The Resting Place

Summertime, Darkness, and the Light of Jesus

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 ESV

As I sat down to write this post, memories of long ago flooded my mind. I grew up on a small farm in East Texas, and for a moment, let’s take a quick trip down “Memory Lane” as I return to the late 1950s when air conditioning was a luxury not many could afford, and sweltering summers often tested our endurance. I’ll share only one example of what summertime was like back then. It is a memory I believe many of us, especially those of us who are more seasoned age-wise, can relate to.

We lived about ten miles from Hemphill, population 800 something. Summers were brutal because most people didn’t have air conditioning, and my family was no exception. I vividly remember being awake much of the night because it was too hot to sleep. Two of my older brothers had their own way of trying to beat the heat. They often slept on two army cots and mattresses strategically placed under the towering pear tree outside my bedroom window. I am not sure being out there helped them sleep any better, but at least they tried.

In addition to the heat, the window screens in my bedroom had a few tiny holes or rips. Soon after the lights were turned off for the night, I would hear the dreaded sound of a mosquito looking for its prey. ME! I wish I could impersonate and translate their sound onto this post, but since I can’t, feel free to use your imagination. All I could do was lie in the darkness, hoping those perky insects would somehow show mercy and pass me by. Between the heat and the mosquito bites, most nights were anything but restful. I have often wondered how my brothers stood the mosquitos, but they may have figured a few bites were no big deal compared to the heat inside the house. I am pretty sure the nights seemed longer and darker for them during summer, just as they did for me.

Now, many years later, it is once again summertime in Texas! What was a cooler and wetter month of May has now transitioned into little or no predicted rain for the foreseeable future. High temperatures and heat indexes are not for the faint of heart here in Central Texas.

Not much has changed for me regarding summer. As it was back in the 1950s, summer is not my favorite time of the year, nor has it ever been.  Knowing there will be no relief from the heat for several months is not what I care to think about, but it is my reality. However, my dislike for hot weather creates a hearty appreciation of air conditioning, swimming pools, ice cream, ice-cold tea, and refreshing lemonade. These silver linings always help to quell the symptoms of my summer anxiety.

There is another drawback that comes as a result of the hot weather. To keep the house cooler, I find it necessary to close most of the window blinds for much of the day. The absence of light coming into my home is one thing I miss when it’s not there. There’s just something about the presence of light that lifts my spirits and seems to give me more energy and alertness. Some people have no problem sitting in a darkened house; I’m just not one of them.

The transition from reliving days gone by–in this case, the sweltering summers of my youth, to that of a spiritual application caused me to draw parallels between the physical light that brightens our homes and the spiritual light that illuminates our souls. Just as we seek relief from the heat through air conditioning and cold drinks, we can find solace and comfort in the light of Jesus, which shines brighter than any physical light, even in the darkest of times.

The verses above, taken from the book of Matthew, remind us that we are called to be a beacon of hope and light in a world that often seems so cold and dark. God’s light will always outshine the darkness and will never be hidden from the world unless we fail to walk in obedience to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thereby dimming our light for Him. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to become a living presence in us, we cannot help but exhibit the change that has taken place in our hearts. We will want to pass such Good News on to others.

Christian sisters and brothers, we are Christ’s ambassadors, and He calls us to shine brightly for Him. As a community of believers, I pray that we will lovingly pass His light on to others, bringing hope to a world in great need. Our faith is essential in spreading the glorious light of Jesus, and our shared role in this mission is crucial and deeply valued by our Heavenly Father. May our actions and attitudes always reflect the light of Jesus so that others may be drawn to Him through us.

While we continue to manage the heat, I will be thankful for the summer months because every season of life is a wonderful gift! And I will always give thanks for the light of Jesus Christ, which shines brighter than the noonday sun, forever dispelling the darkness of this old sinful world.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the light of Jesus Christ in our lives. Help each one of us to spread that light to others who need salvation, encouragement, hope, and comfort. May we always shine bright for You in everything we say and do. Lead us as we tell others the excellent news of your Son, Jesus. Let this prayer remind us of our responsibility to reflect His light in all areas of our lives. Thank You for caring for us so beautifully. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Blue Jeans Welcome!”

man raising his left hand
Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

 “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.  Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  “Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? Now you have insulted the poor.” James 2: 1-6 NIV

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-12 NIV

“Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12 NIV

“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”  “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  John 4:10-14 NIV

For some time, my goal has been to have a new blog post ready to go each Monday morning. However, on the drive to church yesterday morning, I shared with my husband, Ray, that I didn’t have anything written for The Resting Place. I thought, “Well, I’ll sit at the computer this afternoon and hope the Lord gives me some encouraging message.” At that moment, I had no idea what it would be. But as it always seems to happen, unknown to me, God was already setting up my next post with a LOT of thoughts. I dearly love how He orchestrates these things!

