Lilacs So Fragrant

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. — Psalm 40:3


Saturday our neighbors, Stan and Susan, went up to Julian and brought back some Lilacs for us. 

What an amazing fragrance they have! And the colors are amazing, too.

Such a thoughtful gift from our sweet neighbors.

God has put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to him.

We put our trust in the Lord.

God's Wonders

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. — Psalm 40:5

Flowers from our garden, scones, and blueberries

On Saturday Liz and I prepared food and picked roses to take to our friend Marie. We had a fun time laughing together and reminiscing.

Liz made a delicious quiche and I made scones. Marie had apricot jam. We brought strawberries and blueberries.

The best part was just reconnecting with good friends who feel like family.

Thank you, God, for the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us!

Precious in God's Sight

You are precious and honored in my sight. — Isaiah 43:4

Geraniums

God calls us precious and honored. How great is that!

Even when we don't feel precious or we think we're insignificant, our creator God calls us his own. He loves us even when we mess up.

Kirk planted these geraniums in a pot in our courtyard. I love having the bright colors right up against our gate.

Another beautiful day in sunny San Diego and the flowers continue to bloom and flourish. 

The birds are singing and the sky is blue and clear.

God not only cares for the birds and the flowers, he cares for each of us, even numbering the hairs on our heads.

We are precious in his sight!

 

God Has Called Me By Name

This is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  — Isaiah 43:1-2

Yesterday I was reading Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, and I was struck by his insight.

"If we keep true to God, God will take us through an ordeal that will bring us out into a better knowledge of Himself."

He continued, "If you will remain true to God, God will lead you straight through every barrier into the inner chamber of the knowledge of Himself.

But there is always this point of giving up our convictions and traditional beliefs."

It is really tough at times to give up my own beliefs and convictions and to rely completely on God.

I am blessed that God is patient with me. He has called me by name. I am His!

The People Under God's Care

He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. — Psalm 95:7

Last night I went to book club and enjoyed talking with friends and eating tasty Asian food.

I stopped taking my nausea pills on Tuesday but have been feeling great. Today I will work at home, since my oncologist suggested I need to cut back a bit and rest more.

My team members and supervisors at work are completely supportive.

We are the people of God's pasture, the flock under his care.

We are blessed to be under God's loving care.

Graduation Praises

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. — Psalm 9:2

Today we got this text photo from Abby. When she went to pick up her cap and gown, they gave her the option of having a photo with her name on the Whitworth sign at the entrance to campus. Love it!

We are so proud of her and her achievements and love the photo. Perhaps this (or one of the other versions) will become the graduation announcement.

Today I went the whole day without a nausea pill. What a huge blessing to feel good.

Friday I will work at home to help conserve my energy. And I'll choose a day each week to work at home, as my oncologist and Kirk have suggested.

I can still taste, so I'm enjoying my food now, while I can. I understand that that may change after my next chemo treatment.

I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

Spring Flowers

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come. — Song of Solomon 2:11-12
 
These are the beautiful flowers that Kirk's colleague Amy sent to us, wishing Kirk a restful Easter break.

They still look beautiful as they add a pop of color to our living room.

And they looked wonderful gracing one of our tables for Easter dinner on Saturday. What a thoughtful gift!

I continue to feel good, no nausea, just a bit tired. I fell asleep when our friend Rudy came over Sunday. But fortunately I stayed awake long enough to admire his amazing photos from his last trip to Japan.

And I was still up to take a call from Abby so we could catch up before the day ended.

The season of singing has come!

Easter Celebration

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. — Psalm 30:5

Sunday the weather cooled a bit at our house. Steve and Miki made it to church, which was a huge blessing.

I went for a walk around our neighborhood after church. The birds are singing and the sun is shining. The flowers are blooming in honor of Easter.

Our friend Rudy stopped by in the early evening to say hello and catch up.

Ernie was planning to come too, but his car was sideswiped so he ended up  having to file a police report instead. What a bummer.

We are blessed with wonderful friends who surround us with their love.

Rejoicing comes in the morning!

He Has Risen, Just As He Said

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. — Matthew 28:6

First Presbyterian Church Westminster Choir

Today we'll attend church and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. At the end of the second service, we'll sing the Hallelujah Chorus in praise.

