Transformed into God's Image

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18

We contemplate the Lord's glory, even though it is something we have a hard time imagining.

God is transforming us into His image.

This transformation comes from the Lord.

It is not anything we can make happen.

As we are being transformed, the change that takes place in us comes from the Holy Spirit.

God has sent him to comfort and transform us.

Too cool!

Last week Liz celebrated her birthday.

Here's a picture of her family ten years ago!

The time has flown by. God has blessed us in many wonderful ways over that time.

By Grace

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9

Here is the beautiful orchid garden that our friend Edna gave us for our anniversary.

Lots of wonderful plants included along with the orchid plant.

It looks wonderful in our home.

A beautiful reminder of our friendship.

And a tribute and testimony to God's creation.

It is by His grace we have been saved, through faith.

This is not something we could do for ourselves.

Rather, it is the precious gift of God.

We could never do enough good works to get us there.

Our sin separates us from God. We cannot come into His presence since we are sinful and He is holy.

We cannot boast — we are completely indebted to God.

We are saved through faith in His Son, our Lord Jesus.

God's Word Endures

“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” — 1 Peter 1:24

God's Word endures forever.

These beautiful flowers from our neighbors Lazlo and Andrea will not last.

God created them and He created us.

Our glory is like the flowers — it will wither eventually and the flowers will wilt.

But I can count on God's Word to keep me going and give me wisdom to know how to respond.

I am grateful.

Caring for Those in Our Zone

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was. — Revelation 11:17

Thanks to the Lord.

Today Pastor Jeff encouraged us to care for our physical family as well as our church family.

He added that we should care for those in our "zone."

That includes our neighbors and coworkers as well as our family members.

Saturday Abby put together this wonderful display of our anniversary and wedding remembrances.

Tonight one of our neighbors stopped by to congratulate us.

Tomorrow I will take dinner to another neighbor couple.

Last week they brought cookies for us.

We are thankful for wonderful neighbors who pray for us and surround us with their love.

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty.

God's Word Is Sharp

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12

Today our new pastor spoke from 1 Timothy 5 about take care of our human family members and also taking care of our older church family members who do not have family to care for them.

It was a thought-provoking message.

Yesterday we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary with some of our friends and family.

Abby did a great job pulling it all together and making it a special day.

Here's Kirk with our friend Ernie.

Ernie is wearing one of the Hawaiian shirts from the collection of Kirk's dad.

Very sweet that he chose to wear it for our party.

And Marion made us a hand-crafted anniversary card.

On the right is our neighbor from Budapest, Hungary.

He works at the same company as Ernie's daughter, although they are in different divisions.

God's Word is alive and active.

We are amazed and grateful for so many wonderful Christian friends.

Beautiful Floral Arrangement

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Today our daughter is throwing us a 35th wedding anniversary party.

She has done a ton of work to pull this off with about 70 of our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family.

We are so blessed to have each other and to have her.

Here is the beautiful arrangement one of our friends sent since she could not attend.

All of our favorite flowers in one bouquet.

And other friends are bringing some of their favorite dishes to share.

Still others are bringing some of their favorite wines.

Kirk and Abby have been studying Scripture so they may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

And I am the beneficiary.

Understanding

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. — Proverbs 9:2

Being in awe of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Getting to know Him personally leads me to understanding.

I cannot even begin to fathom his greatness.

But He wants me to get to know Him more and more each day.

I want to be in His Word, but I'm often too busy to stop and read the Bible or talk with Him in prayer.

These friends of mine are pictured gathering for prayer at a baby shower two years ago, praying for the baby and mom.

Many of my friends have been praying for me for the past 10 months.

Tomorrow I have another Herceptin I-V before I head in to work.

Fortunately, the radiation and chemo are done so the side effects are subsiding.

When I slow down and take the time to pray, I'm the one who benefits.

Thanksgiving to God

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. — 2 Corinthians 9:11

I'm not always generous, but God has enriched me and my family in every way.

Sometimes I'm downright stingy.

God is teaching me to be generous on every occasion.

Our generosity does result in thanksgiving and praise to God.

