Minot Monday | Take Your Own Sunflower Photos
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! Today I’m sharing information on how to take your own sunflower photos. We’ll cover etiquette on what’s appropriate, how to access a field and tips for taking your own photos. Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is filled with tips and information on living like a local and loving our town.
It’s that magical time of year: Sunflower Season! This beautiful part of the growing season is just one more thing that makes summer in North Dakota great. In North Dakota sunflowers aren’t just planted as garden decor. Sunflowers are a major crop–which means they grow in professionally kept fields, covering plots nearly as far as the eye can see. “Sunflower Season” is usually throughout the month of August. But bloom times vary year by year.
It’s really a breathtaking sight.
Which also makes sunflower fields a great place for breathtaking photos.
I get asked on a regular basis about how to find fields and what the etiquette is for taking photos in fields. Today we’re going to cover everything you need to know to take your own sunflower photos.
How to Find a Sunflower Field
Most crops aren’t planted in the same field every year to preserve the soil’s integrity. Sunflowers are no different. This means that the perfect field this summer, will likely be filled with a different crop next summer.
The best way to find a sunflower field is to look for one. It a good idea to find a field before you head out to take your own sunflower photos. Here are a few places to check.
- North of town off of 83 as if you’re headed toward base.
- South of town along 83 headed toward Max.
- Just west of town near the landfill or Flying J’s truck stop.
I find it works best just to drive. As you explore, you’ll start to see bright yellow fields. Some may be along a main road, but chances are, you’ll need to veer off the highway onto back roads to get up close to a field.
Accessing a Sunflower Field
Once you have found a field to your liking you’ll need to get “inside” the field for photos. The important thing to remember here is that these are cash crops (read: someone else’s income). Never ever destroy plants to get a photo op.
Instead look for a pull off along the road. If it’s on the side of the road, you can walk into the field gently. Even better is finding a pull off (for farm implement access) that juts into the field. You can pull off and walk in from there.
Edges of the field (especially the edge where the flowers are “facing”) may be a little more sparse. This offers a good place to walk in and set up your camera. Otherwise, try walking a few rows in to look for a bare spot in the field. It’s nearly impossible to get an easy shot in the most crowded part of the field.
Sunflower Photo Etiquette
When snapping sunflower photos respect is the name of the game. Remember, this is someone’s livelihood. Their career. Your perfect Instagram photo does should take priority over someone’s personal property.
North Dakota farmers and ranchers work hard to make sure our country has the crops, energy and American-raised products we need to stay fed. Their job is hard. I can’t even wrap my mind around the amount of planning, scientific knowledge, math, and painstaking details that go into coaxing crops to grow like magic from the ground.
All that said, here is some common sunflower etiquette:
- Remember, these fields belong to someone else, and these crops are their livelihood.
- Never ever pick or cut flowers. This is stealing.
- Do not cut down or trample flowers for any reason.
- Walk gently and watch your step.
- Do not drive over crops for any reason.
- Respect posted signs. If you see something that indicates you should not enter the field, don’t do it. (ie No Trespassing, Private Property, etc)
- Do keep pets on a leash, make sure they don’t harm crops.
- Use common sense.
Take Your Own Sunflower Photos With These Tips
Since I used to do photography full time, our family photos are mostly all done by me, a tripod and timer. Here are my recommendations for getting great shots if you decide to take your own sunflower photos.
- Go in the evening. The lower the sun to the horizon, the better.
- Wear bug spray.
- Take a tripod if you’ve got it. (Or a friend, if you don’t.)
- Screen shot a couple poses you like. If service is spotty you won’t need to rely on your Pinterest board for inspiration.
- If you’re short, or photographing your kids, think about taking a small stool or box to stand on. This will get you closer to the blooms so the background isn’t all stems.
- If all of this makes you uncomfortable, hire a pro. Minot has a network of wildly talented photographers!
Stay Connected For More
For more on living like a local–be sure to check out BeLCOAL. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and read the current issue online. I’d love it if you stayed connected with me too! I am seriously passionate about welcoming folks to Minot and helping them love their time here.
Let’s get together on Facebook and Instagram. There, you’ll find a growing community, striving to live with intentionality and enjoy the season they’re in. (Pro Tip: each Monday evening I post a round up of events happening in town on my Instagram stories.) Thanks for being here, let’s be friends.
Keeping the Sabbath | Reshaping Your Rest Part III
Today I’m happy to bring you part III of the Reshaping Your Rest series. For once, I’ll be piping down to let others do the talking. I’m sharing a few commentaries and resources that have helped me further understand what setting apart a day of rest really means.
All posts in the series are right here:
- Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
- Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
- Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
- Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
An Overview of the Sabbath
Do you know the Bible Project? If you don’t, get to know them. I’m a HUGE fan of their work. They produce great, short videos that cover all kinds of Biblical topics. (I’m especially fond of their videos that give a “nutshell” perspective on each book of the Bible. Those are great for anyone, but especially families and young students of the Word.)
Anyway, the Bible Project has a great video on the Sabbath and its origins.
If a few things went too fast, or you’d rather read than watch, see this quick article. It links up all the verse references used in the video.
Is the Sabbath Still Relevant Today?
Is keeping the Sabbath still something relevant to the modern church? This is an excellent question. And while we’re talking about the Bible Project–here is an excellent article that covers a wide range of questions about keeping the Sabbath. (Excerpt below.)
Jesus reminded the people of God’s actual intent for the Sabbath: unity with God, creation, and each other that was first found in Eden on page one of the Bible. Jesus taught that the Sabbath was about mercy and was purposeful. It was supposed to point to him, the one promised through all of Israel’s prophets, the one who would restore the rhythm of creation.
When followers of Jesus observe the Sabbath, we live as if this restoration has already taken place. We take a break from the broken rhythms of hustle and hardship to set aside a time of submission to his rule and enjoyment of his presence and to extend these things to the world around us. When we observe the Sabbath well, we become little resting places of God’s presence.
