I Call on the Lord

I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.  — Psalm 120:1

God knows what I need before I even ask.

Still, when I call on Him, He answers me.

He doesn't always answer in the way I expect.

But He sees the big picture and knows what's best for me.

I call on Him in my distress.

He answers me when I cry to him.

He loves me!

Faith in the Name of Jesus

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. — Acts 3:16

We have faith in the name of Jesus.

He made people strong.

He healed many.

He raised the dead back to life.

He healed me of my cancer.

And he healed my brother of his cancer, too.

We are thankful.

Love with Actions

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. — 1 John 3:18

This is another photo of my view from the top of Cowles Mountain on Saturday.

You can see the storm clouds starting to form in the distance.

The hike up and down was beautiful.

And the rain wasn't bad either.

Let us love with actions and in truth.

Words and speech are much easier than actions.

Especially when I'm not feeling very loving.

The Kindness of God

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. — Romans 14:16

Saturday when I decided to walk up Cowles Mountain, I saw a rainbow on my walk home.

It faded so quickly that I didn't have time to get out my phone to take a picture.

But it reminded me of God's promises to me and my family and the whole world.

God's kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy.

His kingdom is in the Holy Spirit.

Everything in all creation reminds me of God.

Every Knee Will Bow

‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ — Romans 14:11

Sunday's sermon was about the demon-possessed man that Jesus healed.

The legion fell at Jesus' feet and begged him not to send them into the Abyss.

After the man was healed, he knelt at Jesus' feet and wanted to go with Him wherever He went. 

Each of us will bow at Jesus' feet.

And every tongue will acknowledge God one day.

I choose to acknowledge Him now.

Lord, help my unbelief.

Accept Others

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. — Romans 14:1

God calls us to accept others, whether their faith is weak or strong.

There is no need to quarrel over disputable matters.

But at times we turn insignificant differences into insurmountable obstacles.

Here is my exercise class at the YMCA.

Friday we tried restorative Yoga.

It was a good way to limber up before my hike up Cowles Mountain yesterday.

Help me, Lord, to accept others, just as you do.

Thank you for this diverse world you have created.

To God Be Glory

For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. — Romans 11:36

Today I hiked up to the top of Cowles Mountain.

It was a beautiful morning.

I walked from my house since I thought the car traffic might be heavy, but it was actually light.

Here's the view I had at the top of the mountain.

When I got down, I started walking home and saw a rainbow. 

When I reached Tuxedo Park, it started to rain. Then it started to become a downpour.

By the time I got home, I was soaked.

But it was still a great hike.

From God come all things. To him be the glory forever!

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! — Romans 11:33

God's wisdom is deep and rich.

His knowledge is beyond our imagination.

His judgments are right and true.

God's paths are beyond anything we can imagine.

He is unsearchable.

He is our Creator and His wisdom is rich.

We are blessed.

The Ends of the World

Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. — Romans 10:18

Today was another gorgeous San Diego day.

Even so, it was not quite as warm as it was during our days in San Francisco.

We had expected that the weather might be a bit unpredictable, but it was sunny the entire time.

We were thankful for time to spend together.

And for time to connect with God and each other.

We started planning our next family trip.

In May we'll head up to Spokane for James' graduation from Whitworth University.

And in July we'll visit Palm Desert for a week with friends.

We are thankful.

Those Who Bring Good News

As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” — Romans 10:15

While in San Francisco, Abby and I walked a lighted labyrinth at Grace Cathedral.

We also visited Hillsong Church for a modern praise worship service.

When we got home, Kirk mentioned what a wonderful sermon Jerry had preached while we were gone.

Each of these worship styles is completely different from the other, but we are thankful for them all.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

The Gospel story transcends worship styles or buildings.

It is an amazing blessing to all who hear it and believe.

Faith Comes from Hearing

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. — Romans 10:17

We have heard the message from God's Word.

And we have seen God's love through our moms and the faith of our friends.

God has sent His Word to us through Scripture and song.

He has shown us His Word in His creation.

This weekend Abby and I walked up to Alamo Park to see the Painted Ladies of San Francisco.

