Sing for Joy

Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. — Isaiah 44:23

God has created the earth.

We sing for joy, joining the heavens in song.

The Lord has done this.

We cannot help but shout aloud.

The earth cries out in praise.

And we raise our voices in joy.

This morning I'll go hiking with some friends.

We may go through Mission Trails by the dam, or we may just go around our neighborhood for 3 miles. 

It will be fun to catch up and get outdoors.

Praise God in the firmament of His power.

San Diego Bridge Walk

I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:21-23

Today I joined some friends for a walk over 7 bridges in downtown San Diego.

We started at the Rose Garden in Balboa Park.

It was a beautiful morning for a 6-mile walk.

These are just a few of the ladies who have been praying for me over the last 6 months, during my operation and chemotherapy.

They continue to surround me with love and friendship and prayer.

This is the suspension bridge we walked over.

It felt like one of the moving walkways at a carnival fun house, where you think you might lose your balance, but none of us did!

I have hope because of the Lord's great love.

His compassion for me never fails.

Be Joyful Always

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. — I Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's not always easy to be joyful always. When we are hurting and sore or tired and discouraged, it's easy to become depressed.

But God calls us to give thanks in all circumstances.

I can give Him thanks for the blessings He has given me and my family.

And for friends who met me after work to treat me to appetizers, praying for me and surrounding me with love.

For other friends who hike with me and pray for my healing.

And for a husband who loves and cares for me.

I am not always good about praying continually, but I am glad God is near so I can talk with him throughout my day.

What a comfort and blessing!

Our Beautiful Earth

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. — Psalm 104:24

Piedras Pintadas Hike

On Saturday we went for a hike in Piedras Pintadas, around Lake Hodges.

We saw a boat on the lake, ducks and grebes, egrets, birds sitting on their nests of  eggs, mountains, lakes, and a waterfall.

Then we walked over the suspension bridge and listened to all of the birds chirping.

Waterfall at Piedras Pintadas

The cloud cover kept us cool. A perfect day for a hike.

Thanks to Kellie for organizing the hike and to everyone who came out to join us.
 
How many are your works, Lord!

In wisdom you made them all.

The earth is full of your creatures.

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Hike

He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. — Psalm 121:3-4

Los Peñasquitos Canyon

Yesterday some friends and I headed out to Los Peñasquitos Canyon for a beautiful morning hike. 

The bridge was out so we were not able to cross the river, but with all of the rain we've had recently, the grass and plants were growing tall and green. And the water was higher than it had been in a while.

The day started out chilly and cold, but warmed up as the sun came out and we started moving. 

One friend who joined us had had a lumpectomy last summer followed by radiation and is doing well. Her cancer is gone for now, and we are rejoicing.

Another friend's mom has been diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma and is undergoing chemo now. She will have her second treatment this week while I have mine. As we walked we talked about how it's especially hard because she lives halfway across the country and has been having a rough time of it with lots of nausea and fatigue. 

There's really nothing her daughter could do if she were there, but it's hard to be so far away and watch your mom suffer. It's hard to be close by and watch your mom or mother-in-law suffer, too.

God is watching over each of us, and He will not let us slip out of His reach.

He will neither slumber or sleep. When we turn to Him, He is ready and able to respond. What a comfort!



 

Hiking In San Diego County

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 121:1-2

Today some friends and I are heading out to Los Peñasquitos Canyon for a beautiful morning hike. We'll see if we make it all the way to waterfall. I hope so! 

We have had a lot of rain for San Diego this year (over 11 inches). Most years, we have only 10 inches of rainfall for the entire year.

Here's a photo of the preserve taken in October 2016 by Alexandre Buhov. I'll post one after our hike so we can compare. My guess is it will be even more green than this. We'll see.

What a treat to get out into God's creation, lifting our eyes to God our Maker, where our help comes from.

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.