From the Inside Out

Finding Calm and Quiet

July 30, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

King David Playing the Harp by Gerard van Honthorst (1622)

(Psalm 131, personalized)

“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty” (v. 1a).

O God, King David’s firm assertion that no pride lurks in his heart stirs up envy within me. I wish I could say no pride ever lurks in my heart.

Pride is such an ugly attribute. Just like mold on bread causes ruin, pride causes ruin in me.

A bent toward self-aggrandizing—even in my thoughts—spoils my connection with You, Father, as much as pridefully choosing to do things my way instead of Your way. And when my feelings are bruised by the words and actions of others? It’s really pride masquerading as “hurt.”

I’d like to say with King David, “I have given up my pride and turned away from my arrogance” (v. 1 GNT), but the mold of pride still forms in my spirit from time to time.

I ask Your help, O God, to help me cut it off the moment it begins to appear. Remind me that apart from You I am nothing and can do nothing (1).

“I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me” (v. 1b).

David also asserts he doesn’t concern himself with matters outside his control or things too profound for him and beyond his understanding.

In years past and much too often I allowed my mind to circle around distressing situations and worrisome what-ifs, even though such thinking accomplishes nothing.

You’ve taught me, Lord, (and continue to give me opportunities for practice!), to affirm what I know about You and Your ways instead of fretting, including such encouraging passages as Psalm 145:8-9:

“But I have calmed and quieted myself” (v. 2a).

You are the Almighty Sovereign One, the only wise God, my faithful and loving Father. How silly I am not to rest—every moment–in Your power and peace.

David states matter-of-factly he’s calmed and quieted his soul. Since his days as a shepherd boy he’d been one to affirm what he knew to be true about You. Psalm 23 is one eloquent example.

But David also prayed concerning his needs, trusting that You’d provide:

Thank You, Father, for teaching me the power of prayer and praise to quiet my soul. I have only to present my requests before You—with thanksgiving—to experience your peace [2].

“I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content” (v. 2b).

In fact, the calm and quiet of Your peace is like that of a weaned child, contentedly nestled on his mother’s lap [3]—no longer demanding immediate gratification.

What a sweet image of the rest I can experience in the assurance of Your provision, in Your time, while reveling in the closeness and companionship in Your presence.

I know Your goal for me is emotional and spiritual maturity. You sometimes choose to wean me away from good things, to bring me to better things. Help me to remember: painful losses can give way to wonderful gains [4].

“Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore” (v. 3).

And so, Father, I put my hope in You, now and forevermore. This is not wishful thinking but confident expectation based on the perfections of Your character. My hope is strengthened by Your glorious promises, including Your assurance never to leave me or forsake me.

I can joyfully anticipate what You will do in the future, knowing You have my best interest at heart. This day and every day I place my trust in You afresh, my good and gracious God!

____________________

[1] 1 Corinthians 1:27-31; John 15:5

]2] Philippians 4:6-7

[3] Psalm 131:2

[4] Warren Wiersbe, Be Exultant, 174.

Image credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; www. canva.com (2); http://www.wikimedia.org.

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Posted in Bible Study, Faith, Hope, Maturity, Meditation, Obedience, Peace, Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged Contentment, Faith in God, God's Goodness, God's peace, God's Presence, Hope, Pride, Psalm 131, Trust in God | Leave a Comment »

What Lies Beneath

July 23, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

A large team of specialists—scientists, curators, conservators, computer and AI specialists—began their research in 2019. Two and a half years later, they finally moved into Phase Two. The assignment? To restore a 12’ x 14.5’ painting titled The Night Watch (1642), by Rembrandt.

Example of equipment used during research phase, while museum visitors watched.

In 2022 a team removed the painting from its wooden stretcher (applied in the 1970s) and re-stretched it on an aluminum frame with springs, to keep the tension evenly distributed.

Beginning in November 2024 and still in process, conservators work to remove the varnish layers from the 1970s and 1990s, clouding the painting with a yellowish cast, muting the colors, and obscuring details. The task is accomplished with microfiber fiber tissue prepared with solvent.

