Tag: Rest

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 Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #475

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 Bird Female Northern Cardinal photo and picture

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

This was a pretty good week.

Work was busy as usual. On my lunch break, I was able to take a couple of walks and enjoy the nice weather. I also had a couple of patients who each knew Jesus. I could tell by their clothing and the sweet atmosphere. At the end of our appointment, we talked about faith, family, and God’s provision. It was nice for them to ask me questions and listen to me tell them (briefly) about my mom and Dave.

The weather this week grew nicer day by day. There are lots of birds chirping even before sunrise, and the grass is starting to turn green. I stopped by Trefoil Park one day after work to see the river. Nature can be so peaceful!

I went to the movie theater for the third week in a row. Yesterday, I watched The Chosen, Season 5, Episodes 6, 7, and 8. It was so good. It was humorous at times, but also poignant. I appreciated seeing Scripture play out, and I am still thinking about it all. Go see it if you can!

Lydia attended week two of her rifle class. She’s doing so well, and really could be a natural… like her Mom. 😉 She is tightening up her groupings and is right on target.

This morning, we got out the door early for haircuts and a little shopping. For lunch, we used an old gift card for Olive Garden and took home some leftovers. The rest of the day has been spent catching up on Saturday things. I’m grateful for the slower pace!

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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 Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Pivot

Grace and Faith Alone

Today, I am back in Galatians, ‘journibling’ my way through the book! It’s taken me longer than it should, but I am now in the first section of Chapter 3, where the theme is discussing faith in Jesus versus works. There’s something about writing God’s Word slowly and intentionally that makes you notice things more.

I appreciate the bigger picture and see how it ties into daily life. For instance, I have been watching many short videos about Jewish believers in Jesus (Messianic Jews) sharing their testimonies of faith. They are physical descendants of Abraham, but now they share his spiritual inheritance, too. We Gentiles (non-Jews) are also invited and grafted into God’s family through faith in Jesus. Thank You, Lord!

Truly, no amount of works (things we do) can earn us salvation. It is only because of Jesus’ bloody death on the Cross that we can come to God! Our hope is in Jesus Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone.

Free Stone Stairs Medieval photo and picture

Recently, I was reminded yet again of the back-and-forth we feel when it comes to faith versus fear. I know I am not alone in this!

A few weeks ago at church, someone announced a special training opportunity. The concept has been on my heart for a while, but I was unsure about the details. I found a friend who knew more and asked her about it, but her answer was not definitive. I put it out of my mind, thinking I would let it pass.

For some time, God has been telling me NOT to put more on my schedule. I’ve said ‘no’ to a lot of things so I can have some flexibility. I thought it was just for Lydia, but perhaps it was for my Mom, too. And maybe now, it is so I can say ‘yes’ to this new thing…

Free Stairs Stages photo and picture

Well, I got a personal invitation yesterday and signed up for the informational meeting. It is not a full commitment, but I hope to learn more and see if it is a good fit. On my way home after work, I prayed about it more. I simply reminded the Lord of what was on my heart, but that it could be more involved than I have the time or capacity for. As I was talking it out, surprisingly, I answered my own doubts with solutions. “But, God, You already know all this. My time is Yours, my life is Yours. If this is from You, You will help me do it.”

I shared this with Lydia when I got home, and she was really proud of me! She told me she wanted me to go through with it and thought she already told me! I don’t recall that, lol! It might just be more confirmation; either way, it feels good to see God moving, and I just want to stay in tune with Him.

Now, instead of being nervous, I am excited! I don’t know how it will turn out, but I will just take the next step. Indeed, living by faith is the only way to live. We cannot do anything on our own, nor were we created to do it all solo. God came up with the plan, Jesus showed us how to do it, and the Holy Spirit empowers us. We aren’t responsible for results, but just showing up and bringing our best. What a relief!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for calling us with purpose! Help us to listen and honor You with everything we do. Give us wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you on the fence about doing something God has called you to do? How can you take the first step?

Task: Read more about writing God’s Word and my other experiences with Journibles in John (here) and Ruth (here).

 

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

Finding Grace #474

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 Birds Branch photo and picture

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

This week flew by!

Work was fairly busy but good. I had a lot of nice patients and was able to help them. I also got to demonstrate a helpful program to help my coworkers chart faster and find information easier. It was fun to show them all the tips and tricks!

We had more snow over a few days this week. It was very thick and wet. I shoveled the sidewalks, but thankfully,  my snow service is still under contract for a couple more weeks!

Yesterday after work, I went to the movie theater to see The Chosen, Season 5, Episodes 3, 4, and 5. I loved the portrayal of how Jesus treated His female followers. It brought tears to my eyes—so good. The rest was full of confusion, emotion, intrigue, and politics. It really helped me understand all the events of Holy Week!

