The Resting Place

Walnuts

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Roman’s 8:38-39

As I write these thoughts, I’m thinking of the many blessings I have experienced this year. I’m not going to name them one by one, but somewhere in my writing exercises, I will write more extensively about the year 2023, as well as my hopes, dreams, and prayers for 2024. For now, I’m not going to do that.

On this New Year’s Eve, as I’m listening to scattered fireworks going off sporadically throughout our subdivision (even though they are forbidden), I couldn’t help but think back to my childhood when we McDaniel children would build a large bonfire and pop our fireworks during the holidays. What a treat it was for us country kids to enjoy this particular activity every year.

You may wonder what the picture of a bag of mixed nuts and some empty shells has to do with anything. Especially, anything significant. The picture most likely has no relevance to 100% of my readers. But to me, it has lasting significance.

When I was growing up, Christmas and New Year’s were such special celebrations for my siblings and me. We didn’t have a lot of extra things, but we never complained because we somehow knew our parents were doing their very best to provide for seven little children. But……during the holidays my parents somehow pulled out all the stops for us. There was always delicious food from my mother’s kitchen. Our dad would buy bags of fruit—mostly apples and oranges for us to enjoy. The Washington Red Delicious apples were bigger and juicer at Christmas time—or so I thought.

Daddy would also buy bags of mixed nuts very similar to the one you see in the picture below. It could have been this very brand because the package says “Since 1925.” So they were around when I was growing up.

At present, I eat walnuts almost every day. Health experts say they are good for us. For me, consuming them is about the health benefits, for sure, but even more so, it’s about the feeling of “home” I get every time I indulge in them. Strange, I know. But it’s like going back to a happy time during childhood in my mind and heart. It’s a feeling of warmth and security. That’s not a good explanation, but the best I can do. Who would have ever guessed a walnut would do the trick? Ha!

So now….the bag of mixed nuts and empty shells explanation: After reading the story called “Childhood Christmas Memories”, in my book, Life Stories, Poems, & Memories, where I alluded to this particular memory, my granddaughter Heather and her family thought it would be special to give me the mixed nuts as one of my gifts for Christmas. I even got a nut cracker to go with it. Yesterday, I cracked and ate a few of the walnuts. They were delicious and tasted so much better than the bags we often purchase at Sam’s Club.

It’s amazing what will bring good memories and joy to us if we only take the time to remember. Tonight, I’m thankful for these memories that will always be special to me.

I wish you all a Happy New Year! I encourage you to look to 2024 with hope and faith in the One who will lead you through every moment of every day. None of us know what the coming year will bring, but we can rest assured that we are not alone or forsaken. I’m so thankful that God is with us. Through every twist and turn. Through every smooth or bumpy road, He is there.

Happy New Year, family and friends! 🎉🎉🎉❤️✝️

Let Peace Rule in Your Heart

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

It’s hard to believe that we are just two days away from Christmas Day. On December 26, the hurry and scurry of the season will be gone; presents will have been unwrapped; the good food consumed; and memories of the celebration will be stored away in our memory banks for yet another year. What a gift to us this joyous time will have been!

This year, I committed to enjoying the Christmas season more intentionally, or I have at least tried to be more aware of each part of the season. I’ve tried to reflect on the goodness of God, who sent Jesus to save us for eternity; I’ve enjoyed seeing many beautiful Christmas light displays; and I’ve loved decorating and preparing my home to reflect the true meaning of Christmas. Thankfully, the sadness of missing our loved ones who are in Heaven has turned to gratitude for the love we will always feel for them, and for the assurance that one day we will have a great reunion like nothing we can ever imagine!

Except for a few days of cookie and pie baking, which I truly love to do, and preparing for our time with family, I’ve not needed to rush. It’s been one of those years where God has seemingly stretched my days. I’m very thankful for this swatch of time because in years past when I haven’t had it, it was easy to only look forward to Christmas being over. What a sad state of affairs that can be!

As I continue to be grateful for each Christmas, it’s easy to see that being glad it’s over isn’t the way we should end the season. Above all of the Christmas preparations, I’m so very thankful that when it’s all been said and done, God’s grace and peace in my heart is a priceless gift and blessing. Jesus came to give us His peace.

The scripture above tells us that as Christians, we have been called to a life of peace and thankfulness. The closer we are to Jesus, the more clearly we’ll be able to see and experience the peace and comfort He offers so freely. And the more we have peace about all situations in our lives, the more thankful we can be.

