We Are Children of God!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! — 1 John 3:1

God has lavished his love on us.

He has showered us with His great love.

So that we should be called children of His

Children of God.

Thanks be to God.

That is what we are!

Today Abby and I went for a swim in Santee.

Another beautiful day.

The lady in the lane next to us told me that she prefers swimming when the weather is cold because the water is so warm.

She is not looking forward to summer when the water is kept a bit cooler

I agree

I'm a wimp!

Love With Actions

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

God's love surrounds us.

He compels us to love others.

God calls us His children.

He commands us to love others.

Not just with words and speech, but with our actions.

He tells us to love in truth.

God Showed His Love

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. — 1 John 4:9

As we approach Easter, we remember that God sacrificed His Son for us.

I have an only child, and I cannot imagine giving her up for someone else.

Much less for someone who I consider an enemy.

But God did that for me and for the whole world.

Even while I was still a sinner.

He sent His one and only Son into the world for me.

If I had been the only one on earth, He still would have done it for me alone.

Amazing.

Just so I can live with Him.

This is how God showed His love among us.

Thank You.

Love the Lord

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ — Matthew 22:37-39

Mission San Luis Ray

I often take turns choosing which part of me will love God at this moment.

Either my heart or my soul or my mind.

But not all at once.

It's too hard to devote my complete self to Him all the time.

The booklet that pastor Jerry uses, "My Heart, Christ's Home," talks about opening each room of our hearts to Jesus.

But there are some dark closets that are easier left closed to Him.

And some areas of my life I prefer to keep to myself.

Just so I don't have to work on cleaning them out or turning them over to Him.

Help me, Lord, to open all parts of my life to you.

Purge the sin from the dark corners of my soul.

Let your light flow through me.

Lord of Both the Dead and the Living

Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. — Romans 14:8-9

During this season of Lent, we remember Christ's death and resurrection.

We belong to the Lord.

We have been adopted into His family.

For our sake, Christ died and came alive again.

Jesus did this so we would be able to live with Him forever.

He is Lord of the dead as well as of the living.

Today Abby got a letter from PLNU that she is eligible for a COVID vaccine since she is doing fieldwork in a middle school as a counselor.

We are thankful for God's mercy and grace.

If We Die, We Die for the Lord

For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. — Romans 13:7-8

Last night our friend Dave lost his wife.

Kathie was a wonderful friend, wife and mother of Katie, Andy, Hannah and Madison.

She had Hannah just a few months before I had Abby.

And she graciously let me borrow her maternity clothes, which tripled my wardrobe! 

Dave arrived at her side just in time to hold her in his arms as she went to be with her Lord and Savior.

Through our tears, we rejoice that she is now at peace in heaven.

With no more pain or anxiety or sorrow.

We grieve with the family — it's so hard to lose your mom and wife.

Dave has been at her side for over 15 years now following a car accident on September 5 in which she was paralyzed and no longer able to communicate fully. 

We had all been celebrating at a pool party, and someone took a beautiful photo of Kathie with her girls Madison and Hannah on our friends' deck before the accident.

Requiring constant medical attention in care facilities since then, Kathie also received the undivided attention of Dave and her family. 

Dave even remodeled his home so she could spend time at home whenever possible. 

Their daughter Madison was also injured during the accident, and spent lots of time in surgeries recovering.

She has a beautiful little boy now.

I know Kathie would be and was very proud of her children and grandchildren and all they have each accomplished.

In Dave’s words ‘tonight… she moved into the arms of Jesus’.

Whoever Loves Others Has Fulfilled the Law

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. — Romans 13:8

The walk down Mission Trails by the Visitor's Center was really cold Sunday morning.

We saw lots of dogs — fortunately they were on leashes.

But the sun came out as we neared the end and the day was beautiful.

The pool heater was still broken, but I had a good, cold swim just the same.

Abby stayed home this time.

The other person swimming laps got out after 20 minutes. 

I managed to continue for 35.

By the end I was the last one in the pool.

Fortunately, the sun was out and the air was warm even though the water was about 64 degrees.

Monday I'll leave work early and go swimming about 3:00, and hopefully the air will be warm again.

Thank you, God, for beautiful days.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

Today I will meet some friends for a walk down to the old mission dam on Mission Trails.

Then I'll head over to La Jolla to swim.

Hopefully the pool has the heater working again.

Last week when Abby swam, it was really cold. 

