Author: Judy Elmer

It’s impossible for me to adequately describe the greatness of Jesus. No one can completely describe God. Thankfully we have the inspired Word of God that tells us He is the One who gives hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans. 15:13

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lam. 3:21-23

Father’s Day is a day I like to look at pictures of my Daddy. I don’t remember anything about him because he passed away when I was two years old. Here’s a picture of daddy holding me and my twin sister when we were four weeks old. The story goes that Mother and Daddy thought they were having one big baby. This was before ultrasounds. As the story continues when the nurse came to the waiting room to tell daddy he had twin girls he almost fainted! Smelling salts became quickly available. Daddy still looks a little stunned in this picture.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil. 1:3

I find it too easy to forget how powerful God is. But when I think of how God spoke things into existence, stopped a raging storm, and raised Himself from the dead, I’m jolted back to the reality of God’s power. Then when I think of how He can soothe hurtful memories, defuse anger, and change hearts and minds I want to say…

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jer. 32:17

In the pouring down rain this bird is shaking it off. Looking at this picture made me think of how I want to react when things like disappointments or overwhelming stress comes pouring down on me. I want to do what this bird is doing. I want to be shaking it off! Jesus can enable you and me to live life way beyond our own capabilities. With Jesus we can rise above the crashing waves of life. We can stand strong and have a sense of well-being right in the middle of life’s storms.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13

I can’t get over how fast life is. My life on earth is like one tiny tick of a clock when compared to eternity. Comparing my life to one tiny tick of a clock in eternity makes me value every moment here on earth. I want to live life according to what really matters and the purpose for which I was created. I bet you do too.

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14

Did you know you’re the apple of God’s eye? That means you are cherished and loved by God. That means He will take extreme measures to protect you. He will fight for you, pray for you and love you forevermore. This all sounds pretty extravagant but God’s love IS extravagant! And to think he wants to spend eternity with you. He is off the chart when it comes to forgiveness, faithfulness and love. Trust Him…you’re the apple of His eye!

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8

When you feel like you can’t take one more step…God supplies the strength to go on. When the money runs out…God still takes care of you. When you’re scared…God gives you the courage to face your biggest fear. Plus, God has provided a solution to our problem of sin by giving us Jesus, His One and Only Son.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen Phil. 4:19-20

Here’s a picture of my mother and dad on their wedding day. Mother is daddy’s beautiful bride. Mother looks so peaceful and happy. Daddy looks quite debonair. This picture means a lot to me because I get to see what my dad looked like. He died when I was two years old. Mother always had good things to say about my dad. Mother struggled deeply after dad died. She had four children to raise with no high school diploma. Mother was a hard worker and always quick to say she loved our dad. I’m thankful for my mother and dad God gave me. Jesus said in Matt.19:19 “Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.”

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

Here’s a picture of our five grandchildren. We are Pops and Nana and our grandchildren are indeed a crowning glory. I’m reminded of how each one is wonderfully made by God. In this picture they’re all walking away! Sure makes me think of how fast they’re growing up. They all seem to know exactly the path ahead. I’m encouraged knowing Jesus is walking ahead of them and behind them. They’re surrounded by His love. He is the Way, fighting the battles, calming the worries and leading them through.

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil. 4:4

Even in those days when you feel there’s no way you could rejoice…you can. I call that kind of rejoicing a sacrifice of praise or the shattered hallelujah. A sacrifice of praise is to willfully turn your eyes to Jesus regardless of your circumstances. Your rejoicing touches the very heart of God as you praise Him even during intense trials. Proclaiming the truth about God can change the way we think and feel. Rejoicing and trusting God ushers in the great blessing of God’s peace.