Continue in Him

And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. — 1 John 2:28

Last night we prayed over our pastor, Jerry Andrews, our senior pastor.

Our pastor Jeff did a wonderful job leading us, anointing him with oil, and praying over him.

We asked God for healing, pleading with Him to take away the cancer in Jerry's body.

We also asked Him to forgive us for our unfaithfulness. 

We praised God for caring for us and providing Jerry and his wife Lois to lead our congregation.

God has blessed us with Jerry and Lois and our church family.

We are grateful.

God's Will

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. — 1 John 2:17

Monday I hiked up Barker Way to the top of Cowles Mountain.

This was the first time I had gone up Cowles in almost a year.

It was wonderful to see God's creation.

Lake Murray shone through the morning fog.

What a beautiful day for a hike.

I also had a chance to pray for our pastor, Jerry.

Tuesday night we will be praying over him, anointing him with oil, and pleading with God for healing.

Kirk and I will be there along with the other elders of our church.

We put our faith in God our healer, the Great Physician.

He has the power to do miracles and to rid Jerry's body of the cancer.

Whatever the outcome, we can say, "blessed be the name of the Lord."

God Comes Near to Us

Come near to God and he will come near to you. — James 4:8

Our neighbors have now moved into their new home, and their kids have been working to put on a new roof, paint the rooms, and move out the furniture.

Today they held a garage sale to sell the remaining furniture.

They also put up the "Coming Soon" sign on the house sale. 

And the realtor stopped by to hand out the flyer showing their beautiful pool.

Lots of people stopped by for the garage sale.

Their kids have been hard at work to get the home ready to show.

They stopped by briefly and we had a chance to reminisce and let them know how much we love their parents and what wonderful neighbors they have been.

We miss them already.

But we know they are in a wonderful new home, and they will make friends with the others there.

They will also be able to welcome in their new neighbors as more people move in to the complex.

Prayers for All People

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. – 1 Timothy 2:1

Here are some more beautiful flowers I received on my birthday.

These are from my wonderful content team coworkers.

Together we provide the digital and marketing content for our website pages, emails, blog articles, print and digital ads, web banners, enrollment screens, mobile app, videos, and bill pay — all things content for the bank where we work.

Since I was working at home, they had the flowers sent there, and I was greeted by the delivery guy that afternoon.

Now they are gracing my table where I can enjoy them throughout the day.

God asks me to pray for all people, and I pray for my coworkers and my company, that we can all glorify Him with our actions.

They have filled my day with joy!

Beautiful Birthday Roses

Live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. — 1 Timothy 2:2

Beautiful birthday flowers from my sweet husband.

Of course, they arrived at work on the one day I decided to work at home this week!

But my thoughtful coworkers took pictures for me and even carried them up to my desk.

I was able to enjoy them in person the next day when I returned to the office.

Such a gorgeous and aroma-filled gift.

And my coworkers took me out to lunch to celebrate.

I am blessed to have such caring family members and friends.

His Good Pleasure

He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. — Ephesians 1:9-10

Today is the first day of our church Holiday Market.

The annual holiday market and craft fair benefits the Women’s Ministries of FPC .

This includes things such as retreat scholarships, hospitality equipment for receptions, memorial services, etc., as well as the San Diego Rescue Mission Women’s and Children’s Program.

The Market will have vendors from Haiti Reads (literacy program), Catholic Charities Women’s Support through the Tomorrow Project, and Growing Liberia’s Children, supporting St. Paul’s Presbyterian School in Gardnersville, Liberia.

God has provided us with wonderful vendors and with generous donors.

It is a fun time of fellowship and good food.

God Will Lift You Up

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. — James 4:10

God lifts me up daily.

He gives me the strength to keep going.

And He gives me the wisdom to say encouraging words when I don't have the words to say.

He continues to bless me and our family in so many ways.

Here is Kirk with our friend Rudy at Thanksgiving five years ago.

Rudy is also a cancer survivor and is doing really well after his radiation treatment.

He continues to grow stronger and get his appetite and his strength back more each week.

Very similar to me. 

On this day of my birthday, I am very grateful.

God has blessed us!