Lydia started a rifle class this week at a local marksmanship facility, where she took the air pistol class a few years ago. She enjoyed it and is looking forward to the rest of the classes this month!

We had a lovely little serenade from some robins and finches this morning. Then, we got some groceries and came home to make some muffins and an egg bake. Lydia did a little cleaning for me while I am doing some paperwork.

Today also happens to be my parents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary. It stings a little since they came so close (6 weeks short), and now my mom is not here to celebrate it. But, we are trusting God’s wisdom, mercy and grace. I am grateful for some church friends who invited my dad to join them for some fun today. It is tough, but I am glad he does not have to be alone. Thanks for your ongoing prayers!

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

Numbering Our Days

As I read through the Bible again this year, I am learning a lot! There are always new things each time you go through a passage. Once again, I am participating in Read Thru the Word. There are about three ladies who post online lessons for us to review.

I’m about a week behind since I took a break when my mom died. I will catch up soon, as I tend to listen to a couple of lessons in a day (and often get ahead!). Either way, I was struck by the connection between Deuteronomy and Psalm 90.

One of the teachers, Lisa, mentioned that an estimated two million Israelites left Egypt in the Exodus. This may or may not have included women and children. Later, Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan to scout it out and bring back a report. To recap, ten of the twelve spies let fear shape their views, leading to the whole nation wandering in the desert for forty years. Every person over twenty years old, except the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, died before reaching the Promised Land.

Free Desert Sand photo and picture

Mathwise, 2,000,000 people divided by 40 years is an average of 50,000 people dying a year, or around 960 people a week, or about 137 people a day. Now, I have been to three funerals or celebrations of life in the last year. Regardless of the numbers, thinking this would have been the new normal in the desert is mind-blowing. What sorrow!

Interestingly, years later, when the Israelites finally enter Canaan, they spend seven years trying to conquer it. After that, they fulfilled their promise to Joseph (one of the sons of Jacob/Israel) to bury his bones in the historic family plot. Just so we are on the same page, that means they carried his bones around for ~47 years! Sadly, they were more committed to the bones than to God.

In Deuteronomy 29:5, Moses reminds the people that God provided for them the entire time they were in the wilderness. They lacked nothing, and their clothes and sandals did not wear out. God provided water, manna, and quail, too.

Free Desert Rock Formations photo and picture

Also, before he died, Moses also may have written Psalm 90 about this experience. If so, it gives a lot of insight into the ‘wilderness wandering’! Check out verses 3-12 below!

“You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals.’ A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The last phrase, “teach us to number our days,” is pertinent in light of grief. It is important to remember we are just a vapor but God is eternal. All we have is in Him. For those of us who have received God’s forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer under His wrath. God is with us and for us.

God has a purpose and plan for us, but we don’t need to rush into anything. In our grief, God will walk with us and sit with us when we need it. We don’t know the actual number of our days, but there is grace in not having to know all the details. Numbering our days works best when we go at His pace and trust Him to lead us. Keep moving forward!

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God, thanks for all the ways You take care of us. Whether we have abundance or are going through the wilderness, You are faithful and true. Heal our hearts and help us trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What are you reading in God’s Word right now?

Task: For different perspectives on how many Israelites may have been rescued out of Egypt, read these two articles from gotquestions.org and The Gospel Coalition.

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

Finding Grace #472

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 fairly normal week!

On Monday, a friend brought us some dinner. It was sweet of her to make us soup and cookies! When we give her back her dishes, Lydia plans to fill them with some treats in return. 🙂

Our snow is pretty much gone, other than a few small piles from the sidewalks and parking lots. It has been fun to see and hear more songbirds. I even saw my first robin of the Spring. It was on my deck singing one morning. Perhaps it is one-half of the pair that nests under my deck.

I took some lovely walks this week. Mostly inside due to the chilly wind, but one day, a coworker and I walked along a park near the VA. It was so good to be outside!

I got my taxes done this week. I enjoy seeing all God has done in my life and finances over the last year. He is always so faithful to provide for me!

Yesterday, I took the day off to enjoy some time with Lydia for her Spring Break! She had an appointment and then we did a little shopping. Later, Lydia made some cookies while I watched the new show, House of David, on Amazon Prime. It is dark and complex at times, but also beautiful!

Today marks one month since my mom relocated to Heaven. We miss her so much. I decided to buy myself some pretty flowers (above). Otherwise, I was on-call and had to go in for two patients. Then, I caught up around the house and called my aunt. Tonight, I am relaxing while Lydia is going to watch a hockey game with friends!

