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

After 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.

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Fur 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.

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When 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.

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Even 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.

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How to Rekindle the Flame When Your Light Grows Dim

Speaking the Name of Jesus will rekindle the flame that once burned bright.

Outside the wind is howling. Ice clings to the trees and shrubs — blades of leftover grass crunch beneath my feet. My eyes tear from the sting of the cold making me want to hurry home.

Once inside, I’m warmed by the crackle of the fire. The belly of the woodstove glows with red and orange embers while flames consume the wood and warms our home. I throw a couple more logs in, grab a cup of coffee and curl up on the couch for a few minutes of rest.

As I sit and think, I’m reminded of the winter of the soul — seasons of hardship, loss, sorrow … brokenness. Some days it feels as though the season will never end with its darkened days and veiled light.

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