Praise God's Name with Song

I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. — Psalm 69:30

Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving and gave thanks to God for His blessings.

Here is the turkey Abby prepared.

It was delicious and very moist.

We also made cranberry relish — the one that Gary's mom used to make.

Gary would make it and bring it for Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.

This is our first Thanksgiving without him, and we are sad.

But we are also glad that he is with Jesus.

We praise the name of God and magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Enter His Courts with Praise

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! — Psalm 100:4

Yesterday was a fun Thanksgiving with our extended family.

Today we give thanks to God for the fellowship and food we shared.

And for the rain He sent our way yesterday.

Here we are before our guests arrived, after the turkey was cooked.

Abby did a great job getting it ready for the oven.

It was moist and delicious.

We give thanks to God and bless His name for all He has done for us.

Call Upon God's Name with Thanksgiving

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! — 1 Chronicles 16:8

Today we give thank to the Lord for all He has done!

Our city is supposed to have rain, but the sun is out this morning.

We are thankful for the rain, too, and the green grass and flowers it helps to grow.

I started making pies two days ago, and Abby helped me finish last night.

God has given us the ability to taste good food and to enjoy it with others in fellowship.

He has overwhelmed us with good things.

When I call on His name, He answers me.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!

In the Name of Jesus

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. — Colossians 3:17

Today was the birthday of one of my newer coworkers.

We decorated her desk, and I made scones to celebrate.

She invited me and our boss to lunch!

How thoughtful was that. She insisted that I should not pay since it was her day and she got to call the shots.

Our boss ended up treating us both, which was a very nice surprise.

I give thanks to God my coworkers, my job, my boss, and for the daily opportunities He gives me to encourage others.

God's Faithfulness Continues

The Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. — Psalm 100:5

God is love.

Agape love, enduring love, not something that fades or goes away completely.

His love wraps and enfolds me each day.

He surrounds my family with love and a hedge of protection.

When troubles come, He lifts us up and gives us strength to keep going.

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

I am thankful.

God's Love Endures Forever

The Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
— Psalm 100:5

God is good to us.

His love surrounds me every day.

His faithfulness continues from generation to generation.

He cares for the smallest creature and He cares for me!

Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. — Psalm 100:4

This year we will host Thanksgiving at our house.
However, it's supposed to rain that day.

If it does, we'll be eating inside.

Wherever we are, we will give thanks to God for our family, friends, and food.

He has given us so much more than we could ask or imagine.

Tomorrow and again Wednesday night we will go to church to thank God.

He asks us to: Enter his gates with praise and thanksgiving.

We are thankful.

We give thanks to God and praise His name.

Come Before Him with Thanksigiving

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. — Psalm 95:2

Today I met a friend for a walk down at Mission Trails this morning.

We met at 7:00 a.m. and walked about four miles.

It was a bit cold, but the sun came out in the middle of our walk.

God has created a beautiful world for us to enjoy.

We had a chance to share Scripture, praise God, and pray for each other.

Let us come before God with Thanksgiving.

Call on the Name of the Lord

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. — Joel 2:32

God saves us and has sacrificed His Son for us.

He did that even before we turned to Him.

Even before we recognized Him as our Savior.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Everyone who calls on the name on the Lord will be saved.

What a wonderful promise.

Let's Shout Aloud

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. — Psalm 95:1

I have so many reasons to be joyful.

God gives me a voice to sing and shout His praises.

He is my Rock when I'm unsure.

He has provided me with family and friends who care about  me, pray for me, and put up with me.

God is the Rock of my salvation.

All of these things cause me to sing for joy.

Come Before Him with Thanksgiving

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. — Psalm 95:2

We are thankful for all that God has done for us and for others.

We praise Him with music and with song.

When we come before Him, we do so in reverence and awe.

He is our God, and we are humbled.

We extol Him with music and song.

Meditating on God's Law

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. — Psalm 1:1-2

God calls us to meditate on his law all the time.

I try to read my Bible each day, but I do have moments and days where I lapse.

I think that's one of the reasons why being part of a weekly Bible study is so valuable to me.

Even if I can't make it every week, I have a set of Scriptures to study and meditate on throughout the week.

Each time I ready my Bible, God calls out new passages to me.

He helps me delight in His law and His Word.

Honor and Glory to God

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. — 1 Timothy 1:17

Sunday I was catching up with a friend who finished her treatment for breast cancer last summer.

She is doing great, with her only side effect night sweats from the Tamoxifen she is taking.

I occasionally have sweats from the Arimidex that I'm taking, but not very often.

My main side effect now is brittle fingernails from the Herceptin. 

So I am trying to eat eggs regularly to help strengthen them.

