Beautiful Sunset

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. — Genesis 2:2-3

Saturday night, Abby and I went for a walk around the neighborhood.

The sun was about to set, there was a cool breeze, and not too many people were out and about.

I took some food, crafts, and books to one of our church families earlier in the day.

It was fun to reconnect briefly, even at a distance, after being apart for so long.


Sunday we will spend some time worshiping on zoom and resting from our work.



I will complete my Bible study for the week.

We're studying Hebrews and learning about how Jesus is better than anything.

This week has been about how Jesus is better than Melchizedek.

It is very humbling to think about all He has done for us.

And how little I have done for Him.

He is merciful.

A Beautiful New Day

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years. — Genesis 1:14

Today is another beautiful day.

The sun is shining and the birds are singing their hearts out.

A couple of monarch butterflies just flew by our window, circling our yard.

God has given us the sun and moon, day and night.

I thank Him every day for letting me live in such a beautiful place.

On Friday I'll have a zoom appointment with a lymphedema therapist to help me massage the areas of my arm and chest that are still affected with edema and a bit swollen.

I got carried away with my weed pulling, taking out some ice plant on our bank and overdid the pulling with my left arm.

I completely forgot to wear the compression sleeve that I had been wearing to the YMCA for my workouts.

Fortunately, it's gone down a lot and is no longer uncomfortable.

So I've stopped jumping rope for now - walking 2-3 miles around the neighborhood instead.

God is great and has blessed me.

I am grateful.

My Antonia

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. — Romans 6:19

On Thursday, I will meet with my book club on zoom.


After that, we'll have choir via zoom.



The book we are reading is My Antonia by Willa Cather.

It gives an interesting glimpse of Nebraska fields and life on the American prairie.

Willa Cather moved to Nebraska when she was just ten years old.

So she writes this novel with a first-hand look at life in Nebraska in the late 1800s.

Thanks Be to God

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. — Romans 6:17

Kirk has been practicing creating some new drinks.

Here is his Piña Colada with a sprig of mint an a slice of pineapple.

Very refreshing, we sipped them outside in our courtyard on Monday evening.

Thanks be to God for his goodness.

He is teaching us His way.

And He is calling us to obey from our hearts.
 

An Instrument of Righteousness

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. — Romans 6:13

Today I have a doctor's appointment.

The lump on my arm has gotten better but has not gone away completely.

So she suggeseted I come in and let her take a look.

If it is lymphedema, she can refer me to a lymphedema therapist who can massage the area and give me suggestions for helping it to go away or at least not get worse.

I have stopped jumping rope and lifting weights.

Now I try to get out and walk the neighborhood instead.

Sunday morning I walked for 2.9 miles and then another mile in the afternoon with Abby.

Monday Abby and I walked again.

Tonight I will record some more anthems for our virtual church services.

I am working to offer myself to God as an instrument of righteousness.

Finding His will and following Him is a challenge, but He gives me opportunities to stay in His Word and to talk with Him in prayer.

God is merciful.

Alive in Christ

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. — Romans 6:11

Since Easter, we have been celebrating Jesus' resurrection.

He died but came alive again and now lives in heaven with God.

We have been born again with Christ.

We are dead to sin.

At the same time, we are live to God in Jesus.

What a marvelous mystery!

Because Jesus lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because I know he holds the future.

And life is worth the living just because Christ lives!

Happy Memorial Day

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. — 2 Chronicles 7:14 


Happy Memorial Day!

Today we honor those who have given their lives for our country.

We are grateful for the sacrifices they have made.

And for the sacrifices their families have made, too.

God has promised to heal our land if we humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways.

We are assured of the fact that God always keeps His promises.

God hears us and forgives us our sin.

He is gracious and merciful.

Return to God

 Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty. — Zechariah 1:3

God commands us to return to Him.

When we do, He returns to us.

Last night we spent some time with friends and family on Zoom.

It was fun to connect with Rudy, Ernie, Marion, Brad, Peggy, Kyle and Mariana.

We have been enjoying sitting outside on our patio.

And walking around the neighborhood.

God has blessed us.

