Come Into the Light

Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. — John 3:21

This year Kirk and I celebrate 35 years of marriage.

Our daughter is throwing us an anniversary party at the end of October.

I am blessed to have married such a strong and loving Christian man.

We did not have a limo, but when we arrived at our reception and saw this one parked outside, our photographer suggested we take a photo.

It turned out really great.

And God has overwhelmed us with blessings throughout our marriage.

Even through the dark times, God has brought us into the light of his mercy and grace.

We are thankful.

The Father of Compassion

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Friday in our Bible study we once again studied God's Word and Paul's writings about our God of compassion and comfort.

God comforts me in my troubles so I can be equipped to comfort others as they go through troubled times. 

I can't comfort other people on my own, but God can give me His comfort to pass on to others.

How cool is that! 

One of my friends prepared dinner for us and another volunteered to bring a meal next weekend.

They are able to comfort and support me because of the ways God has supported and comforted them when they needed comfort.

God provides for us, just when we need it most, before we even ask.

 

Flowers from Friends

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. — Song of Songs 2:12

Here are the beautiful flowers I received from my friend to celebrate the end of my radiation treatments.

Sunflowers opening toward the sun, roses, eucalyptus, and more.

The bouquet is looking very festive as I'm taking a day off from work on Friday.

Thursday night another friend shared about a friend of hers who is now starting her chemo treatment as her cancer has returned.

I was sharing some of the wonderful resources I was told about when I started my treatments:

• A Livestrong exercise program at the Y for cancer survivors where families can attend for a year free
• Housecleaning services (2 provided free) while you're undergoing treatment
• Free webinar to show you how to tie headscarves
• Free Look Good Feel Better webinar with makeup tips for when you begin losing eyebrows
• Free and reduced wigs for patients with hair loss
• Hats and hairpieces designed for cancer patients from TLC.org and GodivasSecretWigs.com
• Exercise, mindfulness and nutrition classes through UCSD and Kaiser
• Support groups for patients and families

 It's amazing all of the resources and support available.

God provides for us during our storms and valleys.

God's Kingdom

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. — Matthew 6:33

Thursday was my final radiation treatment day. Hurray!

Here I am at UCSD Moores Cancer Center

The nurses joined me for my bell ringing and gave me a certificate and a round of applause to document the occasion.

Lorraine met me with beautiful flowers and we went to dinner to celebrate.

Then my book club friend Betsy treated me to mint chocolate chip ice cream, as requested by my daughter, Abby.

I am blessed and very thankful for wonderful friends and family members.

A Time for Each Season

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. — Ecclesiastes 3:1

This week marks the autumnal equinox and the first day of Fall.

It seems way too early and much too warm, but God has planned the seasons perfectly.

Here's what fall looks like in Spokane, Washington.

It's mostly green here in San Diego.

But it's beautiful, never-the-less.

And we are grateful.

Christ Accepted Us

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. — Romans 15:10

My brother-in-law Kelly and his wife Liz have been working on their front yard landscape.

It looks wonderful! What a beautiful design they've created with the rocks and plants.

God has also created a wonderful design in each person.

And He asks us to accept each person as a child of his.

That's not always easy when we have conflict and pain and miscommunication.

But God calls us to love others through Him, just as He shows love to each of us — completely undeserving.

Help me this week to be kind and compassionate to others, Lord, in the same way that you've shown mercy and love to me.

God's Grace Be With You

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. — 2 Corinthians 13:15

Saturday's date was 9-21-19, the same as our local zip code!

Our nearby post office had cake and banners in celebration.

Apparently this happens just once every century, so it was quite the event.

Strength in Weakness

For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:10

God comforts me in my troubles so I in turn can comfort others with the comfort that comes only from God. 

It's not always easy for me to accept help from others, but God is teaching me how to do it graciously.

Our friends Judy and Yale are bringing us dinner today.

And my friend Chrissy and many other friends have offered to do the same.

This is perfect timing in case I start to get worn out this week.

Just four days of radiation left!

