I Thank God for You

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. — Romans 1:8

Saturday I gave myself a Zarxio shot. I was hoping that it would be as easy it it sounded when the nurse explained it on Friday. 

I will do this every other day for 5 days. Kirk has offered to be my backup if I need help.

Abby and I went shopping Saturday, hitting some sales and grabbing a yogurt, sitting in the sun.

Then we picked up Kirk and tried a new Barbecue place, Pioneer. It was delicious. Fortunately we went early so we had no problem getting a table. 

I tried the grilled cheese with smoked ham, Abby had pulled pork with a side of bacon mac 'n cheese, and Kirk had brisket and sausage with a side of potato salad. 

We also had some delicious home-made pickles.

The place was filling up quickly with several tables left at 6:00, but more and more people walking in. Very fun time.

I thank God for wonderful family members and friends who are giving their support and sharing their faith with us.

God Knows What To Do

If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. As it is, there’s not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. — 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 The Message
 
Yesterday was my first chemo treatment. Overall, the day went really well. Abby and I went out for breakfast in the morning. iHop was the choice of the day.

Kirk's brother Kelly sent me this verse (in the Good News version) as I was starting the IV. What a wonderful encouragement!

I took Decadron the day before and the morning of. An hour before my appointment I took Cetirizine but will probably not need to take that one next time.

Then Kirk drove me over to the chemo suite where they gave me:

Tylenol 650 mg and Zofran (Ondansetron) tablets to mitigate headaches and nausea
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)150 mg IV around noon
Docetaxel 102.6 mg in Sodium Chloride IV at 2:30
Carboplatin 605 ms in DW 205 ml 10 mg/ml IV just before 5:00

They went really slow with the IVs to make sure I didn't have any reactions or nausea, which I didn't.

Kirk and Abby went to lunch and picked up lunch for me, which tasted really good. I will be losing my taste and my hair over the next few weeks so I was enjoying some of my favorite food.

We got home about six last evening and were greeted by these beautiful flowers from Brad and Peggy, created by Madison and company at Stem Floral Company. And we've already eaten half the snacks they brought for us. Very yummy and much appreciated.

So are the sweet cards, phone calls, texts, and information every is sending.

We are blessed. One down and just 5 treatments left to go for the chemo, every 3 weeks. The Herceptin IVs will continue every 3 weeks for a year.

God knows what to do, even when we dont.

I'm a Survivor

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. — Psalm 125:1

Yesterday one of Kirk's teacher friends gave me a Survivor necklace that a friend had given her when she went through chemo for cancer. I love it. Thanks to Kathy for her thoughtfulness!

On the back of the necklace is a collage of words:

The world is round and the places
which may seem like the end
may only be just the beginning.

Those of us who trust in the Lord are survivors. We are not shaken but endure even the hard trials knowing that God is with us to guide us each step of the way.

It reminds me of the song I'm a Survivor.

Today I will have my first chemo at 11:00. It will last about six hours so the nurses can make sure I'm not having adverse reactions to the meds.

Kirk, Abby and I will go to breakfast together in the morning so I have food in my stomach. Then they will alternate sitting with me and later will go to lunch together at our local restaurant, Troys. After they eat, they will bring lunch for me, too. 

Liz and Peggy have offered to come sit with me too, during treatments. How wonderful to be surrounded by my family and wonderful friends.

Gratefully trusting in the Lord!

Surrounded by God's Love

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. — Psalm 125:2

I am surrounded by family and friends who shower me and my family with God's love.

Thanks to each of you who have offered to help us out with food, transportation, prayer, and love.

On Tuesday I attended a class to prepare for all of the possible side effects and some resources for coping. 

The nurse explained that they can manage the nausea pretty well now with all of the meds. The biggest complaint they get now from cancer patients is fatigue. My friend Ann in Virginia said the fatigue didn’t really hit her until the radiation. But everyone’s different, so we’ll see.

Yesterday I had my MUGA heart scan and bloodwork to get a baseline before starting chemo on Friday. For the first video scan I had to lie still for 15 minutes, which gave me a chance to sing silently inside my head and pray. 

The second one was 10 minutes and the final one was about 8 minutes. I even had a warm blanket to keep me from getting cold.

Abby and I went for a walk this afternoon, and I’ll be going to book club tomorrow night before my chemo. 

God is good, and we are overwhelmed with wonderful friends like you. I have felt God surrounding me through this entire process.

We are blessed. The Lord surrounds us, his people, both now and forevermore!

At the Beach

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 124:1

Del Mar beach

On Saturday, my daughter came home from college for spring break! It's great to have her home.

