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
A Prayer When You Desire to Pray More, But Life Is Complicated
Lord, I appreciate Your attentive ear. Your omniscience amazes me. Your heart ever-responsive to Your children blesses me deeply. It lets me know I am not alone. It reminds me that I do not have to surrender to weariness but can rise on the wings of eagles as I wait on You in prayer.
On my knees I find peace.
On my knees I find hope and strength.
On my knees I find You, Lord.
I ask that You impart power to me as I drink from Your cup of Living Water — power to fulfill Your purposes in me. Yes, singleness of mind, that I might recognize and honor Your leading.
Finding God’s Presence ~ When Longsuffering was Written in the Long, Swaying Grass
I came face-to-face with longsuffering a few days ago. Or the lack thereof. My lack. [Tweet "I came face-to-face with #longsuffering a few days ago. @NanJonesAuthor #ChildOfGod"] Blue and I had reached our turn around place along our daily walk. It's a beautiful spot...
A Prayer When Your Confidence is Waning In The Storm
"For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.' But you would not." ~ Isaiah 30:15 Great is Your love, Lord! You are my confidence. My strength. My song. In the quiet...
Finding God’s Presence ~ Just Like A Toddler’s Bliss
The little one toddled along the sidewalk with her mom, the sun of summer blazing overhead. Shadows clung to their ankles … following … mimicking each step.
Stopping to watch a butterfly dance through a patch of daisies, the young girl turned and noticed movement behind her. Every move she made was replicated — dark images against the white concrete.
Her shadow!
Following. Every. Move.
A Prayer When You Need a Burden-Bearer
Lord, Your love astounds me. How great is Your lovingkindness towards us! How great is Your faithfulness! Bless You, O Lord.
My heart drips with heaviness for my loved ones. The burdens are great. But then I remember Your lovingkindness and I remember how You sorrow over Your children too. You are not a god who is oblivious to our needs, our pain. You are a God who draws near to us in the difficult places like a magnet to steel.
You, Lord, are our Burden-Bearer.
Finding God’s Presence ~ 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 When You Need to Hear God’s Gentle Whisper
Lord, I hear You whisper to me, calling me out of the deep darkness of my thoughts — fearful thoughts, thoughts of uncertainty. Thank You for loving me enough to draw me into the embrace of Your Spirit where I find comfort and rest.
You are my sure place in this crazy world — my anchor in the storm. You command the treacherous waves and perilous winds to cease and they obey Your voice. I’m so grateful. Thank You for teaching me to listen for Your whisper and then to follow it to the safe place beneath Your wing.
Faith Notes ~ Tara Archibald: He Shined His Light on My Cold Darkened Soul
Today’s guest on Faith Notes is a precious young woman named Tara Archibald. I actually met her through my blog. Tara had commented on another Faith Notes post with guest Sandi Miller. I knew immediately this little light for Jesus had a story to share.
This is what she said on Sandi’s post (Where is God When Your Childhood … Just … Isn’t?) after I invited her to share her story with us, “Wow! I would love to share! Honestly it scares me but God has impressed the word “courage” on me this year to step out of my comfort zone, to share my story, to love on others, to speak the truth in love, and, believe it or not, to write! I’ve been struggling with what and how. I’ve been sensing my story, but didn’t know the how. I love that He does.” And we do too, Tara!
Thank you for saying yes to the Lord.
Finding God’s Presence ~ Grasping the Wonder of God
I read these words, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees 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 breast and grasping the wonder it held. I looked toward the ridge where the sun began its evening descent.
Magenta began rising above the trees. Lavender and apricot clouds tossed their petals across the wide expanse as the North Star made its appearance. Soon multitudes of stars — glistening diamonds — would make their presence known against an indigo sky.