Tag Archives: Jesus

God of All Comfort

25 Nov

Reblog from Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3

The complete verse reads: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can offer comfort to those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

When I was writing Summer Storms, I searched the Bible for a verse I could use in a particular scene. I was using my grandmother’s Bible and found she had underlined this passage. I wondered when she had taken note and found comfort in those words. What had she been going through? Was she thinking of someone else needing comfort and finding her marching orders to reach out to them through these words?

Millions of people are hurting and in need of comfort. This past week, my family has faced serious health issues; a dear friend had a biopsy done; and two funerals for tragic deaths took place just days apart. I wonder how anyone can survive without God’s comfort. He offers it freely to those who seek Him, yet many resist.

By resisting God’s comfort, though, not only are we hurting ourselves, we are robbing others of receiving comfort through us in their own times of need. How can we offer something we have not received ourselves?

When my grandmother died, I heard the words of comfort offered by friends and family as mere platitudes. I was consumed by my grief and angry at God for taking her from us. I wasn’t capable of accepting the comfort being offered. Now, when I attend a funeral, I want to be the one offering comfort without sounding like a cliché of platitudes. It’s a challenge. We all feel grief differently. Those words that couldn’t get through to me, may be the exact words someone else longs to hear.

Only God knows how to reach us in our times of trouble. He knows exactly what we need to hear. Comfort also comes in action rather than words. A neighbor mowing the yard when someone is sick; a church group arranging meals following a surgery; a good friend sending a card or DoorDashing a box of donuts.

We will face struggles and heartaches until the day we die, but take heart, God has overcome the world. He is waiting to offer His comfort so you may pass it along to the next person in need. Open your heart and receive His comfort today.

The Cruise of a Lifetime-Part 4

8 Jun

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Re-blog

I’ve not mentioned that, before each meal, Fred and I would “excuse” ourselves from the rest of the table, to say our blessing.  This morning, at the breakfast table, as we were beginning to excuse ourselves, the other gentleman at the table leaned toward me, arm and hand outstretched across the empty chair between us, and said, “Looks like you are about to thank the Lord.”  When I agreed, we all took hands and prayed.  After prayer, I told him that he sounded like a preacher.  He grinned and said, “well…….”

They turned out to be Richard and Judy, with their widowed friend, Lucy (Richard called her “Lucy B”).  They are from Fort Worth, Texas, and he is the Worship Leader for the 8:00 a.m. service at the North Richland Hills Baptist Church.  He also directs the Senior Adult Choir there.  So while he is not a preacher, he is in the Christian ministry.

Richard and Judy flank Lucy 

We found several points in common:  His wife’s name is Judy – I am Judy.  She is a pianist – I am a pianist (of sorts).  I asked her one time:  If you are eating a piece of cake, what is your favorite part, the cake or the icing?  Her response?  THE ICING!  I gave an air fist pump and a whoop of joy – because that’s MY favorite part of a piece of cake, as well!  WOW….are we twins?

We struck up an instant friendship.   Judy is the pianist for the service at their church (he affectionately calls her “Sister Judy” – i.e. “play us something in the key of G, Sister Judy”).   He would address me occasionally as “Judy2.”

Just a note here to say that the first four years Fred and I were married were spent in Fort Worth, while Fred attended and graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  We are quite familiar with Fort Worth.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Rotunda 

While Lucy was up getting her food, we talked about Fort Worth and seminary.  He mentioned that Lucy was a Baylor University graduate, and I told him about my Dad being one of the three students at Baylor in the very first graduating class in the School of Music in 1924.

When Lucy returned, he informed her that my Dad was a Baylor grad.  She blinked and looked at me.  Our conversation took off from there.  She is a die-hard Baylorite!

There is also another connection between Richard and us – he was the Minister of Music  for the First Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico – my original home church – in the 1970’s!   We began comparing notes on people we both had known while there.  Absolutely amazing!


