The Woods.: fear not.

I got this verse and word of encouragement today from a new friend and just thought I would share.

"Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 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. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." -Isaiah 43: 1-2

No matter what we are going through: worry, stress, frustration, doubt, fear, self-consciousness, anything...if we have God then we will get through it. He promises us that. We just need to trust Him with our burdens and know that he is bigger than any situation we will face on this Earth. He tells us not to fear because that takes the joy out of life, and a joyful and loving life is what He intends for everyone. Rest in the knowledge that "the Holy One of Israel" and the maker of the world knows our name and wants to save us.

Aren't those just beautiful words and very encouraging as we start this week of love and joy for one another and the people we care about the most.

I was reading a friend's blog the other day and if you have time go check out Mary Morgan's page! She was sharing her passion for children in the world that do not have homes and need to be loved like we are from our Heavenly Father everyday. I read every one of the blogs she posted and sat with tears streaming down my face as I read about stories of redemption, compassion, love, loss and healing. If you have time to go and check some of these out I highly encourage it. There are so many people loving others everyday, starting with children. I love this because Christ himself tells us to have the hearts of little children.

As valentines day approaches, well tomorrow-here is an idea if you haven't gotten someone you love or really care about a gift. This organization is called 147 Million Orphans where two women who have a passion for adoption have set up a way to support children and help their families adopt these children. One of my favorite stories was Suzanne's daughter from Uganda who has conquered HIV. You can continue to support the awareness of aids that these two women are doing along with helping their Feed the Children campaign.