The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. — Isaiah 11:1-2

Jesus has come to us from the stump of Jesse.

A branch has grown out of his roots.

During this Christmas season, we thank God for sending Jesus.

The Spirit of the Lord has rested upon Jesus.

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.

The Spirit of counsel and might.

The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

As we finish another year, Lord, help me to be filled with your Spirit,

With your wisdom and understanding,

With your knowledge.

Fill me with your Spirit and help me to do your will each day.

We Have Seen a Great Light

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. — Isaiah 9:2

I was walking in the darkness of sin.

But Jesus has provided His light to shine on me.

A great light has shined around us.

His light has broken the darkness of sin.

He has saved me from the power of sin.

Now I walk in His light.

His light now shines through my life.

Remembering Pat

Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. — John 14:1-3

Saturday we went to a memorial service for our friend Pat.

She was the ultimate prayer warrior.

No matter the concern, Pat would be willing to pray.

In fact, she would call people and offer to pray for whatever they needed.

She would also write me notes of thanks to let me know how much she appreciated my singing when I would sing for our church services.

She would pray aloud during the prayer times at our services.

And she would pray whenever a group of us would gather and someone would express a need or concern.

We miss her already.

She showed us the love of Jesus through her own life.

Bless the Lord

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. — Psalm 103:1-2

Here is the beautiful poinsettia that Kirk and Abby got for me this Christmas.

It actually appears to be lots of plants in one pot.

It's huge!

I often forget to bless the Lord.

I do forget His benefits.

Or at least I forget to thank Him for them.

Help, me Lord, to bless you with my entire soul, with all that is within me.

Help me to bless your holy name each day.

Prompt me daily so I do not forget all your benefits.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Call Him Immanuel

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and^[ will call him Immanuel. — Isaiah 7:14

Merry Christmas!

Jesus our Savior is born.

He has come to give us peace on earth.

And to give us eternal life.

Immanuel means "God with us."

Jesus is here with us today.

He is alive.

We are celebrating!

To Us a Son Is Born

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6

Yesterday we celebrated the birth of Jesus.

Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting father,

Prince of Peace.

We had potato soup after the Christmas Eve service, made by Liz. Delicious.

We used my grandmother's tablecloth and the tree that Abby and I made together at our church craft night years ago.

A Savior Has Been Born

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” — Luke 2:11-12

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior.

He is Messiah, the Lord.

Jesus is our Savior and came to bring us peace.

Born as a baby in Bethlehem, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

We will sing as the heavenly host did on that first Christmas, "Glory to God in the highest heaven."

On earth, peace to those of good will.

We celebrate His birthday.

Pray on All Occasions

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. — Ephesians 6:18

We are praying for healing from cancer for our pastor, Jerry.

Today we heard that our friend Chela has a pain in her arm.

Her doctor gave her medicine and asked her to return if it's not better in 8-10 days.

We are praying for healing for her, too.

And we are praying for healing for another friend who has a very dry throat that nothing seems to help.

We are continually praying for our friends and family members.

God hears all kinds of prayers and requests from us, and He answers them.

Knowing this, we can keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

Time for a Baby

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. — Luke 2:6

Today we celebrated Christmas during our worship service.

We also celebrated communion.

Tuesday we'll worship once again on Christmas Eve.

And next Sunday we'll sing lots of Chrsitmas carols.

We are thankful for the birth of Jesus and for His death and resurrection to save us from our sins.

God's Grace Poured Out on Me

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. — I Timothy 1:14

God has poured out His grace on me and I am thankful.

He has blessed me abundantly.

He has covered me with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

This cat has been walking through our backyard for years.

He enjoys jumping on the lizards that live in the red apple on our back bank.

And he like to bask in the sun on our back retaining wall or on our front wall.

This morning it was just 55º, but he was happy to jump up on the wall and relax.

I can relax knowing that God cares for me.

He sent Jesus to earth for me.

I can bask in the glow of Christmas for that reason.

The Goal Is Love

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. — 1 Timothy 1:5

God tells us that love comes from a pure heart,

A good conscience,

And a sincere faith.

At times it's hard to show love to others.

Especially when they are unkind or unloving.

But God's love is not conditional.

He does not ask us to wait until people are considerate of us.

He commands us to love them first, just as He loved us.

We love, because He first loved us.

Strong in the Lord

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. — Ephesians 6:10

I have had many people praying for me over the last year.

Those prayers have given me strength.

And God has provided healing for my cancer.

I am not strong in and of myself.

But in the Lord and His mighty power, I have strength to get through this.

Thanks to all of my friends, family and neighbors who have been lifting me up in prayer.

I am grateful.

 

 

Music From Your Heart

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Ephesians 5:19-20

Sunday was our First Pres. San Diego Christmas by Candlelight concert.

We sang along with the Kings Brass group.

They are amazing musicians.

What a great sound to sing carols with such skillful brass accompaniment.

They played from our church balconies, antiphonally.

It was bittersweet because it was also our final time to sing with our current conductor, Ed Basilio. 