I hope you are beginning to slow down enough to experience God’s PEACE. I pray that you will let His peace rule in your heart throughout the coming year and that you will give thanks for all He has done and continues to do for you.

Merry Christmas, everyone! May you be blessed as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! ❤️

Prayer: Dear God, as we near Christmas Day, let us celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ like never before. Help us to focus more on the reason for the season and less on the commercialism of the Christmas season. We give thanks for the gift of family and friends and for the love and light they bring into our lives. Most of all, we thank You for the indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with joy, hope, and peace. I pray this in His name, the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Amen.

HOPE

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2: 11-14

The world’s inhabitants have good reason to be weary this Christmas season, but it’s also an opportunity to look beyond the news of the day and our own burdens and trials. By focusing upward, we can experience the HOPE that far exceeds our expectations of anything this world could ever offer. Jesus came to Earth so long ago with a love that will always outweigh the pain and suffering that comes to us all.

God so loved the world. And in Jesus, He came to give us His everlasting LOVE and the eternal HOPE that there’s more to come than this old world offers. I’m so thankful for His coming!

May your hearts be filled with His LOVE and HOPE today. Merry Christmas!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we rejoice and thank You for sending Jesus into the world to save us from ourselves. It is only through our faith and trust in Him that we can live in such a way that brings peace, comfort, and hope to our days. May those who do not yet know Jesus, find that a personal relationship with Him is the answer to all of their questions of this life. We love You and ask that You give us the strength and wisdom to continue serving You as long as we live. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Christmas Guest

“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

There’s a poem that Grandpa Jones of Grand Ole’ Opry fame, often told during Christmas time. It’s called, “The Christmas Guest.” For years, during our church’s Christmas pageants, one of our choir members would recite this poem as a part of the program. It’s the story of Conrad, a lonely shopkeeper who had a dream that the Lord would come to be his Christmas guest. Conrad prepared his home with all the best as he waited for the Lord to appear. He was excited to look upon the Lord’s face.

Only, the Lord didn’t come that day as Conrad had expected. Instead, three unexpected events happened. First, Conrad heard a sound and looked out the window thinking the Lord was there. Instead, he saw a beggar in the snow, with ragged clothes and shoes that were torn. Conrad felt sorry for the beggar and gave him shoes and a coat to keep him warm. Next, a knock on the door revealed a bent old lady who just wanted a place to rest. Conrad, wondering why the Lord had not come, welcomed the old lady into his home, gave her something to eat, a warm drink, and let her rest. After she left, Conrad could see that the hours were slipping away, yet the Lord had not come. Finally, Conrad heard the sound of a lost child crying for help. In his compassion for the child, Conrad calmed the child’s fears and then helped her get back home.

Saddened that the time had slipped away, that night, Conrad knelt by his bed, asking the Lord why He didn’t come to be his Christmas guest.

The Lord spoke to Conrad telling him three times that day He had come to his lonely door. He was the beggar with cold, bruised feet; He was the woman Conrad gave something to eat; and He was the child on the homeless street. The Lord told Conrad that in each of those people, He had found the warmth of a friend. Conrad had welcomed them all and did what he could to help each one. Conrad had expected one thing, but God chose another way to be Conrad’s Christmas guest.

I love the message of this poem and was reminded of many years ago when I was in the hospital for surgery. On the morning of surgery, I received visits from two people from my church that I had been expecting. Each prayed for successful surgery and healing over me. I was very appreciative. However, I had been expecting another visitor and was disappointed when that person didn’t show up. As I mulled this in my mind, an unexpected person came into the room. Through that visit, I heard the most beautiful and powerful prayer directed upward on my behalf. It was an amazing experience and a great lesson for me.

Just like Conrad, I learned that God sends those of His choosing to us. He sends the unexpected to show us that He loves us in ways we sometimes don’t understand and uses methods we would not have expected. I also learned not to keep my eyes on particular individuals because they will disappoint me at one time or another. The feeling of having been slighted by someone I looked up to that day, soon gave way to gratitude that God always knows and does what is best for me.

Through this poem, I hope we will all be more aware that God has a way of sending us His best in ways we’ve never anticipated. During this Christmas season, and every day, may we be aware of those He puts in our paths, and may we welcome them as our Christmas guests in whatever way is needed.

Prayer: Father, thank you for bringing Yourself to our lives through others. Help us to be aware of the people You choose to place along our path daily. Give us wisdom to know how to help in whatever ways needed. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just As I Am

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Have you ever bought something “As Is?” For instance, “As Is” on a real estate listing is equivalent to saying, “Buyer beware. Home may require further significant investment.” The seller is unable or unwilling to spend additional money to repair it or make it more attractive. Any necessary repairs or desired improvements will be the responsibility of the buyer after the purchase is completed.

