Remain in the Son

As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life. — 1 John 2:24-25

We have heard from the beginning that God is our Creator.

And that Jesus is our Savior.

God's Word remains in us.

Jesus promises us eternal life.

As we head in to the new year, we celebrate the new life that God has given us through His Son.

We rejoice in Jesus our Savior.

Christ Has Overcome the World

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33

Jesus came into the world to save us from our own sin.

In this world we have trouble.

But there is no reason to despair.

Christ has overcome the world.

We can rest in Him.

As we head into the new year, we can be assured, that He will guide and direct us.

Remain in the Son

As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life. — Luke 2:24-25 

We have heard from the beginning that God is our Father.

He created the world and all that is in it.

We have heard from the beginning that Jesus and God are one. 

God wanted 'us to remain with Him.

And He promised us eternal life!

Whoever Does the Will of God Lives Forever

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

During this special season of year, it's hard to remember that the world will pass away.

All of our earthly desires are just temporary.

The lights and sparkle will fade away.

But Christ reigns over all.

God lives forever.

Whoever does God's will also lives forever.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!

Jesus, Our Savior

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago). — Luke 1:69-70

God has raised up a horn of salvation.

Jesus was born to save us from sin.

He is our Lord,

Just as God promised through His holy prophets long ago.

Christ. is born.

And we rejoice.

He Is Born

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. — Luke 1:68

Merry Christmas!

From our family to yours.

The joy of the Lord has come to earth.

And has been born in a manger.

Silent night, holy night.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

He has redeemed us with His blood.

We rejoice and give Him the glory.

God Remembers to Be Merciful

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors. — Luke 1:54-55 

God is merciful.

He promised our ancestors that He would remember to show us mercy.

And He does.

He sent His Son Jesus to redeem us from our sin.

On this Christmas Eve, we thank Him for remembering us, even when we forget Him.

Last week I visited my physical therapist so she could check for lymphedema and suggest massage techniques and self-care.

She gave me some additional tips, but said everything looks great.

Just a small pitting by my elbow which should go away when I get my new compression sleeve.

Praise God for His mercy and grace!

God Has Filled the Hungry With Good Things

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:52-53 

It's the Advent season.

Two weeks ago we held our choir Christmas concert.

Tomorrow night we have a Christmas eve service.

Sunday we'll have a service of carols.

A great way to welcome in the birth of our king.

God has filled the hungry with good things.

We are thankful and rejoice.

God Has Performed Mighty Deeds

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. — Luke 1:51

God has performed mighty deeds.

He has scattered the proud.

But He has wrapped me in His loving arms.

Last night I had a fun time at dinner with friends.

Afterward, I found out one of my friends has a coworker who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I offered to give her my contact info in case she wants to reach out.

In case I can answer any of her questions.

Today I discovered a friend of mine also has been diagnosed with breast cancer - two spots in one breast.

Thankfully it's stage 1. 

She will find out more details in the next few weeks.

I am praying for both of them and for my boss's sister-in-law who is struggling through chemo as the result of a rare breast cancer.

God is our great physician through every trial.

I think one reason He had me go through my journey was so I can comfort others on theirs.

Thank you, Lord.

The Mighty One Has Done Great Things for Me

From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. — Luke 1:49

Today we told the story of the candycane to our middle school girls.

How a candymaker wanted to tell the story of Jesus's birth so made candy shaped like a shepherd's crook to tell the Christmas story.

This photo is by  Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.

The candy cane when held upside down looks like a J for Jesus.

The white reminds us of purity.

The red reminds us of Jesus' blood shed for us.

The three narrow stripes tell us that Jesus is part of the Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

And when we share it with others, we are reminded to share the Gospel of Jesus with all we meet.

Merry Christmas!

My Soul Glorifies the Lord

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." — Luke 1:46-48

This afternoon we held our middle school girls Bible study Christmas party.

We did a gift exchange, made Christmas cards and spiced cider mix, roasted s'mores, lit the advent wreath, and sang Christmas carols.

I made these Santa cookies.

