Right There
I was going through my pictures from last week’s camping trip when I stumbled across this picture. Brewer, my three year-old son, is getting to the age where it’s important for him to feel a little freedom. He didn’t want daddy’s help to cross the bridge. He slowly, calculating every step, moved across the bridge. I could hear the fear in his breathing pattern. He was shaky, yet determined to make it across. What he didn’t know is that at no time was he really in any real damage. I was right there ready to snatch him should he start to fall.
But here is what I couldn’t stop thinking about as I looked at this picture. I wonder how many times in my life this has been a picture of me crossing the bridge of life with God right there waiting to catch me.
Let’s just be honest here. Time and time again in your life you’re going to feel as if God isn’t showing up. You’re going to feel as if God isn’t healing, He isn’t restoring, He isn’t releasing His mighty power. You’re going to feel like He doesn’t know or care and you’ve been completely abandoned on the bridge.
Do you know what the most frequently stated promise from God in Scripture is? God promises us over and over, “I am with you.”
You may feel all alone, but please know you’re not. Despite you’re feelings He’s right there with you. He’s ready to snatch you should you fall.
Do you see yourself in the picture above?
84 Comments:
What a great picture and even better analogy! I love it! I can’t get through Matt Redman’s “You Never Let Go” without tears in my eyes as it is a constant reminder that even when I feel alone I know that he is right there with me – probably hovering protectively around my “independence” just like the picture.
Glad you had a great time – love all the pictures!
holly´s last blog ..Duped!
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holly
6:06 am
Great reminder, Pete. I’m always looking for opportunities for freedom, not realizing how much I need God right beside me.
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Matt Baugher
6:07 am
Yes and I have to add AMEN!
Sarah´s last blog ..For Every Purpose Under Heaven
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Sarah
6:16 am
This makes me think of the Nooma “Rain”. Right now I see myself hanging over the edge grasping on the ledge with my fingertips.
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Jenn
6:32 am
Love that image and the correlation!
Mel´s last blog ..IRL & JOY
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Mel
6:44 am
Please put that picture on the desk in your office and tell anyone who asks about it what you just said in your blog.
Darla Baerg´s last blog ..It’s a paradox of sorts …
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Darla Baerg
7:09 am
You are the second pastor to tell me this today….interesting.
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kristiapplesauce
7:10 am
Oh fine. You made me cry.
Beautiful illustration. That picture is definitely a keeper.
katdish´s last blog ..Be in the world only a little different…
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katdish
7:15 am
Looking back over the time-line of my life, I realize that I’ve been Brewer in that picture ALL my life. Thank You, LORD, for being right where I need You, all the time.
Thanks for the comforting words and thoughts, Pete.
Tina Dee´s last blog ..LOVE’S GAMBLE ~ Ch. 4
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Tina Dee
7:17 am
Yes and I am so thankful for the times He has “caught” me and pulled me back to safety. What an AWESOME God we serve…. thanks for the reminder…
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Regina
7:20 am
@ Jenn, I love that NOOMA video! Our small group at church just recently got into them. Fun times!
Pete, that was a great anaology. My son is only two, but I have learned so much about God and His ever powering love and faith for us as a parent. My son teaches me lessons everyday about God and His grace towards us.
Thanks for the words to live with for today!
diane´s last blog ..Happy birthday, Mimi!
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diane
7:21 am
Wow! Needed that reminder today. Thanks!
Great pic by the way!!!
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Christi R
7:25 am
Yes, I can definitely see myself in that image. Some of those bridges we are so determined to cross are *really* long, too. The longer they are, the scarier it feels when you’re right about in the middle–when turning around and going back would be just as much work as continuing forward.
The other thing I really love about this bridge metaphor is that it speaks to the many chasms present in this world, and how impossible they are to cross if God isn’t laying the bridges in the first place, before we even attempt to cross them.
Kristin T. (@kt_writes)´s last blog ..God in the subway?