Several people left the pool.

She was the only one who stayed to swim the whole time.

I'm hoping tomorrow will be warmer.

Last night we met a visitor to our worship service.

Sarah joined us for the first time and enjoyed the worship in the courtyard.

She had a 9- and 5-year-old. 

Hopefully she will join us for our zoom Bible study on Friday morning.

 

Pray for Us

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. — Colossians 4:2-3

Paul writes to the people of Colossae, asking them to pray for him.

Not only that, but telling them devote themselves to prayer.

That's really hard to do with all of the demands of a busy life.

But devoting ourselves to prayer and praying throughout the day/evening/night helps me to be thankful.

Even or especially in the midst of stressful times, God is with us to guide and direct us when we talk with Him in prayer.

We have lots of friends and family we are praying for today:

Rudy - for healing for his leg and foot infection after his release from the hospital

Beth and Mike with health concerns for their parents

John in the loss of his sister

Sheri in the loss of her mom and the health issues her dad is experiencing

Peggy for upcoming surgery

Dave for upcoming hip surgery and his wife Kathie who has been experiencing anxiety

Bonnie as she cares for her husband who has health issues

Paige's sister with triple - breast cancer who is beginning a new round of chemo

Mari's anxiety and lack of sleep

My coworker Ginger who has been up nights caring for her elderly dog 

Sandy's friend Wendy from Iglesia Presbiteriana Emmanuel whose friend was killed by a teenager who had stolen a car and ran into her at an intersection

... and many more.

God knows these needs before I do and asks me to devote myself to prayer.

Thank You, Lord.

Be Thankful

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. — Colossians 3:15

Wednesday was Ash Wednesday.

Some pastors and priests were using Q-tips to apply the ashes to the foreheads of their parishioners.

But the important thing is that we're remembering Jesus.

As He rode into Jerusalem people were celebrating and waving palms.

The ashes were from the palm branches we used to celebrate Christ's arrival last year.

Now we remember His sacrifice

And the price He paid for our salvation.

Giving His life so we can live with Him forever in heaven.

Dying and coming alive again to forgive us from our sins.

Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

We are thankful.

Do Not Forget the Lord

Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws, and His decrees that I am giving you this day. — Deuteronomy 8:11

At times my life gets so harried and busy that I neglect God.

I don't give Him the praise and thanks for all He has done for me.

I don't honor Him in the way He deserves.

I neglect His commands and laws and turn to my own way instead.

At times like those, God brings Kirk's example of Christian love and patience to me, to remind me where I'm failing him.

Help me, Lord, to grow in my relationship with You.

Thank you for your mercy.

Put on Love

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. — Colossians 3:14 The Message

God asks us to put on love every day, just as we put on clothes for the day ahead.

When we put on His Fruit of the Spirit, He helps us get through the day with contentment.

God chose us for this new life of love.

He gives us the wardrobe we need to succeed at life.

Kindness, quiet strength, self-disciplines, humility.

These are not easy to come by.

It is only with God's help that we can get dressed and ready to face the day ahead.

John Gave This Testimony

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him." — John 1:32

Today we all have the day off.

Of course, Kirk has every day off!

It's President's Day.

We are heading out to the beach.

Then Abby and I will head over to Santee to swim.

A very relaxing day.

And fun family getaway.

 

The Lamb of God

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! — John 1:29

Today is Valentine's Day.

Kirk got beautiful roses for me and for Abby.

I got them each Sees candy.

Our friends Bob and Lisa will join us for dinner.

Bob will cook steaks for us. Yum!

And the middle school girls will come over before then to create encouragement cards for the women at the Rescue Mission.

The staff will leave the cards on the women's pillows at night.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jesus, the One and Only Son

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. — John 1:18 

Yesterday we celebrated Kirk's birthday.

We went to a wonderful Greek restaurant with friends.

The food was delicious, and so was the Dao wine they brought to share with us.

I had scallops wrapped in prosciutto and horseradish mashed potatoes.

Peggy had salmon on a delicious beet risotto.

Kirk had chicken picatta.

We were stuffed by the end of the evening.

And we even ran into some former coworkers there.

What a fun evening.

A wonderful start to the weekend.

Grace and Truth Through Jesus

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. — John 1:17

God gave us the law to point out how far we have fallen away from Him.

He sent us Jesus to redeem us and save us from sin.

Grace comes through Jesus.

And Jesus is the way and the truth.

