No fear

My morning bible study focused on this verse:

Genesis 15:1

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid Abram.  I am your shield, your very great reward."

The first words out of God's mouth, or the mouths of His messengers, are so often, "Don't be afraid."  God knows us well, doesn't He?  

As I pondered these words, I realized that, fear is an emotion that drives much of what I do:

Fear of not being liked by others causes me to adjust myself to their expectations of me.

Fear of becoming overweight in middle age pushes me out of bed at 5:15am to head to the gym.

Fear of my kids growing up lacking in some way causes me to obsess about their activities, homeschooling curriculum, friends, opportunities.

Acting in fear is not really acting at all, but REacting.  I am not authentically living when I let fear drive my actions in so many areas.  

My fearful soul is comforted and encouraged by dwelling on God's words: Do not be afraid...I am your shield, your very great reward.

Focusing on God's work in my life, the everyday blessings He freely bestows, allows me to shed the bonds of fear and live in freedom.

My prayer, "Lord, help me to live fearlessly, knowing You are my shield and my very great reward."

Beginning

Why start a blog?  I want to tell the story of my own personal life and growth, and of my family and the journey we are taking with God.  Even if nobody reads these words but me, I am eager to write them down, eager to give glory to God through writing thoughtfully about my life and experiences.

I am a dedicated blog reader because of the sense of community that comes from people sharing their lives through their blog, and others reading and responding through comments.  I want to add my voice to the mix!  So this is an invitation, a warm welcome to you who may find this place to come and read and converse.