Author Archives: Nannette

About Nannette

Wife to The Sweetheart, Mom to the Fantastic Six, Nana to six of the cutest littles on the planet, Author, The Daniel Fast, A Devotional. UPCI ministers.

Stranded.

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This adventure of a lifetime began August 4, 2020 in Paducah, Kentucky. The place is insignificant, it is just where we rented the 32 foot Sunseeker motorhome that would be our home for the next two weeks.

Our plan to see the west was something we had always wanted to do. The RV seemed sensible since I have so many issues with my back. This would afford me a way to move around or even lie down if pain or muscle spasms were causing major discomfort. All in all, it was a good plan!

We headed to Sioux Falls, Iowa for our first night and we were already adjusting to life in the RV. We had a 26 ft. camper when My Three Sons were growing up so we were somewhat familiar with campgrounds, etc. The RV was operating smoothly as we entered The Badlands.

Our next stop in Rapid City, South Dakota, we were able to view the Crazy Horse monument, and then on to what would be the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: to see George, Thomas, Theodore and Abe sitting high on Mount Rushmore.

We were putting miles on this little home-on-wheels like crazy but the views were absolutely breathtaking! Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Old Faithful, everything was so gorgeous it made you want to stand and sing, America, America, God shed His grace on thee! 

And finally, we were heading to Colorado where we would spend the rest of our second week. Desolate doesn’t begin to describe this area of Wyoming that we were driving through to get to Colorado Springs. Beautiful though it was, there were just miles and miles of nothing and nobody! 

It was along Interstate 80, outside of Rock Springs, Wyoming, that suddenly we heard and felt what seemed like large boulders raining down on our little recreational vehicle! The wind was absolutely insane anyway and we pulled to the side immediately to discover the awning was beginning to come loose and was flapping like nobody’s business. (Side note: most RV rentals do not allow you to use the awning while renting because it is so expensive to replace if a wind gust catches it while it is extended in a campground. We had NOT used the awning at all and have no idea what caused it to come loose and begin its crazy whirlwind dance.)

Now, it sounds like an easy repair, but as handy as The Sweetheart is, and I know he can fix about anything, this cannot be done alone and without a ladder. And we couldn’t leave it to flap away because we were afraid the wind would grab the entire awning and rip it from the vehicle.

So, fortunately, we were a quarter mile from an exit, and driving a gentle, even-I-could-walk-faster-than-that speed, pulled off, but there was NOTHING at this desolate exit except for a state highway salt drop. The Sweetheart slowly pulls in there even though it said, “NO TRESPASSING, NO ENTRY, STATE PROPERTY.” He figured that he needed the salt mound to be a wind break for the motor home injury and said he would talk his way out of it later if need be. It will be.

Pause for effect: The next morning someone pulled up in a truck and we assumed it was our technician. Unfortunately, it was a guy from the State Highway Department who was NOT happy with us being there. He was quite rude, and a little condescending, but we understood he had a job to do as well. Once we told him a state trooper had been out he calmed down a bit but still was adamant that we leave as soon as possible. No one wanted out of there more than we did!

Every renter must pay $35/day for insurance and roadside service, a good thing, correct? Their motto?  “Million-dollar peace of mind with insurance and 24/7 roadside. Real people ready to help with 100+ advisors here 24/7.”  If million dollar peace of mind meant shielding you from the ridiculous number of phone calls, promises, details, more promises, no-shows, state trooper visit, a thunderstorm coming up and nightfall on its heels, I would have been okay with that. But allow me to just sum it up by saying we had to spend the night beside the salt mound, totally dark, totally alone.

We were promised a technician would arrive first thing in the morning. 

To say that The Sweetheart’s nerves were frazzled would have been the understatement of the year. That million-dollar peace of mind was nowhere to be found and the real people ready to help were suddenly totally helpless. 

