I'm basically copying and pasting this blog I got in my inbox just now.  If you don't subscribe to Steve, and you like the posts I attribute to him, give it a shot.  Good stuff.

Because I'm in the process of moving out of our house of 11 years, and into the unknown of 2015 and the near future move to Japan, this article/blog spoke to me at this late hour.  I'm taking a break from boxing stuff up.  Can't wait until tomorrow is over, simply because moving takes it out of you.

God bless and stay in touch.

Rob

Here's what I got in the email today:

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We live in a world that is, at times, a frightening place. We live in a world that is, at times, a discouraging place. We live in a world where life-changing losses can be so painful and so profound that it seems we will never recover. But, with God's help, and with the help of encouraging family members and friends, we can recover.

During the darker days of life, we are wise to remember the words of Jesus, who reassured His disciples, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27 NIV). Then, with God's comfort and His love in our hearts, we can offer encouragement to others. By helping them face their fears, we can, in turn, tackle our own problems with courage, determination, and faith.

Some quotes:

"God knows that the strength that comes from wrestling with our fear will give us wings to fly." ~ Paula Rinehart

"His hand on me is a father's hand, gently guiding and encouraging. His hand lets me know He is with me, so I am not afraid." ~ Mary Morrison Suggs

"Adversity is always unexpected and unwelcome. It is an intruder and a thief, and yet in the hands of God, adversity becomes the means through which His supernatural power is demonstrated." ~ Charles Stanley

"Facing our deepest fears means making peace with our seen self and with our unseen self." ~ Sheila Walsh

TODAY'S PRAYER: 

Father, even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me. Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect love, a love that casts out fear and gives me strength and courage to meet the challenges of this world.  

Amen.
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"Do you have this childhood winter memory? You know the one where you're playing outside in the snow? Your clothes get all wet and frozen. Your ankles and wrists are numb from the snow that snuck inside your snowsuit. You run inside, and your mom peels off your frozen layers, wraps you in a cozy blanket, and places you next to a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. Now that's comfort!

The word comfort means 'to give strength or staying power,' or 'to soothe in time of affliction or distress.' Who in your world needs strength or staying power? Do you need comfort? God can be your comfort in the cold and biting weather of life. God's love, sent through the promises of his Word, is a blanket of hope. Much like a warm quilt, there's a piece of God's Word to wrap your heart in when today's winds blow cold."

- Steve Arterburn

"A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together."

- Garrison Keillor

Do not try to pacify your longings with lesser gods, people, possessions or power.  Find completion in God only.