this week.

Those are some of my favorite Bible verses

of all time. 

I taught a group of four and five year olds the

"Don't panic. I'm with you."

part last year. 

They soaked it up like a sponge. 

They got it…

everyone gets scared sometimes

(no matter how old you are). 

To know and remember that God is with us

~even in the most frightening of times~

is comforting. 

But, I'm coming to realize,

I think it's meant to be empowering as well.

He is with us. 

He's helping us,

and He's giving us strength.

I am learning

in a new way

the part I play in this.

I am not weak. 

I am God-strengthened.

I am not defined by others.

I am chosen by God. 

My definition comes from Him.

This week?

With God's help and His permission,

I'm turning a new page.

Time to distance myself from

a chapter that brings me pain.

That stifles me.

That brings

It. All. Back.

That chapter is a broken record of heartache.

And it's not something that 

God wants me focused on.

So this week?

A new song will be played.

New paint on the canvas.

Fresh ink on the page.

I don't have to fear

or feel damaged

or less than…

God's gonna hold me and steady me.

He's my God. 

Whom shall I fear?

Bring it. 

Many blessings for your new week,

Deni

{photo taken at ESPN's Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World.}