We went to the beach for lunch after church on Sunday and enjoyed watching the sun, the sand and the sparkling water.

The hostess even found us a table near the beach. We especially relished the chance to catch up and talk as we enjoyed some delicious food.

Perfect timing to be together as a family just before I begin chemo.

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

Wonderful Neighbors

I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. — Psalm 123:1

This beautiful flower arrangement was sent to us by our wonderful next-door neighbors, Ralph and Wanda, when they heard about my surgery and cancer diagnosis.

They were the original owners of their house, and they have been a blessing for us to get to know over the years. They introduced themselves to us as soon as we moved in and then invited us to one of their parties, making us feel especially welcome.

They helped us repair our shared fence and shared their fruits, vegetables, wine, and jams with us. They also shared lots of laughter.

When Abby was young and dressed up for Halloween, they would have a special treat ready for her. They remembered her birthday, graduation, and other special occasions. They were always there to lend a hand and to pray for us when they heard about my diagnosis.

Now they are beginning to plan a move closer to their children in Temecula, and we will miss them terribly.

God has blessed us with wonderful neighbors. We lift our eyes up to the Lord and ask Him to guide them to their new home, just not too quickly.

In God's House

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” — Psalm 122:1
 

First Presbyterian Church San Diego

As a young child, my mom used to sing this verse to me, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." The song was a simple melody written for preschoolers and kindergarten children, and I can still hum the tune.

It does make me glad to worship God at church each week, to stand and sing His praises and to listen to His Word. The Scriptures are alive and active and speak to me in a different way each time I hear them.

The words don't seem to change, but the Holy Spirit works in me and the message is usually just what I need to hear.

Yesterday my brother Steve joined us at church. What a huge surprise and and a blessing to worship next to him once again! Over the past year he has been working overtime six days a week, and it was great to have him back with us, singing together in the house of the Lord.

I rejoiced!

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Hike

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. — Psalm 121:3-4

Los Peñasquitos Canyon

Yesterday some friends and I headed out to Los Peñasquitos Canyon for a beautiful morning hike. 

The bridge was out so we were not able to cross the river, but with all of the rain we've had recently, the grass and plants were growing tall and green. And the water was higher than it had been in a while.

The day started out chilly and cold, but warmed up as the sun came out and we started moving. 

One friend who joined us had had a lumpectomy last summer followed by radiation and is doing well. Her cancer is gone for now, and we are rejoicing.

Another friend's mom has been diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma and is undergoing chemo now. She will have her second treatment this week while I have mine. As we walked we talked about how it's especially hard because she lives halfway across the country and has been having a rough time of it with lots of nausea and fatigue. 

There's really nothing her daughter could do if she were there, but it's hard to be so far away and watch your mom suffer. It's hard to be close by and watch your mom or mother-in-law suffer, too.

God is watching over each of us, and He will not let us slip out of His reach.

He will neither slumber or sleep. When we turn to Him, He is ready and able to respond. What a comfort!



 

Hiking In San Diego County

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 121:1-2

Today some friends and I are heading out to Los Peñasquitos Canyon for a beautiful morning hike. We'll see if we make it all the way to waterfall. I hope so! 

We have had a lot of rain for San Diego this year (over 11 inches). Most years, we have only 10 inches of rainfall for the entire year.

Here's a photo of the preserve taken in October 2016 by Alexandre Buhov. I'll post one after our hike so we can compare. My guess is it will be even more green than this. We'll see.

What a treat to get out into God's creation, lifting our eyes to God our Maker, where our help comes from.

A Plan of Action

Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory. — Psalm 24:9-10

I finally got a call that my chemo will begin on Friday, March 29 and then will switch to Thursdays and will take place every 3 weeks for 6 treatments.

So on April 18, I'll have my second one, and Kirk is off that week for Spring Break. What perfect timing!

Of course, he will also take off the other days, too. I am blessed.

Friends have given me lots of tips, so I have my meds ready and will get a soft toothbrush and lots of crackers and bread to be able to eat something regularly to keep my stomach full and hopefully keep the nausea to a minimum.

God is with me and will come in to guide me down this path.

He is the King of glory.

I Will Turn to the Lord

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. — Psalm 22:27-28

I don't always remember to to turn to God. When things are going along great, I get distracted and busy. Somehow God gets pushed aside. He becomes more of an afterthought.

Forgive me, Lord, for not putting you first. You rule over the nations, but at times I don't let you rule over my life.

I'm sorry and ashamed. Thank you that all of the ends of the earth turn to you. Please help me to turn to you, too. 

