Here's a Thought with Jay Daniels

It was December 2011 - a not so banner year for me. I had just started working again full-time in radio after a small time of unemployment. In order to make ends meet, I had to keep a second job as a cashier at the Lynchburg Kroger.  There were many long days then... working 8 hours for the station, then 4 or more hours at the store. I was just happy to get a paycheck, but little did I know that I would receive a much greater gift that December.  It was one of those busy December evenings at Kroger, and the line of shoppers was endless. As I finished with one customer, I noticed a mother in her late 20s coming forward with her infant daughter. They had a full cart of groceries, and I suppose that this was to be their month's supply of food.  The mother looked absolutely worn out from life, but she kept a positive spirit in light of her stresses. One by one she put each item on the conveyor belt, and one by one the total amount due grew higher and higher. Finally, ...

For most folks, there are three cornerstones that build the foundation of our lives. Those three F's are these - Faith, Family, and Friends. Each of these have one key component in common with each other - a relationship. Like any thing worth having in life, these can sometimes be difficult to maintain. We have to steadily work at them, lest they fall away.  This past semester at Shenandoah University was a challenging one for many when it came to relationships. The social dynamic for many of my colleagues was tested because of certain events or actions. A number of longstanding friendly bonds soon fell to pieces because of something that someone did or said. It broke this writer's heart to see the personal struggles that so many faced over these past few months.  There was no exception for this fellow either. Ya know... there are a number of relationships that I wish I had left on better terms at semester's end. There are some that I tried to mend but to no avail. ...

Don't you just love it when God brings a conversation together that focuses on His wonderful plan for our lives? Yesterday, I had the honor of having such a conversation with a dear friend of mine. We shared some of our favorite Scriptures, including these verses from Psalm 63.  Be still and hear the Word of the Lord. "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Thanks be to God.

It has been one heck of a fall semester at Shenandoah University. Here we are just one week away from being out for Christmas Break. Truly, it is hard to believe. One thing that I thankful for are those special people who serve as mentors. These are the people who freely share their knowledge in the hopes that it can better their pupils.  Typically, I show my appreciation through more private means. In this case, however, I feel that these two people need to be recognized for what they have done to make an impact on the lives of many at Shenandoah Conservatory.  I want to take a few moments to personally thank two teaching assistants in the voice division of Shenandoah -  Colin Johnson  and  Martina Bingham . I've known both of them for a little while, but this semester I've had the great honor and pleasure of working with their voice students - both in private and class lessons.  Let me say this about Colin and Martina. They are hard workers and hav...

Earlier tonight, I was speaking with one of my friends about getting to work with senior citizens. She used this adjective to describe her own work with these special people.  She called it "life-changing." I, myself, have had the honor of privilege of performing at several dozen retirement communities for the past few years. It's easy to look at it as a way of making a living. It's easy to look at it as a means of advancing ones career.  But ya know... there's a great reward in musically working with senior citizens.  Whenever I perform before an audience, I always look for their reactions to the music. It is awe-inspiring to look out and see the smiles, the laughs, and the tears that are vividly shown on the faces of the people. Behind each of those expressions are memories, stories, and a host of emotions.  The seniors often tell me how much my music is a blessing to them. Oh, but do they realize how much of a blessing their presence is to this perf...

Yesterday, we observed All Saints' Day at St. John's in Waynesboro. (While All Saints' Day was technically this past Wednesday, we observed it during Sunday service.)  For those unfamiliar with this occasion, it is a time to remember those "official" Saints (St. Paul, St. Matthew, St. Luke, etc.). Just as important, however, it is a time to remember those "unofficial" saints who have made a great spiritual impact upon our lives and those of others. Even though I have observed All Saints' Day for several years, it really has never had a profound meaning. That all changed yesterday. Our dear interim rector and priest,  Denise Guinta , invited us to join in a special remembrance of those dear saints who have passed into the next life. As we each walked forward toward the altar for communion, we lit a candle to remember a special "saint" in our lives. I lit two - one for my Granddad, Howard Seay, and one for my Grandma, Katherine Seay. ...

