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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

This is my husband. He’s known as Dad, Pops, Hero and Miracle Man. His two sons call him Dad. His five grandchildren call him Pops. The neighbors call him their Hero. I call him my Miracle Man. I’ve seen in my husband’s life the evidence of God’s presence in suffering and God’s healing power. As you can tell from the pictures he is recovering from a massive stroke and look how far he has come! To get to where he is today has required: pushing through rehab despite difficulties, no pity parties and not quitting, in other words, perseverance. I’ve heard it said that the most important way to impact the world for Jesus is to persevere through suffering. That’s not easy! But I’ve seen evidence that the empowering, miracle working God will be with you all the way.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Where does the time go? How could I be as old as I am? It sure seems like time is going faster and faster these days. I’ve heard that old saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” I guess I’m having too much fun! But seriously these are days of grace…days for repentance and belief in Jesus. Time is moving and as God’s Word unfolds we can be encouraged that God’s holy justice is coming.

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2

I love music and I love to sing. I can get the volume but quality is another story. What I’ve found to be true is that singing Biblical truth is like a spiritual weapon. When I feel scared or overwhelmed, yet choose to sing praises about Jesus, things don’t seem so scary or big anymore. When I saw this picture of the squirrel with his head turned and eyes focused, it reminded me of the song that’s been rolling around in my head this week. The song is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Here are the words:

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. (Words and Music by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)

This book is a call to action encouraging you to focus on the loving character of God no matter what happens. Praising God in the midst of hardships and loss probably sounds downright impossible. But I’m learning that there’s nothing quite so powerful as proclaiming the truth of who God is—especially during tough times.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. Heb. 13:15

I will never forget when God spoke to me through my two-and-a-half year old grandson. My husband’s future looked very grim after his brain bleed and stroke. My heart was broken. In a way that a young child would understand, my daughter-in-law shared with my grandson that Pops was sick. Without hesitating my grandson said, “Jesus loves Pops. Jesus helps Pops feel better.” After hearing those words, a sense of well-being filled my heart. I knew God was speaking through this precious child. Even though my circumstances didn’t change, God gave me a needed reminder that with His help, Carl and I could ride the waves of this raging storm. There’s no greater joy than knowing that you’ve heard from God.

“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh. 8:10

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph. 5:1-2

I want my life to smell pleasant before God. No stink of sin, just the pleasing aroma of the Spirit of Jesus. I choose to delight God and give Him my life as a fragrant offering. Will you join me? Let’s offer ALL we think, say and do to Him. Let’s submit our body, money, things, praise, prayers, worship, study, service and suffering too. The aroma of our sweet-smelling offering pleases God.

Have you heard the song called Happy Together by the Turtles? Many years ago when we were dating, that song was popular. We call it “our song.” The words make us smile and think about the love we share for each other. Over the years the skies have not always been blue, but the blue skies have far outweighed any gray skies.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Proverbs 3:3