I Am By Your Side

2 Timothy 4:17a  "But The Lord stood with me and gave me strength..."

I read this scripture this week, and it has stood out to me.  It's the reminder and encouragement I needed right now.  Just when I feel or think that I'm alone and have to handle life's struggles by myself, I'm reminded that God is always there.  I have this mental picture of God standing next to me with his hand reaching for my hand and saying, "Come on.  I've got this.  Grab my hand and let's do this together."

But The Lord stood with me...

Who stands with you?  Someone who is close to you.  Someone who is a friend, a companion.  Someone who will guard you, protect you.  Someone who loves you. Wow!  God is standing with me.  He's beside me encouraging me and speaking life into me.  

As I read that scripture, I reflected back on times that I know I wouldn't have made it through had it not been for God being with me and giving me strength.  Deuteronomy 31:6 "So be strong and courageous...He will never leave you nor forsake you."  In those times that my strength is depleted, God can show his love for me and gives me his strength.  He's always there.

Thank you God for loving me, never forsaking me, and giving me your strength.  It's at those moments that I realize that I can't do this alone that you are able to show yourself to me.  To show me how you love me and will give me just what I need to make it.  Forgive me for doubting.  Continue to encourage me and strengthen me.   Amen.

Where Did The Time Go?

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Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Proverbs 22:6 NLT)

Where did the time go?  It seems that just yesterday I was bringing home this handsome little guy. Then I turn around and he's toothless and in elementary school. After blinking, he's now a senior and will soon be embarking on a new adventure. 

I have enjoyed every stage of motherhood and am blessed that God gave him to me. He is my miracle child. He is God given. God does have a call on his life and wants to use him to reach others. I hope and pray that I have done all I can to guide him and show him God's love. 

My prayer for him is to continually put God first, seek God's will for his life at all times, and to seek God's wisdom.

I love you son!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NLT)

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. (Proverbs 4:7, 8 NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

To Know Me

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ (Matthew 7:21-23 NLT)

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! (Revelation 3:15, 16 NLT)

More than my words, more than my actions, more than anything else...God wants to know me.  Not just part of me, not just a little of me.  He wants my heart to be fully his.