Beautiful Birthday Roses

Live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. — 1 Timothy 2:2

Beautiful birthday flowers from my sweet husband.

Of course, they arrived at work on the one day I decided to work at home this week!

But my thoughtful coworkers took pictures for me and even carried them up to my desk.

I was able to enjoy them in person the next day when I returned to the office.

Such a gorgeous and aroma-filled gift.

And my coworkers took me out to lunch to celebrate.

I am blessed to have such caring family members and friends.

We Thank God for You

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. — I Corinthians 1:4-5

We are so thankful for the overwhelming kindness of friends.

These roses were from Brad and Peggy.

We should have been sending them roses for the food and wine they have brought us, the reception they helped coordinate, the many hours of phone calls, prayers and support they have provided.

Our Virginia family has also been such a huge help, fixing dinners for us, chatting into the wee hours,  helping us entertain friends and family, filling my car's tires with air, and much more.

We are blessed and overwhelmed.

We always thank God for you!

Marvelous Things

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. — Psalm 98:1

Last week I thought our roses looked beautiful, but this week they have budded and blossomed even more!

Both rose trees look like this. What a fabulous view from our living room and even from the street.

The flowers are so heavy that the trees are leaning a bit under the weight of them all.

I am singing my heart out to the Lord.

What miraculous ways he reaches out to me in love. He surrounds me with good things to see, taste, and hear.

He has done and continues to do marvelous things!

Roses from a Friend

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. — James 1:2-5

Roses from Mary's garden and chocolate flan

Saturday evening our friend Mary brought us chicken tortilla soup, appetizers, jicama salad, chocolate flan, and these beautiful roses from her garden.

Our home smells like lilacs and roses! What could be better.

We consider it joy, even though going through trials, because we know that God give generously to us. In His mercy, He cares for us even when we don't deserve it. Especially when we don't deserve it. Actually, we never deserve it.

Nonetheless, God gives generously. And we are thankful.

He Is Risen!

Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” — Matthew 28:7

Today we will celebrate Easter with our family and friends. On Saturday this year, so everyone can get to church services and musicals on Sunday.

There will be 21 of us from the Rogers, Johnson, Turner, Stalder, Baker, Ameng, and Nichols families plus a few extras will come together for ham, cracker corn, party potatoes, deluxe salad, veggies, appetizers and desserts.

Fortunately we have some great cooks coming and bringing their favorite dishes — and ours!

A great time to laugh and catch up with wonderful people in our back yard and front courtyard.

The roses are budding and the sun will be shining through the clouds. A perfect day to eat outside and gather with family and friends who are just like family.

He is risen! He is risen indeed.

Trust in God

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
 — Psalm 62:8
 
Yesterday I had my second chemo treatment. It went well. No nausea, and we finished in 5 hours. Two treatments down! Four left to go.

Of course, Kirk was with me and we stopped for lunch afterward.

My hair is now coming out more frequently, but I still have quite a bit left. My hairdresser Vito will give me a buzz cut on Saturday so I can start wearing my hats and wig.

I did an online makeup session in the afternoon to help me "Look good, feel better" as I start losing my hair and eyebrows.

Today I'm back at work, and tomorrow we will celebrate Easter a day early.

God is our refuge. We pour out our hearts to him.

God Reigns

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” — Isaiah 52:7

Today as I walked around our neighborhood, I was joy-filled to see the birds flying by, the roses and daffodils and Birds of Paradise blooming, and the sun peeking through the snow-white clouds above me.

This Bird of Paradise plant at the foot of our driveway hasn’t bloomed in years. But after all of the rain we’ve been having, it finally blossomed. 

Now its brilliant colors are finally shining through.

Sometimes the rain in my life helps me to be able to bloom as well. I become dull and move away from God until pain and problems come my way. Then I start to turn to God and He in turn helps me shine the light of Jesus in my actions and words.

Thank you, Lord, for your omnipotence. You reign in power and glory.

Our God reigns!