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 Need a Song in the Night
Lord, I hear a bird singing outside my window and I am reminded of the song you have placed in my heart — a song of praise, a song of joy even though difficult situations are all around me. That’s a miracle Lord, and I praise You for it.
Your joy completes me.
Your joy releases the flow of Living Water that brings renewed hope to the broken places and life to places that once were dead.
Faith Notes ~ Norma Gail: Where is God When Lightning Hits Its Mark?
It’s a delight to introduce you to my dear friend and fellow Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas author, Norma Gail. We first met several years ago while promoting our works on Twitter. You might say hashtags brought us together! And I’m so glad they did. We have been close friends and prayer warriors for each other ever since.
Norma lives high atop a mountain near Albuquerque, New Mexico which, in itself, astounds this little lady from the south. Who would ever think I’d have a close friend in New Mexico? But God knew how much I would need Norma in my life.
She has a strong faith rooted in God’s Word that carries her through the difficult places of chronic pain and illness. She learned this faith through her father, Lyle, whose story she shares below.
Her father once joked about wanting to die, fly rod in hand, in the middle of his favorite river … and that’s exactly what happened. Yes! Lightning took his life at age 65 while doing what he loved.
I know Norma’s testimony of God’s faithfulness and longsuffering during this tragic time will touch you deeply and give you strength for the journey.
Finding God’s Presence ~ In His 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.
It was a simple moment, but a holy one.
A Prayer When You Need to Stand on God’s Promises
Lord, You amaze me with Your goodness and grace that abounds to us always — Your promises for every aspect of our lives. You are ever-present, ever-merciful, and kind. Your eyes roam to and fro across the earth seeking those who love You who need to be encouraged. I cannot fully comprehend that kind of love and care from an Almighty God.
And yet it’s true.
Your promises are true.
Thank You for teaching me to stand on Your promises, to trust You to take care of all that concerns me. You really are the keeper of our souls. Awaken our hearts to take hold of that Truth — You keep us in Your care.
Faith Notes ~ Nikolai Khamara: Where is God When Torture is Imminent?
In today’s Faith Notes, I’m sharing an excerpt from Jesus Freaks about a young Russian named Nikolai Khamara who, because of the faithful witness of Christians sharing space in a Communist prison, Nikolai came to know Jesus and to ultimately die for his faith.
Over the years I have often asked myself if I could remain faithful while facing down a gun barrel, or feeling the threatening prick of a sword. It’s easy to say, “Well, of course I would remain faithful to Jesus! Of course!” — very easy while sitting at my desk with my Pioneer Woman’s coffee mug warming my chilly fingers and my ears tingling at the sound of quiet praise music filling the atmosphere of my study. “Of course I could do that!”
But could I? Could you?
Finding God’s Presence ~ Can We Really Soar on the Wings of An Eagle?
I’ve only seen an eagle in the wild once.
A stiff wind pushed across the mountain ridge — trees bowing in submission to its force. The day shone gloriously bright and there high above me, soaring against the periwinkle sky was an eagle. Its majesty took my breath away. My jaw dropped and I tilted my head backwards so I could watch this messenger from heaven glide on the wings of the wind.
As I watched him rise up toward the sun, I thought about how the Lord had given me similar wings to rise up close to Him, just as He promised…
A Prayer When You Just Need to Stand Still
I am facing a Red Sea.
The enemy keeps trying to gain ground with my thoughts, and fears, and with my health. But YOU, Lord, tell me to stand still on the edge of my Red Sea.
Stand still and see the salvation of my God.
Stand still until You give the command to step into the water.
Faith Notes ~ Cynthia Lott Vogel: Hidden Treasures in Mental Illness
Cynthia Lott Vogel has been a believer in Christ since childhood but abandoned her faith temporarily in her 20’s. Since her return to faith in Y’shua (Jesus, my Salvation), she had taught a large ladies Bible study and headed up the missions committee in her church until her health forced her to resign. She no longer can drive a car and lives a rather isolated life — social media online being her outlet and source of friendships. Illness and heartache have schooled her in the discipline of suffering and her faith has allowed her to endure and to appreciate the many gifts the Lord brings to those who wait on Him.
Aren’t you thankful I brought Cynthia your way today? She is a walking testament of grace. You will be touched by her honesty as she describes the suffering she has endured. You will be strengthened by her faith as time and again, the Lord reveals Himself to her in her darkest moments.
Finding God’s Presence ~ When the Blush of Dawn Remembers He is God
The blush of dawn unfurled like a delicate rose. Layer upon layer of darkness rolled away, yielding — bowing — to the morning light. Lavender and teal, tangerine and coral swirled together on the canvas of the sky — a palette of exquisite colors proclaiming holiness to the Lord.
A sacred hush fell as the dark of night held it’s last breath. Stillness — creation remembering that He is God.