The Resting Place

What Does Christmas Mean to You?

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

What does Christmas mean to you?

From my earliest memories, it seems I’ve always known the true meaning of Christmas. My siblings and I were taught about Jesus from childhood, but truthfully, as a little girl, I didn’t have the maturity to fully understand the Greatest Gift of all until I was a bit older.

I did like the idea of Santa and always looked forward to the gifts he brought on Christmas Eve. We never waited until Christmas morning! That was just our family’s tradition.

There were many things we McDaniel’s looked forward to on Christmas Eve. Besides the wonderful food and gifts, we would also build a roaring bonfire for use in popping fireworks, or “firecrackers” as we called them. You’ve never lived until a firecracker goes off in your hand! Oh, that is so painful!!

One Christmas, after I knew where the presents came from, I remember my mother “accidentally” finding a $20 bill inside one of my dad’s old coat pockets in the closet. Although I was no more than 10 years old, I can still see the big smile on my mother’s face. You see, that was her Christmas miracle! Unknown to the kids, there was no money for gifts that year. Mother’s find assured her that each of her children would have a gift waiting for them under the tree on Christmas Eve!

Things didn’t cost much back in the dark ages. $20 would go a long way!! I don’t recall what I got for Christmas that year but have always remembered how excited I was that my baby brother got a big Texaco tanker truck.

My family was not wealthy by any means. We never went without a meal and had what we needed. As children, we somehow understood that our parents were doing the very best they could and we never complained—well, maybe I did when I tired of repetitive peanut butter sandwiches in my school sack lunch.

We were country people and I would not take anything for having grown up that way. Our parents taught us hard work ethics, patriotism, and respect for others. And we were taught about Jesus. Those are gifts that money can’t buy.

As I think back to Christmas 2020, the pandemic was in full swing and we weren’t able to gather as a family. Our table was bare and there was no rushing to get ready. It was different on so many fronts. Still, we were joyful because of the true meaning we held deep in our hearts.

For Christmas 2022, we wait with joyful anticipation for the gift of our family’s presence. We will enjoy a nice meal, watch the little ones beam with excitement, open gifts, and share good fellowship. We will greatly miss those who aren’t able to join us, and those who are celebrating in Heaven. We will always remember their valuable contribution to our family.

A long time ago, I learned that the true meaning of Christmas is NOT about opening presents. It’s about inviting Jesus, the greatest gift ever given to mankind into our hearts.

My prayer for family and friends everywhere is that you will gather with those you love; that you will take the time to reflect and renew your body, mind, and spirit; and that you will accept the Greatest Gift of all freely, humbly, and without reservation. Merry Christmas!

As Is

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

How remarkable that when Jesus died, He paid the highest price for each of us, regardless of our human condition. He willingly purchased us with His blood. We were bought “as is”—-so imperfect, with many faults and flaws. What a marvelous exchange that was! What an incomprehensible thought that God has that much love for us!

Whether we want to admit it or not, there is a needed renovation in each of us. By faith, we are now under His ownership, and in the process of being remodeled for God’s glory. If we trust Him and seek His ways, He won’t leave us the way we were when He rescued us. He has a great plan for our lives that allows us to tell our personal story of how we have been changed. This will be an encouragement to others.

How wonderful that God knew us, loved us, and bought us just as we are. I am continually amazed that He could possibly love me that much! But deep in my heart, I feel His love and have seen it displayed on my behalf so many times. 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’m 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 always take us just as we are. 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

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, what joy fills our souls to know that You have accepted us just as we are. In our own strength, we could never reach a point where we’re worthy of Your love! Thank You for grace upon grace as You continue to lovingly mold us into Your image. We are thankful for Your patience and how You’ve rescued us over and over from places we need not go. Thank You for being the One who above all others, will never fail us or forsake us. We love You and desire to follow You all the days of our life. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Lay Your Burdens Down

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Today, I am reminded to what extent burdens can weigh us down. We’ve all experienced times when we’ve felt burdened beyond our ability to make it through. When I am burdened, it feels as though I’m carrying a heavy backpack around my heart. It’s tough to be in that place. But hold on! There is some good news! The weight of our burdens and sorrows are lifted at the foot of the Cross when we choose to lay them down.

