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
Hints of Grace Light the Day, Diffusing the Darkness
Out of the darkened chamber of night, the new day dawns. Ebony turns to shades of apricot and lavender, washing over the earth, reflecting God’s glory in the rivers, lakes, puddles, and dew drops — hints of grace light up the morning.
God’s glory cannot be halted — it will always be revealed, no matter the depth of night’s darkness. His light of morning grows and spreads and permeates the earth with the hope of a new day … no matter the deprivation of the soul.
Remind Me, Lord, That Your Grace is More Than Enough
Lord, I’m so thankful that Your mercies are new every morning … Your grace is more than enough to enter the new day. But I must sit at Your feet and taste of Your goodness to replenish the grace needed to journey through this fallen world. Call to me, Jesus, and I will come.
Through Your mercies, I am not consumed, because Your compassion does not fail.
Birdsong Held My Restless Thoughts and Led Me to God
Sitting in the quiet of the morning, I grew still. Birdsong outside my window held my restless thoughts. One soloist stood out among the rest — her song strong and crisp against the cool of the morning.
I could barely see the pop of cheerful yellow among the new spring leaves of our apple tree. But there she was, singing praise from the treetop — her melodious song filling the somber morning as she joined the chorus of birdsong.
I Cling to You, Lord, for You are My Helper
In the beginning, Lord, Your Spirit hovered over the waters. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep. And then You spoke and brought order to the chaos. Thank You for this imagery — I can see it clearly, and it reassures me in my own season of difficulty. You are WITH me, Lord, and You DWELL WITHIN me — I am not alone, for You are my Helper.
The Dawn Unfurled Into a Holy Hush, a Healing Balm
The blush of dawn unfurled like a delicate rose. Layer upon layer of darkness rolled away, yielding — bowing — to the morning light. Lavender and teal, tangerine and coral swirled together on the canvas of the sky — a palette of exquisite colors proclaiming glory to the Lord as a holy hush fell onto the last breath of the night. Stillness — creation remembering that He is God.
When Bittersweet Praise Rises from a Heavy Heart
The cardinal threw his head back and sang. Bathed in a ray of sunlight breaking through the young foliage of spring, his song lifted to the heavens, its melody surely praising his Creator. I gazed at his brilliance in the soft morning light, lost in the wonder of his beauty. My heart, bittersweet and heavy-laden with burdens, yearned to be free like this beautiful, crimson creature in the apple tree.
Abba Father, Hold Me Close to Your Heart. I Need You
Abba Father, hold me close. Your presence is so sweet to my longing soul. Soothing. Reassuring. I find my rest in You. With the cords of Your faithfulness, You have bound me to Yourself — You have covered me with Your wing and kept me safe from the enemy.
Thank You, Lord.
Where Pavement Meets Gravel, Like a River He Found Me
I stopped at the rustic fencepost where pavement meets gravel, and meadow yields to pasture. Wind blew against my face as I tilted my gaze upward, heavenward … searching, longing for a touch from the Lord.
Billowing clouds bumped into one another as they moved across the mountain ridge. Some shone brightly, illuminated by the sun. Others had a dark cast to them. Heavy. Daunting. Resisting the light.
Send Out Your Light. Help Me in My Place of Heartache
Lord, my soul longs for Your touch, for Your presence — Your light in my shadows of heartache. Some days I am overwhelmed by the sorrow that comes with difficulties — the anguish and feelings of hopelessness.
I know You are well acquainted with suffering, and for that I am thankful. I’m thankful because You understand my heart.