God Is Faithful

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I will save my people … I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.” — Zechariah 8:7

We are God's people.

He loves and cares for us.

Last week we celebrated the ninth anniversary of Kirk's mom's death.

Here she is with us in 2009 after going through chemo and losing her hair.

I can relate.

We love and miss both of our moms.

God has saved us and has called our moms home to be with him.

He calls us his people.

He is faithful and righteous.

Greater Than Moses

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. — Psalm 118:1

I am in a Bible study where we are reading Hebrews.

Hebrews 2-6 is talking about Jesus, the great High Priest.

The writer of Hebrews was writing to a Jewish audience and wanted to communicate that Jesus was greater than Moses.

Jesus is the rock of stability in these uncertain times of coronavirus.

He is greater than the virus or any man-made thing.

Here is a photo of Rita and me about 2003, at our home in San Diego.

We were matching that day in our white and black.

We give thanks to God for He is good.

His love lasts forever and ever.

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. — Psalm 118:24

Today is Kelly's birthday.

It's a bit weird that we can't join him to celebrate.

But we sent his gifts by mail and will wish him a wonderful birthday by phone and email.

We rejoice today and are glad that he is part of our family.

Since he has not been working as many hours lately, he has had a chance to work in his garden.

The succulents he has planted look amazing.

He and Liz have added pavers, too.

Their yard is looking like a place of relaxation.

We rejoice today and are glad.

The Gift of God - Eternal Life

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 6:23

Today Abby and I went for a walk around our neighborhood.

Caution tape is still on all of the park benches and playground equipment, but at least we can stroll along the paths now.

The clouds overhead kept moving in and out, giving us a nice cool breeze alternating with hot sun.

Just as we would get too warm, another cool breeze would come our way and the clouds would cover the sun for a few minutes.

God is that warm sun in my life.

Just as the cool breeze of cares of the world come my way, God pushes aside the clouds so I can feel His warmth surrounding me.

It was just a year ago that Abby was graduating from college.

This week she starts the summer session of her graduate school.

She is disappointed to have to take online classes this term instead of in-class or zoom meetings.

But we are glad to have her home, and we feel her undergraduate season finished just in time.

God has given us the gift of eternal life.

He is merciful.

The Result Is Eternal Life

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. — Romans 6:22

Sunday I went for a walk around the neighborhood with two friends.

We wore our masks and social distanced ourselves.

And we had a great time together.

Kirk, Abby and I watched our church service together.

I sang the anthem, "Day By Day and With Each Passing Moment." https://livestream.com/fpcsd/events/9038961/videos/206197623

Our pastor preached on Psalm 71 about growing old and finding purpose in life.

Very timely as Kirk will be retiring in June.

Later, I had a zoom meeting with two of my choir friends.

We had a great time together catching up.

Then I got a call from a friend who had applied for a position with my company.

They offered him the job on Friday.

What a huge answer to prayer.

God had blessed me with wonderful friends.

He hears and answers my prayers.

And He guides me each day.

Remembering Mom Rita

Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. — Romans 8:22

Today is the anniversary of Mom Rita's death in 2011.

That was 9 years ago, but it seems like just yesterday.

Kirk and I  miss our moms very much.

So we created a slideshow of some of our favorite family photos.

You can view it here:

https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=3f39cbc4-523e-489f-aafc-08bb78a264ba&sbid=3466

A loving tribute to Rita and Gary.

We found old photos of their family, friends, and Rita as a baby, a young child, a teenager, a new bride, and a young mom.

As well as photos of their 50th wedding anniversary.

We have been blessed with a wonderful family and very special friends.

You Are Under Grace

Offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. — Romans 6:13-14

I can offer every part of myself to God.

He can use me as a instrument of righteousness.

God can use even me.

When I follow Jesus, sin will no longer be my master.

As a child of God, I am no longer under the law.

Now I am under grace.

My sister-in-law Liz made this wonderful decoupage box with our family photos on it as a gift for Rita and Gary.

We love the pictures of the cousins and the photos of Abby as a baby.

What a fun keepsake.

