God Will Heal Them

I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. — Isaiah 57:18

God has seen our ways, and He will hear us.

He will guide us.

And He will restore comfort to Israel.

He will create praise on their lips.

God will comfort Israel's mourners.

Just as hHe comforts us when we mourn.

And He rejoices with us when we rejoice.

He creates us to praise Him.

To Guide Our Feet

 To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. — Luke 1:79-80

Christ's light shines on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The light of Jesus guides our feet.

He leads un into th path of peace.

After all, He is the Prince of Peace,

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father.

 

Investigate My Life, O God

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. — Psalm 139:23 (The Message)

This is an interesting variation on the familiar passage of Scripture, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my anxious thoughts."

Today I went for a 2.5 mile walk with friends around our neighborhood.

When I got home I did 30 minutes of yoga on YouTube.

Then Abby and I went for a 45 minute swim at the local YMCA.

Later, I had some middle and high school girls over for crafts and Bible study.

We sit outside with masks and socially distance. 

As we were putting away the chairs afterward, we saw a bunny up on the steps near our bank.

They love to come out at dusk.

Search me, O God.

Get a clear picture of what I'm about.

Then guide me on the road to eternal life.

God's Will

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart. — Psalm 40:8

When I follow God's will, I am filled with joy and delight.

His law and commands are written on my heart.

His Holy Spirit lives within me and guides my steps.

Last week we traveled to Paso Robles with friends and visited this barrel room.

We had a fun time and thanked God for a wonderful trip.

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 Presence

My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. — Exodus 33:14

God goes with us wherever we go. When we feel tired and downtrodden, worn and weary, He carries us through the day.

Even when we don't feel His presence, He is there to support us and lead and guide us the direction that is best.

This weekend, our women's group will retreat at the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside.

We will take time to rest, relax, sing, laugh, study God's Word, and hear from others who are walking with God.

We will have some delicious meals, smell the roses, and go for long walks.

Thank you, God, for giving us times to rest.

I'm a Survivor

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. — Psalm 125:1

Yesterday one of Kirk's teacher friends gave me a Survivor necklace that a friend had given her when she went through chemo for cancer. I love it. Thanks to Kathy for her thoughtfulness!

On the back of the necklace is a collage of words:

The world is round and the places
which may seem like the end
may only be just the beginning.

Those of us who trust in the Lord are survivors. We are not shaken but endure even the hard trials knowing that God is with us to guide us each step of the way.

It reminds me of the song I'm a Survivor.

Today I will have my first chemo at 11:00. It will last about six hours so the nurses can make sure I'm not having adverse reactions to the meds.

Kirk, Abby and I will go to breakfast together in the morning so I have food in my stomach. Then they will alternate sitting with me and later will go to lunch together at our local restaurant, Troys. After they eat, they will bring lunch for me, too. 

Liz and Peggy have offered to come sit with me too, during treatments. How wonderful to be surrounded by my family and wonderful friends.

Gratefully trusting in the Lord!

Wonderful Neighbors

I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. — Psalm 123:1

This beautiful flower arrangement was sent to us by our wonderful next-door neighbors, Ralph and Wanda, when they heard about my surgery and cancer diagnosis.

They were the original owners of their house, and they have been a blessing for us to get to know over the years. They introduced themselves to us as soon as we moved in and then invited us to one of their parties, making us feel especially welcome.

They helped us repair our shared fence and shared their fruits, vegetables, wine, and jams with us. They also shared lots of laughter.

When Abby was young and dressed up for Halloween, they would have a special treat ready for her. They remembered her birthday, graduation, and other special occasions. They were always there to lend a hand and to pray for us when they heard about my diagnosis.

Now they are beginning to plan a move closer to their children in Temecula, and we will miss them terribly.

God has blessed us with wonderful neighbors. We lift our eyes up to the Lord and ask Him to guide them to their new home, just not too quickly.

A Plan of Action

Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory. — Psalm 24:9-10

I finally got a call that my chemo will begin on Friday, March 29 and then will switch to Thursdays and will take place every 3 weeks for 6 treatments.

So on April 18, I'll have my second one, and Kirk is off that week for Spring Break. What perfect timing!

Of course, he will also take off the other days, too. I am blessed.

Friends have given me lots of tips, so I have my meds ready and will get a soft toothbrush and lots of crackers and bread to be able to eat something regularly to keep my stomach full and hopefully keep the nausea to a minimum.

God is with me and will come in to guide me down this path.

He is the King of glory.

I Will Turn to the Lord

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. — Psalm 22:27-28

I don't always remember to to turn to God. When things are going along great, I get distracted and busy. Somehow God gets pushed aside. He becomes more of an afterthought.

Forgive me, Lord, for not putting you first. You rule over the nations, but at times I don't let you rule over my life.

I'm sorry and ashamed. Thank you that all of the ends of the earth turn to you. Please help me to turn to you, too. 

Remind me to bow down before you, giving you dominion in my life and my plans. Inviting you to guide me in the ways you would have me go. Help me turn to you each morning.

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!