We then walked over to Broderick Street to see the Full House home.

We picked the perfect day. Only two other couples pulled up to take pictures while we were there.

And the day was beautiful.

What a fun time.

Nothing Can Separate Us from God's Love

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Roman 8:38-39

This past weekend, Abby and I spent some time in San Francisco.

We rode the cable cars and did lots of walking (twice up Lombard Street).

The weather was beautiful.

We even got to walk the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral and praise God in worship at Hillsong Church.

God's creation drew us closer to Him and to each other on this trip.

As we rode the boat under the Golden Gate bridge and rode on the bus across it, we were reminded of God's creation and His love for us.

Desire to Do Good

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. — Romans 7:18

I have the desire to do what is good.

But I often do the opposite.

I want to spend more time in God's Word.

But I often run out of time by the end of the day.

I set aside time on Sunday, but other days seem to slip away.

Help me remember that You are the creator of my days.

Each of them belong to you.

They are just a gift to me as a loan.

Love One Another

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. — John 13:35

Monday was our niece Maggie's birthday.

She turned 26!

The same week as Valentine's Day.

Another reminder to love others.

God can love others through us, even when we are not able to love them on our own.

As His disciples, we are called to love others.

In fact, it is a command.

Help me to love others, Lord, as you love them.

A New Commandment — Love

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. — John 13:34

God loved me so much that He sent his only Son.

Now he asks me to love others.

It would be much easier if I could choose the ones I want to love.

But that's not what God asks of me.

The sun came out today even though it was a bit chilly.

But the sky was blue, and God granted us a beautiful day.

One more chance to love our enemies, just as He commands us.

God So Loved Us

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today my team at Axos Bank is celebrating one of our coworkers who is expecting his first baby.

We will decorate onesies and hold a surprise baby shower for him.

He and his wife are waiting to be surprised by whether they are having a girl or a boy.

They do not want to find out beforehand.

Kirk and I did the same with Abby.

What a wonderful surprise to discover we had a new baby girl!

Love Rejoices in the Truth

Love . . . rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. — I Corinthians 13:6-7

Yesterday was Kirk's birthday!

Abby and I rejoice in his love for our family.

We are blessed to have a wonderful Christian man for my husband and her dad.

Our love has endured many things.

Through it all, Kirk has rejoiced in the truth and has believed completely in God through His Son, Jesus.

This sensitive and caring guy has been an awesome and humbling example of God's love.

Abby and I have been able to lean on him for guidance and direction.

We surround him with our love and appreciation.

We are thankful to God.

Joy of the Lord

Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength. — Nehemiah 8:10

Kirk hit the slopes yesterday and ended up skiing about 7-8 hours!

It was a beautiful day in Mammoth.

I hit the gym for an hour yesterday and had a view of the ocean.

It was a gorgeous day in San Diego, too.

The joy of the Lord is our strength.

He keeps us going when we don't have the strength.

And He has upheld us during some trying times over the past year.

We are thankful.

Love Is Kind

Love suffers long and is kind; love envies not; love flaunts not itself and is not puffed up, does not behave itself improperly, seeks not its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil. — I Corinthians 14:4-5

Kirk and Brad are enjoying their time skiing at Mammoth Mt.

It is cold and windy, but they are hoping for a fun time on the slopes.

Kirk's love for our family is kind and loving.

He is not puffed up, but considerate and caring.

Our God is even more so.

My love for them should be the same.

Help me, Lord, to be kind, not puffed up. To think no evil and to not let myself be easily provoked.

Trust in the Lord

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. — Psalm 40:4

Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.

God is our God and there is no other.

He cares for us beyond anything we can ask or imagine.

Blessed is the one who trusts in Him.

Blessed are we who trust in God.

My Hope Is in You

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. — Psalm 39:7

Lord, what do I look for?

I look far and wide and yet find no one as magnificent as you, Lord.

No one who is omniscient. 

No one compares with You.

You are my right hand.

You guide my steps.

You have blessed me with my wonderful family.

My hope is in you.

