God Is WIth Me

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk  through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. — Psalm 23: 3-4

Several of our older friends passed away this week.

And others are recovering from falls.

Kirk took these flowers to one of our friends who is recovering with a fractured pelvis and broken ribs from her fall.

My coworker's stepsister lost her dad.

Tragedy all around us.

But God is good. 

He carries us through the dark valleys.

And that journey is part of His purpose for our lives.

I don't grow in Him unless I travel that path.

And He has much to teach me along the way.

Guide and direct me, Lord.

All People Will See God's Salvation

Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation. — Luke 3:5-6

We are hiring a social media specialist at work.

But in this time of COVID-19, not too many people are ready to move to a new job.

We have received fewer applicants than usual.

Even so, I know God will provide us with just the right person.

So I am asking for His wisdom as we search.

The mountains we encounter in life will be made low.

God will provide us with a straight path and will guide us along the smooth road.

Eventually everyone will see His salvation in Jesus.

Words of Encouragement

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  — Psalm 23:1, 4

Sometimes when we go through difficult times, God is preparing us so that we can encourage others who are going through similar situations in the future. So many people have reached out to me during this cancer diagnosis, and I am thankful, even through the tears.


Ann, one of my many thoughtful college classmates, reached out to me in January to let me know she was praying for me and had gone through the same thing last year. Even down to the same HER2+ diagnosis.

Here's what she emailed to tell me:

I am so sorry for your cancer diagnosis. Two years ago, I was in your shoes, right down to the HER2 positive cancer! One day you are going along just fine, and the next day your life takes an abrupt turn. Please remember this is not a death sentence, just a turn in the road. I had chemo first, then a lumpectomy, then radiation. I finished in June of this year. My cancer is gone. I tell you all of this to hopefully encourage you that while it will be a hard journey, it will not last forever and you will be ok! God got me through the ordeal and gave me the strength to make it all the way through. I am sure the same will be true for you.

I would be honored if I can help you in any way. If you would like to call me and talk, cry or listen, I am here for you. I look forward to hugging you as a fellow cancer survivor at our 40th reunion!

Please know I will be praying for you and am here if you need someone who knows what you are going through.

What a beautiful testimony to God's power and strength to see us through even the darkest times. He goes with us, even to places we would rather not have to journey. And what comforting words from a friend across the country who is covering me with prayer.

This photo shows Abby celebrating her climb to the top of Potato Chip Rock. Today I am celebrating Ann's difficult climb through chemo and radiation. God gave her the strength to travel through the valley and come out cancer free.

God is with me, I lack nothing.