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Past hurts and harmful lies are good at enclosing a “fence” around hearts and minds. When this kind of fence is placed around a broken heart or a closed mind, that fence can become a barrier for regaining one’s peace. If you’re sitting on the fence and dealing with past hurts and harmful lies and don’t know what to do next. Ask the LORD to help you get off the fence. He is able to make those fences fall!

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty. Psalm 93:4

Have you ever been in a hailstorm? It’s loud, damaging and frightening. When “personal storms” blow in causing me to feel anxious or scared I like going to this scripture. He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24 God’s Word calms me down to think that Jesus is standing up and reprimanding whatever it is that’s making me feel anxious or scared. Jesus and His Living Word can bring a calmness to you too as you walk through whatever “personal storm” you may be going through.

Jesus has been compared to the Bridge between people and Holy God. Jesus was crucified and willingly died on a cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He is Savior and Lord. He’s the Way to eternal life. In repentance and faith have you taken the Bridge to eternal life? Are you ready to live life full of God’s spiritual blessings? Jesus’ unconditional love, overflowing forgiveness and true authority empowers us to live life with a sense of joy and peace even in hardships and loss.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

These two men I didn’t get to know personally. My Dad died when I was 2 years old, and Carl’s Dad died when Carl was 15 years old. Family members have told me that my Dad was kind, had a great sense of humor and hard working. Carl remembers his Dad as being soft spoken, warmhearted and kind. Both of these Fathers were known for their integrity and love for family. I’m thanking God for these two men of honor.

Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself. Matt. 19:19

As you can tell from the picture there’s a lot of celebrating going on. Our granddaughter graduated from high school and will be attending the University of Florida in the fall. We’re so proud of her. She has worked hard and done a great job. God likes celebrations too. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 We’re definitely rejoicing and glad!

On June 3rd 1997 Carl and I gave the first “Potter’s Message.” Using a potter’s wheel and a lump of clay we demonstrate how clay in the hands of the potter can be compared to our lives in the hands of God the Master Potter. The presentation is about God’s grace and transforming power and how God does not throw broken people away. In 2013 Carl had a massive stroke that affected the right side of his body. He was right handed but now has learned to use his left hand for everything. To our amazement God has enabled Carl to make bowls on the wheel using only one hand! We’re so thankful God has kept the door open to HIS amazing ministry.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor. 4:7

When I came across this picture of Carl taken many years ago at Ft. Campbell in Clarksville, TN, I got to thinking of how the boys and I have always felt protected by him. I remember how Carl kicked away a collie dog that was coming after me. I’ll never forget how he pulled down a runaway horse to its knees because our 8 year old son was on that horse. Even a stroke hasn’t stopped him from protecting me. He may not be able to kick a big dog away or pull a horse’s reins to bring the horse down, but regularly, and importantly he covers me in prayer. I’m so thankful for his service, but most of all I’m thankful for his persistent and loving prayers asking Jesus to protect me.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Cor. 13:6-7

I didn’t know that a hummingbird can fly backwards and upside down too. That bird can propel its wings to fly in any position to get where it needs to go. That reminds me of the power of God’s Word that propels us upright when life feels upside down. And His Word encourages us to move forward and only glance backward to see how far we’ve come.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

As you can see in this picture Gracie loves to have a good time. Staring into the camera with her party hat on builds a strong case that she’s ready to do some celebrating. I like celebrations too. Heaven is the best place ever where there’s a lot of celebrating going on. People are having a good time in heaven and God doesn’t want anyone to miss what He has prepared for us. Everyone is invited, but be sure to RSVP to Jesus, the One True God.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9

Austin likes to begin his day on the beach watching God’s handiwork as the sun rises. This week he took this picture and texted me saying, “I prayed for encouragement, strength and wisdom…then I looked up.” Look closely, do you see what he saw that morning?

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me. Psalm 34:3-4