Transformed into God's Image

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18

We contemplate the Lord's glory, even though it is something we have a hard time imagining.

God is transforming us into His image.

This transformation comes from the Lord.

It is not anything we can make happen.

As we are being transformed, the change that takes place in us comes from the Holy Spirit.

God has sent him to comfort and transform us.

Too cool!

Last week Liz celebrated her birthday.

Here's a picture of her family ten years ago!

The time has flown by. God has blessed us in many wonderful ways over that time.

By Grace

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9

Here is the beautiful orchid garden that our friend Edna gave us for our anniversary.

Lots of wonderful plants included along with the orchid plant.

It looks wonderful in our home.

A beautiful reminder of our friendship.

And a tribute and testimony to God's creation.

It is by His grace we have been saved, through faith.

This is not something we could do for ourselves.

Rather, it is the precious gift of God.

We could never do enough good works to get us there.

Our sin separates us from God. We cannot come into His presence since we are sinful and He is holy.

We cannot boast — we are completely indebted to God.

We are saved through faith in His Son, our Lord Jesus.

God's Word Endures

“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” — 1 Peter 1:24

God's Word endures forever.

These beautiful flowers from our neighbors Lazlo and Andrea will not last.

God created them and He created us.

Our glory is like the flowers — it will wither eventually and the flowers will wilt.

But I can count on God's Word to keep me going and give me wisdom to know how to respond.

I am grateful.

Caring for Those in Our Zone

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was. — Revelation 11:17

Thanks to the Lord.

Today Pastor Jeff encouraged us to care for our physical family as well as our church family.

He added that we should care for those in our "zone."

That includes our neighbors and coworkers as well as our family members.

Saturday Abby put together this wonderful display of our anniversary and wedding remembrances.

Tonight one of our neighbors stopped by to congratulate us.

Tomorrow I will take dinner to another neighbor couple.

Last week they brought cookies for us.

We are thankful for wonderful neighbors who pray for us and surround us with their love.

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty.

God's Word Is Sharp

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12

Today our new pastor spoke from 1 Timothy 5 about take care of our human family members and also taking care of our older church family members who do not have family to care for them.

It was a thought-provoking message.

Yesterday we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary with some of our friends and family.

Abby did a great job pulling it all together and making it a special day.

Here's Kirk with our friend Ernie.

Ernie is wearing one of the Hawaiian shirts from the collection of Kirk's dad.

Very sweet that he chose to wear it for our party.

And Marion made us a hand-crafted anniversary card.

On the right is our neighbor from Budapest, Hungary.

He works at the same company as Ernie's daughter, although they are in different divisions.

God's Word is alive and active.

We are amazed and grateful for so many wonderful Christian friends.

Beautiful Floral Arrangement

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Today our daughter is throwing us a 35th wedding anniversary party.

She has done a ton of work to pull this off with about 70 of our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family.

We are so blessed to have each other and to have her.

Here is the beautiful arrangement one of our friends sent since she could not attend.

All of our favorite flowers in one bouquet.

And other friends are bringing some of their favorite dishes to share.

Still others are bringing some of their favorite wines.

Kirk and Abby have been studying Scripture so they may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

And I am the beneficiary.

Understanding

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. — Proverbs 9:2

Being in awe of God is the beginning of wisdom.

Getting to know Him personally leads me to understanding.

I cannot even begin to fathom his greatness.

But He wants me to get to know Him more and more each day.

I want to be in His Word, but I'm often too busy to stop and read the Bible or talk with Him in prayer.

These friends of mine are pictured gathering for prayer at a baby shower two years ago, praying for the baby and mom.

Many of my friends have been praying for me for the past 10 months.

Tomorrow I have another Herceptin I-V before I head in to work.

Fortunately, the radiation and chemo are done so the side effects are subsiding.

When I slow down and take the time to pray, I'm the one who benefits.