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
I Walk by Faith, God, But Seeing Still Gets to Me
Father, I’m so thankful You are the Ruler over all the earth. And I’m thankful You are good, You are merciful, and You are kind. That knowledge helps me walk by faith. I try not to walk by sight but seeing still gets to me.
Sometimes it is hard to reconcile what I’m seeing with what I know about You. I question how such evil could be taking over our nation and world. I question how an all-powerful God could allow such things to happen.
Finding a Peaceful Rhythm in the Flames of Adversity
The porch swing rocked in a peaceful rhythm. My spirit stirred as I looked up from my Bible, raising it to my chest and grasping the wonder it held. I looked toward the ridge where the sun began its evening descent.
Magenta began rising above the trees. Lavender and apricot clouds tossed their petals across the wide expanse as the North Star made its appearance. Soon multitudes of stars — glistening diamonds — would make their presence known against an indigo sky.
You Are Sovereign, God. Nothing is Too Hard for You
Father, I am so thankful for Your authority over all the earth. You are the Sovereign God, nothing takes You by surprise and I’m so thankful nothing is too hard for You.
I can rest in that knowledge because I know it to be true.
Are Clashing Seasons Like Opposing Tenets of Faith?
The morning dew lay heavy upon the grass, glistening drops of refreshment clinging to each blade. In each tiny globe of moisture, the light of a new day reflected like glitter scattered across the field. I thought of how the dew was formed — the warm air rising from the earth clashing with the cooler air of descending darkness, a foretelling of the clashing seasons of summer into fall, a whisper of the challenges my tenets of faith have experienced.
I thought of the conflict of one season morphing into another — the warmth of summer wrestling with the chill of fall much like the dark of night softens to morning light …
I’m Anxious, Lord. Will You Quiet Me With Your Love?
Father, I find myself feeling anxious over fear of the unknown, and great frustration with the state of our nation and world. I worry about its effect on my family and loved ones. I know You instruct me not to worry, but it’s hard not to.
My thoughts race, running parallel to Your Word rather than intersecting and falling captive to Your authority.
When My Neck, Stiff With Attitude, Encountered God
Shadows laced together like interlocking fingers carpeting the trail beneath my feet. Blue chicory mingled with fuchsia-painted sweet peas among the boulders heralding my hike. A cool breeze rubbed against my neck stiff with attitude and tension and whispered for me to look up to the sky wrought with glory.
But I didn’t want to.
My Faith is Rooted God. I Must Hold Fast in the Storm
Father, everywhere I look I see shadows of evil, the handiwork of the rulers and principalities of darkness. I have not seen this level of evil in all of my days. I’m thankful my faith is rooted, reaching deep into Your streams of living water.
I must hold fast in the storm. Please help me, Lord.
Stillness of Heart and Attainable Peace Can Be Yours
Curled up on the couch, I watched the sun rise over the ridge. Fresh, cool air streamed in through the open window awakening my senses, drawing my attention to the One who loves me. Being lost in my thoughts, I cradled my coffee cup and sipped from its warm goodness. I craved stillness of heart.
Stirring deep in my spirit came a song, “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn … “
This Mountain is Steep, but I Feel Your Grip, Lord
Father, You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. Through the valleys, through the turbulent waters, and through the flames of adversity, You lead me, shielding me from harm. This path has led me to a mountain, and this mountain is steep.
I feel the grip of Your hand holding mine. I can sense Your strong arm beneath me undergirding and offering me strength, and I’m thankful. But I look up and feel overwhelmed by the height of this mountain. I feel inadequate to scale the rugged terrain.