Today is Kirk's birthday!

We will be celebrating all he has done for us and for our family.

Kyle sent him an Iowa state flag, and it is now flying from our flagpole. 

Here he is on the Torrey Pines golf course.

We are blessed.

 

 

We Have Received Grace

 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. — John 1:16

Jesus came to pay the price for our sin.

He brought us mercy and grace.

Out of His fullness we have received grace.

Today I received my official notice that they found no cancer in my last test results.

Kirk opened the letter.

Nice to see it in writing.

Thank you Lord.

We Have Seen His Glory

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14

La Jolla Shores Sunset

Jesus came to us in the flesh and lived among us.

He is also known as the Word.

Jesus was with God from the beginning — He is God.

We have seen His glory.

He is full of grace and truth.

And fortunately, He is also full of mercy.

How can our holy God, full of truth, love me, a sinner?

He tells me I am chosen and kept by Him.

He has mercy on me, and I am thankful.

Children of God

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. — John 1:12-13

Lake Poway

To everyone who received Jesus, he gave the right to become children of God. 

To those of us who believe in Jesus, He adopted us into His family.

We are His children, born of God.

Children who were not born from human decision.

But who were shown mercy by the grace of God.

We are chosen.

We are blessed.

We are kept by God.

The World Was Made Through Him

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.— John 1:9-10

God's light came into the world through Jesus.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him.

His light gives light to each of us.

Even though we didn't recognize Him, He gave His life for us.

Even when I ignore and reject Him, He continues to watch over me.

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. — Job 1:21

Yesterday I went on a 5.5 mile hike with friends to Blue Sky Ecological Reserve in Poway.  

The views were beautiful.

Today I received the results of my Monday mammogram, and the news is wonderful.

Here's what the report stated:

Benign appearing calcifications and benign appearing densities are

present in the right breast and benign appearing calcifications are present in the left breast. There is a post-surgical scar associated with the left breast. No significant masses, calcifications, or other findings are seen in either breast.

I have been covered in prayer by my family and friends.

Whatever the outcome, we can say just as Job did, Blessed be the name of the Lord.

The previous part of that verse says, "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away."

No matter our circumstances, we can praise God.

 

 

Witness to the Light

John came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. — John 1:7-8

John was a witness to Jesus, a voice crying in the wilderness.

He came to testify about Jesus.

So that through him all might believe.

John was not the light.

He came as a witness to Jesus, the light.

Help your light to shine through me, Jesus.

So that my life may be a reflection of your love.

The Light of All Mankind

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. — John 1:4-5

In Jesus we have life.

Jesus is the light of all mankind.

His light shines in the darkness.

The darkness has not overcome it.

Rather, Jesus has overcome darkness.

He shines his light of love to guide us through life. 

 

All Things Made New

 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. — John 1:3

God created the world and everything in it.

Jesus was with God from the beginning.

He also created.

Through Him all things were made.

Without Him, we would have nothing.

Nothing would have been created.

These beautiful flowers were arranged by my friend LaVonne.

Her business is called Adorations Botanical.

This week you can get 10% off everything ordered by February 5 at https://www.adorations.com/ using the code DAYMADE21 when you check out.

Today is World Cancer Day, designed to bring awareness and inspire action for a cancer-free future. 

We know we are living in a sinful world.

But with Jesus, we have everything we need!

The Word Was God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. — John 1:1-2

How cool is that.

Jesus was in existence with God in the beginning.

He was and is God.

He is not another of God's creations like me.

Instead, He is my Savior God.

Very hard to understand, but I am grateful.

Help me, Lord, to follow you today.

With Great Joy

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. — Jude 1:24

God is able to keep me from stumbling.

Jesus presents me before His throne without fault.

And He gives me great joy.

His glorious presence surrounds me.

And He guides my every step.

Yesterday I went in for a mammogram.

A couple of spots showed up on my CT scan, and they are making sure they are not anything we need to worry about.

God is able to keep me from stumbling while I wait for the results.

Be Merciful

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, — Jude 1:22-23

Just as God has shown incredible mercy to us, we are to do the same for others.

We are called to be merciful to those who doubt.

To show others mercy.

To save them from the fire.

God loves us so much, he wants us in turn to share that love with others.

Help me to turn the lemons that others are experiencing into lemonade.

And to sweeten their lives with your love.

Help me to do that, Lord.

In Jesus' name.