Good morning, friends! 
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This past week I took myself to Sutter Creek in the Gold Country of California. It’s been a while since I have taken a solo trip. When my kids were much younger I would go off on my own for a couple of nights to relax, refresh, and do my thing because that’s how I recharge my battery–time alone to simply be, clear my brain, and have conversations with God.
There might not be huge revelations, deep theological dives, or life changing decisions, but there is always renewal and that precious time with Jesus which so easily gets back burner-ed, cut short, or missed by life’s demands.
The trip to Sutter Creek wasn’t long, but it required taking roads, some of them small and remote, that I wasn’t familiar with driving. As the date of my trip came closer I started to feel fear and uncertainty. The excitement I felt at getting a little vacation with some delicious food, good coffee, relaxation, and fun shopping in a beautiful area started to sour.
The insidious voices of fear and worry began whispering that it might be better not to go, that the roads were remote and twisty in places, that I might get lost or have car trouble, that someone would know I was alone and bother me, and the list went on of all the things I fear. These voices know the things that scare me and they know why.
As the voice of fear got louder, a beautiful, strong, safe Voice come in quietly, but with power and authority. This Voice reminded me that He is always with me and that I would not be alone on those small, remote roads. His Voice said that there was nowhere I could go that He would not see me and no place I could go that He had not already gone on before me. He whispered to my heart that I was safe, and He was looking forward to time with me. “I can do all things…nothing is impossible with God…He will command His angels concerning me and they will guard me and lift me up…” filled my mind.
I decided to trust God with myself. This is something I have had to choose to do again and again in my 50+ years. I’ve lived through some hard, painful, and terrifying things in my life, as we all have at some point. He has gotten me through every one of them. Not without scars, memories, fear, and issues with trusting people and Him, but I’m here.
My trip to the Gold Country was just right and perfectly on time. Jesus and I had good conversations and I feel renewed. He gave me the gift of answered prayers, safety, and the confidence and courage in myself that I hadn’t realized I’d lost. I can do things that feel hard, I am capable, strong, and smart because He strengthens me and holds me to His heart. I can discern His voice and trust Him.
What treasures He has for us when we let go of control and just trust Him with us! It’s beautiful, freeing, and such a blessing.
Early morning sunlight cheerfully illuminates the cozy kitchen in her cabin by the lake. A hot cup of Paris blend tea keeps her hands toasty. Steamy, hot oatmeal with brown sugar, walnuts, and golden raisins awaits. The embers from last night’s fire snicker and glow, still giving off a bit of heat.
January at the cabin is chilly and peaceful. Dewdrops glint off the reeds standing guard at the edge of the lake. Sunlight sparkles off the frosted needles of the old pine that has stood as protector over the cabin for as long as she can remember. The many creatures that call the lake their home are still here prowling, hunting, and sunning themselves. The pace and rhythm of life slow a bit as Nature cozies into the slumber of Winter.
Charity feels her bunched-up shoulders and neck relax and release as she sits in the silence. Her tense body and racing mind need a reprieve. This is where she’ll find it. “Help me find my way back to You,” she whispers.
Charity has walked with Him for a long time, and she knows His voice, the gentle nudge that tugs at her soul. The songs and murmurs that whisper holy, divine things into her heart, speaking healing over her. “Come away…” they say.
Dressed in layers with hiking boots and a hat, Charity heads out for a walk around the lake. Filled with anticipation at the treasures and surprises she will come across, her heart is happy, and her steps are light. The crisp wintry air is rejuvenating as she breathes in deep and long, inhaling peace and exhaling heaviness. The mysterious, divine exchange she’s been waiting for over these past few months. Rest. Peace. Hope.
As the leaf-strewn path veers down and to the right, she hears the lapping waves on the bank of the lake, moved along by a brisk, bright breeze. Rhythmic and soothing, the sound comforts and calms.
