God Heard My Prayer

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! — Psalm 66:20

We just returned from a long weekend away, relaxing on the beach and swimming in the pool. 

It was a relaxing time with our family, away from the day-to-day rush of work.

Praise be to God, who has heard my prayer.

He has strengthened me so I could walk the mile down the beach for dinner and back.

He has not withheld his love from me.

He has blessed our family.

God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. — Jeremiah 10:12

God made the earth and everything in it.

He founded the world in his wisdom.

He covered the earth with water, creating beaches and oceans.

He stretched out the heavens by his understanding.

We are overwhelmingly blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

And to get to spend time together, relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

God's awesome creation.

The True God

The Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. — Jeremiah 10:10

Today Abby and I will take off from work so we can once again hit the beach before Kirk has to return to school.

Another gorgeous day in sunny southern California.

Here we are several years ago, enjoying the beach together.

I can't go in the ocean water yet, until my immune system bulks up a bit, but I'll enjoy a swim in the pool afterward.

The Lord has given us this beautiful day, and we are thankful.

He is the living God, our eternal king.

No One LIke Our God

Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. — Jeremiah 10:6

Today we are hitting the beach, visiting a new church, and hanging out together.

The sun is shining and the water is glistening.

God has given us another beautiful day to worship him and enjoy his creation.

Lord, there is no one like you.

We praise your name!

The Lord Is Great

No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. — Jeremiah 18:6

Our sweet neighbors invited Kirk and Abby over to swim a couple of days ago while I was at work.

They enjoyed the refreshing water and the chance to swim and cool off.

Some of our favorite memories are at the beach or in the pool.

Here are the Rogers' boys in Iowa on the dock at Lake Okoboji.

Today we will spend part of the day swimming, enjoying each other and the cool water God gives us.

No one is like you, O Lord.

You are great. Your name is mighty in power.

God Has Done Great Things for Me

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. — Psalm 66:16-17

Thursday my boss gave me my semi-annual review. 

I really enjoy working with her; she has a lot of marketing expertise and is a strong advocate and supporter of me and my team.

She had hip surgery last month and is working at home as she recovers.

God is healing her more and more each day.

We are looking forward to her return.

God is healing me each day, too.

His healing arms surround me and strengthen me. I don't have the strength to climb Cowles' Mt. yet, but I do walk around the hills of our neighborhood 1-2 miles a couple of times a week.

God Knows Me

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. — Jeremiah 1:5

Wednesday I had my second MUGA scan to check my heart after chemo treatments.

They had some problems getting my blood due to the scar tissue in my arm, but all went well.

The first scan appeared to be very similar to the one I had done in March.

So I will meet with the radiation doctor at UCSD next week.

One of my acquaintances at church suggested I also look into proton beam therapy so it is not as likely to affect my heart.

So I have my list of questions ready for her (the doctor).

God knew me before he even formed me in the womb.

He set me apart before I was born. He is worthy of all of my praise.

Praise Our God

Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. — Psalm 66:8-9

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.

He has preserved my life.

He has prevented my feet from slipping.

And he has provided me with every good thing.

Today I go for my MUGA scan to make sure my heart is still okay after all of the chemo.

Lying still during each scan gives me a chance to sing silently to God.

To thank him for all he's done. 

Here's our church choir several years ago. I'm the last one on the right. This was when I still had hair.  Actually, I still have a light baby fuzz all over my head and I still have some eyebrows and lashes. 

What a surprise.

Praise our God.
 

Singing Praise

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.—Psalm 66:4

Yesterday I sang "The Gospel of Grace" by Mark Hayes for our worship service.

Our accompanist, Rodney, did an awesome job with the piano accompaniment, which is beautiful.

It felt really good to discover that my breath support was still there, even after six chemo treatments.

God is amazing and has really blessed me.

Abby and I went for a walk together that evening, and I was panting my way up the hills near our house. 

We walked for a little over a mile and it really felt good.

Today our choir director asked me to consider being the alto section leader beginning in September.

Now I need to decide if I'm ready to give up my monthly book club to take on this new role.

I'm flattered just to be asked!

Kindnesses of the Lord

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us — yes, the many good things he has done. — Isaiah 63:7-8

The Lord has done many good things for us.

I will tell of the kindnesses God has done for me.

I will shout out the deeds for which he is to be praised.

He has seen me through my chemo treatments. He has removed the cancer from my body.

He has given me the strength to sing his praises.

He has overwhelmed me with blessings.

Rejoice, You Earth!

