Wordless Wednesday: Beautiful Blossoms

Devotional: God's Ways Are Higher

We might assume we know what God is thinking. We also may proclaim how God does things in the lives of this world. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is not us. He's God. His thoughts and ways are not the same as ours. We might presume to know them, but that's it. That's as far as we can get. We can't control God. We can't control His thoughts or His ways. The world often gets into trouble with this. It even likes to speak for Him, but that can be dangerous. God is not bound by us. Nothing can bind His thoughts. He's I AM.

Honestly, we can forget that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. We shouldn't try to figure Him out, because that's not possible. We can, of course, love Him. We can grow close. But since He's deep and holy, I don't think we can ever be able to know Him completely. I do mean, when we see His creation and everything that exists because of Him, we remember that He's vast. He's not simple. And since He's all-powerful, we can't possibly predict Him. We also must not assume for Him. Now, God can give us words, but they're His, not ours.

Our thinking is limited compared to His. People seem to forget this. His thoughts are so far that it's compared to the height of the heavens from the earth. That's how different and long they are. This actually should give us comfort. We can trust Him because He knows much better. Remember, He knows all. And it's good that He's not like us in His ways and thoughts. On the other side, we came from God. He created us, so yes, we get a likeness from Him. But we're not infinite like Him. He's holy. He's God. He's I AM. Remember this.

When we don't know what God is doing in our lives, it can be excruciatingly hard. But we know that He loves us. He cares for us. This world is not what it should be because of sin, so we have to live with this mess. But we know that God is trustworthy. I don't know about you, but I'm going to trust Him, because He's got a plan. I don't, and my own plans aren't particularly good. I also love how He's God. I'm not powerful. I can't control anything. In the end, He's got you, and He's got me. That's all I need in this world to feel at peace.

God's ways are higher.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9 NASB

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Business Spotlights: SmasHouse Burgers & Tacos

I was at Art Under The Elms with my brother and his family. We had already explored all the vendors at the event. We were hungry so we made our way over to the food trucks and stands. While walking around, I spotted the orange food truck that was SmasHouse Burgers & Tacos. I had seen them on Facebook, so I was extremely curious. We all decided to try one of their special burgers. We got in line and waited for our turn. I was so excited to finally try one of their hamburgers since I had heard so much about them. 💓

Once it was my turn, I asked for the Smash Burger Combo with a fry and drink. I just had a feeling that it was going to be absolutely delicious, and I couldn't wait. I put my order in and stepped aside for my name to grab my meal. After waiting for a few minutes (not long at all), my name was called. I grabbed my hamburger, fries, and soda from the truck. We all made our way to a bench under some trees. It was evident that everyone was enjoying their meals. The hamburger was so good! I did hold the onions and pickles, because they're not my favorite, but it was yummy without! We all chomped down on those burgers.

We finished our burgers, and our tummies felt full. I almost ate the whole thing of mine. I really think that SmasHouse's Burgers lived up to the hype. I want to get another one! I also know they're located on Main Street in Lewiston, so I want to have another burger or just try something else. On that day, I'm so glad that we went ahead and tried them. I'll be back to pick up some for my family. So, yeah, if you get the chance, check them out! I highly recommend trying their burgers. I haven't tried the tacos, but I'm sure they're just as wonderful as their burgers. So grateful that we have them in the valley! 😀

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

One-Year Anniversary: My Blog Turns 1

 
My blog made it to its one-year anniversary. A lot has happened during that one year. I started my blog with hopes that it would reach others. The Facebook page has grown during that time. Thanks to you! With the growth, I've reached restaurants, authors, and many different places. In this, I've enjoyed spotlighting people and their work. It's been an exciting year, but not without some difficulty. I've fought hard to keep my blog going. There were a few weeks or days where no posts were done. But I was determined to forge ahead, not letting anything stop me. And here we are! It's turned one - a whole year.

The photo collage above that I created is a look back at photos on my blog. I've come through a fire that almost destroyed our home, health issues with my family, and my own personal struggles. It hasn't been easy. But with God by our side, we conquered those days. I'm hoping that I can continue to write in the days to come. I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. God will be with me, and so, I won't be afraid. I'll keep going. I plan to spotlight more people and businesses. Take lots of new photos, share my stories, and hopefully reveal a new book. It's all coming this year or the next.

In my blog, I've had photo quests, author interviews, guest writers, business spotlights, book reviews, devotionals, and much more. I even had a Christmas advent calendar in December. My Facebook page has grown from one follower to more than a hundred. I've watched it grow, and in turn, I've found growth, as well. I've burst out of my shell and social anxiety to spotlight people and their businesses. I've done things that I wouldn't normally do. Those days have been filled with anxiety. But it was so worth it, and I really want to push myself more for another year of blogging. I'm optimistic about everything.