Remind me to bow down before you, giving you dominion in my life and my plans. Inviting you to guide me in the ways you would have me go. Help me turn to you each morning.

Trusting in God

God, you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. — Psalm 22:3-5

Today I attended Social Media Marketing World for my company. It was held the San Diego Convention Center. 

I met some very friendly writers, bloggers, social media specialists, content creators, videographers, coaches, marketing strategists and vendors. 

I even met an entrepreneur from Louisiana, where I lived during high school. We reflected on the laid-back attitude and slower pace of life there.

Although there were many different tracks at this conference, those attending were all there to learn more about their fields and to grow in their areas of specialty.

I realize that God wants me to grow, too. He has a wonderful plan for my life, and He wants to guide me to take part in His plan. He wants me to trust that He knows what He's doing and I don't.

Just as my ancestors put their trust in God, I'm learning to do the same. It's hard to do, and I'm not always very good at it. Even so, God hasn't given up on me.

Thank you, Lord, that when I cried out, you saved me!

God Is My Strength

You, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. — Psalm 22:19

God is my strength. Fortunately, He is never far from me, even when I don't feel His presence. 

He carries me through the tough times in life. 

He upholds and sustains me when I don't feel that I can go on. He's got my back!

This Jenga game gets more wobbly the higher we stack the pieces.

My life seems wobbly at times. The more I pile on, the less stable I feel and the less fit I am for the task.

But God provides a solid and firm foundation. When I build my hope on Him, I do not have to rely on my wobbly self.

God is my strength, and He is is not far from me. In fact, He is already here to help me!

Let Your Light Shine

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16

Our friend Ernie took this photo of the poppy fields in Walker Canyon on Saturday. Gorgeous!

We were sorry to miss it, but the pictures are amazing.

While driving home yesterday, Kirk noticed that the entire landscape of Mission Trails is now covered with poppies. 

We weren't sure how we missed that earlier, except that they wait to open until the sun comes out.

All of the rain we've had has encouraged the flowers to fill the mountainsides, and the color is dazzling when they open in the sunlight.

Just as the poppies create a shimmering effect on the mountains and canyons, God uses my life to reflect himself. 

I usually don't do a very good job at that. Even so, God helps me shine for him in my actions and words toward others.

Lord, today use me to glorify you so that those I meet today will see your love shine and so you will be glorified. Amen.

Words of Encouragement

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  — Psalm 23:1, 4

Sometimes when we go through difficult times, God is preparing us so that we can encourage others who are going through similar situations in the future. So many people have reached out to me during this cancer diagnosis, and I am thankful, even through the tears.


Ann, one of my many thoughtful college classmates, reached out to me in January to let me know she was praying for me and had gone through the same thing last year. Even down to the same HER2+ diagnosis.

Here's what she emailed to tell me:

I am so sorry for your cancer diagnosis. Two years ago, I was in your shoes, right down to the HER2 positive cancer! One day you are going along just fine, and the next day your life takes an abrupt turn. Please remember this is not a death sentence, just a turn in the road. I had chemo first, then a lumpectomy, then radiation. I finished in June of this year. My cancer is gone. I tell you all of this to hopefully encourage you that while it will be a hard journey, it will not last forever and you will be ok! God got me through the ordeal and gave me the strength to make it all the way through. I am sure the same will be true for you.

I would be honored if I can help you in any way. If you would like to call me and talk, cry or listen, I am here for you. I look forward to hugging you as a fellow cancer survivor at our 40th reunion!

Please know I will be praying for you and am here if you need someone who knows what you are going through.

What a beautiful testimony to God's power and strength to see us through even the darkest times. He goes with us, even to places we would rather not have to journey. And what comforting words from a friend across the country who is covering me with prayer.

This photo shows Abby celebrating her climb to the top of Potato Chip Rock. Today I am celebrating Ann's difficult climb through chemo and radiation. God gave her the strength to travel through the valley and come out cancer free.

God is with me, I lack nothing.

God Is Awesome

We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior. —Psalm 65:4-5

Today I met with my oncologist, a wonderful doctor, Jenny Dewitt, who was very encouraging and even gave me a  hug.

She explained that the best course of treatment for my cancer will be chemo followed by radiation. 

They would like to start chemo in the next few weeks and continue for 4 1/2 months, with one chemo treatment every 3 weeks. 

After that they will do radiation for a few weeks. In a couple of weeks I will attend a class to explain all of the things I can expect with chemo treatments.

