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
How to Have a Thankful Heart in the Difficult Places
The evening sky burned with the fiery orange of a setting sun, reflecting the anguish within me. I watched as God’s consuming fire seemed to melt away the hard edges of the day. Colors intense. Brilliant. Ablaze. I found myself caught up in its glory while I wrestled with how to have a thankful heart in my difficult places.
My wrestling led me to the Lord.
Let Peace Rule in My Heart Lord. It’s a Free-for-All in There
Lord, Your Holy Spirit within me has planted the seed of Your peace deep in the recesses of my heart. It’s there. But I must LET peace rule in my heart — You don’t force it on me.
Let. That’s a big word contained in just three letters.
It tells me that I have a choice — to let peace rule in my heart … or not. It’s up to me.
Wounds of the Heart Produce Bitterness or Fruit. It’s a Choice
Wounds of the heart can grow bitterness. Ugliness. Anguish, or distress.
Or … wounds of the heart can grow good seeds of grain, crushed to produce life-giving bread to feed others. Deep faith can grow with roots steady and strong. Eyes can open to see abounding grace and the abiding presence of the Lord.
It’s a choice.
Awaken the Dawn, Lord. It’s So dark, but You Are Light
Lord, steady my heart. Lead me in paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake, for the world has gone mad and the darkness grows. Awaken the dawn, Lord …
Because of Your mercy and goodness, please awaken the dawn.
You are the Light of the world ! I am Your Light-bearer. Forgive me when I allow my light to grow dim.
Why Does Depression Make Me Feel Separated from God?
Oyster gray was the color of the afternoon — the sky, my thoughts, and my heart. It was as though dullness permeated everything about me and all that lay within me. Why does depression make me feel separated from God?
Oh, for sure I knew He hadn’t gone anywhere — in fact I knew according to His promise He had drawn nearer to me in my depression. But I found myself walking according to my feelings and not according to His Truth.
I’ll Count the Cost Lord … Until it Costs Too Much ~ Prayer
Lord, You take me by the right hand and lead me in paths of righteousness. I find joy in following You, trying to place my feet in the footprints of my Father. I know there is a cost to discipleship. I’ll count the cost Lord, but when the cost is too great, I struggle.
That’s where spirit meets flesh and the battle begins. My spirit doesn’t fear counting the cost of discipleship, but my flesh most certainly does.
How Do I Find Direction From God?
I felt lost in the darkness though the sun shone bright upon me along the country road. I sought peace. Reassurance for the life decisions I had made. How do I find direction from God?
Shadows from the giant pine forest enveloped me as I passed briefly beneath their graceful canopy and then back into the light of day.
Choosing Joy When Snarky is the Fruit of the Day ~ a Prayer
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." ~ James 1:2-3, NLT "But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His...
Where is The Morning Star in My Darkness?
The inky jet of night blanketed the earth in deafening silence. Stillness. Thoroughness. A billion stars scattered tiny points of light high above me. But the complete darkness outside my window remained, reminding me of my own darkness. Where is the Morning Star that illuminates the darkness? My darkness?
The inky jet of night reflected my thoughts — thoughts of discouragement. Depression. Where was my light of joy and peace?