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This is Carl, better known as Pops with granddaughter Sophia. This picture was taken some years ago because next month Sophia will graduate from High School and then off to college in the fall. I have to ask myself the question. Where did the time go? But my answer is the encouragement found in Psalm 31:14-15. But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands. I’m reminded that God is in control. His hands hold me, and you too, secure, no matter how fast life goes, or what comes our way. We can trust Him.

This picture made me think of this scripture. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:44 In the Olive grove called Gethsemane, Jesus expressed in prayer His true feelings. He knew separation from the Father and extreme suffering was ahead of Him. He was about to bear the penalty of everyone’s sins. In terrible agony He prayed repeatedly if what was ahead could be taken away. But at the same time Jesus was committed to the Father’s will…“Yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 I’m so thankful He kept going and didn’t run away from the cross. I bet you are too!

This is the path we take to get to the ocean when we visit our family in Florida. The calmness of the water is a visual reminding me that God is in control, which gives me a sense of well-being. From the looks of all those footprints in the sand many of us are searching for a place to still our thoughts and calm our heart. The security of God’s love can lead us to quiet waters of contentment and rest.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Psalm 23:2-3

Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:10

The lump of clay in this picture made me think of the scripture Isaiah 64:8 that says… We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. The clay is being held tight and cannot escape the supreme power and guidance of the hand that surrounds it. For me the hand is a visual encouragement of the inescapable supervision that resides in God. As the clay represents us, what encouragement does this picture bring to you?

The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Prov. 15:3

I remember as a little girl learning “God knows all things and sees all things.” That truth brings a lot of comfort knowing that nothing is hidden from God. He sees clearly everybody and everything. He has full view of what’s going on in our lives and in the world. Do you know someone who wonders if God even notices them, or if God is unaware of what’s going on in their life? If so, let’s pray that their eyes will be opened to the evidence of God’s presence and watchful eyes upon them.

When I look at the ocean I see God’s indescribable greatness. I can’t help but think of His undeniable power and presence. Without a doubt we can see the evidence of God in His creative works. We can know that God exists and through Jesus we can have a personal relationship with God.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Proverbs 17:6 says: Children’s children are a crown to the aged… that sure is true. Here’s some pictures of our grandchildren taken long ago with pictures taken fairly recently. I love their smiles and look how they’ve grown! Pops and I will ALWAYS love them. That’s a lot of love, but when compared to God’s love it’s like a grain of sand. No matter how young or old, rich or poor, happy or sad, without pain or with pain: God’s love reigns!

This is Ginger, my son’s family dog. She’s pretty old, sleeps a lot and loves apples. When I first saw Ginger in this position I felt sorry for her. But after hearing that this was her position of power, my feelings changed. On these steps, peering through the banister polls gives her a direct view of the front door. While holding this position she is guarding the family from any unwanted disturbances. Seeing Ginger’s position made me ask myself the question…Am I taking my stand in Jesus Christ to guard against stealing and deception from the enemy? Be encouraged by God’s Word in Eph. 6:14-18 that tells us to put on His armor and take your stand in Jesus Christ.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph. 6:10-11

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18

In the first picture, after shoveling the snow into a pile, I noticed the grime, rocks and mud made the snow dirty. The next morning I looked out the window and the dirty snow wasn’t dirty anymore. The additional snow we got overnight covered the dirty snow. Now the snow looked so clean. These two piles of snow reminded me of God’s forgiveness. God provided a solution to our problem of sin by giving us Jesus. He willingly died on the cross for my sins and yours too. By turning from our sins and believing in Jesus as Savior and Lord of our life…our sins are forgiven. We’re covered AS WHITE AS SNOW!

When I was a little girl I loved to play kickball. I was no star kickball player, but I loved the game. I try to forget the times I missed making contact with the ball. Even with my leg in the air and my foot in position to kick… I would completely miss the ball! I remember my teammates, along with me, yelling to the top of our lungs “DO OVER!” It felt so good to get another “do over.” I’m so encouraged that the Bible is filled with people who were given do overs. My hope is that you too will be encouraged knowing that you can move forward in this new year knowing that God’s mercy is new everyday. His faithful love willingly gives you a new beginning.

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23