Usually I would make them and have the girls decorate cookies.

This year because of covid, we didn't frost cookies or carol through the neighborhood.

But we still had a fun time worshipping God together.

Magnifying His name with our songs and prayers.

God Has Raised up a Horn of Salvation for Us

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago). — Luke 1:69-70

Today we plan to visit the Hotel Del Coronado to see their Christmas tree.

They also have an ice skating rink where we can watch the skaters on the beach.

Our friends Charlie and Jan had an open house at their home last weekend.

Years ago, they renewed their vows at the Hotel Del.

We were blessed to be able to attend both events.

Here we are at the Hotel Del 3 years ago.

Just a few months later, I would have no hair as I went through chemo.

But it's now back in full!

God has raised up a horn of salvation for us.

Praise Be to the Lord

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. — Luke 1:68

I am praising God today for a wonderful visit with my physical therapist.

The slight swelling that I've experienced in my arm should get better as I continue to wear my compression sleeve.

My other symptoms are held in check by the exercises she gave me after my radiation.

I am praising God for His healing power and His care for me.

He has surrounded me with His love and upheld me with His strong right arm.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel!

Jesus Is Coming Soon

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. — Luke 1:32-33

The angel spoke these words to Mary.

She was probably just a teenager.

And yet she agreed and said that she would obey the Lord.

As a result, the. Son of God was born in a manger.

Shepherds celebrated His birth.

You Have Found Favor With God

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God." — Luke 1:30

God sent His Son Jesus to earth.

Mary obeyed God and agreed to follow His plan for her life.

Last night was our company party at Punch Bowl Social.

We bowled, ate great food, chatted with my coworkers, and had a fun time.

Kirk got to meet the people I work with.

During this Advent season, we are thankful for the people God used when Jesus was born.

We are thankful for the people He uses today to do His will.

The Virgin's Name Was Mary

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. — Luke 1:26

God sent Gabriel to Nazareth.

To the virgin Mary.

She was pledged to be married to Joseph.

Joseph was a descendant of David.

And so was His Son, Jesus.

Here's a photo of our choir concert from yesterday.

Beautiful.

The Lord Will Give You a Sign

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

God gave us His sign long ago.

Mary gave birth to a Son.

God told her to call Him Immanuel, which means "God with us."

Jesus gave His life to redeem us from our sin.

We are grateful.

Last night was our Christmas candlelight concert to celebrate with music and carols.

To God be the glory.

Stand Firm in Your Fath

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. — Isaiah 6:7

Friday I had an appointment with my oncologist.

She mentioned that my cancer is either in remission or completely cured!

I don't need to make see her again for a whole year.

What a huge relief and a blessing.

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

God himself will give us a sign.

Mary will conceive and give birth to a son.

We will call Him Immanuel.

Which means, God is with us.

Jesus, Messiah, anointed one.

You WIll Know My Father

Jesus answered, if you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. — John 14:7

Jesus tells us that if we know Him, we will know His Father, God.

From now on, we know Jesus, so we know his Father.

And Jesus is the one we celebrate this Advent season.

He came to earth to be born for us and to die in our place.

We are joyful!

They See By This World's Light

Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. — John 11:9

When we walk in the daytime, we can see where we are stepping.

When we walk in the light of Jesus, He keeps us from stumbling.

Anyone who walks in the daytime, will not stumble. 

That person sees by this world's light.

Come, Lord Jesus!

I Am the Resurrection and 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 11:24

This time of year we celebrate Jesus' birth.

But we also reflect on His life.

And we thank Him for dying on the cross for our sins.

The word, Christmas, contains the word Christ, our Savior.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing!

The Blind Will See

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” — John 9:39

This is the second week of Advent.

Jesus came into the world as a little baby.

He came to save the world.

He heals the sick and makes the blind see.

Jesus is the light of the world.

He holds us  in His hand.

And we celebrate His brith at Christmastime.

We Hear What God Says

Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.  — John 8:47 

We belong to God.

He has adopted us as His children.

