Awesome Deeds

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! — Psalm 66:3

Our friends in Ohio sent us these photos of the cherry blossoms today.

How awesome are God's deeds.

He created the beautiful flowers.

And He created me.

Yesterday I had a minor surgery on my knee.

To remove the area around a mole they removed in February.

Since it was on the kneecap, I saw a plastic surgeon.

She did an amazing job, and the sewed-up incision was really beautiful.

Tonight we sing Rutter's Requiem for our Tenebrae service.

Praising God with music.

How awesome are His deeds!

 

Shout for Joy to God

Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. — Psalm 66:1-2

Yesterday our friend Holden came to visit from Humboldt.

His dad was Kirk's best friend.

Holden brought his girlfriend Gabrielle with him.

We had a great time reminiscing and catching up with them.

It was a beautiful afternoon out on our patio.

Kirk opened a bottle of Fratelli Perata cabernet, which we enjoyed together.

Here he is a few years ago with his mom and older brother.

Such fun to get to spend time with them both.

God Answers Us With Awesome Deeds

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. — Psalm 65:5 

God our Father answers us with awesome deeds.

His acts are righteous.

He is our Savior.

Jesus is the hope of the world.

The hope of all the ends of the earth.

The hope of the farthest seas.

Happy Birthday, Rudy!

God Cares

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. — Psalm 65: 9

God cares for the land.

He waters it with rain.

He enriches His creation abundantly.

And He blesses us, His creation.

Showering us with His goodness and love.

God cares for us.

The Whole Earth Is Filled with Awe

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. — Psalm 65:8 

Yesterday was Palm Sunday.

The children in our congregation waved palm branches as they came down the center aisle.

Next year, these palms will provide the ashes we'll use for Ash Wednesday.

Yesterday we sang Hosannas.

By Friday, we'll be shouting "crucify Him"!

What a fickle bunch we are.

Yet God calls forth songs of joy.

The whole earth is filled with awe at God's wonders.

God Demonstrates His Love for Us

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8

God demonstrates His love for us in His creation and through His Son, Jesus.

Christ died for us.

The death of a criminal.

Humiliating and painful.

He took my place so I can live with Him forever.

Even before I knew Him, Christ died for me.

While I was still a sinner.

And I still am, but He paid the price for me so I can live with Him in heaven some day.

Here's a recording one of our church friends made in 2009 when he visited Ireland:

https://www.7sky.life/john-doan-celtic-pilgrimage/

Amazing love!

Christ Died for the Ungodly

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. — Romans 5:6

Christ died for all of us.

Before we knew Him, God knew us personally.

He calls us by name.

Christ died for me while I was still a sinner.

And I am grateful.

Last night we went to  a Chris Botti concert with friends.

Chris used to play trumpet with Sting.

Now he does tours with his own musicians.

One of the things I appreciate about him is his professionalism in working with other musicians, letting them take center stage.

He also told the security guard not to worry about asking people to put away their phones.

It was OK for them/us to record songs and take photos during the concert.

Very fun evening.