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
The Beginning and End I knew Not, But God …
I relaxed on the gentle slope alongside the river flowing through the mountain valley. Cupping my knees with my arms, I looked out across the liquid ribbon streaming in front of me — its beginning and end I knew not.
Its Creator, though, I know well.
Run the Race with Endurance You Say, but Mercy Goodness!
Lord, I know with You all things are possible. I know You are my strength consuming my weakness when I cry out to You. I also know You lead me in the ways I should go, expecting me to run the race with endurance.
But mercy goodness!
Sometimes that is very difficult. Some days I want to hide under a rock …
How to Wait on the Faithfulness of God
The earth lay silent, still covered in snow now frozen from last week’s storm. Darkness hovered, waiting on the morning light. I waited also … on the sunrise, but I was also learning how to wait on the faithfulness of God.
Sitting by the window, morning coffee in hand, I waited … anticipated … looked for the rising of the sun with its glorious shades of apricot and lavender.
Open My Ears Lord. I Can’t Hear Because of the Noise
Lord, You never slumber, nor sleep. And I’ve learned that Your eyes roam to and fro across the earth seeking after those who love You and need to be encouraged. I know You’re trying to comfort me, to lead me, to give me peace, but I can’t hear You. Open my ears Lord, there’s too much noise distracting me.
I am amazed how You pursue Your children with Your love.
Crackling Sound of Leaves. Were The Trees Clapping?
I walked beneath the pine canopy that rises above our country road. Boughs of oak limbs stretched into the arch above me, making themselves known among the evergreens. Aged split-railed fencing, silvered by the sun, ran alongside the road. I heard a sound and paused. A crackling sound of leaves behind me caught my attention. It seemed almost rhythmic.
Turning, I witnessed an amazing sight — hundreds of leaves in shades of burgundy and brown twirling and swirling to the ground. The crackling sound was heard as they bounced from limb to limb and then landed on the road below.
I Need The Oil of Joy Lord. The Spirit of Heaviness is Hard
Lord, You are my strength, my hope, my joy. This I know and this I believe. Yet a spirit of heaviness has taken hold — I haven’t been able to release its grip. Would You anoint me with the oil of joy, and help me put on a garment of praise?
The trials have been fierce lately — relentless. Suffocating. But I know You are with me. I know that in Your presence is fullness of joy.
Why can’t I access it?
A Hawk, a Mouse, and a Life-Changing Message
I watched the hawk lift from its perch in the top of the tall pine. His wings spread wide as he swooped toward the meadow, the sun burnishing his rusty feathers with glints of red and gold.
He was beautiful against the winter sky.
His beauty deceptive to the reality of his intent.
Lead Me to The Rock, Lord, But I’ll Need a Boost
Lord, I’m so thankful I can depend on You. I’m so thankful for Your longsuffering, especially when I drag my feet in surrender. I want You to lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, but I’ll need a boost — a foothold to find my way up.
Clearly, I trust You to take care of me, so why am I struggling so? I hear You whisper, Let not Your heart be troubled. You remind me to be anxious for nothing but in everything with thanksgiving let my requests be made known to You … and You will take care of the rest.
The Awakening Dawn Quiets Me With His Love
Remnants of snow lay heavy on the stark branches of winter. A faint glow in the eastern sky spoke of the awakening dawn pushing against the blanket of clouds covering the earth.
Stillness. Quiet.
Just moments earlier I had asked the Lord to quiet me with His love — to still my restless thoughts where anxiety lay.