We Are Fellow Citizens

You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. — Ephesians 2:19

We are God's people.

And members of his household.

We are chosen. No longer foreigners and strangers.

We are fellow citizens with God's people.

What a huge comfort that is!

Today was my second day of radiation, and all went smoothly.

Our friend Rudy called to find out how everything was going. Very thoughtful.

He is recovering from radiation treatment for prostate cancer and is gradually getting his strength back.

Praise God.

Do What Is Right

This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. — Jeremiah 22:3

Our neighbors just left for a trip to Hawaii.

Today they sent us some photos.

This one of the sunset over Oahu was from their trip a few years ago.

It's beautiful! Makes me feel like I'm actually there.

One of these days, we'll get back to the Big Island.

We can hardly wait.

In the meantime, we enjoy the sunsets here in San  Diego.

God has blessed us.

God Is the One I Praise

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. — Jeremiah 17:14

Today I had x-rays for my radiation, which will start tomorrow.

I will go every afternoon for 20 days or four weeks.

The final week is a boost, just to make sure the cancer does not come back.

Fortunately, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, where I have my treatment, is right around the corner from my work.

So on days when I feel worn out, I'll just go home after the treatment.

Here's the beautiful card and notepaper I received from our friend Mary today.

The notepaper is actually embroidered pink flowers with stamped or drawn green leaves.

Mary's aunt made the notepaper, and it's gorgeous! 

Mary estimates it's 80-plus years old. I am blessed.

She and Gary have been upholding me in prayer ever since my diagnosis in January.

Little did she know that I've been reading the book of Jeremiah these past few days.

Perfect timing.

God has heard the prayers and is healing me from the cancer.

God has saved me; he is the one I praise.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. — Psalm 150:6

Praise God for all the wonderful things has done.

In October, Kirk and I will celebrate 35 years together.

Our friends, Brad and Peggy, celebrated their 44 year anniversary last week.

Our friends, Wayne and Chrissy, celebrated their 40th anniversary this month.

God has watched over our marriages and has strengthened us during the difficult times.

The Lord has caused us to rely on him.

Here we are 4 years ago with Mickey.

Growing closer to God has drawn us closer to each other.

Praise the Lord!

God's Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. — Isaiah 26:3

This week quite a few people have asked how I'm doing, and the answer is, Great!

I go in for my radiation set-up appointment tomorrow.

I still have a Herceptin IV every three weeks, but my chemo is done.

My taste is completely back, and my energy is much stronger than just 6 weeks ago.

God has blessed me with coworkers and bosses who let me work at home once a week to help conserve my energy.

He has strengthened me and comforted me throughout this process.

None of this is my own doing. I am not a "strong woman," as some people have commented.

But I do have a strong Savior who watches over me and loves me.

He has kept me at perfect peace; I trust in Him.

We Have Great Peace

Great peace have those who love your law. — Psalm 119:165

Sunday our former pastor, Paul Pulliam, went to be with the Lord.

He was surrounded by family, but it was hard for us to see him go.

He was a friend of our family and a strong Christian presence in Kirk and my lives.

Our pastor Jerry included a beautiful tribute to Paul in his sermon today.

Kirk and I both served on our church session with Paul.

He will be missed, but we are grateful that he is now at peace with our Lord.

We pray for comfort for his family, especially for his wife, Ruth.

God Hears Me When I Call

I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. — Psalm 141:1

Thursday morning I had my Herceptin IV at Kaiser Hospital.

Before I left home, I got an email that our former pastor, Paul Pulliam was there with a torn aorta.

He had been admitted the night before.

I had to stop to pick up a card for my colleague at work whose last day was Friday. She was moving on to another bank after 5 years with our company. We will miss her terribly.

While getting a card for Jen, I picked up one for Paul, too.

When I got to Kaiser, they gave me his room number and sent me up to ICU to deliver the card.

Paul was sleeping peacefully, so I left the card on the table.

Not sure of what the prognosis would be, I wrote a note from Kirk, Abby and me, praying that God would surround Paul and his family with peace and love.

When I got home, I had an email letting me know that they expected Paul to last only a day or two.

He and our friend Burt Smith were the pastors who married us 35 years ago.

In May of 2014, Paul married Kirk's dad and Judy at Tom Hamm's.

Paul just turned 90 this past April. He attended our friend, Bud Jones' memorial service in May, and we enjoyed reconnecting with him.

Our prayer is that God will surround him with mercy and grace and welcome him into eternal rest with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into your rest."