Original building, First Baptist Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Following breakfast, I wasn’t feeling very well, so I stayed in the stateroom, while Fred went on an excursion (walking tour) to the Marksburg Castle.  He came back saying that it had been a VERY difficult walk/climb, and I would not have been able to manage all the steps and the climb.  I was glad I had stayed home!  But he took lots of pictures, and said it was a delightful castle to explore.  I’m glad he was able to make the jaunt by himself.

~~~~~~~~~~Part 4 to be continued~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Living Water for a Weary Soul: Finding Strength in God Through Life’s Troubles.

24 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged from JanetPerezEckles.com

A bit embarrassed to admit this, but I’m hoping you did the same at one time. After I washed my hands in the small but luxurious bathroom in the cruise ship, I was super impressed with the soap that left my hands incredibly soft and smooth.

So, like any silly Chica would do, as we packed to leave the ship, I wrapped the left-over piece of soap and stuck it in my bag. Why let that great soap go to waste, right?

Got home, washed my hands with that amazing soap. But to my disappointment my hands weren’t soft, but dry as they are when using any cheap soap. Hate to admit my silliness—my hands were soft on the ship, not because of the soap, but because of the soft water that flowed through the ship’s pipes.

That mistake was way too familiar.

Before I surrendered my life to Christ Jesus, I used the soap of deception—believing that the religious rituals I followed would gain me God’s approval. What I accomplished would please Him, and I believed my own desires were His too.

None of the above softened the blow when heartache, hardship, and devastation crashed into my life. After a sea of tears, Jesus became the captain of my life. The relationship with Him became my anchor. The gentle fountain of living water softened my heart and washed my pain away.

In the pain of your own life, His living water will quench the aching of your soul. His guidance will help you sail through the storms, and the power of these truths will keep your life hydrated with comfort and reassurance:

  • You’ll know where your help comes from. “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
  • When trouble strikes, count on his help. “God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
  • Similar to Paul, in your weakness, He’s working. And in Your insecurities, His power is active. “‘…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (Philippians 4:19)
  • Those around you may fail you and the world disappoint you, “…but God is the strength of your heart and your portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

Jesus said he’s the living water. If you drink of it, you’ll never thirst. You’ll never hunger for fulfillment, for joy, security, or hope. Go ahead, toss out that soap of deception and allow the freshness of His living water to revive your soul.

Let’s Pray

Father, how often I had given credit to things of this world. But it’s You, Your grace, love, and faithfulness that washes the effects of adversity.

In Jesus name, Amen!

How will you allow God’s living water wash away your troubles?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Would you like to invite Janet to speak at your next event? Contact her here.

To view Janet’s speaking demo video, watch here.

Check out Janet on the cover of the 2025 February issue of Woman of Faith Magazine! To read the full issue, visit their site here.

Read Janet’s latest award-winning book, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining JoyYour copy waits for you here.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com


Previous Posts

Living Water for a Weary Soul: Finding Strength in God Through Life’s Troubles.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/23/2025

In My Darkness, I Saw Love.
Janet Perez Eckles
5/9/2025

Empowered to Overcome: Three steps to Stand Strong Against the Forces of Evil.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/25/2025

Two ways to overcome your fears.
Janet Perez Eckles
4/11/2025

How to Bounce Back Stronger: Overcoming Setbacks and Adversity.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/28/2025

When you possess this, miracles are in the making.
Janet Perez Eckles
3/14/2025

Hope always arrives.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/28/2025

Finding true love to ease the loneliness.
Janet Perez Eckles
2/14/2025

What to do when feeling overwhelmed.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/31/2025

How to see God’s way out of our troubles.
Janet Perez Eckles
1/17/2025

Indeed

20 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. 

Photo credit: Word Press

 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.

Photo Credit: Grok A.I.

  And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.  The guards shook from fear of him and became like dead men.