I find it remarkable that when Jesus died on the cross, He paid the highest price for each of us, regardless of our condition. He willingly purchased us with His blood. We were bought “as is”—imperfect, with many faults and flaws. Whether we want to admit it or not, there is a needed renovation in all of us.

How wonderful it is that God knew us, loved us, and bought us just as we are. I stand amazed that He could love me that much! But deep in my heart, I feel His love and have seen it displayed on my behalf countless times over my lifetime. Therefore, I will always be reminded that He loves me enough to continue shaping me into a more beautiful reflection of Himself and that I am still a work in progress—His work in progress.

Today, remember that God knows us inside and out. No renovation project is too big for Him. He will take us just as we are and will help us to represent Him as we should, day by day and moment by moment.

Happy Thursday, everyone! Have a great day!

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come. 🎶🎶🎶

Just As I Am
Charlotte Elliott 1789-1871

Hugs

“This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” John 16:12

I recently saw a little meme that said, “Sometimes in life, we just need a hug… no words, no advice, just a hug to make us feel better.” I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t love to give and receive hugs.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a hugger. Even now as I write this, I’m missing my sweet Shelly’s hugs. It didn’t matter if we saw each other ten times a day, we’d always hug and say, “I love you.” Shelly was a big hugger, just like her mom. Suffice it to say, I miss my sweet girl, her hugs, and the overall love she never failed to show me. But I am comforted by the fact that one day we will hug again! And it will be wonderful!

Experts say that hugs are really good medicine. Recently, I went to the nail salon. To my surprise, one of the nail techs who had worked where I used to go now works at the current salon where I go. I had not seen Rosie in many months and we had big smiles on our faces when we spotted each other. As we greeted each other like old friends, Rosie paused work with her client, stood up, and we exchanged big hugs right there in front of everyone. It was a sweet moment.

Even though Rosie and I don’t speak the same language, smiles and hugs are universal. It was easy for our hearts to connect in that manner without a word being spoken. That little encounter made my day. I was so happy to see Rosie. Just as I did, I hope she felt valued and loved from the simple exchange of a hug between the two of us.

So let me encourage you to hug someone today if given the opportunity. Such an action on your part will always make a difference not only in that person’s life but in your own.

I equate hugs with joy, so here’s a little chorus I hadn’t thought of in years:

This is my commandment that you love one another,
That your joy may be full

This is my commandment that you love one another,
That your joy may be full

That your joy may be full,
That your joy may be full

This is my commandment that you love one another,
that your joy may be full 🎶🎶🎶🎶

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You created hugs for us humans to be able to connect in such a way that we feel valued and loved. That love comes from You and we thank You for such a wonderful gift! Please help us not to become so distracted with the busyness of our days that we forget the importance of sharing Your love and light with others. Give us many opportunities to be more connected with others each day. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lessons From the Pencils

“as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:12-14

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

The little meme shown above with dialog between two pencils is cute. The guy pencil is confessing to the girl pencil that he’s made a LOT of mistakes in his life. That’s kind of a clever conversation seeing as how they are pencils.

Have you ever dwelled on mistakes made in various areas of your life that you’d consider failures on your part? I’m pretty sure we all have been there and done that. I know I have!

Of course, a pencil is not real and just an object, but there seems to be a spiritual life lesson here, at least for me. As I looked at the picture and read the caption, I was reminded how our mistakes in life do not have to follow us around forever. I thought about how pencils have small erasers, but our Heavenly Father has a big one. It’s called FORGIVENESS. When we come to Him with repentant hearts, He will do to our transgressions as the Scripture above says, “remove them as far as the east is from the west.” His forgiveness to us is instantaneous! He erases our sins from His mind and as a result, we are free—never having to carry around our heavy baggage of disappointment, guilt, or pain. It has been left at the foot of the cross, and we’d be wise never to resurrect it again.

We serve a mighty benevolent Father who loves His children greatly. He knows us better than we know ourselves and is always there to forgive us and set us on a good path. Today, I am very thankful for such goodness.

This World Is Not Our Home

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:17 ESV

Last Sunday while at church, I noticed how some of our congregants have gotten old right before my eyes. Those who are now middle-aged couples were once young adults just starting out, having babies, living their lives, and reaching for their dreams. Their babies are now grown and many have married and now have children of their own. Seems like only yesterday, but I fully realize that in the 40+ years I’ve attended my church, I have also gotten old right along with these younger folks. And, I’m very thankful for the privilege of having done so.