Further along, sunlight filters through the pine branches, leaving lovely patches of light and shadow along her route. A reminder that light always pierces the darkness. Nothing is hidden from Him. He will always find her, even when her life-journey leads through valleys and twisty paths that seem hopelessly dim and gloomy. Those who follow Him shall not walk in darkness…1
Around a sharp twist in the path, a small outcropping of rocks hugs the edge of the water. Reeds and other water plants grow along one side, creating the perfect hiding spot for crawdads and other small lake creatures. Footprints in the squishy mud at the edge of the lake—raccoons or perhaps an opossum looking for a late-night nibble? Remnants of red, orange-y shells confirm it—the circle of life.
Sitting on the rocks, Charity soaks in the warmth of the wintry sun, inhaling that earthy lake smell that feels like home. His presence is strong here. The sights, sounds, and scents of the trees and lake are like beautiful gifts waiting for her to unwrap. How He knows her! The One who created all things hand-picked bits of joy, delight, and unexpected encounters with Himself to remind her that all is well. She is loved, and never alone.
Moving along, Charity tucks into her heart all the carefully placed blessings and treasures she encounters along the way. Reminders for when life gets messy and chaotic. The beauty of a sweet purple mountain flower that stubbornly holds on despite the cold slumber of winter. Antics of the scrub jays and squirrels dashing through blankets of pine needles, scolding each other, and making her laugh. Whiffs of old-Earth scents—timeless and eternal. Everything that speaks to Charity—safety, love, and being fully known—was intentionally scattered along her path this morning by the Father.
Back at the cabin, she relaxes on the deck in her comfy lounger, hot cocoa taking the chill from her hands. Her time with Jesus this morning was exactly what she needed—refreshed with treasured surprises and blessings to keep close to her heart.
As the sounds of the mountain lake stir, shush, and float over her, she gently drifts off to sleep in the winter sun.
1. John 8:12 NIV
There is a little chapel in the Redwoods. It is deep in the forest along a narrow, off-the-beaten-path trail. Tucked underneath a canopy of clustered old-growth trees, the forest has accepted the chapel as one of its own, the way it is sheltered and hidden away. The silence of this little grove is like a holy hush as only nature and the Divine speak here.
Gentle, filtered light bathes the steep roof, highlighting the moss and lichen that cover it.
Tall stained-glass windows with cracked and weathered wooden sills welcome the sunrise in the East. The light casts a holy glow of muted purples, blues, and reds along the simple wooden pews and the rough-hewn altar.
Hand-carved double doors, slightly off-kilter, creak in welcome to the one who enters.
His Spirit dwells here in this simple, hidden chapel; a palpable presence of sacred mystery. Those who seek refuge, peace, and rest find it—a Divine invitation. Hurts are healed and tears are caught, wounds are bound, and answers sought. Holy breath speaks life and rebukes those things that have no place here. This is holy ground.
Ahhh, the things these old trees have seen and heard as weary wanderers discover the little chapel in the woods. They are drawn by Divine whispers and the need to find solace and love, the need to find Him. Chains breaking, hearts mended, victory shouted, and deep pain healed. Nature and the Divine intertwined in a holy and sacred dance of healing and peace. The Healer enthroned in a simple old chapel nestled in the midst of His creation.
Father,
I pray for the one who is seeking You—searching for Your guidance and compassion. Be with them as they seek and find the treasures You have hidden for them to discover throughout their day. May discernment and wisdom help them navigate what lies ahead.
I pray they will be aware of Your presence as You walk with them, hemming them in behind and before. Prepare them for all they will encounter today as they seek you with their whole heart. Give them strength and protection as they follow You, Your staff clearing the way of obstacles and things wishing to entangle and ensnare them. The day can take a drastic turn when fear engulfs and invades their heart and soul, causing their mind to spin. Please hide and shelter them with Your wings. Banish fearful thoughts the enemy pokes and prods them with, and fill them with Your peace.
Father, remind Your child that just the whisper of Your name causes a shift in the heavenlies beyond anything they can imagine. You never leave them; You never forsake them. Your promises are sure and solid.
Thank you for being all-powerful, yet full of compassion. Give them patience and a holy determination as they seek Your face and navigate this day. May they lean on You and bask in the songs of love You sing over them. Those who seek You will find You.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Shepherd,
Amen
Jeremiah 29:13 NLT “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Are you feeling alone, unseen?
