You Will Shine Like Stars in the Sky

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. — Philippians 2:15-16

When we don't grumble or argue, we shine like stars in the sky.

God calls us to hold firmly to His Word, the word of life.

And when we do that, we will be able to boast on the last day.

The day of Christ is coming soon.

We do not want to run or labor in vain.

Rather, we want to follow Christ and honor Him in everything we do.

Why Do You Worry

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  — Matthew 6:28-29

Yesterday we celebrated 37 years of marriage with dinner at Antica Trattoria.

Kirk got me a gorgeous orchid.

And we had a chocolate lava cake for dessert.

Yum!

We are blessed beyond measure.

God has taken care of us.

We have no need to worry.

And even when times are stressful, God has taken our hands and led us on.

Your Labor of Love

Constantly keeping in mind your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters, beloved by God, His choice of you. — 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Yesterday our friend Bogar gave a wonderful sermon about loving others.

Even those who are our enemies.

That's not something we can do on our own.

It takes God's love working through us.

And His Holy Spirit loving those who are unlovable to us.

It starts with me being able to pray for my enemies, even when I disagree or they make me mad.

I came home from church to this beautiful bouquet from my daughter.

She has a gift for flower arranging.

And I am a blessed mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Beloved Brothers and Sisters

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. — 1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul calls us beloved.

And his brothers and sisters.

He wrote this letter to encourage us in the Lord.

And to admonish us to do better.

To get to know God.

And to always excel in His work.

Knowing that we do not labor in vain.

Working for the Lord is what God calls us to do. 

Today one of my coworkers celebrated a milestone birthday.

So I made a banner and we filled her office with balloons and leis.

She was so thrilled, she stopped by to thank us and then sent an email.

God calls us to encourage and uplift each other.

So glad she felt that we did.

We Remember You

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thessalonians 1:2

What a beautiful day!

Today it was about 76 in the afternoon.

It got down to about 70 tonight.

We sat outside with friends, enjoying the evening.

God has blessed us with good friends, good food, and great weather!

We remember your work and your faith.

Your love and your endurance.

And we are thankful for you.

Shine Like Stars

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. — Philippians 2:16

Paul tells the Philippians that through Christ they will shine like stars.

God can shine through us, too.

Shine among them like stars in the sky.

We hold firmly to God's Word, the Word of Life.

On the Day of Christ, we will be able to boast in the Lord.

What an exciting day that will be.

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.