Tag: holidays

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Personality

A Rejuvenating Day

Yesterday was Veterans Day, so Lydia and I were off from school and work. I appreciate the sacrifices Veterans have made for us, and I am so grateful to serve them every week! It was a nice day off in the middle of the week!

We mostly had a quiet day at home. It was a glorious day of rest and rejuvenation. I did many different things, but felt relaxed while doing them. I was able to get several small tasks done, but in an unhurried manner, which makes all the difference!

I slept in an extra hour or so, which was glorious. Then, I enjoyed a homemade cappuccino and breakfast while reading my Bible and spending time with Jesus. I also did a little mobility work and planned my day. Lydia slept until just after 8:30 a.m., so I had a couple of hours to myself!

Free Fall Autumn photo and picture

A day off can quickly be wasted, so I jumped into my to-do list early! I started a load of laundry, organized my work backpack, washed a few small dishes, and paid a bill. I did all of this while catching up on some podcasts. Then, I supervised Lydia while she filled my car tires with air. I also showed her how to check the oil and windshield washer fluid, since she hopes to get her driver’s learning permit soon. Might as well teach her about car maintenance now! It wasn’t that chilly in the garage, but I also wanted to test out my new outdoor winter gear! Win-win!

Later, Lydia went to the gym with a friend, while I made brownies and chopped up some veggies for the week. It’s all about balance, right?! I bought some online birthday gifts for Lydia and did a little reading. When she returned, we ran some errands and got some food. Then, I worked on a project while watching a movie. 

Life is made up of many small moments together, and yesterday was one of those really enjoyable days where life just slowed down. Normally, I am on the go, and the little tasks just build up. They take a lot of mental space, but it is difficult to make headway on them. 

So, yesterday felt like an unexpected gift, even though I knew about the holiday for a while. It was just what I needed. Thank you, Veterans, and to Jesus for the freedom we now have!

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God, thanks for a relaxing day off! Thanks for the freedom we have in America and also in Christ. Help us walk worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What do you like to do when you don’t have anything specific planned?

Task: Take a few minutes to tackle some small items on your to-do list. Don’t wait until the timing is perfect. Just get started and see how it goes. Set a thirty-minute timer, and when it goes off, you can move on. Often, the little tasks take two minutes or less, but they add up and can quickly become overwhelming!

 

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #487

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!

Free Cookies Flags photo and picture

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

This week, I was exhausted but God did so many good things through me. I was short on sleep almost all week, but was able to sleep in a bit one day.

Work was…. a lot. But good, too! In addition to my normal load, I had about ten other patients who needed some help.  But, I was also was “off” 8 hours, due to the holiday weekend. My coworker took two patients that I was supposed to cover another coworker, so that was very helpful. I worked today from 8 to Noon, as it was my designated holiday weekend. God helped me and it all turned out just fine.

On Wednesday, I was off in the afternoon (since I had to work the weekend), and that’s when the appliance repairman was able to come! He was only at my house for about twenty-five minutes. He was able to figure out what was wrong – an internal hose was clogged. He only charged me for the house call since he didn’t need to replace anything. What a blessing!

Friday was Independence Day! We had a pretty relaxing day. Lydia packed for camp next week, and I did a little cooking while talking on the phone. We thought we’d hang outside for fireworks with our neighbors. But, it rained for a little bit that evening, so Lydia and I decided to stay inside and watch The Chosen, Season 5, instead. It’s on Amazon Prime and so good! Watching it for a second time is helpful to catch things I missed before.

Today, on my way to work, I prayed and thanked God for the opportunity to serve Veterans. I appreciate not having to work the other holidays this year, and I’m glad I could do this one for my coworkers. As it turned out, I only had one patient to see and chart. Then, I was able to finish up some other charting, so I don’t have to do it next week! Whew!

I was able to leave work on time today, so I got a few things done around the house. Lydia and I mowed this evening, and now we are hanging 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 Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #476

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!

Free Passion Cross photo and picture

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

This week went fairly fast!

Lydia was sick on Monday, so I stayed home with her. She was depleted and stayed in bed for 99% of the day, and I am glad I had the flexibility to call in to work. She was feeling mostly better the next day, so we could go to school and work.

Work was a little quieter this week. I had some patients cancel, so I found some time to catch up on projects. It was really nice to cross some things off my to-do list!

