A New Day Is More Like It

So it's a new year. Starting over. A new beginning. A time when I can envision the best version of who I want to be! The mom who works out everyday, cooks for her family, keeps a clean house, keeps prayer journals, says the right things to her kids, plans ways to be a better wife and the list goes on and on and on. Then reality hits. My unrealistic expectations end up leading to an overwhelmed anxious heart . Then I stand numb and useless because the mountain I have created in my head is just too huge to even attempt. Then failure wants to creep in. I'm sure this is a common cycle for others too. Maybe not. Maybe I'm the only one.

 This year I have sort of been avoiding my New Years "reflection time". I haven't wanted to put expectations on myself. Knowing where that all leads. Knowing my circumstances. Goals for a whole year? Really? I can't even see what tomorrow will bring. Last year I worked a lot on "letting go". I really had no choice. When a baby enters your life and you are used to everything being a certain way, you can either get really frustrated or Let.It.Go.. I found peace in letting go of what I couldn't control and trusting God to carry my family and myself through it all. Looking back, it kind of all seems like a big blur. There were waves of darkness and hopelessness, and then there were waves of pure joy and celebration. I've told people that this past year was the hardest year of my life. They usually look at me strange. Juggling my new party of five was like nothing I've ever experienced. My need for Christ was greater than ever. The beautiful thing is that God took me just as I was and stretched me and carried me and sustained me. I made it! Not on my own. Not by myself. Not because of me. In Christ alone. I let go of me and held onto HIM. I am excited about what is to come! I actually didn't plan on writing this, but maybe someone out there needs HOPE.

 Now how am I going to start this new year? I don't want to dwell on how hard last year was, but I do want to learn from it! I want to move. I want to move forward with purpose and hope. No unrealistic expectations, but small daily goals. I like to think of it more as my "new day" goals and prayers. Because of God's grace we do have "new days" every single time the sun rises. It's a new day. A new opportunity to change, try harder, and do a little bit better. A lot of people have their "word " for the new year. I just can't seem to think of one word though. These are words that have already been at work in my heart and I need their reminder daily. One day at a time, staying close to my Savior, I am looking forward to what 2015 will bring!

 FREE: I want to live in freedom. Free from people pleasing, comparison, criticism, a hardened heart, my fears, and perfectionism. I want to be free to love and give and receive all that God has for me. TIME: I want to give more of my time. To God, my family, and to people I don't even know. Looking up and around me for ways that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus. My grandma recently told my daughter that more than anything she appreciates the time that she spends with her. DREAM: I want to dream again! I get so caught up in the day to day routine that I forget what it's like to dream! Being content with where God has me, yet kindling the desires in my heart that I forgot I had! If I'm telling my daughter to dream big, then I need to do the same! I still have a lot of living to do! PURPOSE: I need this reminder more than anything! There is a purpose in all that do! God has a purpose and a plan. Even in the stuff that seems meaningless and unimportant. When I go about my day knowing I have purpose, there is hope and joy and strength!

  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭4‬ NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ NIV) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬ NIV) If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭9-12‬ NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11-13‬ NIV)

Happy New Year! To God Be The Glory! 

I Am a Football Mom

Friday Night Lights has been under way for a couple months now.  Years in the waiting! What an exciting night to look forward to when your son plays quarterback!  This year has been a little different though.  Instead of seeing my son start the game, I've seen him on the sidelines.  Some games he plays 5 minutes, others games maybe part of the last quarter, and then there has been a couple that he didn't play at all. Although this has been hard for all of us, I want to share why I stand in great admiration of my son! I am choosing to focus my attention on who he is during this long wait. He is one I am extremely proud of!

 To understand where I am coming from, it would help a little to learn about my son's background . He has been playing football since he was 7 or 8. He loves it! He has played quarterback and knows his position very well!  What started off as a fun game of flag football, turned into a passion for the game! From flag football he played tackle for a few years and then it was onto High school ! He was playing basketball too, but now it was time to get serious and really start pursuing his dream!  He has gone to quarterback training camps, received private lessons, and trained trained trained!  In the weight room and any other facility that would help him to get better!  This has pretty much been a year round endeavor.  Training is a part of him! His heart has always been completely committed to the game.  I don't think I've ever heard him complain?   He has never been "given" his quarterback position.  He has battled and persevered his way into being the "starter".   Both freshman year and sophomore year he was awarded Offensive MVP and he was very successful. Never proud or arrogant, just loving the game! 