Christ's Power Made Perfect in Weakness

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." — 2 Corinthians 12:9

Friday we started a new Bible study on 2 Corinthians in my women's study group.

It's amazing how God gives us those verses we need to hear at just the right time.

Today was a great reminder that even though we don't care to be "weak" or "needy," it gives others an opportunity to support us when we let them know we are vulnerable.

A friend is fixing dinner for us this weekend so if I'm tired next week, we'll have something on hand.

Another friend has continued to send me a card or two each week, letting me know she is praying for me.

My brother sends me regular texts letting me know how valuable I am to him and to the Lord.

God has surrounded me with Christ's love and power so that I will realize that His grace is more than enough for me.

Rejoice in the Lord; He Is Faithful

Rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. — Joel 2:23

God sends us showers and showers us with blessings.

He sends autumn and spring rains.

Monday is the fall equinox, when the day and night will be almost equal.

I have just 5 radiation treatments left, and today had both a flu and a tetanus shot. Both in the same arm!

My arm doesn't feel too bad tonight, but I'm sure it will be sore tomorrow.

Friday I begin my boost treatment, where they will concentrate the radiation on just the surgery area.

I will start the day with my Bible study group, and we will pray for our friend who is going through a difficult trial.

But God has covered her with his love and strength. He has supported her with people who are helping her get through this tough time.

Best of all, He has surrounded her with friends and family praying her through this.

As a result, He has given her a deep peace that no matter the outcome, she knows she is covered in God's love and care.

Rejoice in the Lord your God; he is faithful!

Let them pray

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. — James 5:13

Today was my 14th radiation treatment.

I met with my doctor. Then the nurses set up my radiation for the boost that will start on Friday.

Instead of covering the whole breast with radiation, they will focus just on the area where the surgery happened.

The boost will start this Friday and finish a week from Thursday.

That will be my final treatment.

I am happy and will sing songs of praise to the Lord.

The Lord Is Full of Mercy

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. — James 5:11

Today one of the radiation machines was down, so they were running late when I arrived for my appointment.

This was the first time they were late by even a minute.

Fortunately, I brought a good book.

My friend Lisa recommended the book, 'The Mission, the Men and Me," and it's very interesting.

It's also an easy read and gives practical advice for life and work.

The author is a former Delta Force commander.

One of his life lessons is "Always Listen to the Guy on the Ground."

In my own work experience, I have often found that upper-level managers are too far removed from the people on the ground to make educated decisions. 

They at times try to come up with solutions without consulting the people who actually have the answers or know where to find them.

Who Is Understanding?

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. — James 3:13

From Abby's alma mater, Whitworth University, we received this beautiful prayer.

Thanksgiving:
Lord, you call us to follow; to turn away from our own selfish interests, and to be disciples and follow after You, even if the path is difficult to see. We are grateful that you lead us, even when it is in a direction that we would never have chosen for ourselves. Help us not to be so hesitant to follow, and to see with the eyes of faith.

Teach us to follow without fear, knowing that You are always with us, leading the way.
Amen.

I have my 12th radiation treatment today and will meet with my radiation doctor to make sure everything is going as planned.

So far no discomfort. I'm expecting some fatigue to kick in at the end of the week.

We are so thankful for the prayers that have sustained me well over the past nine months since my cancer diagnosis.

This prayer was such a perfect synopsis of our lives over this period and God's mercy.

I am grateful.

Be Patient

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm. — James 5:7-8

Saturday we went to dinner to celebrate Abby's birthday with friends and family.

Here's the view from the restaurant.

We timed it perfectly and even got to watch the beautiful sunset over the ocean.

God has blessed us with 22 years with our daughter.

We had a fun time celebrating and catching up over dinner.

It's not always easy to be patient, but God helps us learn how to be patient when we get anxious or worried. We are thankful.

Happy Birthday, Steve!

Have I not commanded you? 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

Today is my brother Steve's birthday. 

When he was born, he was premature so he had to stay in the hospital for a few weeks.

My mom and dad had adopted him, so when he came home to our house, he was my little brother.