Friends, I was going to share something on All Saints' Day for this evening's writing, but after hearing the news from Texas... and really the news from other corners of the country... I felt that these words may be more fitting. My  thoughts  from All Saints' Day will come out tomorrow evening.  "Don't let noisy news distress you. Don't let the headline writers rain on your parade. My goodness, there's resiliency in this country we've not yet begun to use.  As Mark Twain is said to have said of the music of Richard Wagner, 'It's not nearly so bad as it sounds.'" -Paul Harvey Remarks on 9/11 Attacks Broadcast November 24th, 2001

Last night, a dear friend and I were having a conversation about communication. She recently was at a church board meeting when the issue of communication came up. Without going into details, she said these words in response to those who claimed there was a lack of communication at the church. I have found her words to be very wise and timely. "Communication is not just about talking or giving out information. It's a two-way street. It's not just about tal king, but more importantly, it's also about listening." Think on these words as you prepare for sleep tonight.  Take time in your life to simply listen.

You may be going through a “testing time” in your life.  You may have tough decisions ahead that you simply wish you could put off. You may be experiencing strife with a dear friend or family member. You may have many questions but few answers. Beloved, in all of these things, remember these three words spoken by my mentor  Marc Tischart . “LET LOVE LEAD.”

When Mom and I were living in Beaverdam, VA, we would often go to the community's 5th Sunday Gospel Sing. Choirs from all around northwestern Hanover County would gather to join in worship through song. Those churches were packed, but we didn't care. It was such a blessing to sing the hymns of the faith with my brothers and sisters in Christ. We laughed and we cried together through the music.  That was over ten years ago... Fast forward to this weekend.  I've been battling the creeping crud of the fall season. Thankfully, I'm past the worst of the ordeal, but needless to say, it has not be a fun weekend. I had to cancel a gig in Pennsylvania yesterday that I was hoping to attend, and I barely made it to St. John's this morning.  My heart was hurting, and I just wasn't feeling like myself.  Before the sickness had set in, my dear friend and mentor  Karen Keating  had invited me come to a Community Gospel Sing in Berryville, VA, which was to be h...

Listen... The other night, I was talking about listening for the still, small voice of God. Tonight, I want us to think about how we can ourselves can be better listeners. It's no real secret that I have the gift of gab. Whether it's because of nervousness (yes, I get nervous around some folks) or an insatiable desire to say something, sometimes I just talk and talk. It's something that I have to work at on a daily basis. Several years ago, I prayed a simple prayer that went something like this, "Lord, you know my heart and the things hidden deep inside. I ask you now to help me be a better listener. Help me to listen to what others are trying to say." If you don't believe it already, believe it now. God does answer prayer. One of the greatest blessings in my life is getting to hear the stories shared by so many of my dear friends. I'm honored that many of you come to talk with me about what's affecting you in your life... some of it's ...

"O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for sweet is your voice, and your countenance is lovely." -Song of Solomon 2:14 How often do we take the time to listen?  I am reminded of one of my mentors at Shenandoah,  Charlene Romano . Before each aural dictation, she offers the clear instruction, "Listen." Just as simple as that... listen. Oft times, we pray to God for guidance... an answer to our question... a solution to our problem. Oft times, we remain frustrated when we don't hear a response. Dear friends, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is still speaking today. In fact, He is often speaking the loudest in the silent moments of life. Let us seek out those moments of peace and serenity while we listen for the voice of God.  Friend, if today you are struggling with the uncertainty of tomorrow... listen. It is time for us to stop speaking and listen for the voice...