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. — Isaiah 49:13

Here is the pond outside my work. What a beautiful, relaxing place to walk, sit, and contemplate our great God.

The waterfall makes a soothing sound, and the birds that gather enjoy the cool water.

God comforts us when we grieve.

He has compassion on us when we feel afflicted and worn out. 

He gives me the strength to shout for joy and burst into song.

God Has Been My Strength

I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength. — Isaiah 49:5

God has been my strength throughout my chemo, Gary's death, and my bout with cancer.

Last night we had a pool party and celebration of my chemo being over.

What wonderful friends I have who have upheld me with prayer and encouraged me with cards and flowers and love.

I am grateful.

God's Unfailing Love

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. — Isaiah 54:10

How awesome to know that God's unfailing love for me will not be shaken.

God's covenant of peace will not go away.

And God has compassion on me.

Wow!

My brother Steve is a strong testimony to God's love and compassion.

A cancer survivor who went through radiation 5 years ago and came out singing God's praises. Literally.

Steve can now eat bread pizza, whatever he wishes. And he has a beautiful voice, with which he sings and gives glory to God.

Agree with One Another

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. — I Corinthians 1:10

We don't have to be united in thought about politics or book preferences or parenting, but we do want to be united about our faith in Jesus.

Today the last of our relatives left for home, and our house is very quiet.

It has been wonderful to have a continual stream of visitors and guests sharing our home over the past few weeks.

Now we are relaxing with just the three of us, missing our relatives and friends.

We are grateful for wonderful family and for the time we have had to spend with them.



 

God Is Faithful

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  

— I Corinthians 1:9

God calls me into fellowship with his Son, Jesus.

I don't always stay in that fellowship, but when I do, he supports and upholds me.

Even when I don't stay in that fellowship, God is with me, surrounding me with his love. 

He provides us with beautiful days such as today.

He supplies me with everything I need.

Next week I'll have my second MUGA scan to make sure my heart is still strong after all the chemo treatments.

God is faithful, even when — especially when I am not.

We Thank God for You

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. — I Corinthians 1:4-5

We are so thankful for the overwhelming kindness of friends.

These roses were from Brad and Peggy.

We should have been sending them roses for the food and wine they have brought us, the reception they helped coordinate, the many hours of phone calls, prayers and support they have provided.

Our Virginia family has also been such a huge help, fixing dinners for us, chatting into the wee hours,  helping us entertain friends and family, filling my car's tires with air, and much more.

We are blessed and overwhelmed.

We always thank God for you!

Peace Be With You

Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” — John 20:21

Today we had another family dinner with friends and family from San Diego and relatives from out of town.

Kirk and Kyle reheated the pulled pork from the memorial service reception and we made them into tacos and burritos.

Abby and Marion made ice cream sandwiches for us to have for dessert.

We had another fun evening catching up.

God is good. And we are overwhelmed with blessings.

 

Surrounded by Friends

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. — John 15:14-15

We are surrounded by friends that we treasure.

Yesterday we had lots of them attend Gary's memorial service and send emails and cards remembering his life.

Those who were not able to attend the service can watch it on our church LiveStream: http://livestream.com/FPCSD/events/8748320

After the service, we came back to our house and enjoyed food and fellowship with friends and relatives.

What a great way to end the day!

Gary's Memorial Service

Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. — Romans 8:14

Today is Gary's memorial service. We are thankful to so many people who are participating and helping us coordinate everything for the service and the reception.

David and Adam are coordinating the slideshow and sound.

Pastor Jerry will give the meditation.

Mariley and Adam prepared the program.

Sharon accompanied the hymns and solos, played the prelude and the benediction.

Dan sang "Deep River."

Brad and Peggy coordinated the catering and Zan coordinated the reception.

Wendy did the flowers for us.

We are blessed and thankful for such wonderful friends.

More Than Conquerors

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. — Romans 8:27

Thursday I had my last chemo treatment. From now on I have just Herceptin every three weeks.

No more chemo. Yeah!

The nurse had a hard time finding my vein because I had a chemo burn from the last treatment. 

So I'm a bit black and blue on my right arm.

Friday another coworker mentioned what an inspiration I am to her.

She has a friend who is also going through cancer, and we shed a tear together.

Our Virginia relatives arrived yesterday, and it is wonderful to have them staying with us.

Tonight we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. Tomorrow will be Gary's service.

We are more than conquerors through God, who loves us.

More Than We Can Imagine

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!— Ephesians 3:20-21

God is able to do so much more than we can ask or even imagine.

In fact, he even hears our prayers before we ask.