I will plan our trip to Spokane for Abby's graduation in May and then call to schedule my chemo  accordingly.

We are filled with the good things of God's house.

Pi Day

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. — Psalm 65:8

Today is 3-14 and at 1:59 it will be Pi Day, since Pi is an infinite number 3.14159...

A few years ago I made these pies, and today at work we'll eat a variety of pies in celebration of Pi Day.

Yum! We had pies and cheesecake — all very rich and delicious.

God calls forth songs of joy.

The whole earth is filled with awe at God's wonders.

We reply with songs of joy and praise!

Praise God with All of My Breath

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. — Psalm 150: 3-6

Our friend Edna stopped by tonight with this beautiful prayer quilt that she asked her church group to make for me. 

Our neighbors Stan & Susan were at the same church on Sunday and tied knots in the quilt while they, Edna, and others in their congregation prayed for me. How awesome is that!

We are praising God for sending us such wonderful friends and neighbors who lift us up in prayer and surround us with their love.

As one friend wrote, "Nice! You'll be wrapped in love."

Praise the Lord!

God's Surpassing Greatness

Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. — Psalm 150:1-2

Our friend Edna gave my name to her prayer group and to her church. Her Bible study group sent me a beautiful card. 

It reminded me of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Mikado or the opera Madama Butterfly. Edna also asked her church to create a prayer quilt for me. 

So Sunday our neighbors San and Susan went to church and heard my name mentioned for prayer. 

Then they said prayers for me as they tied knots into the prayer quilt that Edna had requested. 

They did not know Edna, but they recognized my name. What a small world!

And what a great God we serve. Praise Him for His surpassing greatness!

God Reigns

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” — Isaiah 52:7

Today as I walked around our neighborhood, I was joy-filled to see the birds flying by, the roses and daffodils and Birds of Paradise blooming, and the sun peeking through the snow-white clouds above me.

This Bird of Paradise plant at the foot of our driveway hasn’t bloomed in years. But after all of the rain we’ve been having, it finally blossomed. 

Now its brilliant colors are finally shining through.

Sometimes the rain in my life helps me to be able to bloom as well. I become dull and move away from God until pain and problems come my way. Then I start to turn to God and He in turn helps me shine the light of Jesus in my actions and words.

Thank you, Lord, for your omnipotence. You reign in power and glory.

Our God reigns!

God Rules

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves arise, thou stillest them. — Psalm 89:10

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven. — Psalm 107:29-30

O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.  — Psalm 34:8

One of my college classmates sent me these Bible verses, and I love them. Thanks to Diana for this assurance from God's Word.

And more beautiful flowers from my coworker Lisa. The yellow flowers are from her garden and smell wonderful!

Today we attended the memorial service for Jean Bowie, a wonderful saint with a sharp sense of humor. She was not afraid to tell it like it is, and she was always willing to share her faith.

I am inspired by people such as Jean (and my brother Steve) who are able to share their faith so easily with whoever they come into contact.

Kirk and I were reminded that we need to reach out to welcome and encourage our neighbors, too.

I am blessed.

Praising God for His goodness.

Shout for Joy!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.  — Psalm 98:4-6

Flowers from Axos Bank Employees

Yesterday I drove back into work for the first time since my surgery.

I was overwhelmed with wonderful food including fruit, coffee cake, muffins, croissant sandwiches, a chocolate genache cake and two bouquets of flowers! Here's one.

One of my coworkers even lent me his ergonomic anti-fatigue mat so I could use it while standing at my computer. When I offered to return it that afternoon, he encouraged me to keep it for a week until I decided if I want to get one of my own.

I am blessed by wonderful people who kept asking about how I was doing.

After work, I met with my prayer accountability group, and they are such encouraging and supportive Christian women.

Thank you, Lord, for surrounding me with such a blessed support team.

Today we are shouting for joy!

God Has Done Marvelous Things

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. — Psalm 98:1

This is the card I received earlier this week from Mary and Gary, who have been praying along with everyone else.

Another perfect sentiment for the week.

The rain is coming down tonight, pattering on the rooftop, and tomorrow will most likely bring another rainbow.

I am blessed and overwhelmed with all of the prayers and support.

Thanks to all of my loving friends and family members who have been covering me in prayer.

Even when we can't feel God's hand, He is there to guide and direct us through life's storms.

Praise the Lord. He has done marvelous things!

Pathology Report Praise

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. — Psalm 146:1-2

Card of Encouragement

Today the surgeon called with my pathology report. My cancer is infiltrating (invasive) ductal carcinoma, and the margins are clear. This is the most common type of breast cancer. I am thanking God for this news that they appear to have removed it all.