The church service had begun, and as we stood for the first song, I excused myself to go to the restroom since I had forgotten to do so after our ConnectGroup (Sunday School) Class. Leaving the inner sanctuary, I walked into the foyer to see two church members engaged in warm conversation with a young man. He was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and nothing seemed unusual about him. While I wasn’t privy to much of their conversation, I did overhear the young man saying, “I don’t have any nice clothes to wear to church.” Immediately, the church members reassured this man that nice clothes were not a requirement to attend our church and that he was dressed just fine. Upon returning to my seat, I noticed that the young man had seated himself just a few rows in front of us. When the invitation was given at the end of the service, this same young man walked down to the front of the church to have one of our pastors pray with him. I couldn’t help but feel thankful and excited simultaneously! Wow! God did that!

With a lot of thoughts running through my mind, one thing I knew for sure was that this young man was not there by accident, and the church members who spoke to him in the foyer were placed there at just the right time to welcome him and set his mind at ease. Had I not left the sanctuary when I did, I would not have overheard part of their conversation, and would not have written this blog post. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God did some good work yesterday, and I am so thankful to have been there for just a tiny part of it.

After realizing how God’s timing had intersected perfectly for the young man, the church members, and myself, I leaned over to Ray and said, “I have my blog post for tomorrow.” Well, at least I had a title. In those moments I was reminded of a church marquis sign that I had seen some years ago which simply read: “Blue Jeans Welcome!” Of course, the sign was letting people know they were welcome to attend that particular church dressed informally if they wished. It was a “Come Just as You Are to Jesus” kind of message.

Remembering the marquis sign, I thought about how many churches, including mine, have changed to a more informal style for their worship services. These noticeable changes, which have been at the heart of much discussion and, sadly, much division among church members, are as follows:  


1. Style of music.  The incorporation of more contemporary praise and worship songs and less or no traditional hymns being sung has now become the norm.

Right off the bat, I will let the readers know that I am among the group of people who learned the traditional hymns of the church, will always love them, and still know most of them by memory. These hymns continue to bless me in many ways because their words have always profoundly affected my soul. There is no question in my mind that the writers of the timeless old hymns were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

At the same time, I am blessed by many of the upbeat contemporary praise and worship songs. Years ago, we didn’t lift our hands in praise to Jesus while singing in church. With these songs, there seems to be more freedom to worship this way, especially for the younger folks. Many of these songs also have a melody added to verses straight from scripture, and since they are God’s Word, we can safely say that they are also divinely inspired. More often than not, the words of a song lift my spirit rather than the beat of the music; therefore, my focus is always on the message found in the words.

While I am trying to frame my thoughts in a positive light, there are two things I will share in honesty that I don’t care for. I don’t always care for the repetitiveness of the praise songs. That’s a preference thing for me. The only thing that would be of more concern to me than repetition, is that some of these songs tend to be weak, theologically speaking. It is therefore important that our church worship leaders make sure the songs they select for the congregation to sing line up with the infallible doctrine of God’s Holy Word.

2. Less emphasis on the clothing style a person wears to church. It is with gratitude to my parents that I was taught to recognize Sunday as a special day–the Lord’s Day. At a young age, I was taught that I should “dress up” for church. My best dress was always starched and ironed for Sunday church services. This was my upbringing, and I carried those habits into adulthood. I taught my daughter to dress her best for church, and she, in turn, taught her children to do the same. However, many young adults were not taught the same practices as I was. Consequently, they are not teaching their children these traditions. Because of this, we now find many un-churched families living in our communities whom we desperately need to reach for Jesus Christ.

