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
Where Are You, Lord, When Tragedy Strikes?
Lord, You are mighty to save, full of power, overflowing with mercy. So, where are You, Lord, when tragedy strikes? Why does it seem as though evil is prevailing?
Please help me understand. Open my eyes, and the eyes of others to recognize Your presence when the unthinkable happens.
Persevere in the Strength of the Lord, Dear One
While sitting beneath the old shade tree, I considered the task at hand, the trials all about me, and the need to persevere in the strength of the Lord. I closed my eyes and entered into the world of daydream.
I imagined myself as a small child wandering along a mountain trail listening to the melody of the birds. Trees swayed to the rhythm of the wind and drank from the stream that ribboned its way through the natural paradise.
Your Eyes Roam the Earth, Lord. Set Your Gaze on Me
Lord, Your eyes roam across the earth seeking those who love You, who need to be strengthened. You never slumber, nor sleep. Please find me in my distress and set Your gaze upon me.
You know those who belong to You. You search my heart and know my anxious thoughts. You know those things that trouble me — indeed, even those things that delight my soul.
Finding Pearls of Great Price Among the Daylilies
Rain showers the night before left the earth moist. The morning sun lit up the tiny droplets of water like a sprinkling of diamond dust scattered across my yard. Taking notice of the brave young daylilies challenging the cold morning, I gasped. A clump of the new sprouts appeared to be laden with pearls.
It was odd.
Come to Me, My Child … I’m Coming, Lord
I love You, Lord. I lift my voice to You in praise, I bow my knees in worship. I hear You calling, “Come to Me, My child,” and my heart responds, “I’m coming, Lord … I’m coming.”
What a privilege it is to be in Your presence. Your love washes over me and I am helped. Thank You for pursuing me in my difficult places. Thank You for Your grace that makes all things new and strengthens me to withstand the works of the enemy.
My Spirit Knows What My Eyes Can’t See: God’s Grace
My morning coffee gurgled and pumped, filling the kitchen with its savory aroma. While I waited, I glanced out the window toward the old apple tree. Perched on its stark branches of winter sat three cardinals, crimson feathers plumped to beat the cold while snow peppered down. I considered God’s grace abounding, falling freely on my difficult places, making everything beautiful in its time.
God’s grace is truly remarkable — amazing many would say. Freely given, blanketing us in His love and care. I wish His grace were as tangible as the snowflakes falling …
I Am Persuaded You are Able to Keep Me, Lord
Lord, what an amazing God You are, full of wonder, bathed in beauty. Your power knows no rival, Your love knows no measure. I am persuaded You are able to care for me — You are the Keeper of my soul.
When I think of Your goodness, I am overwhelmed by Your faithfulness. You are able to make all grace abound to me, to cause Your sufficiency to meet my insufficiency so that I might have an abundance of life.
My Soul Longs for the Dwelling Place of the Lord
High above the country road where branches spread bare and sky peeks through, a gathering of twigs, moss, and leaves cluster together to form a nest — a home — a dwelling place. The branches cup together like fingertips creating a hollow space to support the tiny chamber.
A perfect space for a perfect dwelling place.
A magnificent God and a tiny bird who matters to the One who made her.
Does My Heart Burn Within Me When You Pass By, Lord?
Lord, how often do You draw near and I don’t recognize Your presence? Does my heart burn within me? Does my spirit not give witness to You when You pass by?
Oh, God, forgive me. You are the Almighty God. You are my Redeemer, the Lord Most High. In You, I have put my trust. And yet, I get caught up in myself, my problems, and my difficult places, and I become consumed by the world … instead of by You.