Turning to God's Word for encouragement and support during the diagnosis and treatment for cancer.
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Praise and Honor and Glory
Friday, December 30, 2022
The Voice of Angels
In one voice they say, Worthy is the Lamb!
Thursday, December 29, 2022
Holy Is the Lord
Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” — Revelation 4:8
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
The People Walking in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light
Then Jesus paid the price to redeem us from our sin.
And now we have seen a great light — the light of God's Son.
We were living in the land of deep darkness.
But His light has now dawned on us.
And we shine in His glory.
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Jesus Will Reign
Monday, December 26, 2022
To Us a Child Is Born
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6
And He will be called Wonderful!
Jesus will be our Counselor.
Sunday, December 25, 2022
Joseph and Mary Returned to Galilee
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him. — Luke 2:39-40
Merry Christmas!
When Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the temple to dedicate him, both Simeon and Anna blessed them.
They did everything required by God's Law.
And when they had offered thanks to God, they went home, back to Nazareth in Galilee.
Little Jesus grew and became strong.
He was filled with wisdom.
The grace of God was on Him.
And Jesus our Savior extends that grace to us.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Anna Gave Thanks to God
Coming up to them at that very moment, she [Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. — Luke 2:38
She came up to the couple with their newborn and gave thanks to God.
Then she told everyone who would listen about the Messiah.
She knew that Jesus would bring redemption to Jerusalem.
And to us, too.
The salvation of the world was upon Him.
Friday, December 23, 2022
Anna Never Left the Temple But Worshiped
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. — Luke 2:27-28
God planned for Anna also to be able to see baby Jesus.
She blessed Him when He was brought to the temple.
She had been fasting and praying, worshiping God night and day.
She was a widow, 84 years old.
And she loved the Lord.
So do we!
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Simeon Blessed Them
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." — Luke 2:33-35
Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to dedicate him.Simeon was waiting there to see the promised Messiah.
When he saw Jesus, he blessed his family.
And he prophesied about Jesus that He will cause the falling and rising of many.
And Christ will be a sign that the world will speak against.
He will reveal the hearts of people everywhere.
We welcome Jesus into the world!
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
The Virgin Will Give Birth to a Son
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 promised long ago to send His Son, our Savior.And the Lord always keeps His promises.
God told us He would give us a sign of that special birth.
A virgin will conceive and have a Son.
He will be called Immanuel, Prince of Peace.
His kingdom will have no end.
We will welcome His birth with a service of lessons and carols on Christmas Eve this year.
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Simeon's. Song
He held the tiny baby in his arms and thanked God that he had now seen the Lord's Salvation in person.
The long-awaited Messiah.
Monday, December 19, 2022
God Has Redeemed His People
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 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 1:68-70
Praise be to the Lord!
He has come to us in the form of His Son, Jesus.
Redeeming us through the blood of Christ's sacrifice.
God has raised up a horn of salvation for us.
He promised this long ago through the prophets.
Out of the house of David, Jesus has come. Our Messiah!
We sing His praises.
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Simeon Sees the Messiah
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Abba, Father
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” — Galatians 4:6
Because God has adopted us into His family, God also sent Jesus to save us.
And He sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts.
God is Abby, our Father.
Today is the birthday of Kirk's dad, Gary.
He and Rita adopted me into their family when I started dating Kirk.
We miss him and think of him and his mom Lucille especially this time of year.
They had December birthdays, and we would often celebrate together.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
We love and miss you.
Friday, December 16, 2022
God Sent His Son
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. — Galatians 4:4-5
At just the right time, God sent Jesus into the world.
And we celebrate the coming of our Savior.
Born of a woman, born of the Holy Spirit.
To purchase our salvation.
He adopted us into His family.
So when we believe in Him, He can draw us into His grace.
And forgive us from all the ways we continue to miss the mark.
Hallelujah!
Thursday, December 15, 2022
Glorifying and Praising God
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. — Luke 2:20
The shepherds left the angels excited about the news they had heard.
They began praising and glorifying God.
The things they had heard were just as they had been told.
And they were anxious to share the good news.
Just as we are called to share the gospel with others.
Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Mary Pondered These Things in Her Heart
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:19
Mary treasured God's Word to her.
She pondered everything He had told her in her heart.
God wants us to treasure up His Word and keep it in our hearts.
He wants us to memorize and learn His Word and hold it fast in our thoughts and minds.
And learn from it and act on it.
To put it into action in our lives.
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
The Baby Lying in a Manger
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. — Luke 2:16-18
Our Savior, Jesus, was born in a lowly manger — a feeding trough for cattle.
But the shepherds were so excited to see Him that they ran off to tell their friends.
Everyone who heard about it was amazed.
Dear Lord, help me to keep that amazement at the birth of your Son.
Instill in me the wonder of His birth.
And the awe of His sacrifice.
Thank you.
Monday, December 12, 2022
Let's Go To Bethlehem
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” — Luke 2:15
When the shepherds heard the good news about Jesus' birth, they wanted to tell others.
How have I been doing in that regard?
Have I been sharing the good news of Jesus?
The angels told the shepherds.
The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see for themselves.
And they saw that God had kept His promise to send His Son to us.
The shepherds hurried off to tell their friends and neighbors.
Lord, help me to do the same.
Sunday, December 11, 2022
God Sent His Son
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. — Galatians 4:4-5
When God's time had fully come, God sent His Son, Jesus.