And He sent Jesus to die for our sins.

Jesus shed His blood as our living sacrifice.

Paying the price for our sins.

Thank. you, God, for your mercy on us.

You Would Know My Father

 Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”  — John 8:19

Jesus is God's Son.

If we know Him, we also know His Father.

When we follow Jesus, He guides us into a relationship with His Father, God.

He reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus.

We praise Him for His sacrificial love.for us.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Jesus Is the Light of the World

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12

Jesus is our light.

He lights the entire world with God's love.

Whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness.

Jesus give us the light of life.

The light of eternal life.

He is our joy and our salvation.

The round wreath reminds us that He is eternal.

The red berries symbolize His blood shed for our sins.

The green branches remind us of eternal life.

Jesus, the light of the world,

God Has Spoken To. Us By His Son

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. — Hebrews 1:1-2

God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets in various ways.

He has spoken to us through His Word, the Bible.

And He has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus.

Jesus our Savior is God's heir and our salvation.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created the universe.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Live Holy Lives

What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives. — 2 Peter 3:11

Welcome, December!

It's hard to believe another year is almost behind us.

It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming in 2021.

This photo shows us celebrating Thanksgiving together: Steve, Kirk, Abby, Kel, Carly, and Liz.

The year has flown by.

And people have shown their anger, frustration and resentment.

We have experienced the inconsiderate, rude, and an unwillingness to listen to others.

Kirk had to stop a customer from yelling at a young cashier who had asked him to wear his mask in the grocery store - signs were posted on the entrance.

Liz had a customer yell at one of her store clerks at Pangea, even though they gave out masks to their customers.

My hairdresser had someone yell at him when he asked him to step back instead of breathing over his shoulder as they waited in line.

His wife is immune-compromised and suffers from a painful skin disease.

Some people aren't willing to think about others, preferring to only think of themselves.

As a result, they've lost common courtesies.

Yet God asks us to get along.

God calls us to love our neighbors.

To live holy and godly lives.

Help me, Lord, to listen before speaking, to respect those I disagree with, to love my neighbor as well as my enemies.

Give Thanks to the Lord

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. — Psalm 136: 1, 26

We had a gorgeous weekend.

The sky was blue and the sun was out.

Our time outside was refreshing.

The flowers and plants Kirk tends are growing abundantly.

Our Mexican lime tree is dropping 20-30 limes each week.

And our neighbors shared their lemons and tangerines with us.

We are blessed.

And we give thanks to God.

He is good. 

His love endures forever.

Set Your Mind on Things Above

 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. — Colossians 3:2

Yesterday we hiked up to Potato Chip rock.

Here's my friend Kelly, sitting on the edge.

Abby and Kirk and I hiked up here several years ago.

Then Abby and Kirk hiked it again a few times.

We got some great pictures of them.

God asks us to set our minds on things above instead of on earthly things.

It's much easier to do that when we're outside marveling at God's creation.

Help me to set my mind on You, O Lord.

Let the Message of Christ Dwell Among You

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. — Colossians 3:16

Today we celebrate the first day of Advent.

Our Jewish friends celebrate the festival of Hanukkah.

Both prepare us for the coming of Jesus.

We set up our nativity yesterday.

A fitting reminder of the season.

And of God's gift to us — His Son, our Lord Jesus.

Singing to God with gratitude in our hearts for his precious gift.

I Always Thank My God for You

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Corinthians 1:4

I try to pray throughout the day, thanking God and asking for His wisdom.

I often fail, but it's humbling.

God gives me everything.

He watches over me and comforts me.

He keeps His promises to me.

There is nothing he cannot do.

I always thank my God for you.

He has given us His grace through Christ Jesus.

We are blessed.

Come Before Him With Thanksgiving

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

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving.

Today we are thankful for a wonderful time with family, even though we were missing quite a few of them.

Our prayers are with those who couldn't join us.

Lots of prayer requests in our extended family.

And we thank God for the ability to bring our concerns and praises to Him in prayer.

He listens and answers us when we cry to Him.

