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Have you ever been hurt by what I call a “knock down?” Knock downs can happen at your work, with your health, loss of a loved one or unexpected expenses…just to name a few. We know knock downs hurt, but getting back up is vital. A suggestion was given to me that helped me get through the pain of a knock down. I was told to set a timer for 10 minutes and during those 10 minutes…cry and talk to Jesus. I tried it. When the 10 minutes were up I did feel better. With God’s help I was able to get back up. If you’re experiencing a knock down, remember Jesus totally understands. He feels your tears and He is listening. HE will enable you to get back up!

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

On July 26th 1969, at high noon I married my love forever. I remember the evening before our wedding day saying to Carl, “Promise me we won’t get in a rut.” I’m here to say he has kept his promise! We’ve had many ups and some downs in our many years, but our life together has never been dull or boring. It’s been an adventure for sure. I believe I married the man God picked for me.

The LORD will guide you always. Isaiah 58:11

This bird’s grip reminds me of my firm hold on Carl’s hand in an airplane when taking off and landing. Flying is not my favorite thing to do. The roar of the plane, the feel of lifting into the sky, and the reality of the speed, turns holding hands into intensely gripping hands. There’s something about holding Carl’s hand that makes me feel safe. If you don’t have a hand to hold and you’re afraid…what’s even better is to hold onto God’s Word.

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

As an elementary teacher I discovered that the most important time of the day for my students was playtime or better known as recess. This was a time for fun activities that were stress free, sometimes organized and sometimes just spontaneous silly fun. I loved recess too and as you can tell from the picture I still do. It’s just downright fun to act silly especially with my grandchildren. Busyness can squeeze out our time for recess. Let’s try to not let that happen.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: …a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Eccl. 3:1,4

It’s impossible for me to adequately describe the greatness of Jesus. No one can completely describe God. Thankfully we have the inspired Word of God that tells us He is the One who gives hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans. 15:13

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lam. 3:21-23

Father’s Day is a day I like to look at pictures of my Daddy. I don’t remember anything about him because he passed away when I was two years old. Here’s a picture of daddy holding me and my twin sister when we were four weeks old. The story goes that Mother and Daddy thought they were having one big baby. This was before ultrasounds. As the story continues when the nurse came to the waiting room to tell daddy he had twin girls he almost fainted! Smelling salts became quickly available. Daddy still looks a little stunned in this picture.

I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil. 1:3

I find it too easy to forget how powerful God is. But when I think of how God spoke things into existence, stopped a raging storm, and raised Himself from the dead, I’m jolted back to the reality of God’s power. Then when I think of how He can soothe hurtful memories, defuse anger, and change hearts and minds I want to say…

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jer. 32:17

In the pouring down rain this bird is shaking it off. Looking at this picture made me think of how I want to react when things like disappointments or overwhelming stress comes pouring down on me. I want to do what this bird is doing. I want to be shaking it off! Jesus can enable you and me to live life way beyond our own capabilities. With Jesus we can rise above the crashing waves of life. We can stand strong and have a sense of well-being right in the middle of life’s storms.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13

I can’t get over how fast life is. My life on earth is like one tiny tick of a clock when compared to eternity. Comparing my life to one tiny tick of a clock in eternity makes me value every moment here on earth. I want to live life according to what really matters and the purpose for which I was created. I bet you do too.

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14

Did you know you’re the apple of God’s eye? That means you are cherished and loved by God. That means He will take extreme measures to protect you. He will fight for you, pray for you and love you forevermore. This all sounds pretty extravagant but God’s love IS extravagant! And to think he wants to spend eternity with you. He is off the chart when it comes to forgiveness, faithfulness and love. Trust Him…you’re the apple of His eye!

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8