If there is something or someone you are praying about, KEEP praying! If you are on your knees or in your car or standing out in the rain calling to God, KEEP calling! Our God hears. He not only hears, but He will listen. He listens like a loving father, who takes time to stop what he’s doing, stoop down and look right into their child’s eyes as they speak.

When I am teaching elementary grades, I sometimes say, “I want to see the color of your little eyeballs so I know you are listening!” Jesus knows the color of our little eyeballs.

As a father has compassion on a child, so does the Lord have compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13. (I interpret the word “fear” in this verse to mean “respect” or “greatly admire” like a child would a father.)

If you’re hurting or need healing or someone you love is hurting or needs healing, and you’re trusting God to show up, KEEP trusting! My friends, He is already there.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT)

I love these two translations of this verse in Deuteronomy, especially the NLT. “The Lord will PERSONALLY go ahead of you…” (emphasis mine) God himself goes before me, has already seen and been “on the inside” of my trial and knows exactly how to lead me through on the course that is best for me.

Well I am full of encouragement because we had a great blessing this morning. Justin asked to go to school, which means he felt well enough to go! Jeff and I stayed in the classroom with him (sweet Mrs. Shultz had chairs set up for us) and he only made it about twenty minutes before he got tired. But he got a big, wonderful welcome and we watched him cut out snowflakes with his class.

Mrs. Shultz was snapping pictures and making Justin laugh. I don’t know who was more excited! We are very grateful for Justin’s loving, dedicated kindergarten teacher and his sweet classmates.

It was all a beautiful sight and something I’ll never forget. We still have miles to go with Justin’s treatment and recovery, but today was a great, big step.

Thank you for your faithful prayers! I don’t know all of your names, but, if you’re reading this blog, I pray for you often.

Grace be with you, my friends.