Here we are in his Junior year.  Knowing he has worked exceptionally hard since last years season ended, we all had high hopes for his first varsity season!  When I say work hard, I mean he took maybe a week or two off last December and one week off in July. That's it. He hasn't missed one practice! He has been sick, fever and all and still fulfilled his commitment.  His choice.  With all that he has invested, how can he not be discouraged? How can his dad and I not be disappointed?  When I say disappointed, I am not referring to my son.  I'm referring to the game.  The outcome thus far.  I've sat in the bleachers with such a heavy heart for my quarterback.

So how is it that I stand with admiration of my boy even when he is on the sidelines? Almost every week tears run down my cheek when I see what a strong team player he is. Whether it's on the field or sidelines. He ALWAYS is the first to high five or congratulate players on a good catch, hit, or touchdown! He paces that field and keeps his head high with enthusiasm while he waits and hopes to be put in. His attitude is a perfect reflection of who he has become. The year is not over yet, and we are still hoping and trusting in God's perfect plan for our son' s life. We know playing or not playing doesn't define his value or worth. We support him no matter what!

Do you know what God has been teaching me through this? All these character traits my son is learning and developing in his life will never go to waste! Perseverance, determination, commitment, focus, hard work, humility, and heart are all a part of my son! These qualities are going to make him a great husband, father, and employee or entrepreneur one day. See, he's learning that sometimes when things get a little difficult or uncomfortable that you just don't quit! You stay focused and determined! You never give up! He's learning that there is always competition, but hard work will pay off! He's learning that sometimes circumstances around his life, have nothing to do with his lack of ability. He's learning that God has a perfect plan for him. These days are long. School, practice, homework, and sleep. Day in and day out. For a lot of teens, this can get old. For a few though, the reward will be great!

I am trusting God, praying daily for my son, and I will be in those bleachers with my heart beating with pride for #3. I will give him all the support he needs! To God Be The Glory! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Watching My Daughter Stand Tall

I've always tried to make sure that my children have had opportunities to fly their little wings and use the gifts that God has given them. When my oldest son was little, I let him try everything. As he got a little older his passions became evident in basketball and football. My husband coached him in both sports from the time he was eight, till he was in high school. Lots of practices and games on the weekend. Time that was well spent! I believe most of my son's hard work ethic is a direct result of everything he learned from my husband!

In the meantime, my daughter has spent many weekends supporting her big brother! That's been a normal in her life. Sometimes watching three to four games during a tournament or sitting on the bleachers in the blazing hot sun for a football game. She is one of his greatest fans though! Unlike her brother, athleticism isn't one of her strengths. She could really care less about a basketball game or football game! God had something totally different in mind when He created this beautiful girl. I've struggled at times with her ambition and ability to try anything! Can't she just find one thing she likes and work hard at it? Instead she likes to try new things with the change of the seasons. At times this frustrates me, because I want to fit her in the same box as her brother. Instead, I have to remember that she didn't come into this world to be my masterpiece. She belongs to someone so much greater than I! She was created in a way that surpasses my knowledge and understanding! I can't let my fears of what she will or won't be, prevent her from flying.

God has blessed my girl with many gifts, but this one gift, I admire the most. Perhaps it's because I know it has nothing to do with anything I did, and everything to do with God's handprint on her life. Ever since my girl was little she has had this ability to get in front of a large crowd and perform fearlessly. When she was six she auditioned for Annie and had to sing by herself in a huge auditorium in front of a few hundred people. Momma was sitting there shaking and she sings the lines with full confidence. Then when she was 8 years old she spoke at my grandfather's memorial service on a stage in front of a large crowd again. This wasn't a couple of cute lines. This was her interpretation of why he was her hero. A priceless moment I have captured in my heart. Then 6th grade rolls around. Finally she is old enough to run for ASB! Once again, she speaks with confidence even though her microphone went out. Unfortunately she didn't win. Do you think that would stop her from running this year? Of course not! Not only is she running, but she chose a position where the competition is going to be intense. She had opportunity to take the easy road and win a certain position automatically, but that's not my girl. She is definitely a risk taker! To be honest, I tried to coerce her into taking the easy road. Let's just be safe. Let's be realistic. I don't want to see her experience another loss. I don't want to feel the pain of possibly watching another election go by defeated. Sometimes our most heartfelt intentions can be used as road blocks in our children's lives. This day she didn't need her mom to keep her safe, she needed her mom to lock arms with her and believe in her! Once again I almost let my fears crush her amazing ability to dream big and go for the best! I was quickly convicted, apologized and jumped on board! Having my unconditional support was huge to her. Side note. It's never too late to Stop. Make a U-Turn and start all over. Sometimes us moms start going on and on even though we know we are wrong and we let pride take over. Maybe I'm the only one? Let's humble ourselves and admit we don't know it all and choose the road that will help our children grow and thrive! 