He has blessed us even more than we can imagine.

Everything we have is because God has given it to us.

Everything comes from God and His generosity.

We are extremely thankful.

 

Finding Joy

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! — Proverbs 15:23

It does make me happy and joyful to give an encouraging word to a friend or colleague.

God gives us joy in His Word.

He asks us to have a cheerful heart.

He sent us Jesus to take away our sin and prepare a place for us in heaven.

He expects us to give an apt reply to others.

His Holy Spirit lets us know when a timely word is appropriate and when to keep silent.

How good is a timely word!

God's Will

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart. — Psalm 40:8

When I follow God's will, I am filled with joy and delight.

His law and commands are written on my heart.

His Holy Spirit lives within me and guides my steps.

Last week we traveled to Paso Robles with friends and visited this barrel room.

We had a fun time and thanked God for a wonderful trip.

God Is for Us

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? — Romans 8:31

After we hear that Jesus rose again from the dead, offers us mercy and grace, and loves us - even counting the hairs on our heads, what shall we say in response?

If God is for us, we can stand against anything.

If God is for us, who is against us?

No one can stand against our wonderful God.

God Is Able to Bless You

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. — I Corinthians 9:8

Today Abby and I went over to Liberty Station for the La Jolla Playhouse WOW (without walls) festival.

We saw our friend Lauren in the chorus of Allegory and sat outside on the grass in our lawn chairs.

It was very well done with wonderful music.

God has blessed us abundantly.

In all things at all times, we have all we need.

God has blessed us so that we can abound in good works.

Delight in the Lord

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. — Psalm 37:4

Earlier this week we stopped at El Tecalote Mexican restaurant in Camarillo.

Kirk went to this restaurant with his family and neighbors in the 1960s when he was growing up.

He was very excited to return again.

The food was very delicious.

The tortilla chips were homemade.

And they even had T-shirts available for sale.

When we got back to the car, we realized the passenger window had been down the whole time we were eating.

Kirk had left his phone and his wallet in the front seat.

And our luggage and wine was in the back.

Fortunately, God watched out for us and nothing was taken. Whew!

Give Cheerfully

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. — 2 Corinthians 9:7

This weekend we turn in our pledges for the year.

When Kirk and I were first married, we decided to give a tithe of our income.

That became very hard the year that Kirk was let go from his job and was job hunting.

It was also difficult the year he went back to school to get his master's degree, Abby was a toddler, and we were living on just one income.

And when my job at Christian Ed Warehouse ended, we were once again relying on one income while paying for our daughter to attend a private Christian school.

So finances again were tight.

But each time, God provided over and above what we needed to tithe.

And amazingly, we were able to continue to support our Compassion and World Vision children during those times when finances were tough.

God showered his love upon us, even when we weren't sure if we would be able to keep giving.

Last Sunday we worshiped in a church that still used the woven offering baskets with long handles.

Kirk remembered them from his childhood.

God taught us that he provides. He has made us even more cheerful in our giving.

Abundantly Blessed

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. — 2 Corinthians 9:8

Earlier this week we visited Paso Robles and spent some time enjoying the views at several vineyards.

The weather was beautiful, and we sat outside chatting with friends.

This winery had a heart sculpted into the landscape.

They provided a photo booth opportunity, so I took advantage of it.

We sat together out under the trees, walked through the barrel room, and gave thanks to God for a wonderful trip.

God has blessed us abundantly.

We have all we need. And then some.

Doing What Is Right

We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. — 2 Corinthians 8:21


Today we returned from a fun trip to Paso Robles.

We stopped in Camarillo on our way up to visit the church Kirk grew up in.

Kelly was baptized here.

Mary Magdalen Catholic Church still looks much the same as it did when Kirk attended in the 60s. 

The entire Mass was in Latin except the homily. 

90% of women worn lace head coverings, even the little girls. 

And the mass was sung with shape-note music.

It was a beautiful day.

The priest concentrated on sin for his homily.

He pointed out that even what we consider little sins can cause us to move into bigger sins.

We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of God, but also in the eyes of our fellow neighbors.



