The Resting Place

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.

God Wants to Hear You Sing

“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

The song below came to mind at the beginning of a new day. I love it when God does that! Hadn’t thought of this particular song since my husband and I were attending the annual National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY during the years 2005-2010. On YouTube, it’s sung by Greater Vision, one of my longtime favorite Southern Gospel groups, of which the gifted writer of the song, Rodney Griffin, is a member.

It’s pretty easy to sing our song on a good day, but it takes God’s help and strength to give us the ability to sing, as the song says, “when the waves are crashing round you, when the firey darts surround you, when despair is all you see.”

Today, let us be encouraged by the assurance that God is working through even the most challenging time(s) in our lives. Whatever we may be facing, He wants to hear us sing. The good news is that He’s waiting to give us the wherewithal to do it. As we take a closer look, we’ll find there are many reasons to thank Him for His goodness, and for the peace He brings to us on a daily basis. That in itself is enough to bring a song. 🎶🎶🎶

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You alone are holy and worthy of our praise. I believe that You love to hear us sing, both figuratively and literally. Thank You for the gift of music, and for the ability that You give to song writers, past and present, who continue to bring Christian songs to life. Thank you for old and new music, for in it we find comfort, encouragement, and the assurance that You are with us through our journey here on earth. We thank You for the promise, through Jesus Christ our Lord, that when our time on earth is done, we have a heavenly home awaiting that has been prepared for us. We love You and ask that You give us strength to sing through every season of our lives, for it is unto You that we lift our songs. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

God Wants to Hear You Sing
Rodney Griffin, 2000

Their chains were fastened tight
Down at the jail that night
Still Paul and Cylus would not be dismayed
They said, “It’s time to lift our voice,
Sing praises to the Lord
Let’s prove that we will trust Him, come what may.”

God wants to hear you sing
When the waves are crashing round you
When the firey darts surround you
When despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice
When the wisest man has spoken
And says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be
That’s when God wants to hear you sing

He loves to hear our praise
On our cheerful days
When the pleasant times out weigh the bad, by far
But when suffering comes along
And we still sing Him song
That is when we bless the Father’s heart

God wants to hear you sing
When the waves are crashing round you
When the firey darts surround you
When despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice
When the wisest man has spoken
And says you circumstance is as hopeless as can be
That’s when God wants to hear you sing

God wants to hear you sing
When the waves are crashing round you
When the firey darts surround you
When despair is all you see
God wants to hear your voice
When the wisest man has spoken
And says your circumstance is as hopeless as can be
That’s when God wants to hear you sing

He’s In Your Boat

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:35-39

Have you ever slept through a storm, only to hear others tell you the next day how fierce and frightening it was? Being one who sleeps soundly, I’ve done that on more than one occasion.

In the passage of scripture above, Jesus had no doubt had a tiring day as He had spoken to thousands of people along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. Now, He was getting some much needed rest there in the back of the boat. But when the storm arose, the disciples were clearly frightened. The waves were so fierce that water was coming into the boat, threatening to sink it. All they wanted was to get to the other side, which was looking pretty doubtful.

Imagine how those on board the boat felt, seeing Jesus peacefully sleeping as the storm raged. How relieved they must have been as He rebuked the winds and calmed the waves. No doubt, their fear was gone as quickly as the winds and waves subsided, and they marveled at what had taken place before their very eyes.

Is there something in your life today that threatens to sink your boat? Do you feel you’re about to be overcome with waves of circumstances you can’t control? I don’t know what your storm might be, but I do know that in this imperfect world of imperfect people, we all experience times where we feel the heaviness that comes from situations we didn’t want or ask for. Consequently, our particular storms and the ensuing pain they bring weigh us down.

There is Good News, though! Jesus will always be in the boat with us, whether it’s heading through stormy weather or the waters are calm and the sailing is smooth. I pray that you will discover His peace that passes all understanding. Until you’ve experienced it, you’ll never understand it. But once you do, your life will never be the same.

Today, why not trust Jesus, knowing He’s as close as the mention of His name. He will guide you safely through your storm and lead you to a place of peace and rest. He will not fail you, for He is forever faithful to His Word.

