Tag: work

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

Finding Grace #198

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 really fun week, though there were a few tough moments! God came through for me with an extra dose of grace! I also really appreciated everyone’s support for Dave’s birthday.  Thank you!

This week, we had several fun holiday activities at work. We worked hard, but also wore ugly Christmas sweaters, exchanged Secret Santa gifts, took pictures, laughed and told stories, and ate some yummy meals and treats together. I’m grateful for a good job and wonderful coworkers who are becoming friends!

Lydia and I also hosted a white elephant exchange for my Thursday night small group friends. I unwrapped a 2012 giant phone book from Knoxville, Tennessee! I happened to give away an expired container of prunes, so I got even, lol! It was a fun time all around!

Today Lydia and I had fun relaxing around the house! We enjoyed playing new games, watching movies, baking treats, and finding Christmas gifts on the porch from loved ones. Lydia has had fun rearranging the boxes under the tree for Wednesday!

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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, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #182

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 good week. It flew by!

At work, I did more training. I also started seeing some Veterans on my own. Thankfully, I already know the nutrition education information; I just need to learn everything else! There is a lot of documentation, but I should get the hang of it soon.

Because I’ve had such a flexible schedule most of our time in Fargo, I’m not used to dealing with much work-related traffic (morning or evening). But for the next two months, I’ll be working full-time while training and helping cover a maternity leave. Then, I’ll likely return to my part-time schedule. This week, I tried some alternative routes for getting to work. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m glad I found a less stressful option!

On Tuesday, Lydia started second grade! She has several friends in her class this year, including one of our neighbors. She also started the YMCA after school program. At first, she wasn’t thrilled about the need for consistent daycare. But, by the third day, she had a better attitude. It will be an adjustment, but I think it will be good for her in the long-run.

On Friday, my mother-in-law came to visit for the three-day holiday weekend! So far, we tried out a couple of newer restaurants and went apple picking! The apples were perhaps not quite ready, but it was fun to be outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.

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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, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #77

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 in 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 full of God’s grace! Each day was also full of activity. On Sunday, we Skyped with some of Dave’s family. Lydia met some of Dave’s extended family for the first time. I am thankful for modern technology that we can “see” people all around the world and talk at the press of a few buttons!

Monday, of course, was the solar eclipse! Lydia and I had fun tracking it in real life and online (via the NASA broadcast). After that, I went to work for a few hours and had a writing meeting that evening. Lydia was able to go to daycare to play.

On Tuesday, I worked, had coffee with a friend, then went back to work. 🙂 After that, I took Lydia with me to get an oil change followed by haircuts. It was a full day, but the timing was good to get those last minute errands done before school starts.

Wednesday went fast, but was good. I spent some time praying for a friend going through a tough spot. Intercessory prayer is both an honor and a privilege! After that, I went to work and had a good meeting with my supervisor. I am interested to see how my fall schedule plays out with Lydia in school. It will be good to get into a different routine!

On Thursday, Lydia woke up excited for all we had planned. At lunchtime, we went to Caterpillar for the fifth memorial car and bike show held in Dave’s name. Then, we did a little last minute shopping before going to an open house at school to meet Lydia’s teacher. Immediately after that, Lydia went to a friend’s birthday party. It was a fun day!

Yesterday and today have been more laid back. Lydia and I ran to Menards and Walmart for some household items and groceries. I mowed the grass and had a couple good phone conversations. I also did some cleaning, organizing, vacuuming, and laundry. It’s been good to “relax” after the busy week!

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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, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #52

I love the concept of 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 in 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 full week working for two different companies, due to a merger! On Monday and Tuesday, I finished working for my old company. On Wednesday, I woke up an employee of the new company. My desk and overall duties didn’t change, but my computer did. Now, I have a computer screen the size of a small flat-screen television!

On Wednesday, I got acclimated to the new computer programs, new email account, time clock, and other routine parts of my job. There will likely be some changes, but some things will stay the same. Perhaps there will be new opportunities as well! Life is an adventure!

On Thursday, I shadowed a dietitian at a different clinic. My role will probably continue being a hybrid of corporate wellness and seeing patients at my clinic. But, I met with her to see how she utilizes the computer program and learn about her role. I sat in on a few patient meetings as well, for weight loss and diabetes. It was fun, and I was glad to meet her. I also discovered some resources I can access.

Once again, my neighbors were on-hand to help with Lydia. She went home with them after school because I wasn’t sure when my work meeting would finish. We enjoyed pizza and a good visit that evening. I’m super thankful for these friends!

On Friday, I went in to work for a few hours, while Lydia went to daycare before preschool. Later, we enjoyed an indoor picnic of leftover pizza downstairs while watching a movie. I’m thankful Lydia loves to spend time with me; I’m trying to soak up quality time with her because in about six months, our options will change with all-day school!

All in all, it was a great week. Early on, I was nervous about the upcoming changes. I have been praying for months about this transition. I finally had total peace after a long conversation with a friend, who took time to listen to my concerns and pray with me. Now that the first week is over, I don’t know why I was so worried! God’s grace covers me every single second. His love never fails!

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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, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Merging with Grace

Well, today’s post turned out differently than expected. I had a different—I thought better—piece written, but changed my mind late last night. I had been concerned with some key changes happening in my life…

I am starting a new job today!

My former workplace was acquired by a larger healthcare company through a merger. With this new opportunity, I have had mixed emotions. There will be some growing pains as with any transition. But all in all, I think it will be good. My job and my desk probably won’t change much right now.

It’s been a big prayer on my heart these last few months, so I was going to write something about challenges or transitions… But then I had a good, godly conversation last night and my heart changed. I also received a few well-timed messages from other friends. And suddenly, my “big concerns” just didn’t seem so important anymore!

Regardless of what happens, God is in control. My job may change, but He is unchanging. No problem or concern is too big for Him. Jesus loves me. His plans for me are good. Once again, He’s got this!

Now that I am excited for this new season and opportunity, my topic evaporated! So, I decided to go another route instead and share Scripture verses I’ve been relying on lately.

We must build our lives on the solid Truth of God’s word…not our dreams, circumstances, or feelings! Praise God, I don’t have to be afraid!

Regarding Psalm 118:24 (above), it’s easy to praise God on bright, sunny days when everything seems to be going well. But we need to remember to praise Him on cloudy, difficult, or uncertain days too!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” A great reminder!

I also love 1 Corinthians 15:58, which says, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” Amen! God sees you and knows how hard you work.

This next verse is similar. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people”(Colossians 3:23, NLT). Another version says “work at it with all your heart” because really, we don’t work for a paycheck. Ultimately, the Lord is our Provider and we work for Him. Let’s be diligent!

God cares about every little detail and moment of our lives. Even the tough ones! “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT). JESUS is your treasure and your reward!

I don’t know how my new job will pan out. There are valid pros and cons on both sides. But, I can move forward with grace knowing God will work it out! I can give God the chance to bless me with my new job. I can let Him show me just how much He loves me—how much He cares.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for your grace. Thank You for being God so I don’t have to be. You are a wonderful Provider. Please bless the work of my hands. Give me peace and rest as I trust You to do the work through me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: Did any of the verses above jump out at you? How can you apply them to your work or volunteer situation? Do you have any verses to share with me?

Tasks: Write down meaningful verses on an index card and meditate on those words throughout your day. Write down a prayer to the Lord with the verse. Let it sink into your heart and bring new life.