Thankfully, many churches are reaching out to people who would be reluctant and uncomfortable to attend because they would not meet the “standards” of the “unwritten” church dress code. Yesterday, the young man who showed up at my church was the beneficiary of a changing mindset among long time church members. I was so happy to see him welcomed in the manner that he was. But it hasn’t always been like that.

For many people my age and older, these changes in church tradition have been a very serious issue.  Some could not adjust to it, and that’s okay. What is right for one individual is not necessarily suitable for someone else. Some larger churches now have separate services for traditional and contemporary worship. Church members who don’t have that particular option have two choices: they can leave and find another church, which sadly, many have done, or they can go forward and pray that God will help them become productive members of a changing church. The last scenario is where I find myself. Although I would “prefer” the old sacred hymns, I am thankful to be adjusting and learning to appreciate the differences in both worship styles, for I do not believe that we will sing hymns or contemporary praise and worship songs in Heaven. Dear friends, it is going to be so much better than that! Our feeble minds cannot imagine what Heaven will be like. All I know is that we will be praising Jesus, and whatever style of music that involves is okay with me! 

Even though I still like to look my best for church, I will not judge others for what they wear or for what style of song they prefer to sing. I have adjusted to seeing the more casual dress at our church services. I continue to ask the Lord to help me place my focus on Him as I pray for unity in all churches. May we always keep our eyes focused on the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ; that we will be good role models for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all young people; and that we will lay aside OUR preferences for the desire to come back the true heart of worship. Only God can bring us to that point through the work of the Holy Spirit within us, for He is so much bigger than our preferences. It’s neither hymns nor contemporary songs that will make us true worshipers, nor our clothing preferences, because the answer is found deep within each of our hearts. I pray that we will allow God to strip away our preferences in exchange for an overfilling of the same living water that Jesus offered the Samaritan women at the well. Then, as a church, we can meet in one accord to worship and adore the Lord our God. This is where I want my focus to lie.  How about you?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are God alone. There is none like You! May we strive for harmony within our churches and families over this controversy or any others that might arise. First and foremost, we belong to You. We are not our own and have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus. Help us to be Your obedient children so that we might radiate Your love to others. May we never miss what You want to do in our lives for Your good purposes. Thank You for allowing me to be a small part of this young man’s story, if only for a moment. I pray that You will meet his needs and that he will return to worship with us again. May he find his strength and comfort in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Safe and Secure

“Oh, that I knew where I might find him.” Job 23:3a (ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29 (NIV)

“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” Psalm 130:3 (NIV)

As a young girl, my walk with the Lord was only the beginning of a journey of discovery and growth that would last a lifetime. Saved at 12 years of age, I was like a babe in Christ, with much to learn and understand. In my spiritual immaturity, I struggled to comprehend the depth of God’s love for His children. There were times when I felt my prayers went unheard or that God was too busy to listen to them. Despite my deep love for Jesus, I often saw Him as a distant figure, waiting to punish me for my mistakes.

The doctrine of the church I attended as a child and teenager held to the belief that a person would lose their salvation if they sinned. Even as a young girl, I sure didn’t know how to be perfect! I wanted to feel worthy of God’s love, but it seemed like a losing proposition. Consequently, during the early years after asking Jesus into my heart to be my Lord and Savior, I often found myself in a cycle of guilt and repentance. I would pray countless times to be “re-saved,” not fully understanding the concept of God’s forgiveness and grace. I was bogged down with guilt from my mistakes and found it impossible to live a sin-free life. Mine was a battle I believed was not winnable and a very disheartening way to try and walk with the Lord. It took a long time of living with this “defeatist” type of spiritual struggle before I realized that I had it all wrong and God’s Word had it all right. I learned that I could never attain perfection while here on earth, and that Jesus had died on that old rugged cross only ONCE for my sins and the sins of the world—past, present, and future. He didn’t need to die over and over again so I could be saved over and over again. Once was enough to fulfill God’s plan of redemption for mankind. We can never repay the debt we owe, but in God’s love He sent Jesus to pay a substitutionary debt on our behalf. What a glorious exchange it was!

