My Heart Rejoices

I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me. — Psalm 13:5-6

My Bible study book has a great quote, "The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that the worst day is not the last day."

Even my most agonizing loss, my worst day, will be cast in the light of shalam — redeemed and restored as all things are made new.

Jesus' death and resurrection redeems, renews, restores, and revives me.

So I can tell my past hurts and worries that they are not the boss of me.

God will shalam — literally He will help me make peace with my past and the hard days of my present.

Thank goodness.

My heart rejoices in God's salvation.

The Source of My Joy

May He be pleased by all these thoughts about Him, for He is the source of all my joy. — Psalm 104:34

God is the source of my joy.

Even when other things are not going my way,

When life becomes difficult,

When I struggle,

When pressures seem to close in around me,

God is the source of my joy.

He fills me with a deep peace that passes anything I can understand or comprehend.

May God be pleased by my thoughts about Him.

Be Joyful Always

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. — I Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's not always easy to be joyful always. When we are hurting and sore or tired and discouraged, it's easy to become depressed.

But God calls us to give thanks in all circumstances.

I can give Him thanks for the blessings He has given me and my family.

And for friends who met me after work to treat me to appetizers, praying for me and surrounding me with love.

For other friends who hike with me and pray for my healing.

And for a husband who loves and cares for me.

I am not always good about praying continually, but I am glad God is near so I can talk with him throughout my day.

What a comfort and blessing!

Singing Praise

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You — I, whom  you have redeemed. — Psalm 71:23

I enjoy singing, and God has given us music so we can praise Him with our words and our music.

One songwriter said that when we sing, we pray twice!

I like that thought.

God has redeemed us, we are His.

He has called us by name, and I can shout for joy and sing praise to Him day and night.

Think About Noble Things

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. — Philippians 4:8

Sometimes it's hard to think about right, pure, and lovely things when my thoughts wander.

But God helps me focus on Him and His love for me.

When I focus on His creation, the beauty of our world, the birds chirping, and flowers blooming, it's much easier to think about admirable things.

Still, it's easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day grind and ignore the praiseworthy things nearby.

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to refocus on you.

Joyful in Hope

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12

We can be joyful because God has surrounded us with good things, wonderful people, and an awesome place in which to live.

Even more than that, God allows us to talk with him in prayer. About anything.

He loves us and hears us when we pray. He even knows our thoughts before they are fully formed.

And he loves us anyway.

How wonderful is that!

Filled with Joy

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. — Psalm 28:7 NLT

Thursday I completed my chemo in just 3 hours — an hour less than the last time.

My nurse was a young dad who had attended SDSU, just like Kirk, but graduated in 2016.

He and his wife bought a house in Chula Vista so he could be closer to his parents for helping out with babysitting.

So far he had only worked at Kaiser on Zion but he hoped eventually to be able to work at the one in Otay Mesa.

We talked about how home prices have increased like crazy over the past few years.

He was blessed to be able to buy a home. So were we.

God helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

God's Glory

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

We are able to make it through the trials of this life because we have seen the glory of Jesus, who lived among us and now comforts and guides us on our journey.

God sends wonderful friends and family our way to surround us with care and compassion and to lift us up when we need their support.

Here are some of my hiking buddies and prayer warriors.

I am grateful for these women of faith and many more who keep me covered with God's love and remind me of His grace daily.

The Lord Heals

Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. — Psalm 30:32

Thursday I completed my fifth chemo treatment. Just one more to go!

After that I'll start radiation.

And I'll continue Herceptin IVs every three weeks, but that should be closer to an hour instead of the four hours it takes now.

Our friends have been calling and texting their prayers and words of encouragement.

We feel covered in love and wrapped in God's loving arms.

And our garden is blooming.

God is healing, and we are thankful.

The Earth Is the Lord's

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. — Psalm 24:1

God created everything, down to the smallest detail.

Our world is an amazingly integrated place, where each creature is dependent on the others for life.