Abby picked out this centerpiece that matched our tablecloths and napkins perfectly!

We are thanking God for beautiful flowers created by Him!

I Will Praise God's Name

 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. — Psalm 69:30

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving.

We actually started last night with our church service for Thanksgiving eve.

A worshipful time to thank God and praise His name in song.

Today we had our families over for dinner.

Steve made twice-baked potatoes.

Liz made cracker corn, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cranberry sauce.

Abby made a chocolate pie for Carly so we could celebrate a day late.

We are grateful to God for giving us a loving family, good food, and great friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

His Love Endures Forever

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

God is so good, He's so good to me.

His love endures forever.

He is faithful and just.

Even when I'm unfaithful, He continues to be faithful to me.

In fact, His faithfulness continues through all generations.

To our children and our children's children.

Today we celebrate Carly's birthday.

We'll have a family dinner tomorrow with birthday chocolate pie.

God's love endures forever.

All the days of our lives.

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

During this Thanksgiving week, we stop and take time to thank God for His goodness.

We give thanks to Him for all he has done.

We gather together as families to ask His blessing.

And we praise His name.

Giving thanks to Him for sending His Son, our Lord Jesus.

I Always Thank My God for You

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Corinthians 1:4

I always thank God for my husband, Kirk.

God has given us His grace through Jesus.

He lived and died for us so we can live with Him forever.

Kirk doesn't get to many movies, but this was one of the few we got to attend as a family.

Tomorrow he'll be golfing with his friends.

We'll have the family over for Thanksgiving along with a few friends.

I always thank God for Kirk because of God's grace given to him in Christ Jesus.

Love the Lord Your God

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. — Matthew 22:37

God commands us to love each other.

But not to just acknowledge others.

Instead, to love and care for them.

With all of our heart, soul, and mind.

With all we have, we are to love them.

That is often easier said than done.

It's probably not even possible without His help and guidance. 

Blessed Is the Man Whose Delight Is in the Law of the Lord

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

Today we had a fun potluck at work to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I made party potatoes, and they were a hit.

We also had turkey, stuffing, ham, mashed potatoes, cornbread, rolls, mac 'n cheese, salad, cranberry sauce, and lots of desserts plus sparkling cider.

Our social committee did a great job setting up the event.

Everyone had a wonderful time eating and laughing together.

God asks us to put our delight in Him and His law.

He calls us to meditate on His Word day and night.

Your Word Is Truth

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

Pilate asked Jesus, What is Truth?

Jesus explained that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

God's Word is truth.

Jesus is the bread of life.

He is the way and the truth.

He sanctifies us with His blood.

Having sacrificed himself and given His life for me.

You Were Sanctified

You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. — 1 Corinthians 6:11

We were washed and sanctified.

We were justified in the name of Jesus.

And we have been filled by the Spirit of our God.

Today Kirk was out in the yard.

Our neighbor took this great picture of him.

And he even got the full moon in the background.

Soaring high above Cowles Mountain.

Amazing.

Open My Eyes

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. — Psalm 119:18

God has opened my eyes to His Word.

His law is sweeter than honey.

It is my guide and path for right living.

It is my compass and the guidebook for my life.

God is opening my eyes to see more and more of Him and His Son, Jesus.

His law is perfect.

God's Commands Give Me Delight

Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. — Psalm 119:143

My friend's sister died last week after a long struggle with cancer.

Another friend lost her brother earlier this month.

Another had to put her father-in-law in hospice - he fell while in the hospital.

Grief is all around us.

Trouble and distress surround us.

But God's commands give us delight.

Tonight we used these small pumpkins to create succulent gardens.

God's creation gives us delight.

Like Living Stones

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 2:5

Today I met my friend Lainie for lunch.

She treated me to Greek food at cafe Athena. Yum.

Then we walked around her neighborhood, admiring the new construction.

And the tangerines on her tree.

She has a green thumb.

Here are some of the air plants she grew.

We are being build into a spiritual house.

To be a royal priesthood, offering sacrifices to God.