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 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.
Beneath the Outward Pristine Often Lies a Muddy Mess
A blanket of snow covered our mountain in pristine color, disguising the harsh browns of winter and the muddy mess where lush meadows waited for spring. The trees and forests, rooftops, and vehicles were painted in thick white frosting — beauty beyond description.
White, like our robes of righteousness that cover all shame and make all things new.
Lord, Remind Me to Be Still Lest I Forget
Lord, life has been so crazy lately. Chaotic. Confusing. Heartbreaking. Such is life in a fallen world. But Lord, I am in this world … not of it. Remind me to be still lest I forget.
Remind me to be still and remember that You are God and You hold the whole world in Your hands.
What Manner of Love is This? He Calls Us His Beloved
Beloved of God.
Esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love.
What manner of love is this?
Raindrops — glistening tears from heaven’s throne — began to fall. Slow, but steady. The last of the animals entered the massive vessel. I imagine Noah prodding them with a staff, steering them to their stalls. As tufts of lamb’s wool brushed against his robe, did he gently caress the fleece and ponder the ways of God?
Purify My Heart, Lord. Set Me Apart for You
Lord, You are the Lord God Almighty, the Omnipotent One, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. And You are holy. Purify my heart so that I, too, might become holy.
You have redeemed me and called me Your own. You have made me Your righteousness through Jesus Christ, and for that, I am so thankful. Yet, I know I still harbor things in my heart that are not of You.
One Solitary Evergreen Shouts Life in Winter Bleak
High atop the mountain ridge stands a lone evergreen surrounded by the stark, barren trunks and branches of a full forest of deciduous trees. Oak and locust, elm and maple packed in like a crowded marketplace speak clearly of the dead of winter.
But one solitary evergreen stands alone and shouts life.
Lord, You are Precious to Me. Please Hold Me Close
Lord, what would I do without You? Where would I be? You are precious to me in all Your ways. Hold me close and wrap me in Your love.
When I think of You, peace descends and washes over my broken places. When I sit still, cease striving, and remember You are God, You steady my heart and capture my restless thoughts.