Strong in the Lord

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. — Ephesians 6:10

I have had many people praying for me over the last year.

Those prayers have given me strength.

And God has provided healing for my cancer.

I am not strong in and of myself.

But in the Lord and His mighty power, I have strength to get through this.

Thanks to all of my friends, family and neighbors who have been lifting me up in prayer.

I am grateful.

 

 

Music From Your Heart

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Ephesians 5:19-20

Sunday was our First Pres. San Diego Christmas by Candlelight concert.

We sang along with the Kings Brass group.

They are amazing musicians.

What a great sound to sing carols with such skillful brass accompaniment.

They played from our church balconies, antiphonally.

It was bittersweet because it was also our final time to sing with our current conductor, Ed Basilio. 

He is pictured conducting us in this photo from 2016.

He and his wife have moved to Reno Nevada, where Becky's mom lives, and we will miss them.

His wife, Becky, was our soprano section leader and filled in as conductor while Ed was recovering from surgery. 

She is an excellent conductor, too.

Our organist, Rodney, will fill in as our interim choral conductor while continuing to be our organist.

God has provided for our church family.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. — Ephesians 5:15

Today I am working at home and getting a lot done without constant interruptions and meetings.

I'm taking a quick lunch break to type this post before getting back to the work computer.

God has provided another beautiful day.

Tonight I will gather with friends to celebrate a friend's 65th birthday.

We will have a fun time over dinner with the girls, catching up and relaxing together.

Tomorrow City Tree School has their annual CHristmas program in our church sanctuary.

I'll join Abby for dinner afterward — they're serving lasagna — before choir rehearsal begins.

Kirk and I went out to dinner together on Monday after my doctor appointment.

She said I'm doing great. No residual signs of radiation.

Other than calcium and a multi-vitamin, I'm only on one medication, an Estrogen inhibitor.

And she signed an authorization form so I can join the LiveStrong program at the YMCA in January.

God continues to bless me. I am grateful.

His Power At Work Within Us

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. — Ephesians 2:20-21

God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.

God's power is at work within us.

To God be glory in the church.

And to God be glory in Christ Jesus

God is with us throughout all generations.

To God be the glory for ever and ever.

So be it! Amen.

Dearly Loved Children

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. — Ephesians 5:1

Sunday my friend Mari made me some delicious emapañadas.

She also gave me some holiday coffee made by a pastor friend of hers as a fundraiser.

What a wonderful combination.

Mari and her husband walk in the way of love and bless me with their friendship.

My friend Mariley does the same.

We met for lunch last week.

She has been praying for me since I was first diagnosed with cancer.

And she has been supporting me and encouraging me along my journey.

Even sharing her personal story with me and how she has overcome cancer herself.

These friends walk in the way of love, showering me with their blessings and care.

As dearly loved children, God also showers us with His love.

Even giving himself up for us.

Christ loves us and offered himself for our sakes. Wow!

The God of Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13

God gives us the hope we have.

He also gives us peace.

As I trust in Him, I don't stress over the small things in life.

When things don't go my way, I put them in God's hands rather than worrying about the outcome.

God's Holy Spirit fills me with His power so that I can overcome even the worst things that come my way.

I can't do it on my own. 

But with the Holy Spirit, God helps me get through those times that I otherwise would not have been able to handle.

Sunday I sang "Laudamus Te" and "Dominus Deus" in the Vivaldi "Gloria" for our church Christmas concert.

I am thankful that I can sing praises to God.

Monday I visit my radiation doctor for a follow-up visit.

God has filled me with joy and peace.

Accept One Another

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. — Romans 15:7

Christ accepted me into His family.

He died for me even while I was deep in my sin, before I even knew Him.

He accepted me in order to bring praise to God.

I am thankful.

Here is the Christmas sweater cookie that Abby designed.

Beautiful.

Celebrating Christ's birth.