Today, why not exchange your worries, sorrows, and burdens for the peace that can only come from the One who knows you better than you know yourself. When you find yourself trying to solve life’s challenges on your own, turn your reliance to Jesus. He’s there just waiting for you to lay your burdens down.

As I sit and write this little message, I am reminded of the song by Chuck Gerard entitled, “Lay Your Burden Down.” Here are some of the lyrics:

Lay your burden down, lay your burden down 
Take your troubled soul, your tired mind 
And lay your burden down 
Lay your burden down, get your feet on solid ground 
Take your worries to the foot of the cross, and lay your burden down

Lay your burden down, lay your burden down
Take your weary life, your heavy load, and lay your burden down
Lay your burden down, get your feet on solid ground
Take your failures to the foot of the cross, and lay your burden down

You’ve been tryin’ hard to make it all alone
Tryin’ hard to make it on your own

And the strength you once were feelin’, isn’t there no more 
And you think the wrong you’ve done, is just too much to be forgiven 
But you know that isn’t true 
Just lay your burden down,…He has Forgiven you

Lay your burden down, lay your burden down
Take your burden to the cross, and lay it down
Lay your burden down, lay your burden down
Take your worries to the cross and lay them down

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, whatever our personal burdens may be, You are the Burden Bearer on whom we can depend. You are with us through every season of our lives. There’s no burden too heavy or too painful for You. Thank You for being our help and stay in times when we feel the overwhelming pain and pressure from life’s trials. We love You, trust You, and depend on You every moment of the day. Give us rest and peace and renewal. I pray and ask this in the name above all names, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

See You Later

Lord, my God, I will praise You with all my heart. “I will honor Your name forever.” Psalm 86:12

On November 17, 2016, 150 pink and purple balloons were released at the cemetery as we said our final “see you later” to our sweet Shelly. It was a beautiful sight—a way to look to the sky as the balloons slowly drifted out of sight. We felt the hope of the great reunion we’d have with Shelly and other loved ones and friends some day. As Shelly’s mother, it was my way of returning her to the Lord, who so graciously loaned her to me for a season. Humanly, I didn’t want to do that, but spiritually my faith gave me the strength to take that step. A few days later, literally just around the corner from Shelly’s house, and miles from the cemetery, a friend/neighbor found one of the balloons in her yard.

It is amazing to think how good our God is through these times. We trust and believe that His plan is best, even though we don’t understand His timing. He is not restricted nor does He operate on our time schedule. Someday, we will understand that part better, but I really don’t think that it will be important to us then. To Him be glory forever!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how we love and trust You, the One who holds all things together. Father, when times are challenging hold us fast. When we are on the mountaintop, hold us fast. Whatever season we are in, please hold us fast. Without You, life would be hopeless, but because You are our Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and Light in the Darkness, we have nothing to dread or fear. We praise You and thank You for lavishing Your love, grace, and mercy upon us as You do. Help us in turn to live a life that is pleasing to You, and help us to pass Your love and the hope of Jesus onto a lost and dying world. I pray this in Jesus name and for His sake. Amen.

Blessings From God’s Hand

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“We have many opportunities to practice gratefulness in “all circumstances” because many circumstances can be exceedingly difficult to be grateful for–like illness, betrayal, conflict, and disappointment. Blind eyes have enabled me to see that I can be thankful in all things when I realize that God is in charge of all things. Jennifer Rothschild, from “Fresh Grounded Faith”.