Make no mistake; we are indeed called to repent of our sins. I John 1:9 gives us the following promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV) Unconfessed sin has no place in the life of a believer because it will hinder our relationship with God and others. Yet, we are all human, and no one on earth has ever been perfect except our Lord Jesus Christ. That is why we must take our walk of faith step by step and day by day. And we must begin our day anew every morning, asking the Lord to “create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (ESV) God’s mercies are new every morning, meaning that His forgiveness and love are always available to us. This daily renewal of God’s mercy is a testament to His unfailing love and desire for us to have a close and continuous relationship with Him.

I am eternally grateful that my faith perspective has dramatically changed as I’ve grown in my walk with the Lord over the years. My spiritual growth has been nurtured by the sound biblical teaching of pastors who have rightly divided the Word of God. My daily time in God’s Word involves reading and studying scripture, meditating on its meaning, and applying its principles to my life. Regular conversation with my Heavenly Father reassures me that He hears my prayers and answers them according to His timing, not mine, and for my good and His glory. The journey of my deepening relationship with God has been about learning to trust Him, even when His ways are beyond my comprehension. I know I have far to go, but I am sure of this: God is faithful in leading His children in their quest to know Him. He will never, even for a moment, abandon us or give up on building a solid and lasting relationship with us. He is as close as the mention of His name, always ready and willing to respond to our every prayer.

Realizing that Jesus is not a distant figure but a constant companion who walks with me every step of the way was a profound revelation that I now carry on my journey of walking with Him. Understanding that no one can snatch me out of His hand continues to bring a deep sense of comfort and reassurance as I aspire to become more like Him in all areas of my life.

Today, I pray that all who read this post are being held securely in the loving hands of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If they are, then the same sense of security and peace that I have found in Him no doubt envelops their soul.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are mighty to save, and I thank You for saving this little country girl many years ago. Thank You for Your patience with me as I continue to grow and learn more of Your Word and Your ways. I desire to live in such a way that is pleasing to You. Please lead me to share Jesus with the lost wherever You take me on this journey of life. Help me reach out to others who are struggling in their relationship with You. May they be encouraged to know that nothing is lacking in Your love for them, and may they faithfully walk the path that You have set before them. I pray all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Importance of Dads

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13 ESV

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! We honor you today as you strive to make a difference in the lives of your children! Your dedication and love are not just noticed; they are deeply appreciated.

Now, more than ever before, strong relationships between fathers and their children are badly needed. Boys desperately need to experience the positive role models found in their fathers. It is sad to see so many young boys without proper direction in their lives due to an absent father. They may have lost their dad due to death or abandonment, may have never had a father figure in the home, or are lacking a father for other reasons, thereby creating a vacuum in the family. In many cases, if children are fortunate enough to have a supportive community, such as grandparents to come alongside them and help fill the void left by an absent dad, they will surely benefit.

Girls equally need the love and security that a father brings to the family. When I was growing up, people didn’t seem to show much affection to one another, but from all that I’ve read—from talking to friends who have experienced a less-than-perfect childhood and based on my own experiences, I believe that fatherly love, involvement, and affection are the greatest needs a little child has. This type of love is not conditional; it is not based on performance or circumstances but is a constant, unwavering presence in a child’s life, thereby providing a greater sense of security. It is a love that is always there, making it special and comforting; a love that wraps a child like a warm blanket, assuring them they are safe and cherished. I believe this is what a child needs more than anything else.

Let us not forget the many moms who daily strive to handle the dual roles of mother and father. Single moms, I was where you are many years ago. At a young age and with a three-year-old child to care for, I experienced the struggles that arose from having to be a mother and father to my little daughter. During those hard years, I found the key to surviving was to lean into my faith and the support of my family and friends. Today, I understand the load you carry. Please be assured that you are never forgotten. Be encouraged that you are making a difference in your children’s lives. Believe in your resilience and strength, for one day you will see that your struggles served a much higher purpose than you realized. Trust that God has a good plan and is giving you an added measure of His strength and perseverance. While your circumstances may be hard right now, you can walk in faith, knowing you have a perfect Heavenly Father. He is the only One who will never let you down and will show you the love, affection, and peace you need. His unconditional love is shown throughout His Word and will be manifested by how He works in your life. He will always show Himself trustworthy and even send His love to you through others. He is just so good like that! Remember, your worth and identity come from a much higher source: God and His great love for you.