Lydia had the third week of her rifle class. She had fun practicing her shooting prone, sitting, and kneeling. I am really proud of her!

On Friday, I used four hours of a time-off award I earned from work. I got a massage in the morning, which was just what I needed! Lydia and I hung out a bit during the day, and then went to church for the Good Friday/Easter celebration. After that, we did a little shopping, got some food, and watched a movie at home.

Today, we did Saturday chores, made some calls, did some reading, etc. We also made some food for Easter tomorrow. Mostly, we just relaxed!

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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, Wisdom, Worship

From Passover to Easter

I have been learning a lot about Passover and Easter lately! This year, Passover was last Saturday (4/12), and Easter is this coming Sunday (4/20). Perhaps they are on my radar because Season 5 of The Chosen is all about Holy Week and the Last Supper. For me, the hope we find in Jesus’ resurrection is especially poignant amid grief.

I’ve found many helpful videos providing insights into the first-century Jewish culture and the elements of the seder dinner. It is fascinating! The Last Supper, as we call it today, was the first and only mention in Scripture of how the annual Passover seder was held, outside the actual Exodus from Egypt.

Recently, I watched a Bible Project lesson on the meaning of the word Hebrew ‘pesakh.’ Surprisingly, it does not refer to ‘passing over’ but rather to a protective covering (like a mother hen). So, yes, during the Exodus, the Angel of Death passed over the houses containing the blood of the lamb, but God also hovered over them with His fierce protection. Additionally, He gave the Israelites specific instructions on what and how to eat so they would be ready to leave Egypt at a moment’s notice!

The word seder means ‘order,’ and each of the fifteen components is important. The Haggadah is a liturgical text retelling the Exodus from Egypt. For brevity, I will review a few key points that have stood out to me and post some videos that explain more at the end.

There are four cups of wine during a seder dinner based on four promises of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-7. First is the cup of sanctification, being set apart for God’s purposes. Then, the cup of judgment recalls the Egyptian plagues, and the cup of redemption, the sacrificed lamb and its blood. Lastly, the cup of hallel has to do with praise (as in hallelujah). Certain foods and songs coincide with each stage of the meal.

Jesus instituted His new covenant with the third cup. He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! He reframed each part of the meal and showed His disciples how each part pointed to Him. Though, they didn’t fully understand it until after Jesus died and rose again!

Free christianity communion passover illustration

When Jesus broke bread with the Disciples, He used unleavened bread. This was not just a pita! Matzoh has stripes and is pierced with holes, foreshadowing how Jesus was tortured. Somewhere along the way, another tradition began with putting three matzoh in a cloth bag. The middle one is broken and hidden for children to find at the end of the meal for a prize. The word for this is borrowed from Greek, ‘afikoman,’ meaning “I have come” or “I am coming.” Jewish scholars have various ideas about this, but it makes the most sense that it represents Jesus. He is the second part of the Trinity, and His body was broken, buried (hidden), and brought back. Wow!

As modern Christians, we miss a lot of the meaning found in the seder meal. I attended one many years ago but now would like to revisit it someday! While in some ways, our Communion is like a mini seder, we can see Jesus in every part of the meal. God is so good to help us remember and look for Him along the way!

We can’t really have the Easter Resurrection without Passover. Some years, the calendars are linked closer together, but both are intricately connected. I’m so grateful for the hope we have in Jesus. Learning about His life and culture makes me love Him even more!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for the love, mercy, grace, peace, and new life we can access through Christ Jesus. May we live worthy of His sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever experienced a seder meal? What connections do you see between Passover and Easter? (I only covered a handful!)

Tasks: Check out these amazing videos about Passover/Pesakh: Bible Project; One for Israel; and So Be It!  You can also learn about the Feast of Unleavened Bread and First Fruits, which occurred on the day of Jesus’ resurrection!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Wisdom

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!! Welcome to 2025!!

Did you stay up late and reach midnight? We had a low-key celebration with “The Forge” movie, followed by some Nate Bargatze comedy. We enjoyed appetizers and fireworks. But, we decided to get a good night’s sleep so we can enjoy the holiday and day off!

This is the first time January 1st is on a Wednesday since I started blogging. So while I usually do an end-of year recap, I will keep it simple and jump right in.

