It's Father's Day again!  I sure miss those times when I could run up to my dad and hug him on Father's Day.  Even as I grew older, it was comforting to know my dad was only a phone call away.  I have missed saying "Happy Father's Day" for 3 years now.  The sound of our father's voices may or may not help us to feel calmer, or maybe you never knew your dad or even met him.  But I hope you still found a friend, or mentor who could provide fatherly love and support.  
Dad's are cherished because they are confident, have a great sense of humor, share jokes, take us on adventures, tell us what we don't want to hear, are honest, caring, and loving fathers. 

There is greater love than our father on earth, that is our Father in "Heaven".  "The Lord will watches over you, you the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm.  He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever". Psalm 121: 5-8 
I do find great comfort knowing God my Father is watching over me, because so many times I have found myself praying, and talking to him, just like I would talk to my dad.  They assure us in our time of need, encourage the tough times, and celebrate the journey.  My dad would say "Have A Little Faith, it will all work out". 

So "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." Psalm 103:13 
Maybe there was a time when you knew things were not going well, and you had to tell your dad, or adult about the situation.  Maybe you feared the punishment, and with God, he has compassion on us even when we mess up as sinners, but his love will always reign and be with you.  Celebrate Father's Day, let them know how much they are loved, appreciated, and honor them. Have a blessed weekend. 

As we come together this Memorial Day weekend to remember the fallen soldiers who served in the United States military.  Remember and encourage their families as we humbly thank God for their lives.  Their sacrifices provided our freedoms, and we should honor them, and remember them on Memorial Day and everyday by being strong and courageous as American's stand for truth. 
"Every season of goodbyes is also a season to grow" Isaiah 43:18-18 
"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace". Psalm 29:11
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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". Joshua 1:9

"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me"? Psalm 56:3-4

​Deuteronomy 4:19 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars-all the heavenly array-do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven

It's been difficult the last 36 days in America, with COVID-19 life hasn't been the same, and some of us are wondering will we ever be the same again? Emotional, stress, job loss, illness, death and uncertainty fogs vision of not knowing what will come next.  I have experienced a roller coaster of emotions, sometimes just running to a corner and standing for several minutes just feeling a huge loss.  I can't stay there, and must let go of things I can't control and put it with Jesus. As I am writing today's blog, the beautiful sun is rising over the land.  I feel peace.  Life is a miracle, and God will love you through everything. Deuteronomy 7:9  “Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. NKJV 

How do you overcome challenges with triumphs?  Lately I've been asking myself that question. Here's what I know and believe, just when you think your stuck in the mud and can't get out, there is grace. Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry".  There are many small business owners around the country who have closed their doors or minimized their services because of the Coronavirus.  Employees have been laid off, and families are struggling to pay bills.  Where is God in all of the pain, grief and loss? I have trials also, and right now as I am publishing this post, it's been the first post this month because of things that happen out of my control.  Our company is located in the middle of a corn field in Nebraska, so I run my publishing company out of my home, that's a good thing, but sometimes there are limitations, and we get through the "challenges with triumphs".  Lately a challenge has been internet service, it's a way we connect with you. So if you are reading this post, will you consider giving some praises with me to God, that we can continue reaching our families and seniors with great hope.   I believe whatever situation we experience in life God's promises are true.  "He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along".  Psalm 40: 2 
Today I started giving praises to God for the struggles and triumphs. 

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered.  It keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthians 13:1 

Caring for a loved one who has limitations both physical and mental can be stressful for the caregiver and family members, but it doesn't have to be.  Everyone deserves your very best, time and love through every situation.  Too many times our lives are impacted by rushed society and things of the world that are less important.  Life is too short to miss opportunities to be kind in everything you do.  Remember when someone reached out in your time of need, it's time to share the love.  I used to work in a long term care facility, as a certified nursing assistant.  Everyday I was welcomed by a gentle smile, and hand to hold, and a story shared from the past.  Because they have aged, isn't a reason to see them less, or dismiss their life until their last day.  It's today, it's now, don't let one more day go by without reconnecting with your aging loved one.  Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, and so many more people who did and are still making a difference. Let them know they are loved.