Another friend just celebrated 5 years of being cancer free!

I think my brother Steve is close to that milestone, too. 

Honor and glory be to God for ever and ever.

God's Word Is Truth

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. — John 17:17

I have a friend who just lost his job.

This is a photo of my former boss.

His son is now searching for a new job, and it's not easy.

I know just how he feels.

When my job ended in March of last year, I was still looking for a job.

I had been searching since November of the previous year.

I knew God would provide, but it was hard not to worry.

God's Word is truth. And during the time I was without a job, God gave me two Bible studies to attend and lots of supportive friends to pray for me and my search.

I grew much closer to Him during that time.

Fortunately, God had provided us with a strong budget, an emergency fund, and a hard-working husband in Kirk.

So when I found my new job in May, I was overjoyed and overwhelmed by God's blessing.

In December I will celebrate one and a half years with Axos Bank.

I work with wonderful people who are so thoughtful and hardworking.

God has given me a strong team to lead and a very supportive supervisor.

Now I can encourage and support others at my company as well as those who are job hunting.

What a privilege.

A Lamp for My Feet

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. — Psalm 119:105

Today we had a beautiful memorial service for our former pastor, Paul Pulliam.

Lots of friends and family members came to pay tribute to Paul and his wife Ruth.

We were blessed to know him and to have him as a mentor and friend.

Paul's life was a light on our path.

He had a beautiful way of conducting memorial services that glorified God and shared the Gospel with the people who came to the service.

His life celebrated God's Word.

We are thankful.

Free People

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.
— 1 Peter 2:16

God calls us to himself.

When we follow Jesus as our Savior, He frees us from sin.

So God tells us to live as free people.

But that does not mean that we use that freedom simply to cover up evil.

Instead, we are slaves to God, following His will in our lives.

Here we are, celebrating Thanksgiving together as a family several years ago.

We are thankful to God for the freedom He has given us.

Be Confident

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. — 1 John 2:28

Today Abby's phone died while she was at work.

Mine dies every day or two also.

They are getting old and do not work as well as they did three years ago.

I keep an extra cord with me to charge it at work or in the car.

Of course, our phones are made by humans, who are flawed, so the phones are not perfect either.

But we are fortunate that we do not need a phone or anything to be able to talk to God in prayer.

Our communication line will never die out or fade.

He always listens and even knows our thoughts before we utter them.

How wonderful is that.

When we continue in God, we can be confident before Him at His coming!

Doing Good for Others

It is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
— 1 Peter 2:15

I have many friends who do good for others.

Some help out at our Ladle Fellowship, providing food, mentorship, and companionship to our homeless friends.

Others visit the elderly and give rides to those who can no longer drive.

Some volunteer at City Tree School, reading with children and helping them improve their skills.

Others give time to help out at local museums.

And some give their money to our church, to missionaries around the world, and to organizations such as Compassion International, World Vision, and International Justice Mission.

Others travel to other countries to tell people about Jesus.

All of them do wonderful things to further the kingdom of God.

What a blessing they are!

Continue in Him

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. — 1 John 2:28

Last night we prayed over our pastor, Jerry Andrews, our senior pastor.

Our pastor Jeff did a wonderful job leading us, anointing him with oil, and praying over him.

We asked God for healing, pleading with Him to take away the cancer in Jerry's body.

We also asked Him to forgive us for our unfaithfulness. 

We praised God for caring for us and providing Jerry and his wife Lois to lead our congregation.

God has blessed us with Jerry and Lois and our church family.

We are grateful.

God's Will

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. — 1 John 2:17

Monday I hiked up Barker Way to the top of Cowles Mountain.

This was the first time I had gone up Cowles in almost a year.

It was wonderful to see God's creation.

Lake Murray shone through the morning fog.

What a beautiful day for a hike.

I also had a chance to pray for our pastor, Jerry.

Tuesday night we will be praying over him, anointing him with oil, and pleading with God for healing.

Kirk and I will be there along with the other elders of our church.

We put our faith in God our healer, the Great Physician.

He has the power to do miracles and to rid Jerry's body of the cancer.

Whatever the outcome, we can say, "blessed be the name of the Lord."

God Comes Near to Us

Come near to God and he will come near to you. — James 4:8

Our neighbors have now moved into their new home, and their kids have been working to put on a new roof, paint the rooms, and move out the furniture.

Today they held a garage sale to sell the remaining furniture.

They also put up the "Coming Soon" sign on the house sale. 

And the realtor stopped by to hand out the flyer showing their beautiful pool.

Lots of people stopped by for the garage sale.

Their kids have been hard at work to get the home ready to show.

They stopped by briefly and we had a chance to reminisce and let them know how much we love their parents and what wonderful neighbors they have been.

