Start Children Off in the Way They Should Go

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. — Proverbs 22:6 

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Today we celebrated Abby's 26th birthday.

Yesterday we walked on the beach in Coronado after dinner.

And we came to the carvings by the sandcastle man.

Lo and behold, he had created a birthday sculpture for the next day!

It says, Sept. 4, 2023 on the left heart.

And Happy Birthday to You! on the right heart.

A perfect early birthday wish for Abby!

God is good.

All the time.

Jesus WIll Come Back

Jesus said, “I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 13:3 

Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father.

He rose again from the dead and said He was going to prepare a place for us.

One day, He tells us He will come back and take us with Him.

So that on that day we can live with Him in heaven.

What a wonderful promise!

Be Strong

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 

God has commanded us to be strong.

Just as He commanded Joshua.

To be strong and courageous.

Not to be afraid or discouraged.

God was with Joshua wherever he went.

And God is with me.

What a huge relief.

Here we are at Mean Girls last night.

They offered us signature cocktails that were created to go with the musical theme.

Very fun.

A Prophet of the Most High

 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him. — Luke 1:76

Today is the winter solstice.

Yesterday I went for a two-mile walk with friends.

Then I went for a swim.

At noon our church orchestra held a Christmas caroling afternoon down by the harbor.

And our crape myrtle is ready for Christmas, too!

Prepare the way of the Lord.

 

Start Children Off in the Way They Should Go

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. — Proverbs 22:6

Another version of this Bible verse says, "Train up a child."

Both images are great.

They convey training children in God's ways.

And also starting them off on the right foot — in God's Word.

So they begin hiding God's Word in their hearts.

Memorizing Scripture so when they are away from the church, they still hold God's Word in their hearts.

And even when they turn from it completely, they will turn back to God eventually.

Each of my siblings have gradually turned back to God.

And two of them have dedicated their lives to Jesus.

What a comfort that is.

And a constant reminder to pray for our family members and friends.

People Go Out to Their Work

Then people go out to their work, to their labor until evening. — Psalm 104:23

God gives us work.

He sends us out to work each day.

We work until evening, when we join our family for dinner.

Kirk has done lots of cooking lately.

My job has been very hectic, and I've been working long hours.

At the end of June, I will return to work in the office.

For now I am working at home with Kirk.

I will probably start to go in one day a week until the end of the month.

God calls us to rest on the seventh day, just as He did.

So we worship as a family on Sunday.

We watch our service together on Facebook.

I often walk around the neighborhood with a friend or two, keeping a safe distance and wearing our masks.

In the evening, Abby and I walk around the neighborhood again.

God has blessed us.

Go Out in Joy

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. — Isaiah 55:12

Every morning we go out in joy.

The mountains burst forth into song.

The trees clap their hands.

The oceans rejoice.

Even the rocks cry out.

Creation cannot be silenced.

God is on His throne.

We are led forth in peace.

Thank You, Lord!

Happy Birthday, Steve!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

Today is my brother Steve's birthday. 

When he was born, he was premature so he had to stay in the hospital for a few weeks.

My mom and dad had adopted him, so when he came home to our house, he was my little brother.

He was scowling much of the time so my sister and I were instructed to smile like crazy every time we passed his crib.

From his smile today, it apparently worked!

You would also never guess he was a premi!

He now towers over me.

What a treat to get to sing next to him at church today.