You Are a Holy Nation

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9

Today we hiked the 7 bridges of San Diego.

Just six of us showed up, but it was a gorgeous day.

And we had a fun time walking around various neighborhoods and over some fun bridges.

Plus getting to catch up and chat with friends old and new.

Walking by homes of some of our church members.

Ending in the rose garden at Balboa Park.

And then getting a picture by the fountain.

We are God's special possession.

Gifted to declare His praise.

He has called us out of darkness.

Into His wonderful light!

Into God's Wonderful Light

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9

God has chosen us.

We are His people, a royal priesthood.

And a holy nation, God's special possession.

Today we helped Abby move into her new apartment.

It's up near UTC, right across from a park.

With two other really nice girls.

She got things organized and moved in to her new home.

We declare God's praises.

He has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light.

Sing Praises to God

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. — Psalm 47:6-7 

Last night we went with friends to see Million-Dollar Quartet at Lamb's Players Theater.

A fun musical about the day that Johnny Cash, Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis met at Sun Records and recorded some music together.

Right before most of them signed on with RCA and Columbia.

And when Jerry Lee Lewis was just getting into the music circuit.

It was a terrific show with lots of great music, including "Great Balls of Fire," "Peace in the Valley," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Wichita Lineman," "Down By the Riverside" and "Fever" among others.

Afterward, we met for drinks and appetizers in Coronado.

We enjoyed the sunset and walked along the beach.

Sing Praises to God

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. — Psalm 47:6-7 

Today is Star Wars Day.

May the fourth be with you!

We're celebrating at work with a Star-Wars themed taco lunch in honor of Cinco de Mayo tomorrow.

Since praises to God.

Since praises to our King.

God is the King of all the earth.

Sing to Him a psalm of praise!

A Royal Priesthood

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9

On Friday, my wonderful coworkers took me out to lunch.

Here we are at UTC - most of our marketing team plus a friend who drove over from another building to join us.

A beautiful afternoon in sunny San Diego.

God has blessed me with fun coworkers who enjoy having a good time together.

We are a royal priesthood, a chosen people.

As Christians, we are a holy nation, God's special possession.

Called to declare His praises!

God's Special Possession

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. — 1 Peter 2:9

God calls us his chosen people.

We are a royal priesthood.

And a holy nation.

He has chosen us as His special possession.

Called to declare His praises.

He has called me out of darkness.

And He has called me into His wonderful light.

God Clothed Me with Joy

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. — Psalm 30:11-12

God turned my wailing into dancing.

He clothed me with joy.

My heart will sing God's praises.

I cannot be silent.

God removed my mourning clothes and clothed me with his love.

Today our sweet neighbors brought us Lilacs. 

They smell wonderful!

We are filled with God's joy.

Sing God's Praises

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime. — Psalm 30:4-5

I love singing God's praises.

Our choir is now meeting to rehearse on Zoom.

It's fun to be able to stay in touch with everyone around the county and the state.

What a blessing to be able to sing the praises of the Lord, even while sheltering in place.

His anger lasts only a moment.

But His blessings last a lifetime.

I am grateful.

Declare God's Praises

That you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. —
1 Peter 2:9

God has called us out of darkness into the light of His glory.

He has called us to be one with Him through His Son, Jesus.

We can declare His praise for leading us out of the darkness.

And for leading us into His wonderful light.

Kindnesses of the Lord

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us — yes, the many good things he has done. — Isaiah 63:7-8

The Lord has done many good things for us.

I will tell of the kindnesses God has done for me.

I will shout out the deeds for which he is to be praised.

He has seen me through my chemo treatments. He has removed the cancer from my body.

He has given me the strength to sing his praises.

He has overwhelmed me with blessings.

Graduation Praises

I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. — Psalm 9:2

Today we got this text photo from Abby. When she went to pick up her cap and gown, they gave her the option of having a photo with her name on the Whitworth sign at the entrance to campus. Love it!

We are so proud of her and her achievements and love the photo. Perhaps this (or one of the other versions) will become the graduation announcement.

Today I went the whole day without a nausea pill. What a huge blessing to feel good.

Friday I will work at home to help conserve my energy. And I'll choose a day each week to work at home, as my oncologist and Kirk have suggested.

I can still taste, so I'm enjoying my food now, while I can. I understand that that may change after my next chemo treatment.

I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.