Anyone who wants to sing with us will be invited to join us in the choir loft and sing along.

What a wonderful way to focus on Jesus' resurrection and the fact that he now lives in heaven, seated on the right hand of God.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

He Is Risen!

Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” — Matthew 28:7

Today we will celebrate Easter with our family and friends. On Saturday this year, so everyone can get to church services and musicals on Sunday.

There will be 21 of us from the Rogers, Johnson, Turner, Stalder, Baker, Ameng, and Nichols families plus a few extras will come together for ham, cracker corn, party potatoes, deluxe salad, veggies, appetizers and desserts.

Fortunately we have some great cooks coming and bringing their favorite dishes — and ours!

A great time to laugh and catch up with wonderful people in our back yard and front courtyard.

The roses are budding and the sun will be shining through the clouds. A perfect day to eat outside and gather with family and friends who are just like family.

He is risen! He is risen indeed.

Trust in God

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
 — Psalm 62:8
 
Yesterday I had my second chemo treatment. It went well. No nausea, and we finished in 5 hours. Two treatments down! Four left to go.

Of course, Kirk was with me and we stopped for lunch afterward.

My hair is now coming out more frequently, but I still have quite a bit left. My hairdresser Vito will give me a buzz cut on Saturday so I can start wearing my hats and wig.

I did an online makeup session in the afternoon to help me "Look good, feel better" as I start losing my hair and eyebrows.

Today I'm back at work, and tomorrow we will celebrate Easter a day early.

God is our refuge. We pour out our hearts to him.

My Hope Comes from God

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. — Psalm 62:5

Sunday we went for a walk by Lake Murray and saw lots of blooming cactus and wildflowers. What a beautiful day.

The sun was glistening off the lake, the ducks and geese were enjoying the water, and lots of people had the same idea we did.

Such a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

My soul finds rest in God. My hope comes from him.

Rest in God

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. — Psalm 62:1-2

Little tufts of my hair are now starting to fall out. Usually just when I brush my hair or run my fingers through it.

Right now while I still have lots of hair left, I'm enjoying it. In a few days when it's gone, I'll start wearing my hats or wig.

I finished our taxes last week, and it turned out we owed $1512 in Federal Taxes and got a $1558 refund from the state.

So we came out ahead by $46. How awesome is that!

God is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

God Has Given Me a Heritage

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. — Psalm 61:4-5

Sunday I had the privilege of working in our church preschool during the early service. What a blessing to share God's Word with children from under 2 to almost 5. 

They loved looking in my hand mirror as we sang, "God cares about [Josh]" to each child. And when we talked about Jesus dying for us, one of them said, "That makes me sad," and I had to agree, it makes me sad, too. 

But that's not the end of the story. And their faces brightened up as we talked about how Jesus came alive again and now lives in heaven. We practiced telling our friends, "Jesus loves you."

And we finished with blowing and catching bubbles and dancing with joy.

The sun is shining and the birds are singing. What a beautiful Palm Sunday day.

You, God, have heard my prayer. You have given me the heritage of these who fear your name.

God, My Rock

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. — Psalm 61:1-3

Last week, Kirk's colleague and friend Julie gave me this book, and I just finished reading it on Saturday. 

What an encouragement it was to read the stories of others who have gone through this journey and even tougher ones, coming out stronger on the other side.

The subtitle is, "Surviving and Thriving During and After Your Diagnosis and Treatment." It gave some wonderful tips for how to thrive and take care of yourself.

The author suggested creating a worry box where you put all of your worries for the day, giving them up to the box. I like the idea of casting my cares on God so I don't need to worry.

She also encouraged setting aside time for meditation and prayer each day. Words of wisdom.

And she suggested surrounding myself with friends who will encourage and support me rather than people who will cause me to stress out. Check! My friends have rallied around me with support and encouragement.

I am so blessed to have a house full of food, cards and flowers. Kirk mentioned that our home seems like a florist shop. Love it!

I Will Sing of God's Love

I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. — Psalm 59:16

I love to sing. This Psalm resonates with me, singing of God's love in the morning.