He is pictured conducting us in this photo from 2016.

He and his wife have moved to Reno Nevada, where Becky's mom lives, and we will miss them.

His wife, Becky, was our soprano section leader and filled in as conductor while Ed was recovering from surgery. 

She is an excellent conductor, too.

Our organist, Rodney, will fill in as our interim choral conductor while continuing to be our organist.

God has provided for our church family.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. — Ephesians 5:15

Today I am working at home and getting a lot done without constant interruptions and meetings.

I'm taking a quick lunch break to type this post before getting back to the work computer.

God has provided another beautiful day.

Tonight I will gather with friends to celebrate a friend's 65th birthday.

We will have a fun time over dinner with the girls, catching up and relaxing together.

Tomorrow City Tree School has their annual CHristmas program in our church sanctuary.

I'll join Abby for dinner afterward — they're serving lasagna — before choir rehearsal begins.

Kirk and I went out to dinner together on Monday after my doctor appointment.

She said I'm doing great. No residual signs of radiation.

Other than calcium and a multi-vitamin, I'm only on one medication, an Estrogen inhibitor.

And she signed an authorization form so I can join the LiveStrong program at the YMCA in January.

God continues to bless me. I am grateful.

His Power At Work Within Us

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! Amen. — Ephesians 2:20-21

God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.

God's power is at work within us.

To God be glory in the church.

And to God be glory in Christ Jesus

God is with us throughout all generations.

To God be the glory for ever and ever.

So be it! Amen.

Dearly Loved Children

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 5:1

Sunday my friend Mari made me some delicious emapañadas.

She also gave me some holiday coffee made by a pastor friend of hers as a fundraiser.

What a wonderful combination.

Mari and her husband walk in the way of love and bless me with their friendship.

My friend Mariley does the same.

We met for lunch last week.

She has been praying for me since I was first diagnosed with cancer.

And she has been supporting me and encouraging me along my journey.

Even sharing her personal story with me and how she has overcome cancer herself.

These friends walk in the way of love, showering me with their blessings and care.

As dearly loved children, God also showers us with His love.

Even giving himself up for us.

Christ loves us and offered himself for our sakes. Wow!

The God of Hope

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

God gives us the hope we have.

He also gives us peace.

As I trust in Him, I don't stress over the small things in life.

When things don't go my way, I put them in God's hands rather than worrying about the outcome.

God's Holy Spirit fills me with His power so that I can overcome even the worst things that come my way.

I can't do it on my own. 

But with the Holy Spirit, God helps me get through those times that I otherwise would not have been able to handle.

Sunday I sang "Laudamus Te" and "Dominus Deus" in the Vivaldi "Gloria" for our church Christmas concert.

I am thankful that I can sing praises to God.

Monday I visit my radiation doctor for a follow-up visit.

God has filled me with joy and peace.

Accept One Another

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. — Romans 15:7

Christ accepted me into His family.

He died for me even while I was deep in my sin, before I even knew Him.

He accepted me in order to bring praise to God.

I am thankful.

Here is the Christmas sweater cookie that Abby designed.

Beautiful.

Celebrating Christ's birth.

Build Up Others

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. — Romans 15:2

Tonight we host the middle school group of about 15 for the dessert portion of their progressive dinner.

They will have an ugly sweater contest, so we will decorate ugly sweater cookies.

And roast marshmallows for s'mores.

At times it's hard for middle schoolers to build up their neighbors.

They often tear each other down, instead.

This will be good practice for them to be polite, use their manners, and interact with others in a positive way.

We will sign thank-you cards for the parents who are hosting the other parts of the dinner.

And we will especially remember the birth of Lord Jesus at this Christmas season.

We will listen to Christmas carols celebrating His birth and life.

Each of us should please our neighbors, to build them up!

Our Ruler and Shepherd

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. — Matthew 2:6

It's Friday the 13th, but what a beautiful way to begin the day and end the week.

Here's our Crape Myrtle tree, changing colors.

One of the few signs of autumn in San Diego.

And, of course, it's winter!

But we're a bit behind.

The people of Bethlehem had no idea that Jesus, our ruler and shepherd would come out of that town.

As we move toward Christmas, we also celebrate God's creation.

Thank, You, Lord!

God Sent His Son

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. — Galatians 4:4-5

My brothers are adopted.

They came to our house right after they were born, and my sister and I had the pleasure of babysitting them, feeding them, changing them, etc.

Now they are grown men, still part of our family.

Here's Tim with his jag.

God has adopted me into His family.

Jesus was born and died to redeem me.

The law convicts me of my sin, and Jesus paid the price for my sin by dying on the cross.

He came alive again and now sits at the right hand of God the Father.

He redeems me - one under the law so I can be adopted into His family.

The New Creation Has Come

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Now that we are in Christ, we are a new creation.

Our old lives have gone.

The new life in Christ has come.

God has given us His Holy Spirit to breathe new life in us.

As a result, we no longer need to take out our frustrations on each other.

