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Years ago I heard someone refer to suffering as a blessing. I thought to myself, “How in the world can that be?” Over the years I’ve been seeking to understand from God’s perspective how suffering can be a blessing. I’m learning that God the Master Potter can use suffering to transform us into what we’re meant to be: more persevering, more trusting and more like Jesus. In our suffering, with the right attitude our faith can grow deeper and stronger. Faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord makes suffering a temporary situation. Our future is bright because of the promises of the Divine Potter. So as God shapes and molds our lives we are blessed with hope. Therefore, we can say suffering is not meaningless.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5

Our oldest grandson graduated from high school. We love it when were all together…sons, daughters-in-law and all five grandchildren! It’s an extra special time when our family is united once again: laughing, talking, agreeing and celebrating. That extra special time makes me think of how delighted Father God must be when His children come together united in faith and love…praying, praising and celebrating.

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, and he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zep. 3:17

I can’t look at the ocean without thinking about the power of God. When I consider how God set the boundaries for the water I’m reminded of His indescribable greatness. His power is greater than any other power in the world. His magnificent power brings about change and transforms lives. He is Lord God Almighty and reigns forever!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Eph. 6:10

Carl made this bowl in the picture. His bowl with this beautiful background reminded me of an activity we did in our prayer group at church. We were asked to write on a slip of paper who or what we wanted to take to Jesus in prayer. Then after praying for each concern we placed our prayer requests in a bowl for safe keeping. It was encouraging to be actively reminded that just like this bowl is holding our prayer requests, so too our prayers are held in the heart of God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I like the word “cast” in this scripture. The word “cast” makes me think of deliberately and forcefully throwing something away. To cast out worrisome thoughts about what might happen or has happened is a lifelong lesson God is teaching me. The exercise is to daily choose to trust Jesus. To humbly submit my control of a situation and give the control to Jesus escorts in the peace of God. Bottom line Jesus cares for YOU and ME and with gusto we can cast all our anxiety and worries on Him.

I love this picture of my grandson and granddaughter! Don’t you wonder what big brother is thinking? What started out as a sweet squeeze turns out to be his big chance to give his little sister a big-bad squeeze. The good news is he resisted and didn’t choose that course of action. What a strong fellow. He passed the test. He chose to do the right thing. He didn’t give into the temptation to give the big-bad squeeze. I’m so glad that God enables us to resist temptation.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor. 10:13

The Holy Spirit of Christ Jesus dwells within believers… protecting, guiding, teaching, and correcting. God’s Indescribable Gift and Resident Encourager empowers us to be courageous, strong, forgiving and so much more. His divine power enables us to overcome things like: past hurts, brokenness, grief or fear, just to name a few. With Jesus we have everything we need to stand strong in adversity with the blessing of His presence. My prayer is for you and me to expect, enjoy and live life in the power of His presence.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

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

When I look at these pictures of sons, daughters-in-Iaw and 5 grandchildren I can’t help but feel blessed. It seems like just yesterday Carl and I were trying to decide on a new name we would like to be called as grandparents. All sorts of names and suggestions came up, but Carl decided on Pops. He thought it sounded like a fun kind of name. I decided on Nana because it seemed very easy to say. But for a long time I didn’t know if they were wanting me or a baNANA. As I think back in Bible studies I’m reminded how God did some name changing too, like Abram to Abraham and Simon to Peter. Their new name reflected the new thing God was doing in their life. Even though God didn’t change our names, becoming grandparents has definitely been a new thing in our lives…5 new blessings, 5 new beginnings and 5 new hopes.

This bird looks like he’s making a deliberate-concentrated choice to keep his mouth shut. That’s really hard to do, especially if you’ve been unfairly misunderstood. During this Easter season I’m reminded of how Jesus handled being misunderstood and horrible unfair treatment. He was flogged, mocked, crowned with thorns and slapped in the face. Yet even in the pain and insults He did not speak or retaliate. Instead, He willingly, lovingly, and humbly went to the cross and died for ME and YOU.

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

Each one of us has a special place in God’s heart. Even with our scars and brokenness we are valuable to Him. God calls us to be lights reflecting His love and pointing the way to Jesus in a darkened world. One time I heard someone say, God is the Generator and we are His lightbulbs. Sounds sorta funny to say, but let’s be lightbulbs for Jesus!

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12