Tag: patience

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

Finding Grace #513

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 quieter than expected, but still good! I worked one full day (Monday) and then only two-and-a-half hours on Tuesday. Lydia has been sick on and off since the Friday before Christmas, so we’ve mostly been staying home. 

We were invited to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert with friends, but we had to skip it because Lydia was sick. It would have been really cool, but it was for the best! We also canceled an appointment and two get-togethers with friends. Thankfully, we can reschedule those!

With Lydia down, I had some “extra” time to do quiet activities around the house. (I had already taken off Wednesday and Friday, plus had off Thursday anyway.) I caught up on some paperwork, read some books, started my next online course for church, cooked some meals, deep-cleaned a few areas, and exercised. It was really nice to have unhurried time.

My neighbors on either side of us were really kind to help clear my sidewalks this week. I cleared some snow before dawn, knowing the snow company would clear the main driveway. Later, I left work an hour early on Monday to do the sidewalks before my chiropractor appointment (instead of after), but the two men had already done them! I was so grateful and took some cookies to each of them. Plus, it was good to check in with each family and thank them for being good neighbors!

Well, Lydia was in bed most of the week and is starting to feel better now. I think we will watch church online tomorrow, just in case she is still contagious. Hopefully, next week everything will be back to normal!

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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, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom, Worship

The Old Made New

Happy New Year!! As I reflect on 2025, I see many answers to prayers. God was definitely at work and did some pretty awesome things in my life!

I think of how my life was at the beginning of the year and how it is now. In some ways, things are similar, but if you look deeper, they are very different. I have grown and have been transformed by renewing my mind and letting go of the old to grasp the new.

Naturally, the biggest life change was my mom’s death in February. Yet, this was the best year of her life because she met Jesus face-to-face! We miss her, but are grateful she is with the One who died so she could live forever. I hear my mom’s voice in Colossians 2:5-7 below:

5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Some people get stuck after someone dies. But for others, Death can be a catalyst for change. When we’re reminded how short Life is, our perspective shifts from complacency to “it’s now or never.” There is no time to waste!

Although Mom is not with us physically, we certainly will carry her memory and legacy with us. I want to make her proud and live out the calling God gave me, which she cultivated. The Colossians passage above is like a parting reminder: Continue in Jesus, stay rooted in Him, remember what I taught you, be grateful.

Lydia and I visited some new-to-us places in North Dakota, and she also went to Washington, DC. We each started new activities, too. Lydia participated in a program called Congress, and I started a leadership training program at church, something I have wanted to do for a long time. We have both learned a lot this year!

I made some changes around the house, including finally getting some landscaping done. It was several years in the making. I am so glad it is finished, and I love how it turned out!

Praise God, I am now mostly pain-free in my neck, back, and hips – it has been years since I felt this good! I am giving all credit to Jesus, my Healer. He has done all the hard work; I have just walked it out with some new tools, habits, and mobility training.

The Lord provided for me in new ways this year. I picked up extra hours here and there at work, which helped bring in a little more money. In other areas, He showed me how to adjust my spending habits to stretch my dollars when needed. He is so faithful and good!

Speaking of habits, I finally realized that going to bed and getting up early is non-negotiable! This meant I’ve had to say “no” and strengthen boundaries. But I feel better all around when I get a short walk and stretching in early. Also, my morning time with Jesus is top priority. With His help, I have been fairly consistent in both areas. It feels good to get into a rhythm… and coffee certainly helps!

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This year was full of challenges, but Jesus made old things new again. He brought things to completion and answered prayers. I grew in my faith, and my life was transformed. And you know what? Jesus wants to change your life, too! So let Him! 

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Heavenly Father, You are so good. Increase our faith and transform us from the inside out. Your Word is Truth – help us live it out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How have you grown this year? How has Jesus transformed you?

Task: Keep a running list of all the ways you see Jesus moving in your life this next year. Praise Him along the way!