Imagine the resplendence of Rembrandt’s work when the restoration is complete!

Once these layers are removed, the team will determine whether older layers of varnish can be removed, and what solvent will work best. They’ll also switch from the tissues to cotton swabs, and slowly but surely reveal the beauty that lies beneath.

What details might conservators discover for this soldier?

They’ll also address damage caused by knife attacks and deterioration of the paint. The team expects to conclude in 2027-28.

The world is filled with masterpieces in need of restoration—and not just ancient works of art. These masterpieces include you, me, and all mankind. Scripture tells us we are God’s workmanship–“his own master work, a work of art” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP).

But like The Night Watch, our true selves are clouded and discolored by self-centeredness, discontentment, unforgiveness, and more. We too need restoration, and God himself has engineered the way for us to be made new:

Those layers of the old life include harmful actions like a quick temper, unhealthy thought-patterns like worry, and unwholesome choices like holding a grudge. As they’re removed, the lustrous colors of the fruit of the Spirit begin to shine through—love, joy, peace, patience, and more.

And just as conservators are finding new details in The Night Watch, we find newness of life in our relationship with God—new perspectives and purposes, new desires and motives, new goals and passions, new hopes for the future and new power to face whatever comes.

The process does take time, as if God works with a Q-tip. But that’s because he works with gentleness and patience to mature us.*

I suppose if a painting could feel all that rubbing (gentle as it may be), there’d be discomfort. But it wouldn’t take long for hope to settle in—hope for the day when the beauty of what lies beneath becomes visible— when every lovely detail is revealed and the colors glow with vibrancy.

Surely the painting would decide: the results are worth the process. How much more should we welcome the restorative work of God, knowing that submission to him turns:

Deafness in our spirits to sensitivity for God’s voice
Blindness to God’s involvement in our lives to seeing the evidence of his work nearly everywhere
Disinterest in the Bible to hunger for truth
Immature understanding to growth in wisdom
An appetite for material possessions to a desire for spiritual depth
Anxious thoughts to faith-filled affirmations from scripture

How do we begin to experience such restoration? It begins with time—time set aside most days to spend in the presence of our Restorer.

We can also learn to practice God’s presence all day long—with frequent whispered prayers, moments of praise, and words of gratitude.

Slowly but surely what lies beneath is exposed, because:

It is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed.

–Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, 9.

* Romans 2:4; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 103:8, 13, 14 HCSB.

Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.picryl.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org (2); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.

Sources of information for The Night Watch restoration:

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/whats-on/exhibitions/operation-night-watch

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/stories/10-things/story/10-things-about-rembrandt-s-night-watch

https://www.france24.com/en/20181016-rembrandt-masterpiece-night-watch-be-restored-live

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Posted in Uncategorized, Encouragement, God's Provision, Renewing the Mind, God's Faithfulness, Intimacy with God, Maturity | Tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 19:7, God's work within us, God's Restoration Process, The Night Watch by Rembrandt, Presence of Jesus | 39 Comments »

Outgrowing Illusions

July 16, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

New York’s Museum of Natural History

Sometime in the 1940s New York’s Museum of Natural History created a living room space–from the perspective of a small dog. Table legs rose like tall pillars, chair seats hovered overhead, and the mantel of the fireplace loomed higher still.

Now any human museum-goer would instantly know this was an unrealistic representation from our point of view. But if we were all Shih Tzus, we’d bark to one another how accurately the decorator had appointed the room.

Which view of the museum display is correct—that of people or Shi Tzus? Our instinctive response is: the way it appears to us as humans is the accurate view.

And we think, The poor little pups—living their whole lives with the illusion that furniture is almost always gigantic.

No doubt that museum space provided plenty of entertainment. But perhaps an important lesson was hiding among the over-sized furniture and features.

What if we compared Planet Earth to that room? Then we are the small creatures gazing upwards—at towering mountains, high plateaus, and tall waterfalls.

Angel Falls in Venezuela, 3,212 feet tall

Oh, but our view must be expanded further—far beyond Mount Everest even.

We must consider what Planet Earth looks like to God, who made the numerous planets, spinning in billions of galaxies. On a map of the stars, our tiny planet isn’t even represented.

