Beautiful Sunset

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. — Genesis 2:2-3

Saturday night, Abby and I went for a walk around the neighborhood.

The sun was about to set, there was a cool breeze, and not too many people were out and about.

I took some food, crafts, and books to one of our church families earlier in the day.

It was fun to reconnect briefly, even at a distance, after being apart for so long.


Sunday we will spend some time worshiping on zoom and resting from our work.



I will complete my Bible study for the week.

We're studying Hebrews and learning about how Jesus is better than anything.

This week has been about how Jesus is better than Melchizedek.

It is very humbling to think about all He has done for us.

And how little I have done for Him.

He is merciful.

A Beautiful New Day

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years. — Genesis 1:14

Today is another beautiful day.

The sun is shining and the birds are singing their hearts out.

A couple of monarch butterflies just flew by our window, circling our yard.

God has given us the sun and moon, day and night.

I thank Him every day for letting me live in such a beautiful place.

On Friday I'll have a zoom appointment with a lymphedema therapist to help me massage the areas of my arm and chest that are still affected with edema and a bit swollen.

I got carried away with my weed pulling, taking out some ice plant on our bank and overdid the pulling with my left arm.

I completely forgot to wear the compression sleeve that I had been wearing to the YMCA for my workouts.

Fortunately, it's gone down a lot and is no longer uncomfortable.

So I've stopped jumping rope for now - walking 2-3 miles around the neighborhood instead.

God is great and has blessed me.

I am grateful.

My Antonia

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. — Romans 6:19

On Thursday, I will meet with my book club on zoom.


After that, we'll have choir via zoom.



The book we are reading is My Antonia by Willa Cather.

It gives an interesting glimpse of Nebraska fields and life on the American prairie.

Willa Cather moved to Nebraska when she was just ten years old.

So she writes this novel with a first-hand look at life in Nebraska in the late 1800s.

Thanks Be to God

But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. — Romans 6:17

Kirk has been practicing creating some new drinks.

Here is his Piña Colada with a sprig of mint an a slice of pineapple.

Very refreshing, we sipped them outside in our courtyard on Monday evening.

Thanks be to God for his goodness.

He is teaching us His way.

And He is calling us to obey from our hearts.
 

An Instrument of Righteousness

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. — Romans 6:13

Today I have a doctor's appointment.

The lump on my arm has gotten better but has not gone away completely.

So she suggeseted I come in and let her take a look.

If it is lymphedema, she can refer me to a lymphedema therapist who can massage the area and give me suggestions for helping it to go away or at least not get worse.

I have stopped jumping rope and lifting weights.

Now I try to get out and walk the neighborhood instead.

Sunday morning I walked for 2.9 miles and then another mile in the afternoon with Abby.

Monday Abby and I walked again.

Tonight I will record some more anthems for our virtual church services.

I am working to offer myself to God as an instrument of righteousness.

Finding His will and following Him is a challenge, but He gives me opportunities to stay in His Word and to talk with Him in prayer.

God is merciful.

Alive in Christ

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. — Romans 6:11

Since Easter, we have been celebrating Jesus' resurrection.

He died but came alive again and now lives in heaven with God.

We have been born again with Christ.

We are dead to sin.

At the same time, we are live to God in Jesus.

What a marvelous mystery!

Because Jesus lives, I can face tomorrow.

Because I know he holds the future.

And life is worth the living just because Christ lives!

Happy Memorial Day

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. — 2 Chronicles 7:14 


Happy Memorial Day!

Today we honor those who have given their lives for our country.

We are grateful for the sacrifices they have made.

And for the sacrifices their families have made, too.

God has promised to heal our land if we humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways.

We are assured of the fact that God always keeps His promises.

God hears us and forgives us our sin.

He is gracious and merciful.