We can live as God's servants.

And as ambassadors for Jesus.

A new day is breaking.

The old has gone; the new is here!

Grace and Peace to You

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. — Romans 1:7

The other day a friend and I went for a walk at Mission Trails.

We went down past the dam and back.

The fog was rolling out and the sun began to come up, showing the rock of the hills and mountains around us.

Another reminder of God's creation and His love for us.

We took a dog who got really excited to be outside.

It was a heavy mist, so our hair got wet, and it was rather cold at first.

But the walk helped us warm up and so did our conversation.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father!

Anointed by God

He anointed us,  set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. — 2 Corinthians 1:22

God has anointed us by his Spirit.

He has set  his seal of ownership o n  us.

God has put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit.

God loves us and has given us his Son, Lord Jesus.

At this time of year, we celebrate His birth.

And we remember His death for us.

Praise Be to God

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. — 2 Corinthians 1:3

Praise be to God!

Today our pastor did the children's sermon and also served communion.

What a blessing that he was feeling well enough to do  that.

God is the Lord of all comfort.

We are thankful.

Jesus, the Life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. — John 11:25

During this advent season, we await the coming of Jesus. Advent means coming.

But we are also reminded that He gave His life for us on the cross.

And He rose again and now lives in heaven with His Father, God.

Jesus is the resurrection.

He is alive, and we, too, can have eternal life, thanks to  His sacrifice.

When we believe in Him, we will live even though we die.

What a wonderful message that is to hear.

Treasure in Jars of Clay

We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. — 2 Corinthians 4:7

God has formed  us just a potter forms a jar from clay.

We have the treasure of salvation in our bodies, jars of clay.

This power is all-surpassing.

It is a gift from God.

It is not from us nor from anything we do.

We are struck down but not destroyed.

We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed.

Thanks be to God!

Our Competence Comes from God

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. — 2 Corinthians 3:5

I am not competent in myself to claim anything for myself.

My competence comes from God.

On Sunday I sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" for our worship service.

You can watch it on LiveStream about 59:35 minutes into the service:
https://livestream.com/FPCSD/events/8914821/videos/199466636

Our new pastor was preaching a sermon about Tamar and Judah, but he told me the theme was God's care.

When he mentioned that, I immediately thought of this song, which ends with "I know He watches me."

During the sermon I was doubting the choice, thinking "Because He Lives" might have been more appropriate.

I asked God to communicate the song's message through my singing.

I realize I'm not competent on my own.

God helped me communicate His message through the song, and our pastor Jeff mentioned how perfectly it fit with his sermon.

That was definitely a God thing.

He can use me as He sees fit. My competence comes from God.

He is worthy of our praise!

Each One Is Part of the Body of Christ

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. — 1 Corinthians 12:27

We are each part of the body of Christ.

He has baptized us into His family and has filled us with the Holy Spirit.

On Friday we will celebrate the life of Tina Thompson.

She was part of our church family and served as pastor and in other roles at several churches.

She served at Ladle Fellowship and on the session of our church over the years.

Her smile was infectious.

Here is a photo of our street choir, some of whom are also Ladle guests.

We are each part of the body of Christ.

 

 

Jesus, the Bread of Life

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. — John 6:35

Last night we watched some of Ben Hur before we went to sleep.

One of the people in the film was a wise man who visited Jesus when he was born and was now trying to find him, 30 years later.

During this Christmas season, we are thanking God for sending Jesus.

We rely on Him as our bread of life.

He has given us strength to continue when can't do it on our own.

And He has healed me from cancer.

Whoever comes to Him will never go hungry and will never thirst.

Rejoicing in His promises.

God's Consolation Brings Joy

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. — Psalm 94:19 

When I get worried or anxious, God comforts me.

The diagnosis of cancer was shocking, and I was anxious.

When Kirk's dad died and things took longer to resolve than expected, I grew anxious and worried.

But God reminded me that the length of time I would take to resolve didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things.

He reminded me that He was still in control in both situations.

And He guided our family as we pushed ahead to continue to get things done for Him.

God's consolation has brought me joy.

Our Christmas tree reminds us of His great love for us. 

Sending His Son, Jesus, to take on our sins was the greatest sacrifice.

Even in the midst of uncertainly and anxiety, God remains our rock.

Praying for You

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. — 2 Thessalonians 1:11

In Scripture, Paul reminds me to pray continually.

I ask God to help me do that more and more.

I also try to pray regularly for my friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, and people I encounter during the day.

Our pastor Jerry needs healing. So do many others.

My coworkers need encouragement.

The Rogers family needs comfort in the loss of Gary.

And when we remember our times with him, we think of Rita, too.

My sister-in-law Miki needs comfort and healing in the loss of her mom and dad.

My friend Dave lost his dad this year.

So did the Pulliam and McSwain families and many others.

Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers and answering them.

Give us wisdom, fill us with your power that you may fulfill every good purpose of yours through us.

In Jesus's name we pray, Amen.