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"Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure."  Psalm 147:5

When my boys were little, our toy room was filled with numerous Batman and Superman capes. As soon as the capes were Velcroed to their pajamas or tied around their necks, they would transform into a brave Superhero and immediately stick out their chest to assume their heroic Superhero pose. Thinking they were invincible, they would run around the house, jump off the ottoman, and add an occasional karate kick, while vowing to save the world!

Over the past two months, I have experienced the privilege of helping my daughter deliver meals to some of our modern day "Superheroes" working at various local hospitals. Although their bravery is unquestionable, I have found these masked and gowned champions to be humble, loving servants who are so appreciative for everyone's support and encouragement.

"With God, all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

Everyone deserves ice cream after getting a shot at the doctor's office!

In this world, there are those who love dogs... and there are those who do not!

If you are not sure which camp you fall into, you will know that you're a dog lover when:

1. You turn the television on when you leave the house so that your dog won't be lonely and can watch Animal Planet
2. Your dog is the star of the show in all of your family photos, your camera roll, and/or screen saver
3. You find nothing wrong sharing a majority of your bed with your dog
4. You dress up your dog in various costumes and holiday attire
5. You don't flinch when your dog gives you a big wet kiss on the face
6. Your dog has his own Christmas stocking with his/her name embroidered on it

In our house, we can check every box on this brief quiz!  Rocky has been the pampered pooch in our house for almost fifteen years and is often referred to by my children as "mom's favorite child". So the other night, when he jumped off the couch and immediately could not walk, my heart sank...

"He who watches over you will not slumber nor sleep!" Psalm 121:4

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused so much devastation as well as isolation, but in the midst of the tragedy, it has been heartwarming to see how creative people have become to let others know how much they care. Recently, I saw a news clip reporting on a fire department that volunteered to use their equipment to raise an elderly man up to his wife's hospital window so he could wish her "Happy Anniversary". I've seen families decorating and writing endearing messages on the windows of grandparents' homes. And, of course there are the heart warming "parades" of honking cars that have been known to bring huge smiles and tears of appreciation by the blessed recipients.

Last Friday, one of those endearing parades was organized for seventh grader, Tyler, who was celebrating his 13th birthday. As his classmates, neighbors, and friends gathered outside of his subdivision, it was so much fun seeing familiar faces of our precious students through car windows!  One dear school family that participated also lives in Tyler's neighborhood. They were returning to their home just as I was exiting the parade, so God gave me a sweet moment to pull up to their house and safely have a conversation during which they shared such an amazing story of God's protection!...

"And surely I am with you always until the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20b

Many years ago, our Preschoolers were learning the very important lesson that Jesus is always with us. As a reminder, the teacher gave each of the students a picture of Jesus so that they could place it somewhere special to help them remember that no matter where they are Jesus would also be with them. In this case, a picture is worth a million words as little Caroline demonstrated where she decided to place her picture before she went to sleep that night.
 
During these challenging times, may you feel His peace and His presence as you reflect on the promises of Scripture that He is always with you!
 
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka