Tag: weakness

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Procrastination, Travel, Wisdom

2018 Annual Review

Happy Boxing Day!! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. šŸ˜‰

Lydia and I had our best Christmas yet! We really appreciated receiving some invitations to join others, but we ended up doing our own thing instead.

On Christmas Eve, we hosted another family from church. We enjoyed celebrating Jesus with them! We ate yummy food and had great conversation.

On Christmas Day, we enjoyed a relaxing breakfast and then opened presents. Lydia received several fun gifts, including some clothes, books, games, and science kits.

After that, we talked with some friends and family. We thought about going to the movies, but decided to go sledding instead. We had so much fun and even saw another family enjoying the chilly day. It was perfect.

Later, Lydia played with some of her new toys while I exercised. Then, we put together some bath goodies from one of the science kits. Sheā€™s never been so excited to take a bath! šŸ˜‰

Finally, after a relaxing day, we watched a Christmas movie together. We have the rest of the week off as well, so Iā€™m sure we will do some more fun activities!

This year flew by. Thankfully, it had more ups than downs. We saw Godā€™s grace all around us in more ways than we can count. He is so faithful.

Lydia and I took some fun trips and spent time with loved ones. We stepped foot in at least 6 states. Iā€™m grateful for my car and Godā€™s protection and provision!

This year, we both pushed our limits and tried new things. Everything from recipes to outdoor Christmas lights. One highlight is that we went kayaking and Lydia loved it!

Lydia has done well in school and enjoys learning. My job is stable and I feel like I am making a difference. Iā€™m so grateful for Godā€™s blessings!

This year, I have felt humbled in many ways. I have become more aware of my flaws and all that I still need to learn. (Yes, Iā€™m human!) šŸ˜‰

I usually set a lot of goals, but didnā€™t meet most of them this year. I met my most important goals, but still left a lot on the table. In order to prioritize a big project, I kind of slacked off elsewhere! I made progress, but I also have a lot to finish or catch up!

Still, I have learned to accept Godā€™s grace for my perceived failures and trust Him to lead me. Iā€™m grateful I donā€™t have to be perfect. Jesus is My Righteousness!

Iā€™ll probably set similar goals this year (haha, I canā€™t help it!). But I have learned to give myself grace and be more present day-to-day.

This year, I have challenged several fears head-onĀ and moved forward anyway. Despite not meeting all of my goals, I have still grown as a person, and am happy with who I am becoming! šŸ™‚

Thankfully, Godā€™s mercies are new every day. I just have to stay focused on Jesus and walk with Him. Everything else will work out in due time!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for walking with us each and every day. Thanks for all the grace Youā€™ve shown us this year. Redirect my path and help me stay focused as You make me more like Jesus. In His Name, Amen

Questions: What were the highlights of your year? What did you learn and how did you grow? What will you change going forward?

Tasks: Consider setting SMART goals for the new year. Donā€™t worry if it feels like ā€˜too muchā€™ for you to accomplish. Trust Jesus to direct your path!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Lighten Up!

Yesterday morning, like many mornings, I woke up groggy. Itā€™s dark when I get up, and I am still ā€˜baby-steppingā€™ my morning routine! Also, I am slowly realizing I just need to go to sleep earlierā€¦ hence the baby steps.

Usually, within a few minutes, I can shake it off and go about my day. But yesterday, I didnā€™t feel the best and didnā€™t get up as early as I had planned. Soon, groggy turned into cranky.

First, I got shampoo in my eyes while showering. After that, I spent a while thinking about the long day ahead and things I canā€™t control. One negative thought led to another and then I started thinking about other random issues, like shoveling snow this coming winter! I even argued with Lydia about tying her shoes. It started off as one of those daysā€¦

I stayed in my funk for almost 2 hoursā€¦even with coffee. Then, I berated myself for feeling that way! Which was not helpful, of course. Thankfully, I realized that and was able to do something about it.

As I finished getting ready for my day, I listened to some of the affirmations I mentioned previously. Many of them are actually Bible verses I recorded in my own voice. I usually choose to listen in random order, and yesterday, those verses were exactly what I needed to ā€˜lighten up.ā€™

As I refocused my mind on who God says I am, I felt my burdens lift. I began smiling and was able to go about my day more cheerfully. Whew!

A few takeaways:

Each day, there are many things we canā€™t control. Circumstances can change rapidly. Sometimes, we find ourselves on a downward spiral. That may not be our faultā€”bad things happen. Still, it is my choice to remain there.

Circumstances may not improve immediately, but life has a way of working out. Itā€™s usually better than we think. So, I can halt any negativity knowing eventually I will find an upward trend. I can go searching for something good!

I canā€™t predict what will happen, but I can choose my attitude. I can expect the best.

Finally, applying Godā€™s word to my situation is like turning on the lights in the early morning darkness. It helps me see more clearly.

Ā ā€œAnd God said, ā€˜Let there be light,ā€™ and there was light.ā€ ā€“Genesis 1:3.

Jesus is both the Living Word and the Light of the World. He makes the darkness flee!

There are several references to light in the Bible. Check out a few of them here:

Isaiah 9:2; Psalm 27:1; 2 Corinthians 4:6; and 1 John 1:5

We can bring the Light of Jesus to everyone we meet. If we let Him, Jesus can shine brightly through our brokenness. He will draw people to Himself, as we lighten up and enjoy life. And when we serve others by being thoughtful, kind and generous, we donā€™t have time to think of all our problems!

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Heavenly Father, in You there is no darkness at all! Thanks for bringing Truth and clarity to our lives. Thanks for forgiving us and carrying our burdens. May we walk in the light as You are in the light. In Jesusā€™ Name, Amen

Questions: When you need to ā€˜lighten up,ā€™ what do you do? Do you notice it right away or does it take a while to discern your mood?

Tasks: Listen to the song, ā€œTrembleā€ by Mosaic. Jesus makes the darkness tremble!

Ā 

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.Ā 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 canā€™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 hasnā€™t come to pass. Or, perhaps life just looks so differentā€¦ certainly not what you expected.

Maybe it feels like only an ā€˜act of Godā€™ will bring what you desire! Itā€™s easy to feel down when it seems He is not listening to your cries for help. But, there is hope. Donā€™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 wonā€™t give us anything less than His best.

He already gave us Jesus, His greatest giftā€”everything else is just gravy!

Itā€™s a relief knowing God hears me and has good plans for me.

Even if God says Noā€”or makes me wait it outā€”I am grateful I donā€™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 canā€™t go wrong!

ā€œGod always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.ā€ ā€“Jim Elliot

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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 wonā€™t give up! In Jesusā€™ 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 ā€œThe Wayā€ 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 donā€™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 hadnā€™t been to this park before and didnā€™t know the way.

So, I told her, ā€œIā€™m going to come up on your left and when we get to the intersection, you follow me. Weā€™re going to cross these two streets instead of staying on this path.ā€

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 roadā€¦

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 doesnā€™t mean itā€™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, itā€™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, itā€™s a much smoother ride!

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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 Jesusā€™ Name, Amen

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

Task: Listen to ā€œControl (Somehow You Want Me)ā€ by Tenth Avenue North

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Personality, Procrastination

Shredding Inadequacy and Indifference

This past Sunday, I was feeling a little blah (aka unmotivated and indifferent). I was also feeling inadequate. Iā€™m sure there are several reasons, including needing to do a lot of housework, while running short on sleep and exercise.

On Sunday, it all was weighing me down because I have struggled to find a good routine lately and have not been meeting my personal goals.

So, on the way to church, I prayed to refocus on God and asked Him to make me a blessing to others at the morning service. Then, I heard a song that spoke to what I was feeling. Every moment can be used to worship God no matter what we are feeling.

Sad, bad, mad, glad, or blahā€¦take it to Jesus!

Ironically, that day the pastorā€™s sermon was similar. The message was about reclaiming our soul (our mind, will, and emotions) from the worldā€™s influences. We can easily get drained or lose sight of who we are in Christ if we donā€™t keep things in check.

I felt convicted that I need to be more sensitive to the Holy Spiritā€™s nudgesā€¦humbling in a good way.Ā I was also challenged because often I get stuck in a cycle of performance. Sometimes, I try to reach goals on my own, forgetting to rely on Jesus and what really matters.

Itā€™s not all just paying bills, dishes, laundry, parenting and work. For me, it can also include too much social media times and games, or even too much reading. These activities are fine by themselves, but can be major distractions at times.

Quite possibly, my biggest soul killer can be too much thinking (daydreaming, problem solving, planning, or worrying about things I canā€™t control). I happen to enjoy thinking quite a bit, but want to make sure my thoughts are God-centered and not self-centered or fear-promoting.