I Wait for God

Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. — Psalm 38:15

This week Kirk's brother Kyle celebrated his birthday.

Next week our niece Maggie celebrates hers.

Maggie's is on the same as my mom's was.

Here she is with Becky - carrying Vicki, Aunt Judy, and her daughter Peggy.

Love this picture of the Turner/Drayer/Kunz gals.

When I wait for God, He answers me.

He is the Lord, my God.



 

Speak Wisdom

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. — Psalm 37:30

Sarah, Carol and Hadassa

I don't always speak wisdom.

In fact, I usually have to ask God to give me wisdom before I even open my mouth.

Otherwise, I'm likely to say something that I will regret later.

I am thankful for the times when the Holy Spirit convicts me that what I'm about to utter is not appropriate.

My mom used to say she had to bite her tongue until it was bloody.

I know exactly how she felt.

It's hard to keep silent when you have the perfect retort.

God is helping me to speak what is just instead of what my impulses tell me to say.

The Lord Upholds Me

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. — Psalm 37:23-24

This Psalm of David puts it so well: The Lord makes my steps firm.

I delight in God.

Even when I stumble, God holds me upright.

He does not let me fall.

He upholds me with His hand.

And he provides friends and family to hold me up, too.

He has held me up during this season of my cancer.

He has given me strength to move forward and not give up.

When I wasn't sure of the way, God kept me on the right path.

And even now, when I hesitate, He prods me on.

Be Still Before the Lord

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. — Psalm 37:7

I am not prone to being still.

I enjoy moving and getting up to take care of things while others sit around.

I'm also not always very patient, although I've gotten more so over the years.

God is still molding and shaping me.

Thankfully, He's not finished yet.

I still fret when people act in wicked ways.

But God is teaching me to rely on Him, not to fret, and to turn my worries over to Him.

Exercise helps me de-stress.

Today I had my class at the Y. This was my partial view.

We started with cardio and then tried some more of the leg machines, the adductor and abductor, leg press, leg lifts, and more.

I may be a bit stiff tomorrow, but it was fun today!

Take Delight in the Lord

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

When I stay in the Lord's will, he gives me even more than I could ask or imagine.

When I read God's Word, I can't help but delight in Him.

I love God's Word. 

It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. 

God's Word guides me through the paths of life.

He know my needs before I even ask. Thank you, Lord.

Grace to Help Us

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. — Hebrews 4:16

This week my brother will have to make the hard decision to put down his dog.

What a sad time after having him for five years as companion and friend.

But the cancer racing in his body is just getting worse, and he is failing quickly.

So the best thing for him is to put him out of his misery, even though that's really hard for us to do.

God gives us His grace to help us through these hard times.

He carries us through our time of need when it seems nothing is going our way.

He comforts us when we are sad and grieving.

I am praying for my brother this week as he says goodbye and then grieves for his dear great dane.
 

The Attitude of My Heart

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 at church we will be reading God's Word and worshipping Him together as a family.

Kirk and I take our Bibles with us so we can follow along with the Scriptures, take notes, and meditate on God's Word throughout the week.

Each year I read through the Bible, seeing it again through the new eyes of my life at the time.

God's Word is alive and active.

Each time I read it, He shows me something new that applies to what I'm going through that day, week, month or year.

God's Spirit works in me to help me understand the passage more deeply and with different insights.

He also convicts me of areas in my life where I haven't had the best attitude.

And areas where I don't want to turn control over to Him.

Help me today, Lord, to turn my thoughts and attitudes to you.

Take away my selfishness and focus on myself.

Show me where you need to work in my heart today.

Nothing in Creation is Hidden from God

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. — Hebrews 4:13

Here's the Amaryllis bulb we sent to friend for her birthday. 

It's now blooming and looks really vibrant.

This plant is part of God's creation, and so are we.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from His eyes.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare before Him.

Even so, He accepts me and loves me with all of my faults and problems.

When I turn to Him, He wraps me in His loving arms and strengthens me.

He leads me through the difficult times of life. 

He helps me bloom wherever I am planted.