Dads, grandparents, mothers, and all who serve in dual roles, I pray that you all have a great day filled with precious memories because a day exactly like this one will never come again. May you always be found as men and women who are living a life of faith and integrity before the children God has entrusted to your care.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how wonderful it is to sense Your love and care. Thank you, Jesus, for Your great sacrifice. Now, Father, please bless all dads, grandfathers, and the many moms serving the dual role of mother and father. Help them to focus their lives on You in such a way that they will have a significant impact for good on their children. Give them the wisdom and strength to honor You in everything they think, say, and do. I also pray for those who have not had, or currently do not have, a pleasing relationship with their dad or other family members. It does not matter their ages; I pray that Your love and tender mercy will heal the scars left on their hearts. Please help them know they will always be safe in the gentle Shepherd’s arms. Help them to find in You a greater love than they could ever imagine. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God’s Strength

“For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?—the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.” Psalm 18:31-32. (ESV)

Even as Christians, we are not exempt from experiencing days that leave us spiritually depleted and/or discouraged. When these days come, they will be tailor-made for us by none other than Satan himself.  I Peter 5:8 tells us the following: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV) Satan knows our weaknesses, and he aims to discourage and distract us in any way he can. He wants us to walk around focused on our feelings or circumstances rather than God’s mighty power. The enemy of our soul seeks to render us so spiritually ineffective that we cannot live an abundant life in Christ or share His Good News with others. But we do have a weapon that will always counteract his schemes!

When we find ourselves in the depths of discouragement, we have God’s Word to turn to for strength. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (ESV) Psalm 46:10 is another great promise: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (ESV) Philippians 4:13 assures us, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (ESV) I cannot tell you how many times I have held to this verse of Scripture in my lifetime. I don’t know where I would be had I not relied on these and the many other promises found in God’s Word. He will continually transform our faith and renew our strength as we learn more of what He has to say to us through the Scriptures.

I am very thankful that God’s Word and His never-ceasing care are the assurances we can carry into life’s uncertainties. Amidst the trials and storms of life and the days of discouragement, He is our strength. We declare that we serve an awesome God! He will be with us every step of the way. What we don’t see, He does! When we ponder what the future holds, we can rest knowing that He has it planned for our good and His glory.

Since God’s Word is timeless, and its’ message is as powerful today as it was in the beginning, He will always remain the source of our strength through our unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Relying on God’s strength is the only way we will be successful in fending off times of discouragement. Even when those times come, they won’t last long because we have His ever-present help to move us forward in the right direction. Let us always look to Him for the necessary strength to make it through these difficult days in which we are living. May His Word be our anchor, our guide, and our source of strength today and always.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are the God who sees and knows our every thought and the weakness of our human frame. None of us are exempt from times of discouragement and weariness. But it is through Your mighty power, love, and mercy that You give us the needed strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Thank You for making a way for us to find peace and rest through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Help us not to grow discouraged in our walk of faith but to continually focus on who You are and who we are in You. We love You and praise You for all You have done for us and will do in the future. I pray these things in the Holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.  

A House Divided

“Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” Matthew 12:25 ESV

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5 KJV

Have you ever heard the old expression, “I’m sometimes my own worst enemy?” It’s not uncommon for people to judge themselves for areas of their lives they might deem inadequate or to walk around feeling defeated by their circumstances. Many years ago, I could possibly have been Self-Criticism’s poster child. During that time in my life, I carried what felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders, leaving my heart burdened with loneliness and despair. I even blamed myself for situations that were not of my own choosing. It seemed that my mind’s “stinkin’ thinkin’” button had been pushed, and the light was stuck on green.