 And the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.

 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. 

My Two Minute Drill

10 Apr

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

We spent last week packing up for our return to the mountains. Our winter in Florida sped by and we enjoyed catching up with long time friends. There is something comfortable and warm being able to pick up the threads of friendship. Of course, we keep it touch over the summer but in person complete with hugs is priceless.

The Florida winter weather was delightful with cool nights and mild days. We savored it. The last two weeks we were there, warmer weather moved in and we knew it was time to return to the mountains. The day we left, it was a beautiful . The sky so blue and clear.

I am continually amazed that a mere 600 miles can make such a difference in the seasons. Florida was wrapped in full green when we left.

Spring is my favorite season in the mountains. I marvel each year at the appearance of tender green leaves on the trees. Our hydrangea bushes are sporting green shoots and I am joyfully awaiting the blooms.

Our front yard.

Our grass (weeds) is in need of a good mowing but we’ve had several rainstorms this week and the clay soil is mucky.

We made a grocery run into town and signs of spring were everywhere.

After the warm Florida temperatures, the cold mornings in the mountains are making me reluctant to leave the warmth of my comfy bedclothes. I am becoming a big fan of the snooze button on my phone.

To justify my snoozing, I whisper prayers for the day. Always I pray for Israel and the surrounding countries. It is such a mess and beyond my understanding. Then other concerns float into my consciousness.

This morning I snoozed until I only had two minutes before I needed to move it. This particular morning, I wanted to pray differently. I felt a prompt in my spirit, “pray for the lost.” Not for a specific person, but for those who need Jesus across the globe.

The times we are living through are chaotic and even frantic. I have watched a lot of football in the past. and as I prayed this morning, I felt as if I was in a two minute drill. No time outs, just execute what has been practiced.

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I'm a winner

After my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience. Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites, Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

When you Possess This, Miracles are in the Making.

15 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged from Janet Perez Eckles.com

My ten-year-old grandson got up from the dinner table, walked over to me, and tapped my shoulder. “Nana, thank you. I love the noodles you made. But next time can you put a little less salt. I’ll still eat them, but I’m just telling you for next time, okay?”

I gave him a tight hug. “So sorry,” I said, “it’s not what you expected.”

His heart of gratitude touched me. He could’ve complained and refuse to eat it, but he chose to thank me anyway and eat salty noodles.

That night I put my head on the pillow of shame. Unlike my grandson, if I didn’t receive from God what I expected, or not in my own timing, disappointment set in. And a sense of discouragement took the place of contentment.

Sadly, that discontentment is popular today.

We have expectations and wait for God to serve the answer in the way we anticipate. And when that doesn’t happen, we wonder why. We question our faith, and our once complete trust in God isn’t complete anymore.

But God sees the full picture, including our sense of disappointment. What He’s looking is for gratitude for even little things. He’s expecting praises in everything. And He’s more direct in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 when He says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Give thanks in all circumstances? 

Even when we’re still in the same sorry situation, with no change for the better or with no solution either? God says yes. Consider if these prominent folks in the bible displayed discontentment:

  • What if Abraham became disappointed when God asked him to sacrifice his son? He would have missed his calling to be the father of many nations.
  • What if Moses allowed his weakness to diminish his trust in God? He would have missed his role to be the instrument to set the Israelites free.
  • What if David focused only on the punishment for his sin and failed to praise God for His forgiveness and redemptive love? He would have remained a poor me sinner relegated to obscurity.
  • What if Noah would have succumbed to the ridicule of the people and stopped the building of the arc? He and his family would have also drowned.
  • What if fear and disappointment would have filled Paul during the episodes where he was beaten, tossed out, and imprisoned? He would not have seen the world around him turn to Jesus.

You and I are no different.

