In America, each year in November we celebrate our national holiday called Thanksgiving.

Every school child learns the story of the courageous Pilgrims who set sail on the Mayflower from Europe, braving the elements for two months before arriving in Plymouth, Massachusetts in November 1620. They came seeking a New World, religious freedom, and a better life.

A year later, the pilgrims celebrated God’s gracious gifts with prayer, thanksgiving, and a special feast. The tradition continued, and in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. The date was set as the fourth Thursday in November. 

The timing of Lincoln’s Proclamation was significant, being delivered during the height of the bloody Civil War. Nevertheless, Lincoln called all Americans to prayer with a message of optimism and genuine thankfulness, reminding them that even in the midst of dark days there is much to be thankful for.

The Proclamation began:

The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

As the Pilgrims journeyed in search of the New World, Scripture reminds us that as Christians our journey through life on this earth is also one as sojourners (those who stay somewhere temporarily) and pilgrims (those on a journey to a better, sacred place).

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light . . . Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims . . . that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God . . .   (I Peter 2:9, 11-12) 

Hebrews 11 outlines many heroes of the faith, concluding in verse 13:

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 

Despite the mounting troubles and distress in our world today, the message throughout Scripture is one of hope—of a better day coming when there will be no more sorrow, sickness, war, or death. A message of life eternal.

God encourages us to keep our eyes on what lies ahead:

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Is your journey focused on what lies ahead? Are you a pilgrim?

As we gather this Thanksgiving, may our hearts be filled with thanks for God’s abundant blessings—family, food, friends, another year. Throughout our darkest days we remember that our journey through this life on earth is only a part of our final destiny.

In Christ alone we have this Hope. In Him we give thanks.

Copyright © 2024 Cheryl Elton

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A new year brings hope, a sense of fresh beginnings and better days. For many, it’s a time to set goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

Enter the “SMART” acronym . . .

A well-known business model for setting goals and objectives says SMART goals are: S-specific; M-measurable; A-attainable; R-relevant; T-time-bound.

A lot has been written on these highly effective concepts, and they offer a practical measuring stick for success when making personal goals.

But let’s also consider Ephesians 6, which gives us the crucial reminder that at its core, all of life is spiritual.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  (Ephesians 6:10, 12-13) 

For those endeavoring to live a “God-first” life with spiritual goals front and center, I offer a complement to the original SMART model with this new version:

S-Spirit-led; M-meaningful; A-actionable; R-redeemable; T-timely.

When setting goals, let’s consider:

 SPIRIT-LED:  Are we seeking God’s wisdom in making our goals? Let’s be sure He is directing us to do what we do, so our lives can bring glory to Him.

 MEANINGFUL:  Will this goal help or hinder my spiritual growth? Is it significant to my life, my personal ministry, or the kind of person I want to become?

 ACTIONABLE:  Am I able to take action on this goal? How will I do so?

 REDEEMABLE:  Does the goal help me overcome poor habits I may have had in the past, and draw me closer to God?

 TIMELY:  Is this the right time for pursuing this goal?

As we enter a new year, let’s make sure we spend quality time with the Lord to gain His wisdom and direction in setting our goals—SMART goals that we can live out to His glory!

Copyright © 2020 Cheryl Elton

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Friday night I attended a special meeting at church for those who are grieving or have experienced loss around the holidays. With me was our good friend R., who recently lost his mother.

It was a quiet, healing time for all. Some, like R., who lost a loved one this year, were deeply comforted by the love of God shared and simply being together.

Others, like myself, had time to reflect on other kinds of losses we have experienced, and how God’s grace and goodness have carried us through.

Jesus tells us that here on earth there will be sorrow, yet in Him we find peace:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

Seasons of trials, loneliness, and sorrow come to all of us at times. They don’t just disappear because we turn the calendar to December.

While songs of holiday joy fill workplaces and shopping malls, hospitals remain full. For some, loved ones will not be home for Christmas. Family in the military, broken relationships, illness, loss of loved ones, and a thousand other trials big and small continue to fill people’s lives, even through this season of “cheer.”

Christmas isn’t about pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. It’s about turning our eyes to things above, accepting God’s love into our hearts, and remembering the greatest gift ever given: His wonderful Son.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  (John 3:1)

The holidays present a special time to extend the love of Christ to those in need, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to shine as lights in a dark and troubled world.

Do you know someone who is feeling the sting of loss this Christmas?

Reach out to them this week with the love of God, and remind them that they are not alone.

It may be the greatest gift they receive.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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With the Christmas season in full swing, it’s easy to become overloaded with the many obligations and expectations it brings.

We can get so busy with the decorating, shopping, concerts, and other activities that we’re fitting into our already packed schedules, that we lose sight of why we’re doing it all to begin with—leaving us feeling drained and overwhelmed.

In an effort to get a handle on our endless to-do lists, it’s easy to rush into the day, spending little or no time with the One who helps us most!