On Monday, Lydia and I took my paper shredder to an office store. Random, I know, but mine was jammedā€”and had been for at least a month or two. (Yes, I also have been ignoring my to-be-shredded pile for far too long!) With a little nudge from God, I finally decided to ask for help with it.

Well, my shredder was beyond repair so I opted to buy a new one. I didnā€™t really want to spend more money, as I had recently been to that same store three other times (including for school and office supplies).

To my surprise, I found a floor model that was a major upgrade from my old shredder for about 75% off the original cost. This model was about the same cost as the tiniest shredder on the shelf. And, it was so big it took up the almost the entire cart!

In that moment, I felt Godā€™s grace and love because He knew just what I needed. I had wanted a bigger shredder so I donā€™t have to empty the other one as fast. But I hadnā€™t planned to buy one because of the cost.

Thus, it felt like a blessing to get such a deal on this giant new shredderā€”like God hand-picked it for me! Iā€™m grateful I didnā€™t miss what He wanted to do for me. Acknowledging Godā€™s presence encouraged me and reenergized me!

Even something as trivial as a paper shredder can be a tool God uses to draw us closer to Him. It also felt like a positive step in tackling my messy office floor! Quite a few unruly piles of paper have accumulated over time!

Later, in another moment of brave humility (is that a thing?), I felt motivated to ask a friend for help. I need some accountability! She gladly agreed to come help me go through some boxes and clutter that have also been weighing me down.

Soon, weā€™ll chat and catch up as she helps me sort through shelves and stuff I have been putting off instead of putting awayā€¦ Cleaning and organizing is better with friends, right?!

Iā€™m grateful that God meets us where we areā€¦mess and all.

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God, thanks for not giving up on me! Thanks for making me new from the inside out. May my heart and life bring You glory. In Jesusā€™ Name, Amen

Questions: What are ways that you take care of yourself (your soul)? How do you let God take care of you?

Tasks: Look for ways to revitalize your walk with Jesus. Look for Him in ordinary moments. Perhaps He has a surprise for you as you draw closer to Him!

Ā 

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 donā€™t do that nearly enough!

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

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

Where did I find Godā€™s love and favorā€”His abundant graceā€”this week?

This week was low key, but rather exhausting though we didnā€™t have much planned! I didnā€™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! šŸ™‚

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 didnā€™t accomplish much at home! Still, Iā€™m thankful for the flexibility!

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

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These are only a few examples, but Godā€™s grace never runs out!

Thereā€™s grace in every situationā€”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 Godā€™s grace this week?

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

Book Review: Joni & Ken

This summer, I have been reading several memoirs, many of them related to faith or medical issues. Recently a friend loaned me a book called Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story and I have finally gotten around to reading it.

I have a large ā€˜to be readā€™ pile, but I could barely put this book down!

I was somewhat familiar with Joni Eareckson Tadaā€™s story, of how she broke her neck in a diving accident as a teen and has been a quadriplegic ever since. However, I had no idea all that she has been through or how she and her husband make their marriage work.

The book highlights each of their strugglesā€”and how they havenā€™t given up. Joni has been dealing with intense chronic pain for many years even without true feeling in her limbs. Pain medication barely takes the edge off. She also has had broken bones, pressure ulcers, severe pneumonia, and even breast cancer.

Ken, as a caregiver, has his own challenges that require perseverance. He has also had to take a backseat to his wifeā€™s fame. As a result, Joni and Kenā€™s marriage has been tested and refinedā€¦ Yet, these experiences have grown their relationship. Furthermore, they have been able to advocate for other people with disabilities.

I really appreciateā€”and recommendā€”this book because it was very real with no pretense. Life is not peachy all the time. Yet, this story proves that suffering can serve to draw us closer to Jesus. Indeed, God has been faithful to see the Tadas through.

Each of us has our own troubles that can define us or refine us. We have the choice whether to give up or give it to God. We can choose to stop in our tracks when life gets tough, or we can choose to move forward even when we donā€™t see where we are going.

We can trust Jesus because He never lets us down!

Each time I read or hear a story documenting Godā€™s grace, goodness, and faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty, it makes me trust Him more for the outcome of my story too. Whatever you are facing today, know God loves Youā€”He is for you and with you!

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God, thanks for writing our stories with grace and love. You are so kind and goodā€”the best is yet to come! Help us trust You with the details. In Jesusā€™ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you familiar with Joni Eareckson Tada? Watch this video! What good books have you read lately?