We miss them already.

But we know they are in a wonderful new home, and they will make friends with the others there.

They will also be able to welcome in their new neighbors as more people move in to the complex.

Prayers for All People

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. – 1 Timothy 2:1

Here are some more beautiful flowers I received on my birthday.

These are from my wonderful content team coworkers.

Together we provide the digital and marketing content for our website pages, emails, blog articles, print and digital ads, web banners, enrollment screens, mobile app, videos, and bill pay — all things content for the bank where we work.

Since I was working at home, they had the flowers sent there, and I was greeted by the delivery guy that afternoon.

Now they are gracing my table where I can enjoy them throughout the day.

God asks me to pray for all people, and I pray for my coworkers and my company, that we can all glorify Him with our actions.

They have filled my day with joy!

Beautiful Birthday Roses

Live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. — 1 Timothy 2:2

Beautiful birthday flowers from my sweet husband.

Of course, they arrived at work on the one day I decided to work at home this week!

But my thoughtful coworkers took pictures for me and even carried them up to my desk.

I was able to enjoy them in person the next day when I returned to the office.

Such a gorgeous and aroma-filled gift.

And my coworkers took me out to lunch to celebrate.

I am blessed to have such caring family members and friends.

His Good Pleasure

He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. — Ephesians 1:9-10

Today is the first day of our church Holiday Market.

The annual holiday market and craft fair benefits the Women’s Ministries of FPC .

This includes things such as retreat scholarships, hospitality equipment for receptions, memorial services, etc., as well as the San Diego Rescue Mission Women’s and Children’s Program.

The Market will have vendors from Haiti Reads (literacy program), Catholic Charities Women’s Support through the Tomorrow Project, and Growing Liberia’s Children, supporting St. Paul’s Presbyterian School in Gardnersville, Liberia.

God has provided us with wonderful vendors and with generous donors.

It is a fun time of fellowship and good food.

God Will Lift You Up

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. — James 4:10

God lifts me up daily.

He gives me the strength to keep going.

And He gives me the wisdom to say encouraging words when I don't have the words to say.

He continues to bless me and our family in so many ways.

Here is Kirk with our friend Rudy at Thanksgiving five years ago.

Rudy is also a cancer survivor and is doing really well after his radiation treatment.

He continues to grow stronger and get his appetite and his strength back more each week.

Very similar to me. 

On this day of my birthday, I am very grateful.

God has blessed us!

Come Near to God

Come near to God and he will come near to you. — James 4:8

God longs to come near to me.

Often I keep Him at arm's length with my words and my actions.

Even so, he reaches out to me and encourages me to come near to Him.

As we approach Thanksgiving, here is a photo of Kelly, Mary and Kirk five years ago on Thanksgiving day.

We are thankful for family members and our extended family and friends who celebrate with us.

Established by God

There is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.— Romans 13:1

God has established His authority on earth and in heaven.

He has also established all authority on earth.

It is hard to pray for those in authority when I don't agree with them.

But God calls us to pray for our leaders, even those we disagree with.

This beautiful plant was a gift from Mary Jo for our 35th wedding anniversary.

God created this flowering plant and He created us to enjoy them.

Declare God's Praises

That you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. —
1 Peter 2:9

God has called us out of darkness into the light of His glory.

He has called us to be one with Him through His Son, Jesus.

We can declare His praise for leading us out of the darkness.

And for leading us into His wonderful light.

God's Special Possession

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. — 1 Peter 2:9

God has chosen us as His holy nation.

We are a royal priesthood.

We are a chosen people,

And God's special possession.

He created the mountains and hills, the oceans and rivers for our pleasure.

He Has Called Us

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. — Ephesians 1:18

On Halloween our office had a party, potluck, costume party, and an all around fun time.

Here I am with one of my coworkers, hamming it up as "content witches," brewing up a batch of creative writing.

We have a great team of people and a fun time together.

God has called me to this place for this time.

I pray that my eyes would be enlightened and that all of us would know the hope to which God has called us.

He gives us a rich inheritance.

I am thankful.

Children of God

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. — Galatians 3:26-27

I am a child of God in Christ Jesus.

Through faith, we believe this to be a true statement.

My family and I were baptized into Christ.

We have clothed ourselves with Jesus.

Even so, we have to take up the armor of God and clothe ourselves anew each day.

To know what God's will is for me, I need to read His Scripture, which is the sword of the Spirit.

When I do, God helps direct me throughout the day.

His Spirit guides me and keeps me on the right path.

What a comforting way to start off the new month.

Here is a mug warmer that Mary made.

She quilted one for us with a Christmas theme.

I can hardly wait to use it!