The Lord Is One

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. — Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Today I had another exercise class at the YMCA.

I got to use the Octane bike for cardio for the first 20 minutes.

Then I tried the leg lift machine and the glutes machine for the next 20 minutes.

I love learning about all of the equipment and how to use it for the best workout.

Very fun!

God is one. He calls me to love Him with all of my heart, soul, and strength.

The Spirit Gives Life

But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. — Romans 8:10

Tonight I join my friends at book club briefly after work.

Then I head on to choir rehearsal.

We've been reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.

It was a fairly fast read, and I enjoyed it.

I got started on another book after that one, Island of the Blue Dolphins.

I'm about a third of the way through that one.

It's also an easy and interesting read.

And of course, I'm reading God's Word, the Bible.

In my Bible study, we're reading through Genesis.

In my daily readings, I'm in Exodus, reading about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea.

Even though my body is subject to death because of sin, the Holy Spirit gives life because of righteousness through Jesus.

The Israelites crossed through the waters and came through on the other side even while Pharoah's army died in the Red Sea.

Noah came through the waters of the flood even while the other people of his day died in the flood.

I have come through the waters of baptism and have been made alive in Christ!

Thanks Be to God

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! – Romans 7:25

Today I went to the Y on my lunch hour, and they showed us around the various cardio machines.

I wore my compression sleeve, just in case I decided to try anything that would put pressure on my left arm. 

We checked out the bikes, rowing machines, treadmill, eliptical, and more.

They even have two Pelaton bikes that you can sign up to ride in 30-minute intervals.

I chose the treadmill, and walked about a mile in the 20 minutes we had today.

Each time we'll be introduced to new machines or equipment or get to try a class.

Very fun, and will give me some ideas for working out on my own when the class ends.

I go again on Friday.

Thanks be to God who is healing me, body and soul.

Living a New Life

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. — Romans 6:4

When Noah and his family went through the flood, they were given a new life when they came off the ark.

When we went through the water of baptism, we were also given a new life in Christ.

When Christ died and came alive again, He paid the price of death for our sins.

Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of God the Father, we too, were given a new life.

And we also look to the resurrection of the body and life everlasting with God and Jesus.

Going through treatment for cancer, I have been given a new life.

God sent his rainbow after the flood as a promise that He would never flood the whole world again.

I thank God that He always keeps His promises?

We Boast in God

We also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. — Romans 5:11

I am reconciled to God through Jesus.

Because Jesus died in my place and took my sins on himself, I have received reconciliation.

Not because of anything I did on my own.

Only in God can I boast.

He has shown me mercy and love. 

Sunday Abby came home from Forest Home Camp, driving a minivan of middle school girls.

She was hoping they would sleep, but of course they were too excited to sleep.

One did fall asleep during the car ride, but the rest were chatting all the way home.

They had a wonderful speaker, awesome music, and lots of fun.

We are praising God for working in their lives.

Christ Died for Us

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8

Today Abby is up at Forest Home Christian Conference Center with our middle school youth as one of their counselors.

She has a room that looks like one from a hotel. They even provided the towels.

Kirk and I told her — that's our kind of camping!

The middle schoolers love having her as their counselor.

She is lots of fun, but also points them toward Jesus.

This afternoon she will be driving the students back from Forest Falls.

Everyone will be worn out and will rest well tonight.

We are thankful for wonderful get-aways and a chance to be renewed and get closer to God.
 

Whatever Is Praiseworthy

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. — Philippians 4:8

First Pres. youth at Forest Home Camp several years ago

This afternoon we had a Christian Education meeting at church.

Only three of us were able to attend, but we accomplished quite a bit.

Afterward, our Christian Ed. Director offered to support me more as I coordinate the high school and middle school Sunday school lessons, find teachers, choose the curriculum, and encourage the older youth to lead in teaching occasionally.

Peggy and I are planning to meet every month or two to touch base, pray for the students, and support each other.

We set a date to get together.

I am grateful and blessed.

Asking God for Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. — James 1:5

God gives us wisdom in His Word.

Scripture gives us game plan for life.

But I don't always spend as much time in the Word as I would like to.

Other things get in the way and provide distractions.

When I do read the Bible, I am more equipped for the day.

When I talk to God in prayer, I am better prepared for whatever comes my way.

God gives generously to me without finding fault.

In the areas where I lack wisdom, God provides!

The Hand of the Lord

I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together,  so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this. — Isaiah 41:19-20

San Diego is a desert, a wasteland.

Even so, God has provided us with trees and plants.