Even though we don't have the box, we have the photo of it to remember those fun years.

They seem like just yesterday.

The Lord Is Gracious

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. — Isaiah 30:18

God has risen up to show me compassion.

He is faithful, even when I ignore Him.

He longs to be gracious to me.

And He shows me his love and grace each day.

He has answered my prayers for my friend Krista's husband.

He was hospitalized for a couple of weeks with internal bleeding.

He had to be on a ventilator for over a week.

Both Krista and her son could not visit him due to the coronavirus.

I was praying for all of them.

He is now home, after losing 30 pounds and going through some very rough times.

God is gracious and has shown His mercy to their family.

Everything Comes from the Lord

All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. — Isaiah 28:29

Blooming Hillside

God's plan is wonderful.

His wisdom is magnificent.

He is above and beyond anything I can imagine.

Everything comes from the Lord.

He is Almighty and Holy.

Last night we had a fun zoom time with our friends  in San Diego and their college-age or college-grad kids here in San Diego and in Spokane, Washington.

We had a fun time laughing and reconnecting.

God's plan is wonderful.

Quietness and Trust

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. — Isaiah 30:15

Our salvation is in repentance.

And our relationship with God grows with rest.

Our strength is in quietness and trust in God.

This is what the Lord says.

He is the Holy One of Israel.

And He loves us.

We are still finishing up the beautiful cupcakes Abby made me for Mother's Day.

Yum.

God Teaches Us the Right Way

His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent. — Isaiah 28:26, 29

Mother's Day with Gary at Siesta Drive 2013

God really does instruct us.

He teaches me the right way.

Today I had the unpleasant task of letting someone go at work.

It was very draining, but it was the right thing to do.

My employee had not been going in the right way.

It's hard to see someone heading down the wrong path.

I asked God for wisdom to handle the situation and He, of course, provided.

Now I'm exhausted but very thankful that he continues to teach me to do right.

Kirk made us a delicious chicken fried rice dinner — a wonderful way to end the evening.

His plan is wonderful.

His wisdom is magnificent.

Jesus, Our Cornerstone

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. — Isaiah 28:16

Rita, Kelly, Gary, Liz, Carol, Kirk Christmas Season 2009

This week we celebrate the life and legacy of our dad, Gary.

Next week will be anniversary of Mom Rita's death.

We are sad and miss them lots.

At the same time, we have wonderful memories and happy family moments with both of them.

We created this slideshow to be able share some of those memories with our family members and friends.

https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=897a92f0-69fe-49f5-b3db-687b1456827a&sbid=3466

God has laid a precious cornerstone to give us a sure foundation in Jesus.

Even when we are sad and grieving, this foundation is our rock.

We will not be stricken with panic or desperation with Christ as our cornerstone.

Instead, we rejoice that Mom Rita and Dad Gary are in heaven with Jesus.

One day we will join them there.

God Will Not Forsake Us

I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. — Isaiah 41:17


God will answer me when I cry to Him.

He hears me when I pray.

He will not forsake me or leave me.

The Lord will make rivers flow on barren mountains.

He will cause springs to flow within hte valleys.

These are the cupcakes Abby made me for Mother's Day.

A bouquet of beautiful mums for her mom.

I am blessed and thankful.

Rejoice in the Lord

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

First Presbyterian Church Choir

Thursday evenings our choir gathers for a zoom rehearsal.

We no longer meet in person, but we all tune in on our computers.

The accompanist in this photo is now our Interim Conductor as well as our Organist.

He does a great job of getting the music into Google Drive so we can follow along as he accompanies us.

It is a fun time to reconnect with many people who I don't get to see regularly.

And we enjoy singing, even though we mute the other singers and only hear the accompaniment.

Still, it's a nice break in the week.

And a chance to sing our praises to God.

We rejoice in the Lord.

And we praise the Holy One of Israel.

When we sing, we pray twice — once through the words, and once more through the music.

God Will Help Us

"I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. — Isaiah 41:14

God will help us.

He declares that He himself will help me.

The Lord is my Redeemer.


He is the Holy One of Israel.