And it is also a really beautiful place with a huge variety of colors and textures.

We are blessed to be a part of it all.

And today marks the first day of summer. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year for all of us living north of the equator.

God's rainbow promise reminds us that even though we, as humans, cannot always keep our promises, God always keeps His.

What a wonderful reminder of God's faithfulness and love for us.

Welcome, summer!

The Great Healer

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. — Psalm 6:2

Yesterday I discovered that I have shingles.

Until then I had been feeling great.

My back started hurting on Monday and after I finished jumping rope, I noticed a large rash across one side of my back.

I had a low-grade fever and occasional chills.

It continued to be painful, and my oncologist confirmed the diagnosis and started me on pills yesterday.

Fortunately, I had had a shingles shot 5 or 6 years ago so it most likely was not as severe as it would have been otherwise.

God is the great healer, so I know he has this covered.

Unfortunately, I had not had the booster shot that they now recommend for a better chance of avoiding shingles altogether.

Abby suggested it was probably caused by stress, and I think she was right. Dad's estate has gotten more complicated and I have not heard back from his lawyer with the forms we need to get things straightened out.

I am hoping we will hear something tomorrow. If not, I'll try calling once again.

We have an appointment for Monday, but I would like to have the necessary forms complete before we go in to save time down the road.

I am still on schedule for my fifth chemo session tomorrow, so that's awesome. 

Thanks for all of the cards and prayers.

They Encouraged Us

At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. — Acts 28:15

We have been encouraged by friends, family, and neighbors.

Last night, two friends came over and brought dinner.

Kirk barbecued, and we had delicious potato salad, fruit, green salad, chicken sausage, and Korean beef. Yum.

Many of you are praying for us, and we feel covered in love.

Our roses are blooming once again.

We continue to be encouraged and supported, even during this time of cancer, losing Kirk's dad, and transitioning from empty nest to having our daughter back home.

We are blessed and thank God for you daily.

God's Love

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. — Romans 5:5

The past two days, I've been taking a 2-mile walk around our neighborhood and appreciating all of the flowers blooming.

Our geraniums are some of the most colorful and prolific.

Kirk has a green thumb with the plants and flowers in our yard.

God's love has been poured out into our hearts, and we are grateful.

Rejoicing in Our Children and Our Dad

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. — Proverbs 23:24

Today is Father's Day, and we are celebrating Kirk.

He is an awesome dad, husband, uncle, teacher, mentor, friend, and encourager. He shares wisdom with our family and with his students and colleagues. We are grateful.

Kirk has raised up Abby to be a righteous woman of God, and has passed on his wisdom to her.

We are grateful that he is a strong Christian and a servant of God who cares about his family and friends.

We thank God for his strength of character, his integrity, and his compassion.

One day a year is not enough to celebrate this amazing guy.

Today as we worship God, we are also thanking him for bringing Kirk into our lives.

Fair Weather

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. — Romans 5:1

Yesterday Abby and I headed over the San Diego County Fair. It was a beautiful day, just a bit overcast so it wasn't too hot. 

The landscape entries were amazing.

Here's a sculpture that was really impressive.

The pig races were cute as ever, and the cattle exhibit was impressive but a bit smelly.
  
We tried a fried Twinkie and a cinnamon roll, listened to some music, and found the Hillsdale Middle School yearbook — a best in show winner filled with lots of photos of Kirk.

The photo of him and his colleague that was supposed to be "Best Historians" was mislabeled "Prettiest Eyes." Very funny.

We had a fun day just hanging out together and strolling around the fairgrounds.

We are blessed.

Off to the Fair

If you love me, keep my commands. — John 14:15

This afternoon, I'll leave work early so Abby and I can go to the San Diego County Fair together.

Here we are back in 2016 at the fair, when we ran into our friend Sandy and her daughter Ana at the Alice in Wonderland exhibit.

This year the theme is the Wizard of Oz. That should be a fun one, too.

We enjoy trying some of the food, looking at the woodworking and art exhibits, checking out the yearbooks, watching the pig races, giving our opinions on the landscape competition, and going on the Ferris wheel and the skyride across the fair.

Abby hopes to try a fried Twinkie in memory of her grandpa.

Sometimes they have some good bands playing during the day.

Whatever we do, it will be a fun afternoon just hanging out together.

Kirk will be golfing with one of his buddies.

We are blessed with special times together, doing things we enjoy.

A Candle for Gary

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. — Acts 2:21

Today we received this candle in the mail from the funeral home that we used here in San Diego. Very thoughtful.

Also very beautiful. It brought tears to our eyes.

Here's the poem:

When I'm Gone

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done,
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day,
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.
— Mrs. Lyman Hancock

Our Wise God

To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. — Romans 16:27

I continue to do well, although I have less energy than just a month ago.

Four chemo treatments down, just two left to go. Here's a photo taken just after my first chemo.

My work supervisors have been very supportive. They are letting me work at home one day a week so I don't have to battle traffic and lengthy commute times on that day. Much easier to conserve my energy this way.

I try to get to bed a bit earlier now, and I sing, walk, lift weights, stationary bike or jump rope every other day to keep myself in somewhat good shape.

Vegetables and fruit as well as chicken, beef, and bread still taste good, so I'm trying to eat healthy and keep my weight from going up too quickly.

I'm also trying to stay in God's Word and take counsel from His wisdom.

He is the author of wisdom. To Him be the honor and glory forever!

We Belong to the Lord

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. — Romans 14:8-9

Gary's Coffin with Flag at Riverside Cemetary

Today was Gary's interment at Riverside Cemetery in Iowa.

We weren't able to go, but Kirk's brother Kyle, Mariana, Michael, cousin Rick, and lots of friends and relatives made it.

The day was beautiful, with the sun shining down on the ceremony.

Here's a photo of the flag folded on the casket.

Rick even brought a box of Twinkies. When Gary worked for Hostess, he often dressed up as Twinkie the Kid to hand out samples of Twinkies and cakes.

A fitting tribute to our dad.

Rogers Family with Gary's coffin

True Friends

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

More flowers from our friend Lori.

These were in memory of Kirk's dad, Gary.

Our home smells like a florist shop once more.

And our table is filled with cards from well wishers and prayer warriors. 

Friend are offering to bring us meals or just meet for dinner.

I continue to be able to taste food, which is wonderful!

We are blessed with loving friends who surround us with love.

Beautiful Flowers

"On the day I called,  you answered me, my strength of soul you increased." — Psalm 138:3


Saturday I received this gorgeous flower garden from our friend Lori.

The plants were surrounded by shells of various shapes and sizes.

She sent a cute card with this Scripture from the Psalms.

And she let me know that I'm in her thoughts and prayers. Very thoughtful.

I continue to do well with very few side effects. I can't do as many jumprope jumps in a row as I could back in January, but I'm doing well.

I am thankful.

Words of Encouragement

He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people. — Acts 20:2

Gary with Mary and Richard

A few days ago, I was feeling great, having lost a few of the pounds that I'd managed to gain since Memorial Day.

I understand it's normal to gain weight while on chemo, but I still don't appreciate it!

So when I discovered I was a pound heavier yesterday, I got a bit discouraged, feeling that I looked flabby since I haven't been able to exercise as hard or often as I used to.

Walking in to our office building, I hopped on the elevator with two guys and a girl in her early 40s. When the guys got off, the girl turned to me and said, "I didn't want to say anything while the guys were here with us, but you have great-looking calves!"

I was shocked, but thanked her and explained that I jump rope. She said she had been doing it occasionally, too, and it was much more work that it appeared.

I agreed, we arrived at her floor, and we wished each other well.

Then I said a quick prayer of thanks to God for the word of encouragement just when I needed it most! Little did she know that she had made my day.

It made me think that I need to make sure I'm an encourager to others, too.