…As followers of Jesus, we aren’t required to follow the laws given to Israel by God exactly. These were given at a specific time to a specific people group for a specific purpose. Yet the wisdom of those laws is enduring, and the law of the Sabbath is pure gold. It is not a commandment we are bound to; it’s a promise we’re invited to.
Missy Takano for The Bible Project
Original Hebrew and Greek Words About Rest
Sometimes looking into the meanings of specific words used in the Bible can help glean a deeper understanding of what the text is meant to communicate. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. Here are a few Hebrew and Greek words I found helpful for understanding the Sabbath as I studied.
How to read interlinear references:
If you’ve never Bible geeked out over an interlinear reference, this could be your first time. At the top is the word we are studying. Next is a section of definitions and uses. At the bottom is concordance results. This is a list of every verse in the Bible that uses the word we are looking at.
**Always remember to read in context and apply the definition as meant by the author. The Word is powerful. We should read to find truth–not arguments that support our own opinions and ideas.**
- Shabath: First seen in Genesis 2. This is the word used to describe how God rested on the seventh day.
- Nuwach: To rest or settle down. This word has the connotation of comfort, being placed in order, knowing your place and being able to rest securely. (Missy Takano also covers nuwach in her article.)
- Shabbath: The word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath.
- Sabbaton: The Greek word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath in the New Testament.
- Katapausis: A calming of the winds, a resting place. This word is used primarily in Hebrews 4–describing the rest of God.
Helpful Commentaries
Here are two commentaries I have found helpful.
The first David Guzik’s study guide for Hebrews 4. Here’s a quote:
Be diligent to enter that rest: The rest is there, but God does not force it upon us. We must enter that rest. Clearly, the rest is entered by faith; but it takes diligent faith. This shows us that faith is not passive; it takes diligence to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus and His work for us.
David Guzik
The second is Matthew Henry’s commentary on Exodus 16. Here’s a quote:
This directs us to contrive family affairs, so that they may hinder us as little as possible in the work of the sabbath. Works of necessity are to be done on that day; but it is desirable to have as little as may be to do, that we may apply ourselves the more closely to prepare for the life that is to come.
Matthew Henry on Exodus 16
Get Ready to Reshape Your Rest by Keeping the Sabbath
Next week we’ll wrap up our Sabbath series. I’ve got a quick study guide and worksheet for you that will help you reshape your own rest–and more fully align it with the rest God wants to give us.
Until then, I’d love to get to know you! Join me on Instagram or Facebook to connect with me and a growing community committed to striving to live intentionally, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens. I post *almost* daily encouragement and devotionals–and you can get a behind the scenes look at what I do when I’m not writing in my stories. You can also connect by subscribing to my emails. You’ll be notified every time a new post comes out and have access to the resource library!
As always, thanks for being here. If this series is teaching you or touching your heart, I’d love to hear from you–and I’d love if you shared with friends to help grow this sweet, encouraging corner of the Internet.
10 Key Bible Verses for Understanding the Sabbath
Welcome back to the Reshaping Your Rest series. Today we will dive into 10 key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath.
Here are all the posts in this series:
- Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
- Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
- Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
- Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
The Right Mindset About The Sabbath
The thought I keep coming back to is that God tells us it is a sacrifice to deny ourselves the work we think needs to get done. We created in God’s image. God Himself is a creator and worker. It’s natural for us to work, to have goals, to want to achieve.
The trouble is that those things can become idols. Something we value higher than God’s command to “honor the Sabbath.” Something we think is more important than slowing down, putting aside and obeying.
At first, the idea of a day of rest viewed as a “sacrifice” seems counterintuitive. But it doesn’t take too much thought to connect the two. Especially in our material, secular-success driven culture.
Key Bible Verses for Understanding the Sabbath.
Here are 10 verses/passages that have helped me understand Sabbath rest, as seen from a Biblical perspective.
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. Ex 31:17
Key takeaways: God rested. We are to emulate God in all we do. God was refreshed after He rested. How much more will we be refreshed after true rest? Also, just because “He rested…” doesn’t mean God stopped working, caring, or being relational. Likewise, our Sabbath rest should be a rest from work–but not a complete halt to life, relationships or doing Kingdom work.
You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest. Ex 34:21
Key takeaways: Being in a “busy” season or needing to get things done is not an excuse for neglecting the Sabbath.
This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you— because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance. Leviticus 16:29-31
Key takeaways: Laying work aside is to sacrifice and deny ourselves. God has already done (and will do) the important work of atonement. (Note: in context this verse pertains to an annual celebration of atonement–not just a traditional weekly Sabbath.)
…but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. Deut 5:14-15
Key takeaways: Sabbath rest means refraining from traditional work and reflecting where we’ve come with God’s aid. We should also respect others’ right to observe Sabbath rest.
Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the Lord made them holy. Yet the people of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not follow my decrees but rejected my laws—by which the person who obeys them will live—and they utterly desecrated my Sabbaths. So I said I would pour out my wrath on them and destroy them in the wilderness. Ezk 20:12-13
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift and sign from God for us. Observing the Sabbath illustrates our trust in God. God is passionate about the Sabbath. He is hurt when it is not observed and honored.
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Matt 12:12
Key takeaways: Observing Sabbath rest is not an excuse to not do good, be kind, do Godly work, or be helpful to others. (See Matthew 12:9-14 for more context.)
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27
Key takeaways: The Sabbath is a gift for us. Something God made for us.
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. Luke 23:54-24:1
Key takeaways: This is a great passage for understanding proper reverence for the Sabbath. It takes intentionality and self-discipline to observe the Sabbath. If the work of these women can be put on hold to honor the Sabbath, our work can also wait.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. Acts 16:13-15
Key takeaways: Fellowship, teaching, fulfilling the great commission, being outdoors, prayer and building relationships are all welcome on the Sabbath.
