"Beginning A New Year Fearlessly"

As 2016 quickly comes to an end, many of us reflect back on the year's events and our own lives, including our failures and accomplishments . 
I read something the other day that discussed having faith in God and trusting in His perfect plan, but when faced with a trial, we can be taunted with fear and worry, which completely denies the power of Christ. This poses the question, what are ways we fight fear and worry as each year passes? 
​    As a mother, what "what if scenario" doesn't run through our head? What burden do we not take on as our own? One of my favorite quotes is, "We are as happy as our saddest child" ~ author Unknown. My prayer is for each of my children to have an intimate walk with God, for them to live a long, happy, healthy life ~ free from mental or physical abuse. My fear is "I don't want them to suffer in any way". I would gladly take it for them. I realize God knew me before I was even born. He created me and loved me so much He sent His Son to teach, give the ULTIMATE love, & He took my punishment so I can have a relationship with The Heavenly Father. God, as our Heavenly Parent, doesn't want us to suffer either!
    As I reflect back on my own life, I see God's hand on me. I was married twenty years to the only man I ever knew, had two beautiful daughters, and thought divorce would never happen to us. We were the rare exception! Wrong. It did happen. I am now remarried to a wonderful man and in 2016 I was blessed with another beautiful daughter, who happens to have an extra chromosome.
    Even though God gives us free will, He has a plan. We may go through suffering and deep heart aches that bring us to our knees and physically makes us sick, but God extends mercy and grace. He restores and redeems! He never leaves us and sees every tear that falls from our face. We wouldn't have our precious Savannah Lanier if I hadn't gone through the suffering of my 20 year marriage ending. In this life, we will suffer and our children will suffer, but we always have hope! Through Christ, there will peace, restoration, and healing. As much as we love our children and don't want them to hurt or go through pain we have experienced, think how much more God loves us and tells us He has a plan! I am a mess up... we all are.  No matter what 2017 brings our way, trust in Christ without fear. We can surly pray for one another and share a transparent heart with others to encourage and uplift. God reminds us 365 times in His word to "FEAR NOT!" That is a reminder to live every day fearlessly! 

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