Author: Judy Elmer

Carl made this bowl in the picture. His bowl with this beautiful background reminded me of an activity we did in our prayer group at church. We were asked to write on a slip of paper who or what we wanted to take to Jesus in prayer. Then after praying for each concern we placed our prayer requests in a bowl for safe keeping. It was encouraging to be actively reminded that just like this bowl is holding our prayer requests, so too our prayers are held in the heart of God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I like the word “cast” in this scripture. The word “cast” makes me think of deliberately and forcefully throwing something away. To cast out worrisome thoughts about what might happen or has happened is a lifelong lesson God is teaching me. The exercise is to daily choose to trust Jesus. To humbly submit my control of a situation and give the control to Jesus escorts in the peace of God. Bottom line Jesus cares for YOU and ME and with gusto we can cast all our anxiety and worries on Him.

I love this picture of my grandson and granddaughter! Don’t you wonder what big brother is thinking? What started out as a sweet squeeze turns out to be his big chance to give his little sister a big-bad squeeze. The good news is he resisted and didn’t choose that course of action. What a strong fellow. He passed the test. He chose to do the right thing. He didn’t give into the temptation to give the big-bad squeeze. I’m so glad that God enables us to resist temptation.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor. 10:13

The Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus dwells within believers… protecting, guiding, teaching, and correcting. God’s Indescribable Gift and Resident Encourager empowers us to be courageous, strong, forgiving and so much more. His divine power enables us to overcome things like: past hurts, brokenness, grief or fear, just to name a few. With Jesus we have everything we need to stand strong in adversity with the blessing of His presence. My prayer is for you and me to expect, enjoy and live life in the power of His presence.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Children’s children are a crown to the aged… Proverbs 17:6

When I look at these pictures of sons, daughters-in-Iaw and 5 grandchildren I can’t help but feel blessed. It seems like just yesterday Carl and I were trying to decide on a new name we would like to be called as grandparents. All sorts of names and suggestions came up, but Carl decided on Pops. He thought it sounded like a fun kind of name. I decided on Nana because it seemed very easy to say. But for a long time I didn’t know if they were wanting me or a baNANA. As I think back in Bible studies I’m reminded how God did some name changing too, like Abram to Abraham and Simon to Peter. Their new name reflected the new thing God was doing in their life. Even though God didn’t change our names, becoming grandparents has definitely been a new thing in our lives…5 new blessings, 5 new beginnings and 5 new hopes.

This bird looks like he’s making a deliberate-concentrated choice to keep his mouth shut. That’s really hard to do, especially if you’ve been unfairly misunderstood. During this Easter season I’m reminded of how Jesus handled being misunderstood and horrible unfair treatment. He was flogged, mocked, crowned with thorns and slapped in the face. Yet even in the pain and insults He did not speak or retaliate. Instead, He willingly, lovingly, and humbly went to the cross and died for ME and YOU.

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

Each one of us has a special place in God’s heart. Even with our scars and brokenness we are valuable to Him. God calls us to be lights reflecting His love and pointing the way to Jesus in a darkened world. One time I heard someone say, God is the Generator and we are His lightbulbs. Sounds sorta funny to say, but let’s be lightbulbs for Jesus!

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

This is my husband. He’s known as Dad, Pops, Hero and Miracle Man. His two sons call him Dad. His five grandchildren call him Pops. The neighbors call him their Hero. I call him my Miracle Man. I’ve seen in my husband’s life the evidence of God’s presence in suffering and God’s healing power. As you can tell from the pictures he is recovering from a massive stroke and look how far he has come! To get to where he is today has required: pushing through rehab despite difficulties, no pity parties and not quitting, in other words, perseverance. I’ve heard it said that the most important way to impact the world for Jesus is to persevere through suffering. That’s not easy! But I’ve seen evidence that the empowering, miracle working God will be with you all the way.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Where does the time go? How could I be as old as I am? It sure seems like time is going faster and faster these days. I’ve heard that old saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” I guess I’m having too much fun! But seriously these are days of grace…days for repentance and belief in Jesus. Time is moving and as God’s Word unfolds we can be encouraged that God’s holy justice is coming.

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2

I love music and I love to sing. I can get the volume but quality is another story. What I’ve found to be true is that singing Biblical truth is like a spiritual weapon. When I feel scared or overwhelmed, yet choose to sing praises about Jesus, things don’t seem so scary or big anymore. When I saw this picture of the squirrel with his head turned and eyes focused, it reminded me of the song that’s been rolling around in my head this week. The song is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Here are the words:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. (Words and Music by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)