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:4
Key takeaways: Do not use the Sabbath as an excuse to lay around idly or to fill your mind with idle thoughts. New Testament examples of activity on the Sabbath include using spiritual gifts, fellowship, building relationship, teaching, sharing our witness and reflecting with others.
Start Reshaping Your Rest With These Verses and Passages
These Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath are a great place to start reshaping your own rest. Read them, pray over them. Dig deeper by seeing what else Scripture has to say about the Sabbath. (To get you started I ran a quick search for every reference to “Sabbath” on BlueLetterBible.org.)
As you study, remember to think critically about what Scripture is saying. What does the text say? Who does it affect? What actions are taking place? What are the consequences or God’s opinion on those actions? Specifically, what does each verse teach you about who God is and what His character is like?
And, don’t forget to read verses in context to get an accurate understanding of the true meaning of the text.
Coming Up in the Reshaping Your Rest Series
We’ve looked at some background and key Bible verses for understanding the Sabbath. Next week, I’ll be sharing resources, commentaries, and a little Hebrew that will help you understand the rest God wants to give us even more deeply. Then, we’ll finish up with a worksheet that will help you intentionally reshape how you accept this gift from God.
In the meantime, I’d love to get to know you better, by connecting with you on Instagram and Facebook. There, you’ll find a community striving to live intentionally, while viewing life through a Christ’s Kingdom lens. You’ll also get daily inspiration and motivation for living intentionally with a Kingdom mindset (and fun anecdotes and mishaps from my home.) If this series is hitting your heart, I’d love if you shared. If you’d like to get all the latest posts straight to your inbox, just sign up below!
How to Take a Sabbath Rest | Reshape Your Rest | Part I
This is the first installment of a series on the Sabbath. Here are all the posts in the series:
- Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
- Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
- Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
- Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
I just got back from vacation. It was nice, relaxing. All the things you want a little time away to be. But there was something deeper going on in me. I’ve been thinking about rest. Real rest. Something we can all relate to (and many of us struggle with.)
Weeks ago, toward the beginning of the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge, I started turning over the idea of Sabbath rest. Every time I read anything about the Sabbath my heart skipped a beat, the verse became ingrained in my mind. I thought about it through the day. I brought it up with my husband in the evening. This felt like a call to deepen my understanding and change my patterns.
Vacation forced me to set aside work. And allowed me to set aside lots of things that feel like work. This seemed like the ideal time to share what I’ve been learning at start fresh, when it comes to true Sabbath rest.
The Challenge is nearly over. And I’ve been surprised how often Sabbath rest comes up, and how serious God takes it.
I want to be more intentional about observing the Sabbath. As a family, we’ve started to intentionally act on what the Bible tells us about how to take a Sabbath Rest–but I still have a ways to go. Luckily, God sees the heart. He knows I’m earnestly trying to do better, to enter into the rest He wants me to have.
A New Understanding of Sabbath Rest
Until recently I have never attempted to fully understand the Sabbath. However, I’ve spent a lot of my extra time cross referencing and burrowing into what the Bible says about Sabbath rest. I’ve read verses, revisited chapters, looked at commentaries, and prayed.
I’ve learned a lot. This is a practice introduced at the beginning of the Bible and continues through the New Testament. When Israel falls short or turns her back on God–and God becomes angry–He almost always cites neglect of the Sabbath as one of their infractions.
Interesting right?
Obviously, this is close to His heart. Yet, I think it’s one of the most overlooked commandments in our culture today. We are taught not to have other gods, murder, worship idols, steal, commit adultery, covet, or bear false witness. We know we are supposed to honor our parents and never use the Lord’s name in vain. But when it comes to the Sabbath, we can be surprisingly blasé.
Honoring the Sabbath almost seems like a forgotten commandment.
As I’ve studied, I’ve fallen in love with God’s design for Sabbath rest. It’s beautifully simple, yet so profound it sets our God apart from all others. A sacred day of rest was unique to Israel, a gift from her God. Other Ancient Near Eastern religions and gods did no such thing.
The Sabbath is beautifully symbolic. It symbolizes God’s good-will and care for mankind. By observing it, we show our trust in His care. By setting aside work, we demonstrate an understanding that we are not saved by works–God grace is enough and Christ accomplished the work on the cross.
I could chat for days about how beautiful the Sabbath is. But I’ll let you do some critical thinking of your own.
Some of My Sabbath Takeaways
The idea of “self care” is so hot right now. It seems like everywhere I look I see suggestions and social media posts with ideas for self care. Don’t get me wrong. Self care is fun–and important. But don’t confuse it with the Sabbath. Sabbath rest is deeper and sweeter. Sabbath rest looks outward–turning our eyes toward God, others in need, and expanding the kingdom. In no way is taking Sabbath rest a selfish pursuit. I’m excited to share more with you next week.
First, here are my own bullet points summarizing my new understanding of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is important and dear to God’s heart, therefore it should be important and dear to our hearts as well.
A day of rest refreshed God. How much more will it refresh me?
The Sabbath is a type of sacrifice. We are to intentionally choose to refrain from work and choose rest. This shows devotion to God and trust that He will provide time and means for our work to be completed–despite sacrificing time away from work to Him.
The Sabbath is metaphorical. Refraining from work and choosing rest is an outward symbol that our works do not earn us favor with God. Christ did the only work that really mattered, and He finished it on the cross.
Sabbath rest is not an excuse to be lazy and binge watch TV. It is not an excuse to be unkind or avoid helping others. The Sabbath is a time to turn our minds to God-honoring thoughts and our hands to God-honoring activities. This means, if I’d be uncomfortable committing an act to the Lord, or partaking in an activity with Jesus in the room–it shouldn’t be done on the Sabbath.