Tomorrow my girl will go before her classmates and give her speech. I will be praying that she does her very best! I will be in the crowd cheering her on. Do I want her to win? Of course! To me she has already won though. She is brave and courageous! She has this confidence and determination that brings her to speak. I admire it so much. I pray that she will only grow stronger in this gift and that Christ would be reflected in all she does! Winning or loosing this election does not define her. She is "God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" Eph. 2:10. God will fulfill his purpose in her life and I need to trust in His plan. I need to seek His wisdom and knowledge so I won't be a road block, instead I need to grab the shovel and start digging with her as she digs deep for her dreams and God's plan for her life. To God Be The Glory!!

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. (Psalms 139:13, 14 NLT) You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalms 139:16 NLT)

Let Them Fail?

I can't believe summer is quickly coming to an end!  To be honest, this summer has been hard. Between a baby waking up super early and keeping me on my toes all day, to raising a football player, and last but not least, making sure that middle child isn't lost in all of the mix! I don't think a day goes by when I am not completely exhausted. Physically, mentally, and a times, even emotionally. I ask God frequently why I have such an active baby!!?? I cry at times not knowing if I can juggle all 3 kids. This is the real stuff. Having 3 kids in 3 different stages of life is exhausting!! This is what I have been given though. God sees me. He knows me. He hears me!!! Thank goodness!:)  I know God's plans are bigger and I know His strength is made perfect in my weakness. In my daily mess, literally and figuratively, I have to find Jesus! I can't do it by myself. When I seek him, I find him. That is how I get through each day! He is teaching me through it all. I just have to pause and listen and be willing to let him work through me and change me. A whole lot of changing going on! Having a supportive husband is huge in all of this and I am so glad we are in this thing together.

It's amazing how God can use my little 7 month old to teach me lessons about my 16 year old and my 12 year old. You see, baby is completely and totally out of the mold!! So much, that it gets frustrating at times! He is completely different than big brother and big sister. The methods I used when they were babies don't work at all with him, which leaves me lost and puzzled. I'm forced to completely trust God's hand in his little life. Knowing God made him like this for a reason.  Perfection is far from expected from this little guy, which causes me to look at my heart and see how I still struggle in this area with my older kids. I've admitted it before, but starting with the oldest, I have held my kids to the standard of perfection. Not intentionally, but through my reactions, attitudes, and micro managing all these years. Thinking if I can just control it all and follow step ABC, then my kids will turn out great! I remember the first time one of my kids didn't make honor roll. I was devastated!! I didn't let them know, but just that attitude of my heart was so wrong!!! My perspective was totally off. Honestly, I think I was more embarrassed of what other moms thought of me, and how I was reflected, but that's a topic for another day. Anyways, Thank God my eyes have been opened. Don't get me wrong, good grades are always the goal, but falling short is not detrimental .

I read this the other day. "Children can't grow without taking risks. Toddlers can't walk completely without falling down. Students can't learn without facing hardships. And ultimately, an adolescent can't enter young adulthood until we release them from our protective custody"( Dr. James Dobson). I feel like I can relate to all three of these scenarios with each of the kids. Guess what baby is teaching me lately?  I can't control it all. There is No Perfect Plan!!! As much as I'd like to believe steps ABC will lead to success, that is so far from the truth. That is depending on my own abilities. Truth is, all of our kids will fall or fail. We need to "let them fail" as one of my good friends says. As much as I'd like to believe differently, it is the truth. It may be minor or it may be major. It may be frequent or just once. I may witness it, or I may be completely unaware. The more important thing is what kind of mom am I when my child falls? What kind of parents are we when we see our kids fail? Are we still loving them unconditionally? Are we focusing on the heart of our child? Are we helping them to grow and learn from their actions? Are we giving God's grace? Believe me, I am speaking loudly to myself! I need this! I'm learning more and more that sometimes the actions of our children have absolutely nothing to do with what we do or don't do as parents. Sometimes it's just life hitting them. Does this mean we stop being supportive, having high expectations, and training them up as God commands? Of course not! By no means do I want to convey that. It's just reality, because our kids are human just like you and me.  Having this awareness while raising these precious gifts makes life a little less complicated.