St. Francis de Sales said:

Every Christian needs a half-hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour.

Let’s let that sink in!

To spend more time in prayer when we’re busy certainly goes against our natural inclinations. Yet the truth of this statement falls in line with the many paradoxes of Christian living: e.g., when we give, we receive; when we praise God through our difficulties, we find joy. 

When we enter the day from a place of rest, and invite Jesus to partner with us as we go about our tasks, our eyes will be open to see Him working; our hearts will be at peace to hear His voice.

We’ll be sharing the yoke with the Master, allowing Him to lighten our loads.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

With His peace guarding our hearts, we will do less, but accomplish more.

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest . . .  (Hebrews 4:9-11 NKJV)

In our drive to be productive, let’s remember the thing most worth being concerned about: spending time with the Lord . . . resting in, and enjoying His presence.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Spring has sprung—except where I live.

Here in northern New York we still have nearly a foot of snow on the ground, although moderating temperatures are bringing the drip drip drip of melting.

Us locals know spring doesn’t really arrive for another month. Yet it will come!

As the sun warms the earth and winter’s glory fades, it’s always amazing how plants in the yard that looked dead return to life. Tender shoots appear, soon to burst into lush green leaves and colorful flowers.

Our lovely lilac bush, nearly buried by recent storms, appears dead and forgotten—but two months from now will be blooming in full glory!

The Old Testament book of Isaiah prophesies of the coming of Christ, comparing him to a tender plant, yet how his life would ultimately be despised and rejected:

“My servant [Jesus Christ] grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” (Isaiah 53:2,3 NLT)

The Son of God was crucified, fulfilling the prophecy that would make a way to restore relationship with our Creator God once again. The sacrifice of Jesus’ life would pay the price not only for the sins of all humanity, but also for our physical healing.

“Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6) 

Yet the story doesn’t end there!

After burying Jesus in the tomb, three days later the words “He is risen!” echoed throughout the land.

For those who place their trust and hope in Jesus Christ—like the promise of spring—life begins anew: a life not free of trouble, but one of victory, of purpose, and of HOPE.

There is a blessed Hope before us—of one day reigning with Christ on a new and regenerated earth—where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain.  

As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, what a glorious time it is to remember not only Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf through his death and resurrection, but also the blessed Hope we have in him of life eternal.

May your heart be filled with the joy of His presence—for HE IS RISEN!

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

Featured photo credit: 3john2wellness

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As Christ-followers in the family of God, there’s an amazing bond that quickly surfaces among brothers and sisters in the Lord.

I’ve often marveled at the people God has brought into my life over the years—those I often have had little in common with outside of our faith, yet who I sometimes have formed the closest friendships with because of that faith.

This anomaly can only be explained by the love of God.

This poem is dedicated to those notable friendships centered on the love of God—that special love of the brethren.

Why do I love you . . .
This I asked myself today.
Does the answer come that easily?
For the things you do and say
From a heart so tender and kind,
I searched deep in my memory,
Not many such hearts to I find.

I’d seen you here and there,
And known you quite awhile,
Another place, another face,
Perhaps an occasional smile.

Never did I stop and think
Or take the time to see,
The heart and beauty of your life,
All that God’s made you to be.

Then one day I turned and you were there,
Your eyes held a peace I had failed to see;
I looked therein and saw myself,
I saw the real you, I saw the real me.

We stopped and smiled at one another,
I realized then you were my brother.

The kindness and love you’ve shown,
The time you took to care.
These have drawn me close to you
And enabled us to share
From the depths of our hearts a love so real
That it far surpasses all we think or feel.

It warms my heart to be near you,
To see the love in your eyes,
To know that no matter what I do
You’ll never condemn or sympathize.

I can lay forth my life before you
And be who I really am,
As together we reach to the heart of God,
Together we stand, His chosen gems.

While we gently unfold our hearts,
We laugh, we live, we share,
I grow to love you more and more
And offer to you a perfect prayer.

For how can I show you how thankful I am,
Like you there is no other.
So I’ll be to you as you are to me,
A precious friend, a brother.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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A feeling of finality came over me as I thumbed through, then closed my 2016 monthly planner.

December 31. Another year ended . . .

By the grace of God it had been a good year, despite some unexpected challenges and changes. He had seen us through.

We are grateful.

As I open my new 2017 calendar I pause to admire its clean pages. Each one an empty slate, soon to be filled in with day-to-day happenings, appointments, and special occasions.

A new year brings hope. A sense of new beginnings. A time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

To look ahead to new and better days . . .

Like the first blank page of a new calendar year, our new life in Christ is a new beginning—each and every day. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV) 

The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is now the transforming power of Christ dwelling in us—enabling us to put away old deplorable behaviors, and change—becoming more and more like Him.

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:4 NLT) 

As we begin the New Year, may we take time to be still in His presence—allowing Him to strengthen us and give us direction for the days ahead—to fill us with His peace, His joy, His hope. 