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

Living Within Our Limitations

As you may know, I usually write my blog posts on Tuesday nights. Sometimes I start them on Sunday or Monday, if I have a specific idea, but I always finish on Tuesdays (and make final edits on Wednesday mornings before publishing and sharing).

Some of this is just my creative process, but a lot of it is certain limitations, such as time. Often, I have an idea, but it is not fleshed out yet. Or, I have several interesting occurrences or random pieces of information I want to talk about but I have to figure out if they are connected or not.

So, yesterday was Tuesday, but I was late getting home due to the weather and traffic limitations. We received a lot of blowing snow during the day and that slowed everything down in the evening! I also had to clear snow when I got home in the evening. My hired snow removal service came eventually, but I still had to do my part!

Free Pine Cone photo and picture

Thankfully, I had anticipated all of this and wrote half my blog early – even the part about getting home late! 😉 But I wanted to sit with the idea of limitations. We all have them, but they may impact us each in different ways.

I have already mentioned the limitations of time, weather, and traffic. We also have health problems, pain and grief, financial limitations, age restrictions, family challenges, work issues, and more. The holidays also present us with opportunities to trust God.

In particular, Christmas tends to amplify whatever problems are already present. But, don’t let yourself get stuck by your limits. Lean into Jesus and call on Him for help!

Jesus didn’t just come as a cute little baby. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He reigns over all! Every problem has to come under his authority and jurisdiction. We have Victory in Jesus’ Name.

So, here’s a fun update! My Tuesday was busy but pretty good. At work, I had a challenging patient, but he left feeling confident, so I am calling it a win. I got just enough done to feel accomplished, and I also received some good news!

Throughout the day, we received several inches of heavy, wet snow, but the drive home was fairly easy. I got home a few minutes late, but all things considered, it wasn’t too bad. I praised God the whole way home!

I cleared a little snow, but left most of it for my snow service. Because I had already started my blog, it didn’t take as long in the evening. So, I was able to spend time with Lydia, watching a Christmas movie!

When we pray, we literally bring Heaven to Earth… God’s will here as it is there. We may not see the result right away, but we can trust Jesus is on the move. He always answers when we call – yes, no, or not yet.  So, today, whether you are in the midst of calm or chaos, peace or pressure, lean into Jesus. He covers our limitations with His presence and mighty power!

Yes, when we acknowledge our limitations and humbly ask for help, Jesus comes to the rescue! His very Name implies salvation, and He loves to show Himself strong on our behalf! So, don’t give up! Keep seeking Jesus and keep moving forward!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for taking good care of me, despite my many limitations. You do all things well! Help me trust You more, and not rely on my own feeble strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do your limitations hold you back or lead you to Jesus? How has Jesus proved Himself strong on your behalf this week?

Tasks: Don’t let yourself get stuck by your limits. Lean into Jesus. call on Him for help, and keep moving forward!

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

Finding Grace #509

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 Snow Trees photo and picture

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

This was an interesting week!

On Monday, we had a funeral and a white elephant party back-to-back. It was bittersweet to hold space for both. But God is gracious and good to help us.

Work was full but good, and I was able to take advantage of a potential opportunity. I don’t know how it will turn out, but I am trusting God and will be content either way.

The weather was much colder than usual at this time of year. The snow we have will likely stay now, but overall, it isn’t too bad. I couldn’t get a good picture, but one morning on my way to work, I saw a sunrise ‘sun doggie’ so orange and bright that, when combined with the steam from some of the buildings, the whole Eastern sky looked like it was on fire! 

On Wednesday, I taught another round of the class I taught two weeks ago. We had a good conversation, and I was glad to help. Then on Friday, I met for coffee with someone from church to discuss some more future options in that same area. Both were fun uses of my abilities, and I am hopeful that God will let me continue doing those types of things!

Today, Lydia and I relaxed. We made some Christmas treats and worked on an Advent puzzle. You do one section every day, so it is not too overwhelming!

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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, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom, Worship

Holding Space During the Holidays

Well, we made it to December! It has already been an interesting month. On Monday, we had work and school, followed by a funeral and a class in the evening. It was a lot to juggle!