He has created springs of water.

And has provided the sun by day and the moon by night.

He has surrounded us with His beautiful creation.

And He has commanded us to care for it.

The hand of the Lord has done this.

So that people may see and know, may consider and understand.

God is awesome. He is creator. He loves us.

You Will Rejoice

You will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. — Isaiah 41:16

God is great.

I will rejoice in Him.

He has created the seas and all that live in them.

He is mighty and forgiving.

His mercy is beyond measure.

I will give Him glory and honor and praise. 

He watches over me night and day.

His is the Holy One of Israel.

God Will Help Us

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. — Isaiah 41:13

It's the start of a very short week, and it's Tuesday!

We were blessed to have a three-day weekend to help Abby recover from her illness.

And to give us a chance to sell some furniture and clear out our garage.

We can now fit both of our cars in the garage again.

We sold this bed and headboard along with the matching dressers so we could transform this room from a bedroom.

And we now have a nice study (or we will once I unpack my boxes of curriculum and art supplies).

Our house is feeling like a home again.

We are thankful.

God Will Strengthen Us

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10

Yesterday at church, my brother Steve quoted this verse from Isaiah.

Very timely.

Today Abby is still sick.

Kirk and I were up most of the night checking on her.

Her stomach and ribs are sore and she is worn out.

All of us are exhausted.

Even so, we are not dismayed or discourage.

God is watching over us with His strong right arm.

We know that He will strengthen us and help us.

He will uphold us with His righteous right hand.

He is the Great Physician and will heal Abby completely.

We are grateful.

God Called Us

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. — Isaiah 41:9

God took me from the depths of despair and darkness.

He called me by name.

And brought me into the light of His grace.

He has chosen me to be His servant.

I am not rejected by Him, even when I fail Him.

Today Abby is sick, and she feels miserable.

Kirk and I are sad that we cannot take away her pain and sickness.

With rest she will feel better soon, but she has not been able to sleep.

We call out to God for healing and restoration.

We Do See Jesus

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. — Hebrews 2:9

Jesus was made human — lower than the angels, but just for a little while.

He is also fully God and sits and right hand of His Father, God.

Jesus is crowned with glory and honor.

He suffered death but came alive again on the third day.

By the grace of God, He died for me and for everyone, before we even knew him.

Now we see Jesus.

He guides us through the day-to-day events of our lives.

God Is Faithful

God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Tomorrow we will hold a garage sale to sell some of Kirk's dad's things.

He had given us his mom's dressers and bed, which we used in our guest room.

But since we don't have that many overnight visitors, we are turning that room into a study.

Instead of the bed and dressers, we will now have a couch, our sliding rocker, and a couple of tables.

It will be a place where I can read my Bible while the rest of the family is watching TV.

When people come to visit, we will get out the air mattresses.

God is faithful.

He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear.

And when I am tempted, he will also provide a way out.

With God's help, I can endure temptation and flee from it!

Jesus Sustains All Things

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. —Hebrews 1:3

God is our Creator and our Father.

Jesus shows us God's glory.

He is the exact representation of God.

Jesus was there at the beginning of the world.

The Holy Spirit hovered over the Waters.

Jesus sustains all things by His powerful Word. 

All of creation shows the power of God.

God's Everlasting Kindness

"With everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer. — Isaiah 54:8

God is our creator.

He cares for us.

He is compassionate and kind toward us.

And He continues to forgive me when I confess my sin.

He is my Lord and my redeemer.

His kindness and love are everlasting.

Praise God!

Loving Our Brothers and Sisters

He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. —
1 John 4:21

It is not always easy to love our brothers and sisters.

But God commands us to do just that, if we love Him.

Because God first loved us, we are called to love others.

Even when it's hard; even when we aren't sure how to be pleasant and nice.

But with God's help, we can love others, even when they are not very lovable.

God has commanded us: if we love God, we must also love our brothers and sisters.

The Lord Is on My Side

With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me? — Psalm 118:6

Last week I met with an instructor at the YMCA.

They offer a fitness class for cancer patients, with your doctor's approval.

So I will start going there at the end of the month, twice a week on my lunch hour.

They will help me find exercises that will not cause lymphadema.

The class is limited to 12 of us so the instructor can help us individually.

The exercises will range from yoga, using their machines, swimming, and aerobics.

I'm looking forward to starting!

I have been jumping rope, lifting weights, and walking 3-4 miles fairly regularly.

My breath support has really improved since the chemo ended.

And I have my energy back, which is wonderful. Praise God.