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Kristin T. (@kt_writes)
7:28 am
@Darla, what a great idea!!! I’m so going to do that.
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Pete Wilson
7:29 am
Great pic! Bradley has those same pants
This message and your further study on it on Sunday was so pointed to my life. As I work to allow God to heal my recent obsessions that have overtaken my everyday life, I’ve realized that true release will not come without obedience – as you discussed last week. Then adding this message of faith that God is next to me – and the challenge of what to do at “the wall” (when His timing does not = mine) – wow, that’s really hit home hard. I’ve realized that the obsessions developed as a result of not trusting and remaining obedient – thus doing things my way to turn situations around. All because I didn’t believe that He was still “there for me”. I know better, but this reminder has really been heavy on my mind – and has provided a little comfort to my mind and soul.
I’ll be honest – I do hope and pray that my decision to remain obedient does result in miracles. Is that a wrong motive??
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Paula
7:34 am
Love that photo and the message that it displays….Thanks for the reminder that God always has my (our) back(s)
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*~Michelle~*
7:42 am
This picture is an amazing catalyst in my walk with God today. Thanks so much.
Jennifer Griffin´s last blog ..My baby….
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Jennifer Griffin
7:46 am
What a great reminder… I know that, but man it feels good to be reminded. I see myself as being on that bridge and afraid that I’m gonna fall. Thank you!
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Peter Gowesky
7:47 am
Tears formed when I saw the picture, the words sent them spilling down my face.
I so very much needed to hear this message from my God today. Thank you, Pete, for being the messenger.
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melish
7:51 am
Wow, what a great shot. I see myself, too. Both as the father and the son.
Billy Coffey´s last blog ..The truth about humanity
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Billy Coffey
7:52 am
Oh man, did i need that this morning. Thank you. Yesterday i was on the bridge…I got up in the middle of the night and just read scripture after scripture…he really does NEVER leave us or forsake us. Thank you Jesus.
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Cshell
7:54 am
Wow. I so needed that this morning, Pete. Thank you for sharing. Could not have been more timely.
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Tim
7:54 am
For a guy who kids himself he shouldn’t lead parenting classes, after this, I beg to differ with you. A great picture and image at several levels, Father Pete, and the “get it” factor for me was HIGH, and I suspect the photog (Brandi?) is there to help as well. Your boys are blessed!
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Tom
7:56 am
I looked at the picture before reading your post and my first thought was “that is how God is with us”! Great reminder for me today!
Becky´s last blog ..Obedience
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Becky
7:58 am
Aww. That gave me tears and even before I read what you wrote under the picture I envisioned what you wrote about. Confirmation, my friend.
Your family is so beautiful. You are a very blessed man, as you are well aware.
Heidi Reed´s last blog ..Bible Study is Selfish Too
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Heidi Reed
7:59 am
i love how you get a message across. this is why you are my favorite online pastor.
thank you, pete. this was a fabulous way to begin my day!
tam´s last blog ..grace – undeserved
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tam
8:02 am
Such a wonderful reminder of His care and never failing love. As I go through a time of testing my trust, Psalm 36.5 is my ‘cling to’ verse
“Your steadfast love, Oh Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds…”
V. Higgins´s last blog ..Staying on task…
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V. Higgins
8:07 am
Awesome shot! This is soooo me…God has caught me numerous times. Sometimes, He has used the hands of a friend to do so. Thanks for the thoughts.
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Randy Kinnick
8:08 am
I also have tears — my immediate reaction (before I read the caption and blog) was the look on your face — eyes totally focused on him — face totally pleased and proud of his “walk of faith!” I needed this today and didn’t know that I did — until I saw it
Thanks
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Susan
8:09 am
Good stuff buddy and very timely in my life. btw nice picture Brandi.
Harold´s last blog ..Isaias Gabriel – Making The Difference in the DR
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Harold
8:13 am
Wow. definitely needed that. So many times this week I’ve expressed my loneliness and complained and sulked about it. But its nice to be reminded I am never alone
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Shelby
8:16 am
That’s beautiful.
