God Has Raised up a Horn of Salvation for Us

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago). — Luke 1:69-70

Today we plan to visit the Hotel Del Coronado to see their Christmas tree.

They also have an ice skating rink where we can watch the skaters on the beach.

Our friends Charlie and Jan had an open house at their home last weekend.

Years ago, they renewed their vows at the Hotel Del.

We were blessed to be able to attend both events.

Here we are at the Hotel Del 3 years ago.

Just a few months later, I would have no hair as I went through chemo.

But it's now back in full!

God has raised up a horn of salvation for us.

Filled With Joy

 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. — 2 Timothy 1:4

Last weekend I got a new laptop computer.

First I went to Costco, and they were all out of the Mac 16" laptops.

They called around, but all of their stores had only the display Mac available.

And they don't sell those — although they do sell them if they're PCs.

So I ordered from Apple online, and since Abby works for a school now, they threw in a pair of Apple earbuds.

And they gave me a discount on the accessories.

Plus a discount on the computer so it ended up being slightly less than Costco.

I ordered it for pickup so when I arrived, the salesperson brought it all out to my car.

Very convenient and easy.

Friday I sang for a memorial service at our church.

The memorial was for Patricia, who was 93 - her husband had passed away a few years before.

They were both very thoughtful and caring people.

Friday would have been her 94th birthday so the reception featured birthday cake.

Recalling Rita and Gary and my mom and dad, reminded me of the tears we've shed.

But we are filled with joy that they are in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus.

My Brothers and Sisters

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! — Philippians 4:1

Last evening we worshiped outside in our church courtyard.

A couple of people had not seen my curly hair.

One didn't recognize me.

She wondered who that lady was sitting way too close to Kirk.

She expected one of our ushers to come let me know we needed to space out.

Then she realized it was me!

Another friend came up to me afterward and asked how I like the curls I have now.

Of course, I had to laugh.

Any hair is better than no hair! I replied.

But actually, the curls are nice, too.

In the 80s I briefly got a perm to add to curl to my hair.

Now it's natural.

I think God has a sense of humor.

The Affection of Christ

 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. — Philippians 1:8

Today is my brother Steve's birthday.

I miss seeing him and Miki and the rest of our family.

He and I both work long hours right now.

Here we are last summer with Kelly, Liz, Vicki and Max, Abby and Cameron.

I long for all of them with the affection of Christ.

And I thank God for them each day.

 

 

God's Righteous Acts

My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long. — Psalm 71:24

God continually blesses me with His righteous acts.


My tongue will tell of them all day long.

From the rising to the setting of the sun, God watches over me.

He is our Creator and Redeemer.

He has planned the months and the years, the seasons and the times for solstice.

We are coming to end of April, but this week has been really hot here in San Diego.

God's righteous acts are continual and amazing.

God Is My Strong Refuge

I will ever praise you. You are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. — Psalm 71:6-8

I have been working at home for the past three weeks.

But my hours have been long.

It has been stressful to keep my team motivated and get everything done that we need to accomplish.

Even so, I am blessed to have a good job and a regular paycheck.

When we go outside, we get to look at beautiful roses blooming in our courtyard.

I know many others are not nearly as fortunate.

God has blessed our family, and we are grateful.

My mouth is filled with God's praise.

I declare His splendor all day long in my words and deeds.

I Will Lift Up My Hands

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. — Psalm 63:4

I will continue to lift up my voice and my hands to God.

I will praise Him as long as I live.

For some reason, butterflies like our plants.

A few weeks ago this monarch landed in our back yard and enjoyed the sun.

God's creation is amazingly beautiful. 

I will praise Him as long as I live.

 

God Has Given Me a Heritage

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. — Psalm 61:4-5

Sunday I had the privilege of working in our church preschool during the early service. What a blessing to share God's Word with children from under 2 to almost 5. 

They loved looking in my hand mirror as we sang, "God cares about [Josh]" to each child. And when we talked about Jesus dying for us, one of them said, "That makes me sad," and I had to agree, it makes me sad, too. 

But that's not the end of the story. And their faces brightened up as we talked about how Jesus came alive again and now lives in heaven. We practiced telling our friends, "Jesus loves you."

And we finished with blowing and catching bubbles and dancing with joy.

The sun is shining and the birds are singing. What a beautiful Palm Sunday day.

You, God, have heard my prayer. You have given me the heritage of these who fear your name.