Saturday I got my hair cut and also had my hairdresser, Vito, trim the bangs on my wig just a bit. He graciously did not charge me for the appointment, so I'll bring him a bottle of wine to thank him.

Here's a picture of me in the wig, which I'll probably start wearing in a week or so, when my hair begins to fall out.

And now that my hair is shorter, I won't have as much left to fall out. When it does start to shed, Vito has said he'll be glad to give me a buzz cut, and he'll squeeze me in so I can take care of it as soon as I want or need to.

What a blessing to have such thoughtful friends who help me look and feel my best.

I will sing of God's strength, in the morning I will sing of His love!

God Is My Fortress

You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.  
— Psalm 59:9-10

God is my strength. When I don't have the energy to keep going, God supports me and lifts me up. 

When I'm ready to give up, God gives me a nudge to stay on the path and continue my walk with Him.

Those days when I don't take time to read His Word, He reminds me to slow down.

Throughout the day He calls me to talk with Him in prayer.

Thank you, Lord, for being my strength, even when I stray from your will. Forgive me for my wandering ways. 

Thank you for guiding me through this journey, for providing the meds I need to avoid any nausea. For giving me loving family and friends who support me daily.

God, you are my fortress, the One on whom I can rely.

God's Faithfulness

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. — Psalm 57:9-10

God is faithful. His love reaches up to the heavens and down to me here on the earth.

I am surrounded by His goodness and care. I love singing His praises.

This is one of the views we had in Peñasquitos Canyon a few weeks ago.

We did a prayer walk in silence for ten minutes on our way back to our cars. I am reminded to praise God wherever I am, not just when I'm hiking.

God is faithful no matter where I go, no matter how bad my attitude, no matter how long I've ignored Him. Very humbling.

I will praise you, Lord!

Confidence Through Christ

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. — 2 Corinthians 3:3-5

On Saturday evening at our women's retreat, I spoke about hiking boots.

They are designed to support, equip, and protect our feet to travel over rocky roads and hills and valleys.

At times the boots become dusty and get beaten up on the outside, but they are durable, rugged, and sturdy.

When we reach the moutain peak, we may arrive exhausted or exhilarated. We may be worn out or rejuvenated.

We need a chance to slow down, take in the vistas, and hear our Lord's voice that says to us,
Be still and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10

We each have a story to share of mountains we've climbed. And whether or not you realize it, you are a messenger, running or walking alongside those you meet each day.

As a sisterhood of believers, we learn how to do this by modeling the actions of those around us. By getting deep into God's Word for reflection and insight and by talking to God in prayer throughout the day, asking Him to guide our words and actions.

I am thankful for those saints who have gone before us, leading the way. For my mom, Joyce Turner; my mother-in-law, Rita Rogers; my grandfather, Carrol Morong; and friends such as Mildred Marksbury, Penny Wilson, Myron and Pauline Tweed, Edith Odle, and many more.

Our competence comes from God.

Spiritually Ready

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. — James 4:7-8

Saturday morning during our women's retreat, Sara spoke about flips-flops as readiness and responsiveness to God.

We slip them on before we run out to put the trash cans on the street or to make a quick trip to the grocery story. 

Sara unpacked the Beatitudes and gave us some new food for thought about these familiar verses.

She reminded us that the dictionary defines meek as "enduring injury with patience and without resentment."

We often try to do things through our own strength. But when we draw closer to God, His strength flows through us.

Come near to God.

Be Anxious for Nothing

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. — Philippians 4:6

On Saturday afternoon during our women's retreat, Peggy spoke about putting on our fuzzy slippers and resting in the Lord.

I especially liked this verse from The Message:
Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything. — Psalm 46:10

She asked us to reflect on where we are striving today, and where we need to sink down, let drop, and relax.

She challenged us to seek the peace of God and find rest for our souls.

Be anxious for nothing.

Thank Offerings

I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. — Psalm 56:12-13

Today I got word that I can jump rope again, so I did a quick workout. So thankful to be able to do that while I still have lots of energy.

After a full day of work, it feels good to be able to work out before dinner.

Marilyn brought over a beautiful orchid garden from the choir. What a wonderful greeting to come home to!

I am thankful to God for giving me such wonderful friends.

