Photography Friday: A Day at the Zoo

Happy Friday!

These photos are actually from a few months ago, but I'm just getting around to posting them! Actually I've been going through and editing some older photos (late 2016/early 2017) over the last few days, so I plan on sharing them soon! Life's been fun!

In January, Casey took me to the New Orleans zoo (he's figured out I'm pro- anything to do with animals) and we had a blast! It was a beautiful day with perfect weather. I'd never been to the New Orleans zoo before, but it was really awesome! Definitely worth checking out!

Meditation Monday: God Is With You

I know what loneliness feels like. I know how it feels to think no one is on your side. I've been there. You probably have been too. Or maybe you feel that way right now. So today, I'm here to encourage you and let you know that you are never alone.

This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NLT

I really love that verse. It tells me that God is with me wherever I go. I find myself quoting this a lot. In fact, sometimes I like to quote it as I walk as a reminder that He is with me through every step I take. But this verse is more than just encouragement--it's also a commandment.

What does it command us to do? Be strong and courageous.

What does it command us NOT to do? Be afraid or discouraged.

But how do we do this? How do we just NOT be afraid? Well I'll tell you, this is a thing I've been working on myself. Fear is a hard thing to give up and give to God. Especially if you're like me and tend to think you've got it all under control yourself! But I'm learning that I don't want to keep my fear--I don't want to let it get ahold of me! I'm learning to give it to God. Because the thing is, God doesn't want me to live in fear, and He doesn't want you to either!

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT

The reason we don't have to be afraid is because He is with us! Because He is our God! Because He gives us strength and helps us!

Isn't it amazing to know the Lord is on our side no matter what we're going through? No matter what the problem is! And--even better--He can take care of our problem! He has already defeated every sickness, disease, fear, anxiety, anything you can name. He's overcome it all.

Because He loves us.

Wow. How amazing is that love He has for us? It's so beautiful. He loves you so much that He doesn't want you to be alone or afraid, so He is with you always and helps you overcome your fear. THAT is the amazing God we serve.

How to defeat fear
So how do we defeat fear? We have to give it to God. That's a lot easier said than done. But this is a good way to start. Repeat these prayers (taken straight from scripture!) every day, whenever you need it. Better yet, say them out loud. These are the words of the Lord, and His words are so powerful, all He has to do is speak and it is done!

Lord, You go before me and you are with me. You will never leave me nor forsake me. I am not afraid. I am not discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

I will fear no evil for You are with me Lord. Your Word and Your Spirit comfort me. (Psalms 23:4)

I am an overcomer and I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. (Revelations 12:11)

Lord, you command me to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged. You, oh Lord my God, are with me wherever I go. (Joshua 1:9)

**For more ways to pray the word of God, I highly recommend the book God's Creative Power by Charles Capps.**