A Time for Each Season

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. — Ecclesiastes 3:1

This week marks the autumnal equinox and the first day of Fall.

It seems way too early and much too warm, but God has planned the seasons perfectly.

Here's what fall looks like in Spokane, Washington.

It's mostly green here in San Diego.

But it's beautiful, never-the-less.

And we are grateful.

Who Is Understanding?

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. — James 3:13

From Abby's alma mater, Whitworth University, we received this beautiful prayer.

Thanksgiving:
Lord, you call us to follow; to turn away from our own selfish interests, and to be disciples and follow after You, even if the path is difficult to see. We are grateful that you lead us, even when it is in a direction that we would never have chosen for ourselves. Help us not to be so hesitant to follow, and to see with the eyes of faith.

Teach us to follow without fear, knowing that You are always with us, leading the way.
Amen.

I have my 12th radiation treatment today and will meet with my radiation doctor to make sure everything is going as planned.

So far no discomfort. I'm expecting some fatigue to kick in at the end of the week.

We are so thankful for the prayers that have sustained me well over the past nine months since my cancer diagnosis.

This prayer was such a perfect synopsis of our lives over this period and God's mercy.

I am grateful.

Agree with One Another

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. — I Corinthians 1:10

We don't have to be united in thought about politics or book preferences or parenting, but we do want to be united about our faith in Jesus.

Today the last of our relatives left for home, and our house is very quiet.

It has been wonderful to have a continual stream of visitors and guests sharing our home over the past few weeks.

Now we are relaxing with just the three of us, missing our relatives and friends.

We are grateful for wonderful family and for the time we have had to spend with them.



 

God's 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

We are able to make it through the trials of this life because we have seen the glory of Jesus, who lived among us and now comforts and guides us on our journey.

God sends wonderful friends and family our way to surround us with care and compassion and to lift us up when we need their support.

Here are some of my hiking buddies and prayer warriors.

I am grateful for these women of faith and many more who keep me covered with God's love and remind me of His grace daily.

God's Love

Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. — Romans 5:5

The past two days, I've been taking a 2-mile walk around our neighborhood and appreciating all of the flowers blooming.

Our geraniums are some of the most colorful and prolific.

Kirk has a green thumb with the plants and flowers in our yard.

God's love has been poured out into our hearts, and we are grateful.

Walk Humbly

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8

Yesterday I walked a couple of miles, very slowly, as my surgeon instructed.

The sun was out and the flowers were blooming along the way. The day before I went a bit farther but with several stops along the way.

It's hard having to slow down and walk. It's especially hard not being able to exercise or jump rope or hike for a few days, let alone a few weeks!

But at times God asks us to slow down and not hurry through life. It's hard to slow down. And it's hard to be humble. My pride keeps getting in the way.

Fortunately, God is forgiving. He loves me even when I mess up. I am grateful.

A New Day

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  
— Psalm 34:4

The sun is shining again. Still. And it's a new day ahead.

Still no pain, and most movement is back in my arm. I'm amazed.

This beautiful orchid is a reminder of the thoughtful friends and neighbors who have surrounded our family during this time. 

Our neighbors brought it over before the surgery to brighten my spirits, and it did!

I opened my door yesterday to a beautiful floral arrangement from my Bible study friends and another arrangement — a combination of plants and flowers from our next-door neighbors. What a surprise!

We have been showered with blessing upon blessing. We are grateful.