Tonight is another sentimental forming of words and sentences that we call " Closing Thoughts ." Last night, I shared the story of two seniors residing at The Village at Orchard Ridge. If you haven't read their story, I would encourage you to do so. Tonight, I want to continue on that thought of what our relationships are built upon.  It's no surprise that I'm an old-fashioned fellow. Unfortunately, that also means that my  thoughts  on some topics are not often shared by my peers. I was pleasantly surprised, however, when I was talking with a dear friend about her and her boyfriend's relationship.  I won't go mentioning names here, as they like to keep things private. I will surely respect that. My friend and I were talking about some of the struggles that she and her boyfriend have been facing over the past few weeks. Distance and busy lives keep them separated. In light of their busy schedules, however, they make a purposeful effort to speak w...

I feel as though I never have to work a single day in my life. It's true! I earn my living by sharing the gift of music. There are many times, however, that I receive a greater blessing in return.  Each month, I perform at the Long Term Care & Rehabilitation Center at The Village at Orchard Ridge here in Winchester, VA. I've been doing hour-long shows there since they opened the new facility earlier this year. Typically, it is a small group of attendees, but they are faithful to come for performance. I'm thinking of a special couple that I visit with during each performance. Even after decades of marriage, they are still madly in love with each other. He resides at the rehabilitation center, while his wife lives in the independent living portion of Orchard Ridge.  He has his good days and his bad days. You see, he is in the later stages of Parkinson's Disease. His verbal communication is limited, but he is still able to respond through facial expressions and...

How many of you remember the film "Mary Poppins?" If you do, think of that scene featuring Ed Wynn as Uncle Albert. He just could not stop laughing; in fact, there was entire song written about it - "I Love to Laugh." As a kid, I would laugh for what seemed like an eternity. Then again, I still chuckle with glee whenever I hear that song. Laughter is beautiful gift that God has given us in this life. On the worst days of life, a bit of laughter always help s make those grey skies blue once again. The side effects from laughter are almost universally positive... except for those times when your sides hurt from laughing so long and so hard. Laughter is a beautiful thing. As most of my professors at Shenandoah will tell you, it's hard to get much done in class with my frequent bursts of jokes and laughter. OK... we do some get some things done around here... some times. Not a day goes by where I don't laugh at someone or something... normally myself. ...

I do not consider myself a positive person. While I always look for the best in many situations, I always try to keep a realistic perspective on life. Tonight, I'm reminded of a perspective that Dad shared with me when I was a kid. It was the end of a warm, summer's day. Dad and I took time to go fishing down by Lake Anna's Dike 3 (one of the man-made dams that regulates water flow).  Now you have to remember that my Dad is not one of these people that is full of profound sayings. Yet out of all of my childhood memories, these words from him stick out the most. As we sat there watching the sunset, he said this to me. "Son, you see that sunset over there? There'll never be another like it. That's kind of like our lives. There'll never be another day like today. Never." Each day, we are given a fresh start. Sure, some things may carry over from the day before. But the bottom line is this. You are given a chance to begin anew each day. Don't...

As I was thinking earlier today about what I might write this evening, I  thought  about these words that someone once told me. "Jay, you are too much of a romantic. You think of love as though it were plucked out of a 1940s film. It's just not right. You need to come back down to reality." You know, there might be a little truth in that statement. Perhaps, we do get a little carried away at times. But folks, I think when it comes to romantic relationships, we've relaxed our standards a bit much. Maybe, just maybe, we could stand to learn from those examples of yesteryear. There is a reason that after 50 or 60 years of marriage, those same couples are still madly in love with each other. During my numerous visits to retirement communities, I have been able to hear so many wonderful stories from seniors and their “courting days.”  Oft times, I will ask these wise folks, “What’s your secret?” 9 times out of 10, the answer is the same, “Never go to bed angry with ...