God sometimes gives direction for our journey but doesn’t reveal the reason for each stop. At times, God provides only small amounts of success to test our character. And sometimes, God brings about an answer contrary to what we asked to test our trust in Him.

No matter how many plates of salty noodles the world serves you, the test is on. Will you praise Him for what God has done? Will you thank Him for what He’s doing? And will you be bold enough to praise Him for what you know He will do?

If the answer is yes, then you’ll find how miracles come wrapped in gratitude.

Let’s Pray

Father, I thank you for your patience when I fail to trust in You completely. I praise You for forgiving me when I fail to thank You through all the stages of my journey.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What miracles will your gratitude bring?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Would you like to invite Janet to speak at your next event? Contact her here.

To view Janet’s speaking demo video, watch here.

Check out Janet on the cover of the 2025 February issue of Woman of Faith Magazine! To read the full issue, visit their site here.

Read Janet’s latest award-winning book, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining JoyYour copy waits for you here.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

The Authority of Jesus

9 Sep

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Philippians 2:10

The authority of the name of Jesus causes every knee to bow in reverence!

Everything and everyone will one day submit to this name in the heavenly realm, the earthly realm, and the demonic realm. And every tongue will proclaim in every language: Jesus Christ is Lord Yahweh, bring glory and honor to God, his Father!

Photo Credit:Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

How the 4th of July Remind Us We Can Have Freedom from Worry

20 Jul

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Perez


Reblogged Saturday, July 20, 2024

It was the big day. My parents, my brother 16 and I at 17 sat in the courtroom. We dressed for the occasion and our hearts wore unprecedented excitement.

My family worked hard to meet the requirements and lead us to this event that would change our lives. The red, white and blue of the American flag covered the front wall of the large courtroom. Its majestic presence reminded us we were about to take a step filled with a unique honor.

“Raise your right hand,” the immigration officer said.

We did, and with unwavering conviction we renounced our allegiance to Bolivia and pledged our allegiance to the United States of America. In that ceremony we officially became American citizens, fully committed to our allegiance. And that’s when the 4th of July sent off fireworks of gratitude in us.

Not so when I pledged my allegiance to Christ.

I became a Christian, but, unaware, I adopted dual citizenship—to God and to the world too.

On Sundays I worshipped. During the week I worried.

Have you been there? On Sundays we pledge to believe, to obey and follow God. We commit to embrace His Word and hold on to His promises. But when life brings ugly moments, our allegiance to negative emotions takes over.

How can that happen? God says not to worry, but we do. He repeats to trust in Him, but we doubt instead. He offers peace, and we forget that too.

At our recent 4th of July celebrations, there were many proclamations about freedom.

Let’s also include a proclamation to enjoy freedom from the worry that speaks these five lies:

  1. God is not capable to remove the anxiety in us.
  2. God is not capable to bring answers to our solutions.
  3. He’s not aware of the details that bring on fear.
  4. He’s not able to put back the pieces of our broken heart.
  5. He cannot change the path of our wrong choices.

The Language of Worry

That’s the language of worry, unacceptable to Him, and destructive to us. Worry talk contradicts God’s Word and dilutes His promises.

But if we were to renew our allegiance to His instructions, we would speak the language of faith. It would express His strength, enough to sustain us. It would repeat of His love, enough to cover us. And of His grace to bring out the perfect outcome. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

And with worry in the garbage disposal of life, we sing, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

So why do you doubt, shake or fret? When you know “Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday” (Psalm 91:3-6).

Let’s pray.

Father, thank you for the reassurance that You have me and my family covered. Thank You for the sleep that comes at night as you silence the lies. I praise you for the reassurance You whisper into my heart, removing worry from my mind. In Jesus name.

When will you begin your worry-free life?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you here.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

Hope in the Way

22 Jun

Guest Post

Rebekah Lyn

Reblog Rebekah Lyn’s Kitchen

