Author: Judy Elmer

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

I used to eat because if I didn’t eat I’d get shaky. Now I eat because food taste good. Notice I said food. I can’t think of anything I don’t like. I take that back. I don’t like turnips. My favorite things to eat are snacks. I like popcorn, chips, nuts, crackers etc. etc. The hard part is stopping because they never stop tasting good! I’m asking God to help me eat healthy.

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

Some days it’s hard to keep from thinking about how things used to be. Before my husband’s stroke he could make or fix just about anything. But now things are different. He can’t do the things that once came so easy. We’re learning not to focus on what he can’t do. That’s not the point. Instead, the point we don’t want to miss is what Jesus can do, will do and has done for us. If in some way things have changed for you too, and you have a new normal, don’t miss the point. Remember…Jesus can do, will do, and has done great things.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Rev. 4:8

After all these years I still remember when he kissed me for the first time. My house had a screened in front porch. He walked me through the porch to the front door. He opened the front door for me and I stepped inside the house. I stood in the doorway. He stayed on the porch. With one hand holding the front door open he leaned forward and gave me a sweet kiss. I remember thinking— that’s nice! About a year later he popped the question and asked me to marry him. I immediately said, “YES!” After my “YES” I got scared. At that point, I decided to pray. Marriage is a big promise. It’s forever. I remember that night I knelt beside my bed and prayed. I wanted to marry the man God picked for me. Over the years, I can say without a doubt… God picked Carl for me. The lesson I want to remember is when life brings you to a place where God’s will is not clear. Don’t forget to pray!

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jer. 33:3

Lord Jesus, You don’t need a clock, a watch or a calendar. You are the Time Keeper. You always were and always will be. Remind us again that You are God and in control. Free us from anxiety that causes us to hurry. Take away the regret of time lost. You can make up for lost time. Help us to wait on You and trust Your timing. Thank You, Great God for being Our Time Keeper.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Eccl. 3:11

Have you ever asked God questions like: “Why is this happening? I don’t understand.” “Why wait? This is taking too long.” “Why the pain? It hurts.” The Lord is teaching me in times of no clear answers, the next best step is to bow in reverence to our Holy God. To bow is like saying I choose to look beyond my circumstances and trust God. There is a sense of well-being when we respectfully bow before our Loving God. We can trust Him because He is all-knowing, loves unconditionally and understands our questioning.

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

Has this ever happened to you? You need to make a decision. You’ve thought about it, talked about it and prayed about it. You’re getting closer and closer to making a decision. But you’re on the edge and still no final decision. It’s difficult when we can’t see the next step. The picture above makes me smile. For me the picture captures the feeling right before making an important decision. Deciding to move was a big decision for us. We didn’t know where we would live, how much our new place would cost or how long it would take to sell our house. Even though there were lots of things we didn’t know, God’s Word reassured us that HE KNOWS. Are you on the edge of making a decision? If so, the truth is that GOD KNOWS all things and wants the very best for you. You can trust Him and rest in His plan for you, because He said so.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11