Last year was a very interesting year for me. It was good in so many ways. I learned not to pick up what wasn’t for me and let go of what no longer served me well. I’m still a work in progress…

I learned so much about myself and trusted God more deeply. He used physical pain to get me to make some positive changes in sleep, fitness, and nutrition. I was already moving in the right direction, but I took them to a new level.

I look forward to seeing how I learn and grow this year! I have not set any resolutions, but will probably set a few short-term goals and see where it goes. For now, I will be listening to this song by Lauren Daigle on repeat. 🙂

As we reflect on the last year, what went well and what didn’t, it can be easy to feel discouraged about all the things you didn’t accomplish. Or, maybe it was a doozy, and you fought physical or financial hardships. But, you still are standing! By God’s grace, you will have Victory if you don’t give up. One way or another!

On the other hand, you may be sad if you are starting the new year without a loved one. It is tough to feel like you are leaving them behind. It does get easier, but it will take some time. Lean into the pain and draw close to Jesus. He will help you through it!

In Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV), Paul wrote, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“

Praise God, today is a new day with new mercies. Indeed, a new year full of opportunities and hope! Failure is not final, if we learn from it. 

This year, I pray you will understand just how much God loves you. It isn’t about “doing” since there’s nothing you can do to make Him love you more or less.

So, step into God’s abundant grace and provision. Move forward with purpose. It won’t be easy, but God is with you and for you. Cling to Him. Rest in Him. He is trustworthy and true.

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God, thanks for a new day and a new year! You are such a faithful provider and protector. Thanks for bringing us through! Help us stay close to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you have any big plans or goals for this new year?

Tasks: Read this throwback from 2015. Whatever your plans, remember to run them by God first. Trust Him to lead you and obey what He says to do. He will never let you down!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #460

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!

Free Winter Snow photo and picture

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

This was a relaxing week! I went to work on Monday and had off most of the week after that!

Tuesday was Christmas Eve. It was declared a federal holiday (just this year), and I appreciated having an extra day off. Our church’s Christmas Eve service was so good, and I am glad we got to attend!

Christmas Day was peaceful and relaxed. We enjoyed opening gifts, reading, playing games, baking bread, and just hanging out. It was good to connect with family remotely, too.

On Thursday, Lydia and I ran a couple of errands. Then, she had an eye doctor’s appointment, and we went to see the movie Mufasa. It was good!

The weather was pretty mild this week. It almost feels like spring! We still have snow, but I see a fair amount of grass, too!

We happily stayed home again on Friday, and I spent a fair amount of time working on my budget for the next year. I also finished some other end-of-year projects and put away the Christmas decorations. Usually, I leave them up longer, but this year, I wanted to clear the space and start the year off with a clean house!

Today, I had the opportunity to work in the VA kitchen again! This time, I worked a full day, mostly on my feet running around. There was not much downtime, and I got about 12,000 steps while I was there. Later, another dietitian also came to help, so that was fun. The other staff were grateful, and I’ve appreciated getting to know them better!

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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, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

The Heart of Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

The last time Christmas was on a Wednesday was in 2013, our first without Dave. I was not blogging then, but we spent the holiday visiting family in Ohio. Staying in Fargo was just too difficult that year. 

But God is so faithful and good. He has seen us through each twist, turn, and holiday, providing whatever we need in the moment. I know He has special plans for us… and for you.

Today, I am sending love to you and your family. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating God’s love and His gift to us…Jesus!! He is the best gift we could ever receive!

Lydia tends to give me handmade cards and gifts. This year, she surprised me and made fudgy chocolate cookies! They are amazing, so I’m sharing the recipe she used! Enjoy!

We have had a great Christmas season. We loved the Concordia Christmas Concert early on and The Charlie Brown Christmas play last weekend. Lydia also had some holiday events for school. We have made some yummy treats and watched most of the holiday movies. But, overall, we have enjoyed a less frantic pace!

Yesterday was declared a federal holiday (just this year), and I was extra grateful because I would’ve missed our church’s Christmas Eve service if I was still at work. It would have started and been mostly over before I could pick up Lydia at home.

I recently watched a movie about the poem “Christmas Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It was written in 1863 during the Civil War and discusses tragic loss, death, and even hate encompassed with enduring hope in God. The poem was not on my radar until I saw the movie, but now I can’t get it out of my head.