I remember in Jr. High I struggled with an eating disorder. Was it because my parents told me I needed to lose weight? Was it because they didn't love me? Actually quite the opposite! They loved me unconditionally and they always spoke more than highly about me. My eating disorder had nothing to do with them. It was just the pressures of being in Jr. High. Knowing I wasn't one of the popular attractive girls and desperately wanting to fit in at age 13.  My parents were clueless until one of my friends shared my hardship with them. Do you think at that time they were trying to figure out what they'd done wrong? Maybe even a bit embarrassed? I can't remember details, but I do remember that they intervened immediately and sought wisdom, understanding and help. They loved me through it and praise God I was able to overcome. That's just one of many examples, but it proves what I'm trying to say. More so to myself than anybody!!!

With school starting in less than a week, I find it hard to believe that I have a junior in high school and a seventh grader in Jr. high. Do I have expectations for them? Oh yes! Do I worry about how they will handle their own hardships? Definitely! Do I want to walk the halls with them and save them from falling? Yes! Yes! Yes! The good news is someone far greater than me can do just that. Jesus is before them, beside them, and behind them. He is with them every step of the way! The one thing I CAN do for my kids as they roam those halls is pray for them! Prayer does change things and prayers on behalf of our children can make a huge difference on what happens in their day! Knowing Jesus is right there to carry them, no matter what happens, good or bad, is just what this momma needs. While I stay home and nurture their baby brother, I can have peace in my heart and focus on teaching him all I know of God's glory and faithfulness.  At the same time,  The Lord will continue to use him to teach me.  So, Expectations, yes. Perfection, no. To God Be the Glory!

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. (Psalm 139:1-5 NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Don't Let the Little Stuff Distract You From the Big Stuff

Don't let the little stuff distract you from the big stuff!  This morning I noticed that the chicken salad I made for my husband was still in the refrigerator. It didn't look like he had touched it. So I asked him if he planned on eating the salad. He told me that he wouldn't be eating it. What??? Why not?? I've made it before, I put all the special ingredients in it that I have in the past. He said it just didn't jump out at him this time. A little side note about my husband. He loves his food, if he likes something, he will eat it for a week! One of the many things I love about him. Yes, I was anticipating him eating the chicken salad at least a few days, so I made quite a bit. So, when he said he wouldn't be eating it, I admit, my feelings were hurt. I felt rejection and immediately went into the self pity mode.   I started focusing on my inadequacy to provide good food for him. After all, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Right? Not sure if that's the saying but I know it's true! My husband is pretty much the cook of the family, so it makes me happy when he likes something I make.

Was my husband rejecting me? Of course not! Did he complain about it? No! So why did I let this little thing distract the rest of my morning? Like many women, I have the tendency to turn something very small into something very big! One thought leads to another and I'm thinking "I'm the worst wife in the world!" Tears are falling and I am definitely being distracted! Then the fact that I am thinking like this leads to condemnation that after 19 years of marriage I should be past this and on and on I can go! It's not even 8 o'clock yet and I'm a wreck!

I could have easily drowned in my sorrow, stayed mad at my husband and pretty much wasted a perfectly good day! Thank God for his mercies and the ability to open up my heart and my mind! Thank God for showing me that this was the "little stuff" that didn't matter, this was the little stuff that I was choosing to let distract me from the "big stuff" He had for me. The big stuff is what I get excited about! The big stuff changes lives! Draws others closer to Jesus! The big stuff is what I want every single day. Growing in Christ and letting His reflection shine through me. That's the big stuff!

Speaking of the big stuff. One verse I read this week that challenged me was Acts 4:13 "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men -had been with Jesus-." Other people could tell that Peter and John had been with Jesus. So in my own life, I asked that question of myself within my immediate family.  Would they think that I had been with Jesus in the way I acted, responded, and in my words? The only way for this to happen is to do just that. Trying hard to slow down and spend time with Him. Not the quick read devotion but the sitting at His feet, changing me kind. The Big Stuff kind. Nothing wrong with the quick devotion, sometimes our babies take over and that devotion is like a quick breath of fresh air! There is a time for everything though and God knows our heart and desires. I love that He meets us exactly where we are at and takes us and stretches us for His glory! I want the big stuff! Time to move forward! The chicken salad is still in the fridge, we had McDonalds for dinner and everyone is happy! Tomorrow is a new day! To God Be The Glory!

