new shovel and boots, I also had a good laugh. I watched a Canada goose walk out on a snow-covered pond and just sit down. I have no idea why it was sitting there, but it was funny. Technically, we are just south of Canada, but I think most of the geese continue on to warmer weather!

Maybe it was taking a break or waiting for friends?

As I considered the goose, I remembered the bald eagle and the purple house finch. All of them had surprised me in their own way. Each of them provided me with joy and encouragement at just the right moment. Thank You, Jesus!

As I thought about all three birds—each so unique—I praised God for taking care of them. He meets their needs, keeps them warm, and feeds them. Not one bird falls to the ground without Him knowing about it. And, we are worth much more to Him than a simple sparrow or finch… or odd goose…or even a powerful eagle!

Yes, God promises to take care of us too. Each year, I’ve managed to get by when I am outside thanks, in part, to Smart Wool socks. But this season, I will be extra warm with my new boots. What a welcome surprise!

In His own way and timing, God provided the snow boots I had envisioned all those years ago. When writing this, I was also reminded of other things I have prayed for over the years. The boots are both a blessing and a reminder that God faithfully meets my needs.

I can depend on the Lord—and, He also uses me to bless others. This year, Lydia and I donated coats, hats, gloves, and snow pants so local kids can stay warm, too. It’s cool to see the Lord ‘return the favor’ as He also provides for me and answers my prayers in only ways He can. Praise God!

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God, You are such a good Provider. Thank You for filling my life with good things! Thank You for being faithful and for blessing me. Help me be a blessing to others. Use me to meet the needs of those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has the Lord blessed you recently? How can you bless someone else?

Tasks: Make a list of all you are thankful for; share it with someone. Make a list of prayer requests; update your list as you see how God faithfully answers.