I will not be shaken...

As I sat and watched the late night news to watch the horrific events unfold in Dallas, Orlando, Nice, Paris and so many other places across the world, I grieved like so many.  I hurt for families that would learn that their loved one would not be coming home that evening.  I grieved for friends and colleagues who would learn that there would be an empty seat in their office or at their next gathering.  I also grieved for my children, because our world doesn't seem as safe as it did 20 years ago.

As my husband and I sat and discussed these events and how they unfolded, we quickly made comments about how to keep our children safer, we must shield them more....we will not go out of the country right now...we will consider getting our concealed weapons training... and the thought of private school and a home security system were on the list as well.  Not that any of these thoughts were a bad thing.  However we came to the conclusion that no matter what we did....

JESUS

LOVES

THEM MORE!

I love those who love me; those who look for me find me. Proverbs 8:17 MSG

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.  Ephesians 3:17

I love my children more than life itself.  I love how they come into my room on a Saturday morning and drift back to sleep.  I love seeing their little eyes close and their precious mouths opened with their heads rested on my chest.  I love seeing them laugh and play in my back yard with lightning bugs dancing around them.  I love my children and I love being their mother.  However, I know that I can't always protect them. I have to rely on my Heavenly Father who has greater plans for them.  God has greater plans for my two precious children than I could ever imagine; and I know that he will use them for their good and his glory.

I know what I'm doing.  I have it all planned out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

God can do anything, you know- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG

I know that it is difficult not to worry about our children and their future.  However, during those times of fear I have to understand that fear does not come from God.  God is all things good and pure.  I have to trust God's ultimate plan for my children's life, pray that God will protect us and cherish each moment that I have with them.

Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  Philippians 4:6

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8