THE ICY GNARLY ELM

The icy, gnarly elm alone
in the dell, just beyond the spruces,
has taken on to moan and groan
and wonder of her uses;
to worry in the winter scene
where none but harshness grows—
and the cold wind blows.
 
Yet even so, the elm stands firm,
though the weighted ice is building.
And there lies at core a diseasing worm,
as the branches soon are breaking.
Forbidding is the winter scene
in which all things are made weak—
where the plight looks bleak.
 
But there is remembrance of who one is,
as the sun shines on and sparkles.
Even through the strain and brittleness,
there is reason yet for marvels.
Hostile may the winter scene become
and the stressful toll long—
but her trust is strong.

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

 

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

Here in Veery Glade, ice and snow covers the branches of maple, beech, and old gnarly elm trees. The only dash of green color against the white backdrop of land and sky is from the evergreens. We are locked in the grips of winter.

Winter doesn't bother me...yet. Snow on the ground in April is a bit discouraging, and so are snowflakes frilling in the air as late as June here, but they don't stick. Even so, onward I write, posting about my new word for the year—Heaven! A wonderful place!

'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

Jeremiah 33:3

How great is that? Call on God! See if it's true that He will answer you. And, that He would show you great and mighty things you didn't know before. Smart people are the ones who do this. Wise people meet this opportunity. I urge you to take the LORD up on His offer, if you haven't already.

"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

John 14:2-3

An earthly 'mansion' is a large, impressive home with over 5000 square feet of living space. In addition to the distinctive architecture and the home's five to ten or more bedrooms and ample bathrooms and the usual kitchen and living room or great room, rooms like a library, a music hall, an art studio, a theater, and a gym might all be included under one roof. Elaborate grounds with gardens, pools, and saunas, make up the surroundings. Premium and luxurious materials are used everywhere. In the kingdom of Heaven, where rust and decay aren't present, where roofs don't leak, where resources are limitless, where God lives, I think the heavenly mansion Jesus is preparing for each person who called upon Him will be fantastic, to say the least.

For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." 

Romans 10:13

Jesus knows who calls on Him. Are you known? He's gone to prepare a place. Does He know you? Does Jesus know you would love a music hall with a grand piano and pipe organ? Does He know you would love trails to ride your snowmobile great distances? Does Jesus know you? So that He can prepare for you? Take Him up on His offer and call on Him today. It isn't about gaining possessions as it is about receiving a gift from the Great Gift Giver. Ever since time began, which God began, all has been to prove His love for us.

What a great promise Jesus gives when He says that He will come again and receive us. He, who once walked on this Earth, the planet He made, and who then ascended into Heaven after His resurrection from the dead, will return. He will receive us like a gracious host greeting at the door of a beautiful mansion home. But even better than that. We will not be guests. A guest has to eventually go home. When He receives us, we will be entering home. Our new home. Our place He has prepared.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Not so for the dead not in Christ. Not so for anyone not saved. Not so for anyone going to Hell. There are no mansions in Hell, not even burnt ones.

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

God knew forcing us to love Him is not love. God gives us freewill. We are made in His image with the power to choose. God gives us a way to obtain salvation and avoid His wrath, which He did not appoint to us but will be faced by those who chose not to be reconciled. I urge you to accept His Son and all the benefits that go with that decision.

FOR THE JOY: AN EASTER POETRY BOOK

The above scene is a possibility for the image to be used on the title page of my next release. For The Joy will feature poems and illustrations leading up to the day of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and, the book will feature poems and illustrations of His resurrection from the dead, the victory that changed everything. If you would like to pray for me that I can present the Easter message vividly and clearly to readers, I would be very grateful.

FOCUS ON PRAYER

Please pray for our American nation and government as they strive to make good decisions. Please pray for the safety of our president and cabinet members, and for wisdom to govern.

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.

Titus 3:1

CONCLUDING WORDS

The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

Revelation 21:21

The icy, gnarly elm keeps trusting, even through winter, even through hardship, the words of Jesus and the promise of Heaven.