Yet it’s so easy to lose sight of this reality. Our sphere of contacts–family, friends, and coworkers –becomes our entire world.

The pursuit of happiness within this microcosm becomes our whole focus, fed by the illusion that living life “my way” is the ticket to happiness and satisfaction.

Then there’s God’s point of view, as taught by Jesus:

Which view of reality is accurate–our view or that of our sovereign Maker (who sees, understands and controls everything)?

Logic supports the latter. The real world-view is God’s view.

And if we’re ready to accept that reality, then we must also agree it makes sense to follow his instruction manual, the Bible, for living in the world he created.

My self-serving, egocentric side says, Wait a minute. I have my own ideas of what’s best for me. I oughtta know what’ll make me happy. Doesn’t my viewpoint count for anything?

Such thinking exposes my lack of understanding, putting me on the level of a little dog in that museum living room! My world view is flawed.

No, I’d be much wiser to embrace God’s point of view as revealed in his Word, and learn about reality—the reality of his invisible, spiritual kingdom and its benefits:

His foundation of security:

His way to happiness:

His treasure of truth:

His gift of peace:

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for these benefits and more, lovingly bestowed as we seek to live within the spiritual reality of your kingdom. Yes, it’s invisible to our human eyes, but no less real than the wind.

And as we follow you and obey your Word, the more real your transcendent world becomes, the more wonders we experience. Help me outgrow the immaturity of illusions and embrace the truths of your reality!

(Information about New York’s Museum of Natural History room-display from Ralph Sockman’s The Higher Happiness, Abingdon Press, 1950, 14.)

Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.dailyverses.net (2); http://www.universe.roboflow.com (sahal); http://www.publicdomainpictures.com; http://www.pickpik.com.

(Revised and reblogged from July 21, 2016 while we prepared for and enjoyed the 3-day visit of old friends.)

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Posted in Blessings, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Maturity, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tagged Benefits of Following God, Benefits of God's Kingdom, Benefits of Obeying God, God's kingdom, God's Point of View, God's Reality, Illusions vs. Reality, Matthew 5:6 | 33 Comments »

Lillian Trasher: Mother to Thousands

July 9, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

“Please come—a young mother is dying!” cried the young man at the door.

Twenty-three-year-old missionary, Lillian Trasher, grabbed her medical kit and followed him to a dirty hovel. The poverty and stench that greeted her didn’t surprise Lillian. After three months in Assiut, Egypt, she was growing accustomed to the deprivation.

Lillian had no means to save the young woman. Her sickly, scrawny infant mewled with hunger.

“You must keep the baby,” family members insisted. “There is no one here who can care for her.”

So Lillian took the infant back to the mission house. A few days later the director insisted Lillian return the child, explaining, “Her incessant crying keeps everyone awake at night.”

“I can’t take her back,” Lillian protested.

Her only alternative: spend the few rupees she had to rent a little house and purchase a bit of furniture.

But living on her own meant no further support from the mission station. Lillian prayed for God to supply, and begged from her neighbors. Day by day God provided.

Before long, other orphans were brought to Lillian and the Assiut Orphanage came into existence. The year: 1911. Lillian must have smiled to trace the events God had orchestrated, leading to this outcome.

Lillian Trasher

Four years earlier she’d traveled from home in Brunswick, Georgia to Atlanta, to interview for a newspaper job as a sketch artist. On the way she just happened to meet Mattie Perry, an orphanage director from North Carolina.

Mattie described the work and “how they lived by faith, believing each day that God would supply all their needs”[1]. Mattie invited the would-be sketch artist to come work with her. Lillian declined.

But it just so happened the sketch-artist position went to someone else by mistake, after Lillian had supposedly been hired. She decided to work at the orphanage after all.

For five years she handled all sorts of tasks and learned the many facets of orphanage administration. She also attended Bible School, pastored a church for a short time, and even traveled as an evangelist.

In 1910 Lillian became engaged. But, as it happened, ten days before the wedding, she heard a missionary from India speak passionately about his work. Lillian felt strongly God was calling her to mission work–in Africa. Her fiancé, however, felt no such call, and Lillian broke off the engagement.