We’ve all experienced moments or seasons of self-criticism and unhealthy thoughts. We know that this way of thinking doesn’t come from God, but from the enemy of our souls—the one who wants to render us useless in our work for the Kingdom of God. If we are ever going to live free of constant negativity toward ourselves and others, we must take action and kick it to the curb. Our spiritual mind and negative thoughts cannot live together in harmony. There can be no lasting peace in a house divided. We need God’s help to rearrange and change things that will not benefit us. He is more than willing to help us reprogram our minds to be more in line with the mind of Christ. That doesn’t mean we will never have another negative or unhealthy thought, but it does mean that we will be more aware of our thought life. When we are aware, we are better able to stay focused on what honors God and is best for us. Memorizing and praying Psalm 51:10 has been helpful for me. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can be set free from things that will keep us harnessed to self-criticism, self-doubt, and all the other mind games Satan often hurls our way. While he is the master of deception, knowing that no circumstance or person is beyond God’s reach is reassuring. He alone knows how to help us eliminate the negative thoughts that Satan plants in our hearts and minds. Through God’s help and guidance, we can live a victorious life in Christ by putting away those things that hinder our walk with the Lord. We don’t have to do it alone, for the Holy Spirit is there to help us keep our spiritual house clean and free of unnecessary and unhealthy clutter.

As I write these words, I invite you to look up, knowing that God is ready to help you conquer your sometimes worst enemy—yourself. Those negative, self-destructive, and toxic thoughts may have been born from the lies you’ve been told over the years, but they are no match for the love of our Heavenly Father. He will meet you where you are and begin there. The labels others have given you or those you’ve given yourself are not permanent. It may feel that way, but they don’t have to be. I’m thrilled to share with you that God is in the business of changing labels and rewriting stories! If you allow Him to, He will do a new and beautiful work in your life.

Today, I am filled with eternal gratitude for the new work that began in my heart when I started seeing myself as a masterpiece of God’s love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy. I finally understood the true source of the lies that had plagued my mind for so long. It was in surrendering my mind to the Lord Jesus Christ, that I was able to confidently declare that the game of Self-Criticism was over! With the Holy Spirit as my guide, I learned to love myself and others in a way that more accurately portrays the depth of God’s love for all mankind. How great is our God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the mender of broken hearts and cluttered minds. You hold the key to our spiritual health through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank You for changing our hearts to resemble the heart of Jesus more closely. We have far to go, but we know and trust that You are with us every step, shaping and reshaping us to be of greater service to You. We love You so much and are thankful for Your presence living within us this day. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our Help

“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

“Nothing is wasted. People don’t necessarily identify with others’ successes. People identify with others’ pain. Your experiences are invaluable. The LORD will use it in the lives of others. God will teach you. Stay dependent.” June Hunt

Our stories are based on life’s experiences. Outwardly, some people have the appearance of coasting through life never having worries or issues, but in reality, that’s just not the case. When I was a child I thought everyone around me had perfect lives, but as I grew older I realized that my thoughts had been very immature and misleading. Truth is, none of us are exempt from the challenges of life. I’m reminded of the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem entitled “The Rainy Day”, which says, “Into each life, some rain must fall.” Indeed, we’ve all had those kind of days that were specific to our lives.

Someone once said that we are currently experiencing tough times, or we have just come through them, or we are about to go into them. We may personally experience times of trials or suffering, or walk through the same with those we love. There are many twists and turns to life and at times each of us becomes weary and tired, sometimes feeling that we are battered beyond recognition.

So, here are my questions: What kind of outlook do we have about life and how to live it? What does it take for us to get through the storms of life? When these storms come so hard that we cannot see through the pouring rain, what do we do? Where do we go for help? Do we try and get through these times using our own strength or do we depend on friends to help us make it through? Do we have spiritual faith as our source of help and comfort?

Today, I am thankful that our faith in God can be bigger than all of our problems or fears, or any mountain that we may be facing. We need only to place our faith and trust in Jesus and He will see us through. That fact alone is more than enough to help us overcome the day-to-day challenges we face and the hard seasons when we struggle. God is good and He is good at being good!

May faith and trust in Jesus be your strength, inspiration, and help today.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Your mercy and love are incomparable to anything on Earth. Your heart is for each of Your children. Thank You for giving us strength and perseverance in those times when we are struggling. Thank You for giving us blessings untold. We love You and seek to follow You all the days of our life. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, I pray this prayer. Amen.