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ben stewart
8:16 am
What a great picture of God’s protection. Love it!!
Not that I would suggest this in Brewer’s case of walking across the bridge, but one other thing that struck me is – what if we let God go first on that bridge? What if we were following him, stepping where he steps, moving as he moves to keep our balance. But sometimes, we step out on our own without even realizing it. It’s comforting to know that when we forge ahead on our own, he is faithful to protect us anyway.
Karen´s last blog ..The Noise in My Head
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Karen
8:19 am
Resting in this thought, today!! Thanks.
Reese´s last blog ..My Heart
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Reese
8:26 am
Wonderful picture, great insight.
I’m with Darla- you need to keep it on your desk.
While I have feel really, really alone at times, the other “side” to the story is when I have slipped and fallen…and felt the loving arms of my Father there to catch me. While obiviously Brewer didn’t experience it this time, I am sure that you have held your son and comforted him before when he fell…
and that might just be the other part of the story that you tell when asked about the picture on your desk..
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rhonda
8:27 am
Good, good stuff. Thanks for sharing with all of us, Pete.
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Aaron
8:28 am
so often throughout the past two years, it’s felt like God was absent. i so appreciate the reminder that He is ever present. and all i have to do is reach my hand up, and He’ll grab it. and give it a squeeze as a gentle reminder of His loving presence.
seems like maybe that’s what child-like faith really is: i don’t always need to feel His hand in mind, but i simply trust that when i lift my hand in the air He’ll take it and hold it tight.
alece´s last blog ..all of me for all of You
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alece
8:29 am
wow, this picture is a framer! “Fear not.” Why must I always be reminded?
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Candy
8:31 am
wow wow wow…… that picture speaks louder then any words could!!!!
Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..The 4 year-old princess!!!
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Lauren Kelly
8:48 am
Oh that made me cry
The visual of God behind me making sure that I do not fall or picking me up when I do is just a beautiful picture!!!
Thank you!!!
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Kim
8:49 am
I’m totally there right now Pete! Being a new College Pastor and being in full time ministry for the first time is really tough! Also being 4 hours from home or any familiar faces is also a very lonely thing!
I’ve been praying that God would just show up daily and move but for some reason I don’t feel him like I’m wanting to. Almost as if he’s not behind me on the bridge ready to catch me if I fall! I’m just trying my best to realize that he’s got my back and hold onto his promises in his word!
I’m praying daily that he’ll bring back Joy, comfort and peace!
T. Rousey´s last blog ..Plug Into Your Source
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T. Rousey
8:52 am
i am so thankful that God lets us :go: and explore HIM and HIS love and faithfulness.
he knows we need to explore…he made us that way….but he never truly :lets us go:
His loving arms are always there to catch us.
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nicole la Rue
8:56 am
If I’m being honest I’ll have to admit most times I don’t feel like I’m in that picture because I don’t feel “Dad” is right there behind me. I know you’re so right in your illustration…I need to readjust my mental image.
Jason´s last blog ..Your "church" may not need "you"
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Jason
9:11 am
Thank you for the reminder. He is here! Amen.
jessica´s last blog ..Aware & Focused
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jessica
9:20 am
Thanks for sharing this!! I have to ask God to forgive me of not trusting.
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Roye Glass
9:24 am
Reading ‘who’s got your back’ by keith ferrazzi. In it he talks about people who won’t let you fail.
I love it that God is always there. Wow!
I also love it that he puts people around us that are watching out for us, too.
kc´s last blog ..California Favs
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kc
9:30 am
These past few weeks I have been in this place. I have asked God to speak to me over and over and over and yet nothing seem to be coming. I came across this verse about a week or so ago and it pierced my heart:)
Ezekiel 36:34 (The Message)
33-36 “‘Message of God, the Master: On the day I scrub you clean from all your filthy living, I’ll also make your cities livable. The ruins will be rebuilt. The neglected land will be worked again, no longer overgrown with weeds and thistles, worthless in the eyes of passersby. People will exclaim, “Why, this weed patch has been turned into a Garden of Eden! And the ruined cities, smashed into oblivion, are now thriving!” The nations around you that are still in existence will realize that I, God, rebuild ruins and replant empty waste places. I, God, said so, and I’ll do it.
