Tag: Rest

Posted on in Books and Movies I Like, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

Pray and Push Through

I have noticed a theme in my life lately: God is calling me to pray and push through. Keep on keeping on.

Life is certainly crazy at times, but despite the ups and downs, I need to persevere. I may not always see what God is doing, but I need to hang on tight to Jesus!

Change can be a two-edged sword. Sometimes, it seems change will never come. Bored, I can’t stand to bide my time. Then, when abrupt change does happen, I want things to return to the way they were! (I can be so fickle!)

Similarly, perhaps you find yourself in an impossible situation that looks like it will never change. Perhaps what you were hoping for hasn’t come to pass. Or, perhaps life just looks so different… certainly not what you expected.

Maybe it feels like only an ‘act of God’ will bring what you desire! It’s easy to feel down when it seems He is not listening to your cries for help. But, there is hope. Don’t give up!

The good news is that God always hears us and answers each of our prayers. He just may not answer how we want. God answers our prayers in three ways: Yes, No, or Not Yet.

Instead of trying to figure out how to make what we want happen, we can choose to trust God and His timing. God won’t give us anything less than His best.

He already gave us Jesus, His greatest gift—everything else is just gravy!

It’s a relief knowing God hears me and has good plans for me.

Even if God says No—or makes me wait it out—I am grateful I don’t have to make the final decision. I just have to be faithful and do what He has asked me to do.

I can praise God while I am waiting (and still hoping) but also know if it is ultimately a No, then He has something even better in store. Waiting on God is a win-win!

What joy! I can’t go wrong!

“God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.” –Jim Elliot

**********

Father God, You are so good! Thanks for always giving me Your best. Help me trust You more as I wait. By Your grace and power, I won’t give up! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you holding onto a dream that seems beyond you? Are you tempted to walk away from it? Could it be that God wants you to press in closer to Him?

Tasks: Read The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Listen to “The Way” by Pat Barrett.

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance

A Smoother Ride

Last week, Lydia and I took a short bike ride to a park in our neighborhood. Most of the time, I let her ride before me because I am faster and don’t want to leave her too far behind. Lydia set the pace, but I directed her and chose which path to take.

As we rode along, it was so peaceful. It was just me and Lydia in the evening heat. We chatted about our day and fun things we plan to do before school starts again next week. At times, we would stop and wait for cars to pass before continuing on our way.

During our ride, I decided to take Lydia to a smaller more secluded park than the one we originally planned. She hadn’t been to this park before and didn’t know the way.

So, I told her, “I’m going to come up on your left and when we get to the intersection, you follow me. We’re going to cross these two streets instead of staying on this path.”

As we got to the other side of the intersection, I stayed back in the street and let Lydia go ahead of me. She asked why I chose to do that, and I told her I was blocking her from any traffic that might come up.

I had noticed a car waiting for us at the stop sign and wanted to protect her. At least the driver could see me in the middle of the road…

Lydia did so well as she listened and followed. Our bike ride was a compelling picture of how God leads us and directs us through life. Everything goes so much better when we just trust Jesus!

That doesn’t mean it’s always an easy ride. For example, as we crossed through the intersection, Lydia had to speed up and go uphill. She had to work a bit to get where she needed to go.

Life is indeed challenging. Circumstances may turn out differently than expected and there will be some bumps along the way. But at the end of the day, it’s just me and Jesus.

He is the one constant in my life! Ultimately, He is in control. Did I stay close to Him? Did I wait for Him? Did I listen and obey Him?

Thankfully, with Jesus, all things are possible. He protects us, provides for us, and directs our path. When we follow Him, it’s a much smoother ride!

**********

God, thanks for all the ways You love us. Thanks for guiding us as we follow You. Help us listen and trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you have anything left on your summer bucket list?

Task: Listen to “Control (Somehow You Want Me)” by Tenth Avenue North

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #128

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

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

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

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

This was a great birthday week! The week went by quickly with work and daycare, and then, my mother-in-law came to visit. We also received notice of who Lydia’s teacher will be this year in school. Our time is short before it all starts, so I am glad we had a fun week!

On Thursday, Lydia and I met a friend for coffee. We had such a good conversation that we totally lost track of time. We spent about three hours chatting, but it was really fun and encouraging. I love how we can each share what God is doing in our lives. We build each other up and then bless others with the overflow!

