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
Finding God’s Presence ~ Never Forget the Difficulty of the Climb. It’s Worth It After All
My son Matthew and I walked along the river’s edge. The dirt road meandered through the forest, green with spring’s new birth. This was one of Matthew’s favorite spots to hike — a favorite spot to climb the mountain.
We approached a large boulder laced with moss. It jutted out from the steep mountain slope where trees clung with strong roots in the face of mountain adversities. “Come on Momma. I want to show you the view from the top.”
Finding God’s Presence ~ Grace Strengthens Where Life is Fractured
Lord, Your love satisfies a longing soul. It flows over and through the broken places of my heart bringing hope and restoration. Your grace strengthens where life is fractured and needs healing. Your mercy comforts and keeps my heart from growing cold. Thank You Lord. Thank You for Your unfailing love.
Finding God’s Presence ~ How Dead Branches and Excess Baggage Tell the Redemption Story
Beneath the massive trees lay several broken, dead branches — victims of the storm from the day before. I stood and considered the carnage littering the ground. Did the branches grip the tree trunk defiantly when the storm winds blew? Did they fall away easily, fully complacent about their plight? Or were they caught of guard, oblivious to the approaching storm?
And even more important, did the beautiful evergreen sway in the rhythm of the wind, completely surrendered as the storm did its work to rid the tree of dead baggage that forbade new growth?
Finding God’s Presence ~ From Darkened Corners to Glorious Light
Lord, I adore You. You are flooding the darkened corners of my heart with Your glorious Light and I am forever grateful. You know me. You understand me. And You make all things new and beautiful in Your time. You are faithful, Lord.
Finding God’s Presence ~ Can a Winter Storm Be Ruled By God’s Sovereignty?
A winter storm of epic proportions hovered nearby on a direct trajectory for our mountains. For days meteorologists predicted its arrival with alarming warnings of 60 – 70mph winds and snowdrifts on top of an icy foundation.
It was a bit frightening.
The gale force winds were to arrive on Saturday night, ushering in arctic air, buckets of snow, and ice. We hunkered down and waited.
And waited.
Finding God’s Presence ~ How Do I Know His Abiding Presence?
Father, I want to run into Your arms leaping and laughing as You lift me up and carry me for awhile. I’m tired, Lord. So tired. But yet You bathe me in Your grace to accomplish what is before me. Thank You. Thank You for Your abiding presence.
Finding God’s Presence ~ When Grace Falls Like Rain and Smacks You in The Face
I pulled the collar of my jacket a little tighter and steered Blue onward. Sometimes a pilgrim just has to press in, keep one foot stepping in front of the other, and move forward. Even when it’s difficult. Even when the wind from an impending storm is smacking you in the face.
Finding God’s Presence ~ Sometimes I Fail Him
Father, Your love amazes me. Even when I fail You, You never fail me because of Your great love. Oh, that I could fathom it's depth! Measure its width and height! Your love is beyond comprehension, and yet I try to understand. Your magnificence is wonderful to behold....
Finding God’s Presence ~ The Perfect Dwelling Place
High above the country road where branches spread bare and sky peeks through, a gathering of twigs, moss, and leaves cluster together to form a nest — a home. A dwelling place. The branches cup together like fingertips forming a hollow space to support the tiny chamber.