Next, Lillian just happened to attend a Christian conference where she met a missionary working in Assiut. He invited her to join their team; Lillian accepted.

Assiut, bottom right corner

Her family expressed concern, but older sister Jennie volunteered to go along, just until she was settled. Jennie never left.

By 1915, the two women were caring for fifty orphans and needed more space. Miraculously, a large property was supplied across the river in Abnub for just $250. She and the older children made a kiln and baked their own bricks to construct the needed buildings.

Lillian and her children, 1920

1919 brought political unrest and British authorities required everyone at the orphanage to evacuate. The boys were sent to a Presbyterian school in Assiut, the girls to a hospital.

Lillian and Jennie returned to America and spent the year raising funds for the work. When they returned in 1920, Lillian began taking in anyone in need, including widows and the blind. They helped with the work of the orphanage, and by 1923, 300 lived on the compound.

God continued to meet their needs, sometimes in spectacular ways. One time an anonymous donor sent a truckload of foodstuffs. And when Lord Maclay of Scotland visited the orphanage, he gave Lillian $5,000 for her work. Later he sent another $25,000 [2].

As World War II began, the Assiut Orphanage housed seven hundred people. Once again, food and supplies became scarce.

In April of 1941, the American ambassador shared incredible news. A Red Cross ship had been enroute to Greece when that nation fell to the Nazis.

The captain had received orders to dump the supplies and return home. But a soldier on board knew of Lillian and persuaded the captain to unload at Alexandria.

“Believe it or not,” announced the ambassador, “you have a warehouse full of clothing, blankets, and towels, hundreds of kegs of powdered milk, many sacks of rice, and more! It’s all waiting for you”[3]!

By the 1950s, the orphanage included sixteen buildings: dormitories, a hospital wing, chapel, school, nurseries, bakery, sewing rooms, carpentry workshop, gardens, and more. Over a thousand children resided on the grounds [4].

Of course, throughout the years, Lillian and Jennie made sure their charges knew about Jesus. Thousands committed their lives to him [5].

Now, 125 years since its founding, the legacy of Lillian Trasher (and Jennie) lives on in the still-functioning facility. However, in 1961, shortly after Lillian’s death, the name became the Lillian Trasher Orphanage.

[1] https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/60957/student/?section=19

[2] https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/heroes-of-the-faith-lillian-trasher/

[3] https://oercommons.org/

[4] https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/story-lillian-trasher/

[5] https://oercommons.org/

Other Sources:

She Pursued The Purposes Of God

Lillian Trasher

https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-12/Beth-Baron%2C-22Nile-Mother-Lillian-Trasher-and-the-Orphans-of-Egypt-22.pdf

Image credits: http://www.look and learn.com; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org; http://www.itoldya420.getarchive.net; http://www.digitalgallery.bgsu.edu; http://www.canva.com.

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Posted in Courage, Excellence, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Provision, God-Given Abilities, Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Perseverance, Uncategorized | Tagged Assiut Egypt, Lillian Trasher, Lillian Trasher Orphanage, Lord Maclay of Scotland | 36 Comments »

Food for Thought This Independence Day

July 2, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Ask a number of people what we celebrate on July 4^th, and many will surely mention FREEDOM or LIBERTY.

Rightly so.

They’ll likely agree with Rev. Robert J. McCracken (1904-1973) who wrote:

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.

–Rev. Robert J. McCracken (1904-1973)

But, we need to remember, with FREEDOM comes responsibility.

Freedom is like a coin. It has the word privilege on one side and responsibility on the other. It does not have privilege on both sides. There are too many today who want everything involved in privilege but refuse to accept anything that approaches the sense of responsibility.

–Joseph R. Sizoo (1884-1966), pastor and professor at George Washington University

And former chaplain for the U. S. Senate, Peter Marshall, (1902-1949) would have us understand:

Even though Christianity is not as prevalent in our society as it once was, most Americans have a sense of what’s right, naming these qualities as important to them: respect, trustworthiness, kindness, integrity, and fairness [1].