What are some of those precious moments that you keep hidden within the depths of your mind's scrapbook? Who are those that have made life truly special?  Maybe your precious moments would be forgettable for many, but for you, they hold great meaning. One of those special moments happened to me today. It was one of those things that just made the day better. A dear friend spent some time with me during her lunch break. We never really get to see each other because of schedules, but today we had time to just enjoy each other's day. It was a musical experience that we shared that truly brightened my day and brought a positive end to a busy and tiring week. What a joy it was to just sit and sing through some of our favorite jazz standards. I never get to do that, and it was such a pleasant surprise. Dear friends, look for those special moments that God gives each us day. On the dark days, remember those precious times spent with those we love and care for. And to my ...

Tonight's  thoughts  will be brief, but I hope that they carry great meaning for you as they do for me. Earlier today, we were asked to think of one person that has made an unmistakable impact upon our lives... one person who has a lasting impression upon us. I thought of my dear friend and mentor,  Marc Tischart . He was and is truly an example of what a leader should be. During one of our many conversations at the radio station, he said these words to me, which I will never forget. "If you keep doing the right things, the wins will come." Dear friends, you may be tired... tired of fighting a losing battle against a seemingly insurmountable adversary. You may be ready to throw in the towel and give up. But remember this, beloved! God didn't promise us an easy life, but He did promise us that He would be with us through the good and bad that life deals to us.  Keep trusting. Keep working. Keep sowing. Keep doing the right things.

I've been doing a lot of listening to the famed radio announcer, Paul Harvey. He's passed on now, but I remember some of the words that he offered during his acceptance speech at the R&R Talk Radio Seminar in 2003. He said this... "Tomorrow always has been better than today, and it still will be." What does that look like in reality? For many of my colleagues at Shenandoah, this is a stressful time of year. We're in the midst of week 7, and even with Fall Break next week, the end seems so far away. For many, the light can't be seen because you are buried so deep in the mounds of homework and rehearsals. It has simply become too much to bear.  Now, let's bring this around to everyone.  We get so stressed over life. We allow the little things to creep up on us and bog us down in agony and despair. We go 'round and 'round trying to answer the questions that we haven't an answer for. We make up hypothetical worst-case scenarios and st...

I  thought  about my Grandma Seay in Musicking I today. We were talking about following recipes. Even when multiple people are given the same recipe, there will be a number of different results. Besides, some people would rather use a "dash" of this and a "dab" of that, as opposed to following the recipe. There are some people who were born to cook. My Grandma, Katherine Seay, was one of those people. I still believe that if she hadn't had 11 children to rai se, she could've very well run a restaurant. One of her specialties was what she called "Heavenly Lite Rolls." I firmly believe that they came down from Heaven! People from near and far had sampled these rolls and kept coming back for dozens more. I remember one of the times that Grandma Seay had to make several dozens of rolls for a special event at the Louisa Moose Lodge; I think it was happening on a Friday night.  The night before the event, she said, "Now, Jay, I've ...

There are many activities in our lives that we feel are therapeutic - playing music, cutting grass, washing dishes, and yes... cleaning the house. You may have your own things in life that help to ease stresses.  For me, writing "Closing Thoughts" each evening is a therapeutic stress reliever. It allows me to share a small piece of my life with each of you, as we travel along life's journey together. Tonight's "Thoughts" are quite personal for me, but I feel that sharing them may possibly be of help to someone who has been or is in the same situation. Today, one of my dearest friends announced her engagement to the man who has made such a positive difference in her life. I've known her for almost two years, and I haven't seen her this happy before. They'll both admit that their relationship isn't perfect, but they truly do love each other. That brings me to my point for tonight. What are our relationships built on?  The subject of da...

As I was recording "Simply Timeless" tonight, I shared some of these  thoughts  at the end of the broadcast. I'd like to share them with you here before the evening is through. We've seen a lot of storms over the past few weeks. Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana; Hurricane Irma in Florida and Georgia.  I'd think that more than a few of us have been through (or are going through) a stormy season in our own lives.  When we're in midst of the storm, we can't see what's ahead. We can only see what's around us... stormy seas, downpours, and winds that knock the very life out of us.  Yet even when we're in the storm, God still provides that little bit of manna from above.  It's like what a dear friend told me over the summer. "Jay, we're believing in the manna principle. We're trusting that God will provide what we need when we need it."  Yes, I know how it feels to be in the midst of the storm. I've be...