In the midst of silence and hurt..I heard HIM:) thanks!
Holly Myers´s last blog ..U afraid to ride?
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Holly Myers
9:31 am
Perfect picture and words. God sometimes lets us fall just enough to learn that we can trust Him. He catches us EVERY time. The focus on your face is on God’s face constantly for each of us. Thanks for the reminder.
Cindy Graves´s last blog ..How To Fail Successfully
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Cindy Graves
10:00 am
thanks, pete!
i needed that today.
i KNOW that…but needed the reminder!
Courtney´s last blog ..how many calories
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Courtney
10:40 am
One of the best post yet!! Awesome vision of God!! Thank you!!
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sarah
10:40 am
Everyday…In my new marriage, in dealing with my former wifes diagnosis of cancer, leading my children through those tough times.
Stepping forward to be the child and stepping back to enjoy the Father
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Phil Chalos
10:44 am
Great post! And, yes…i’m the kid on the bridge trying to get across and God has totally got my back. So thankful for that right now.
Fran´s last blog ..The whole truth and nothin’ but the truth…..
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Fran
10:58 am
I really needed to read this today… wow. Made me really think. Thank you!
Denise´s last blog ..Time & ambitions
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Denise
11:12 am
Thank you so much! This is awesome and something that I really needed to be reminded of. Great post! LOVE the picture!
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Carrie
11:33 am
wow, that’s overwhelming. we all need that reminder in our lives, but how amazing for Brewer to grow up with that photo as a visual reminder that he has two fathers who are with him unconditionally.
gitz´s last blog ..Brought to You by the Letter E
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gitz
11:41 am
I think the picture says it all. Awesome post!
joyce´s last blog ..My Public Service Announcement for the State of NJ plus an award
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joyce
12:18 pm
Had a great talk with a lady this morning about something she’d hidden from her two youngest children “until it was time” — and how because of something she’d heard me say to someone else, she knew it was time.
Now she knows without a doubt that God really does have her and isn’t about to let her go and is ready to step out and run the race fully.
Thanks again, Pete. (Still glad I don’t wear mascara, once I read your blog, it would be gone anyway)
Faye´s last blog ..I didn’t want to — now I am & loving it!
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Faye
12:34 pm
I am so there, more now it seems than ever. We just found out 2 weeks ago that we are going to be grandparents. We are excited and scared. Of course, we thought the timing wasn’t right, but we can’t really question His timing, right?
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Lorelei King
12:38 pm
@Lorelei King, this is going to be a exciting season for you guys. Praying for that transition.
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Pete Wilson
12:47 pm
One day, Brewer will look back on THAT picture (and possibly this blog) and see what a FABULOUS daddy he had while he was little…and STILL have!! That is PRICELESS for him (and ALL of us)…
I’m w/Darla too…
DEb´s last blog ..IT’S HUNTING SEASON!!
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DEb
1:23 pm
Love this!! I needed this today!!
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Shawn Wood
1:34 pm
Thank you for this. I needed it this today. It is so easy to forget that He is always right there.
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Lynse Leanne
1:49 pm
That’s exactly what I needed today. It’s one of those things that I know, but just this morning – after yet another pregnancy test came up with only one little line on it – I really wasn’t feeling it. So thanks.
And kudos to whomever TOOK that picture too. Great shot.
Lex´s last blog ..The I-HEART film
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Lex
2:31 pm
Wow…what a reminder of God’s presence. I needed this today, after a rough month of terrible. The thing is, I know in my head that God’s with me, it’s just tough to feel it in my heart sometimes. Thank you for the reminder.
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Christi
4:36 pm
“Do not fear” He tells us over and over and over again in His Word. That picture is the perfect encapsulation of why!