Would some be surprised to know all of those qualities are set forth in the New Testament? In fact, since the founding of our nation in 1776, FAITH in God and respect for his commandments has provided a strong foundation for our nation’s ideals.

The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.

—Calvin Coolidge, 30^th president of the United States

Imagine a country where most people couldn’t be trusted, kindness was rare, and hardly anyone treated others with integrity and fairness. Such circumstances would severely limit “the pursuit of happiness,” and the opportunity for prosperity.

Now consider America, where most of us (!) show respect to others most of the time. We can be trusted to stop at red lights, for example, and stay on the right side of the road. (If you’ve visited a third-world country, you’ve likely witnessed disrespectful driving.)

In America, it’s not unusual for strangers to kindly help someone in trouble. And we’re still among the most generous nations in the world [2], with our time and resources.

Volunteers help with clean-up after a tornado

In America, most of us pay our taxes, because it’s the right thing to do. And in America, most jury-members seek fair decisions in the cases they hear.

Yes, America has its flaws and problems, but she’s still a great place to live. Just ask the enthusiastic Europeans visiting here for the World Cup!

America is worthy of our PATRITOSIM.

Patriotism is not about blind loyalty, but about recognizing the greatness and potential of your country.

–Charlie Kirk

As for the flaws and problems, it’s been asserted that Christianity is part of the solution to our difficulties—by a man well-known for his wisdom and discernment:

As Lincoln walked the streets of Richmond (the capital of the Confederacy) shortly after it was captured by Union troops, a slave ran to meet him and fell to his knees before the president.

“Don’t kneel to me,” Lincoln responded. “Kneel to God only, and thank Him for the liberty you will enjoy hereafter” [3].

We’d do well to do the same, and to pray for God’s holy protection of our nation.

“Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;

And this be our motto: In God is our trust.”

(Francis Scott Key, from the fourth verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner”)

[1] https://news.gallup.com/poll/691964/family-top-value-americans.aspx_, April 2025.

[2] https://johnsoncitypress.com/news/73107/americans-are-the-most-generous-people-on-earth/

[3] https://www.deseret.com/2015/5/4/20563998/lincoln-saved-a-nation-but-deflected-credit-to-a-greater-power/

Image credits: http://www.printerval.com (Letitia Grasshopper); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.picryl.com (George Armstrong); http://www.pickpik.com.

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Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Faith, Generosity, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Independence Day, Uncategorized | Tagged America's Foundation, Appreciation for America, Faith in God, Freedom, Independence Day, Liberty, Patriotism | 34 Comments »

How to Jump-Start Your Joy

June 25, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Most of you who read this blog accept the Bible as truth. You’ve considered the evidence, including:

the many prophecies fulfilled with 100 % accuracy

thousands of archaeological discoveries, giving evidence of the people, places, and ancient civilizations mentioned in the Bible. Nothing has been found to disprove scripture.

such ancient manuscripts as the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating back to 150 BC to 68 AD, that include at least excerpts from every Old Testament book except Esther.

These factors and others support your Christian faith. As a result, you’ve accepted the reality of such scripture as John 3:16:

You’ve believed in Jesus and accepted him into your life. You love him for what he’s done for you and continues to do, including forgiving your sins, encouraging your spirit, granting peace of mind, as well as providing the gift-of-all-gifts, eternal life.

Yet sometimes the joy Jesus promised (John 15:11) seems elusive.

Perhaps you’re overworked and underpaid by your employer. Tension within the extended family causes constant stress, or your teenager argues against every boundary like a relentless, prosecuting attorney.

Each of us needs to jump-start our joy some days—to defy the discouraging circumstances we face.

But how do we do that? Three simple actions can begin the turn from upset to uplift.