A Different Way of Fitting In

Last week I was picking up my daughter from dance and noticed the girls with their phones and mine with her basic LG phone. I thought to myself how sad my daughter still uses one of those. I wonder what the girls think of her with her slide out camera? I hope they don't look down on her. I hope they don't make fun of her. Then I caught myself, probably for the 100th time! Caring too much about what others think of my daughter. Wanting to make sure she fits in. Why do I do this? Why do I concern myself so much with her status? I teach her that it's all about the heart, but then I have to go buy her the latest trends so she won't feel like an outcast?? I teach her that we have certain rules and standards but she still doesn't understand why she can't be a part of social media. It's so easy to get caught up in all of this. It's easy to let this world determine how we should raise our kids. At what cost though? What price are we willing to pay so our kids fit in?

I've been blessed with friends in my life who have already walked in the shoes I am in. They've gone through it already. So when they speak into my life and encourage/admonish me in certain things, I'm going to listen! I love the wisdom they are willing to share with me, especially when it comes to girls. One prevalent piece of advice is to stand firm. Whatever standards or rules my husband and I decide on, do not sway from them! If we decide certain clothes aren't appropriate, stand firm! If we decide our daughter isn't ready for an Instagram, stand firm! If we decide our daughter can't be responsible for a $300 phone, stand firm! Every family is different. Every child is different. As our children grow and mature, more privileges will most certainly be given. There is a time though. Words of my friend "don't rush into it". Words of another friend "We still have control!! We still make the rules!".

This is my piece of advice. From one friend to another. From one mom who has failed in this area more than once.  How about we just change our perspective. How about we stop focusing on what we don't have and expose our kids to children who really don't have anything? Children who are suffering from diseases. While our children are having a little pity party, people are being executed in other countries. Perspective. What about we focus on giving to others in need instead of always wanting to receive. Last year I encouraged my daughter to do this and she decided to have a bake sale with her friends and raise money for a food bank. I hope she will do this every year! When we are so busy serving others and giving to others, we don't have time to waste complaining about what we don't have. We definitely don't have time to be concerned about our children fitting in. If our kids our busy giving of themselves to others, that is the perfect place for them to fit in.
To God Be a The Glory!!

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3, 4

Letting Go When I Want To Hold On Tight

People often tell me that I am so blessed to have a baby boy now. They have mentioned that it will make things easier with my oldest son off to college in 2 years-deep breath. I've thought about it and can't seem to find comfort in that. In fact, I feel the complete opposite. See, in my eyes, no one can replace my oldest son. Even if I had ten kids, I believe I would still have that growing pain. That ache that only a mom feels. Dare I take it a step further and say it's an ache that only a mom with a son would understand. I love my two sons very deeply. They are two different people though. I'm in a season of new beginnings with one, and a season of adulthood emerging with the other.

When my oldest was in elementary school he struggled on the first day of school. Every year. Once he got through it, he was fine. I can't remember what grade it was exactly, but I knew it was time for him to move past these emotions. So, if I can remember right, I had my husband take him in. I didn't hug him. I gave him a high five, smiled, and walked away. Was it easy? No!!!!! I had to let him go even though I really just wanted to squeeze him tight! It was hard. It was the best thing I could do for him though. It was an unspoken way of telling him that it was time. In the following years, it was no longer an issue.

I've watched the little boy who would cling to momma turn into a young man who wants to stand on his own, eager for adulthood and independence. I've had to change my thinking lately. I still see him as my little boy. When I see him as my little boy, I treat him that way. I get offended when his coach yells at him or when he is treated unfairly. I worry about his well being. I try to micro manage him. I'm realizing that everything he goes through is for a reason. It becomes a part of who he is. The good and the bad. The trials he goes through, believe it or not, will help him someday. Knowing he has to fight till the end is a great lesson that he will take with him in life. The reality is, the real world isn't always nice. The real world can treat us like dirt. Who am I raising? Not a little boy anymore. I have to stop seeing him like that. I have to start seeing him as a man. A strong and courageous man. A man who will someday be a leader of a home. A man who will be a provider for his family. A man who will be successful in his career. A man that will be a warrior for Christ. A man who will fight for what he believes in.

When I see him like this, it helps me to help him. Just like it was time in elementary school to let go, it is now time to start the process of letting go again. Just like I relied on my husband back then, I will rely on him now. There is a definite purpose in the role fathers play in their son's life and sometimes momma and all her tenderness just needs to step back and pray. No, my son isn't a man right now, he has a long ways to go, but everything I do will either help or hinder him in his journey to manhood. Yes, I am still chasing him, and letting him know how much he is loved. I am praying purposefully. One day at a time I am letting go of his childhood and slowly embracing his manhood, desperately want to squeeze him and stop time, but moving forward knowing that this is all part of God's plan for him. To God Be The Glory!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6