I met several of my closest friends at church, many years ago. We raised our children together, sharing similar hopes and dreams for them.  First and foremost was the desire that they commit to and follow the Lord Jesus.  So many appeared to be on that path until something pulled them away.  We know in our hearts the decision has to be theirs, but it can be heartbreaking all the same.  As close friends, we share the joys, with laughter and praise; we share the sorrows, with hugs, tears, and prayers.

From the journal  .  .  . April 2018

I had heard about my good friend’s daughter, Kylie, making plans to live with her boyfriend and I was pouring out my disappointment to the Lord.  After praying for my own children and grandchildren, I was asking the Lord about myself.  I was still in the first year of retirement.

Lord, I’ve been wondering about what I am to do now.

And I Believe God Said:

Love me before others. * That assignment is a permanent calling and still intact.  You feel sad concerning Kylie and so disappointed.  I’ve got her but she’s distracted.  I am always available.  From the beginning My people got tempted by evil desires – the desire to leave Me.  Eve wanted to satisfy her desire for the forbidden fruit.  As soon as the devil saw that wavering in her, he went to work.  And she fell.  The striving for independence overpowered her.*  The choice to return to Me is always available; to let Me rule your life.  Choose life.  Always choose life.* Pray that for your loved ones.

Matt 5:16. Gen 3:1-7 Adam and Eve sin. Gen 11:4 Tower of Babel.

*“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. ¹⁶ For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. Deut 30:15-16 NLT

Lord, You always give hope.  Your Word testifies and supports that.  Thank You.  Help Kylie and help my granddaughter as well. Silence the enemy’s lies. Please, Lord. Amen.