Today I did a video conference with my oncologist to find out if the lump on my arm is lymphedema.

She is not sure, but thinks it definitely might be.

So it it's not gone in a couple of weeks, she will have me come in to her office.

At that point, she can refer me to a lymphedema therapist to help massage the area.

I am blessed to have such great care during this time.

God is my helper.

God Will Hold My Hand

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 41:12

God takes hold of my hand.

He leads me in the path I should go.

I do not need to be afraid.

God will help me.

He is the Lord my God.

Kirk took this picture of our courtyard last week.

The blooming plants and trees remind me of God's love.

I enjoy sitting outside with a good book and a cup of coffee.

Or joining Abby and Kirk for a meal together.

We are thankful.

Do Not Fear

So 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

God is with me.

He is my God.

He gives me strength and helps me.

This week I discovered a lump in my arm.

I'm not sure if it was from pulling weeds or sitting too long at my computer, or what.

It may be lymphedema so I will talk with my oncologist on Thursday.

And I will see my doctor to determine if I need to see a lymphedema therapist or if it will go away.

For now, I've stopped jumping rope and lifting weights.

I've also stopped doing jumping jacks until I find out more.

But God gives me strength and helps me through this time.

God's Servant

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

For the past few days we have been shellacking our completed puzzles.


When they're dry, we can hang them in our garage along with the one Kirk and I finished years ago.



Here's the one that reminds us of the trip Abby and I took to San Francisco in February.

So glad we had a chance to do that together before the shelter in place began.

We had a great time and are looking forward to our next trip together.



Hopefully all three of us will be heading to Palm Desert for a week in July.

God called us from wherever we were.

He calls us servants.

He has chosen us.

We are blessed.

The Heavens Are the Lord's

The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. — Psalm 115:16

Neighborhood Flowers

When Abby and I went for a walk a couple of weeks ago, we saw this beautiful bank of flowers, and she took this photo.

What a blaze of color!

The highest heavens belong to the Lord.

The earth is His, and the fullness thereof.

He has given the earth to humankind.

We are its caretakers.

We don't always do a very good job caring for the earth.


But God guides us in the way we should go.



And He gives us these beautiful plants and flowers for us to enjoy.

Joyful in Hope

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12

Saturday night I made a coffee cake.

It was supposed to be a walnut coffee cake.

During this coronavirus time of social distancing, I wanted to make sure to conserve our foods

Kirk and I are trying to avoid going to the store.

So instead of 1 1/2 cups of sour cream, I used 1/2 cup plus 1 cup of vanilla yogurt.

Instead of walnuts, I used chopped pecans.

And I used 2 eggs plus 1/4 cup of water instead of 3 eggs.

It still turned out great.

I think it will be delicious.

God calls us to be joyful in hope and patient in afflication.

He also asks us to be faithful in prayer.

I'm not always faithful in my prayers, but God helps remind me to continue to talk to Him in prayer.

Christ Lives in Me

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. — Galatians 2:20

Blue Angels Flying in Formation

The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.

Jesus loved me and gave himself for me.

I have been crucified with Christ.

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

Friday my sister-in-law was on her deck in Virginia when the Blue Angels did a fly-over.

She caught them in the air in this photo taken from her phone.

Fortunately, she did not have to join the crowds to see the fly-over.

May God Cause You to Flourish

May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 115:14-15

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Flowers

Today is a bright, sunny day.

These are the flowers we had in our front courtyard.

They died after we had the house tented for termites, but now they are coming back!

They are called, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."

How fitting.

We have been so surprised and blessed by the plants that are returning to make our home beautiful.

They are flourishing!

Today I pray that you may flourish, too.

That God will cause you and your children to flourish, even during this difficult time.

May you be blessed by the Lord.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth.

Of you and me!

Today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday, Becky. May you flourish!

God Remembers Us

The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord — small and great alike. — Psalm 115:12-13


God remembers me and cares for me.

Even when I don't feel blessed, He remembers me.

He blesses small and great alike.

Even though we don't deserve it.

He is our loving Father.

God loved me so much that gave His Son to die for me.

Happy May Day!