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
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.
Finding a Peace Long Sought After — Jehovah Shalom
Sunshine bathed my face in warm light as I gazed at the sapphire sky of early fall. Peace stirred within me — a peace long sought after. I walked up the gravel drive of the country church nestled in our mountain hollar. Sitting down on the church’s top step, I wrapped my arms around my knees, intertwined my fingers, gently rocked, and thought of the Lord — Jehovah Shalom, the Lord my Peace.
Leaning back on my elbows I looked upward.
You are My Shepherd, Lord. Lead Me Through This Valley
Father, life is beautiful, but life is hard. Rain falls on the wicked and the good. Bad things happen to good people because our world is fallen — sin is rampant. Difficulty abounds. But You are my shepherd. Lead me through this valley of difficulty.
I sense the shadows of darkness but then I remember that You draw near to us in the difficult places and I realize the shadow of Your presence is about me.
Eyes Are the Window to Our Souls. Was God Looking In?
It is said that the eyes are the window to our souls, and though I could not see into his eyes, I had the overwhelming feeling that those tiny black globes were staring directly into mine. Searching. Questioning.
He just hovered there, bobbing up and down, left and right. I gripped my coffee cup and dared not move lest the hummingbird became frightened and darted away from the window.