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

Here’s a picture of our five grandchildren. We are Pops and Nana and our grandchildren are indeed a crowning glory. I’m reminded of how each one is wonderfully made by God. In this picture they’re all walking away! Sure makes me think of how fast they’re growing up. They all seem to know exactly the path ahead. I’m encouraged knowing Jesus is walking ahead of them and behind them. They’re surrounded by His love. He is the Way, fighting the battles, calming the worries and leading them through.

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

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil. 4:4

Even in those days when you feel there’s no way you could rejoice…you can. I call that kind of rejoicing a sacrifice of praise or the shattered hallelujah. A sacrifice of praise is to willfully turn your eyes to Jesus regardless of your circumstances. Your rejoicing touches the very heart of God as you praise Him even during intense trials. Proclaiming the truth about God can change the way we think and feel. Rejoicing and trusting God ushers in the great blessing of God’s peace.

Sometimes do you feel like a lump of clay that is being reshaped and molded by God the Master Potter? At times the change that occurs from the shaping and molding can be uncomfortable or painful. God is in the transforming business. His strong hand can pull us up and out of what seems hopeless. In today’s world a lot of times we throw away things that are broken. But God loves you no matter what, and will never throw you away. He won’t let go. He can take the broken pieces of your life and make something good come from your brokenness. God’s arm is powerful and no one is too far beyond God’s reach.

Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. Psalm 89:13

This picture of me, my twin sister, older sister and brother always makes me smile. Some of my happy memories are: riding my bike, roller skating, Christmas Eve and Sunday dinners. Then there’s not-so-happy memories like: the tornado, mother stressed, death of my stepfather and lots and lots of work. Regardless of my past memories whether happy or not-so-happy, I can now look back and see the fingerprints of God’s steadfast faithfulness and His overruling plan. I now see that God was with me even in the times I couldn’t see or feel His faithfulness. Can you recall some past memories where you can now say…For the LORD is good and his loves endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matt. 28:1,5-7

I don’t like to think about the seriousness of sin for any length of time. Yet sin separates us from Holy God who wants us to be with Him. Because of God’s great love, He gave Jesus, the Deliverer from sin. Jesus took our place and paid in full the penalty of sin. He willingly died on a cross for our sins. By turning from our sins and placing our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord our sins are forgiven and we’re united with God. I’m so thankful Jesus didn’t run away from the crucifying cross. Instead, He stayed for me and you.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

A long time ago Carl had a stroke. We’ve prayed and prayed that his right hand and fingers would once again move, but that hasn’t happened. In this world suffering is a reality. I’ve heard that God is not a refuge FROM suffering and death, but a refuge IN suffering and death. We believe that God has heard our prayer for Carl’s hand and fingers to be restored. We’d like for that to happen today, but if not, we have the hope of heaven where there is ultimate healing through Jesus Christ. Have you too experienced emotional and physical suffering? If so be assured that God is your refuge IN the suffering. You are not alone. God is with you every step of the way. His extending hand is your help and comfort IN the suffering.

God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Here’s a picture of our new puppy! Hope we haven’t lost our mind! I would have shown you a picture of me with Gracie but my hair needed combing and my teeth needed brushing. She’s a lot of work! I’ve never been so focused on peeing and pooping in my life. It’s a happy time when Gracie does her business outside instead of inside. Gracie is sweet and smart and also entertaining. We’ve had dogs most of our married life. We can’t get over how easy it is for dogs to show unconditional love and a willingness to quickly forgive. We decided to name this puppy Gracie to remind us each day of God’s unmerited favor called grace.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 2 Thess. 3:18

This picture makes me think about the power and safety of a boundary. Some boundaries are meant to secure protection for an area, like fences, guardrails and even speed limits. There are also moral boundaries that mark a limit to our personal behavior. God knows that we need boundaries. His sacred truths are bound in the pages of the Bible. His Word is like a guardrail meant to keep us on the right path. The Bible instructs us to put a boundary around God’s truths so we’ll know what is right and trustworthy.

Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Prov. 7:2-3

Have you been praying for somebody for a long time and still no evidence that God has answered your prayer? I have. What has helped me fight discouragement is by remembering that I can’t always go by what I see. God works from the inside out. Be encouraged because God is able to do all things on His own, yet He chooses to work through the prayers of His people. Be persistent and don’t stop praying for your special somebody.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16-18