Fellowship, teaching, reflection, enjoying nature, enjoying God’s provision, sharing your experiences with God with others, cultivating relationships…(the list goes on) are all welcome during a day of Sabbath rest.
Observing Sabbath (and gleaning the benefits God wants us to have from it) takes intentionality and practice. Create a plan for how you will observe the Sabbath and get your family on board.
Start Reshaping Your Sabbath Today
Next week we’ll be exploring verses that explain the Sabbath, but I encourage you to start reshaping your take on the Sabbath today. Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with reflection. Here are a couple ideas.
Are you exhausted? Does the word “refreshed” make your soul leap? Do you feel weary?
How do you currently observe the Sabbath? Is it just about church, or is there something deeper happening?
Pray that God would open your eyes and heart to what He wants the Sabbath to look like in your life and home. Ask God to give you a teachable heart and a discerning mind as you reexamine rest. Start a conversation in your home about Sabbath rest.
Coming Up: More on How to Take a Sabbath Rest
Next week I’ll be sharing 10 verses/passages that have reshaped the way I view Sabbath rest. Here are all the posts in the series:
- Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
- Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
- Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
- Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
In the meantime, I hope you’ll start thinking about how you can take a Sabbath rest. I’d love to have you share this if it touched your heart today–and I’d love to get to know you personally by connecting on Instagram and Facebook. There you’ll find daily encouragement and a community of others striving to live life with intentionality, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens.
Flying From North Dakota During the Coronavirus | Minot Monday
Happy Minot Monday! Thanks to BeLOCAL Minot for making Minot Monday possible. Today we’re talking about flying from North Dakota during the Coronavirus era. Travel from Minot can be tricky, even more so when navigating a world in pandemic. Luckily BeLOCAL Minot and I are committed to helping you thrive while living in Minot. Check out BeLOCAL for more tips and information on living like a local.
Locals and transplants alike understand how refreshing it is to get away from Minot for a bit. Whether that means a weekend in “the cities” (Minneapolis/St Paul), a trip to the lake, or spending all winter in Arizona–even Minot’s biggest cheerleaders like to leave city limits sometimes.
Last week our family traveled away from Minot to visit family. This was our first significant travel since the COVID-19 era began. (I did take a short road trip to Rapid City, but that was solo and in the safety of my own car.)
This time we flew, which was completely different. I thought I might be helpful to share our experience and tips that I have. (For more on traveling from Minot see this post.)
We Flew From Bismarck
Our flight left from Bismarck. So I can’t attest to how conditions are in Minot. However, the airports are very similar–so I think the experience in Minot will be very similar. (Flying out of Minot is so convenient because it’s so close to everything, but sometimes you can get a great deal if you fly from Bismarck instead.) More on traveling from Minot here.
Masks in the Airport
Masks were highly recommended, but no one was forcing passengers to wear them in the airport or at the gate. All employees had masks on. Because there were so few passengers there was lots of space to be far from others. So while in the gate area (past security) about half of waiting passengers took their masks off.
According to general mask etiquette, kids two years old and up are supposed to wear masks. We did our best to keep a mask on Gideon, but that was a losing battle. Everyone we encountered showed grace when it came to keeping a mask on a toddler.
Security Screening
The number of travelers was down significantly in Bismarck. While there usually isn’t much of a wait in the TSA screening line, the wait for this flight was nonexistent.
Here are things we observed going through security:
- Shoes still need to come off.
- Some things were still required to take out of carry on bags and place in bins (electronics, batteries, shoes, etc.)
- Bins were not cleaned between uses.
- Floor markers indicated where to stand to maintain distance between travelers/parties.
- The standard 3oz liquid rule is flexible for hand sanitizer.
Other Things About the Airport & Boarding
After going through security we found that there was plenty of space to spread out and be well distanced from other travelers.
In the Bismarck Airport, there are living room style TVs. The last time we flew from there (in December) the TVs were on and remotes were on tables, so passengers could change channels. Now the TVs are off and the remotes are no longer available.
There are plenty of hand sanitizer stations available.
Food and beverage services are limited on most flights. Passengers were reminded to buy a coffee before boarding, as none would be available on board.
Boarding takes place from the back of the plane to front. Anyone who needs assistance or extra time is welcome to board at any time.
Passengers are welcome to have their boarding pass on their phone to limit contact on paper boarding passes. If you choose to (or need to) have a paper pass you can scan it yourself (gate attendants will help if you need it.)
While waiting in line to board passengers are asked to maintain social distance and wear masks. All passengers are expected to wear masks while boarding and through the duration of the flight.
During the Flight
Here are things we observed or are nice to know about flights during the coronavirus pandemic. We flew with Delta. Check your flight provider for their details and procedures.
- One of our (three) flights was a bit delayed due to cleaning and sanitation. I’m not sure what all this entails, but it happens between each flight.
- Upon boarding every passenger is given an antibacterial wipe to wipe their space/tray/armrests/etc.
- Because flights have limited passenger capacity there is more room in overhead compartments. Things that we have needed to gate check in the past (like a roll-on carry on) were welcome. There was plenty of space.
- Seats were strategically left open to offer greater distance.
- Flight attendants handed out pre-made Ziploc bags with a single use hand sanitizer, a package of crackers, a package of cookies and a bottled water. No custom snack orders were taken.
- Passengers were expected to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. (Grace was given for children.)
Layovers
We had two layovers during our travel day. Both airports (Minneapolis and Detroit) had their own COVID procedures in place. This included:
- Hand sanitizer stations
- Chairs blocked off in waiting areas to encourage social distancing
- Kiosks are closed
- Play spaces are closed
- Select restaurants are closed
- Some tram services are closed
- Some lounges are closed
If you are looking for a specific restaurant I highly advise asking at an info desk to make sure it’s open. Volunteers have a list of which eateries are open each day.