The funeral was for a thirteen-year-old girl, someone Lydia knew a bit from church. They were in the youth group together, though they went to different schools. They were two months apart, so her sudden death was very sad and shocking. We attended the visitation (skipping the funeral) because I also needed to take Lydia home before returning for my church leadership class in a separate area.

Free Wreath Flowers photo and picture

The funeral was still happening when I walked back into the building, and I heard several students talking about how the girl had made a difference in their lives. She loved Jesus and seemed to be very sweet and encouraging.

My class was the final meeting of the semester, and we had pizza for dinner, a lesson on prayer, and then a white elephant gift exchange! It was a lot of fun, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity.

During the training, we prayed for the family of the girl who died. We discussed how to hold space for these two different events of the night – the funeral and the training/party. We can rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.

It’s not easy, but it is important to honor the sadness and grief while also moving forward and celebrating Life. The holidays seem to be full of these situations, don’t they?

This year feels like it flew by, with so many personal wins, but there’s also sadness because my mom died in February. This time of year is challenging for other reasons anyway, including Dave’s birthday, Christmas, and the fact that he’s not here either.

But, I also recognize how GOOD God is through all of it. Jesus very much understands the dual nature of sorrow and joy. He was a Man of Sorrows, yet He also possessed the fullness of God’s joy (Psalm 16:11). Somehow, He held both simultaneously and remained faithful to His mission.

If Jesus can hold space for emotional duality, so can we. I know from experience this is true. While I don’t know what you are facing this Christmas season, Jesus does. He loves you deeply and cares about your concerns.

It is okay to feel conflicted, whatever you are experiencing. None of it is a surprise to the Lord. Take a little time to rest. Then, bring all of your emotions to Jesus and let Him help you sort them out. He really wants to be there for you, if you will let Him.

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Father God, thank you for the gift of Life and for emotions to express how we feel. Help us hold space for all You are doing in us and through us this holiday season. Bring us comfort and peace as we trust You and lean into all You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you holding up so far this week? Do you have any helpful tips for the holiday season?

Task: Take a few minutes and check in with Jesus and tell Him how you really feel. Don’t stay stuck in your emotions; let them be indicators, not dictators.

Posted on in Food and Nutrition, Fruit, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

God’s Good Gravy

This week, I heard a new-to-me term: the good gravy of God. I had to laugh because it just happens to be the week of Thanksgiving. Even before I heard an explanation, I understood that gravy isn’t the main thing, it is the “extra.”

Psalm 103 talks about some of God’s benefits, including healing, redemption, love, grace, and compassion. All of these are wonderful, but they are just “gravy” compared to the forgiveness and reconciliation we have through Jesus.

Really think about that for a minute. Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

Jesus fills our individual lives with good things, too. Blessings. Gravy. Benefits. Extras. Bonuses. Over the top. This week, I am filled with gratitude for all He has done for me. It is a good time to reflect.

Free Biscuit Gravy photo and picture

God’s good gravy is pure grace. You and I may enjoy different amounts of gravy slathered over our food (I like a lot!), but God’s grace is always abundant…. superabundant, in fact. There’s no way we can contain it!

Lately, I have been more aware of His daily blessings, such as special moments with Jesus in the morning. He has given me inward peace. I have such a gift in Lydia, as well as a beautiful home and all that goes with that… warmth, plenty of food, protection. The Lord keeps coming through for me at work and helps me get back and forth safely, too. Thank You, Jesus!

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and take some time to consider all of God’s benefits for His beloved children. A good parent, He only wants what is best for us. And, He is more than capable of blessing us.

That said, it’s not about the benefits and blessings… the stuff. It’s about drawing close to the One who loves us most and relishing His grace and goodness. He won’t give us anything that pulls us away from Him.

May we have wisdom to see Jesus at work around us and understand all of God’s good gravy in our lives. He has an everlasting and eternal supply, and He loves going over the top on our behalf!

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Father God, You are so good and gracious. Thanks for all Your grace and love. May we seek You more than all You do for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you doing anything exciting for Thanksgiving? When it comes to gravy, do you have a preference on type or quantity?!