I know it’s such a hard place to be. I have been there.
I want to encourage you that He sees you and He always has. His eye has never left you.
Whatever season of life you find yourself in right now, God is there with you. He’s been there before you and He will stay with you.
You can trust Him with you. You are safe, you are loved, you are His masterpiece.
Psalm 91:4 NIV
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Up early, drinking that beautiful first cup of morning coffee, I savor being alone before the demands of the day start fussing and insisting on attention. The soft light from a few brightly glowing candles is soothing and peaceful.
As I listen to the world wake up, I notice how easily the candlelight sways and pulls toward any disturbance in the air. The little lights struggle to stay lit, bouncing and fluttering with the whims of the draft. They are helpless to move, shift, or regain equilibrium on their own.
Watching the brave dancing of the candlelight brings to mind Psalm 91. Aren’t we often like these confident candles? We burn bright, strong, and lovely when things are calm and no disturbances surround us. We are proud and sure of ourselves and our world.
But…drafts happen. Gusts of change, storms of conflict, gales of fear, and the cold winds of diagnoses come, often suddenly, leaving us ill-prepared and helpless. We blow around in the confusion and anxiety, fearful that our light will snuff out; that we won’t stay steady on our own.
Sitting at my kitchen table, hot coffee warming my hands, I remember the times I’ve been tossed, thrashed, and shaken by gusts and gales that blindsided me. The feeling of being lost, alone, and defenseless is such a frightening and lonely place to be. But I also remember His voice echoing through the chaos and breaking through the whims of the wind, as I simply breathed His name – “Jesus, help me.”
When you call out to Him, even if your voice is but a raspy whisper, Jesus hears. He is there in the gentle brush of feathers along your cheek and the hush of being wrapped up tightly in wings of safety and peace. He is there as the scent of heaven surrounds you. You are sheltered, protected, and delivered from the chaos and debris that the world and wounds of humanity throw fast and hard.
Jesus is faithful. Jesus is good. He is the one who rebukes the fickle winds of chaos that always come as part of living on Earth.
We can’t save ourselves. He came to do that. Emmanuel, God with us. Always. Everywhere.
You are His treasure. Peace be with you.
Photo credit: Luidmyla Shalimova
Angel encounters…
Have you experienced one? I would love to hear your story!
This angel encounter of mine is one of my most memorable.
The excerpt is from Angels, in my book, Divine Encounters...
“Several years ago, my son and I were on a road trip. All
was fine and low-key until it wasn’t. A car passing us suddenly
lost the entire driver’s side wheel. It shot straight in front of
our car, bounced, and flew backward, heading directly for our
windshield. We were in the fast lane with a guardrail to the
right and the swerving car with the missing wheel to the left. In
slow motion, I watched in terror as that wheel shot straight at
us. At the absolute last moment, it veered completely opposite
its trajectory path, physically impossible, as if something with
an incredible amount of force pushed it, and the wheel hit the
guard rail and stopped. My son and I would have been killed or
gravely injured that day had angels not intervened and brought
that spinning tire under God’s control. The divine among us.”
Photo credit: Andri File
If you found yourself relaxing in this hammock, a fall breeze ruffling your hair, would you lean into it and let yourself day dream?
Would you nap, read a book, just be in nature?
I think day dreaming is healing and peaceful. Allowing your mind to drift where it will and give permission to your wildest dreams and wishes, no expectations, no stiff parameters, just freedom–making room for Jesus to speak to you, heal you, give discernment and wisdom.
There is freedom to hope and hope is a very powerful thing.
Photo credit: Zeynep Kahraman
I’m curious…
Have you had a divine encounter with Jesus?
There are so many ways He reveals Himself to us, as intimate and diverse as there are people.
in dreams
in divinely planned connections with another
in the quiet beauty of an alpine meadow
on the beach as waves crash & toss
in a moments of deep prayer
in the early morning hours on the patio
in the pages of His word
I love that He knows us so well that each encounter we have with Him is so deeply intimate, personal, and perfectly timed.
How about you? Where have you had an encounter with Jesus?
Photo credit: Turuncu Salak