It was easy to find a place with a lot of space during our longest layover. With fewer travelers and limited seating, airports are much less crowded than they used to be. If you have a long layover be sure to check mezzanine levels. These are often overlooked and very quiet.
Other Travel Tips
In some ways I over prepared. Here are a few more tips for traveling during the COVID pandemic.
- Pack hand sanitizer, but don’t go overboard. There are stations everywhere, and single use packets are available on flights.
- Even though flight attendants give out antibacterial wipes, I found it helpful to have some of my own. (Like these) This came in handy for wiping toys or doing better cleaning on board.
- Pack snacks if you’d like to avoid eating a meal in the airport. The snacks on board were more substantial in the past, but food in airports is limited.
- Bring a water bottle. Drinking fountains are closed, but bottle fillers are open.
- Bring your mask and wear it. Do your part to stay distanced from others, don’t travel if you’re sick.
Hopefully this helps if you are going to be traveling outside of our relatively safe bubble in Minot and North Dakota. If you are looking for more insight on life in Minot be sure to join our intentionally positive-thinking community on Instagram and Facebook. And remember to follow on Instagram and check in on my Stories every Monday evening to see a round up of events happening in Minot each week.
Wait Expectantly | Planting Seeds For Next Season
I wish I was good with plants. But that’s just not the case.
I come from long lines of folks who are plant savvy. My parents have a massive garden that feeds the family all year. Their yard, patio and deck are adorned with flowers and containers all summer. My sister’s got it. All my grandparents were had it too.
I try. But half the time my vegetables turn out undersized and my succulents shrivel up on the shelf.
At Acorn House we’ve been blessed (or cursed) with a unique challenge–a blank slate for landscaping. No bushes, no beds, no plants of any kind (except a massive amount of weeds.)
I’ve spent the summer working on landscaping and building perennial beds around the property. We bought some plants. Others were split from larger plants and shared with me. Others have been transplanted from friends’ homes.
God Is Teaching Me To Wait Expectantly
While I’ve tackled this project, I’ve tuned my ear to God and what He has to teach me in the process.
All season, He has been using plants to weave anecdotes and examples of His Truth into my heart.
A theme God has been stirring in my heart throughout the summer is expectantly waiting. Expectantly investing in this season, for a bigger payout in future years.
Every plant that has gone in around the house is small. Young azaleas and hostas in front. Seedling hollyhocks, lilacs and fir trees at the perimeter. Transplanted or split daisies, day lilies, lily of the valley, and herbs in the back.
I’m Planting With a Vision For Future Seasons
It’s a lot of plants. My thought is, with all of this…something is bound to make it.
Jokes aside, we’ve got vision for these plants. Right now they are immature, not much to look at. However, I water them and attempt to care for them this season because I’m looking forward to growth in the years to come. I busy myself adding more perennials to the beds because when I close my eyes, I imagine a home surrounded by mature, lush landscape.
Here’s one thing God has been reminding me while I work in the yard: All plants start with a seed. No matter how big their potential, they all start with a seed, that becomes a fragile new plant, and eventually turns into something bigger and more beautiful every season.
Am I Waiting Expectantly in All Aspects of My Life?
Even with all this work and waiting, I’m content and full of expectation for the years to come. Not impatient that seedlings and transplants aren’t living up to their full potential in the first season.
God seems to bring this to mind every time I’m in the yard. So I’ve started to ponder: DoI extend the same grace and expectation in other areas of my life and faith walk?
So often when I work up the courage to speak up in truth, share the Gospel, or plant a seed of Truth, I either want to see immediate results or I give up and don’t expect anything to happen.
Anyone else? Anyone?
It all goes back to waiting expectantly. I’m no gardener. All I can do is plant, care and expectantly wait for growth, maturity, beauty and change in the seasons to come. With my yard, I am waiting expectantly. I fully anticipate bigger plants next year. More flowers. Something more substantial.
When I plant seeds of Truth by sharing my experiences or even the Gospel, I’m guilty of impatience, and worse, not waiting with expectation. I assume the blame. The seed was a dud, I didn’t have the answers or the words or the right moment to share. Instead of expecting something to happen in seasons to come, I’ve already decided there’s nothing to expect.
Ouch.
This summer, as I’ve worked with my plants, God has reminded me (convicted my heart) to wait with expectation. Stop giving up hope when results aren’t quick. Stop being impatient for growth. Wait expectantly for things to grow in their own time, in their own season. Confess and repent for losing hope for seeds planted, not trusting God to do His work.
Let’s Intentionally Wait Expectantly
Wait expectantly. God is ultimately the One who will spur something to grow and mature. (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)
Wait expectantly. To stop expecting a result means we’ve stopped believing a result will come, or is even possible. God assures us nothing is impossible for Him. The Bible is full of examples of how seeds planted grow and mature in due season. (Hebrews 11:1-3; Matthew 19:26)
Wait expectantly. Expectation gives us joy during the waiting and keeps impatience at bay. (Romans 8:25-27; more verses waiting expectantly)
Let’s intentionally wait more expectantly. It’s not our responsibility to make seeds of truth grow. We can only have faith that God is working. Let’s intentionally live with greater expectation and anticipation of what God is doing and will do.
Whatever you are waiting on. Whatever seeds you think may not have taken or will never mature–take heart. Allow expectation to ease the heartache that waiting can bring. Continue to invest and plant now, with expectation for the seasons yet to come.
For more intentionally living, while seeing life through a Christ-centered lens join me on Instagram and Facebook. I offer encouragement and resources all week long to keep you inspired in your daily life, excited about God’s Word and motivated to walk in faith.
The Kitchen: Start to Finish
Last week I asked if you’d be interested in seeing the messy middle of our kitchen remodel–instead of just the pretty before and afters. The response was overwhelmingly positive. So today I’ve got all the dirty details for you. I’ll try not to be too wordy and let the photos speak for themselves.
