The Resting Place

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

Finding Shelter

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.” Psalm 55:1

Have you ever been caught in a situation where you needed to find shelter? A long hike, a thunderstorm approaching, not being familiar with your location and a bit of anxiety would certainly be one situation in which physical shelter would be needed. Seeking shelter would be the logical thing to do in order to find protection against the approaching storm.

Many times, in my own life I have needed to find shelter from the storms that raged around me. Thankfully, I have always been able to have physical shelter–a safe place that I call home. Rather, my need at times has been to find spiritual shelter. Sometimes, I wandered out in the storm before seeking the familiar shelter that I know all too well. But, eventually, I would round the bend in the road and there it was–a beautiful sight–a place to rest and be safe and comforted. My personal shelter.

On the many occasions that I have desperately sought the comfort and shelter of God’s presence, I have never been disappointed. His Word gives me hope and strength and peace. I am so thankful for this! The deep love that I have for my heavenly Father and for Jesus Christ, my Savior has made such a difference in how I handle difficult situations. The ability to go to Him in prayer and share my hurts and fears gives me the assurance that He is listening and that He answers according to His will for my life and for those around me.

If you feel the need to seek God’s shelter due to situations that are presently surrounding you, or if there are circumstances in your life that seem to be beyond your control, just remember that you have a Savior–Jesus Christ, who wants to bring you peace and hope. He will shelter you from any storm that you may face now or in the future because He specializes in calming the storms.

PRAYER:  Father God, thank you for sheltering us from the storms of life.  Through Jesus, we have the ability to rest safely in the Shepherd’s arms at all times.  Help us to trust you always, knowing that you love us beyond comprehension.  I pray this in Jesus name.  Amen.

Why Am I Here?

“And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.” Job 11:17-18 (ESV)

Many years ago, as a third-grade student in a small East Texas school, I was encouraged by my teacher to enter the annual University Interscholastic League (UIL) contest in the category of Ready Writing. This statewide contest was to me the MOTHER of them all.

In a Ready Writing Contest, students are given two hours to write expository compositions. They may choose between two prompts, each an excerpt from literature, publications, or speeches.

I felt that this contest was comparable to David going up against Goliath! However, we know what happened there, so I reluctantly agreed to participate. As it turned out, I placed third overall and was extremely happy to have done so! My love for writing began at that time, but it would be many years before I would ever do it again.

As the years rolled by and I faced life’s experiences and challenges, a genuine love for writing began to envelop my heart. My deepest thoughts seemed to flow more easily through written words. I tried different genres of writing, but was always led back to the things of a spiritual nature. I began to sense that one way I could best honor God was through my written “from the heart” type of spiritual encouragement.

I’m not an educated writer, nor am I a Bible scholar, but I sure love God’s Word, and I love to write about how much He loves us! Over the past 15 years, I have written and shared spiritual thoughts via publications, blog writing, and social media. I have had to squeeze my writing moments into a very active and sometimes hectic lifestyle. Consequently, many times I have found myself desperately in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual rest.

To be totally honest, it is during stressful and hurried times that I seldom express my true feelings. There is little time or opportunity to appear weak or sad or tired or fed up (yes, I am human). I have come to believe that this is characteristic of many women. Deep down, we feel the need to ALWAYS be strong–to give all that is within us to others, leaving little quality time for ourselves. No time to recharge. No time to refocus. No time to be renewed. Some of us are able to hide our stress and anxiety. As a result of growing up in a home influenced by alcoholism, I learned at a very early age to do that well.

With more years behind me than are ahead, and perhaps a little wisdom now, I know first-hand that trying to be all things for all people while hiding stressful feelings, only deceives us into thinking that we are strong. In reality, what we REALLY need is someone who will help carry our heavy load, listen to us, and understand where we are coming from. We need comfort. We need REST!

Today, I have Good News for you! There IS Someone who will bring comfort and rest—Someone who loves us unconditionally, and who cares what we are going through more than we can imagine! His name is Jesus. One of His many specialties is carrying the load of those who seek Him when they can’t go any further. After all, He is God! There’s nothing too big for Him to handle. He relates to every aspect of what we are feeling. The good. The bad. The ugly. And He is there to love us and give rest as only He can do.

So why am I here? At this site and at this time in my life? Perhaps it is for more than just reliving the memory of a third-grade writing contest, although that was where this writing “thing” began for me. I wanted to begin my first post with that memory as the backdrop to a deeper message.

Truthfully, I am here for each of you, and myself! I pray that you will join me on this journey, as together we will find rest for our souls, and renew our spiritual, emotional, and physical strength. I am trusting the Holy Spirit to speak to each of us and to meet our needs. My prayer is that our hearts will be made just a little bit lighter for having spent a few moments here at The Resting Place.

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