All of the prayers of my friends, neighbors, classmates and family members have been heard.

God has sustained me through this journey.

He now uses me to encourage others who have family members or friends with cancer.

The Lord Answered Me

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. — Psalm 118:5

When I am in distress, I sometimes forget to call on God.

I try everything else first.

Then, almost as a last resort, I ask for God's help and guidance.

What's wrong with this picture?

God always answers me.

He sets me free from my worry and doubt.

So why can't I remember to call on Him first?

Heal me Lord, help my unbelief.

The Spirit of Truth

When the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me  and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning. — John 15:26-27


Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us from his Father.

The Spirit of Truth.

The Counselor.

Who bears witness to Jesus.

And who comforts and convicts us when we are going through hard times or temptations.

When we accept Jesus as our savior, we receive the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. 

We are witnesses of the grace of Jesus and the love of God and the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Abide in God's Love

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. — John 15:9

God has loved us with an everlasting love.

Jesus loved us enough to die for us, even before we said we were sorry.

To abide in His love is to read His Word.

And worship Him.

And talk with Him in prayer.

God loves us and sent His Son to die for us.

We are loved. We are blessed.

Love Good

Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice. — Amos 5:15

God calls us to hate evil.

And to love good.

As sinful creatures, that is not always easy.

He also commands us to establish justice.

That is easy for those we care about.

It's more difficult to establish justice with these we don't respect.

But even when people treat us badly, we are commanded to be just and love good.

Thankfully, God can help us to do just that.

Seek Good, Not Evil

Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. — Amos 5:14

God commands us to go after good, and not evil.

This is not always easy.

I have to rely on God to lead me in the right and good path.

God is with me, I am confident of that.

But I often ignore Him instead of listening for His guidance.

Help me, Lord, to go after good so that I may live.

Direct me in your paths so I will draw closer to you and you will be with me throughout each moment of each day.

Beloved Children

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 5:1-2

It is not always easy to walk in love when we are around people who are mean or rude or disrespectful.

We are beloved children of God.

Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.

He is a fragrant offering and a pleasing sacrifice for us.

He is a sacrifice to God.

We are blessed.

Worship God, the Creator

Worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of water. — Revelation 14:7

God created the heavens,

the earth,

the sea,

people, animals, birds, fish,

plants and trees,

fountains of water.

We are thankful for beautiful days when we see butterflies flying around our Cassia Gold tree.

And the for the sun shining down on us, giving us vitamin D.

Yesterday I hiked down Mission Trails with some friends before church. 

It was really cold when we started, but it was also a beautiful morning.

Praise be to the Lord!

Sing a New Song

I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpers playing on their harps, and they sing a new song before the throne. — Revelation 14:2-3

Saturday our choir came over to our house for a potluck.

The sun was out, and the day was gorgeous. 

We left our tree up for one last party.

The choir members brought amazingly tasty food.

And we had a fun time of fellowship.

Between 30 and 40 people squeezed into our home.

After we ate, we had a chance to sing together, practicing our songs for next week's church service.

Kirk turned on the firepit, and some sat around it, enjoying the beautiful flames. 

We sang praises to God.

One day we will sing before him in heaven.

The harpers play on their harps and sing a new song before God's throne.

Love Kindness

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  — Micah 6:8

 

God has shown us what is good.

 

He is perfect and good Himself.

He does not ask us to give Him sacrifices or offerings.

Rather, He asks us to do justice.

To love kindness.

To walk humbly with God.

God's Grace Has Appeared

For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world. — Titus 2:11-12

I am thankful for God's grace in my life.

And for Jesus, His son, who died for my salvation.

We are surrounded by wonderful Christian friends and family who help guide us in our walk with Him.

On New Years Eve we celebrated with some of them.

I am overwhelmed with blessings.

The Knowledge of God

The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. — Isaiah 11:9

Happy New Year!

As we begin a new year, I am reminded of God's love for us.

He created the heavens and the earth.

And He created me and my family.

I have no doubt about the fact that God is our creator.

The earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord.

Just as the waters cover the sea.

The Peaceful Kingdom

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. — Isaiah 11:6

In this new year of 2020, we are thanking God for His promises.

We look forward to the time when God's peaceable kingdom will come to fruition.

The wolf will dwell with the lamb.

The leopard will lie down with the kid.

The calf, the lion and the fatling together.

And a little child will lead them.

While people often are unable to keep their promises, God always keeps His promises.

He never failed me yet.

Thank you, Lord, for the new year!