He was scowling much of the time so my sister and I were instructed to smile like crazy every time we passed his crib.

From his smile today, it apparently worked!

You would also never guess he was a premi!

He now towers over me.

What a treat to get to sing next to him at church today.

My Joy Is Complete

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. — Philippians 2:1-2

Tonight the moon was orange as I drove home from work.

The photo I took doesn't begin to do it justice.

By the time I got home it was white, but still very full.

Happy Friday the 13th.

We are encouraged by being united in Christ.

We are comforted by His love.

It helps us to become one in spirit and of one mind in the Lord.

Be Compassionate and Humble

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. — I Peter 3:8

It's not always easy to be humble.

Sometimes God has to purposely humble me just to get my attention.

When pride gets in my way, I tend to be oblivious until He brings me up short.

Yesterday was my 10th radiation treatment. I'm halfway through!

I'm expecting that in a week or two I will begin to tire and my energy will be drained.

For now, I'm enjoying the energy I have - more than I had while on chemo.

I went to Kaiser for my Herceptin IV this morning.

The poor nurse had a hard time finding a vein without scar tissue.

She gave up after two tries and the next nurse was able to get the blood flowing.

Fortunately, the first nurse was very gentle and made it an almost pain-free experience.

I am grateful for the Kaiser nursing staff who do such a wonderful job with the IVs.

I am also thankful for the UCSD nursing staff where I go for radiation.

They play Hillsong United or Lauren Daigle during my session and cover me with a warm blanket.

All of them are very compassionate. God is great.

They Shared Everything

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. — Acts 4:32

All the believers were of one heart and mind.

Very rarely do we feel that we're one in heart and mind with someone else, much less with a whole group of people.

But as sisters and brothers in Christ, we are united together by the grace of Jesus.

We have a common goal and share what we have with others.

We are one in Jesus.

We are the church.

I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains

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 is 911, also known as Patriot Day, in memory of the people killed in the attacks on Setpember 11, 2001.

We were just getting ready to take Abby to kindergarten when Kirk's mom called to tell us to turn on the TV.

Kirk's brother Kyle was working at the Pentagon that day.

Fortunately, he was on the other side of the building so he was not harmed.

Unfortunately, some of his coworkers did not make it.

We are thankful for the people who gave their lives that day to save others.

Our hearts go out to those who lost family members and friends.

I lift my eyes up to the mountains, knowing that my help comes from the Lord.

Today was my 8th day of radiation; just 12 more to go!

While I was waiting for my turn this afternoon, a lady came out who was finished with all of her treatments.

The nursing staff came out, read the words on the plaque congratulating her, had her ring the bell, and we burst into applause. It was very moving.

I am thankful that God created us and that he made heaven and earth.

I thank Him each day for this beautiful earth on which we live.

Grace and Mercy

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. — I Timothy 1:2

Sunday I went for a walk along Father Junipero Serra trail with some friends from work.

We went at 4:00 and the day was cooler than the day before, so it felt great to be outside.

We even managed to work up a bit of a sweat.

Fortunately, we took our water and we only went about 2 miles.

Next time we plan to go all the way to the dam.

I used to push Abby in her stroller down the pavement when she was just a baby and Lainie and I would walk together in this same place.

She would often fall asleep on the way back.

Hard to believe that was over 20 years ago!

Teach Me, Lord

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. — Psalm 143:10

It's not always easy to God's do will.

In fact, for me, it's rarely easy.

My daily prayer is for God to lead me on level ground and direct my paths.

Saturday our sweet neighbors brought me a wonderful new book that I finished reading last night.

It's called "Here's to You" and it's filled with quotes from a wide variety of people past and present.

How thoughtful and appreciated!

And they invited me to swim in their pool, which I did.

It was very refreshing on a hot day.

And it was good exercise to get me back in shape before I experience the exhaustion of radiation in a couple of weeks.

One of my favorite quotes (of many) from this book was on the page, "Here's to your spirit."