God of Peace Be with You

The God of peace be with you all. Amen. — Romans 15:19

Our days are not always peaceful.

Some are stressful and hectic and harried.

But God's peace still surrounds and covers us, giving us the strength to continue and to feel an overwhelming peace as He wraps His loving arms around us.

This is the peace that passes beyond anything we can understand or imagine.

The God of peace be with you today.

Filled with Joy and Peace

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

Our friend Dave Jones lost his dad, Bud, a few days ago. And our church friend Glen Doughty passed away this week after a lengthy hospice season.

It's sad to lose family members, parents, and friends. At the same time, we have a deep peace knowing that they are now living in heaven with Jesus. 

They each trusted in him and we overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are thankful for the times we shared together with each of them.

At the same time, we grieve with their family members. We've experienced first-hand how hard it is to say goodbye to our parents. They will be missed.

And we

Encouragement Toward Others

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Romans 15:5-6

Tonight we met some friends and Whitworth parents and alumns for happy hour in Liberty Station. 

A fun evening catching up and sharing memories.

Kirk even wore his Beck Taylor outfit with a red Whitworth top and his school nametag.

Great time to fellowship with friends new and old.

Thanks to Danika and Stacey for arranging a fun evening.

Do What Leads to Peace

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. — Romans 14:19

Sometimes it's easier to do things that lead to anger instead of doing things that lead to peace.

But it's much happier to live at peace with each other as a family.

Doing things that build each other up and lead to mutual edification helps smooth the relationship road.

One of Gary's favorite snacks was popcorn. Jolly Time white popcorn popped on the stove top. We even gave him bags of unpopped popcorn for his birthday.

And he turned us all on to Whirlypop popcorn makers. Gary got a red one for his new place, so Kirk go us a new red one for our house.

Yum!

Sincere Love

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. — Romans 12:9-11

Our family is devoted to one another in love. We get mad and frustrated, exasperated, angry and petty, but we also apologize, forgive, and cling to what is good, with God's help. 

We enjoy celebrating together and laughing.

Abby created this creative swimming pool cake year ago for Gary's birthday with people floating in inner tubes (made out of mini donuts). 

Since his birthday was on December 17, Cameron put on his Santa hat for the occasion.

And Kirk wore his Christmas Hawaiian shirt.

A fun time with the family. Great memories.

 

Doing What's Right

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. — Romans 12:17-18

Great family photo with Gary, Mariana, Kyle and some of the cousins.

Families do not always live at peace with each other, but those peaceful times are a blessing to everyone involved.

We treasure the peaceful days we've shared and will continue to share together.

Last night, Kirk, Abby and I went to see Brad Paisley in concert. A very fun evening.

Today our youth will lead our services of worship for our church Youth Sunday. Students will lead us in the readings, provide the music, pray, tell the children's story, read Scripture, do the video, present the photos and slides, share about their mission trip to Mexico, and give the blessing. Our pastor will present the sermon in four parts, with a student reading a Scripture passage from James before each.

We'll have promotion in between the services, recognizing children who have learned memory verses over the past year, giving elementary students Bibles, giving middle schoolers new devotion books, having parents pray for their students as they transition to high school, and elders praying for our high school seniors as they head on to college.

We are blessed.

Rejoice - Mourn

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. — Romans 12:15-16

For the past two weeks, we continue to mourn with Kirk's family in the loss of his dad, our father-in-law, grandpa and friend.
 
Today we rejoice in the birth of Rebecca Chapman's new baby.

We are thankful that the Wraa family will have a new home and new jobs in Pennsylvania while we mourn the loss of this wonderful family in our church community.

We mourn with the Jones family in their dad's stroke and hospitalization.

God's plan for the circle of life is good. We mourn for those who are now in heaven with Jesus while we welcome new life into our world. 

It brings the difficulty of losing loved ones and the joy of welcoming newborns together. Living in harmony with one another, supporting others, rejoicing and grieving together.