My mother-in-law came to visit this weekend! Today, we went to Barnes & Noble for a special reading day about dinosaurs and saw three paleontologists. All three ladies shared about their experiences, passed around a couple of heavy (petrified) dinosaur bones. They shared cool dinosaur facts and answered our questions. Then, we went to a local farmer’s market, Sandy’s Donuts, Kohls, and visited a newer park a little south of us.

It’s been a great week! Thank You, Jesus!!

**********

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)!

Where did you find God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #127

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

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

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

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

This was a fun week and I am thankful for how God moved. I wasn’t sure I would meet a deadline for Monday, but I did! Later in the week, I got encouraging feedback from my editor. Whew! 🙂

Work went well this week and I had a full schedule. It has taken me a long time to find joy in my work again. For several years after Dave died, nothing seemed exciting…let alone work! Lately, it has started feeling good again. Being part of a team and having patients who are eager to learn has helped!

This week, we hung out with neighbors, enjoying ice cream and pool time. Yesterday, Lydia went down the block for a get-together with girls in her grade. She had fun but came home not feeling well. She had a headache and a slight fever. After I took her temperature, she went to bed early. She needed the rest!

Today, Lydia is feeling mostly better (just a bad cold). I encouraged her to take it easy, so she has been watching ‘My Little Pony’ and relaxing on the couch! I also have been enjoying the quiet day. I’m glad I ran my errands earlier in the week!

**********

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)!

Where did you find God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Travel

Finding Grace #126

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

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

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

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

This week was low key, but rather exhausting though we didn’t have much planned! I didn’t get much sleep when we were enjoying time with family. Then, after we returned in the middle of the week, I kept praying that I could keep my days straight! 🙂

Lydia and I spent Wednesday unpacking, doing laundry, sorting mail, paying bills, and relaxing after spending so much time in the car on our road trip. We had a great time, but driving was physically tiring. It was good to have a day set aside to recover.

Today, I still feel like I am still getting caught up from our weeklong adventure (as much fun as it was). At work, I previously altered my schedule to accommodate my travel plans. Thus, I went to work on Thursday and Friday and had a full patient load. Mentally tired, after that, I didn’t accomplish much at home! Still, I’m thankful for the flexibility!

I have a deadline this next week for a writing project. I’m not sure I’ll meet my goal, but I am thankful it is not a BIG deal if I don’t. I’m also glad God’s grace which covers us no matter what we do (or don’t do)!

**********

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)!

Where did you find God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Travel

MN/WI/MI Summer Road Trip 2018

Wow, what a week! We started off last Wednesday afternoon for Superior, WI (next door to Duluth, MN). I left work a little early, which helped make the 5+ hour trip a little better. We made a few rest stops, including Serpant Lake in Crosby, MN. We stayed overnight on Barker Island and enjoyed walking around the marina. We even saw a boat from Fargo!

On Thursday morning, we headed out to see friends in Bayfield, WI, which was on our way. We met Gary and Judy back in 2016 when we went to the Apostle Islands. We had a bite to eat with them, and went searching for fresh local fruit. Before we left we stocked up on blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and apple cider. Yum!

Our time in Bayfield wasn’t long enough [only 2 hours] so we’ll have to get back there again soon! Then, we continued the drive into Michigan… We spent the night in Marquette in the Upper Peninsula (UP). I had never been there before, but loved the gorgeous never-ending trees. We drove through SO. MANY. state and national forests this trip!

Friday was our third day of driving. That afternoon, it was raining lightly as we crossed the iconic Mackinac Bridge, which is 5 miles long! (But just before that I got pulled over by a Michigan State Policeman! He didn’t give me a ticket, though Lydia got a teddy bear!)

Due to rain and timing, we skipped a few activities and opted just to reach our final stop. We finally arrived in Cadillac, MI, for our family reunion just as other family members were showing up. Perfect timing! We saw family members from Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, and Greece. So much fun!

Before our trip, I had wanted to go hiking or kayaking. But when I had the opportunity, I changed my mind. The details just didn’t add up. Nonetheless, I was happy with my choices and thankful for time spent with other family members. It is good to hold our plans loosely so we don’t miss other (better) God-given opportunities!

On Monday, we started back home to Fargo. We crossed the Mackinac bridge again, but this time it was bright and sunny! I am not joking…the water was turquoise. Amazing! I would have taken a few pics of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, but of course I was driving. 😉 Thankfully, we picked up a couple magnets and postcards along the way…

We also stopped elsewhere for a few pics of Lake Michigan before continuing the nine hour trip to see friends in Minocqua, WI. We arrived in Minocqua around dinnertime to stay with friends I’ve known since I was a teenager. Years ago, Cathie and Randy were my youth group leaders and were eager to have us visit. 