Let's face it. We never like to admit when we're wrong. Maybe it's pride, or maybe we just think we're always right. But ya know what I've found to be true in this life? The strongest and most trustworthy people are those who can admit when they've made the wrong choices... when they've said the wrong things... most of all, they can look at you and honestly say 'I'm sorry.' Friends, we - you and I - can never truly move forward in life until we realize that we have and will continue to make mistakes. When we are honest with others and ourselves, then we truly grow and move forward in life. Sleep well, folks!

"If there ever were dreams that were lofty and noble, they were my dreams at the start. The hopes for life's best were the hopes that I harbored down deep in my heart. My dreams turned to ashes. My castles all crumbled. My fortune turned to loss. So, I wrapped it all in the rags of my life, and I laid it at that old cross." Gloria Gaither penned those words to the song, "Something Beautiful." You may be looking around at the remains of a once vibrant life. Everything that you had planned for... everything that you had hoped for... every bit of it now a distant memory.  It has been said that perhaps life's detours are actually our destinations. You know, life's road can get a little bumpy, too. It's not an easy path that we travel as humans, but thanks be to God that the Almighty is by our side as we traverse this landscape of life. May we realize that tomorrow holds a great deal of uncertainty. None of us know where that path may lead. In spi...

These are troubling times in America, and we have a great many decisions to make. Some would feel that moving historical monuments and relics would help to ease tensions and set us on a path of positive progress.  Perhaps they're right. But you know what? We can do all those things and still be left with the innate problem... we are an evil, sinful people.  The problem does not solely lie within those monuments and relics. The problem is also bred within the hearts of men and women.  We cannot expect the world to change, unless we are willing to change ourselves.  May God to allow us to see those things that would place a wedge between us and our brothers and sisters.  And may God break our hearts so that we might better serve Him through loving and serving our neighbors. We can do all of the right things and still have the same problems. True change can only happen when man's heart is changed, and that change comes from above.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." -Matthew 5:14 No doubt that you have heard of the great tragedy that has affected so many lives in Manchester, England. A senseless crime committed by a heinous terrorist group. My sympathy and prayers go to those affected by this incident. That brings me to my point tonight in " Closing Thoughts ." Have you ever noticed what happens when a small candle is lit in a totally darkened room? Suddenly, light permeates through the blackened space. Light overpowers the darkness. It's an analogy you've heard explained time and time again. These are dark days in which we live, friends; yet, we must not allow the darkness to dim our lights. If we live our lives in constant fear, the enemy has already won.  How then, shall we live our lives?  Beloved, we - you and I - are the light of the world. Let's be the light to those around us through our actions... our words... and ...

Friends, I really do spend a bit of time trying to think of something to share with you at the day's end. Some days, I have many words to share. Other days, I have just a few words to share. Believe it or not, I just have a few words tonight.  If there were one thing that we could use more in life, it would be time. We never seem to have enough time for anything. We're just too busy. We fill our schedules with endless tasks, and we never seem to have any t ime left over. In this hustle and bustle of life, we often leave out our dear family and friends because we just don't have the time for them. Dear friends, remember these words as you end another busy week. If something or someone is important to you, you will make the time. Somewhere, someway, somehow, you will find the time to make. Don't let time pass you by. Savor and make the most of each moment that God has given to us. And don't ever be too busy to miss out on great experiences.

Several years ago, my good friend  Dennis Carter  gave me this before I left Lynchburg. He and I worked together at WSET ABC 13 from 2009-10. Today was Dennis' 60th birthday. He and his family have been dear to me for some time. I am grateful for his friendship and help over the years. In  closing , read the quote on this keepsake. Dennis knows me pretty well, huh?