The Resting Place

Twists and Turns

Life has many twists and turns

Important lessons we must learn.

Some are good, some are bad

Some are happy, some are sad

Some we welcome, some we don’t

Some we definitely did not want

But through it all we find out way

We find the strength to watch and pray

To thank our Lord for another day

As we ask Him to guide us on our way

To help us live for Him alone

Our hearts to share as we travel home

One thing we always come to learn

Is through the trials our hearts will yearn

For more of Him and less of us

It’s Him alone that we must trust.

So when you think what life has dealt

Remember this, your pain He’s felt

He’s been there with you all along

To comfort, carry, and keep you strong

He longs to write a beautiful story

Of hard times conquered, all for His glory

It’s up to us to let Him lead

For through great love, He did bleed

He gave His life so we could show

A dying world which way to go

Don’t give up, don’t stop now

For soon before Him all will bow.

Carolyn Canizales, February, 2021

Disturb Us Lord

The following prayer entitled “Disturb Us Lord “ was written by Sir Francis Drake, an adventurer, as he departed to the west coast of South America.

“Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wilder seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.

We ask you to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push back the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

This we ask in the name of our Captain,
Who is Jesus Christ.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Lord. Help us to always depend on Him to be the Captain of our lives. As Christians, may we not lose our thirst for the water of life that Jesus so freely gives. Keep our hearts focused on Him and not the distraction of those worldly things which will not last. Give us a greater desire to serve You with purpose and passion. May the things of this world grow dimmer around us as we make way for the amazing light of our Lord Jesus Christ. This I pray in His name, the name above all names. Amen.

Our Anchor in the Storms of Life

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

God longs for us to have an abundance of joy and peace in our hearts, even in times of disappointment, pain, or great sadness.  

When we operate in our own strength, we will grow weary as things come against us suddenly and unexpectedly. Using our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the catalyst, we must be open and willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through our circumstances.

As we begin to rely on God’s strength and the promises which are found throughout the Bible, we will be able to go through our circumstances with the trust and assurance that God is in control. When the storms subside, the sails may be battered and torn, but we will not sink because Jesus will always be our anchor in the storms of life.

The Table

The house is so quiet, the table is clear

Totally opposite from this time last year

No children, no laughing, no one will be here

Nor customs of past that we’ve always held dear

But one thing remains when plans go astray

There’s something so lasting, I’ve just got to say

The things that will last remain in our hearts

And important they are, for they never shall part

A Savior was born on that Bethlehem night

To show us the way, to give us His light

He came down to earth for you and for me

To offer new life abundant and free

The world forever, this baby did change

He gave us His love that forever remains

His life for mine, I can’t comprehend

But His light to my heart He freely did send

So today if you’re feeling somewhat alone

Be encouraged, my friend, God gave us His song

For Jesus is with you from cradle to grave,

He came down to earth, God’s children to save

Without Him, I ask you, what would we see?

No hope, no joy, no peace there to be

And we’d miss why He came, how sad that would be

To stumble in darkness, no light there to see

What’s really important to you and to me?

I hope that it’s Jesus whose heart you will see

Though your table be empty, His blessings you’ll see

When you’re quiet and still, His love flows so free.

Though your table be empty this moment in time

Don’t worry, my friend, for Jesus doth shine

He shines on those places your heart longs to fill

He’ll give you these moments to sit silently still

Then thank Him sincerely for blessings untold

His love knows no end, and it never grows old.

*I wrote this poem in late 2020 during the Pandemic when we were not able to gather with family and friends for our annual Christmas Eve celebration. Thankfully, this year will be different! Carolyn

A New Beginning

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 ESV

Some years ago, Ray and I attended a Christmas Pageant at a large church in the Houston, TX area. A modern-day version of the Prodigal Son, this drama production was a powerful story of faith in God, unconditional love, and unrestricted forgiveness.

In spite of their busyness during the Christmas season, and even though they were surrounded by others, the husband and wife in the play were missing one family member. Having chosen a life of sin and rebellion, their oldest son, Michael had left home five years earlier. Living inside a homeless shelter, and with no hope of being reunited with his family again, Michael felt extremely lost and alone.

Of course, back home there was a different outlook on the situation.  Michael’s Christian parents and other family members longed for him to come home.  The entire family had prayed for his return, and their only desire was to welcome Michael home and make up for the time that had been lost by his absence.

I think I could safely say that all of us have needed new beginnings in our lives at one time or another.  We have all needed unconditional love and forgiveness from others; and we have also needed to extend that same love and forgiveness to someone else.  

As the story ended, Michael did come home to his family. With God at the center of their lives, Michael’s family gave him the unconditional love and forgiveness that he needed. This act of mercy from his family enabled Michael to have the new beginning that he so desperately wanted.

Today, I pray that each of us will seek whatever new beginning we might need in our own life. Without reservation, may we also be willing to show others the same love and forgiveness that Jesus has shown to each of us. No doubt, we all know someone who needs a new beginning. With God’s help and guidance, let’s do our part to help make it happen for them.

Preparing Our Hearts

“Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.” Isaiah 11:1

This morning, Sophie and I were excited to begin preparing our hearts for Jesus’ coming into the world. Over the next 25 days, we will read the corresponding Scripture and message, then hang that days ornament. On Christmas Day, the Jesse Tree—Jesus’ family tree, will be fully decorated. Today, Sophie read the corresponding message, Scripture, and hung the first ornament—Day 1-the picture of a stump.

