This picture was taken years ago when my oldest daughter could hold my youngest. Even to this very day she tenderly cares for her and expresses sisterly love in sweet, creative ways. I am going to miss that.

Now she is 18.

Now she will pack her room and unpack into a dorm.

There she goes, right into the next phase of her life. Making her way onto a campus with other young, eager, anxious and excited first year students. Two words I want to share that unfold into a world of discovery: HOLD FAST.

 

“…even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” Psalm 139:10.

“I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame” Psalm 119:31.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33.

Hold fast to truth! When you encounter hardship, the lifeline (God’s Word) that is ever-present is is absolutely available. There will be moments of sadness, loneliness, uncertainty, frustration, joy and gladness. Each moment boils down to the question, “What will I do next?”

Each moment is a process of choice. As a mom, I won’t be at her side as I have for 18 years. But this is the journey of life. What she will do becomes her decision and as moments allow, her ‘ask’ may be directed to me and friends for advice. The most important is leaning into prayer to the God that created her, knows her and loves her more than I ever could do.

Samantha, these verses are truths you can hold fast to:

Psalm 40

Psalm 121

Psalm 119:11

Isaiah 43:1-3

Romans 8:1-2

Romans 8:31-37

Ephesians 2:4-10

Ephesians 3:20

Ephesians 5:1-2

Genesis 1

There are many more to include, for now my dear hold fast to these as you walk into the newness university brings. It is a gift to unwrap that will lead toward even more adventures and choices.

Before church yesterday I began this post and interesting that the last song in the service was this song I had already chosen that has become the theme today. I am thankful how God works and reinforces his purposes and plans! I love to include music when I can as I know that once the melody becomes familiar, the lyrics fall in step and life-giving words resonate through the mind to edify and encourage beautifully. Music is powerful and lyrics are moving. Choosing what t0 hear is a gift to give yourself!

Samantha, he will hold you fast.

Love,

M♥M