As we go forward, I would like to thank my fellow wanderers. I always enjoy the comments that are left on my blog posts and on my Facebook page. I look forward to encouraging and hopefully, inspiring other readers. I want my blog to help, reach, and motivate those that need it. You're always welcome here! And I'm also open to any ideas, too. I love to hear what people think. If you haven't followed my Facebook page here for Wandering With Grace, I'm trying to reach 150 followers. Once I do, there will be a small Facebook giveaway on that page. So, please, if you can, follow! Thank you so much! 💓

Let's do a few more years together.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Collecting Flowers

Intro: It's spring. Spring is here, and I finally got outside with my camera to take pictures. Mostly of flowers since they're my favorite subject for photos. And as for collecting them, I do that with my camera. There's so many to discover, too. It's been a lot of fun.

Quest Ending: Some of the flowers I know the names of. Some I don't. Some are weeds, but I find beauty in any flower. What was your favorite of the photos I took? Also, I'll have more to share next time. I'm actually eager to get out again and collect more flowers.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Chickens

Devotional: Seeing Flowers Fade

As much as we want flowers to stay alive, they often fade away. All plants appear to age and withdraw from life at some point in their existence. Their fragile beauty is something that I keep in my heart. And I look forward to them blooming each spring and summer. But can I completely count on them? No, unfortunately. Many earthly things can destroy them, and they can fade indefinitely. You know what doesn't fade? God's Word. It cannot be destroyed. His Word stands forever. Nothing can take His Word. Absolutely nothing.

Because God's Word is eternal, I can rely on it. We can all hold His words within our heart, mind, and soul. He can also speak into existence anything with His powerful voice. He can create with His words. He can do anything! His words that also were spoken through His Word - the Bible, will happen. They will take place in history. His words are unchanging, too. They won't fade, I promise. They cannot. This is something that encourages me, especially during my hard times. I know that I can hold onto hope with His words. 

Sometimes, though, we might want to hold tightly to what we see in the world. Earthly things seem tangible. And they might but won't last long. I know that God's creation is beautiful and inspiring. I, too, look forward to the flowers blooming. But we may find ourselves in a place that's devoid of flowers. And if we do, we can remember God's Word. It can give us what we need during that time. Flowers can bring beauty into our lives, but they cannot always heal us. That's when we need to switch to His life-giving words.

Take the time today to read God's Word. He may want to speak with you. Today, I pray that you receive wisdom and peace from reading His words. If you listen intently, you may hear His voice. It may even come as a soft whisper or as strong thunder. I truly, highly encourage memorizing some verses, too. Remember, God's Word will stand forever. The enemy may try to destroy it every chance he gets, but he'll fail. Nothing can, or ever will, make God's Word fade. I can promise that. I can also promise that He can speak to you through it.

Seeing flowers fade. God's Word eternal.

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." - Isaiah 40:8 NASB

Many blessings,

- Grace Thorson

Event Spotlights: Art Under The Elms

Each year, I usually go with my brother and his family to Art Under The Elms. It's an annual event during spring in Lewiston, Idaho. The event is full of art, hand-made items, lovely music, and food. The event itself is held on the LCSC college campus. It's also part of the Dogwood Festival as there's plenty of beautiful dogwoods blooming during this time. It's essentially a 3-day highlight - which covers a weekend in April. But I digress, I always look forward to going with my brother and his family. It's a family fun event where everyone is welcomed to visit, and I love going with my family. So much fun to do with them! 🌼

Once there, we entered the campus grounds and wandered past the white tents. Stopping at the first thing we saw - which was the caramel apples and fudge. I vowed that I would be back to pick up some for my parents. We walked atop the green grass and met a few familiar faces while exploring. We then proceeded past the tents, checking out the available goodies. I stopped at a few to look over the earrings, soap, photography, and more. So many enticing things! I tried to keep in check with what I saw if I wanted to go back and get later. My brother's family also seemed to be excited about everything.

While we were looking, I discovered Autum from A Touch of Autumn. I had met her before at Art Under The Elms. She's an amazing artist! If you ever get the chance, be sure to go during April to see her work at Art Under The Elms. You can also find her here on Facebook. I bought a bookmark and a sticker from her. The bookmark shows a scene that she created from Lord of the Rings, and the sticker is of Nessie at Lake Loch Ness. Thanks, Autumn! I love your art! After buying the sticker and bookmark, we gazed at almost everything else that was there. We followed each other checking out various items in the white tents.

At the end of the white tents, we returned to the caramel apples and fudge. I purchased a caramel apple for my Mom and fudge for my Dad. It was a blast seeing what everyone had to sell. I really liked being able to support local businesses and people in their passions. That's why I try to spotlight local. After shopping itself, we proceeded toward the food and drink trucks. I won't write about our experience at SmasHouse Burgers in this post but save it for its own spotlight. We ate, and then I left. My overall experience of Art Under The Elms was like it always is - an exciting event. If you get the chance, I definitely recommend going next year. I'll most likely be there, too. Thank you, Art Under The Elms! 💓

Many blessings,

- Grace Thorson