 

Promises

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. — 2 Corinthians 7:1

God has given us an abundance of promises.

I'm not very good at keeping promises.

But God keeps every one of His promises. I can count on Him.

How reassuring is that!

His rainbow is a promise to never flood the whole earth again.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes about more of God's promises.

Since we have them, Paul encourages us to purifiy ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.

That is almost impossible for me to do.

But God sends His Holy Spirit to guide and direct my thoughts and actions in the way He would have me go.

God's promises are true and good.

Eternal Home

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. — 2 Corinthians 5:1

We are blessed to have a wonderful home.

Over the years we have been able to add landscape and patios to make it even more welcoming.

Now we have termites, eating away at the wood above and below the house.

Fortunately, we will have them removed.

But we know that we have an even better home waiting for us in heaven.

Where we will be with the Lord our God.

An eternal home in heaven, not susceptible to termites or rust or other things that destroy.

God loves us and cares for us. Amazing!

My Joy Is Boundless

I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. 
— 2 Corinthians 7:4

Despite earthly troubles in my life, my joy is boundless.

I am greatly encouraged by neighbors, family, coworkers and friends. 

Today we are visiting friends that we haven't seen in years.

What a treat to have dinner with them and catch up together.

Kirk and I are very overwhelmed with the love of friends.

Here we are hiking Mission Trails a few years ago. 

God has provided each friend in our lives at just the right time.

He know when we need them the most, and He provides.

Daughter of God

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”  
— 2 Corinthians 6:18

Very comforting to know that I am a daughter of God, the living King.

And He is my Father, my Abba, and my Lord.

As the Almighty He holds the world in His hand and even knows the number of hairs on my head.

Slowly they are growing back, and I now have more than I can count, even though they are very, very short.

I can trust Him with my life.

When I'm weak, He carries me. Note there is just one set of footprints in the sand — His.

He has covered me with love. I am blessed beyond measure.

My Soul Finds Rest

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. — Psalm 62:1

God asks me to set aside a day of rest.

I'm not always the best at following those instructions.

At times I let the busyness of life get in the way of my time with Him.

When I do rest, I feel refreshed and ready to meet whatever comes my way.

When I don't, I feel frustrated and irritable.

My salvation comes from God.

So should my rest.

Precious Thoughts

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! — Psalm 139:17

Tuesday I met with my radiation oncologist.

She said I'm doing great.

My blood count is fine; the red blood cells are not small, so my iron is good.

My last bone density scan was fine, so she cancelled my next one.

I'll have a MUGA scan this week to make sure my heart is also doing fine.

My last one was three months ago, and it was basically the same as when I started chemo.

So I'm guessing this one will be good, too.

My doctor was pleased that I have more energy now and that I'm able to jump rope more than I could just two weeks ago.

I won't need to see her again for three months. 

How precious to me are your thoughts, oh God!

Preparing a Place for Us

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. — John 14:3-4

When my friend Peggy's daughter was two, she had memorized the 23rd Psalm. Not just a few verses, but the entire passage. I was amazed.

My daughter at two had memorized a few verses, but her gift was really prayer.

I was amazed at the way she could cut to the heart of the matter and talk to God so openly at such a young age.

One day, as we were talking about God and heaven, she asked me, "Mom, how do we get to heaven?"

I thought God was asking me to share the salvation story with her, so I launched into the fact that we have all done and said wrong things called sin, and how God sent Jesus to forgive us of those wrong things by dying on the cross for us so we can live with him in heaven some day. . ." 

And she interrupted me with, "Yes, I know that! (sigh of frustration) But how do we get there?"

To which I replied, "Well, I'm not sure."

She thought about it for a minute and then explained to me, "I think God reaches down His hand and shows us the way."

I had to agree. That must be it!

In this passage from John, Jesus explains that He will come back and take us to be with Him so we can be where He is.

How comforting to know that He has already prepared a home for us in heaven.

I Seek God

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you. — Psalm 63:1

Our sweet neighbor Wanda made us the most delicious cookies yesterday.

We have almost finished them off.

