Canaan's Rest

Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.

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January 1, 2026

January 1, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Happy Happy New Year! Did you stay up to ring in the New year? We never made it to midnight but did some celebrating last night and today will celebrate more. Al loves to watch football and I make his favorite snacks and it is his one day of the year to vegetate in front of the TV.
Your question for this week is what word would you choose for the coming year to especially focus on in your relationship with the Lord?
Devotions from Judy’s heart
 Today I would like to confess something that I need to definitely improve upon in the New Year, that I failed to accomplish well in the past year. A friend and I both choose a word at the beginning of each New Year that we would like to uncover, spending some time focusing on and discovering more about it. My word in 2024 was “Deep” as I desired to go deeper with the Lord.
 Then at the beginning of 2025, I chose the word “Quiet,” intending to practice being quiet before the Lord, just sitting and enjoying His presence each day. No words, just listening to Him and being with Him. Even though I taught this in the past and wrote about it, I failed to do it many days and just began writing a devotional after having my personal devotions. More times than I would like to admit, I began my work without taking those quiet moments to just be with the Lord in quietness.
  My friend recently asked me what my word was for this past year, I missed it and said, “Deep” which was my word for the year before. I had to look up in my notebook and discovered my word was “Quiet.” Right then I knew I deserved a D or an F for missing days when I skipped that special time in quiet listening that is far more important than what I had to do during that day. Sitting before the Lord and listening is honoring Him, paying attention and giving Him the floor so to speak. The days I did sit in quiet with Him, were days that everything went better and seemed to flow along. He knows what my day holds and can prepare me for whatever is ahead.
 Perhaps we have all had people in our lives that give us only partial attention. It seems like they are listening, but by the questions they ask later, we know they missed what we said. Or it could be they were interrupted by their phone and had one eye on it and only partial attention to us. I feel regretful for the times I have done that to the Lord and not given Him my full attention. It helps me to keep a notebook nearby during quiet moments with Him, as I write down something that needs attention later or special words He speaks to my heart.
 I want to encourage you to pick a word that describes something you need to focus on in the New Year and ask the Lord to help you be faithful.
Challenge for today: After picking a word for the year, ask the Lord to teach you and be a better student than I have been.
Blessings in your new year and prayers and love, Judy

December 31, 2025

December 31, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are making preparations to celebrate the new year! I plan to go to my exercise class this morning and crafts this afternoon and then make preparations for Al’s special treats for New Year’s Day.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Soon we will embark on a New Year and I like to sit quietly on New Year’s Eve, thinking over the past year and asking the Lord to give me a new word for the coming year. I received a text message a few days ago from a dear friend whose pastor gave them a Guided Prayer Guide for 2026 and hope that you will want do it also. First of all, spend time thanking the Lord for things you are grateful God did in 2025, then go on to pray through the following questions and journal what you hear from the Lord.

1.     What do you need to leave behind in 2025? (Toxic mindsets, sin patterns, addictions, toxic relationships, etc.)

2.     What word or phrase is going to define 2026 for me? (Spend a great amount of time on this one.)

3.     Jesus, what do you want my spiritual life to look like in 2026? (Time in the Word, prayers and church)

4.     Jesus, how can I better steward my soul this year? (Emotional health and hobbies)

5.     Jesus, how can I be a better steward of the body you have given me this year? (Health and fitness)

6.     Jesus, what does relational health look like for me this year? Who do I need to invite in and where do I need to put up boundaries? How can I better steward my marriage?

7.     Jesus, how can I be more generous with what you have blessed me with this year? (Commit to tithe, give to missions, serve, etc.)

8.     Jesus, how do you want to use me this year at work and in my sphere of influence?

I hope you will spend some time with these questions and begin the New Year with anticipation for what the Lord will do in you and through you.

Challenge for today: Go apart and spend some time before the Lord and write down your answers to the questions.
Blessings on your New Year’s Eve and prayers and love, Judy

December 30, 2025

December 30, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have a prayerful day! I plan to clean the apartment as I took down our Christmas decorations yesterday. I have fish to
fry for dinner that were a gift we so appreciate. Al is happy there are more pumpkin pancakes for supper tonight! Such a small
thing but he has thanked me numerous times!Emoji
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Many of us start our day with prayer, asking the Lord to bless our day, to help us in our work, protect us, etc. But what about the end of the day? Do we remember to give Him thanks for how He was with us giving us guidance and creative ways to do our best work? It’s like in my husband’s study: he has two very heavy bookends, and both are needed to hold the books upright and keep them from falling over. Our day is incomplete, in a sense, like having only one bookend if we neglect to thank the Lord who was led and guided us in making our decisions, given us stamina to complete our tasks and helped us in our relationships, etc.  We might just want to give praise aloud to the Lord on our drive home from work and rehearse His goodness to us throughout our whole workday.

