The Tallow Tree

There were three tallow trees planted in a row outside the fence around our yard. My dad must have planted them when he had our little house built, before I was born. When I was old enough to play alone outside, the first tree, which was the largest and tallest tree, was my favorite place to be, in the yard.

I would play with my dolls for hours under the shade of that tallow tree. If I wanted a place of refuge, the tree’s limbs were always ready to receive me and offer shelter from whatever was going on in life. I would snuggle into the branch where it attached to the tree and sway with the tree in the summer breeze, as I watched the sun sparkle on the leaves that danced in the wind, all around me. I was safe, above it all, and felt so sheltered and so peaceful.

My heart breaks for those who have no place of refuge, waiting and ready to welcome them in.

Psalm 32:6-8 says, “Therefore let all the faithful pray to You while You may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

He is the greatest of refuges; far greater than my old tallow tree. He not only offers refuge and safety, but a future and a hope. He offers peace, joy and salvation, through faith in His dear son, Jesus.

Find your place of refuge in Him. He will never fail you or leave you. My old tallow tree is gone now but Jesus is faithful forevermore; for all eternity. He will always be there for you.

He is my refuge and my strength, for all time.

Nelda – copyrighted 2024

A Woman In A Far Away Town


She came to the well at midday,
When the women of town were at home,
No judgement, no stares, no whispers were there,
Just the Samaritan woman alone.

No friends to walk with her to Jacob’s well,
No kindness to come alongside,
Always alone to finish her chore,
Five husbands, yet still not a bride.

She had never wed the man in her home.
She lived with him outside the law.
With her head hung in shame, she stood at the well,
Bucket in hand, with water to draw.

Standing near her, she saw a man at the well.
A Jew who could not look or dare speak.
She sought to ignore Him and finish her work,
Until he asked, “Will you give me a drink?”

A Jew asked a favor? This surely can’t be,
Yet with kindness He continued to say,
“If only you knew the Gift of God,
Living water I could give you today.”

Jesus had compassion and revealed who He was.
Told of her history and present day sin.
Never shamed her or judged her in any harsh way,
Because of this, she led many to Him.

Oh, that we could look past the stains others wear
And the shame of bad choices in life,
And offer God’s grace and an encouraging word,
Not judgement and stares filled with strife.

Let’s put on compassion and walk in His love,
Let’s build up and never tear down.
Let’s remember His love He so freely shared
In that long ago, far away town.

Nelda Johnson - Inspired by John 4:4-29
Copyright 2020

Days End Declaration

At the end of the day,
When all is said and done
And I climb into bed for night’s rest,

I ponder the day
And events that it held
And count myself incredibly blessed.

My life isn’t perfect
Disappointments abound,
Failures around every turn.

Regardless of that
My God loves me so dear,
With steadfast love, that can never be earned.

His great love never ceases,
His mercies new every day,
It’s never dependent on me.

That’s why this imperfect child
Feels so wonderfully blessed,
Because He’s opened my eyes that I might see,

That though I might fall,
His love lifts me again,
Plants my feet on the Rock,that I might sing,

Of His love everlasting,
His faithfulness so true,
That no event of the day is too great for my King.

For I’m kept by His power 
And I’m filled with His love,
Trusting solely in His work on Calvary!

He endured the cross for you and me,
And I hold that truth dear to my heart,
No greater love has ever been shown!
I’ve taken solace in that from the start.

Nelda Johnson  Copyright 2020