When the Soviet Union launched its Sputnik satellite in 1957, it shocked the United States and sparked the onset of the race to see which of the two Cold War superpowers could achieve dominance in space exploration.

The end of the 1950s saw the U.S.S.R. leading the way with the launch of the first manned spacecraft to successfully orbit the earth. But the U.S. was also working hard through its new federal agency dedicated to space exploration—the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA.

In May 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced the ambitious goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth by the end of the decade. That goal was achieved on July 20, 1969, when for the first time in history a man walked on the surface of the moon.

In 1962, President Kennedy visited NASA for the first time. During his tour he encountered a janitor named Joe Byerly walking down a hallway with a broom. The President asked him what he did for NASA. Byerly replied, “Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon.”

This janitor clearly understood the purpose of his work: to keep the building clean so the scientists, engineers, and astronauts could focus on their mission of putting a man on the moon. Byerly held a deep and inspiring connection between his daily tasks and achieving an overall larger goal.

What is the greater purpose of your daily work?

Do you carry a clear vision of why you do what you do? While at times we all tire of routines or experience frustrating moments, having a goal bigger than ourselves helps us stay focused to keep going, especially during trying times.

As Christians, our great mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Staying mindful of this helps us remember that our words and actions are to be seasoned with God’s love and bring Him glory. When we’re tempted to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9) or spew unkind words, we can recall the healing power of God’s love that’s been freely given to us (Romans 5:5).

Whether we are constructing buildings, crunching numbers, serving food, or changing diapers, we can have the satisfaction at the end of the day that what we do matters.

Each action done with love holds eternal significance—as we keep our eyes fixed on serving Christ and making Him known to the world.

Copyright © 2025 Cheryl Elton

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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With more national shooting tragedies making recent headlines, and discussions of gun control taking center stage yet again, we realize afresh the brokenness of the world around us.

If we take the time to look deeply into our own hearts and lives, we recognize that in different ways we are all broken people, desperately in need of rescue and wholeness.

As Christians, we have a message of hope to share—Jesus Christ has come to redeem us from this dark and broken world! He is very much alive today, working to heal our lives, while we look ahead with anticipation to a coming day when there will be no more sorrow, death, or tears.

But while we wait, perhaps it’s worth considering: does my life hurt or help those around me? Do my words and actions reflect the love of my Savior and lead others closer to Him?

The gospels present the familiar story of Christ’s feeding a multitude with a few loaves of bread and a couple fish. It’s the only miracle of Jesus—aside from the resurrection—that’s recorded in all four gospels, each presenting distinct details which add to the story.

In John’s gospel, Andrew offers a solution to feeding the multitude: bring Jesus a boy with his lunch. When put into Jesus’ hands, the boy’s five loaves of bread and two fish (clearly inadequate to feed upwards of 5,000 people), end up feeding the entire crowd.

In Matthew 25, our Lord speaks of a coming day:

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (verses 37-40)

This passage speaks of relationship and service—to all who are in need, including the followers of Jesus who will at times suffer.

Those who are not suffering will be judged on their willingness to lovingly serve those who are. When they do, it is as if they serve Jesus Himself!

When we see the lost, the poor, the hurting, how will we respond?

Do I sometimes turn away from those with need, thinking it is too great for me to help?

Like the boy’s simple lunch: whatever I have to give, and however small—a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a phone call, a prayer—when given to Jesus, allows Him to multiply the blessings and do the work that I cannot.

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

This beautiful expression of God’s love from the hymn “The Love of God” speaks of the measureless immensity of His love toward us. It’s a love that has no fear in it. A love that never fails. A love that endures forever.

God assures us that nothing can separate us from His love . . .

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39 NIV)

There is no trouble or adversity we can experience in this life in which His love is not present. We could go through seasons of excruciating hardship, agonizing loss, severe famine, or acute danger, yet His love prevails.

Scripture reveals a faithful God, One whose ways are not our ways; a Heavenly Father who is working in all things for the good of those who love Him.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

To evaluate God’s love based on our circumstances can cause us to lose heart. We may think, “How could a loving God allow this to happen to me?”

Remember—God doesn’t promise us a life free of trouble or pain. But He always promises us His love.

Rather than assessing God’s love based on your circumstances, look for how He is expressing His love to you in every situation. You will find that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from His love.

The love that endures forever . . .

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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Throughout the summer, early morning birdsongs often welcome us into the day. I’m learning to recognize many of the varied species and sounds of the birds right in my own backyard.

Our friend Rich S. has helped me appreciate our feathered friends much more. A retired outdoor educator, Rich now takes groups on nature walks, or “birding” expeditions, watching and listening for up to 50 different species on an outing!

Earlier this summer, I discovered the piping plover on the beaches of Maine. Signs instructed visitors to stay away from restricted areas where the birds were nesting.

Unlike many species, plover parents don’t bring food back to the nest for their young. Rather, the chicks head out along the shoreline right after birth to forage for food themselves, up until about four weeks when they can fly.

When I spotted one of these frail little creatures scurrying along the shoreline at low tide, I thought how amazing it is that they survive. I then recalled the subzero days last winter, when I saw small fragile birds gathering at our feeder and flitting across the snow.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus reminds us of how valuable we are to God by illustrating simple truths from nature. As the baby plover doesn’t go uncared for, so God promises to provide for us.

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?   (Matthew 6:25-26)

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.  (Matthew 10:29-31) 

When needs surface, it seems our default setting often is to worry rather than to trust God. But the truth is God provides for the birds of the field!

If His smallest of creatures’ needs are met, how much more can and will He provide for His most valued ones—us!

How wonderful it is that God has put birds everywhere. Whether you live in the inner city, a small town, a rural farm, or the North woods, you will hear and see these creatures.

Observing the birds around you can serve as a daily invitation to trust God—and a reminder of how valuable you are to Him.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

Photo Credit Piping Plover: Cameron Darnell

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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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Do you ever feel like God’s love is far from you? Wonder if He has forgotten, even abandoned you?

If so, you’re not alone. In Psalm 42, David laments his sadness and discouragement, crying out to God, his rock, “Why have you forgotten me?” Throughout this beautiful Psalm we observe the struggle as David acknowledges God’s goodness and love toward him, yet feels far from it.

Isaiah 49 holds one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s everlasting love in all of Scripture—that we are indelibly etched on the palms of His hands.

In verse 14 ancient Zion (Jesusalem) cries out “The LORD has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.”

And God’s response: 

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.” (Isaiah 49:15-16 NKJV)                                

These verses herald a call to all of God’s people—an expression of His unending love. He contrasts His love to perhaps the closest of human bonds—that of a mother with her nursing child. As unlikely as it is, a woman could forget her child, yet God says He will never forget us.

In Eastern culture of the day it was common to tattoo on your body the names of those you love. But rarely, even today, will one tattoo something on the palms of their hands.

Why?

Because our palms have some of the most sensitive areas of skin on our bodies!

God is telling us that figuratively, He would go to the excruciating pain of having our names tattooed on His palms.

Inscribing us on His palms is indicative of so much more than simply our names: it represents all of us—our fears, failures, shortcomings, circumstances, weaknesses, desires, works—all that we are and all that concerns us are ever before His face (“Your walls [palms] are continually before me.”) 

Can we truly say God has forsaken us if we are inscribed on His very palms? 

God’s greatest love was expressed to us through His Son, and nothing—nothing!—can separate us from His love. 

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:35-39) 

When feelings of loneliness or abandonment come, and God’s love feels far from you, remember: you are indelibly etched on His palms, always before His face, and nothing can separate you from His love.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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