You’re no doubt familiar with them, but:

See if these three actions seem good to you:

REFLECT ON GOD’S GOODNESS

Joy starts to percolate when we identify the gifts and favors God continually bestows, as a result of his holy character. For example, we might see:

His devoted care (Psalm 145:20a), expressed through the compassion and support of family and/or friends

His undying hope, as the sun breaks through thick clouds, reminding us that he specializes in turning darkness into light (2 Samuel 22:29)

His loving attentiveness (Psalm 34:15), in the kindness of a stranger who “pays it forward” at the coffee-shop drive-thru

His incomparable strength (Psalm 27:14 ISV), enabling us to wait with faith for his perfect plan to unfold

His tender encouragement, often bestowed through such scriptures as Psalm 118:6a; 7a:

REST IN GOD’S PROMISES

Perhaps like me, God has led you to a perfect Bible promise during a season of challenge.

I remember fighting heavy fatigue when our third baby seemed perfectly content with intermittent power naps–even at night. The promise of Isaiah 40:29 became especially meaningful: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

However, God didn’t infuse me with miraculous energy. Neither did our youngest begin sleeping from sunset to sunrise.

God’s way was to give me just enough strength for each day. His promise held, and in the process I learned deeper reliance on him and greater perseverance.

REJOICE IN HIS BLESSINGS

Spurgeon’s statement above raises the question, how many blessings do you suppose we’ve missed because we’re distracted by our dilemmas?

Author John Eldredge would have us “drink in beauty wherever we can get it—in music, in nature, in art, in a great meal shared. These are all gifts to us from God’s generous heart. Friends, those things are not decorations to a life, they bring us life” (from Wild at Heart).

So drink in the blessing of that worship song, that majestic tree, that inspired painting, those delightful moments at the family dinner table, chattering and laughing together.

These represent just a smattering of gifts that God bestows every day, demonstrating his goodness which he promised long ago:

And by reflecting on that goodness, resting in such promises, and rejoicing in God’s blessings, we can surely energize our spirits and jump-start our joy!

What joy-starters work for you? Please share in the comment section below!

(Image credits: http://www.worldhisotry.org (Keven Eng); http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.freerangestock.com (Paul Morris).

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Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Provision, God's Salvation, Joy, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized | Tagged Experiencing joy in life, God's Goodness, God's Promises, How to Be Happy, John 3:16, Mindfulness of Blessings, Proof the Bible is true, Psalm 31:19 | 34 Comments »

A Happy Family

June 18, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Enjoying a bit of heaven with extended family this week. I’ll be back next week with a new post.

In lieu of a post, check out the newsletter available below–if you haven’t already done so!

(Image credit: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net.)

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Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, Joy, Uncategorized | Tagged Family, Family Quote, George Bernard Shaw Quote | 11 Comments »

Father of Light

June 11, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

You, oh God, are resplendent with light

as if full of fire—

blazing with power, dazzling in majesty,

shimmering in an aura of glory (1).

You are the Father of lights—

the Creator of sun, moon, and stars.

from the moment You spoke them into being,

the heavenly lights have never ceased to shine (2).

Neither has your Light of Goodness

ceased to shine upon your people.

You are loving and patient, generous and gracious,

always seeking the brightest, highest good (3).

You are the Light of my Salvation,

showing me the way to heaven through your Son, Jesus,

guiding me home through the twists and turns of life,

the dark shadows of uncertainty and fear (4).

You are the Light of Life,

providing Son-lit days of peace, joy, and contentment

as I avail myself of your calming presence,

and celebrate your continual gifts (5).

You are the Light of Truth,

who graciously shares his omniscient wisdom with his people.

Through your Word you expose falsehoods and evil.

You show me the best way to live—side by side with You (6).

You are the Light of Holiness—

Pure and perfect, completely separate from all else in the universe.

Through Jesus you already see me as perfect,

yet day by day you are molding me to be holy, like you (7).

You are the Light of Blessing,

making your face shine upon me

with grace, mercy, and compassion,

lovingly exercising your power for my benefit (8).

You provide the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God.

I find it when I seek your Son, Jesus.

His earthly life gives me a glimpse of your glory in human form–

a form I can more easily understand (9).

And now, you have made me a Child of the Light,

Called to reflect your glory to others,

shining brighter, I pray, as the years pass,

till the full light of day–inside heaven’s gates (10).

I praise you, oh God, that your Light shattered the darkness

of evil that first Easter morning—and for all time.

