Hope lives in the scraggly branches reaching toward the winter blue sky. Skeletons of life waiting. Knowing. Knowing that come spring, life will begin anew.
Read moreAuthor: Nan Jones
Nan Jones is an author/speaker who uses the words of her heart to assist fellow Christians in discovering the Presence of God in their darkest hour. She has been published in several anthologies as well as the online inspirational sites Christian Devotions, and Inspire a Fire where she is a monthly contributor. She is also a monthly contributor to PW Connections, a blog and forum to encourage pastors' wives. Nan has had the honor of being featured as a guest blogger on several sites. She is thrilled to announce her debut book, The Perils of a Pastor's Wife released June 30, 2015 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. This memoir was a 2016 Selah finalist. When Nan isn't writing, she enjoys leading prayer retreats, bible studies or sharing God’s love as keynote speaker for special events. She is becoming known by her brand: "Even so, I walk in the Presence of the Lord" as she teaches her audience to go beyond the veil to find God's Presence. You may visit Nan at her website: www.NanJones.com. Nan has also created a facebook community page, Seeing Beyond The Veil, to provide a place for folks to go and get away from the chaos for a few moments and focus on Jesus through scripture, worship, testimony, and inspirational quotes. For personal communication you may email Nan at nan@nanjones.com
The Perils of a Pastor's Wife is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and LPC Bookstore
Out of the Cold Struggle of Darkness Came His Light
Night had fallen — in the hearts of men, across the face of the earth.
Out of the cold struggle of darkness came a warm and radiant Light. The embodiment of Almighty God. Immanuel. God with us.
Read moreSometimes God Leads Us Down a Winding Path to a Difficult Place
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters.
He leads me in paths of righteousness.
He leads me in the ways of peace.
But sometimes …
Read moreFinding Hope in the Clash of Life’s Seasons
My mind was on hope as the sun rose above the mountain ridge.
The morning dew lay heavy upon the grass, glistening drops of refreshment clinging to each blade. In each tiny globe of moisture, the light of a new day reflected like glitter scattered across the field.
Read moreConsider the Ant and the Giant-Slayer
He was so tiny. All six legs moved in synch as his jaws struggled to carry the beetle delicacy across the porch, down the steps, through the dense foliage of an uncut lawn, and into his ant hill where family and friends awaited.
An ant. A tiny, red ant.
I wonder if he realized how outsized he was by the ugly black beetle.
Read moreThis Is Know
My index finger pressed against the power button. My head plopped back finding comfort in the sofa cushion as I sought a few moments of relaxation.
The TV came to life. Breaking News lit up the screen causing me to sit upright as my jaw dropped in horror. America had suffered another mass shooting. How could this be? How can the darkness of evil be oozing across our land at such a rapid rate? How do we wrap our minds around the terror that is gripping the world?
Read moreAfter the Storm came a Hush and After the Hush Came a Song
Ominous, black-stained clouds crept over the mountain ridge. Trees bowed to the ground under the influence of fierce winds as raindrops like bullets shot from the sky. Long, slender fingers of electricity lit up the darkened heavens. One touched the hill across the street with an explosion of intense light. I screamed and quickly ran from the window as my home shuttered against the thunderous boom.
But just as quickly as the midday became midnight, and gentle breeze became fierce winds, the storm moved on.
Read moreFur Babies Are Family Too ~ Finding God in Your Loss
Sunday morning we said goodbye to our beloved Blue. It was sudden. No warning. He collapsed and a subsequent exploratory surgery with an emergency vet revealed massive amounts of cancer.
Blue had shown no signs of illness — aging, yes. Slowing down a bit as his muzzle grayed … yes. But he was happy, eating, thrilled by his daily walks … until he collapsed.
Read moreWhen Peace Like a River Attends My Soul
I sat along the river’s edge beneath the shade of a willow leaning precariously across the water smooth as glass. The glint of sunshine twinkled and skipped as the river coursed through the mountain gorge carrying my thoughts with its never-ending flow.
I thought about God.
I thought about life’s twists and turns, its burdens heavy, its forward motion sure and constant as it stumbles across debris that clutters the heart.
Read moreEven in my ugliness, he loved me still
Wounds of the heart can grow bitterness. Ugliness. Anguish, or distress.
Or … wounds of the heart can grow good seeds of grain, crushed to produce life-giving bread to feed others. Deep faith can grow with roots steady and strong. Eyes can open to see abounding grace and the abiding presence of the Lord.
Read more