 

They also removed 3 lymph nodes and found a small spot of cancer in one of them. I'm thankful that they removed the one with the cancer! 

 

So they will direct the radiation to that lymph node area as well. That will start after I'm completely healed from the surgery, about a month from now and may last 5-7 weeks. 

 

The surgeon does not need to remove any more lymph nodes, which is also wonderful.

He thinks I may need chemo later, just to make sure that all of the cancer is removed.

 

The oncologist will call me to go over next steps, and I'll meet with the surgeon next week to confirm that I'm healing well.

 

I'll also be heading in to work tomorrow and Friday. That will feel good after working at home this week.

 

This is the card I received yesterday from our good friend Edna who has been praying along with everyone else. She doesn't have a computer, so I'll be calling her with these results.

I am blessed and overwhelmed with all of the prayers and support.

 

Praise the Lord!

Singing Birds

Flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. — Song of Solomon 2:12

I'm listening to the birds chirping outside and watching the flowers and plants bloom after all of the rain.

And of course the weeds are poking their heads up, too, trying to compete for a place in the ground before our plants take over.

The weeds in my life try to poke their heads out, too, competing for my thoughts. But God helps me focus on His love and care for me.

He will continue to guide me through the days to come, the cancer treatment, recovery, and hearing the pathology report.

Sunday, I was reminded of His presence once again as the toddlers and preschoolers sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "God, Our Father, We Thank You for Our Many Blessings."

I'm thankful for the many blessings God has given to me and to our family.

Gratefully singing.

Tasty Pies

You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
— Psalm 59:17

Sunday afternoon before our girls' Bible study, we made mini pies in Mason jar lids — gluten free crusts from scratch and regular crusts using refrigerator pie dough.

Cherry seemed to be the fruit of choice among the middle schoolers, although personally, I'm partial to blueberry as well.

Sheri prepared an excellent Bible study about how at certain times of our lives God calls us to wait.

God told Abraham that he would have a son. But Abraham had to wait 25 years for Isaac to be born!

And then God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, and Abraham obeyed.

So waiting a few days for the pathology report doesn't seem like quite such a long time.

Since God is my strength, I am not anxious, even when I have to wait for answers.

I'm not sure how quickly I would move to obey God if He were to ask me to make such a significant sacrifice as He asked of Abraham. But I will continue to sing praise to God for His goodness and love.

I know I can rely on Him in every situation. He is my strength!

Trusting in the Lord

Surely the righteous will never be shaken. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. — Psalm 112:7

 

Mission Beach San Diego

I've been totally surprised that I haven't been worried or anxious about the possibility of bad news coming with the pathology report. 

Instead, I have felt a deep sense of peace and well-being.

This seems completely irrational. I'm a planner. 

I like knowing what's going on weeks before it actually happens. I don't care much for the unknown. 

So I can't explain why I'm not up at night worrying about the future. Just like the calm water at Mission Bay, my life has a sense of calm right now, too.

Thanks to my friend Sheri for sending me the Bible verse. A perfect expression of my feelings of trusting in God to carry me through, whatever comes my way.

Never shaken, no fear of bad news, trusting.

Our Good, Good Father

The Lord will do what is good in his sight. — II Samuel 10:12

I am surrounded by God's grace, which I did nothing to earn. I am never alone but instead part of the Christian community.

My support is in those who pray for me and my family. My hope is in God.

In God alone, Christ alone, I put my trust.

Christ's peace prevails.

God is good.

A Day of Rest

Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave. — I Kings 8:56

Torrey Pines State Park and Beach

God has given us times to rest. That's really hard for me. I want to get up and move around and do something.

Anything other than rest.

But God rested, too. And He asks us to take a Sabbath day of rest each week.

And when we're healing, God gives us the space and the extra time we need to rest and recover. 

Last night we had a chance to rest and relax with friends over dinner.

Today the rain has stopped and the birds are singing outside our window. The world is at rest.

Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him; do not fret. — Psalm 37:37

Walk Humbly

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8

Yesterday I walked a couple of miles, very slowly, as my surgeon instructed.

The sun was out and the flowers were blooming along the way. The day before I went a bit farther but with several stops along the way.

It's hard having to slow down and walk. It's especially hard not being able to exercise or jump rope or hike for a few days, let alone a few weeks!

But at times God asks us to slow down and not hurry through life. It's hard to slow down. And it's hard to be humble. My pride keeps getting in the way.

Fortunately, God is forgiving. He loves me even when I mess up. I am grateful.