Wonderful Peace
Warren D. Cornell and Williams G. Cooper – 1889

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm
In celestial-like strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm

Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Coming down from the Father above
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love.

Prayer: Dear God, how mighty You are as You help us maneuver our storms in life. We would definitely sink were it not for You. Your power is unfathomable and because of that, You bring peace to all situations—if we ask You. Lord God, please help us to stay close to You, for we need Your wonder working power daily. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear as we seek You in all of our ways. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen and Amen.

God Is So Good

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

I recently heard a sweet sister share her story of God’s grace, protection, love, redemption, and restoration. God had a good plan for her life in spite of the harm others caused. Her story has made her the beautiful child of God she is today-seeking Him and His guidance, seeing Him work in her life in marvelous ways, and serving him so beautifully–with such passion. Amazing work by our Lord!!

Friends, life can sometimes be full of twists and turns we didn’t see coming. During those times when we don’t understand which way to go, may we always remember that we are never alone. Through it all, God has a plan for each of us.

If you are in the midst of a season of uncertainty, pain, sorrow, or not being able to see what your future holds, please remember that God will lead you and use your experiences to bring you closer to Himself. While others may fail you, you can always depend on Him. I’m so thankful we have a constant source of strength and hope in our lives. God is so good.

God is so good, God is so good
God is so good, He’s so good to me. 🎶 🎶🎶🎶

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how we praise You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus to die in our place. He took our sins upon Himself, but rightly so, it should have been us on the cross. Your love and grace toward mankind made it all possible. We can never thank You enough, so please see our hearts of thankfulness. It is humanly the best we can do in thanking You. Help us continue to trust Your ways in our life. You never fail to bring blessings untold every day. Thank you for salvation, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. And for everything else I haven’t mentioned. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

This World Is Not Our Home

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:17

One Sunday morning, while at church, I was noticing how some of our congregants have gotten old right before my eyes. Those who are now middle-aged couples were once young adults starting out, having babies, living their lives, and reaching for their dreams. Their babies are now grown, many have married and now have children of their own. Seems like only yesterday, but I fully realize that in the 40+ years I’ve attended my church, I have also gotten old right along with these younger folks. And, I’m very thankful for the privilege of having done so.

Today, in thinking back on these young families, I’m reminded that our days here on earth are moving very quickly. The words of the old hymn below tell us that we truly are “just a-passing through.” The good news is that while we are here, in spite of hurried days and challenging times, we have a sure and mighty Anchor to hold onto, and One who will always steady us. We have One who never changes and is perfect in every way; One who will lead us through this journey of ups and downs and all of the “in-betweens” of life.

Jesus is as near as the mention of His name. If you aren’t depending on Him for your strength today, why not read the Book of John. Get to know who He is. You will see how much He loves you. He died for you. Even though we are all a work in progress, God is very patient with us, for which I’m eternally thankful. He takes us right where we are and begins His work in us—shaping and molding and shaping and molding some more, until He begins to see His image shining in our reflection.

Friends, there’s a better day coming and I pray that you’ll remember where you are now is not your final destination. Without a doubt, as our days sail by so quickly, we will experience the peace of God in our hearts through each of our anxious and uncertain moments. We have the option of making each new day one in which we don’t focus on the bad stuff, rather we view our present difficulties in light of eternity.

May you find the Anchor for your soul and walk through today with peace in your heart and a song on your lips. You have this day. It will never come again. As with yesterday and all days before, let us always remember that God is good, all the time.

This World Is Not My Home

This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through,
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Refrain:
O Lord, You know I have no friend like You,
If heaven’s not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

They’re all expecting me, and that’s one thing I know—
My Savior pardoned me, and now I onward go;
I know He’ll take me through though I am weak and poor,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Just up in glory-land we’ll live eternally,
The saints on every hand are shouting victory,
Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven’s shore,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Refrain:
O Lord, You know I have no friend like You,
If heaven’s not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Published 1919, Anonymous/Unknown—arr. by Albert E. Brumley

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for another opportunity to love and serve You. Please lead us in such a way that we will always represent You well. As time passes so quickly, we are comforted to know that this world and all of its troubles, is not our home nor is it our final destination. It is through our faith in Jesus Christ, that we find the peace that passes all understanding. Thank You for loving us and caring for us. I pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.

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