The Earth Is the Lord's

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. — Psalm 24:1

Saturday night we had the Rogers and Turner families over for dinner with Victoria and Max.

Everyone brought delicious food, and Kirk made Negronis and poured some fine wines.

Liz made her crowdpleaser freezer dessert plus corn with jalapeños.

We had a fun afternoon and evening catching up and laughing together.

We missed Tim, so sorry we didn't get to see him.

Sunday we will meet Victoria and Max at the beach — Windandsea or LaJolla Shores.

The earth is the Lord's!

God's Wonders

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. — Psalm 40:5

Flowers from our garden, scones, and blueberries

On Saturday Liz and I prepared food and picked roses to take to our friend Marie. We had a fun time laughing together and reminiscing.

Liz made a delicious quiche and I made scones. Marie had apricot jam. We brought strawberries and blueberries.

The best part was just reconnecting with good friends who feel like family.

Thank you, God, for the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us!

Strength to Keep Going

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

Mission San Luis Rey Oceanside 2016

This weekend I attended a women's retreat up at Mission San Luis Rey, and it was wonderful.

God really blessed me through the speakers, reading my Bible, praying, connecting with friends, meeting new Christian sisters, celebrating Joy's birthday, singing God's praises, sitting among the flowers, laughing over wine and cheese, doing some crazy skits, trying cupping plus a variety of yoga balls, and eating wonderful food.

I probably gained a couple of pounds, so I'll head out for a hike this afternoon after I do our taxes.

I felt great the whole time until Friday night after dinner, when I headed over to hear the first speaker. I stopped to take a nausea pill and threw up the pill and my coleslaw all over the walkway.

I actually felt much better after that so headed back to the kitchen, borrowed a mop, and cleaned up the mess before heading into the meeting room. I missed the music, but arrived just in time to hear Dawn share the story of God's faithfulness to her during the loss of her first baby.

One of the things she shared was that she bought a pair of awesome really high heels to wear to the baby's funeral service just to help her feel good about herself on the outside as she was struggling on the inside.

She encourage us not to fake it with our relationships with others but to come before God, humbly lay ourselves bare, and admit our need for healing and salvation so God can use our weakness to point to the cross.

God meets us where we are and helps us move beyond ourselves.