The quote is from Ashley Hodgeson, "Strength and courage aren't always measured in medals and victories, they are measured in the struggles they overcome. The strongest people aren't always the people who win, but the people who don't give up when they lose."

God is teaching me to slow down and do his will. And I am thankful.

 

We Proclaim Christ

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. — Colossians 1:28

Saturday was mom Rita's birthday.

Here she is in 2011 at the Balboa Park Science fair.

She was always doing things for our family.

From her tasty desserts to family dinners and pool parties, she usually had a house full of family and friends.

She was the consummate entertainer and thoughtful hostess.

We miss her very much, but we appreciate her legacy and the love she spread to everyone she met.

The love of Jesus flowed through her actions.

God Loves Us

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." — John 14:23

Friday I met with my surgeon for my 6-month checkup.

Everything looked good to him, and I'll see him again in 7 months.

In 6 months I'll have my first mammogram since my surgery so they can make sure everything is still fine.

Today was also my 6th radiation treatment. Just 14 left to go.

We headed over to the Habit in La Mesa for dinner. 

Kirk had to top his dinner off with ice cream.

We are blessed.

God Is With Us to the End of the Age

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:18-20

The great thing is that God has been with me every day of my entire life.

Even when I don't feel him near me, He is there.

He knows my prayers and thoughts before I even think them.

During this past year of cancer diagnosis and treatment, He was and is still with me.

He gave me, Kirk, and Abby the strength to get through this time and come out even stronger.

I am amazed!

As we grieved over the loss of Kirk's dad, God surrounded us with His love.

In the loss of our friends' dads, God comforted us in knowing that they are now with Him.

We can sing God's praises, knowing that Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to comfort us as we grieve.

Jesus is with us always. Wow!

Birthday Celebration

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. — Psalm 139:13

Yesterday was Abby's birthday.

Kirk and I remember the day we brought her home from the hospital.

We are blessed to have her home with us while she begins graduate school.

Here's the cake I made in celebration.

Her sweet coworker, Wendy Bogan, made cupcakes.

Her friend Hannah made a cake!

God is good.

He has overwhelmed our family with His goodness beyond measure.

Today I had my fourth radiation treatment.

Tomorrow I will also visit with my radiation doctor.

Apparently that will be a weekly occurrence.

And tomorrow night we start our new season of choir rehearsals.

It will be fun to reconnect with friends and to sing God's praises together.

God Directs Me

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." — Isaiah 48:17

Today I had my third radiation treatment at UCSD Moores Cancer Center.

Just 18 more days to go.

God directs me in the way I should go.

I don't always go the way He directs, but when I do, I realize that God knows what is best for me.

Just as he cares for our flowers, with Kirk's help, God cares for us.

He loves us and teaches us what is best.

God Looks After Us

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered. — Ezekial 34:11-12

God looks after us.

Just as a shepherd looks after his scattered flock, God looks after me, his sheep.

God rescues me from all the places where I wander.

Here is our crape myrtle tree, blooming a bit later than usual. 

Perhaps our hot and humid weather has confused it.

Come, Let Us Worship

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. — Psalm 95:6

The past two weeks have been wonderful to have my brother Steve worship with us.

Last week Kirk's brother Kelly joined us, too.

It means a lot to worship together as a family.

Our church family means a lot to our family, too.

Let us bow down in worship.

Let us kneed before the Lord, our Maker.

He is our God and we are the people of His pasture.

We are the flock under His care.

He shows his love to us daily as He continues to care for us.

San Diego Bridge Walk

I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:21-23

Today I joined some friends for a walk over 7 bridges in downtown San Diego.

We started at the Rose Garden in Balboa Park.

It was a beautiful morning for a 6-mile walk.

These are just a few of the ladies who have been praying for me over the last 6 months, during my operation and chemotherapy.

They continue to surround me with love and friendship and prayer.

This is the suspension bridge we walked over.

It felt like one of the moving walkways at a carnival fun house, where you think you might lose your balance, but none of us did!

I have hope because of the Lord's great love.

His compassion for me never fails.