I love waking in the morning and being reminded how blessed I am, even though I’ve had many heartaches and trials during my lifetime. I honestly don’t know what I would do without the strength and encouragement I receive as the result of having a personal relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. The assurance I find in Him, in His love for me, and in His Word, serves to strengthen me for whatever I may face in the days ahead. He has proven His faithfulness as I look back on the past, so there’s no reason to doubt Him now.

Picture above are simple messages painted on rough and jagged rocks, found several years ago on the walking trail near my home. At first glance, they are unattractive and certainly not anything special, but the messaging makes all the difference in the world. One can place value in them because of it.

If hard circumstances have found their way to your doorstep, try your best to look for the blessings in them as I did with the messages on the painted rocks. One blessing I know for sure, is that Jesus is with you every step you take in going forward. He will not leave you; He will not forsake you; He will see you through safely and completely. You have His Word on that.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are the God who sees us—the One who has numbered every hair on our head. You know our weaknesses and You know our strengths. You know our sadness and sorrow, and You know what we need, when we need it. You actually know our needs before we ask. You are a personal Father—One who will never leave us, nor forsake us. In times when we are presented with life’s challenges, it is You who longs to step in and help us maneuver the twists and turns that we encounter. Thank You, Lord, for being by our side during challenging times. We can always count on You to restore and revive our souls when needed the most. Thank You for watching over us and for giving us all we need to get safely through life’s battles. We will love You and praise You now and forevermore. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Everlasting Grace

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

As I began my day, I thought about how uncertain life can be at any given time and often without advance notice. Yet, from my point of view, life is immeasurably priceless and rich. As I age, that awareness becomes more and more implanted into my mind, and I’m thankful for every moment God gives me.

Many are facing physical battles today. Some of the dearest people to me fall into that category. It’s hard to accept these times unless we have an Anchor—the One who has given us grace upon grace. With Jesus carrying us through every battle, through every storm, and through those days when we haven’t a care in the world, we will make it through. If you’re facing a tough day, please remember that God is so good and His arms are always open wide to welcome you into His comfort, peace, and safety.

Enjoy this day, for there’ll not be another one just like it. Always look for the beauty of God’s creation around you. You won’t have to look far!

He Giveth More Grace
Annie J. Flint, 1866-1932

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

Chorus:
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Chorus:
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

Chorus:
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your grace is more than sufficient for our needs. We thank You for loving us so much that You poured such love and grace upon us through Jesus’ death on the cross. And through His resurrection, we have been raised to walk in newness of life. We are thankful for our new life in Christ, which holds eternal promises. For those who are suffering and dealing with health issues today, I pray that You will infuse them with Your supernatural strength and comfort. Give them a real sense of Your presence so they will know that all is well. We love You, praise You, and thank You for loving us and for pouring Your grace into our lives. I pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.

Outside My Window

“But as it is written: Eye has not seen. Nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9

I was sitting at my desk working on a Bible study lesson, when a flutter passed by the corner of my eye. Outside my window was a beautiful Monarch butterfly. I stopped writing to take a few pictures. It’s the first Monarch I’ve seen on the butterfly plant in months. My immediate response was, “Hi, Shelly!” You see, ever since my daughter went to Heaven, six years ago, I’ve had that instant reaction when I see a butterfly.

Seeing this beautiful butterfly mustered somewhat of a sad feeling, a few tears, and the familiar ache to my heart that I know I’ll always have (the price of great love). But at the same time a smile appeared. I miss Shelly so much, especially when I’m with her children and those precious grandchildren she never had the opportunity to meet.

I sometimes think of how much Shelly is missing, but as I write this, the above verse of scripture comes to mind, and my heart is lifted. Shelly is no longer constrained by the things of this world. She’s not worrying about all that’s happening down here, but is safe, secure, well, and more joyful than we could ever imagine. She’s with her Lord and Savior and that’s more than enough. After all, that’s the goal of every Christian and the desire of our Heavenly Father—that all would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, so that they might spend eternity with Him when their time on earth is over.