I began to pray while the love-of-my-life was stuck with endless phone calls. I am a believer in the miraculous, you too? I have seen the miraculous but I admit I wasn’t expecting it at that moment. Can I get a witness? I just knew we needed help and that God cares about the big, the small, the insignificant and even the stranded. Yes, He surely does. 

My prayer was for God to send someone quickly so we could get on down the road. God’s plan was something entirely different. I don’t know if you would call it a vision, I’ve never had one, but what I saw immediately while I was praying shook me and gave me the utmost strength and peace. It was as clear as the ski-slope nose on my face: I vividly saw angels surrounding our motorhome, at least 50 of them, and every single one had a sword in his hand, guarding, protecting and prepared to do whatever necessary to make sure we were alright. 

I was expecting the phone to ring at any time with a technician telling us help was on the way. That didn’t happen. God wanted to let us know that no matter what we were facing, He was there! It meant that even if we had to stay in our dilemma, even if we were in the midst  of our own fiery furnace, God wasn’t about to leave us by that giant salt reminder of Lot’s wife! He wasn’t going to leave us afraid and unable to sleep. 

In fact, we slept pretty well, considering! We got up early, made breakfast, thanks to our generator, and cleaned up the motorhome. 

Pastor Ken Gurley said in a devotion this week, “An answer delayed is not an answer denied!” Help will come in His unhurried time and while we are waiting, He will give perfect peace and strength to endure the trial.

Were we ever in any real danger? I may never know but we may have been. Reflecting this morning I wondered why the angels all had a sword? Were they expecting a battle? Did they know something we did not? Are they always prepared with their sword in hand? I see so many places to go with these thoughts but this is already way over a comfortable word count. 

Even though help did not arrive until almost 2:00 in the afternoon, 22 ½ hours from the time we pulled off, we were safe, we were in the hands of the Creator of the universe who loves us enough to let us know HE is in control and as the song goes, “I know You’re able, and I know You can, save through the fire with Your mighty hand, but even if You don’t, my hope is You alone. I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt, would all go away if You just say the word, but even if You don’t, my hope is YOU alone!” 

Even if You don’t answer when I think You should, Lord, You know what’s best, You have a better plan for me, a way to show me Your power and might and if I never find myself in difficult situations, I would never know Your power or see Your glory! 

Anxiety comes knocking loudly at your door when you are faced with something out of your control. Then, the enemy will magnify any test or trial, or just circumstances of LIFE, and make you think things are ten times worse than they are. He wants you to worry, wants you wringing your hands and unable to think or sleep. 

But my God wants you to know that if you are stranded, spiritually or physically, or going through a test or trial you don’t understand or may not see an end to, don’t give up! God knows where you are and He has not abandoned you. There is nothing our God cannot do. He knows the end from the beginning, He sees down the road and whatever obstacle is in your way He can either remove it or use it as a stepping stone in your walk and relationship with Him. He always has you as His number one priority!

Now, I wrote this several days ago when it happened and have not had WIFI to finish it until tonight. Do you know why? Because I am STRANDED again!!! I am not kidding you, friend, we now have engine trouble, three hours from turning this back over to its rightful owner. We are in a much better area, a shopping center parking lot, surrounded by restaurants, yay. But, once again, “Thank you for calling, ____________, we promise to give you million-dollar peace of mind….tomorrow.” True story, tomorrow. 

I wonder what my God has up His sleeve for tonight? He may send 50 angels, He may send a mechanic, but He will always send peace that passes all understanding. The same is true for you, friend. He may send angels, He may send a next door neighbor but He will always BE THERE FOR YOU. 

All in His good time; and He is always, always good.

Here is another great true story of how God kept us during a real and harrowing storm while we were overseas. Where was Jesus in MY storm?

For the kingdom

What if it isn’t a Happy Mother’s Day?

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Mother’s Day weekend is a time of gathering, celebrating and loving on those in this world who give so very much. But for some it is one of the most difficult times of the year.

