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
God’s Appointed Time is Perfection in Motion
Daylilies and irises burst through the crusty earth, long before the threat of frost had passed. Grass took on the color of emeralds. Buds on the old apple tree began to unfurl like crisp white linen. But the grapevine lay dormant. Waiting. Content to rest until its appointed time. I watched it morning by morning wondering when its tiny buds would appear.
An early spring cool snap crossed the mountain. Some of the iris fronds tinged brown. I held my breath for the tender apple blossoms, wondering if they could survive the chill. Their sweet fruit would be in danger if frost crowned the cool air.
In Your Light We See Light. Open My Eyes, Lord
Father, Your presence goes with me and I find rest, comfort … I find peace. In Your presence I have light to find my way through the darkness, for in Your light we see light.
Hallelujah!
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Your mercy reaches the highest heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like majestic mountains that give me shade by day and shelter by night.
Morning Light Always Speaks to My Soul
Soft rays of sunlight began to filter through the leaves of the old apple tree while most of the earth still lay in the shadow of night. Birdsong began to awaken with the dawn and my spirit began to stir. Morning light always speaks to my soul.
Morning light is delicate in nature, yet forceful in its breakthrough. Intentional. Its presence transforms and renews as it permeates the darkness, morning after morning … without fail.
You are a Very Present Help in Trouble God. Thank You
Father, You are mighty in power, doing wonders — You are sovereign over all the earth. And yet, You love me. You watch over me … You are a very present help in trouble.
Thank You, Lord.
I have placed my hope in You because You have proven Your faithfulness to me repeatedly.
A Magnificent Vista Awaits if We Will Only Press On
I knew if I could make it to the top of the ridge, the difficult climb would be worth it. The magnificent vista below would be my reward. Scattered stones caused my feet to slip a few times, and brambles snagged my pants leg with their occasional bite …
But I pressed on.
By Your Spirit, Lord, We Will Overcome Evil With Good
Father, You promise to hold us by the right hand and lead us in Your paths of righteousness — to be our Helper, the Keeper of our souls. I desire to overcome evil with good as You have instructed us, but it’s hard.
If my enemy is hungry, You want me to feed him.
If my enemy is thirsty, You want me to give him a drink.
Grace Rains Notes of His Love in the Dark of Night
It rained last night. Long and hard. I noticed the birdseed in the tray outside my window saturated by heaven’s rain. In the dark of night, it poured, satisfying a thirsty earth and soaking the seeds with goodness.
God’s grace is like this. He draws close in the dark night of the soul and rains down upon His hurting child, saturating our hearts with reminders — with notes — of His love.
Lord, Speak “Peace, Be Still” Over All the Earth
Father, You are the holy Lord God Almighty — Holy. Righteous. King over all the earth. Behold, You are the God of all flesh! Is there anything too hard for You? Speak Lord, “Peace, be still.” Quiet the tumult that rages over the earth.
You are Jehovah Shalom, the Lord our peace. There is no other like You. All thrones and dominions, all powers and positions … Your Name stands above them all. Your Name is the greatest.
As a Shadow, Goodness and Mercy Go With Us Each Step
Stopping to watch a butterfly dance through a patch of daisies alongside the country road, the toddler released her momma’s hand, turned, and noticed movement behind her. Every move she made was replicated — dark images against the gray gravel. Her shadow!
Following every move.