Finding Grace #516

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 busy, but felt relaxed at the same time! The cold weather made everything more exciting – okay, at least it gave us something to talk about!

I hosted our Sunday Zoom call with family, like usual. Some of us also met on Wednesday night, too, because my niece wanted to say hi to us. 🙂 It is always a highlight of my week, so this was a double blessing!

Work was busy “on paper” with many patients, but it turned out to be fairly smooth. I had several cancellations and no-shows, perhaps due to the frigid weather (well below zero most days!). I was grateful because I was able to stay caught up on my notes!

We also celebrated a coworker’s retirement. We are going to miss her, but are really happy for her. We had a little party at work on Thursday, and then surprised her by going out to eat afterward. We have a great team, and it was fun to hang out after work!

The news has been pretty heavy the last couple of weeks. I am keeping our nation in prayer. I know God is still on His throne, and we are called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Lord, may we have the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it!

Lydia continues enjoying Speech and had her first meet today. She was gone most of the day but had fun and won a beginner’s award!

I did some cooking, a little organization, and the usual Saturday things at home. I also read a book and took a nap. 🙂 It was a great day, made better when Lydia arrived home to tell me about her day!

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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)!

Making Disciples

Recently, I read a social media post that reminded me that most of Jesus’ twelve disciples were likely teenagers. With the exception of Peter, who would have been at least twenty years old as he was required to pay the Temple tax, along with Jesus. The boys Jesus chose would have been those who were not the best students. They would have entered the workforce around thirteen or fourteen after completing their basic education.

I knew the disciples were young, but I never connected that on a deeper level. Now that Lydia is a teenager, I can see how things went over their heads! I am reading the Bible a little more clearly! Jesus told them about His death multiple times, and they missed it. Instead, they were competing with each other and asking Jesus for special favors. It was tough sometimes, but Jesus knew what He was doing!

The disciples were awkward, impulsive, eager, and brave boys (until they turned panicky during storms or fled when Jesus was arrested). Being teenagers also probably partially explains how they were so passionate and energetic after the resurrection. They were all in, ready to give their lives for the cause. If they had been older, they might have relied on “human wisdom” (reasonable caution!), rather than on God’s strength and power.

Matthew 28:18-20 says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'” You can compare how each of the four gospels records it here.

The verses above are known as The Great Commission, some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples. Discipleship starts with connecting through relationships. Then, we can learn and grow in our faith. Most of us have opportunities every day to share the love and good news of Jesus. That may be out in the world or in your own home.

I am so proud of who Lydia is becoming. But sometimes I have to remind her of simple tasks and chores on repeat. She is fairly reliable otherwise, so maybe that’s why I expect her to “get it.” Sometimes I have to laugh and stop myself from getting too upset. Lydia is totally normal, and I’m reminded that she’s my little disciple. How I say things is just as important as what I say. Indeed, I can offer her grace, especially since Jesus has been so gracious with me, and my resistance and dumb mistakes!

Last weekend, I gave Lydia the opportunity to drive in a blizzard. She did really well despite the lack of visibility! The next day, however, she decided against the “opportunity” to help me clear snow in our driveway. 🙂

Yes, teenagers are awesome in many ways. They can be funny and lighthearted. They hone in on what is important (to them) and go after it. They can be persistent and think outside the box. I have seen them do amazing things, going above and beyond.

Teens are not to be discounted! I appreciate the church youth group leaders who build into Lydia and her friends each week, and all those who built into my life years ago…

Now, let’s go and make disciples!

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God, thanks for Your patience and grace when we drag our feet or make mistakes. Help us to grow in wisdom, understanding, and endurance. May we be quick to help others and run to You for all we need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What can you learn from the teenagers in your world?

Task: Invest time in the teens around you today. Take them out to lunch and listen to everything on their mind. Pray for them and encourage them to follow after Jesus!

My Personal Hall of Faith

Last week, I mentioned the so-called “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, as we read in verse six. I talked about how it would read if written from a fear-based perspective. In short, Noah would never have built the ark, and we would not be here!

That got me thinking about my own personal hall of faith. Here are a few things that came to mind on what that might look like… Keep in mind, all of these are only possible by God’s grace – He has done all the heavy work, I am just walking them out. (Ephesians 2:8-10).

By faith, Natalie accepted Jesus into her heart at age three. And though she struggled at times to live it out, she kept close to the One who loves her most. Praise God, I’m in my fortieth year of following Jesus!

By faith, Natalie trusted that God somehow still had a good plan when her teenage best friend died in an accident. It took four years to be able to even talk about it without crying, but God never left her side.

