One of my Christmas gifts was a Digital Picture Frame. I can watch unlimited photos slowly scrolling on the screen. Looking at the faces of loved ones from the past and present brings me peace and joy. I’m always reminded how many people have shaped my life. Some of my earliest memories are of sharing my bed with my great-grandma when she visited. As I drifted off to sleep, I could hear her softly offer her bedtime prayer in German. Although I couldn’t understand her words, that memory has influenced my prayer life to this day.

Each photo tells a story, and every story reminds me of God’s promises fulfilled. Yes, every moment does count!

As a child, I recall we sang a song, the words of the stanzas have escaped me, but it had a chorus that went something like this:

"Standing, Standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior. Standing, Standing, I’m standing on the promises of God."

To verbally recite a creedal statement is taking a stand. To refuse to be a participant in a conversation that could damage the reputation of another person is taking a stand. Did you know that when someone was going to read from a biblical scroll in the Temple or synagogue, they would stand up. That stand was on the Word of God. When we trust His Word, read His Word, believe His Word, and apply His Word, we are standing on a divine foundation.

The psalmist has questions that we, in difficult times, may have asked for ourselves. Has God stopped loving me? Do His promises still apply to me? Then the Holy Spirit provides the way to find the answers we need: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 77:11).

As we turn to Holy Scripture, listening in worship and reading in our own devotions, we can clearly see all that God did for His people in the past. In steadfast love, God kept every promise He made. He kept the most wondrous promise of all, sending His Son to be our Savior. In the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, we have the absolute proof that God keeps His promises. His steadfast love for you will never cease. You can be sure of it!

My granddaughter was sitting next to me in church when she noticed I didn’t need the hymnal for some of the songs. “Nana, do you have all the songs memorized?” I chuckled. No. Not all by a long shot. But many of them.” “That’s amazing” she said.” Well honey bunch when you’ve sung them as long as I have, you’re bound to know many by heart.”

Later, I realized it’s the same with the promises of God. Growing older isn’t only about aches and pains and challenges, there are many benefits also. One of them being our familiarity with God’s promises.

The Bible reminds us, no matter how many promises God has made, no matter how old we become, they are all “Yes” in Christ and our “amens” glorify God and give us the peace of mind we need.

“God bless you,” said the woman behind the deli counter. What did she mean? What does it mean to be blessed?

When I bless someone, I’m thinking, “Make everything okay in their life. Keep them safe. Let them be healthy. Let them receive God’s love and also give love to others. Fill their life with joy, thankfulness, and contentment.”

It’s not just the woman behind the deli counter who blesses, is it? Our God blesses each of us. Just as the children of Israel were blessed by the Lord God, so are you. Just as Jesus welcomed and blessed little children, so Jesus welcomes and blesses you.

This declaration of God warms my heart. To be blessed is to know God is with me, always and forever. God takes care of me. God loves me. God blesses me. Is there someone I know who needs to hear my word of blessing?

As I reflect on my life, I have learned through ups and downs, trials, and mistakes that my plans and solutions don’t offer contentment and peace with life situations. The Lord repeatedly provided wisdom and solutions when I prayed for guidance. He became my light.

His Word gives the promise of heaven: “... whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:15), “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105), and “But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared” (Psalm 130:4), to mention a few of the greatest blessings.

I joyfully live each day because the Holy Spirit comforts me with the Lord’s awesome promise, that nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Not even death!

How often do we sing the words of our hymns, and consider how deeply meaningful they are? Instead of noticing whether our neighbor is singing sharp, flat, or not at all, let us, with concentration and purpose, consider what prayers our hymns contain! The writers of our hymns wrote thoughtfully and carefully

Let us remember Whom we are praising, and like Miriam and Moses, after their deliverance from the Egyptians, (Genesis 15), raise our voices in songs of gratitude.

Let us praise God, seek comfort, give reverence, and open our minds and hearts to the prayers in our hymns.

We are His saints here — now and forever. His name is on

our lips in song.

As a Michigan farm boy, “walking beans” — pulling and chopping weeds from our navy bean fields — consumed many hours in late summer. I learned to stay focused, so I didn’t miss a weed. Good gloves, a sharp hoe, and a swig of water every round were essential.

God encourages us to be watchful ... for His many blessings through the changing seasons ... for opportunities to share our wisdom and experience with younger generations ... for the needs of others, offering a helping hand or a listening ear ... and for the hope we have in our Lord’s glorious return.

How long is forever?

There is an old joke that says forever depends on which side of the bathroom door you are standing on. Anyone who had to share a bathroom with siblings growing up knows that is not really a joke.

I know the Lord has been and is with me during my earthly life. He gave me a loving family who taught me about Him. He comforted me at the passing of my parents and others I love. He gave me a career that I loved. He held my hand and provided God-fearing doctors to me as I battled cancer. He has blessed me every day of this life.

I do not really need to understand the length of forever. I know I will be with Him, because He said so. And, He has taught me that His promises are trustworthy.

“I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy - Down in My Heart to Stay” is one of my favorite songs. Written by George W. Cooke in 1925, it has been bringing the message of joy to people for the past 100 years.

What brings us joy in our elder years? Is it the joy of seeing a friend or family member’s smile, visit, or letter? Is it found by looking at old photographs? Is it the joy of seeing flowers bloom? Or is it the joy of recovering from a fall or an illness?

George W. Cooke’s song contains where his joy came from, “I have the Love of Jesus, Love of Jesus – Down in my Heart to Stay.” The love of Jesus — that’s what brings us true joy — at any age!