I praise you for the privilege of living in that Light,

Now and into eternity!

* * * * * * * * * *

Psalm 76:4; Ezekiel 1:28
James 1:17
Psalm 89:15, 34:8-9
Psalm 27:1; 23:4
John 8:12, 14:27; Psalm 16:11; Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 43:3; 119:105; Proverbs 6:23; Ecclesiastes 2:13
Isaiah 5:20; Romans 13:12
Numbers 6:24-26
2 Corinthians 4:6
Philippians 2:15-16; Ephesians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Proverbs 4:18

(Revised and reblogged from June 2, 2016.)

Image credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pxhere.com.

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Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship | Tagged 1 John 1:5, God is Light, Proverbs 4:18, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 27:1 | 26 Comments »

Keeping a Prayer Box

June 4, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Blogger friend, Linda Stoll, concluded a recent post with the following prayer:

“Holy Spirit, please do what You do best –

comfort, refresh, convict, prompt,

guide, protect, calm, and strengthen.

Delight us with an abundance

of Your refreshing presence.”

–Linda Stoll

https://lindastoll.substack.com/p/come-hungry-porch-221

Those verbs could provide helpful prayer-starters, I thought, and told Linda in the comments I’d be copying those verbs on a 3 x 5, to add the list to my prayer box:

She responded, “I love that you have a prayer box . . . Please write a post on this someday, ok, Nancy?”

Well, Linda (and all my other friends who visit here), today is the day!

Some of you will remember previous references to this practice:

https.//www.nancyaruegg.com/2024/10/7/a-quiet-time-notebook/

Below you’ll find the rationale behind keeping such a box and suggestions for preparing one.

Why a prayer box?

Some people keep a prayer list; I transitioned to a box of 3 x 5s more than twenty-five years ago. The reasons include:

More room to write, as needs change or progressive answers unfold.

For example, an undiagnosed illness might be followed by eventual determination of the problem, then improvement, and finally healing. It’s encouraging to see God at work through the process, as well as in the final outcome.

Cards can easily be organized. For example, if the child of parents I already pray for suddenly needs prayer himself, I can slip a new card for him behind the parents’ card and pray for the family together.

Viewing one card at a time improves my focus. Staring at a long list can be overwhelming.

Prayer cards contribute freshness to prayer time as I rotate through the cards, concentrating attention on just ten to twelve per day.

How to Start a Prayer Box

Find a box to accommodate the cards you choose to use. (You may wish to use decorated cards, for added beauty to your prayer experience. Many options are available online.)

You can use the box as is, cover the lid in wrapping paper, or decorate another way. Make it a pleasure to pull off the shelf.

For each card, you’ll want to include the name of the person(s) or ministry at the top, with the date you’re starting to pray for them.

Names concealed to protect privacy.

If there’s a specific need, write a short summary statement. Include the date if it’s different than the one recorded at the top of the card.

We can also pray for: the health of their spirit, their strength of faith, a life of integrity, daily awareness of God’s love in palpable ways, rest in his shalom, and a wide ripple effect from their life.

Let’s not forget Linda’s helpful verbs either.

When possible, include a scripture that relates to the request.

The best praying man is the man who is most believingly familiar with the promises of God. After all, prayer is nothing but taking God’s promises to Him and saying to Him, ‘Do as You have said.’

–Charles Spurgeon, from The Secret of Power in Prayer

Record evidence of progress; praise God for his involvement.

Include request-cards for yourself—especially those concerns that impact your relationship with God and with others.

You may wish to intersperse cards of inspiration as well.

Record the answers as they come. Enjoy the delight of citing evidence of God’s attentiveness, creative solutions, miracle-working power, and more.

Of course, sometimes the answer isn’t what I asked for. But I record those too, knowing that everything God does somehow serves divine purpose.

When God says “Yes,” he increases our joy. When God says, “Wait,” he increases our patience. And when God says “No,” he increases our trust in his higher ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Keep the cards of answered prayers in a separate place as proof of God’s involvement. Boost your confidence in God and the power of prayer as the stack grows (Isaiah 25:1).