Family and friends, we have a HOPE that far surpasses anything this world throws at us! And I’m very thankful for that truth, as well as the many memories I am holding deep in my heart until I see my sweet girl again.

God is a good Father. He gives us His best in times of plenty and in times of need. We can always depend on Him no matter where we are in our journey of life.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You love us so much that You send reminders such as butterflies our way. In doing so, we are given hope and assurance that You see every detail of our lives. You know our individual struggles, sorrows, and pain. You know our joy, for it is present way more than our sorrow. Still, it is through our faith and Your great love that we make it through these days in which we are living. Thank You for a love that far surpasses anything we can imagine. Help us to always look to You, whether it’s on our good days, or those days that challenge us. We know that You are always with us and that You will never leave or forsake us. For this and so much more, we are eternally grateful! These things I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

We Can Trust Him

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

As Christian’s, faith in God through Jesus is all about trust. Through the circumstances of our lives, we can trust Him to care for us. Relinquishing every aspect of our lives to His care and trusting that He always has our best interest at heart, is a sure path to lasting peace and victory. He has a plan and He knows what’s best for us. He’s never a day early or a minute too late. Although we may never know why certain things happen during our lifetime, we can trust that God’s plan is for our good and that He ALWAYS goes before us. He will never leave us alone.

Tis’ So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

“I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me till the end.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him;
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for Grace to trust Him more!”

Louisa M. R. Stead, William J. Kirkpatrick

I Can Trust Him
The Perry’s

Every day I wake to find that God’s been faithful
In all the ways I knew that he would be
And I don’t know how some people live without him
Because I know what Jesus means to me

I can trust Him, I can trust Him
For my God’s at work in all things that I need
He is able and unchanging
He’s the hope that still surrounds me faithfully
I can trust Him

I have walked into a room so full of sorrow
And saw the desperate faces on the ground
And they looked at me through eyes so full of pity
But through joyous faith I sang these words out loud

I can trust him, I can trust him
For my God’s at work in all things that I need
He is able and unchanging
He’s the hope that still surrounds me faithfully
I can trust him

No storm he cannot weather
No sin he can’t undo
No sickness he can’t conquer
No mountain he can’t move

Jesus Jesus how I trust him
how I’ve proved him o’er and o’er

He is able and unchanging
He’s the hope that still surrounds me faithfully
I can trust him
I can trust him

Prayer: Heavenly Father, through Your Word and through the many promises found therein, we have learned to trust Thee. Thank you God for teaching us that it’s much easier to get through this life if we are trusting in You. Today, we ask You to simply empower our spirits with a new passion for the lost. Lead us to them. Put them in our paths, I pray. As we trust the Holy Spirit to give us those unexpected and uplifting divine appointments, please prepare us to serve You with all that is within. These things I pray in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Six Years Later

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Remembering my sweet girl today. Six years have come and gone since Shelly left us for Heaven. What a traumatic day it was. The pain was indescribable, as was the 17.5 months of her battle with pancreatic cancer. Even to this day, my heart aches for the pain she went through. Yet, she put forth tremendous effort to remain positive and happy. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

Shelly was strong—a real fighter. She depended on her faith and Jesus to get her through. And He did! No, we didn’t like the circumstances, but stayed close by Shelly’s side because there’s no other place we’d rather have been.

Once, when she was nearing the end, I had left Shelly’s house for the day and hadn’t been home long before she called me asking if I was going to come back to her house. I asked her what she needed and she said, “Nothing, I just want a hug.” To be sure, I went back for that hug! That was my girl. Always so full of love for others.

Shelly was one of the most loving people I know. She went through a lot of physical and emotional pain while she was here on earth. But through it all, she stayed strong and loved others in a remarkable way. I’ve said it time and again, but she loved her children and bonus daughter with all of her heart. She loved all of her family members with a heaping measure of unconditional love.

I will always remember the lessons Shelly taught me about forgiving others who had wronged her. And I hope that I’m honoring that very thing in my daily life. In dying, she taught me many things about how to live; things that I will always hold close in my heart.