Then it is good to leave behind the work and have a little playtime and unstructured time to relax and enjoy life. All work and no play is not good for our souls, and each of us may find different ways to find balance. Just like children who are in school all day and hear the bell to go home: they switch gears and begin enjoying some fun free time. Some people even write “Play Time” into their datebook to be sure to rest from their work. I often refer to free time as my reward time when I sit down and play a Scrabble game online after cleaning or working a long while in the kitchen. A time away from work actually makes us more productive and frees our mind to think more creatively.

We need to acknowledge the Lord in all we do, and as it says in Proverbs 3:6 & 8: “Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track…Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!” Throughout our day let us acknowledge the Lord and at the end of the day, let us give thanks.

Challenge for today: Take time to do something relaxing and fun and give thanks to the Lord.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

Full Fat Orthodoxy

December 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Anthony Bradley continues to be an insightful  source of material for my blog on masculinity.  He recently post a blog entitled, “Secularism lied to boys and men.”  He notes how Gen Z men are running back to church for the truth they were denied.  “The boys and men in the West are not alright,” warns Bradley, “adrift in a culture of digital distraction, economic volatility, and profound loneliness, a generation of young men is waking up to the fact that the secular world has broken its promise.  Secularism doesn’t work.  It was all a big fat lie.” 

Bradley references the recent data from the UK showing a quiet but powerful current that seems to be pulling a growing number of young men toward an ancient faith.  There is a conscious rebellion or as some call it “a quiet revival” against a trivial society. It is “a search for an anchor in the form of a rigorous full fat orthodox Christianity.” Bradley asks, “Why are the lost boys of the secular age finding their way back to God, and what does their journey tell us about the future of the West?”

Gen Z is a generation whose consciousness has been shaped by perpetual crisis, economic precarity, and the hollowing out of communal life.  It has produced a generation of spiritually destitute young men.  “Disenchanted with the the triviality and banality of a screen-addicted society, young converts are searching for transcendence – for something beautiful, awesome, and enduring.”  Young men are being drawn to a robust, full fat orthodoxy and the stability of its deep historical and institutional roots.  They is a search for “rediscovery of an inheritance.”  

Gen Z is experiencing a crisis of meaning. The structural failure in culture has created a new demand for the Christian message.  Young men are being drawn to Christianity because of its “truth claims.”  “The Christian faith,” notes Bradley, “is not being adopted as a mere therapeutic tool but as a comprehensive framework for a flourishing human life…..The church is functioning as it was designed: as a community of belonging and purpose, offering a coherent answer to the alienation that plagues the modern West.”  

Young people are rejecting a “half fat” gospel in favor of the “full fat” orthodoxy of historic Christianity.  They are drawn to the radical, counter-cultural, and comprehensive claims of the gospel.  Bradley wonders,  “What is happening in the UK should serve as a sober-minded and encouraging case study for the church in North America. It suggests that as the secular narrative continues to exhaust itself, opportunities will emerge.  The question is whether the church will be ready with a compelling, orthodox, and deeply communal expression of the faith that offers a true alternative to a world that has lost its way.”

The last sentence in the previous paragraph presents, in my opinion, a challenge to the men of my generation.  Do we have a compelling story of the good news that will speak to generation Z?  Do we have a full fat orthodoxy or is it a “half fat” message?  I accept this challenge from Bradley.  Young men are searching for an anchor in their lives, living in a secular culture that seems to be exhausted?

As the writer of this blog, I have not changed in my convictions.  Articulating the truth is vital.  Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8;32). I believe in a “full fat” orthodoxy.  I have continued to cry out for older men, like myself, to mentor and gather with younger men.  Masculinity is “caught more than taught.”  Finally, I need to act like a real man. 