And remember:

A praying saint performs far more havoc among the unseen forces of darkness than we have the slightest notion of.

—Oswald Chambers, Biblical Psychology, 1912.

Perhaps a faithfully-used prayer box will help create more havoc!

Image credits: Nancy Ruegg; www. commons. wikimedia.org (2); Nancy Ruegg (8).

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, Prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged Answers to Prayer, Faith, Isaiah 25:1, Isaiah 55:8-9, Power of Prayer, Prayer, Prayer Cards | 43 Comments »

Choosing to Remember

May 28, 2026 by Nancy Ruegg

Mom, Dad, and great-granddaughter, about 2011

As he got older, my dad would occasionally quip, “My memory is so good I can remember things that didn’t even happen!”

Actually, Dad remembered accurately many past events, numerous jokes, a plethora of interesting trivia, and an impressive amount of Bible knowledge—well into old age.

Some years ago I happened to recall a fun song from my childhood, but a few lines of lyrics had escaped my memory. Dad was in his upper-eighties by this time, but I asked anyway.

“Do you happen to remember the lyrics to “Cheer Up, Cheer Up?”

He remembered them perfectly, and we enjoyed reminiscing about the Scottish pastor who’d taught us to sing the chorus with a Scottish accent.

Delightful memories are one of the joys of getting older.

In fact:

But God designed our memory-capacity for more than just enjoyment. He had in mind important purpose as we use this ability to foster our relationship with him.

For example:

Remembering God’s interventions contributes to our hope.

Looking back over our lives, we all can remember how God has brought us through challenging times, miraculously supplied urgent needs, and guided us in difficult decisions.

As a result, we can affirm: if he took care of those situations then, he can certainly take care of this situation now. And we find hope beginning to bloom.

Remembering God’s mighty deeds bolsters our faith.

Like the psalmist Asaph wrote: “I will ponder all your works and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?” (Psalm 77:12-13).

Remembering is a form of worship. And as we rehearse with him the miracles we’ve witnessed and experienced, our fears subside, doubts shrink, strength increases, and our confidence in God expands.

Remembering God’s faithfulness fosters gratitude and peace.

Brain research has confirmed that “engaging in gratitude rewires neural-pathways, combating anxiety.”

That means, with every remembrance of God’s faithfulness, we’re taking advantage of the ability he’s given us, to calm our stress and hard-wire pathways to peace. *

Remembering the past encourages personal and spiritual growth.

We find wisdom for the present from the lessons learned in the past.

One lesson I’ve learned along the way was actually proclaimed eons ago by a Greek playwright, Aeschylus: “Happiness is a choice.”

I can choose negativity and spiral downward into discouragement, or I can look for the blessings in my life and give my heart a good dose of cheer (Proverbs 17:22).

I’d rather do the latter.

Remembering the past contributes to obedience.

As we consider how God has provided throughout our lives, we’re more able to obey the instructions:

As we praise God for what he’s accomplished in the past, we’ll sidestep complaining about a difficulty in the present.

As we remember the joy of liberal generosity (Acts 20:35), we’ll avoid tight-fisted possessiveness.

And as we strengthen our faith by remembering God’s amazing deeds, we fight against spiritual complacency.

With the psalmist we can affirm:

We have no need for wishful thinking, remembering things that didn’t even happen. Pondering all the wonders God has performed for us will keep us happily occupied into eternity.

* https://cfc.sebts.edu/faith-and-culture/why-remembering-matters-and-how-it-shapes-our-lives-and-our-brains/

Image credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com.

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Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Hope, Meditation, Obedience, Peace, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized | Tagged Faith, Hope, Isaiah 26:3, Memories, Memories and Relationship with God, Psalm 111:2-3, Psalm 77:12-13, Using Memories to Good Purpose | 46 Comments »

Older Posts »

From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Finding Calm and Quiet

What Lies Beneath

Outgrowing Illusions

Lillian Trasher: Mother to Thousands

Food for Thought This Independence Day

How to Jump-Start Your Joy

A Happy Family

Father of Light

Keeping a Prayer Box

Choosing to Remember

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