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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, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Prayer, Travel, Wisdom

Finding Grace #469

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 bittersweet, a mix of difficulty and blessing. As you may know, my mom died last weekend, a couple of hours after I posted my weekly recap.
So, the week was spent trying to get many things in order! Sunday and Monday were spent packing and planning, contacting people who loved Mom. I also worked a half day to tie up some loose ends. Sometimes, those tasks are helpful when grieving because they give your mind something to focus on. In terms of packing, we essentially threw in the same items from last week and a few more outfits.
On Tuesday morning, we flew to Florida again. This time, we had an early flight and two layovers. Thankfully, we arrived safe and sound and could continue helping Dad plan Mom’s services. It was soothing to go through pictures and remember how much fun we had with Mom. God has come through for us in so many ways.
This week, family and friends from several states gathered together in honor of my Mom. And, today, we had her memorial service at my parents’ local church. They are a very loving group, and it felt good to be amongst those who knew my parents well, even if just for a short while.
Thanks again for all the love and support. I appreciate your continued prayers, especially for my dad, Tom. Life is short, just a vapor, really. Please get to know Jesus and live for Him. And, hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight.
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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 Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Another Homecoming

After a little more than six weeks of health struggles, my mom went Home to be with Jesus late Saturday 2/22. This is our family’s second loss in the last year, my Aunt Deb and now Mom. Still, we have peace knowing they knew Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Naturally, we are still feeling the shock of it all. Mom was a fighter and did her best. Her health issues did not seem life-threatening at first, but unfortunately they just all added up. In the end, she was granted total healing!

On Sunday 2/23, I wrote the following on my social media account and tagged my mom’s. Please forgive me and keep reading below if you have already seen it. I want to have all of this in one spot so I can reread it whenever needed.

Hello, for all those who love my mom, I want to share that she met Jesus late last night after a brief, but trying, series of health issues.
We did not share much publicly because she wanted to maintain her privacy, and it is just a lot to keep people up to date. But thank you to the dear friends and family who reached out along the way.
After years of living with chronic pain, it would be selfish to ask her to continue in that way, just for us. This was not the John 10:10 life Jesus died to give her, but she’s joyfully experiencing it now! We’re thankful she does not have to suffer any longer.
We know God does not waste our tears or pain. He has been so good and faithful and will always be because that’s who He is. Our hope and trust is in the kindness and wisdom of King Jesus. We will continue to praise Him and bring Him glory.
Philippians 1:21 says, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” If you don’t know Jesus, today is the day of salvation.
The Good News, or gospel, is this: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so make sure you take care of this, right now even. That would be Mom’s biggest desire to see you in Heaven some day.
Thanks for all your love and support. Please continue to keep us in prayer, especially my dad, Tom, as we figure out the next steps.
Enjoy eternal glory, Mom. You are more alive than ever before. You fought the good fight and finished your race. He who began a good work was faithful to complete it in you. We will miss you dearly, but we know we will see you again! We are so very proud of you. XOXOXO
May be an image of 2 people, people smiling and eyeglasses

My mom was the most unique person I have known. A natural-born redhead, she was feisty and compassionate, filled with kindness and a zest for life. She loved fiercely and spoke her mind. She was bold and decisive but equally funny and generous. You never had to question where she stood on things. She always stood up for the left out, the disadvantaged, and the underdog.

Mom was certainly one-of-a-kind. She was classy and glamorous. She loved reading, animals (especially cats), art and beauty, nature and science, and making things pretty. Mom used her gift of encouragement to brighten the lives of all she met. She sparkled, and this world will never be the same without her. I am sure she’s in awe of Heaven’s brilliant colors, seeing everything from a new perspective now. Her joy is complete!

Mom overcame many challenges that would have decimated anyone else. She clung to Jesus with all she had, and He brought her through time and again. Mom instilled that faith and resiliency in each of us four kids. We are resolved to keep moving forward.


If you read my blog regularly, you will know that since COVID, my family has been doing weekly Zoom calls on Sunday nights. Mom was so appreciative of the time we could spend talking and laughing. Family was everything to her.

I know she was looking forward to being reunited with her parents, her grandparents, Dave, Aunt Deb, and many others. She wisely put her faith in Jesus many decades ago. While Mom was not perfect, she lived for Jesus and loved well.

Last weekend, Lydia and I went to Florida to spend time with Mom and Dad. I cheered her on to eat well, like any good dietitian would! I brought Mom all sorts of foods and watched her enjoy small amounts. She was not feeling well, but we made the most of it. I ran some errands for her and pampered her as well as I could, given the difficult circumstances. We did not know it was our last time together, but God did.

