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

OUR SAVIOR


 Thank you, Lord Jesus,
 For your unfailing love, 
 As you looked through
 The corridors of time,

 And saw Calvary’s Cross
 And the pain You’d endure,
 And the suffering 
 That should have been mine.

 Your love bound you securely 
 To God’s plan for mankind.
 Your pure Blood,
 Shed for one and for all.

 Your innocent eyes
 Beheld the horrors of that day.
 In your obedience,
 You answered God’s Call.

 Your life for our pardon,
 Your Blood for our sin,
 Your will to die,
 That our will could be free.

 You thought of us,
 As the joy set before You.
 You are the Justifier 
 Of those who would believe.

 Your resurrection from the dead,
 Stands out in Your Word,
 As the event that changed history, 
 For all time.

 You were born. You preached truth,
 You were killed.  You were raised.
 You live on,
 Our intercessor, Divine.  

 Nelda Johnson
 6/11/21
 If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior, would you consider all He has done for mankind?  Would you believe that God raised Him from the dead and ask Him to save you?  You will never regret it, for all eternity.

For Nattie on Your Baptism

I am ever so thankful, my Sweet Little One,
That today, you belong to Him.
Today you belong to our Jesus,
And today He calls you, “My Friend.”
Just as He is, My Love,
So are you, in this world,
A light in a very dark place.
Just as He did, Sweet One,
You also will do,
Share His love, His sweet mercy and grace.
Nattie, always trust in His wonderful Word,
And love Him with all of your heart.
Take His hand, My Love, and follow His way.
Be slow to speak, And ever so gentle,
Quick to listen, to forgive and to obey.
Jesus will always love you, My Love,
And forgiving He will always be.
So walk with Him now
With great joy in your heart,
For your eyes were once blind
And now they see.