By faith, Natalie went two-and-a-half hours away to college. It would have been easier to stay close to home, but she knew God had good things in store for her.

By faith, Natalie focused on her studies and asked the Lord to help her succeed. She did what she could do and trusted Him with the rest. She knew her life was in His capable hands, so she didn’t have to overachieve – she just focused on finishing the work in front of her.

By faith, Natalie walked up to a friend at a wedding to say hello after not seeing him for a few years. She and Dave grew closer over time and were soon happily married.

By faith, Natalie and Dave moved to North Dakota, trusting God for a big adventure. They did not know what that meant, but wanted to be in the center of His will. That included crazy winters, being apart from family, becoming parents, and colon cancer. But, God was so good to them and helped Natalie address her deepest fears.

By faith, Natalie kept moving forward when Dave died. As a widowed single mom, she knew she needed to work through her grief and rely on God so she could be an example for Lydia someday. It is an ongoing process, but God has been so gracious to walk with them.

By faith, Natalie wrote a memoir and finally published it. It was a sacrifice of love, but it has touched many lives. It has given Natalie opportunities to bless others going through difficult times and point them back to Jesus.

By faith, Natalie trusted God to help her steward her household and finances. It was touch-and-go at times, but He is a good provider. Natalie has worked various jobs and has had the best coworkers. In His wisdom and grace, Natalie’s passion for nutrition was reignited, and she found new ways to serve her patients.

As I review the list above, it is fun to look back on how God has blessed me and come through for me. I can see Jesus’ faithfulness over time, and this helps me trust Him more now and in the future. He is so, so good. On the contrary, what if I hadn’t trusted God for all the above? I don’t even want to think what my life would look like in reverse!

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Father God, thanks for staying close to me and bringing me through all my challenges. You are trustworthy and true. Thank You that You will never leave me nor forsake me. My life is Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What life stories would be in your own hall of faith? How would that affect your faith going forward?

Task: Review Hebrews 11 and then write your own version! I’d love to see it in the comments!

A Fear vs. Faith Comparison

Romans 12:2 NLT says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

God’s will includes holiness and living honorably, abstaining from sinful behaviors, being thankful in all circumstances, praying in the Spirit, rejoicing, and growing in patient endurance and humility, while continuing to meet together with other believers. Read through Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Hebrews 10, and more!

I haven’t written about fear and faith in a while, but in many ways, the Bible verse above is key. We cannot let ourselves be ambivalent, thinking two ways about something and letting fear win. We need to let God change our minds and how we think. Only then will we be able to walk in Victory.

So, how can you know if you are responding in fear or in faith? To start, love and faith go hand in hand. When reading 1 Corinthians 13 (“the love chapter”), I found it interesting to put fear in the place of love and reverse it with a slight rewrite (verses 4-7): Fear is impatient, fear is unkind. It is full of envy, boasting, and pride. It dishonors others, is self-centered and easily angered, and tracks tit for tat. Fear delights in evil and hates the truth. Fear never protects, never trusts, never offers hope or encouragement, and always gives up. In short, fear is a dead end.

Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the Hall of Faith. It reviews the faith of several people in the Old Testament and how they pleased God by trusting Him. (Now reread this chapter as if it were written from a fear point of view! “It was by fear Abraham did not believe God…”) Hebrews 6 says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God…” Conversely, we understand that fear never pleases Him! Faith is essential, and fear cannot be our default.

When we operate in fear, we have to work quickly and jump right in. That’s because fear gives in to pressure and tries to solve its own problems. At the same time, fear can mean shutting down and stalling. Yes, a fear response can feel chaotic and out of control… all over the place as we try to find what will work “best.”

On the other hand, living by faith means we pause to check in with the Master, Jesus Christ. A faith response is in no hurry because the solution doesn’t depend on us. Faith means going at the Lord’s pace, which often feels slow, yet is always right on time.

Fear involves sticking with what you know because it feels familiar, if not safe. Often, fear refuses to look at the data as a whole, yet obsesses over every detail. Fear involves confusion!

Faith involves asking Jesus for wisdom to know what to do and the courage to follow through, knowing He will fill in the gaps as you move forward. Clarity comes along the way, as you don’t have to have all the answers to walk by faith. Often, faith pushes our limits and requires us to trust God to take risks and try something new. But it is always worth it.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for empowering us to live in faith, not fear. Lord, we want to please You! May honor You with our decisions and in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What pattern of fear are you struggling with today? What does walking in faith look like for you in that situation? Can you flip the scenario around to see the difference?

Task: Take the next step of faith on your journey today. When you are vacillating between fear and faith, consider which choices will please God. Dare to do the difficult thing!

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)!

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!

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!

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)!

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.

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!