Today, in thinking back on these young families, I’m reminded that our days here on earth are moving very quickly. The words of the old hymn “This World Is Not My Home” tell us that we truly are “just a-passing through.” The good news is that while we are here, despite hurried days and challenging times, we have a sure and mighty Anchor to hold onto and One who will always steady us. We have One who never changes and is perfect in every way; One who will lead us through this journey of ups and downs and all of the “in-betweens” of life.

Jesus is as near as the mention of His name. If you aren’t depending on Him for your strength today, why not read the Book of John. Get to know who He is. You will see how much He loves you. He died for you. Even though we are all a work in progress, God is very patient with us, for which I’m eternally thankful. He takes us right where we are and begins His work in us—shaping and molding and shaping and molding some more until He begins to see His image shining in our reflection.

Friends, there’s a better day coming and I pray that you’ll remember where you are now is not your final destination. Without a doubt, as our days sail by so quickly, we will experience the peace of God in our hearts through each of our anxious and uncertain moments. We have the option of making each new day one in which we don’t focus on the bad stuff, rather we view our present difficulties in light of eternity.

May you find the Anchor for your soul and walk through today with peace in your heart and a song on your lips. You have this day. It will never come again. As with yesterday and all days before, let us always remember that God is good, all the time.

Prayer: Thank You, Father God for this new day! It is a gift that we don’t take lightly. Forgive us when we fail to honor You as we should. Please continue Your good work in us in all areas of our lives. Help us to walk in Your ways and bring the light of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to all we encounter in the traffic lanes of life. I pray this in His name. Amen.

More Than Enough

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:1-2 ESV

As I read the above verse of scripture, I am encouraged when I think back over what has now been many years of my life. I remember and am thankful that God has helped and protected me through His mercy and goodness. He has provided more than enough for my needs during times of struggle, hardships, and times when I didn’t know which way to turn. He has been there to guide me toward what is best for me even when I didn’t always give Him my best. It has been through those super hard times of grief and sorrow that He has comforted me as no one else could ever do. I can never thank Him enough for loving me that much!

I have found that regardless of where we are in life—in times of difficulty or the calmer seasons, God will meet us right where we are. As we remember all He has done for us in the past, we are encouraged and strengthened with renewed hope for the future.

Today will be a brighter day as we keep our hearts and minds on the main thing—following the way that leads to peace and comfort no matter what comes our way. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is as close as the mention of His name.

Prayer: Father we thank you for being more than enough. To know that You are with us when we face challenges in life brings peace and hope for better days ahead. It is during those hard seasons that we can face our struggles knowing that we are never alone. Help us to always honor you in all we do. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Family of God

Christian brothers and sisters from around the world. Photo taken at the International Convention of the Gideons International, Grapevine , TX. July 2022.

“My mother and My brothers are the ones who hear the Word of God and do it.” Luke 8:21

In her devotion, Thelma Wells of the Women of Faith ministry, writes: “In the family of God, there is a bond deep inside that binds us one to the other. It is the glue of authentic love expressing itself in caring for, clinging to, and coming to the aid of each other without strings attached. It is the River of love streaming from the bloodline of our Savior that finds, fetches, and fastens us to one another.” Thelma Wells—Faith for a Lifetime, Daily Inspirations for Women of Faith

Such beautifully written truths. All humans long for connection because we were made for relationship with God and others. The body of Christ is such a beautiful thing. Even though we are imperfect people serving a perfect God, we benefit greatly by our connection with other believers. We draw strength from those of like-mind.

We are sinners, saved by His marvelous grace.

We are different shapes, sizes, and colors, but all created by our loving Heavenly Father.

I am beyond thankful for the Family of God. I pray for those who don’t yet know how special God’s love is, and how His children find strength not only in Him, but also in one another.

I’m so glad I’m apart of the family of God….🎶🎶🎶

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we honor You and give thanks for the opportunities we have to gather in one accord with Your people. Our fellowship is sweet when we are with those who love, follow, and serve You. What a beautiful sight it is to see Your people from across the world worshiping together. No language barrier exists where Your love is present. All customs and differences fade quickly from view when Your Spirit is free to work in the hearts and lives of Your followers. Help us to serve You with passion for the lost and hurting. In doing so, we will lift the Cross of Christ higher as we go, for Your glory and honor. I pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

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