Never Alone

Wow. Where to begin... So many thoughts have been running through my mind lately, and i feel like i finally have one that i feel is safe, non-offensive, true to my heart, and real...


So, if you have been keeping up with my life, or my blog, you will know that i got a tattoo this summer. It is the reference Joshua 1:9 on my right wrist, and there have been moments that i have definitely been grateful for it. If you are not familiar with it, the passage reads: 
⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."


The reason that i got the tattoo is to remind myself to do hard things. To go out, and continue to do brave things that i may not do. Example, i went on a roller coaster. It was great, and believe me it took a lot of courage :)


Anyway, let me continue on the meaning of the post...


This past week a co-worker had asked me to go to a movie. I said sure! Sounds like fun! Well, the kicker was that it was a creepy movie that i know that i shouldnt have seen because of what i knew it would do to me, but i wanted to go (that's a whole nother blog post for another day). Anyway, i looked at my tattoo. Be strong and courageous! Ok! I can do this! I can see a scary movie! Im brave! Im strong! Im courageous! 


I know that i am all of those things, but sometimes i just need that reminder.


Anyway, im watching the movie and am a bit nervous, but am trying to remind myself to be strong and courageous! But then i think about it... what does the rest of the verse say?


"... for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 


Oh my goodness! What a relief! What a refreshing and sound reminder that God is with me wherever i go. 


These last couple of months have been challenging for me. I have learned that i need to give myself more of my middle name (grace), and that we all make mistakes. 


Ive also experienced moments where i know that there was nothing that saved me but the grace of God... the presence of God. I knew that in moments of dire need, that He was right there with me.


Isnt that amazing how i get a tattoo based on one part of a verse, and then the ending part that i cared about but that didnt really matter, is the one that is saving me. The part that is wasnt tugging at my heart strings at the moment, is now the one that is saving my life.


Im so thankful. Thankful that the Lord is faithful. and full of grace. and mercy. and love. and...


im thankful for all of you that are reading this and taking the time to hear what i have to say.


i am thankful for the grace of God. the grace that has saved me from so many things. 


im thankful that i can be free~


courageously bringin' the blog back,


lauren

Alive

i promise that i am still alive.

ive had nothing to say.

nothing that i feel is worthy of my blog.

im hoping this will change soon.

stay tuned~