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NKJV) 

Each day, may we be transformed more and more into His likeness as we live in His presence.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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Every December the street behind our local high school becomes a tourist attraction for young and old. Cars wait in line turning onto the street, people stop to take photos, and the oohs and aahs of delight can be heard—all in front of one house—the one known far and wide for its incredible display of Christmas lights.

There’s one in every town, isn’t there?

During the time of Christ’s birth there were no laser lights and inflatable reindeer, but rather, the most spectacular light display ever—“the glory of the Lord”—that shone round about a few modest shepherds who received word from an angel of the birth of the Messiah.                      

The shepherds quickly went to Bethlehem to see if what they heard was true. After finding Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger, they told everyone what had happened, returning to their flocks glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard.

Light is a prevalent theme throughout Scripture. In Genesis God spoke “let there be light.” First John 1:5 says:

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, declared that He was the light of the world:

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12) 

Where light shines, darkness flees!

Where the light of Christ prevails, the dark places in our lives disappear.

As Christians, we’re called to be light-bearers, proclaiming the message of Christ and displaying the light of Christ to a world encased in darkness.

“ . . . that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:15-16) 

We are God’s Christmas lights! 

We were created to bring our heavenly Father glory. As people see Christ living in us, as the shepherds who couldn’t help but share what they had seen and heard, others will also glorify our heavenly Father!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

May our light shine brightly, not only this Christmas season, but also every day of the new year!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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As we celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving, I’ve been coming across numerous articles about the countless benefits of cultivating an attitude of gratitude in our lives.

According to Scripture, an unthankful heart displeases God. He exhorts us to always give thanks, and to be thankful in all circumstances. It’s through praise and thanksgiving that we enter His presence.

A powerful way to build thanks and praise into our lives is to personalize scriptures and offer them to God as prayers and proclamations of our faith.

The Psalms are great for this. They are beloved by so many because they relate to a wide gamut of human emotions and conditions, and many express great praise and thanksgiving to God.

Here are some verses I’ve personalized from Psalms 100, 118, and 103, which can be used as a starting point:

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth;                                                                          May I serve the Lord with gladness;                                                                               And come before Him with joyful singing.                                                                       I know Lord, that you are God;                                                                                              It is you that has made us, not we ourselves;

We are your people,                                                                                                           And the sheep of your pasture.                                                                                 Therefore I enter your gates with thanksgiving,                                                                And your courts with praise.                                                                                               I give thanks to you Lord,                                                                                                 And bless your name.

For the Lord is good,                                                                                                            His lovingkindness is everlasting.                                                                                         His faithfulness is to all generations.                                                                                  

In my distress I called upon you, Lord;                                                                          You answered me and set me in a large place.                                                              Lord, you are for me—I will not fear;                                                                                   What can man do to me?                                                                                                        It is better that I take refuge in you, Lord,                                                                    Than to trust in man. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul,                                                                                                    May all that is within me,                                                                                                   Bless your holy name.                                                                                                          Bless the Lord, O my soul,                                                                                                       I will not forget your benefits.

You pardon all my iniquities,                                                                                             You heal all my diseases,                                                                                                    You redeem my life from the pit,                                                                                         You crown me with lovingkindness and compassion;                                                       You satisfy my years with good things,                                                                                So that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

All praise, and honor, and glory be Yours Lord, today and every day, as we pause to give you thanks for our many blessings. Amen!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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Spring signals new beginnings.

As the sun warms the earth and winter’s glory fades, it’s always amazing how plants in the yard that looked dead return to life. Tender shoots appear, soon to burst into lush green leaves and colorful flowers.

Easter heralds new beginnings also.

The Old Testament book of Isaiah prophesies of the coming of Christ, comparing him to a tender plant, yet how his life would ultimately be despised and rejected:

“My servant [Jesus Christ] grew up in the LORD’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” (Isaiah 53:2,3 NLT)

The Son of God was crucified, fulfilling the prophecy that would make a way to restore relationship with our Creator God once again. The sacrifice of Jesus’ life would pay the price not only for the sins of all humanity, but also for our physical healing.

“Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Yet the story doesn’t end there!

After burying Jesus in the tomb, three days later the words “He is risen!” echoed throughout the land.

For those who place their trust and hope in Jesus Christ, like the promise of spring—life begins anew—a life not free of trouble, but one of victory, of purpose, and of HOPE.

Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus gave his followers these instructions and this promise:

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Yet the story doesn’t end here!

There is a blessed Hope before us—of one day reigning with Christ on a new and regenerated earth—where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain.  

For the Christian, this life is not all there is! 

“Death is not the end of the road; it is only a bend in the road.”[1]

As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, what a glorious time it is to remember not only Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf through his death and resurrection, but the blessed Hope we have in him of life eternal.

May our hearts be filled with the joy of His presence—for He is Risen!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

[1] Erwin W. Lutzer, The Vanishing Power of Death, (Moody Publishers 2004) 

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