Lydia and I were able to cram in a lot of fun activities in a few short evening hours! Our friends live on the lake, so I was able to kayak after all! Lydia fished off the dock, while I tried stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) for the first time. It was awesome! We also saw bald eagles, went boating and hot tubbing, and sat around a campfire.

The next morning, after a good night’s sleep and delicious breakfast, Lydia went paddle boarding, jet skiing, and tubing with Cathie before we left. She even squeezed in another round of fishing with Randy! Lydia will be talking about this trip for quite awhile!

Our last visit was in Grantsburg, WI. We stopped to see some friends who used to be Fargo neighbors. Elissa and her three boys were swimming at the public pool, so I let Lydia jump in for a quick dip before continuing on our trip. Elissa and I caught up too! It was the perfect break for a long day of driving.

A few takeaways from this trip…

I spent 99% of the trip on back roads with no way around cars ahead of me. I had plenty of time to think of life situations where you just have to ‘follow the leader’ whether you like it or not. Takeaway #1: Life works better when you are cheerful. Perhaps God allows ‘slow cars’ and detours to refine us? You will still get where you need to go, but it sure does help having a good attitude when circumstances are out of your control!

My family helped load up our belongings before heading home. When my sister told me she even tossed my dirty laundry bag in my car, I had to laugh! Takeaway #2: We all have our quirks or negative traits, but a good family overlooks our messes or our ‘dirt.’ In fact, a loving family will help you get through it (or in this case, help keep it all contained)!

On the way home, we stopped for a quick break. Lydia pointed out a coffee cup that said “Super Mom’s Coffee.” She said, “Oooh, Mom! Make sure you get some coffee!” I’m by no means a perfect parent, so Lydia’s comment made me happy that she thinks I am worthy of that title. Takeaway #3: You might feel like you’ve totally blown this parenting gig, but your kids are resilient and forgiving. Do your best and they will be just fine!

Finally, after spending five of the last seven days in the car, we arrived home in Fargo around 9pm last night. 1776 miles with 5 of 7 days driving. Lots of memories. Little sleep. Totally worth it!

Despite plans changing a bit, God directed my path. We had an even better experience than I could have imagined. Special thanks to my friends and neighbors who mowed for me, checked my mail, and watched my house while we were gone!

**********

God, thanks for a wonderful road trip to see family! Thanks for protecting us and providing so well for us. All glory to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you been through Michigan’s UP before? Do you like road trips?!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Travel

Finding Grace #125

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

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

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

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

This week was a little crazy at first, but I felt God’s grace and direction even more! On Sunday, Lydia and I went to a campfire/potluck with some friends from church. We enjoyed a relaxing evening and fellowship. I’m so glad we went.

Then, I hurried to clean, fold laundry, pay bills, work, and pack for a ‘little’ road trip. We went to a family reunion in Michigan and also stopped along the way to see friends! The drive through the gorgeous Upper Peninisula (UP) was fairly relaxing and for once I didn’t have every detail planned. 🙂

On our trip, we saw three of the five Great Lakes! Superior, Huron, and Michigan. We even crossed the iconic Mackinac Bridge! (It is a five mile long suspension bridge.) We mapped out a few fun events along the way, but decided to skip them due to light rain on those days and timing. We were excited to hurry and see family and friends instead!

Once again, this week’s road trip provided a gracious timeout from daily life. I’m grateful for all the time we get to spend with loved ones. Thank You, Jesus!

**********

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)!

Where did you find God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #124

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

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

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

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

This week was unusual, but at the same time, it was just what I needed. On Sunday, Lydia and I attended a concert of hymns. I didn’t know what to expect, nor did I know what Lydia would say or think. She was a little restless, but was listening to the music. We had a good conversation about the songs and how they impact our lives even today!

On Monday, we attended my writing group. (Lydia feels very important that she gets to come with me and take it all in.) It was encouraging to see my friends growing and sharing all they have accomplished…as well as share my own successes.

After work on Wednesday, Lydia and I attended an evening show at a local outdoor amphitheater. ‘Hello Dolly!’ was so funny and Lydia was able to follow along. We enjoyed the costumes and music, as well as a lovely evening in general. We arrived home after 11pm and were glad we could sleep in! Thursday was rainy all day, so the show for that night was cancelled. I was grateful God provided free tickets (via our neighbor) and gave us great weather for the show!

On Thursday, Lydia and I woke up late (on purpose) and simply hung out at home. We played some games, exercised, made some yummy food, and watched a movie. It was good to spend time together without distractions.

This was a great week to talk with various friends. During the week, I talked online with a friend in Okinawa, Japan. She is far from home and I was happy to pray for her and encourage her. She did the same for me! Then, yesterday afternoon, we received a surprise visit from a friend. It was fun to catch up without an agenda. We also hung out with our neighbors throughout the week. I’m grateful God always knows just what I need. 🙂

**********

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)!

Where did you find God’s grace this week?

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Free Indeed

Happy Independence Day!! I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating our country, our freedom, and all our blessings. I appreciate all the brave military men, women, and their families who have served and protected us. Thank you for your many sacrifices.

About a month ago, my next-door neighbors went to see Mt. Rushmore. Their kids came over to play one day and I asked how the trip was. Their son is a little younger than Lydia. He told me, “I liked George Washington because he fought ALL the bad guys!”

I love his enthusiasm! May we all celebrate like that today!

On Sunday, one of our pastors reminded us that worshipping God is our greatest freedom. When we worship, we are on the ‘cutting edge’ of what God is doing in America. There is so much power in our praises. But while religious freedom is part of our country’s foundation, how easily we take it for granted!

Worship brings us closer to God—and in His presence, we are set free from all that weighs us down. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. He gives us peace!

Case in point: Fear is subtle and I didn’t realize until Monday afternoon that I was worrying about some upcoming plans and decisions. While I have learned to deal with fear much quicker than in the past, this still caught be by surprise.

One reason I have been anxious is that I don’t have all the details yet and I don’t want to make a mistake. (Of course, that is just life. We all deal with that.) But on occasion, my old perfectionistic tendencies still try to trip me up and I get stuck!

Then, on Monday evening, I went to church for a special worship session. Singing helped me refocus on the Lord and turn my burdens over to Him. There was a brief sermon, and afterward, I humbly asked for prayer.

During the sermon on Monday night, the pastor gave some cool facts about the universe. In summary, our sun is a fairly small star compared to others that are farther away. Of course, Earth is even smaller than the sun… and so, we humans are just a small dot in the universe. It was a great reminder of how big God is.

Even more, I gained perspective on the size of my problems versus God’s love for me.  God is much more capable than me and has greater plans! Jesus gives me His strength to do difficult things. So, I don’t have to be afraid or try to figure out everything on my own!

As I worshiped God on Monday, my fear subsided. I felt His presence and decided to trust Him more. I still don’t know exactly how everything will work out, but I have peace.

I know God will help me: He is for me and with me.  

My Victory is in Jesus! I am free indeed.

**********

Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing America. On this Independence Day, may we remember that we are dependent on You. May we never forget the price YOU paid for our freedom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Question: Do you have special holiday plans today?

Task: Listen to ‘Who You Say I Am’ by Hillsong Worship.

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

Finding Grace #119

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

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

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

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

This was a busy but exciting week! Each day was packed with a variety of activities. Lydia enjoyed four mornings of Vacation Bible School (VBS) and during that time, I juggled work and appointments. A coworker was able to pick Lydia up for me one day while I finished my patient charting. I really appreciated her help, which eased my stress. Overall, it was a really fun week as God directed our steps!

I had a meeting with my work supervisor this week about some upcoming changes. The changes are minor and will be good overall, but I will have to adjust (again). Later in the week, I received well-timed encouragement from another dietitian I ran into at VBS! She was the first RD I met in Fargo (years ago), and she reminded me that it is good to stay strong in my skills (or stretch them). Then, I am always ready to do whatever God needs me to do. With that shift in perspective, I’m choosing to have a good attitude about the changes at work! I know God has good things in store for me! 🙂

Our afternoons were also full of fun. We visited a couple local parks and enjoyed beautiful weather. One afternoon, we reunited a dog with its owner. Another day, we joined some friends for a geocaching expedition! Still another day, we went to the public library and then met a friend (and her two boys) for ice cream. We also hung out with our neighbors. It was a fun to see so many awesome people!

All of our evenings were well spent, too. We had a few meetings and opportunities, one of which was speaking with some ladies at Redemption Road. Even though their journeys are different than mine, we can all something from each other. I shared my story and encouraged them to trust God in the midst of their difficulties.

Thankfully, today has been fairly relaxed. We woke up to an awesome thunderstorm, making me extra glad I mowed last night! For breakfast, Lydia and I made pancakes. Then, we read some books and played games before doing some Saturday chores. Tonight, we might watch a movie to cap off another grace-filled week!

**********

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)!

Where did you find God’s grace this week?