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One summer day my friend and I (who is also my prayer partner) were enjoying a beautiful summer day in a paddle boat on a lake. Enjoying the blue sky and summer breeze we decided this would be a great time to pray. At that time in my life I didn’t have any grandchildren. During our time of prayer I remember praying, “Lord, I would love to have 3 grandchildren.” Look how God answered my prayer! I got 5 grandchildren!!! I’m so thankful that God is able to do more than we ask or imagine!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:20-21

In my w-a-y younger years I was a pretty fast runner. I liked to race on the school playground with my classmates. I remember watching with anticipation as I waited for the teacher to yell “Ready, set go!” I like this picture of a baseball player because he sure looks ready and set and prepared to go. He’s watching. He’s anticipating. He’s waiting. That’s the way I want to live today as I wait for Jesus to come. Now is the time for us to get ready, set and prepared to go!

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Rev. 19:7

When I was a young girl I lived on a dairy farm. We had cows, pigs, chickens and sheep. Josephine, Bertha and Oscar were the names of the lambs whose mother deserted them. To keep them from starving my sister fed them milk using a coke bottle with a nipple. She took good care of them with lots of love. I’m reminded in God’s Word how Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd and refers to us as His sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15 Wow! What a good reminder that we like sheep are known by Jesus the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. He knows you, and loves you with an everlasting love. Do you know Him?

God, our Master Potter sure seems to be stretching Carl and me to a new level of trusting Him. He continues to put us in situations that are way beyond our own capabilities. God called us to share about His transforming power and grace using a potter’s wheel and a lump of clay. Carl is recovering from a stroke and is not able to use his right hand. Yet God has enabled him to make a vessel on the potter’s wheel using only one hand. I say all this to say we are two broken “jars of clay” who have witnessed God’s divine power. There’s undeniable joy when used for His glory. Is God also stretching you to a new level of trusting Him? If so, be encouraged. He is Trustworthy. His all-surpassing power will empower you to live beyond your own capabilities.

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

Whenever I prepare to leave home for a vacation I try hard to pack lightly and take only what I need. Comfortable shoes and snacks are a high priority. Recently I heard the interesting saying “Live like you’re leaving.” That made me think of how my life in this world is so temporary. The Only One I’m taking with me when I leave this world is my Jesus. I want to live my life in the joy of knowing I belong to Him, and leave knowing my citizenship is in heaven with the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20

These are our grandchildren clinging tightly to our son. We can tell from the picture they feel close, loved and safe in the arms of their Father. There’s something about the word “cling” that isn’t annoying or negative. Instead, to cling can mean to lovingly hold tight, like glue! That’s what I want to do. I want to hold tight like glue to Father God. Let’s cling to The Father. His strong right hand will hold us close to His heart.

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8

I stand in awe to think that our God who made the moon and placed the planets in their orbits and the stars in the sky is with me… and you too. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 I’m asking God to plant this scripture deep within my heart and mind. It seems like God continues to put me in situations where I need to “do not fear.” But the next part of that scripture says “for I am with you.” God is bigger than any of our fears. We can live in the confidence that Our God will strengthen us and help us. We are held and carried by the Great I AM as He whispers in our hearts… “I am with you.”

This is Gracie. She looks like she’s hiding. Maybe it’s time to go to the vet, trim toenails and clean ears. I understand how the truth can hurt, but knowing the truth is critical. I want to know the truth from God’s perspective so I can recognize a lie. Let’s pray that no one is hiding from the gospel truth that brings freedom and hope through Jesus Christ.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

I’ve heard that if you tie a string around your finger it will help you remember what you don’t want to forget. I haven’t done that, but when days are fast and full it might not be a bad idea. In the not-so-good days, remembering how God has been faithful in the past makes today’s worries begin to fade. Intentionally choosing to look back and remember God’s goodness positions us to experience His gift of peace.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12

Do you wonder what makes God smile? YOU DO! God smiles because He loves you. He created you. His Word says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. When you place your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, I bet God’s smile is even more spectacular! He graciously secures your place with Him in heaven and enables you right now on earth to have His peace in the middle of struggles or pain.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14