Before We Even Started
Sept 13-Oct 25, 2019
When we bought Acorn House, we knew a kitchen remodel was in our future. However, the “plan” was to wait to remodel until after we’d renovated the second floor (which had been turned into apartments in the 1950’s.) The idea was that the kitchen was functional–if not practical and using the space well. The bedrooms, and entire second floor were unlivable. We would address that first–and get our bedroom moved out of the laundry room.
Then, one October day I heard a crash in the kitchen during nap time and all our plans changed. The cabinets had fallen off the wall. (Read all about it here.) Now a kitchen redo (which would also touch the living room and dining room) was priority.
During this time God showed me how to loosen my grip on “my plans.” He taught me to be flexible and hopeful, even when things get toppled upside down.
Planning A Better Kitchen
Oct 30-Dec 1, 2019
We hadn’t anticipated renovating the kitchen so soon, so we didn’t have plans drawn up or ready. And, in all the years we’ve worked on old houses, we’ve never created a kitchen from scratch.
Even though we were anxious to get a better, functional, safer, intact kitchen built–we didn’t want to rush it. We looked at all (and I do mean all) of our cabinet options. We sat down with lots of reps. I looked at books and drew our plan to scale on the walls. Derek ran numbers. We discussed and prayed over how we could best steward our time, money and skills–while balancing work and family. You can read all about our cabinet buying options and process here. (Our cabinets are from Medallion, ordered from Minot Lumber & Hardware.)
During this time, God showed to live, thrive and be joyful without excess. What we had in the kitchen was sparse, but we ate dinner as a family and had peace that we weren’t rushing the process.
Demolition
Dec 19-Dec 20, 2019
By the time we actually started cutting into walls and tearing things apart it was Christmas time. (We waited to start demo until closer to the time cabinets would arrive.)
I cut rough openings in the drywall one afternoon while Gideon’s favorite babysitter was at the house with us. (We could never have completed this project without her help to supervise Gideon while I did big, messy work.) I’ll never forget how excited he was to see me peek through the walls as the pieces fell away.
Removing the walls exposed an unexpected duct running through a section of wall we had planned to open. That would need to be moved.
This ushered in a very dirty portion of the project. Drywall dust was everywhere. No matter how much I swept and moped and wiped, things were chronically dusty.
During this time, God showed me that decor and glitz is not what makes Christmas special. Christmas 2019 didn’t look how I had imagined, but it was plenty sweet and special. We made cookies. Friends came for dinner. We put up decorations and soaked in the season. Without the pressure of having a “perfect” home for the holiday, our hearts were more fully aligned with the True Reason to celebrate.
Floors and Ducting
Jan 6-Jan 15, 2020
Next there was a bit of waiting to do. Waiting for cabinets to arrive. Waiting for an HVAC contractor to come move the duct. But that was okay, because we were busy enjoying Christmas.
As soon as we returned from holiday travel we got back to work. I took out the tile flooring. Although it was in good shape, we knew it was wise to extend hard flooring into the carpeted dining room while we remodeled.
Once the flooring was out, we needed to level some very uneven spaces. Derek and I did this during nap time one day. This season of the project was really hard. There was a week or two when we had nothing in the kitchen. I used the uprooted dishwasher as my old counter space. The water was turned off. So to clean up, I did dishes upstairs in the old apartment kitchen–which also doubled as our workshop.
During this time, God taught me about perseverance. He taught me to be joyful, even happy while the heart of our home was in chaos. I learned about teamwork in marriage and taking things step by step.
Header, Drywall, and Cabinets
Jan 18-Jan 29, 2020
There was a weird time when our new cabinets were in, but we hadn’t yet removed the wall that would open up a peninsula. This was nice because we could use some of the cabinets. But once the duct was moved, we had to move the cabinets to finish opening the wall.
Derek and I took Gideon to his babysitter’s house and spent an afternoon building a header to support the load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. After the wall was open, we tackled hanging drywall. Then I took over taping, texturing and painting.
Once lower cabinets were all in place, Derek started hanging the uppers, and the countertops were fitted.
During this section of the project we found out Derek would be leaving the country with little notice. We worked hard to get as much done before he left as possible.
During this time, God taught me to keep moving, ask for help and savor time together.
Floors
Feb 7-Feb 12
With Derek gone, I was a bit overwhelmed with what still needed to be done. I started by laying part of the kitchen floor. Then I leveled the dining room floor (which included a lot of prep work). Once the floor was leveled, I continued laying flooring.
Gideon enjoyed all the time I spent on the floor. This was a fun project to work on together. But I do distinctly remember talking to Derek on the phone and bursting into tears while laying flooring. I was overwhelmed and bitter that he needed to be gone.
During this time, God taught me to let go of bitterness and instead, focus on the task at hand. I was caught up in the “poor me’s”, but God wanted me to live in joy–despite the circumstances.
Counters and Finishes
Feb 14-Mar 12
Why did these finishes take so long? Well, shortly after the countertops arrived, I discovered I was pregnant.
This was one more overwhelming news. Exciting, but also overwhelming. I’m not at expert at carrying babies, but with my first pregnancy I had about a week between a positive test and feeling completely sick.
A friend helped (read: did it all) hang the pass through cabinet above the peninsula and crown molding.
With things mostly put back together I hosted a 2nd birthday party for Gideon. My parents arrived shortly after and helped with finishing touches. While I rested and tried to keep my food down, my dad installed handles, a new sink and molding. My mom watched Gideon and spent every evening helping me unload boxes of kitchen supplies I hadn’t seen since leaving our last home in June 2019.
Having my kitchen finally unpacked felt so luxurious. During this time, God taught me to move forward during difficult seasons and appreciate friends and family more deeply. He taught me all things are in His hands, and all gifts are from Him.
