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Sometimes life can be hard with its twists and turns, especially when we’re tired or discouraged. A friend of mine shared about a time she felt weary and overwhelmed. As she was driving along thinking about the twists and turns in her situation she felt impressed to STOP the car and LOOK UP. She pulled over and when she looked up she saw this beautiful eagle known for its strength, speed and power. She quickly took this picture to remind herself to LOOK UP to the Lord. His strength, speed and power never weakens. The Lord stands ready to renew our strength. STOP and LOOK UP is a good reminder for us too.

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

“God bless America, land that I love,

Stand beside her and guide her,

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans white with foam,

God bless America,

My home sweet home.”

song by Irving Berlin

As I was glancing through many pictures I stopped when I came to this picture. This bird is surrounded by many stick-like branches that could easily get him tangled up. That made me think of what’s going on in our world today and how easy it is to get tangled up in worry and fear. As my eyes went back to the picture I noticed that it looked like the bird had a way out. That reminded me of God, our Mighty Fortress who surrounds us and gives us the Way to PEACE not distractions, TRUTH not deceptions, and ENCOURAGEMENT not distress.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

When I look at these pictures I see God’s indescribable greatness. I can’t help but think of God’s love for beauty and His sense of humor when I look at the intricacy of flowers and the uniqueness of animals. But even in the magnificence of God’s creative work it was not complete until He made us. More than anything else He wants us to trust in Jesus and be with Him forever.

This week has been a time of celebrating the accomplishments, hard work and growth of these three grads! Now comes the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Pops and I are so proud of them and love them so much. But our love is like a grain of sand in comparison to Jesus’ love for them.

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5

Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12

I remember that dark time when Carl had a stroke. He was in the hospital, rehab, and then in a nursing home. He was gone from home for a long time. I felt alone, especially at night. But I found that the truth of God’s Word brought light in the darkness and restored in me a sense of well-being. I was reminded that even in our darkest times we’re not alone. God’s presence breaks through the darkness.

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?