Abby and I had to restrain ourselves from eating all of them before Kirk got to have one.

Yum!

Just as our whole being wanted to devour the cookies, God wants me to long for him.

The more I get into His Word, the more I thirst for Him.

And the more I want to read His Scripture.

He is my God, and I long for Him to be sovereign in my life.

Living in the Lord

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” — Genesis 4:18

God has blessed us with 35 years of marriage.

Hard to believe that 35 years ago yesterday we were married here in San Diego.

My dad had just died that previous July, but our moms, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and Kirk's dad were there, along with friends and relatives from around the country.

Yesterday we worshipped in the same church where we were married.

We have been members there for the past 38+ years.

Saturday night our new pastor was ordained in our church chapel and Kirk and I served communion for his service.

This photo is of our sanctuary where we worship each week and where we were married.

God has helped us grow closer to him and closer to each other over the years.

We are thankful.

35 Years

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. — Psalm 126:3

Today is our 35th wedding anniversary.

It's hard to believe that Kirk and I were married 35 years ago today!

We are thankful for the times we've had together.

God has helped us to grow together in His love.

He has done great things for us.

We are blessed beyond measure.

We are filled with joy and thanksgiving.

Thank You for 37 Years!

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. — Isaiah 55:6

My daughter and I were laughing together this morning.

She was remembering last year when she was 21 and had to call the Auto Club when her car battery died.

After she finished describing the situation and they sent out the tow truck with a new battery, the operator said, "Thank you for your 37 years of service."

Of course, those were my 37 years of service, not my 21-year-old daughter's.

We had a good laugh over her surprise.

Here we are three years ago at La Jolla shores on a cool day.

The beach was almost empty of people.

God asks us to seek Him.

He wants us to call on Him while He is near.

And He is near us continually.

We can laugh and enjoy each other because of the love God has lavished on us.

Wonderful!

I Will Live

I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. — Psalm 118:17

I will die eventually, but I will also live forever in heaven with my Savior.

In the meantime, I will tell of the wonderful things the Lord has done.

He has healed me of my cancer.

He has helped me share my story with others.

He has brought friends alongside me to support and encourage me and my family.
 

And He has given me the words to comfort others who are going through similar circumstances.

He has brought me alongside friends and coworkers who have family members struggling with cancer.

And He has shown me how I can encourage and pray for them and their loved ones.

He has blessed me with overwhelming goodness.

I will live and will proclaim what the Lord has done!

God Has Done Mighty Things

The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! — Psalm 118:16

God has lifted his hand high.

His hand has done mighty things!

From creating the world to looking after each hair on my head, He has done marvelous things!

I don't have too much hair on my head right now, but it's coming back slowly.

I actually have a lot more than I did just a month or two ago.

Even my eyelashes and eyebrows are coming back.

I never lost them completely, but they are filling in nicely again.

God has done mighty things, and I praise Him!

The Lord Is My Strength and My Defense

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. — Psalm 118:13-14

It's now October, so I made spiced apple cider for my coworkers.

It was a hit!

And the break room smelled really good.

It's amazing what a few cinnamon sticks and spices will do to spruce up plain apple cider.

I think we'll have it again tomorrow. 

Welcome, Fall!

A time of thanksgiving to God for all of the blessings He has given us.

And for all of the blessings He continues to shower upon us.

God is my strength, my defense, and my salvation.

I am thankful.

My Prayer

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. — Philippians 1:9-10

I have been surrounded by the love of friends and family.

Their prayers have been my foundation over the past 9 months, grounding me in Christ.

These hydrangeas were a gift from MaryJo for Easter.

Kirk planted them in our flower bed and they are very happy!

Thursday I go in for my I-V Herceptin treatment.

The nurses have been having a hard time finding a vein to use so hopefully they will be successful this week.

Next week I see my chemo doctor again.

I also need to schedule a MUGA heart scan.

I have a network of supportive doctors who check to make sure  I'm doing well.

And my boss at work is willing to accommodate in any way I need.

Monday I took a half day off, just in case I was tired from the radiation.

So far, so good!