But he wants us to talk to him in prayer throughout the day, relying on his wisdom rather than our own.

God's power has been at work in me throughout my chemo treatments, keeping me strong enough to work full time.

He has also been at work in my life as I share my story with others.

One of my coworkers this week called me an inspiration. Wow! How humbling is that.

I Will Praise Your Name

I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness. — Psalm 138:2

God is faithful. His love for me is unending.

Today I had my monthly visit with my oncologist.

She marveled at how well I am doing, and I mentioned that I am thanking God for this huge blessing.

Sunday we went to Windansea beach in La Jolla with Victoria and Max.

The day was beautiful, even though the water was still cold.

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

Saturday night we had the Rogers and Turner families over for dinner with Victoria and Max.

Everyone brought delicious food, and Kirk made Negronis and poured some fine wines.

Liz made her crowdpleaser freezer dessert plus corn with jalapeños.

We had a fun afternoon and evening catching up and laughing together.

We missed Tim, so sorry we didn't get to see him.

Sunday we will meet Victoria and Max at the beach — Windandsea or LaJolla Shores.

The earth is the Lord's!

Streams in the Desert

Each person will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. — Isaiah 32:2

God gives us refuge from the storm, water when we're thirsty.

He gives us every good and perfect thing.

He surrounds us with strength, support and love.

Yesterday I received yet another encouraging card from our friends.

Every other week they remind me that they are praying for my complete healing.

We are so blessed.

The Desert Will Blossom

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. — Isaiah 35:1-2

San Diego is a desert, which is why our native plants are mostly succulents.

Our golden hills are brown from lack of water.

My grandfather used to call them the "golden hills of California."

But the flowers poke their heads out of the ground and the birds chirp away.

The wilderness rejoices and blossoms, bursting into bloom.

We rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

Praise Him with All My Being

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. — Psalm 103:1

Thursday I got ambitious and made pancakes for breakfast. Chocolate chip - Abby's favorite and also apparently Victoria's and Max's.

Then I made blueberry muffins so they could have those for breakfast the next day while I went to work.

Kirk got our house looking amazing, trimming our rose bushes and pulling weeds so the outside looked just as great as the inside.

We are praising God for all of these blessings and for the time we get to spend with our niece and her boyfriend.

May My Meditation Be Pleasing

May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. — Psalm 104:34

We rejoice in the Lord and in the beauty of his holiness.

Here's the beautiful sunset we saw from our patio last week. 

Yesterday we filled our patio with friends and family and had a fun dinner together. 

After the fireworks we headed back home for s'mores. Max tried them for the first time, and they were a hit.

What an incredible world we live in.

Our God is amazing.

We are blessed.

Happy Independence Day!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. — Psalm 33:12

Today we celebrate our country's birthday.

We will have friends over for an early dinner and then head down to the bay for fireworks.

What a wonderful time we are having with our niece Victoria and her boyfriend Max.

Yesterday they hiked Cowles Mountain with Kirk while I was at work.

Then they went down to the harbor for a tour of the Midway.

Last night we took them to Third Corner, a restaurant in Ocean Beach with a huge wine collection.

We had fun choosing the Zinfandel to have with dinner and still had a tiny bit of room for the flourless chocolate cake for dessert. Very delicious.

Glorious Things

Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. — Isaiah 12:6

Today the sun is shining, the flowers are poking their necks up to reach the sun, the sky is blue without a cloud to be seen.

And we are excited to have our niece Victoria come into San Diego for a visit.

Our niece is from Vienna, Austria, and we will get to meet her boyfriend Max, too. 

Kirk always flies the Austrian flag from our flag pole anytime any Kunz is visiting the USA. 

Kirk will be barbecuing steaks for dinner. Yum.

Sing to the Lord.

He has done glorious things!

Shout for Joy

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

We are planning for Gary's memorial service, trying to decide which foods to have afterward, who will read Scripture, which hymns to sing, and how many people to expect.

Again, we are blessed with friends who offer to help with the flowers, food, music, service, reception, and whatever we need.

Thanks to you all.

We shout for joy with praise to our God for family and wonderful memories.

For new experiences we will share together this year.

We are thankful.

Give Thanks

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. — Isaiah 12:5

Today Abby headed up to Forest Home to counsel our high school girls.

What a wonderful camp that is, with excellent speakers and music, set in Forest Falls, away from the hustle and noise of the world.

Begun by people such as Henrietta Mears and others who saw the need for a place of retreat and rejuvenation.

A place to reconnect with God and discover his purpose in our life.

Awesome.