Tasks: Consider how you can be a blessing to someone with ongoing needsā€”medical or otherwise. Even just a little encouragement can be a good start!

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, ā€œI liked George Washington because he fought ALL the bad guys!ā€

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 ā€˜cutting edgeā€™ of what God is doing in America. There is so much power in our praises. But while religious freedom is part of our countryā€™s foundation, how easily we take it for granted!

Worship brings us closer to Godā€”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 didnā€™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 donā€™t have all the details yet and I donā€™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 sunā€¦ 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 Godā€™s love for me.Ā  God is much more capable than me and has greater plans! Jesus gives me His strength to do difficult things. So, I donā€™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 donā€™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. Ā 

My Victory is in Jesus! I am free indeed.

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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 Jesusā€™ Name, Amen.

Question: Do you have special holiday plans today?

Task: Listen to ā€˜Who You Say I Amā€™ by Hillsong Worship.

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

Book Review: And Still She Laughs

I recently finished a book called, And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering, by Kate Merrick. This book took me by surprise. (No affiliate links!) It is somewhat like a memoir in that the author explains some details of her story. Her 8 year old daughter died of cancer and she shares glimpses into that ordeal.

Even though this tragedy happened years before, the book was more ā€˜rawā€™ than I expected. Still, I enjoyed it! While anyone could benefit from this book, Iā€™d highly recommend the book for someone in the early years of grief and loss.

I really appreciated how the author compared her story to three ladies in the Bible. Ms. Merrick and King Davidā€™s mistress, Bathsheba, both lost a child under very different circumstances. Yet, God used the ups and downs, shame and embarrassment of Bathshebaā€™s story to comfort the author. Ms. Merrick wrote how Bathsheba walked with her through this chapter of her life.

Next, Abrahamā€™s wife, Sarah, longed for a child so much that she took matters into her own hands. This created soā€¦ manyā€¦ otherā€¦ problems. I have read this story in Genesis 18:9-15 countless timesā€”but somehow I mustā€™ve misinterpreted Sarahā€™s laugh. I always thought she laughed because she was nervousā€¦ Nope!

9 ā€œWhere is your wife Sarah?ā€ they asked him. ā€œThere, in the tent,ā€ he said.

10 Then one of them said, ā€œI will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.ā€

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ā€œAfter I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?ā€

13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, ā€œWhy did Sarah laugh and say, ā€˜Will I really have a child, now that I am old?ā€™ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.ā€

15 Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, ā€œI did not laugh.ā€ But he said, ā€œYes, you did laugh.ā€

Perhaps the biggest revelation to me in this entire book was that Sarah laughed out of bitterness. I imagine an eye roll with attitude, like, ā€œHa! Yeah right! Iā€™ll believe that when it happensā€¦ā€ After years of waiting, she had let herself grow bitter with disappointment and unfulfilled dreams. Not only was I surprised by this, I was somewhat convicted too.

Because I realizedā€¦ sometimes I act similarly. Whenever God shows me something good He wants to give me, but then makes me wait it out, I tend to doubt His goodness and plan. If Iā€™m not careful, I can let that grow into bitterness and reject all the good God wants to do in me, for me, with me, and through me.

God is so gracious to heal and forgive! Sarah trusted God and then named her promised son, Isaac, which means laughter. What joy she must have felt after all those years! After this chapter, I decided to keep an open mind and not automatically laugh away things I donā€™t understand.

The last Biblical heroine to be discussed was Mary, the mother of Jesus. Again, this was rather enlightening because often, I read her story focused on the action surrounding Jesusā€¦not on how she mustā€™ve felt about all that happened.

It is interesting to compare and contrast these three ladies in Jesusā€™ genealogy. Where Bathsheba was comforting, and Sarah was convicting, Mary was challenging. Mary just had so much faith in what Jesus could/can do! Despite watching her beloved Son suffer and die on the Cross, she found joy in Godā€™s promises to her.

The books ties up with a glimpse at the Proverbs 31 woman. Proverbs 31:25 says, ā€œShe is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.ā€ Regardless of our circumstances, we can choose joyā€”and even laughā€”because of all Jesus has done (and continues to do) for us.

Itā€™s safe to say, I gleaned more from this book than I thought I would.

There is freedom knowing Jesus carries us. We donā€™t have to solve all our problems; we just have to come to Him. We can laugh (or cry) in His presence and He will heal our hearts.