Finished {pretty much}
March 15, 2020
Even after the “finishing touches” were in place, there was still some waiting to do. The appliance garage arrived the wrong size, so it took weeks to get a new one. Once it did arrive, it didn’t have finished, white sides. We waited again.
Eventually it all came together. And by the time Derek returned the kitchen remodel chapter was closed.
This wasn’t a quick turn around. From the start, it was well thought out. And time consuming. Tackling projects this way isn’t for everyone. I get it. But for us, it works. (For side by side before and after photos see here.)
Derek and I both work. I care for our son during the day. We cherish time with friends and are dedicated to prioritizing ministry, fellowship and connection above projects. It was so hard living with the heart of our home torn up for so long. But this really was a sweet season, spent working together, learning together and growing closer to God through the process.
Minot Monday | Denbigh Experimental Forest
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL helps you discover local favorites in your new hometown. Basically, it’s a great guide to living like a local and quickly getting adjusted to our town. Check them out if you haven’t. Today, I’m telling you all about the Denbigh Experimental Forest–a new gem we’ve just discovered!
I love hiking. I’ll just start by telling you that. When Derek and I vacation, we typically plan around national parks and hikes. While Minot is not a hiking mecca, I’m always on the lookout and excited to find and share fun trails. Today I’ve got a good one.
Also, here’s a pro tip on how I discover so many great things in Minot: I talk to people. People are friendly–and not put off by a stranger striking up a conversation with them. I do this a lot on playgrounds with other parents who have littles playing near Gideon. Recently, this exact tactic lead to small talk with someone who transplanted to Minot from Germany. I learned that we share a love for hiking, and he told me about the Denbigh Experimental Forest.
And now…I’ll tell you.
Getting to the Denbigh Experimental Forest
The Denbigh Experimental Forest is just east of Granville, ND. It’s about a 40 minute drive from town to get there. But by North Dakota standards, that’s pretty darn close. Just take US-2 east out of town and follow it past Granville. Then you’ll see a sign for the forest. We used GPS to get out there and had no issues finding it. (Map here.)
The forest was planted in 1931 as part of a relief project to protect the area from dust storms and create jobs during the Depression. Since then the area has been used for research and still produces more than a million seedlings each year. (More history here.)
Hiking Denbigh Experimental Forest
What I really want to tell you about the Denbigh Experimental Forest is that it’s awesome. Totally a hidden gem near Minot that you need to check out.
There’s a really fun trail. It’s not a very long. In total, the trail is 5K, just over 3 miles. But it runs through a forest and prairie. There is lots of shade. It’s bike friendly, pet friendly, and appropriate for little hikers too.
We hiked with Gideon, and he insisted on walking (running) most of the trail himself. We weren’t sure how he’d do, so we brought along our jogging stroller. While we didn’t end up using it much, it wasn’t too hard to push along the trail–so if you need to bring a little one in a stroller you’ll be good to go. (A jogging stroller or something terrain-friendly is a must. An umbrella stroller will not do well.)
The grass does get high in places, so be sure to take bug spray to ward off ticks. (More on North Dakota ticks here.)
If you haven’t been, you should go. Take advantage of this great adventure, right in our back yard. For my other favorite walks (in town) check out this post. For more, see these BeLOCAL listing on parks and day/weekend trips.
Thrive, Share and Join the Community
And remember–I do a round up of what’s going on in Minot each Monday evening on my Instagram stories. So be sure to follow along there. For more intentionally positive living join our community on Facebook and Instagram.
The Kitchen Remodel | Acorn House
Today is the day. I’ve been putting this off because in my mind, the perfect time to share a big before and after post is once everything is done, complete, decorated and looking perfect.
But that’s not going to happen for a while yet. And I’ve already been sitting on a nearly finished project for months now. Eventually, they will be art on the walls. Someday, the ceiling fan will get an upgrade. Once things slow down (maybe never), I’ll have a prettier shelving unit in the dining room.
It’s time to show you.
But first, an Oscar-style thank you speech to everyone who made this day possible:
So many of you cheered me on through this major project. I cannot thank you enough. And I know a lot of you feel invested–because you kept up with the progress daily through my Instagram stories. The virtual hugs and pats on the back kept me going. Especially when Derek was out of country for months and I needed to continue work with only a toddler in tow. Especially once I found out I was pregnant and felt nauseous around the clock, but still had lots to do.
I also owe a big thanks to Derek (obviously). He sets us up for success in any project we take on. He makes sure I can move forward when he’s gone. Thank you’s to friends in Minot who watched Gideon while I worked, and helped with heavy lifting and installation. Thank you to my parents for getting me through the finishing touches (and unpacking all my kitchen goods into the new space). And thanks to Gideon, for being the world’s best subcontractor.
Okay. Enough of that. Let’s get going.
Acorn House Kitchen Remodel
When we first moved in to Acorn House (you can see the full “before” tour here), the kitchen was completely closed off from the rest of the house. Although we are not advocates of creating totally open floor plans in old homes, this one needed better flow. The living room and dining rooms are modest in size, but opening up the kitchen a bit has made all the rooms feel bigger.
Acorn House has five bedrooms. It’s ideal for a family. Opening up walls to give better sight lines to where littles might be playing was particularly important to us. This way, a parent in the kitchen can easily see the shenanigans happening in the living room. All without needing to leave the stove.
The whole process for the kitchen remodel was jump-started after the great cabinet crash of 2019. The bank of cabinets on this side of the kitchen fell off the wall. The second photo shows how we regrouped after the fall. (All about the crash here.)
Sink and Fridge
We were able to keep the sink and dishwasher in their original locations. The refrigerator was also moved to this wall. This gave us space for a corner cabinet and peninsula work space. I was originally concerned about the lack of counter space over here, but it’s proven to be plenty.
We’re in love (and so is everyone else) with the scalloped backsplash. I try to keep the counters clear–but the coffee and coffee maker are always in use, and always at the ready.
