Author: Judy Elmer

My husband was all ready to do some power washing, but we needed some gasoline. I thought I’d hurry to Kroger, get some gas and be back in a flash. I hopped in the car, put it in reverse and out of the garage I came… to the sound of a tremendous crash! I forgot to close the hatchback door! Even though it was an accident, I felt really bad for what I did. My husband was standing right there in the garage when all this happened. He didn’t say a word, but you should’ve seen his face! Long story short, the hatchback door would not close. It was bent out of shape. I did $1,408.67 worth of damage! To keep the hatchback door from popping up and to keep the rain out, my husband taped the door closed by outlining the door with brilliant blue masking tape. While driving to the Collision Center I felt like the whole world knew what I did. Soon after things calmed down my husband cheered me up with these kind words. “It’s just a car. You don’t need to take full responsibility for what happened. We both forgot to close the door.” Those were kind words spoken just at the right time. I can laugh about all this now. But it sure wasn’t funny at the time.

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25

This year has sure made me stop and think about my future. I have thought about what really counts more than ever before. My health and safety matters for sure, but what really counts is knowing where I will spend eternity. Heaven is a place where there is no more loneliness, lies, cancer, broken relationships or pain. Instead, there’s laughter, health, freedom, singing and peace in God’s presence. Are you prepared to enjoy His presence in the place God has prepared for you? If you’re not, begin by accepting God’s gift of grace. Turn from those things that are displeasing to God. Believe Jesus is who He says He is and trust Jesus as you follow Him. Our future is secure in Him and Him alone. We have hope in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” John 11:25

I’ve had a lot of talks with God recently about growing older. I can’t say I’m fond of the process. I personally like this picture. Notice this is an older dandelion. This picture has captured the intricate inner beauty of this older weed. The young dandelion is yellow, but over time as the dandelion gets older it turns white. Sounds like my hair. This exquisite dandelion is a reminder to me that each season of life has a beauty and purpose. I hope you too find encouragement. No matter what season of life you’re in, you have a purpose and are wonderfully made by God.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. Mark 16:2-6

We have lots of trees where we live and lots of birds. I love to hear the birds singing early in the morning. They don’t seem to have a worry in the world. Their singing makes me think they’re praising God for warmer weather, blue skies and longer days. This spring is not our usual spring. Things have changed! With social distancing and the closings of schools, churches, restaurants and hair salons my life and yours too has changed drastically. But even with all the changes there is hope, because Jesus doesn’t change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb.13:8) He still reigns. He is still with you and He still loves you. Even if you really don’t feel like it, choose to offer a sacrifice of praise to the One who never changes. Just like those worry-free birds let’s sing praise to our King Jesus!

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. Psalm 47:6-7

I know my husband would fight for me. That’s given me great comfort throughout our marriage. But after his stroke, I thought…Who’s going to fight for me now? God quickly reminded me that He is the One fighting for me. God’s Word in Exodus 15:3 says, The LORD is a warrior. There are many examples throughout the Bible of God rescuing and fighting for people. My favorite is God fighting to protect the Israelites from pharaoh and his army. God split the water in the Red Sea making a wall of water. That wall allowed the Israelites to pass safely through the Red Sea. God is fighting for you too during these troubled times. Our Warrior King is able to put a wall of protection around your money, health and family. There’s lots we don’t understand because God is God and we are not. But rest assured God is fighting for you!

By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a wall. Exodus 15:8

It’s remarkable how a plant actually breaks through hard dirt and even deep mulch. When I saw this picture it reminded me of how God has pulled me through some hard times and deep hurts. For instance, an at-risk pregnancy, a serious car accident, job stress, surgeries, sick babies and my husband’s stroke. I’m certain that only God pulled me through those troubled times. We can be encouraged because even in the hard twists and turns in life there is hope through Jesus Christ. He is strong. God will lift you up and pull you through.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2

Do you know someone who is a good listener? I mean someone who is willing to take the time and listen to you when you’re scared or angry or worried or just plain tired? Sometimes it’s hard to find a good listener in our fast moving world. But there is Someone who is always available and never gets in a hurry with you. His name is Jesus. You can always tell God exactly how you’re feeling and what you’re thinking. With love and compassion He listens attentively as you pour out your heart in prayer.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

I love hugs and from the looks of these ferrets they love hugs too. I come from a family of huggers. Hugs like bear hugs, glad to see you hugs and goodbye hugs. But hugs from my grandkids and hubby are top-notched hugs. I believe God hugs too. His embrace is revealed to us through the pages of His love letter…the Bible. In the New Testament Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. He carries you and holds you close to Him. He loves you no matter what.

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. Isaiah 40:11

This looks like a stare down. I’m wondering who he’s looking at? This is a bird’s eye view of what it looks like to be focused. I want to be this focused on Jesus. The words to this song tells me why… “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.” (Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel 1922)

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