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God, thanks for the healing You bring. You are so good! Thanks for giving us joy and the ability to laugh despite our circumstances. May we stay in Your presence and soak up Your grace. In Jesusā€™ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you read any good books lately? Do you have a recommendation for me?!

Tasks: If you are grieving or know someone who is, consider this book. <3

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Wisdom

The Difference Between Moving On and Moving Forward

Yesterday, we reached a big milestone in our grace journey. It was five years since Dave diedā€¦and five years of walking it out step-by-step.

Each moment has been drenched in Godā€™s grace.

Five years ago, it felt like this milestone would never arrive. I had no plan and no clue what to do. (And for a planner, thatā€™s kind of a big deal!) Suffice it to say, we faced a lot of challenges.

Yesterday felt noteworthyā€”yet at the same time felt just like any other day. The normalcy of it made me even more aware of Godā€™s thorough healing. While it hasnā€™t been easy, Iā€™m grateful.

I want Lydia to associate this day with goodnessā€”instead of pain or sorrowā€”and identify the overwhelming Victory we have in Christ. So, each year Iā€™ve given her a small token to mark the occasion.

Needless to say, Lydia was excited about yesterday. She woke up with such anticipation, ā€œThis is going to be a great day!ā€ I loved her cheerful attitude; she loved the little cat ring I gave her before school.

So yesterday, we celebrated Daveā€™s memory and that he is safe and secureā€¦Ā By Godā€™s grace, we are still standing strong! Thank You, Jesus. Every Victory is found in You!

Often, we pray for God to do big things, and then want to tell Him how to accomplish all our ideas. But His ways are bigger than our ways. Our small minds cannot comprehend all the good He has in store for us.

Ā As He promised in Romans 8:28, God has used this horrible tragedy for my good and His gloryā€¦so I can, in turn, help others and bless them. My goal is to then point people back to see Godā€™s goodness in their own lives.

Honestly, I donā€™t need to understand the ā€œwhy factor.ā€ I am just grateful that God knows exactly what we need. His grace covers me and I can move forward in Victory.

Victory starts with Jesus at the Cross and His Resurrection but then carries over into everyday life. Each day brings opportunities to live victoriously. We have the choice to stand firm or move forward.

For me, standing firm means NOT running away from all the pain and sorrowā€”which is the exact opposite of what I sometimes want to do. Standing firm means not giving up even an inch of that holy ground. Moving forward is taking that first step and then another and another.

Some Victories are large and some are small. Some come easy and some are a struggle. Either way, slow and steady progress is still good.

It is strange to think that many of my friends now, never even met Daveā€¦ These days, I donā€™t share as much about him because sometimes the timing or mood isnā€™t right. Still, I appreciate anyone who will listen when I really need it. Thank you!!

After a big life change, people often get a ā€˜grace periodā€™ to adjust. Though, after five years, perhaps some people would say it is time to move on. (I get it. Life goes on.) But, there is a difference between moving on and moving forward. And really, you canā€™t do both!

Moving on implies that we need to cut our losses and forget the past. Just get over it already! Moving on feels like an either/or option. You can either stay stuck or leave everything behind.

Moving forward, on the other hand, acknowledges the pain, grief, loss, or other wound but chooses to see beyond it. It is inclusive of oneā€™s past and current experiences but allows for new options in the future. Moving forward may seem agonizing at first but is worth it in the long-run.

Moving on is the gut reactionā€”handling it on your own. Keep your head down and work hard to push through the pain. The problem is that approach is not sustainable. It uses up our energy so we have nothing left to give.

Moving forward, then, is the grace responseā€”letting Jesus do the heavy work. Keep your head highā€”focused on Jesusā€”honor the past, and be brave. Surprisingly, we find more energy and power because the Holy Spirit covers our weakness and renews us with His strength.

Each personā€™s journey looks different. There is no one-size-fits-all ā€˜rightā€™ way to deal with lifeā€™s pain and trials. But, for me, the greater Victory is found in moving forward with Jesus. He is faithful and can do far more than we could ever ask or imagine!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for all Your grace and goodness toward us. All glory and praise to You, Lord. Help us continue to move forward in Victory as you bring freedom and wholeness. In Jesusā€™ Mighty Name, Amen.

Questions: What are your thoughts on standing firm, moving forward, and moving on? Do you feel like you are living in Victoryā€”or still struggling?

Tasks: Praising God is one way to keep moving forward and refocus on Jesus. Listen to this song: ā€œSurrenderā€ (Fight My Battles) by Michael W. Smith