He was born of Mary.
And born under the la
Born to redeem those under the law.
Jesus was born that we might receive adoption into His family.
He is the light in our darkness.
Sent by God to redeem us from our sins.
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Let Us Kneel Before Our Maker
Friday, December 9, 2022
The Word Became Flesh
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
God's Word took on human form.Jesus was born as a baby in Bethlehem and lived among us on earth.
He came from God the Father.
We have seen His glory.
Jesus is full of grace.
And He is truth.
Thursday, December 8, 2022
Glory to God in the Highest
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” — Luke 2:13-14
As the angel announced Jesus' birth, many more angels joined in.
Praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest.
Here's Abby and friends as bad angels before taking part in our Church Christmas live nativity.
I think this may have been the year they had Abby up in the balcony, looking down over Mary, Joseph and baby.
You can tell they really got into the part.
God's angels are messengers, sent to tell us news from Him.
This was the best news of all - Jesus was born.
Glory to God.
And on earth peace to those on whom God's favor rests.
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
You Will Find a Baby
"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” — Luke 2:12
The angels told the shepherds where to find baby Jesus.
They said there would be a clear sign of the Christ child.
The shepherds were told to look for a baby wrapped in cloths.
That baby would be lying in a manger.
The feed trough for oxen.
From this humble birth our Savior came.
We anticipate His come with expectation and joy!
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
A Savior Is Born
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. — Luke 2:11
![]() |
Latch-Hook tree skirt by Kirk & Carol 1985 |
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we focus on the coming of Jesus.
Advent means coming.
And Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
Who was born in Bethlehem, the town of David.
He is our Messiah and Lord.
We worship him with our songs of joy.
Monday, December 5, 2022
Good News of Great Joy
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." — Luke 2:10
Mary was fearful and startled to see an angel appear before her.But the angel Gabriel brought her good news.
He announced the coming of Jesus!
News that would cause great joy for all people.
Not the worldly temporal joy that we often celebrate this time of year.
But the deep-seated, everlasting joy of God coming to earth as a man.
And saving us from our sins.
How great our joy!
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Shepherds Living Out in the Fields
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. — Luke 2:8-9
When Jesus was born, there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks of sheep.
At night an angel of Lord appeared to them.
The glory of the Lord shone around them.
And they were afraid - terrified!
But the angel had come to tell them the good news of Jesus' birth.
And when they heard it, they got so excited that they ran off to tell others.
This is great news of tremendous joy!
We should be sharing it with our friends and neighbors, too.
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Her Firstborn, a Son
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. — Luke 2:6-7
During this time of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.Remembering His birth and humble beginnings as a baby.
And how Mary rejoiced in God when she heard the news that a Savior would be born to her.
We sing Christmas carols to remind us of Jesus' birth.
And to prepare us for His coming as our Prince of Peace.
Advent means "coming."
Jesus is our Savior and Lord.
Friday, December 2, 2022
The Upright Will Be Blessed
Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. — Psalm 112:2-3
Welcome, December!
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Blessed Are We
Advent means "coming."
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
To God Belongs Eternal Praise
Tomorrow starts a new month.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
God Provided Redemption
Monday, November 28, 2022
God Has Established His Precepts
Sunday, November 27, 2022
God Has Shown the Power of His Works
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. — Psalm 111:6-7
Saturday, November 26, 2022
The Lord Is Gracious
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. — Psalm 111:4-5
Friday, November 25, 2022
Great Are the Works of the Lord
God's works are great.
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
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
The peace of Christ is deeper than anything I know.His peace overflows and overwhelms me when I start to worry.
Making the troubles of life bearable because God is in control rather than me.
As a member of the body of Christ, I am called to peace.
My heart is comforted with Christ's love.
Even when life happens and things don't go my way.
And I am thankful.
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Giving Thanks for Brothers
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. — 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
Yesterday was National Adoption Day.
I'm so glad my brothers were adopted into our family as little babies.
We are blessed!
Sunday, November 20, 2022
Love the Lord
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength. — Deuteronomy 6:5
These are the commands, decrees and laws that God directed Moses to teach us to observe.
The first is to love the Lord our God with our entire being.
To love the Lord with everything we have.
With our heart, soul, and with all our strength.
So every fiber of our being sings His praise and glory.
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Your Word Is Truth
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. — John 17:17
Jesus told Pilate, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate asked Jesus in reply, "What is truth?"
Jesus had already answered that question.
He is the Word.
And that Word is truth.
Help me to follow Your Word, Lord.
You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Thank You for the sacrifice You made for me.
Friday, November 18, 2022
Your Word
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. — Psalm 119:105
God's Word is a lamp that lightens my way.
Shining His radiance on my way so my feet can see where to go.
Scripture lights my path so I don't have to stumble in the darkness.
When I'm not sure which direction to head, God's Word helps illumine the right way.
Guiding me in the direction He would have me go.
Shining the light and love of Jesus into my life.
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Open My Eyes
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. — Psalm 119:18
Each day, God opens my eyes to see His creation.
When I read His Word, the Bible, He also opens my eyes to His statues.
The Holy Spirit helps me understand the words.
And shows me the wonderful things in His law.
Then He guides me to obey God's will each day.
Often I miss the mark.
Those times, He guides me back to get me on the right path.
Without Him, I am lost.
With Him, I am secure and grateful.
I am loved.