Task: Make a list of all your blessings and praise God. Whether on turkey, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits, next time you have gravy, pause and give God thanks!

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

Cheerful and Connected

On Sunday, I went to church three times… and had so much fun! At one point, I told someone I might as well bring my sleeping bag and stay. She laughed and mentioned they do have a couple of showers on-site! 😀

To start, Lydia and I went to the first service at 8:30 a.m., like usual. We sat with a friend and caught up with her afterward. Typically, this may include discussing our week or the sermon. We encourage each other and may even pray for each other.

When the second service started at 10 a.m., Lydia and I left to pick up Starbucks for another friend. We chatted with her and played with her little girl for a while. Our visit was also a cover to pick up a package for Lydia’s birthday this week. I had the package delivered to our friend’s house so she wouldn’t see it in advance. My friend rewrapped it so Lydia didn’t catch on. 😉

Then, during the 11:30 a.m. service, we were back at church to help with the OASIS group. We set the tables and helped serve the food, which was ribs, scalloped potatoes, Caesar salad, and a pumpkin dessert. The older folks are friendly and appreciative. Later, Lydia mentioned how many people greeted us on Sunday, both in OASIS and at church in general.

After that, I ran Lydia home and hung out for a few minutes before heading back to church for a routine business meeting. I sat with some other friends while we heard about some financial updates and learned more about building updates as we remodel.

Free Pumpkin Pie Whipped Cream photo and picture

Finally, I came home and did a few tasks before catching up with family over Zoom. 🙂 Thankfully, I had energy throughout the day and felt like it boosted my mood. I felt encouraged, not drained!

Sunday was a bit of a wildcard initially, since I wasn’t sure how the timing was going to work out! I had prayed earlier and trusted God to direct our steps. In doing so, I saw just how connected we truly are in the context of community. 

Our church is fairly large, and now with three services, it is easy to forget about people or miss seeing them. I might go weeks without seeing certain friends, though I might remember to text them during the week or month. But Sunday was a fun eye-opener for Lydia and a nice reminder of all God is doing in us and through us.

Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

It was fun to see many familiar faces on Sunday. I’m glad that Lydia recognized the connections we have with others and saw the joy that comes from serving God. Being a part of the Body of Christ is a wonderful gift!

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God, thanks for helping us be the Church, the Body of Christ. May we grow and mature in Jesus and draw all people unto You. May we bring You glory, in Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you connected to a local church? Do you serve there regularly, or are you waiting to get involved? What is holding you back?

Task: Pray about getting more connected at church. It is good for your faith and builds others up… you are needed! Find something to do that blends your personality, spiritual gifts, and passions. Then, you will love showing up and serving! Note: If it’s a total drain on you, it’s probably not quite the right fit. It should be a sacrifice, but also bring you joy!

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 Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

An Ebenezer

I’ve had some really special experiences with God recently! It started Saturday night when Lydia debriefed from her youth convention before bed. She shared about the parable of the talents and was concerned that she was not doing “enough” for God. Lydia felt like she should do more, but had doubts about her talents.

I worked with her to bring relief and understanding. I explained that she is only thirteen, so she can’t drive and has little money to give. Still, she is capable of obeying and honoring me, doing her best at school, and being a good friend. I reminded her that God’s expectations of her are not a factor in obtaining His love!

I think we all feel the same way sometimes—at least I know I do. I sometimes lose sight of my talents, and it is easy to feel like I’m not making a difference.

A few minutes after lights-out for Lydia, a dear friend called me for help and input. We ended up talking for about two-and-a-half hours! It was around midnight by the time I went to bed, but it was worth it to help my friend!

Free Bench Park photo and picture

I was amazed that God used me right after Lydia expressed concern about how He used her! I woke up early for church and let Lydia sleep in a little. I wanted her to feel restored before another busy week.

The church service was powerful, as the Holy Spirit was moving in our hearts. We had less of a sermon and more of a heartfelt message. We alternated worship with talking about topics including communion and generosity. We had a time of healing, anointing with oil, and prayer.

