A warm welcome to you! Thank you for stopping by. As you read through my pages, I believe you will find that I am just like you—a woman who loves the Lord and cherishes His grace. And, like you, I sometimes grow weary from the journey. I have experienced many difficult places in my life—a brother’s suicide, my mom’s young death, cancer, a prodigal child, extensive unemployment. There have been times when I thought I couldn’t go on. But, God…don’t you love that? But God carried me through and opened my eyes to see Him in my midst. He opened my ears to hear His sweet whispers of love.
Take hope in the knowledge that you are cherished by the One who made you—you are sheltered in the shadow of His wing, close to His heart. It is my prayer that as we get to know one another you, too, will see beyond the veil and will learn to say, “Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord”
With joy,
Nan
Faith Notes ~ Julie Dibble: But God, I Want To Be In Control!
My first impression of Julie Dibble is that she sparkles with the Light of Christ! I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her in person, but her online personna makes my heart smile. I can’t wait to share her testimony with you. Julie speaks candidly of her frustration with her husband’s extended complications from surgery and why God wasn’t handling things the way she thought He should be. She even admits to wanting to be in control. Now, I know you’ve never felt that way, right? Yeah, right. I think we all have felt that way at one time or another. But our God is longsuffering, merciful, and good to His children. Please welcome Julie to Faith Notes.
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Finding God’s Presence ~ But I Don’t Want to Wait. I Want to Soar. Now.
I walked through the meadow grass, remnants of summer brushing against my leg. Signs of autumn appeared with splashes of red and gold here and there, dotting the forest-scape like fire flies on a summer’s eve.
A red hawk soared above. His grace intrigued me as he yielded to the currents of the wind.
He didn’t resist the wind.
He seemed to stretch his wings farther, lean in, and allow the wind to carry him to new heights.
I want to be like that.
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Finding God’s Presence ~ A Prayer When You Could Use a Smile
Lord, Your love surrounds me. I love this remarkable truth. Thank You. Your abiding presence makes my heart smile. Even when I feel distressed, I can smile at the thought of being completely and securely surrounded by Your love.
Some days the burdens are great and fear pounds at the door, but then I think of Your great love and I find peace again.
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Faith Notes ~ Tracie Manders: Where Are You God When My Child Dies?
You are about to meet a precious young woman, Tracie Manders. Tracie and her husband, Nathan, lost their five year old son, James, in a tragic car accident January 12, 2017. This is her story of raw pain and questioning the God she loves and ultimately her story of faith. It is a story of unbelievable heartache, yet determination to keep the memory of her son alive and to use his story for God’s glory. James was a happy child with a smile always on his face. He would light up a room when he walked in. James loved Jesus and looked forward to seeing heaven one day. As hard as these months have been, Tracie and Nathan have found the Lord to be faithful and His grace sufficient. They have found His tender mercies really are new every morning. I know their story will impact your life deeply.
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Finding God’s Presence ~ What Happens in the Shadow of His Presence?
Gravel crunched beneath my feet as I walked with my face to the afternoon sun, long shadows all about me. My heart weighed heavy with the fear of an unknown future. I wrestled to keep my eyes focused on Jesus — the One who holds my tomorrows and leads me in paths of righteousness … even when I murmur and complain.
A thought kept circling through my mind: surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
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Finding God’s Presence ~ A Prayer to Find God’s Steadfast Love While in Harm’s Way
Thank You Lord, for Your abiding Presence … Abiding. Steadfast. Even though circumstances may change, You don’t. You remain.
We call upon Your name as the waters of destruction rise around us — figuratively and physically. Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires pummel the earth. Many of Your children are in harm’s way, yet we hold fast to Your Truth — the Truth of Your abiding Presence, Your Truth of salvation when we call upon Your Name.
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Faith Notes ~ Sandi Miller: Where is God When Your Childhood … Just … Isn’t?
Sandi Miller — what a mighty woman of God! The Lord has taken her life from a barren desert to overflowing streams that create an oasis for other hurting women. She amazes me and I know that I know her Redemption story will touch you deep in your soul. Please share this with any woman you know who has suffered the devastation of childhood sexual abuse and the broken heart, guilt, and shame of abortion. Sandi wants others to know the Father’s forgiveness and, together, we ask the Lord to help set the captives free.
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Finding God’s Presence ~ In a Locust? Seriously?
A funny thing happened on the way home from church.
A locust — not a green grasshopper, but a locust — landed on my windshield while I was traveling 60 mph down Highway 16. He didn’t splat. He just landed there.
And looked at me.
For about two miles…
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Finding God’s Presence ~ A Prayer to Learn Trust With Abandon
Lord, You complete me — You make me whole. You teach me to trust You. Your Living Water seeps through the broken places sealing the crevices with Your love. You are teaching me that as I bring You my adoration, You return to me Your strength and power to accomplish Your purposes in me. Thank You Lord. You renew my vision and awaken my heart.
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