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 Reflection of Grace on the Forest’s Edge
The aged apple tree stretched toward the heavens with its thin, finger-like branches. It grew on the forest’s edge surrounded by pine, oak, and hemlocks — growing despite its conditions, which was quite obviously a happenstance, a surprise to its forest shadows … a reflection of God’s goodness and grace.
And now, as autumn has its last hoorah before winter’s chill, my eye saw something new …
God, Will You Turn My Mourning into Dancing for You?
Father, You have taught me to say, “It is well with my soul,” regardless of what I am facing. Life is hard, but You are good. You are faithful and true. When I look to You, You turn my mourning, my sorrow, and my despair into joyful dancing before You. My heart becomes filled with praise — not because of my circumstances, but because of Your abiding presence.
Please forgive me for when I allow the difficult places to consume me, and I give them all my attention. I quickly become overwhelmed, submerged below the murky darkness they create. You have made a way for me to be free from the chains that bind me. You promise to give me beauty for my ashes, and praise instead of despair.
My Life is in the Hands of My Creator, the Lord My God
Autumn reds have transformed into deepest burgundy velvet; lemon yellows now reflect burnished gold. Stark branches stretch towards the heavens and yield their transition into winter to the hands of their Creator, the Lord our God.
I picked up my steps as I rounded the curve along our country road. A strong north wind watered my eyes and blushed my cheeks. But my thoughts turned towards Jesus and His unfailing love and especially towards His mercy, new every morning …
Especially His mercy, new every morning.
My Heart Longs for You, O Lord. Earnestly I Seek You
Father, I consider the works of Your hands and I am struck with wonder and awe. May I never take Your magnificence for granted or try to limit You through my own understanding. You are great, O Lord! There is no one else like You in heaven or on earth. My heart longs for You, it yearns to know Your mysteries and desires to rest in Your love without hesitation.
I’m astounded that, not only do You know my name, but You call me daughter. I don’t deserve Your steadfast love, and yet You lavish it upon me. I want to know You more, Lord. I want to respond to Your delicate whispers without hesitation … I want to honor You with my life.
How Does a Broken Forest Resemble America?
I’m sitting at my desk looking out at the broken forest behind our home. The marks of Helene’s savage assault still linger. Trees are fully uprooted. Broken limbs dangle, some split in two. Many trees have fallen into the tree beside them, with branches bare and stark in the November sun. I’m reminded of America in the wake of this election season.
Personally, I’m pleased with the results … my candidate won. But my heart is sad and troubled for those whose candidate lost. This battle was like no other, and its ramifications will be felt for many years.
God, Let There be Peace on Earth, Beginning With Me
Father, the days are tumultuous, uncertain, and ripe with harsh regard for one another. Forgive us, Lord. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. As Your children, we are called to be Christ-bearers — we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus … we are called to represent Him well.
And not ourselves.
This often requires dying to self, disregarding the need to be right, and the need to have our opinions heard. But I’m reminded that You reveal Truth because You are Truth.
When God Speaks Life Into Our Troubled Hearts
There is something glorious about the tender watch-care of the Lord our God. He is ever watchful, vigilant, and personal as He oversees His struggling child. He draws near and speaks life into our troubled hearts.
A heart consumed with fear.
A heart overwhelmed by hopelessness.
A heart broken through betrayal and rejection.
Lord, Strengthen Me to Live Worthy of Your Love
Father, this world has gone absolutely crazy. There seems to be no filter on the mouths (or fingertips) of so many people. Immorality is the norm. Decency and respect are apparently old-fashioned. And yet … You have called Your children to be light-bearers — CHRIST-bearers in this world darkened by sin. It’s hard, Lord. Strengthen me to live and walk worthy of Your love.
I’m reminded that it’s not by my might, nor by my power, but by Your Spirit that I can live a life that is blameless and acceptable to You.
Before Winter’s Chill, a Burst of Glory. Life Goes On
God’s message stood stoic before me resting against the hands of time, its grace shadowing the meadow grass with outstretched arms reaching toward heaven. The rhythm of life … a grand old maple. Winter is coming. Barren landscapes. Cold, harsh winds. Brittle, dead leaves. But before the winter blast, the maple tree bursts with glory, a declaration that life goes on.
Fiery reds rub against the orange of apricots. Sprinkled in the kaleidoscope mix, bright yellow glistens in the sun. It seems the grand old maple recognizes the rhythm of life: spring, summer, fall, winter … and then spring returns again. Each season carries its own beauty, its own expression of God’s glory … if we’ll recognize it and celebrate.