I am proud of this young man! Raising him from birth to a junior in high school has been an adventurous ride! He has always had a strong personality, since the moment he took his first breath! Raising him has required increased strength and endurance, which thankfully we found in Christ! As we’ve watched him grow up from a strong-willed little tyrant (this is an accurate description) to an amazing young man, who is committed to God, his family, his friends, and his work; has truly been a blessing!

Due to his innate determination, the two of us often butt heads, but he knows he’s loved and I know he loves me! We’ve become a team as he’s grown up! We’ve become friends! We have not seen eye to eye from time to time! Thankfully, I know that being a loving parent doesn’t mean your child will always be happy with you! In fact, at times, it will mean their downright furious! In these times it is vital to remember “It’s in the valleys that we grow!” It’s how we respond in the more difficult waters, that determines the overall success of a parent/child relationship! It’s laying a boundary, while saying “I love you!” It’s teaching through loving correction that builds the bonds of a firm relationship!

Together we live to serve the same loving and holy God! There will continue to be moments over the next couple of years, when correction is necessary and times when we will have some long conversations, this is the love of a Godly parent! There will be times when he will minister to me, in helping me to see where I need to grow and mature in this walk of faith! Regardless, we know that the love of a mother and a son runs deep, steadfast! I know he loves me when I am difficult! He knows that I love him when he’s being difficult! Isn’t this how God is??? Loves us even when we’re being difficult! Raising teenagers is a new & unique journey for us… “It’s a journey with a few bumps, but enormous joy!”

I am proud of this young man! I am proud of his bold stance against Satan’s present day evil schemes! I am proud of his confidence in who he is in Christ! I am proud that underneath his strong-willed determination, he has a teachable spirit! I am proud to call him son!

Deuteronomy 22:6 “Train up a child in the way they shall go, and when they are old they shall never depart from it!”

Blessings, Crystal

Today’s passage is Joshua chapter 3 and chapter 4. As I read this passage, such a feeling of peace came over me! Today’s passage is a reminder of how God prepares us in advance to do his works.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Joshua remained in careful prayer and continually listened closely and attentively for God’s instruction! As Joshua prepared to move the Israelites into the Promised Land, he recognized his need for God! He could have easily allowed his flesh to get the best of him, as the nation looked to him for guidance. Joshua remained steadfast in prayer and was careful to listen to God’s voice!

Joshua was prayed up! He didn’t run into this big moment with an ounce of fear, pride, or confusion! Why? He had spiritually prepared himself in advance. He was focused on obeying God’s commands and recognized his need for God!

Friends, What big life situations are lying in your future? We all have things looming in the future, the unknowns have the potential to create considerable anxiety. Although, we don’t know the outcomes of future events, we can rest assured that God knows and is already there!

How can we ease our anxiety and fear regarding future events? Joshua Chapter 3 & 4 answers the question… We are called to prepare ourselves spiritually, to pray, read God’s word, and seek wise Godly counsel! This is the answer to courageously heading into the future, whatever may come!