 

December 29, 2025

December 29, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope your heart is full as you celebrated the wondrous gift given to us in Jesus. It has been snowing and snowing. It started when we were in church yesterday morning and continued all day and not sure how much of the night. I’m not sure if I will get to my exercise class but I plan to cook and bake and make Al pumpkin pancakes!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We have recently celebrated the event when God’s love came down to us in the birth of His Son, and this was before we were able to respond and show Him our love. When you think about it, maybe we all struggle with believing the extent of His love and learning how to be really loved. We know Jesus came, left His home in glory and died the cruelest death for us to show us how much he loved us. He gave all, and we are able to love only because He first loved us. (I John 4:19) How we need to let that soak in so that our actions will be done out of the outflow of His love into us.

Isn’t what everyone is really looking for: to know they matter and are loved? In the book of Ephesians, it seems Paul has concern that those in the church would know this also, for in Eph. 3:17-19 he says when he prays, “that Christ will live in you as you open the door to invite Him in. And I ask Him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”

To know and experience His love is simply wonderful but it is not to end there, for we are to overflow in love for others. Jesus especially loved and identified with the poor, ministering to them, and when we reach out to them, we are His hands and feet. Recently, Al and I visited a person who has so little in the world’s goods but rich in faith, we went away realizing we are the poor ones.  May each of us experience the deep joy of sharing what we have with others.

Challenge for today: Give out of the overflow of God’s love as the Holy Spirit directs you, even when it hurts.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy

December 27, 2025

December 27, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas weekend. We are going to depart for home after two wonderful days with family. Lots and lots of games and sharing and eating and fun and laughter. We were especially thankful for time with Ethan and Taylor and saw their new beautiful baby daughter.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How secure are we? Are we able to rest in God’s love and acceptance or are we insecure, depending on affirming words and actions of others towards us? Jesus wants us to find our security in Him and His love. If we look for acceptance from the world, we will end up fearful, lonely and insecure. We can be sure, there will always be people that reject us, misread us, and hurt us, even though that may be the result of their own insecurities and negative experiences.

Jesus knew what it was like to be rejected, but His security and acceptance was found in the Father only. I was reading in John recently that after Jesus cleansed the temple, many people entrusted their lives to Him, but others rejected Him. It says in John 2:25, “But Jesus didn’t entrust His life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them.“ Jesus was hated by many without any cause though He lived a perfect life.

We are to believe what God says to us about who we are, not what others say about us. He looks beyond the outside and knows what is in our hearts. Do we accept that He says we are His beloved child, or do we continue to go by what the world around us says? The Lord is for us and wants to love and care for us. Like the song says, “Be not dismayed, whate’er betide, God will take care of you! Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you. Lonely and sad from friends apart, God will take care of you! He will give peace to your aching heart, God will take care of you!”

Challenge for today: No matter what people may say about you, receive your acceptance from the Lord and let Him care for you!
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

December 26, 2025

December 26, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you had a blessed Christmas Day as you celebrated the wondrous day of Jesus Birth. We left early yesterday morning
for a hotel in the cities where we were joined by almost 50 of our relatives. We had a feast for supper and so many goodies
to try as each family shared news of the past year and God’s faithfulness to us. Lots of games followed and so many treats.
My brother and wife also invited a woman they met at church that didn’t have a place to go and she joined us for supper and
an evening of games and was included in family.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
God comes to us in many ways and speaks to us through His Word, through others, through dreams and visions, even verbally. Our part is to be open, listen and do whatever He tells us. We have so many examples in scripture of those who heard God speak and then did exactly what He said. Moses, Abraham and the prophets were quick to obey, for the most part. Hearing is important, but also doing what is spoken to us.

I wonder if I have mentioned to you of the night I was soundly sleeping and woke in the middle of the night, unable to go back to sleep. A message came to me of something that I had never thought of before or considered, and it was a bit puzzling. It still is. At first, I wondered where it was coming from and wanted to ignore it, but yet it was so unexpected and definite. I asked the Lord if I was hearing right, gaving it thought and prayer for three hours. I could not go back to sleep until I said yes to the Lord. Even if I don’t understand the why, I know that when and if He desires, He will let me know. His will is always best!

Later, a friend sent me a message of the story of Samuel as a young boy who heard a voice in the night three times and thought it was Eli calling him. (I Samuel 3) But the priest realized it must be the Lord and told him to answer, “Speak Lord for your servant hears.” Samuel did exactly that and was open and willing to hear what God said.

Sometimes a word may come to us that does not fit our expectations or what we want to hear. But may we be like young Samuel and embrace whatever it is.