Watchful Eyes

“The eyes of the Lord roam to and fro across the whole earth, looking to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

As a longtime employee of my local school district, I was blessed to have had great supervisors who allowed me to do my job in the manner best suited for me. Never having been one to settle for mediocrity, I worked hard, took pride in my work, and always wanted to give over and above what was expected of me. However, the thought of having one particular type of supervisor came close to giving me nightmares. I had seen coworkers being severely micromanaged and I wanted no part in that type of day-to-day employment. I was very uncomfortable with the thought of having someone looking over my shoulder, watching me work, or telling me each step to take. While I was certainly a team player and always welcomed any new learning phase, I also knew that I was more than capable of sound, productive output. As I recall, during my 27 years in the school system, this type of unpleasant experience happened only once and was short-lived. Thankfully, the person who was being a bit overbearing was not my supervisor, but how sad that I still remember her in this way.

You know, there is one place in which I not only accept but embrace being watched, directed, and guided. It is in relinquishing myself—all that I am or ever hope to be, to the One who always knows and does what is best for me. It is trusting my Heavenly Father to give me what I need versus what I want if that doesn’t line up with His will for my life. I am very thankful that He has such a keen and watchful eye.

How wonderful it is to know that God is watching over us when various circumstances make their way into our lives—chapters that seem so far off track, and we wonder how they fit into God’s BIG plan. But look no further than Romans 8:28, which assures us that ALL things work together for good, not just some things. This verse is a testament to God’s constant watchfulness and ability to turn even the most challenging situations into opportunities for our personal and spiritual growth. Life sometimes changes and takes unexpected turns, but we cannot skip one step because each step we take only propels us into a deeper reliance on God’s help and guidance. He will watch over us in these moments—these seasons, if we cling tighter to Him—to His love, guidance, and spiritual safety. We will benefit greatly by walking step by step with Him, through the presence of the Holy Spirit leading the way. By far, being under His protection is the best place to be.

If you believe in Jesus and have committed yourself to Him, there is never a moment in your life that He isn’t aware of. His watchfulness is an active presence that guides and protects us. For instance, have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation, and suddenly, a solution presents itself? That’s God’s watchfulness in action, guiding us through life’s challenges. This reiteration of His care and its impact on our lives reinforces the theme of spiritual encouragement and reassurance.

Today, I am eternally grateful that our Heavenly Father watches over His children 24/7, for we certainly need a Father who loves us that much. Let us always remember to be deeply grateful for His constant presence and care, for it is and will always be a source of immense comfort and strength to our hearts. Knowing that He watches over us brings a sense of security and peace deep within. May we always welcome His loving and watchful eyes and the reassurance that we are never out of His sight!

Prayer: Dear Father, You are the One and only true God who sees us. You do not overlook one thing we are going through, and Your eyes are always on us as we encounter each stage of our journey. Thank You for the peace that passes all understanding, for it is only through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we find a safe shelter of love and rest. Help us honor You in everything we think, say, and do. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen

His Promises Will Stand

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 ESV

Have you ever made a promise, intending with all your might to keep it? But then you discovered that circumstances beyond your control would prevent you from being true to your word. I have, and there’s one that I still regret even to this day.

My cousin, Dwight, and I enjoyed all the good things of country life when he and his parents were on leave. Since my Uncle Cecil was a career military officer, Dwight and I didn’t get to see each other that often. But when we did, we made the most of it and were as close as first cousins could be.

During his dad’s military career, Dwight lived in several different countries. While attending college, he also took long breaks to roam. Once, he even backpacked through Europe. Dwight was quiet and somewhat introverted, but his actions proved he was an adventure-seeking guy. After we got older, I sensed that he was somehow trying to find himself during those years. He finally settled down after earning his law degree here in Texas. Dwight loved East Texas and eventually moved to Hemphill to become the County Attorney for Sabine County, Texas. By then, he was married with a child. Being a Civil War enthusiast, he named their son Harper Longstreet McDaniel.

Fast forward several years. While serving as Sabine County Attorney, Dwight was diagnosed with a brain tumor and went for surgery to where he was told the best brain surgeon practiced—Arizona. While he was in surgery, he had a stroke, leaving him physically and mentally challenged. A few years later, he passed away. It was heartbreaking for many of us to know Dwight was gone.

I was honored when Dwight’s wife, Patricia, asked me to speak at his funeral service. I stood before at least 200 people, looking Harper and his mom squarely in the eye, promising that I would attend Harper’s high school graduation ceremony, which was coming up in a few months. I so wanted to honor Dwight in this way. It wasn’t until later that I learned the date of Harper’s graduation conflicted with my oldest granddaughter Heather’s graduation. Without question, I had to choose hers. I regretted not being able to keep my promise to Harper and his mom. I know they understood my dilemma and thought nothing of it. Still, I have always believed promises are meant to be kept.