It will be tough for us in the coming days, especially Dad. I’ve lost my spouse, though this is a new loss, too. Nonetheless, Mom did her best to rely on Jesus, and we trust Him with the rest. We needed Him to move, and He did just that. He will continue to work it all out for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).

Thanks again for all your prayers and support.

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God, thanks for Mom and all the ways You used her to bless others. You are so good, Lord. Comfort us and draw more people to You, as we carry on her legacy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: If you knew my mom, what is your favorite memory of her?

Task: If you don’t know Jesus, make your decision to follow him TODAY. He will bring peace to your life, like you’ve never known before.

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

Finding Grace #468

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 Forest Nature photo and picture

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

This week was good, though it felt both short and long, lol. We arrived home on Monday and prepared for the week ahead.

We had only four days of work, but they were full! I attended an online nutrition training for three days, provided coverage for other areas, and answered phone calls afterward. One Veteran required me to work with our Prosthetics team to get a new feeding tube. I stayed an extra hour on Friday to get things done, but I feel good about what I accomplished.

On Thursday night, Lydia had an orchestra concert. She played five songs, including two for the chamber orchestra. It was fun to see and hear all her hard work.

The weather was below zero at the end of the week and above thirty today. It feels like a wild card, but I will take it! 😉

Today, Lydia hung out with a friend for a couple hours. I made some sourdough bread and made some phone calls. It felt good to have a day at home!

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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

Always Grateful

Recently, I heard a sermon about not being anxious. The message covered Matthew 6:31-34. It was a great message in and of itself, but as I took notes, the pastor’s opening note struck me. He mentioned the well-known Bible commentator Matthew Henry, who lived in England in the late 1600s to early 1700s. What I found so interesting was Mr. Henry’s reaction to being robbed!

He knew he should “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). So, after some reflection, he wrote in his diary, “Let me be thankful. First, I was never robbed before. Second, although they took my purse, they didn’t take my life. Third, although they took my all, it was not much. Fourth, let me be thankful because it was I who was robbed and not I who did the robbing.”

Isn’t that incredible?! Most of us would not walk away from that situation showing gratitude. Instead, we might be angry and complain about the risk or inconvenience. We might start to worry or be afraid of it happening again. I’m grateful we can turn our worries into prayers!

Free Forest Trees photo and picture

I usually think of myself as someone who can find the good in difficult situations, choosing to praise God and look on the bright side. “It could always be worse…” Since learning about Matthew Henry, I have been thinking through common situations I’ve been in and looking ahead to how I will deal with them.

When I am driving in a blizzard, I’ll be glad for a car with all-wheel drive. I will be thankful for the snow plows, even if I get stuck behind them. I’ll be grateful that some people could stay home so there are fewer cars on the road. I will praise God for His protection. He leads me when I cannot see!

When I get a speeding ticket, even if I don’t think I was wrong (ahem): I’ll be grateful for laws that protect us and glad that God is just. I will be thankful for His grace all the other times… I will also be grateful that He doesn’t always give me what I deserve (mercy).

When I have a delayed layover flight, I will be glad for the layover because I won’t have to rush. I might have time to walk around the airport or make some calls. I will rest and not have to worry, trusting in God’s perfect timing and plan.

When people mock me or misunderstand me, I will remember that God Almighty is my defender. He is the Truth and covers me with His grace. I will be grateful that He knows me and loves me dearly. He will make it right and set the record straight in due time.

Free Forest Nature photo and picture

When I am sick, I will praise God for being my healer. I will be grateful for modern medicine and the chance to rest. I will pay attention to my body and ensure I am not running myself ragged.

When things don’t go my way or cause me to be late or inconvenienced, I will remember all the times my plans did go well. I will be thankful for the detours, knowing God is still at work around me.

When I feel I am a day late or a dollar short, I will be grateful this does not happen often. I will praise God for His provision. I’ll remind myself that with Jesus, I am enough. I will be thankful for the reminder to lean on Him. I will be glad for the wisdom gained to prevent it from happening again.

When I am sad or grieving, I will be grateful for the time together, the love we shared, and the memories. I will choose to see God’s heart and trust Him. I will look forward to our eternal hope in Jesus. This is not the end!

These are just some ways to be thankful, but I am sure you can think of more! God is so worthy of our praise. Let’s stop grumbling and complaining and lay down our pride in gratitude for all He has done! I’ll go first! 😉

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God, thanks for Your mercy and grace in all circumstances. Thanks that You turn everything into something for Your Glory and our good. Put a guard over our mouths, as we seek You first with gratitude. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Using Matthew Henry’s approach, how can you be grateful today? How does gratitude in the Lord decrease your anxiety, worry, and fear?

Tasks: Write down all you are thankful for in a journal. Review how God has turned bad things for the good. Soon, you will see how your mood changes amid trials!