Eternal Home

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. — 2 Corinthians 5:1

We are blessed to have a wonderful home.

Over the years we have been able to add landscape and patios to make it even more welcoming.

Now we have termites, eating away at the wood above and below the house.

Fortunately, we will have them removed.

But we know that we have an even better home waiting for us in heaven.

Where we will be with the Lord our God.

An eternal home in heaven, not susceptible to termites or rust or other things that destroy.

God loves us and cares for us. Amazing!

Singing Praise

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.—Psalm 66:4

Yesterday I sang "The Gospel of Grace" by Mark Hayes for our worship service.

Our accompanist, Rodney, did an awesome job with the piano accompaniment, which is beautiful.

It felt really good to discover that my breath support was still there, even after six chemo treatments.

God is amazing and has really blessed me.

Abby and I went for a walk together that evening, and I was panting my way up the hills near our house. 

We walked for a little over a mile and it really felt good.

Today our choir director asked me to consider being the alto section leader beginning in September.

Now I need to decide if I'm ready to give up my monthly book club to take on this new role.

I'm flattered just to be asked!

May My Meditation Be Pleasing

May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. — Psalm 104:34

We rejoice in the Lord and in the beauty of his holiness.

Here's the beautiful sunset we saw from our patio last week. 

Yesterday we filled our patio with friends and family and had a fun dinner together. 

After the fireworks we headed back home for s'mores. Max tried them for the first time, and they were a hit.

What an incredible world we live in.

Our God is amazing.

We are blessed.

Let Your Light Shine

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16

Our friend Ernie took this photo of the poppy fields in Walker Canyon on Saturday. Gorgeous!

We were sorry to miss it, but the pictures are amazing.

While driving home yesterday, Kirk noticed that the entire landscape of Mission Trails is now covered with poppies. 

We weren't sure how we missed that earlier, except that they wait to open until the sun comes out.

All of the rain we've had has encouraged the flowers to fill the mountainsides, and the color is dazzling when they open in the sunlight.

Just as the poppies create a shimmering effect on the mountains and canyons, God uses my life to reflect himself. 

I usually don't do a very good job at that. Even so, God helps me shine for him in my actions and words toward others.

Lord, today use me to glorify you so that those I meet today will see your love shine and so you will be glorified. Amen.