Challenge for today: When you sense the Lord speaking to you, listen with the intent to obey.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

December 25, 2025

December 25, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
May this be a special day of worship and praise for Jesus’ coming. No matter if we are with a lot of relatives or alone, we can be full of praise for the precious gift given us and an eternity with Him forever.
We will be packing up and driving to the cities for two nights and spending time catching up with many relatives. At our Christmas meal tonight each family shares what has happened over this past year in their family.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Today is the day we have been waiting for as we celebrate the birthday of our King, Lord, and Savior. I would like to share a poem I received online that expresses how Jesus’ birth arrived in such humble circumstances, and that His birth gives us hope and light that breaks through the darkness.

       Christmas Light Eternal

In the hush of winter’s night,

A star breaks through the veil of sky,

Guiding hearts with gentle light,

To where Love’s promise will not die.

No gold, no crown, no earthly throne,

Just straw and breath, a manger bare,

Yet Heaven’s gift is fully shown—

God’s own heart, laid open there.

So let the world grow still and hear,

The whisper born in Bethlehem,

That every soul, both far and near,

Is cradled in His diadem.”

 On this Christmas day, may we look beyond the glitter and gifts we will receive and celebrate the greatest gift of all: Jesus and the revelation of His love for us and His presence with us.

Challenge for today: Be present to Jesus today and honor Him with praise and worship from your heart.
Blessings to you on this Christmas Day and prayers and love, Judy

December 24, 2025

December 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
A blessed Christmas Eve day to you. Like many of you we will be making Christmas preparations today and then going to the Christmas Eve Candlelight service tonight. Tomorrow we head for a motel in the cities where we will spend the next 2 days with over 45 relatives!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
It is Christmas Eve day, a time our hearts are turned to the Lord in a special way as we rejoice that He came down to earth for us. Because He came, He opened the way of salvation for us to receive Him and His love. As I was thanking the Lord, a hymn came to mind that I have not thought of for years; maybe you know it. “Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled my Soul” by John Peterson. Today we think of the King of Glory coming down for us so we can experience a new life in the Lord and have hope for eternity. The song says it all:

1. O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;
After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.

Chorus
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)
When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)
My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

2. Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine,
Justified fully thru Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine!
And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,
Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer, He saved me, O praise His dear name!

3. Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;
I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime.
And it’s because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed;
Riches eternal and blessings supernal, from His precious hand I received.

May you know for certain the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. If you are reading this and have never received Him, on this Christmas Eve day confess your sins and invite Him into your heart. He will wash away all your sins, giving you joy, hope and a future in Heaven.

Challenge for today: Thank the Lord for coming and for saving you, and be open to opportunities to share Him with other
Blessings on this Christmas Eve day and prayers and love, Judy

December 23, 2025

December 23, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you take time for the Lord today. Yesterday afternoon Al and I went to see Susan who you have prayed for in the past. She is in the hospital with a broken leg and getting over Covid. Please pray for her healing. It is so beautiful to see her rest
in the Lord. I’m sure she would love to get back to Birchwood for Christmas but it may be some time before that happens.
This afternoon Al and I are going to friends for coffee and sharing time and prayer.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Let us ask ourselves during this Advent season if we are making room for Jesus and taking time with Him. We can get caught up with many things we could do to prepare for Christmas, but what is most important? How do we keep spiritually awake and give our attention to the Lord?

One morning, Al left before 7 a.m. for the men’s group while I baked some cookies, filling the apartment with aroma. I had my devotional time and decided to just sit in the dark with only our little Christmas tree lit up and have time with the Lord. I had just read about the shepherds who were interrupted in their night watch by light from heaven and an angel who announced good news of Jesus birth, accompanied by a host of angels giving glory to God. The shepherds were not too busy to quickly go to see Jesus, returning full of joy and praising God. What if they had felt they were too occupied to go? Just think of what they would have missed!

Jesus waits for us every day and desires to spend the day with us, but how much we miss when we hurry by and don’t give our attention to Him! What if we slowed down our pace and let lesser things go. I had just read an email from a friend who was excited to be going to go to a praise service that afternoon, and had also been fellowshipping with a new Christian. She was on God’s time! As I sat in the dark my focus went to the cross on the wall and the words to a song came to mind that gave words to what was in my heart. “How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me. The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. To God be the glory…”

Let us slow down, enjoy His presence and listen to Him speak to our hearts.

Challenge for today:  Meditate on Psalm 145: 2-3, “Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.”
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy
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