Today, even though the ache of her absence is still present, I’m comforted to know where Shelly is and that her surroundings do not compare to the most beautiful places on earth. Yet, we continue to mourn our temporary separation with Shelly in various ways. Moving on is the only way forward and that is what we do daily. She would have it no other way. She once told me that we’d all be over the loss in 5 years. I guess she had read that somewhere. Yes, it does get more manageable and life goes on. However, I’m here to tell you that line of thinking isn’t true, for I will always mourn the greatest loss a mother could ever experience. My heart will never be the same as it was before she died. But the Good News is that I have HOPE, and therein lies the difference! I am not like those who have no HOPE.

God has been so good to us these last six years. I thank Him for loving us unconditionally and for showering us with so many wonderful blessings. They don’t take Shelly’s place, rather give us a perspective that He does indeed restore the years the locusts have eaten. How wonderful it is that her presence will always be felt deep inside our hearts.

This morning I thought maybe I’d not write anything this year, but the urge to write is still stronger than not. So I will keep Shelly’s memory alive as best I can. Sharing who she was and the impact she had on all of us is too good to keep to myself. I pray for all of Shelly’s family today. May the love she gave each one, give them courage and determination to carry on in ways specific only to them. We are beyond blessed to call her ours.

Today, I honor Shelly with all of my heart. Love and miss you so much, precious daughter. Until we meet again in that land where we’ll never grow old, or sick, or tired, I will continue to love those you loved and strive to be a light in the darkness until my race on earth is over!💜✝️

#AlwaysSmile

#GodIsGood

#HeHasAPlan

#EverythingIsGoingToBeOkay

#HerWords

#FightPancreaticCancer

In Memory of Shelly Rena Forston

May 26-1967 – November 13, 2016

Don’t Let Go

“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

As I write this post, my husband and I are slowly recovering from the flu. Never mind the fact that one full month prior to testing positive for Type A Influenza, we had taken the high dose flu vaccine. Needless to say, it was a shock to be physically knocked down by this culprit. After all, we felt comfortable that we had acted responsibly to protect ourselves from this illness. Well friends, I’m here to tell you that nothing is guaranteed. But we sure have been reminded of how thankful we should be for the good amount of energy we do enjoy on normal days.

Thankfully, even though it’s been brutal, this flu issue is only temporary. We are doing everything necessary to recover—resting, staying well hydrated, and adding some meds that the doctor prescribed. But there are many people in my circle of influence who are facing longer lasting challenges. My prayer request list is very lengthy right now. Both family members and friends alike are in need of healing, strength, and wisdom for their respective journeys. As I support each one with my prayers and anything else I can do, I hope to encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus, the One who is, and will always be beside them. Through every battle and every storm, there is an Anchor who will always get them safely home.

Friend, if you are currently facing situations in your life that have knocked the wind out of your sails, please remember that you are only strong to the extent of where you place your faith and trust. I encourage you to believe that God is your strength. Rest in the reality of His awesome love, power, and faithfulness. He’ll do for you what you cannot do for yourself. Let Him be the source of your strength. He will see you through. Above all, don’t let go of hope! It will always carry you where you need to go.

Prayer: Dear God, You alone are the source of our strength. Because of that, we have every reason to place our hope in You when we cannot see the way. Help us to trust you when our path is nothing but sunshine and roses. And we sure do thank You for those seasons in our lives. In the same manner, please help us to trust You unequivocally when we find ourselves entering into a life-changing season where uncertainty seems to reign supreme. Help us to always remember that You are the God who sees. You see every second of our lives from beginning to end and there’s not one thing that takes You by surprise. Why wouldn’t we trust You—our Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and soon coming King? Give us Your strength and the ability to hold on, for it is You who will do the final work in and through us by Your great power and majesty. We love You and trust You, and we thank You in Jesus name. Amen.

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