Summer is road trip season. My family had the blessing of taking incredible road trips, reaching as far north as Newfoundland, Canada, and as far west as the eastern edge of British Columbia. Mom diligently studied maps and AAA TripTiks to plan the best routes, and we were lucky to seldom come across detours.

If only our lives were so blessed. Detours happen when we least expect them and when they are most inconvenient. Rarely are they enjoyable so it’s easy to pout that we aren’t getting our way when we have to bend to the will of others – be that road crews or disrupted plans.

As Jesus’ days on Earth grew shorter, He spoke to His disciples about the way ahead of them. In John 14, Jesus tells them that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and that they know the way to the place where He is going. Thomas is brave enough to question this, as they don’t yet understand where Jesus is going.

Thomas asked, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5) This is something we all grapple with at some point. Where is God leading in this situation? How can I follow when I can’t see the path? My GPS doesn’t have a destination, so how can it route me?

Jesus’ answer was simple. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” (John 14:6-7) We get to know Jesus by spending time with Him, praying, studying His word, serving others, and listening for His voice.

When our life takes an unexpected detour and there are no signs showing us the way, we can place our reliance on God to direct our steps, but only if we attune ourselves to Him. He is our hope in the darkness, our signpost on the unfamiliar road. We have to accept that there are reasons for the changes in our plans that we may never understand. Our ways are not always God’s ways and we have to trust that His ways are better for us.

The only way that truly matters is His Way, the way of life, truth, and eternal relationship with the Father. Walking in that way doesn’t guarantee a smooth trip, but it does guarantee a place for us in the eternal kingdom. That is a much better destination than any we can imagine here on Earth.

Easter Sunday 2024

31 Mar

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

(Reposted from 2014)

I really love Christmas!  All the brisk weather (in the colder climes), the Christmas trees and wreaths.  The decorations.  But especially the music.  It’s so much fun to hear and sing – both sacred and secular.  It’s such a special time of year.

But for me – and all of Christianity – Easter is the very, VERY best!  Of course, Christmas had to come first – to bring the Christ Child into this world.  But Easter brings us eternal life…and that beats the socks off a fun, cute song any day!

The songs associated with Easter are so exciting – and uplifting – and inspiring – and so full of hope and promise (and by-the-way – hope in scripture means absolute assurance!).  They tell of Christ’s death, yes, but also of that glorious moment when HE AROSE!  Can you imagine it?  God’s power is so tremendously great that He actually raised Jesus from death back into life!  Amazing!!  It’s so easy to just say…He arose.  But just think of it – He actually rose FROM THE DEAD BACK TO LIFE!  That never happened to anyone else, that didn’t physically die again.  Our Savior lives again and still, and forever.

There’s a lot of anti-Christian stuff going on right now, that borders on persecution.  Yes, I know – I really haven’t a clue what true persecution is like.  But this is the most anti-Christian attitude in this country that I’ve ever felt.  And it doesn’t feel good.

Seems like every Easter there is something that happens to a church here or there that actually backfires on the perpetrators.  For instance, when we lived in Panama City, Florida back in the 1970’s, there was a Lutheran church who put up a “tomb/cave” on their front lawn every Easter.  They would have a “stone” rolled across the front, that on Easter morning was “rolled away” to reveal the open/empty tomb.  One year, the whole thing disappeared!  Turns out, some teenagers, on a dare, took it away.  So, instead of harming the message – the newspaper got a hold of the story – took pictures and all – and it made the front page news!  Backfire, see?  And God’s Word was spread throughout the city from all the news reports!

Photo credit – Judy Wills

And then when we lived in a small town in Virginia, our church had put up some sort of display on our front lawn – and some of the “soldiers” disappeared.  Same thing – the city newspaper (and possibly the TV stations in town) got wind of the disappearance, and interviewed the Pastor about it.  Again, it made the headlines and news stories.  The culprits were found and the soldiers returned.  Another backfire.  And again, God’s Word was spread far and wide!

All that to say that I am convinced that there is still a remnant of believers in this country, and that God will honor those who still trust Him.  What is done in the dark will be brought to light – and God’s name will be glorified.

HE IS RISEN!   HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Happy Easter!

Credit ChurchArt

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.