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Years ago for my birthday I was given a ride in a hot-air balloon. I remember the beautiful view and the quiet floating movement. But what I remember most was seeing below our van with Carl and the kids chasing after the balloon I was in. They were driving on unfamiliar roads, watching the direction of the balloon and anticipating my safe landing. That makes me think of how God pursues us. When we find ourselves on unfamiliar roads, God is with us. His Holy Spirit guides us in the right direction, and God graciously gives us Jesus, the one true Way to a safe landing.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

This is Luna and Gracie. These two make me smile. As you can see in the picture they’re like close friends who enjoy being together. They have a good time playing, going on walks, and living the dream of going on family camping trips. Do you have a close friend? You can answer that question with a resounding Yes! You do have a Close Friend who is faithful, delights in you, sings over you, carries you, is always with you, and prays for you. His name is Jesus.

My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend. Job 16:20-21

If I got stung by a hornet, I would run as fast as I could away from the nest. Hornet stings rank high in pain. The severe pain that comes from that sting makes me think of how the sting of a tragedy can cause anguish and great suffering. If you find yourself stung by a tragedy and don’t understand why…don’t run away from God! Instead, run to Jesus. He doesn’t like the pain either and He understands your questions and sorrow.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

God sure did! He made a helper suitable for each son. These daughters in law are indeed a blessing to our family. Thank you Lord!

Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt knocked down by what life dished out? In those knocked down times it’s sure easy to temporarily forget the power of God. I don’t want to forget that the earth was created by the power of God’s words. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Gen. 1:3) I sure don’t want to forget God’s power to raise people from the dead! But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. (Luke 8:54-55) God willingly wants to empower you, even in the knocked down times, by reassuring you that He created you, sees you, takes your hand, has compassion on you and whispers in your heart, “Get up! Move on. I’ve got this.”

Years ago when I first started to study God’s Word I wanted to know more about what Jesus was talking about when He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 I’m learning that “life to the full” is NOT about a life filled with material things, or about a life completely free from pain. Instead, life to the full is living life in the spiritual blessings of God. For example, the depth of His love, the power of His forgiveness, the joy of His presence, the strength of His peace, the blessings of His guidance, and even more!

God is teaching me that no matter how deep the pain or how strong the fear…God is trustworthy and near.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6

Years ago Carl had a massive stroke. At the time we lived in LaGrange, but soon moved to Louisville to be closer to family and grandchildren. It was hard leaving our friends in LaGrange. After moving to our new neighborhood I remember asking God to bring some men friends to Carl. Little did I know God’s plan was in motion. God has surrounded Carl with godly men. Once a week Carl is picked up and off he goes to a nearby restaurant for breakfast, Bible study, prayer, laughter and those pancakes too!

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb. 10:25

God’s plan of salvation is DONE. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God is DOING life with us. “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5

God WILL DO what He says He WILL DO. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

We can rest with confidence that God is in control because of what He has done, doing and will do.

God knows your wishes, thoughts, where you live and what you need. Here’s a picture of some special friends that prove to me that God knows what I need. God has blessed me by placing these “sisters in Christ” in my life. We laugh, cry, celebrate life and pray together. Sharing life with friends who walk in the truth of God’s Word and will pray for you, is a blessing you don’t want to miss. God sure knows what we need.

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:1-2