We are all human and will unintentionally break a promise here and there. But isn’t it wonderful to have everlasting assurance that the promises we find in God’s Word will never be broken? God intends to keep His promises, for His Word does not change. There are many promises found in the Bible, but some of my favorites are that He will never leave us, He will give us needed strength and wisdom, He will lead us on the best path if we allow Him to, and He will take care of us through every storm of grief, pain, and suffering. He is there for ALL areas of our lives and meets each of us, as different as we are, at the point of our needs. Whatever our situation, He is always ready to help us, give comfort, and further direct us. He has an answer for everything that concerns us.

Without a doubt, God’s plans for us are the best! We could never accomplish what He wants to do in and through us. His mercies are new every morning as we strive to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. More than anything, we have the assurance that His promises will always stand.

Prayer: Father God, You are a Promise Keeper. Your Word and the many promises found therein continue to stand the test of time and will do so throughout all eternity. Thank You for giving Yourself through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ so that we might be reconciled to You. In so doing, we gain access to all the promises You have made available for those who believe in Jesus. Help us to walk in the light of every truth from Your Word as we journey through this life. I pray these things in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lasting Legacy

Six of ten grandchildren and three of eight great-grandchildren. The picture was taken in January 2023.

“O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” Psalm 71:17-18 ESV

Recently, I had a brief conversation with my granddaughter Heather that I’ve been thinking about ever since. I was telling Heather that we lost another friend who passed away unexpectedly that day. She asked if it bothered me that we are seeing such a reality come to pass with friends because of our age. I thought about it and said, “Well, we are certainly aware that our time is shorter, although we don’t know when the Lord will call us home. It saddens us to lose friends, but we must keep living.” I told Heather that I don’t dwell on that aspect of life. Am I aware of it? Absolutely! Truly, my goal at this point is to do the best I can to take care of myself and my husband, to love our family, and to make each day count for the Lord. I love being with our precious little ones for they bring such joy to my heart. I love making memories as if I’ll be around another 60 years. But I do know the reality of it all. Heather suggested that I might still be around 30 years from now. 105? Maybe! I know she’s praying for that. Me, too.

I also told Heather that I think what a lot of young people might not understand about us “young seniors” (those classified as being in their 60s and 70s) is that deep inside, we still feel young. Oh, outwardly it wouldn’t appear so, for our bodies betray us in various ways. When we look in the mirror, we don’t recognize the person who is looking back at us. But in our hearts and minds, we still have hopes and dreams, and look ahead to many goals. Or at least I do. Inside, I’m still that young country girl who had no idea what real life was all about back in the day. One great thing about age is that along with it, comes a lot of wisdom. But then, we have to condense our wisdom into a shorter time frame.

As the scripture above alludes, for those of us who are believers in Christ and at any age, our greatest desire should be to pass our faith on to the next generation so those who come behind us will have that all-important legacy of faith. It should be the most important thing as we pray for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, asking the Lord to guide them in His ways and to help them see that things, money, status, and such will never satisfy them and are only temporary at best. Only God and His Word will last.

I believe as parents. grandparents, great-grandparents, and friends, we can make a difference in the lives of those we call ours. There’s never a stopping place when it comes to serving the Lord. We do not grow too old to tell others about Jesus. We are imperfect and have made mistakes along the way, but we can and must continue to make an eternal difference at this stage of our lives.

Life is short and eternity will be long, so let us continue to be a light shining in the darkness for those we love, which should include family, friends, and every person whose path we cross each day. May all who come behind us find us faithful.

Prayer: Dear God, You are the Giver and Sustainer of life and we honor You. We lift Your name on high for You alone are worthy to be praised. We could never thank You enough for all You have done for us. Over the years, we have experienced both failure and success, sorrow, and joy, as we maneuver this thing called life. Any success we have had is because of Your presence in our lives. Thank You for loving us that much and for being at our side during all seasons of our lives. We couldn’t have done it without You. Forgive us when we fail and help us to live in such a way that we truly do make a difference in the lives of our family members, friends, and everyone we meet. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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