If you have lost your mother, if she has fought a good fight and reached her reward, your heart is grieving, broken. My prayer is that God will send a forgotten memory to you and love you through that sweet reminder of your mother this weekend. It is okay to grieve and it is healing to sit down and have a good cry! Relive the good times and find joy in the blessings that your mother brought to your life.

If you do anything this Sunday, take time to sit and REMEMBER. Remember how blessed you were by your mother and the way she shaped your life. Her influence lives on in you and you will pass so much of her on to your own children.

May you be comforted by all the great things she was to you and your family and rejoice that you will be reunited one day!

For those with a Momma’s heart but nothing to fill it yet…I have not walked in your shoes and cannot imagine the pain. I have walked it alongside my sweet daughter-in-law and son and remember every year that Mother’s Day would roll around how very difficult it was for her to even go to church on that otherwise happy day. Most services are not happening in churches around the country this Mother’s Day but a few are having their first service this weekend. If you choose to go to Mother’s Day service, I pray our Good Father wraps His arms around you and helps you to find an unexpected joy in a pew. Sometimes reaching out to others that are hurting is so very healing for your own soul. By serving, by giving, God will bless and cheer up your own hurting heart.

And if you choose NOT to go, or maybe not to watch, if the pain is just too much, He understands your hurt and can comfort you wherever you are. But do your best to not hide on this painful day but find joy in blessing another. I have friends that would avoid that day at church and I truly understand it is just too difficult for some who have lost so much or not been blessed with their hearts desire. Jesus truly knows your hurt and it’s OK. You do YOU. ♥

May God encourage you with His great love that He knows right where you are and although His timing is perfect, it is rarely ours. He hasn’t forgotten you and will continue to weave your great story in His kingdom.

My heart truly breaks for the mother who has lost a child today. No matter how old or how young they were, you should never have to bury your own child. We all know families that have suffered this great tragedy, only God knows the answer and truly, only God can heal their heart.

If this is you today, I am praying our great God wraps His arms around you and gives you comfort through your memories and the love of those close to you. He is able to literally carry you through this trial and even though the grief, the heartache and the longing will always be there in some fashion, He will help you bear it, He will help you carry on.

Do you know someone that has lost a child? Will you see them this weekend? Just say,  “I love you.” “I’m praying for you.” Or just say nothing at all, that hug, that squeeze of the hand, that arm around the shoulder lets them know you have not forgotten, no matter how long it has been. (Of course, social distancing has to be considered so make sure you respect others.)

To write a post from this perspective when your mother is still living and you have three grown children might seem as if I just don’t know what I am talking about and do not understand heartache and loss. I may not have walked the road, friend, but God can give compassion for us to love on those that are broken. He can help us understand and empathize with those that are suffering loss or have not experienced the joy of motherhood yet. My heart truly goes out to those who are hurting today.

We are called to be the church and encourage those that are broken, to walk this road TOGETHER.

So, if you find yourself sitting near a shattered heart today, whether in church or at the dinner table, be a comforter, a doer, a friend. Words are not even necessary if that is your struggle! Just let them know you care and if their heart is hurting, so is yours.

Jesus will send them strength today and it just might be through you.

God wants us to love on those around us, whether our heart is full or aching. The best way to fill that longing is to give, love and serve. Love like Jesus and He will fill your heart to overflowing on Mother’s Day and every day after. My love and prayers to you all.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Proverbs 31:30

For the kingdom

How are YOU doing in this storm?

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Guest writer today! My forever friend and sister-in-law, Sue Elkins, has an encouraging word from the Lord! Be blessed.

In times like these, we need a Savior
In times like these, we need an anchor
Be very sure, Be very sure
Your Anchor Holds and Grips the Solid Rock

This Rock is Jesus, Yes He’s the one
This Rock is Jesus, the only one
Be very sure, Be very sure
Your Anchor holds and Grips the Solid Rock

How many times have we read about the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt or thought about the trials of Job? We never thought anything close to that could ever come to our world. Who would have imagined, in this day and age, that a plague could hit not just the United States, but our WHOLE WORLD!

