Author: Judy Elmer

When I saw this picture of the paperclip I thought of how it holds things together. Then I thought of those times in my life when I felt like I was falling apart and needed to be held together. Like during a difficult pregnancy, the stress of my job, death of a loved one and my husband’s stroke. Looking back I can see how God held me together during those tough times. Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like you were falling apart? Or maybe that time is now. If so, be encouraged. Nothing is too big for God. He is able to hold you together. He will help you and hold you securely in His mighty love.

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

God’s Word proclaims that we don’t have to be afraid of our future because Jesus is bigger than our fears, our pain, the enemy and even death. Placing our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord is believing Him and trusting Him, even when we don’t understand it all. Will you take that leap of faith and follow Jesus? You won’t regret it.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

All authority has been given to You, O God. You are above all. No person or thing has ever been above You or ever will be. You are seated in a position of authority on Your holy throne. You are King and Your reign is forever. Your kingdom come, Your will be done. Help us to turn and focus on Jesus, our First Love. May we never forget that our nation, world, and each one of us, is under the Lord Almighty’s authority.

This picture of the bark moving away from the branches makes me think of how God gradually removes the things that are upon us in order to gradually bring in the new. As I look at this picture I have to ask myself this question. Is God the Master Potter gradually removing something from me in order to gradually bring in the new? My answer is YES! Will you ask yourself that question too?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor. 5:17

This time of the year with the cold weather and possible icy conditions makes me think of one of my most embarrassing moments. This happened on a cold and icy Sunday morning a long time ago before Carl and I were married. Church was over and lots of people were exiting the church at the same time. As I lovingly held on to Carl’s arm coming out of church my foot hit a patch of ice, my purse took a spin, and my coat seemed to shrink showing more of my legs. Before I knew it I was down on the icy sidewalk with Carl sitting right beside me. The next thing I heard was Carl’s words, “You pulled me down!” I didn’t know I was strong enough to pull a 6’x4″ 195 lb. guy to the ground! We both were so embarrassed as people helped us up. We can laugh about this now, but at the time there was no laughing. Over the years we’ve discovered that a sense of humor is a blessing. We’ve learned that finding a reason to laugh has helped us through some not so funny times.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Prov. 17:22

A promise to hold on to…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

I like to think of the word Enjoy more like In-Joy. Let’s choose to live In-Joy. That sounds good, but how on earth do you do that when life throws some hard punches? The answer given to me was that joyful living is willfully rejoicing in the promises of God even in my suffering. Let’s experience the blessings of God’s peace and choose to live In-Joy because…

• God loves you. Psalm 100:5
• God forgives. 1 John 1:9
• You have eternal life through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23
• God will never leave you. Heb. 13:5

I love this picture of my granddaughter. She looks so free and happy. I can’t do the splits anymore and never could like this in the air! Christmas is a reminder of God’s love and how much He wants us to be with Him. I’m eternally grateful that our Holy God provided a solution to our problem of sin. He gave us the Gift of Jesus who willingly took our place and died on the cross for our sins. This picture makes me think of the forgiveness, freedom and joy available through Jesus Christ. Yay! The Savior is born!

“The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” 2 Sam. 22:47

This cactus is known for its early winter blooms just in time for Christmas. As a little girl I remember how hard it was waiting for Christmas to finally come. But when that plant bloomed I knew we were well on our way to Christmas day. Now as an adult, during this time before Christmas, I want to prepare may heart for the true meaning of Christmas. Will you join me? With a thankful heart, let’s take time each day to remember the miracle of Jesus coming into the world… our greatest Gift of all.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Cor. 9:15

Great God, You enable us to take one step at a time, even when we can’t see where we’re going. Help us to fully rely on You. Help us to remember that in good times and bad times, in highs and lows, with blessings and sufferings, and when life opens and closes, You are always with us…taking us through.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matt. 28:20