The bells refer to church bells ringing out the love, joy, and hope of Jesus. Longfellow’s wife died after an accident, yet she had always loved the bells and their sound, imagining them to be like little voices singing out God’s truth.

After she died, Longfellow refused to write or do much of anything. Grief is so heavy sometimes! But, by God’s grace, he had a breakthrough on Christmas Day, 1863. His poem was later set to music and sung as a Christmas carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.”

Free Bells Church photo and picture

So, to recap, there is a poem, a song, and a movie. I’d recommend them all! You can learn more about the history and details here. All three are connected in one link.

Besides the joyful bells, one thing that stands out to me is the theme of listening. We must quiet ourselves before the Lord in order to hear Him and receive his love, peace, and joy. I feel like Lydia and I have been able to do that this year. I hope you can also find time and space to connect with God today.

Another line I like states, “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep…” When I heard that, I was reminded of 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV), which says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” I’m so grateful for God’s constant attentiveness and provision. He gave us Jesus and so much more!

I am grateful for each opportunity God gives us to draw close to Him. Without Jesus, that would not have been possible. He is the heart of Christmas! Love, joy, peace, mercy, grace, reconciliation, eternal life, and so much more. May we keep Him at the center as we celebrate!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for sending Jesus as a baby King for our redemption. May all we think, say, and do bring You glory. May we walk worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice. In His Name, Amen

Question: How can you keep Jesus at the center and or honor Him today?

Task: After you check out the other links above, listen to Casting Crowns’ rendition of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” It is my favorite! Merry Christmas!!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Personality

Moving Forward During the Holidays

Yesterday was my late husband Dave’s 46th birthday, our twelfth without him here. To celebrate, I usually give Lydia a gift in his honor. When she was little, it was a way to connect with her dad since she was so little when he died. She does not remember him but can still feel close.

So, on Monday night, Lydia got her ears pierced with a second hole. She had wanted this for a while, and it just happened to work out this week. We had an appointment at a tattoo shop, and I bet Dave would have loved it! He was usually up for an adventure and understood some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet have tons of tattoos. 🙂

Dave didn’t have any tattoos, and neither do I. But I opted for the tattoo place because Lydia had a little trouble after getting her ears pierced the first time at a box store. I wanted to be able to go back and talk with someone knowledgeable if needed. Thankfully, she is doing fine now!

The man at the tattoo shop reminded me a lot of Dave’s good-naturedness. He was cheerful and friendly,  able to converse on a wide variety of topics, eager to help, and a good teacher. He has three kids and loves Christmas movies. He was a lot of fun, and if I ever did decide to get a tattoo, I know I’d be in good hands. 😉

Meeting the tattoo artist was a surprising breath of fresh air! I did not expect the experience to be so intriguing. As I listened to him chat away, I thought about how his excitement and passion for his work and life mimic how we Christians should represent Jesus.

I don’t know if this man knows Jesus, but I pray he does. His zest for life was contagious, and I envisioned the spiritual impact he could have. His little tattoo shop has ministry potential! I have a few friends with similar personalities, and they make following Jesus fun!

Free Joy Christmas Tree photo and picture

Did you know Jesus was the most joyful person who ever lived? Despite being born into poverty, He lived a full and fulfilled life. Despite coming to die (on purpose!), He lived out his mission. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit and stayed connected to His Father.

I love how we can connect to God all throughout our day and in various places. Who knew I would see glimpses of Jesus (and even Dave!) at a tattoo shop?! It is cool to read in Isaiah 49:16 that God has written (or tattooed) our names on His hands!

The holidays can be tough for many people, and if you are struggling, I would encourage you to keep your eyes open. Look for joy in unexpected places. Keep moving forward. Jesus is with you and for you. Put your trust in Him, and let Him surprise you!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for all the ways You show up and surprise us with Your goodness. Help us navigate our complex emotions. Help us move forward with Your joy, peace, and grace this season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have any tattoos? How is your holiday season going so far?!

Task: Take each day as it comes. Look for Jesus and stay present with Him.

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Don’t Fall Prey to Fear

Last week, I talked about seeking peace and avoiding distractions, largely regarding busyness. But I also recognize that fear, anxiety, and worry are a triple threat to maintaining our peace.