Strength to Keep Going

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9

Mission San Luis Rey Oceanside 2016

This weekend I attended a women's retreat up at Mission San Luis Rey, and it was wonderful.

God really blessed me through the speakers, reading my Bible, praying, connecting with friends, meeting new Christian sisters, celebrating Joy's birthday, singing God's praises, sitting among the flowers, laughing over wine and cheese, doing some crazy skits, trying cupping plus a variety of yoga balls, and eating wonderful food.

I probably gained a couple of pounds, so I'll head out for a hike this afternoon after I do our taxes.

I felt great the whole time until Friday night after dinner, when I headed over to hear the first speaker. I stopped to take a nausea pill and threw up the pill and my coleslaw all over the walkway.

I actually felt much better after that so headed back to the kitchen, borrowed a mop, and cleaned up the mess before heading into the meeting room. I missed the music, but arrived just in time to hear Dawn share the story of God's faithfulness to her during the loss of her first baby.

One of the things she shared was that she bought a pair of awesome really high heels to wear to the baby's funeral service just to help her feel good about herself on the outside as she was struggling on the inside.

She encourage us not to fake it with our relationships with others but to come before God, humbly lay ourselves bare, and admit our need for healing and salvation so God can use our weakness to point to the cross.

God meets us where we are and helps us move beyond ourselves.

God's Presence

My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. — Exodus 33:14

God goes with us wherever we go. When we feel tired and downtrodden, worn and weary, He carries us through the day.

Even when we don't feel His presence, He is there to support us and lead and guide us the direction that is best.

This weekend, our women's group will retreat at the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside.

We will take time to rest, relax, sing, laugh, study God's Word, and hear from others who are walking with God.

We will have some delicious meals, smell the roses, and go for long walks.

Thank you, God, for giving us times to rest.

Good Friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. — Proverbs 17:17

Tonight we celebrated our friends Giancarlo and Holden and their mom Susan with dinner.

What a wonderful time to reconnect, laugh together and catch up.

Susan was Abby's nanny when she was a  toddler, and Giancarlo and Holden were like big brothers to her and second sons to us.

Now they have both graduated from college and are well into their careers.

This photo was taken with them 3 years ago. Of course, we forgot to take a picture with them — we were so busy hearing their stories.

We are blessed with wonderful friends who support and encourage us during tough times, through the valleys and mountains of our lives.

Taste and See

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. — Psalm 34:8

Today I will spend my lunch hour attending a class to learn about good nutrition and exercise with cancer.

I decided I should take it now, while I can eat and enjoy whatever they cook for us during the class.

The class at UCSD Health is just around the corner from where I work, so it was super convenient and no cost!

The title of the class is "Fighting Cancer with Foods and Activity," and I'm looking forward to coming away with lots of great tips.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Running with Perseverance

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. — Hebrews 12:1-3

Today I did not take any nausea meds, for the first time since my chemo began on Friday. I made sure to eat small meals or snacks throughout the day but did not feel any stomach upset. Hopefully that will be a trend. We'll see.

Our sweet neighbor Leslie brought us a healthy chocolate brownie dessert, which tasted really good with vanilla ice cream.

I'm enjoying having and appetite and taste buds, especially since I know both will be going away over the next week or two. 

The good news is that both will also come back again in about five months when my chemo is over.

I will speaking at our women's retreat this weekend, talking about our beautiful feet and how God equips us for the journey so we can tackle the mountains and valleys that come our way.

This is one of the photos I chose to convey the image of mountains before us.

Running the race with perseverance!

 

Peace from God

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. — Romans 1:7

Yesterday was a day of peace as we took Abby to the airport, then worshipped at church and went to lunch with friends at Kaiserhof. Delicious!

The youth group girls came over for Bible study in the afternoon, and Sheri did an excellent Bible study on the servant girl who talked to Naaman's wife and suggested he should see the prophet to be healed of his leprosy.

My friend Josie brought these beautiful roses that smell even better than they look!

My mouth started to get a bit dry yesterday, but the solution I had on hand helped a lot. I think symptoms now will begin to happen for the next four days and then will ease off until the next treatment.

I'm enjoying the taste of my food for as long as I can. And the smell of fragrant flowers. 

Grace and peace to you!