Our Scars Can Be Symbols of Strength and Victory |
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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3 We were well into a three-year process of building a new home for our family in the early 2000s — a process that challenged me and caused me to draw near to God in a new way. After crossing hurdles regarding whether to build or not, with drawing and pricing the plans, and with laying the foundation, we were eager to begin framing the house. We continued seeking God's will in the process, and we pressed forward with construction. I was overjoyed to see the framing begin to shape our future home. Much to my dismay, when I visited our rapidly rising home, I found not-so-clean two-by-sixes and wood covered in knots — ugly wood that I argued surely couldn't build the strong house in which we were going to reside. I brought up my concerns with our builder. He simply told me, "Anne, the more knots there are in the timber, the stronger the wood is." Along this process of building our home, and anytime I sought control or began to give in to my doubt, the Lord would nudge me and say, "Come back to Me." I couldn't have heard the words He spoke to my heart more deeply in response to my builder's explanation. "The more knots are in our lives, the stronger we are." |
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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3 |
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3 |
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I was reminded of every trial, every battle, and every victory that was a mark on my heart, creating a knot and strengthening my spirit. I was encouraged that the knotty beams holding our house upright were similar to the scars that Jesus used to mark me and hold my life upright. Once I embraced the marred timber, we claimed it in the Lord's name, inscribing scripture on the framing. I was deeply moved when, as a final step to seal the inner framework of our home, our construction crew came in and covered the wood with white drywall, covering the marks with a clean slate, exactly the way Jesus covered my knots by hanging on the Cross. His blood that was shed was shed for me — all my knots, my sins, my scars. His covering was His righteousness, and what a beautiful picture is that! The word scar isn't typically associated with something positive. However, I see things differently now, and I've come to value those places in my own life that show up as scars. How can you see some of your own scars as symbols of strength or victory? Dear God, I know that You have allowed me to walk through fire for Your purpose. Help me not to hide my scars from those battles, but instead wear them with confidence so that all who see me will see Your glory and the victory You promised me. |
Excerpted with permission from Anne Neilson's Angels by Anne Neilson, copyright Anne Neilson Fine Art LLC. * |
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Those parts of our lives that are marred, damaged, scarred… that's where the Lord does His best work! Don't be afraid to have scars or to share them. They witness about God's goodness! ~ Devotionals Daily |
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Our lowest price ever! Limited quantities available |
Anne Neilson's Angels: Devotions and Art to Encourage, Refresh, and Inspire | |
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+ FREE shipping on all orders over $35 |
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Anne Neilson's Angels is an exquisite, artful 40-day devotional inviting you to experience joy and comfort through an original angel painting, a thoughtful reflection, Bible verse, and prayer. Experience hope and comfort through Neilson's incredible, ethereal angel paintings combined with her poetic voice reflecting on poignant topics such as love, abundance, release, identity, and purpose. This stunning, conversation-starting coffee table book . . . - opens with a generous foreword by Kathie Lee Gifford
- offers 40 inspirational devotions alongside beautiful, original angel paintings
- was selected as one of her 2020 Holiday Favorite Things by Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of Today
- makes a heartfelt gift for family and friends for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, or as a memorable housewarming present
Let Scripture, prayer, and the beauty of Anne Neilson's Angels nurture your soul today. |
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You'll share an appreciation and love of Anne Neilson's work alongside these well-known fans: - Maria Shriver, journalist, author, former First Lady of California
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Let Scripture, prayer, and the beauty of Anne Neilson's Angels nurture your soul today. |
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What Our Readers Are Saying |
"Beautiful book and prayers! The words chosen, the thoughtful content of the each devotion and the beauty of the art help the reader enjoy their devotional time. This book will be a comforting gift for anyone going through a difficult time." — Kathleen S. |
"This book is beautiful in every way. The art and words are inspiring. It is exactly what I needed during this difficult year. I plan to purchase more as gifts. I hope you love this book as much as I do." — Amy W. |
"Love it, love it, love it. Short enough devotionals and beautiful paintings to get your spirit up and going, deep enough that when you take more time to reflect, God speaks. I love it so I gave the book to my daughter and two daughter in laws. They all love them, as much as I do." — Mary S. |
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Entertaining Angels: True Stories and Art Inspired by Divine Encounters |
Experience amazing stories of the angels among us in Entertaining Angels, alongside breathtaking art that will remind you clearly of the words of Scripture: "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" Popular fine artist and writer Anne Neilson has personally experienced the presence of God's angels. In her newest book, Entertaining Angels, Anne and several guest contributors share thought-provoking, moving, and inspiring stories of their own angel encounters. Each entry recounts a story of an angel among us—accompanied by Scripture, reminders of God's love in the promise of the angels around us, and gorgeous original angel paintings by Anne. |
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Hidden Online Bible Study by Allison Allen |
"When we know how deeply we are seen by God, it doesn't really matter who else sees us or doesn't." - Allison Allen You're invited to the Hidden: Finding Delight in Your Life With Christ Online Bible Study! Join us as we study 6 overlooked characters in the Bible and discover the hidden lessons they share… and learn to let go of the pressures to be recognized or be seen! |
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