In the introduction to The Wonder of the Greatest Gift, An Interactive Family Celebration Of Advent, Ann Voskamp writes:

“The story of Christmas doesn’t begin on December 25, and it doesn’t begin when the decorations go up in stores. It doesn’t begin with the Baby in the manger. No, the story of Christmas begins at the very beginning.

All around you right now you see people putting up Christmas trees. But in God’s love letter to us, you’ll find another kind of tree—the family tree of Jesus. The Bible is filled with stories that trace the branches of Jesus’ family, with limbs that go back to His great-great grandfathers and great-great grandmothers. One of these many-many-great-great-grandfathers of Jesus was Jesse.”

Today, REST in the knowledge that Jesus came to earth for you and me—to give us life abundantly and eternally. He is the HOPE of the world!!

We Have This Moment

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24.

“We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we will never have any time but now. So do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity before you attempt to serve God.” From Truth For Life Devotional by Alistair Begg

Today may seem like an ordinary day. The rush of Thanksgiving is over! We’ve all indulged more than we should have and our memories may consist of the delicious homemade pecan pie we were able to enjoy. And other things!

Thanksgiving memories aside, this morning, hubby and I decided we’d eat breakfast out. It’s his favorite meal of the day and my least. But.. I know it makes him happy, so we go. For the record, I do manage to eat! 😃

We drove to Georgetown to our favorite restaurant, only to be told that the wait was very long due to a shortage of workers. Tried going to a second restaurant to no avail. By this time we were at Plan C, so we drove back to Round Rock. On the third try, we settled for waiting—same scenario—short staffed! It’s just the craziest thing!! Worth the wait. Breakfast was good.

Maybe your day didn’t begin like ours and you’re one of those Black Friday shoppers looking for great deals on consumer goods. I tried that ONCE! Right now, I don’t think there’s anything worth the effort of fighting the crowds in that type of chaotic atmosphere. Besides, it’s cold outside!! You know for us Texans—when the temperature is below 50 degrees, we go running for our heavy coats!! 😉😃 These days, I’m opting for online shopping mostly. It’s so easy to click “PLACE ORDER.” Real easy!!

So aside from Black Friday, which I guess you’ve figured out that I dislike very much, God sees this day as one that we have each been given to make a difference in the lives of others. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. We have this moment in time and God will use us in some way if we let Him. Be on the lookout for your opportunity to serve God and others. Then, carry it through with all your might. Have a great day, everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! It’s a great day to be alive! God has blessed us richly!

Words from a song called “Thank You Lord” by Jeff and Sheri Easter:

“There’s a roof up above me,

I’ve a good place to sleep,

there’s food on my table and shoes on my feet.

You gave me a song, Lord, and a fine family,

so thank you Lord for your blessings on me.”

Wherever you are and whatever you do today, may you be blessed beyond measure.

Today is also my mother’s birthday. She went to Heaven in 1990, but her memory and legacy lives on in her 5 remaining children, nine living grandchildren (I know she and Shelly are having a wonderful time in Heaven), 18 great-grandchildren, and soon to be 13 great-great grandchildren! My, how she would have loved them all!!

How blessed seven little children were to have had such wonderful love from our mother. She’s been gone from our physical presence for 31 years, but never from our hearts.

Walking By Faith

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

I recently read a devotional called, “Freedom for Following New Trails”, written by Barbara Johnson, Christian author and speaker. Prior to her death, Barbara was closely associated with the Women of Faith organization. In the devotional, Barbara was relating the story of Kim, a blind woman who was learning to depend on her seeing-eye dog to lead her safely where she needed to go. As Kim learned to trust and rely on her furry friend, she began to experience a newfound freedom. Her steps were faster and she could go places she had never gone before. She developed complete faith in her four-legged companion. Barbara wrote,

“When we walk by faith and not by sight, God gives us a wonderful freedom to do things we could never have done before. We don’t have to be afraid, knowing He’s there. We can venture out; we’re freed to try new things for His glory.”

There is no doubt that our walk of faith is an exciting adventure. It is wonderful to see how God works in our lives and to feel that He is leading us with purpose. However, at times, we will face challenges such as discouragement, fear, or uncertainty as to His will. It is during these times that we must walk by faith and not by sight, pray for God’s direction, then remain steadfast, sure, and confident that we are always safe and secure in the Shepherd’s arms.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

“We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Photo credit: Janel McDaniel Wren. Pictured in photo is my brother, Lyndon, while on a nice hike near Colorado Springs, CO.

He Is With Us

Oh, that I knew where I might find him.” Job 23:3

How wonderful it is that we can have the assurance of God’s presence with us every step of the way and that He will never leave us. And…..the best part is that He’s as close as the mention of His name.

Many of us would be able to share story after story of how God has stepped in for us at just the right time. I sure could! I have no doubt that He is with me 24/7. It’s very reassuring to know that this day was made for us. Why not face it with the joy and peace He has placed deep in our hearts as we sense His presence and walk accordingly.

If your day is challenging, or it’s just an ordinary day, please remember this:

1.He wants to hear from you. “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;” Isaiah 55:6

2.There are no ordinary days. Each one is a gift. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

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