May the Lord Direct Your Hearts

 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. — 2 Thessalonians 3:5

God wants to direct our hearts.

I have a hard time letting Him have control of my heart.

Kirk is planning to travel with Ernie back to Akron, Ohio to help him move.

They will have a fun road trip through Nebraska and Iowa on the way.

Kirk will get to see his Uncle Bob, Aunt Doris, and cousin Cindy.

This is Cindy's previous dog, Olive.

Ernie will get to see a bit of Spencer, Iowa.

Sounds like a really fun trip!

When Kirk checked to see which restaurants would be open for dinner in Dayton on Sunday, he discovered that of the top 10, none are open on Sundays.

Reminds me of my time living in Lousiana with blue laws.

I suggested they leave a day earlier so they can try one of the top 10 restaurants on Saturday,  instead.

Whatever they decide, they will have a great time.

God is good.

Direct My Heart to You

Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intentions of the hearts of Your people, and direct their hearts to You. — 1 Corinthians 29:18

Lord, help me to keep Your Word in my heart.

To understand and practice it in my life.

To keep it forever in my mind and heart.

So that I may direct my heart to You.

And dedicate my life to Your will.

I pray for those who are undergoing cancer treatments.

Or who are about to begin chemo.

Cover them with your healing touch.

Give them your strength.

Uphold them when they feel weak.

Help them direct their hearts to you.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Teach Me, Lord

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. — Psalm 143:10

It's not always easy to God's do will.

In fact, for me, it's rarely easy.

My daily prayer is for God to lead me on level ground and direct my paths.

Saturday our sweet neighbors brought me a wonderful new book that I finished reading last night.

It's called "Here's to You" and it's filled with quotes from a wide variety of people past and present.

How thoughtful and appreciated!

And they invited me to swim in their pool, which I did.

It was very refreshing on a hot day.

And it was good exercise to get me back in shape before I experience the exhaustion of radiation in a couple of weeks.

One of my favorite quotes (of many) from this book was on the page, "Here's to your spirit."

The quote is from Ashley Hodgeson, "Strength and courage aren't always measured in medals and victories, they are measured in the struggles they overcome. The strongest people aren't always the people who win, but the people who don't give up when they lose."

God is teaching me to slow down and do his will. And I am thankful.

 

I Find Delight

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. — Psalm 119:34-35

Kirk had a great day of golf last week at Torrey Pines with some buddies.

What a view!

He got a birdie on this hole with an amazing swing, getting the ball right on the green, about 5 feet away from the hole.

Then he had another fun early morning with some other friends later in the week at a different course.

He's back in the classroom on Wednesday, and will miss his days of golf.

Hopefully he can get back to into it on his breaks.

He has been so supportive of me during this year of appointments, surgery, weariness, and treatments. 

He has also helped me to stay in God's Word and to find delight in God's plans for our family.

God Has Done Marvelous Things

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. — Psalm 98:1

This is the card I received earlier this week from Mary and Gary, who have been praying along with everyone else.

Another perfect sentiment for the week.

The rain is coming down tonight, pattering on the rooftop, and tomorrow will most likely bring another rainbow.

I am blessed and overwhelmed with all of the prayers and support.

Thanks to all of my loving friends and family members who have been covering me in prayer.

Even when we can't feel God's hand, He is there to guide and direct us through life's storms.

Praise the Lord. He has done marvelous things!