During the service, people went forward with ministry needs. Pastors prayed for them and anointed them with oil. My neck and upper back have been hurting for over a month, but I decided not to go forward. My confidence was in God, and so I thought, “I don’t need to go up front. By faith, I am already healed and anointed in Jesus’ Name!”

After the service, I caught up with a friend. When she left, I decided to go up for prayer after all. I still had my earlier confidence, but wanted to mark the moment with an “ebenezer,” which means “stone of help.” Sometimes it helps to cement an experience like this. Anyway, I simply asked for prayer to cover me with God’s grace since there’s been a lot on my plate this season!

Free Ginkgo Autumn Leaves photo and picture

I met a new friend, and as she prayed, God spoke to my heart. He confirmed several things, and the takeaway is that He sees me, loves me, and is pleased with me. I felt like God spoke to me about some future opportunities, too. What a blessing.

Then, I ran home to get Lydia and returned to the church to serve during the third service. We already served a couple of weeks ago, but they needed some more help. It was a good chance to use more of our talents.

Fast-forward to Monday. We headed to the chiropractor after work. My neck and shoulders have had ongoing pain, but it has been worse lately. This time, my chiropractor tried a different technique. Instead of lying down, I sat in a chair while she gently adjusted me. It worked and I felt an immediate release of tension!

I was in awe that God did that for me! What a gracious Father! I’m hopeful it will continue to stabilize in the coming days. The pain is 99.9% gone unless I tweak my neck in a certain direction. But I have a lot better range of motion now. I’m calling it healed and will continue to work it out!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for all Your kindness to me! Help me use my talents and all the gifts You’ve given me for Your glory and fame. In Jesus’ Name Amen

Question: How has God been working in your life lately? Are you coming to Him in faith and resting in His goodness, or are you just seeking what He can do for you?

Task: Check out this classic hymn, and listen for the word “ebenezer!”

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

Finding Grace #502

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 Autumn Forest photo and picture

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

This was another week of hustling!

We served in the kids’ ministry at church on Sunday, and I squeezed in a quick walk with a friend. Then, we ran home to get Lydia packed for Congress before her team left on the bus.

Lydia was gone all day Monday, but did really well at Congress. She gave four of her speeches and scored high enough to place! It was a cool end to her first season!

My Monday was very full but good. I stayed close to Jesus and enjoyed several church-related events. I’m grateful.

On Tuesday evening, we attended a golden birthday party for one of Lydia’s school friends. If you recall, we met a family from Africa a few years ago at the bus stop. Over time, we have seen less of them since they have gotten more settled. We enjoyed catching up, eating really good food, and enjoying their culture and traditions. And, they sent us home with leftovers!

Wednesday was my mom’s birthday. We all miss her so much, but we are doing well. And, she is with the very One who loves her the most. So, while we are sad, we are also happy for her and proud of her!

At work, I felt like I was chasing my tail all week, and I was only there four days! 🙂 I barely stayed on top of my charting, but somehow did. I know God was helping me all along the way. I had nice patients and accomplished a lot. Thanks, Lord!

On Thursday night, I dropped off Lydia and a friend at church for a youth convention that went through today. It was a funny week because I was pretty much on my own for much of it (Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).

Yesterday after work, I met up with my coworker, Natalie, to hang out again. (She is off on maternity leave.) She had her new baby girl and her older son, who did not have preschool that day. It was fun to spend time together, and we visited a church ministry on the NDSU campus before getting coffee!

After that, I went to Menards and then finished up some outdoor projects at home… while catching up with my sister on the phone. Next, I did some studying and watched a movie. It was a fulfilling day!

This week, the weather definitely felt more like Fall! It was a little chilly, overcast, windy, and rainy. I didn’t mind too much and am thankful it wasn’t snow!

Today was a fairly restful Saturday. I did some studying before running errands and picking up Lydia from the youth convention. She had a big week and ended up resting for quite a while after that! After a three-hour nap, I had to wake her up!

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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)!