This season brings many emotions, such as joy, gratitude, sadness, grief, and stress. While there is so much to enjoy, it is okay to have mixed emotions. Let’s be alert for those, like fear, that would drive us away from God’s infinite LOVE.

You know I must have very specific reasons for living in a state with around six months of winter! Often, I don’t mind, but the amount of snow can sometimes be a little much at times. It becomes even more nerve-wracking if there’s ice involved. Combined with winter’s darker, early nights, I must be on guard and protect my peace.

Thankfully, God has taught me a lot about dealing with fear! I can pray for His help, reframe the situation, apply the Truth of Scripture, and switch my focus outward in service to others. Fear threatens to trap us, but we don’t have to fall prey to fear!

In practical terms, I can also dress warm, have a good attitude, go slow when needed, and thank God for all-wheel drive. I can listen to the radio, especially the Christmas carols at this time of year! I can stop and run errands nearby to wait out the traffic, if needed.

Free Nature Winter photo and picture

Another way to guard my peace is to monitor what is going into and coming out of my heart and mind. The radio can be encouraging, but often, listening to the news is not. I can read the details instead and monitor it as I go. What goes in must come out eventually, and speaking the Truth with grace and kindness is a better alternative to gossip.

Monitoring energy levels may also be helpful at this time of year! If something is draining my peace, I might be giving in fear. If it brings rejuvenation, I’m more likely to be on the right path! Faith is a stretch, but God rewards and encourages us along the way.

During the holidays, it is easy to do things without always connecting with why. Traditions are great, but sometimes we lose the intention. We cannot allow holiday traditions or daily activities to take our eyes off Jesus. Ideally, these joyous events should point us to Him!

If you are not “into” something this year, have the courage to skip it or change it. It’s okay to do something different that is more meaningful! Instead of feeling stuck, at least discuss it with your family. Perhaps you can take a step of faith and connect with Jesus in a new way while building memories together!

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God, thanks for giving us Jesus, the Reason for the Season. Help us keep our focus on You. Give us wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What are your favorite Christmas traditions? Do you do them every year or rotate between them? I like to make certain foods but don’t necessarily have a strict timeline!

Tasks: Make a list of the activities you want to do this holiday season. Match each one to your energy levels, which may ebb and flow. Choose the best and let go of the rest. Or, do some of them in January! 😉

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #457

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!

Free christmas christmas headdress decoration illustration

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

This week was encouraging! I met for coffee with a dear friend on Sunday afternoon. We had a good time catching up, and our conversation stuck with me for several days.

We also had a good time on family Zoom. My four-year-old nephew is so funny, and I enjoy his seasonal excitement. It is special to see his understanding of Jesus and how we celebrate Him.

Work was busy, and I had to advocate for a patient who has been having ongoing troubles. The VA is doing well to serve him, but he’s having difficulty getting the care he needs elsewhere. We’ve gone above and beyond, so I hope he’s on the mend soon.

On Wednesday, we had something called a “snow sqaull.” The snow blew at high speeds all day, but we only had about half an inch of true accumulation. Still, I had over half of my driveway covered with foot-deep drifts. I spent over an hour shoveling and snowblowing since my snow service doesn’t come unless we reach the one-inch ‘trigger.’ It was bitter cold, but nothing I couldn’t handle. My mobility work made my back feel much better than I expected afterward!

Ironically, around the time, I started feeling sick. It is likely related to the cold, dry weather because my lungs are taking the brunt of it. It is exactly how I felt when I was sick almost all of June. This summer, I hoped to feel better on my own, but I ended up going to the doctor three times. Yesterday, I went in much sooner to get on top of it. The provider called it bronchitis and gave me an antibiotic, a steroid, and another inhaler. I am so glad I decided to go in since I don’t have time to be sick!

This week, I felt confirmation that I am right where God wants me. The snow essentially took priority on Wednesday, and I was glad to have the flexibility. Life just slows down when it comes to blizzardy weather, and I am glad I didn’t have to rush around! Later, I was asked to help with a small editing project for my church. This is a joy for me, and I would not be able to do it if I was overbooked.

Today, I mostly rested. I did some gentle exercise that was easy on my lungs. I promise I didn’t push myself too hard! Then, I worked on the editing project and our typical Saturday things. Lydia and I had a good discussion on resiliency and follow-through. We also finally got around to decorating for Christmas!

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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)!