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
When Oyster Gray is the Color of Your Day … But God
Oyster gray was the color of that March afternoon — the sky, my thoughts, and my heart. It was as though dullness permeated everything about me and all that lay within me.
I felt separated from God.
A Prayer to Cast My Burdens on God When I Can’t Let Go
Lord, how can it be that You love me so much? How can it be that You know all that concerns me and You delight in meeting my needs? I trust You, Lord. Really, I do. Help me cast my burdens on You.
They are too much for me to carry.
When Grace Falls Like Rain and Smacks You In the Face
I rounded the curve along the meadow’s edge, pressing into the blustery breeze. Dark clouds hovered overhead as treetops swayed to the rhythm of the wind.
Rain was coming.
I pulled the collar of my jacket a little tighter.
Sometimes a girl just has to press in, keep one foot stepping in front of the other, and move forward.
A Prayer When Your Soul Longs for More of God
O Lord, how I love You! I am so thankful for Your grace, Your mercy, Your abiding presence that soothes my restless thoughts.
My soul longs to know You more, to love You deeper.
I want to grow in the knowledge of You, but mostly I long to be Your friend.
Desperate to Garner Strength to Trust God in the Days Ahead
I opened the well-worn devotional and strove to garner strength for the day. The reflection was on the necessity of spending time in God’s presence, of relishing the beauty of His holiness, and soaking in His grace.
But it was the last sentence that penetrated my heart:
“He walks in glory on the hills and longs for men [and women] to join Him there.”
A Prayer for God Holding Me Close Like He Promised
Lord, Your tender watch-care brings me such comfort and security. I am safe in Your arms. Thank You for holding me close.
Thank You for teaching me to recognize Your presence and to rely on Your promises. For in Your promises You assure me You will be near — You will be holding me close in my time of struggle.
MessY Beneath Your Tapestry? His Grace is Enough
I pulled the hood on my jacket closer to ward off the chill in the air. Like the pattern in a tapestry repeated over and over, my footsteps trudged along our mountain road … over and over … my daily walk with Jesus consistent, predictable, and beautiful.
And usually beneath each step, a tangled mess of heartbreak and often frustration — just like the underside of a tapestry.
A Prayer When Your Steadfast Heart Seems to be Missing
Lord, I adore You. I’m so honored to be Your daughter, Your beloved, and Your servant — such an honor! Create in me a steadfast heart, O Lord — immovable in the work of my hands and heart.
Some days I’m just plain tired. And distracted. And yes, even discouraged.
Clouds Hung Heavy in the Troubled Sky Pointing Me To Jesus
I rounded the curve along the row of hemlocks and pulled my hood over my head. The drizzle was changing to rain. Clouds hung heavy in the troubled sky as step-by-step I made my trek along the dirt road.
Frustration shrouded my thoughts because I had fallen asleep during my quiet time. Yes, I was worn out and needed rest. But my quiet time with Jesus is where I garner strength. I don’t want to ever take His love for granted.