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 Sacred Place of Dwelling, The Secret Place of Grace
I curled up on the end of our couch sipping hot coffee on that chilly May morning — gathering my thoughts, resting in the Lord … being still and remembering that He is God, and pondering His Secret Place. I’ve often sought understanding of this sacred place found in the shadow of His Presence.
It was a simple moment, but a holy one.
A Prayer When the Hand of Our Potter is Applying Pressure
Lord, there’s a whole lot of shaping and molding going on in my life right now. I know this has purpose, but it sure is uncomfortable! I’m thankful You have taught me to recognize the pressure from Your hands — the hands of my Potter.
For You are the Potter and I am but clay.
I want to be pliable in Your hands.
A Grapevine and The Pursuit of Faith
Spring rains brought on a growth spurt in my old grapevine. While gardening Saturday evening I noticed an offshoot making its way up the nearby apple tree. Ringlets of vine — tendrils — spiraled around tree branches as it climbed, securing the vine before venturing farther on its pursuit of strength and growth.
I paid attention to the climbing.
Higher and higher, stretching toward the heavens.
A Prayer to Keep Praying in Prayer … Not Frustration
Lord, I have been praying and praying for outcomes beyond my control. I know You hear me. I know and believe You respond. But it’s hard to maintain this walk of faith when the situation seems to be getting worse.
While I wait.
And wait.
Stuck in the Familiar and Afraid to Let Go
The child dangled from a large tree limb, legs flailing, tongue wailing. She was stuck and terrified of dangling so far above the ground — terrified even more of letting go to slip into her father’s arms flung outstretched beneath her. Her saga on the limb, though dangerous, was a sure thing, even if she didn’t like it — though she dangled, her grasp was strong and the limb sturdy.
But she was stuck and afraid.
A Prayer When My Insufficiency Needs an All-Sufficient God
Lord, what a mighty God You are! You are who You say You are. You do what You say You will do. Your promises are true. And the incredible wonder is that my insufficiency loses its power over me in the presence of Your glory.
You are El Shaddai — the All-Sufficient God.
My need is Your heart’s desire.
Now My Eyes See You, Now I Understand
I read these words, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see You” (Job 42:5).
The porch swing rocked in peaceful rhythm. My spirit stirred as I looked up from my Bible, raising it to my chest and grasping the wonder it held. I looked toward the ridge where the sun began its evening descent.
A Prayer When Worry Takes Your Breath away
Lord, I need Your peace — YOU are my peace. Please make Your presence known to me. In Your presence is unspeakable joy, resounding peace, and my worry melts away. In Your presence I am safe and secure — I am held by Your warm embrace and I can rest.
What a mighty God You are! You hung the stars in place. You tell the ocean how far it can come and on each new day, You make the sun burst through the darkness. What amazes me the most about You, though, is that when I am troubled and overcome by worry, You know and You respond.
When Your Mind and Heart Languish Numb and God Steps In
I sat quietly at my desk peering out the window, yet my eyes saw nothing, my mind languished numb against the onslaught of troubling thoughts — those worrisome, nagging doubts and fears. My mind was blank, therefore my eyes were looking, but not seeing.
I had prayed earlier, but even that was not in earnest. I was looking for God, but not seeing Him. Just sitting before Him with a blank stare.