Let Us Run with Perseverance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. — Hebrews 12:1

Last night we watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.

It brought back memories of our wonderful time in Paris two years ago.

And the crowd of spectators gathered there now for the games.

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, too.

But our crowd consists of the saints who've gone before us.

My mom, Kirk's mom, Polly Whigham, Mildred & Blain Marksbury, Burt Smith, Penny, Paul Pulliam, Gabe Saliba, and so many more.

Our lives have been blessed by each of them.

And we pray that our lives, too, will be a blessing to many.

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. — Hebrews 12:1 

This past week we've lost many parents of friends and relatives.

Today Kirk's cousin Cindy lost her mom.

It was a blessing that she's now with her husband but still hard, especially to lose your mother.

Kirk stopped by to visit them in 2021 on his way to Ohio.

And we are so thankful to God for that time together.

Within the year Uncle Bob had passed away.

Over the next year, Aunt Doris began her decline.

This has been a week of loss and a year of friends losing their parents.

We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.

It is encouraging to know that we're not alone on our journey.

They encourage us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Thank You, Lord.

Let Us Run With Perseverance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. — Hebrews 12:1

La Jolla Shores Beach

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.

Over the past few weeks, even more saints have gone to be with Jesus.

Sharon's dad, Gale.

Sue's mom.

Ron's mom.

And many more.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us.

And let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles us.

Let us run the race before us with perseverance. 

Surrounded by Friends

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. — John 15:14-15

We are surrounded by friends that we treasure.

Yesterday we had lots of them attend Gary's memorial service and send emails and cards remembering his life.

Those who were not able to attend the service can watch it on our church LiveStream: http://livestream.com/FPCSD/events/8748320

After the service, we came back to our house and enjoyed food and fellowship with friends and relatives.

What a great way to end the day!