The Peninsula
When we started, the doorway to the kitchen was 32″ wide. We raised the opening height. Then opened the wall to accommodate a peninsula and “pass through” cabinet to the dining room.
I am so happy with how this space turned out. It’s a dream to have a large area for prep. Especially since it can be accessed from both sides.
The mixer is stored in the countertop appliance garage and the peninsula is the perfect space for baking. Gideon likes to help with that. Or play play-doh while I cook and unload the dishwasher. This little space brings us all together.
Our Realistic Remodel Approach
Whenever we take on a remodel or renovation, we approach it with a “preservation mindset.” I ask questions. What was fitting for this style of architecture when it was built? How can we make this space work for modern life, while respecting it’s past? Without making this space a time-capsule, how can we stay true to it’s roots?
Not every house is meant to have a farm house kitchen. Or a boho living room. And that’s okay.
We also approach projects from a realistic perspective. What can we take on? How can we best steward the gifts God has given us? (Time, money, skills, relationships, etc are all taken into account.) We are realistic about what we can afford, what is practical and what the house can sustain.
There are a few things left to do. Like art on those blank dining room walls and that missing piece of baseboard (which will come after living room carpet is installed.) But the space has been totally transform and God has inspired my heart in great ways through this process.
I’ve learned to be happy with less, to be hospitable in the mess, and to take heart when things get ugly. The kitchen inspired the “Moving Forward in a Difficult Season” series. And it’s a space I love to love everyday.
Thanks again for being part of the journey. I love you all dearly.
For more projects, intentional + positive living, and the daily practice of seeing the world through a Christ-centered lens–join me on Instagram and Facebook. If you were inspired, or just loved this post–please remember to share it!
Minot Monday | Minot Public Pool at Roosevelt Park
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. BeLOCAL is a guide to living like a local and finding the best of what our town has to offer. Today we’re exploring the Minot public pool at Roosevelt Park. Here’s more on parks and summer fun from BeLOCAL.
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! This week is going to be blazing hot, so I thought it would be fun to go to one of my favorite places in town: the pool! I’m a huge fan of the Minot public pool at Roosevelt Park.
Yes, this is the same Roosevelt Park with the zoo and a good playground and walking trail. It’s a good park.
If you live in town, the pool is close by. (Probably a drive of 15 minutes or less.) The Minot public pool is convenient, clean and affordable. If you haven’t been yet, you should definitely go.
Minot Public Pool Basics
- The public pool is at Roosevelt Park.
- Admission is affordable. $5/person. Kids 5 and under are FREE!
- Season passes are available. ($54/individual, $150/family–up to 6 people)
- Weekday Hours: Monday-Thursday: 12:00pm-5:00pm, 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Weekend Hours: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- If you leave the pool I believe you can return later in the day for no charge.
Minot Public Pool Pro Tips
- Evenings are generally less crowded
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
- Crowds tend to thin out at dinner time (5-7pm)
- Monday & Wednesday evenings are family swim. Admission is $12 for the whole crew.
- Life Jackets are available for rent at the front desk
- Bring a ball or small toy to play with in the kiddie pool if your little isn’t big enough to be independent on the slide or confident in the water features.
What’s It Like?
I love that the pool and locker rooms are kept clean. Never once have I gone and felt icky about getting in the water. The kiddie pool is amazing and always sparkling clean.
The Kiddie Pool
Speaking of the kiddie pool…it’s great. Let me tell you more. It’s gated off, so little ones can’t accidentally wander away to the main pool. There are two sections to the kiddie pool.
One is a zero entry (meaning you can walk into it gradually without a step or ladder.) This section also has a small “froggie” slide and a larger water slide structure with water features all over it.
The other section is a gated off wading/splashing pool. There are no water features here or water spraying over head. Just a calm pool for play.
There are a couple chairs, but not many. Expect to hold your “place” on the deck with your bag or towel. This is usually fine because parents are typically close by their children to supervise them–not sitting on the sides. There’s a nice canopy for shade and shady spots can be found at the perimeter of the kiddie pool near the locker rooms.
Also, I’m not sure snacks are actually allowed (definitely not in the water!) but no one has ever stopped me from snacking on the deck.
Supervision in the Kiddie Pool
Our experience at the kiddie pool has been overwhelmingly positive. But, please keep a close eye on your littles. Most parents are great about this. But on busy days things can get a little crazy.
There are lifeguards on duty, but some things go unchecked, depending on who’s on duty. For example, kids often try to climb up the water slide. There is always a lifeguard near the end of the slide, but sometimes they don’t say anything–or they wait quite a while before addressing the issue. Meanwhile a long line of antsy kids has accumulated at the top of the slide, waiting for a climber to get off.
Most life guards are super young. So I get that they are on unfamiliar territory when giving instruction to a 2 year old that doesn’t want to listen. Overall, they do a great job. Just keep an eye on your kiddos and help them follow the pool rules to keep everyone safe.
The Main Pool
The main pool is (obviously) much larger than the kiddie pool and geared toward older children and adults. The water is deeper, with deep ends for diving board use and water slides. There are lots of lounge chairs on the deck, but not much shade to be had.
Usually, there are four water slides feeding into the main pool. Three are short “tube” slides that drop you into the middle of the pool. One is very long and high. This one is my favorite, but this summer it’s under construction and out of use.
Again, no snacks allowed in the water, but no one has ever stopped me from having a snack on the deck. So bring something to munch on and plan to stay a while.
Go Swimming
The Minot public pool at Roosevelt Park is just another way to enjoy North Dakota’s glorious summer season. For more on the pool, check out the pool’s website. If you are looking for more local fun, be sure to check out BeLOCAL.
For more tips on living in Minot or just to gather with a community of awesome people striving to live with intentional positivity–join me on Instagram or Facebook.