Now, many of us have either lost loved ones, friends or acquaintances or we know someone who has.  It is just unfathomable that we have been closed up in our homes now for months with more still to come.  No family gatherings, no going out to dinner, no friends over for parties, and NO CHURCH!  

For many of us, weekly church has been our lifeline for years.  It was where we received our strength.  We were closer to that church family than we are to some of our own family.  They encouraged us, we worshiped together, we laughed and cried together through many things and now they are GONE! What will we do?  Perhaps that question is exactly what God wants us to ask ourselves:

What will I do?  

Have we become too dependent on others for our relationship with Jesus? 

Can we stand alone in the midst of a storm if we have to? 

Do we feel strong in our prayer life and studying of God’s word that we can feed ourselves?

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Psalm 138:7

Some of us have been preparing ourselves for years for storms we didn’t know would come or how they would come. 

So…

How are YOU doing in this storm?

I have always tried to have daily devotions and time with Jesus, but I must confess that I haven’t always understood how IMPORTANT that time was.  These past few months have truly awakened me to how much I need to pay attention when I am in His presence.

I need to listen, so He can talk.
I need the strength, guidance and wisdom from His word.
I need this time with Jesus so much now, but really haven’t I always? 

The enemy would like to take this difficult time and destroy our faith, our foundation, and our relationships; but if we lean upon the power, the Right Hand of God, to sustain us during this time, we will come out victorious!! 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:  therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”  Psalm 28:7

I’ve always loved to sing.  A catchy tune can be in my head for days.  I would find myself singing stupid little songs while cooking, cleaning, walking on the treadmill, but some of those catchy little tunes weren’t for any good edification. 

I stopped listening to anything but Christian music in my car years ago because I didn’t want those lyrics in my head; but sometimes tunes from way back just drop in your mind and you are singing them without thinking:

“All my ex’s live in Texas”
“She wore an itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny, yellow polka dot bikini”
“Soup and sandwich, soup and sandwich, go together like a horse and carriage”

Where does this stuff come from?  Well, what is our mind tuned to?

Of late, I have found myself singing songs of Zion, tunes of refreshment to my soul! 

“Because He Lives, I can face tomorrow”
“I know the Peace Speaker, I know Him by name”
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to The Rock”
“Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness”

Is that because my mind is focused on something more than this life, but eternal life?  The Lord is my strength and I have always trusted in Him.  He has been there so many times for me, why would I doubt that He will be there for me now?  He is leading, has always been leading, and my heart must trust in that and rejoice!

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

Waiting is so hard.  Israel waited for deliverance from Egypt, Job waited for his troubles to pass, we can wait…..and while we are waiting He will RENEW our strength!  

We will build up our faith.
We will worship together via our online services.
We will encourage each other by social media.
We will sing songs of Zion in our homes.
We will pray more, read more and then we will….
MOUNT UP WITH WINGS AS EAGLES as we join together once more in our places of worship and we will not grow weary and we will not faint!  

We will stand stronger against the enemy. Lord, let us not forget this time and fall back into our old routines.  You have brought us out of the wilderness, PLEASE do not let us forget!!!

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of the salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”  Psalm 51:10-13

Create, renew, restore, uphold……O God, let me cleanse my heart so that You can renew that right spirit.  Let Your presence and spirit restore in me the joy of Your ways and uphold me in the Holy Ghost, which was so freely given to me, that I may teach and reach those who are weak and those who have never known Your precious love!

REVIVAL is coming….first to us as individuals, then to the Church as a whole.  Be ready.  Be prepared. Be a part of it all.
God Bless You All and Let’s Have Revival!



Sue Elkins is a former pastor’s wife, mother and super proud grandmother of four. Recently retired from 35+ years in real estate, she spends her days, before quarantine, burning up the highways to visit Roarke, Everly, Miller and Avery Kate and never passes up a road trip with her best friend and husband, Dexter.

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