The Resting Place

Forever Ours

“You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” Psalm 59:17

How uplifting and encouraging it is to see those who have been tested in the crucible of crisis going forward in faith. I can think of many who have served, or currently serve as role models for me in this area of my faith walk. Their experiences serve to teach that God will ALWAYS provide the strength and encouragement needed when facing life’s battles or during times of uncertainty.

Today, there is a calm assurance that God will never abandon His people. He will forever be our Hope, our stronghold, our refuge, and our strength. He will give us the desire to continue living out our lives for Him. We don’t deserve such love, but this is the nature of who He is because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. Through His Word, we are able to consistently draw from the well containing His never-ending supply of living water.

Enjoy this day you’ve been given. Pray for those around you who are currently facing their own personal crisis. Ask the Lord to make you a channel of blessing to someone today. My prayer is that out of your life, Jesus will shine.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this beautiful day, created by You, for our pleasure and Your good purposes. Help us to make a difference in someone’s life as we go through the traffic lanes of our life today. Give us an abundance of Your love, joy, peace, compassion, and kindness—enough to share with others. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Keep Your Focus On God

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

“God’s peace will be with us through every circumstance. Our struggles in life will change, but our focus should not. God is the author of our story and He is not yet finished writing it. That IS the Good News of the day.” Carolyn Canizales, November, 2010

The paragraph above is a little excerpt from something I wrote 13 years ago. I LOVE that the things of God NEVER change. Our circumstances come and go, but He remains the Great I Am!

When I wrote those thoughts, I had no idea how my circumstances would change some five years later. I did not know that my only biological child, my daughter, Shelly, would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, fight a valiant battle for 17 1/2 months, only to succumb to its ravages. I did not know the depth of grief I would experience and sometimes still do.

I also did not know the healing and blessings that would come to me during and after this traumatic season of my life. God has been so good to restore joy in my heart. As I interact with the little ones in our family who have been born since that dark period in my life, I see that God continues to write a beautiful story for me. He has also lavished His love upon me by giving wonderful family members and friends who have stood by me through thick and thin. I will forever cherish each one.

Yes, there are circumstances I’d rather have skipped, but truthfully, the hard times have served to bring me closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Realizing I cannot make it on my own, I lean into His strength and guidance all the more. That’s exactly where He wants me to be, and I’m so thankful for that.

Friends, whatever you are feeling today, don’t let your circumstances pull you away from a strong dependence on God. The closer you get to Him, the more you will realize that He has been there all along. And…..that He will never leave you!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how we love You! You are the perfect One to save, love, and guide us. We aren’t meant to know what’s ahead. If we did, we could not bear it. But in Your love and power, You beckon us to trust You daily for things seen and unseen. In our dependency on You, we will have the strength to be aware of the needs and cares of others. Help us to love and serve You as those who have been through pain and difficulties, but have come out shining even more brightly for Jesus. I pray this in His mighty name. Amen.

Making a List

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

“Jehovah Shalom – The LORD is Peace. Where is God in our plight or pain? We must remember that He is with us every step of the way and will bring peace, not fear, to our hearts.” 11-28-13

I wrote the above paragraph nine years ago. As I once again read the message it holds, I began to focus on the peace of God that I have experienced in the midst of challenging times.

As a spiritual exercise, I listed all of the hard things within these last nine years—loss of loved ones, health related issues of self and spouse, adjusting to a new normal in my daily life, needing supernatural strength, having to make some hard choices that personally I didn’t want to make, some things too personal to post, and many other events that have changed my life in ways I would never have dreamed. The list was long. But God’s peace and presence was with me during these times.

After listing the tough times, I then listed the untold blessings that have come my way these last nine years. There have been such wonderful moments that are too numerous to write in this post.

There’s one thing for certain about the good and the not-so-good moments or seasons that come into our lives. It is through our faith and trust in Jesus, that we WILL experience God’s presence, peace, and faithfulness.

Perhaps today, you would want to remember those life events of the past few years. I know some can be sad, but have found that we can see the blessings intertwined into those moments, as well. Sometimes, it is a very bittersweet place to be, but if we look, it’s a place where we are able to see a fraction of our life from God’s perspective. We are able to catch a glimpse of how He continues to lavish His love on us.

My prayer today is that you will remember the peace you’ve felt through your challenging times and know beyond a doubt that your faith sustained you, and that it still does, even up to this very moment in time.

The truth remains that God’s peace will be with us through every circumstance. Our struggles in life will change, but our focus should not. God is the author of our story and He is not yet finished writing it. That IS the Good News of the day.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how comforting it is to know and experience the peace You bring to every situation that we have ever faced or will ever face in life. This world is not our home, for we have a home in Heaven awaiting us of which we can only imagine. Thank You for peace in our hearts that passes all human understanding. Thank You for carrying us through those times of hardships and uncertainty. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your only Son to take our sins upon Himself so that we might have the choice of eternal life spent with Him. Help us to focus on the many blessings that You have given us. You are not only a perfect loving Father, but very generous and One who lavishes Your grace upon us. We thank You and can never repay the debt of love we owe. We commit to praise and honor You completely all the days of our life. I pray these things in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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.

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