Three year olds are such a delight… usually!
The amount of stuff I’ve learned from my toddlers…pretty amazing!
Christine´s last blog ..The Most Important Meal of the Day…Or So They Say
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Christine
5:32 pm
I’m going to do a cut and paste to Facebook, what a great reminder. Thanks Pete.
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Gina
6:45 pm
@Christine, I feel like they teach me more than I’ve taught them. Funny how it works like that.
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Pete Wilson
7:11 pm
Yes, right now actually. Great reminder, Pete.
thank you!
Krislyn´s last blog ..Proverbs 3.
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Krislyn
9:08 pm
Always good to be reminded of that… I’m just finishing up my 3rd month in language school in Thailand, where my husband and I are preparing for many years of ministry ahead in this country. Day in, day out, I feel so inadequate both in language and, as a result of my lack of language, inadequate in my ability to really connect with anyone. There are times when I feel like everything is falling apart, but He is still there…
Thanks for the reminder.
Sara´s last blog ..Tasty Tuesdays goes Japanese
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Sara
9:49 pm
Yep yep. I believe God calls us to take risks, and He does that to show off His glory. We’re mandated to “go.” Growing up, I always marveled at how stupid the Israelites were in the Bible. How they doubted and turned away after all that God had done. Then I look at my own life, and see how history repeats itself…I’m an idiot too. Thank God for grace!
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Tyler Jewell
8:18 am
Yeah, that’s why my favorite name of God is Emmanuel – God is with ME. Never fails, when I hear that name in a Scripture verse or in an old hymn or a current worship song, I get seriously choked up. He chose to be with ME. HE chose me. HE CHOSE me.
And I love, love, love the little tip of the tongue poking out of the corner of your little guy’s mouth – that is determination
The Gang’s Momma´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
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The Gang's Momma
9:16 am
@The Gang’s Momma, the one thing that boy certainly has is determination.
Pete Wilson´s last blog ..Right There
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Pete Wilson
9:24 am
Interesting analogy, Pete and how you draw it into this moment with your son. I do think it takes a lot to get to that point of trust for many of us but I appreciate your method of teaching the point.
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JP
12:13 pm
yes – I see myself. What’s sad is that so often, like a teenager or “big kid”, I find myself pushing his protective hands away to prove I can do it alone, only to fall flat on my face!!!
Ohhhh – to be a child again…what a great reminder!
~Kate
Katy´s last blog ..Flu Flu stay away….
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Katy
12:28 pm
@Katy, you’re so right. I’m ashamed at how often I’ve pushed Him away.
Pete Wilson´s last blog ..Right There
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Pete Wilson
1:36 pm
Does God have a hairdo like that?
Nate VZ´s last blog ..Duped!
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Nate VZ
1:54 pm
Love this one, as usual! Isa 41:10 is one of my favorite verses. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God…” There is something so strong, yet comforting in these words. I lean on them often! Great post!
Chrystie´s last blog ..Root Rot
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Chrystie
2:10 pm
@Nate VZ, Ha! We can only hope.
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Pete Wilson
5:52 am
Awesome picture, and great analogy (sp?). It’s so true. God is with us, always.
Brunettekoala´s last blog ..On having babies…
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Brunettekoala
6:17 am
Great picture! Great analogy! I am totally the one crossing that bridge!
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Heidi
8:41 am
Great reminder Pete! Enjoyed reading that!
This picture looks like a great moment for you two! Very framable!
[Reply]
Katy M
9:06 am
Great post Pete…perfect illustration… as a side note, which trail is that, do you remember? I swear I was on that same bridge this summer!
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Michelle
8:14 pm
@Michelle, it was the “Abrahams Falls” trail at the back of Cades Cove.
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Pete Wilson
8:51 pm
Thanks for this post, Pete. I have thought about this image a lot since you posted it… and there is comfort knowing that I’m never really alone (and definitely some accountability as well!).
Betsy´s last blog ..Fall in NE
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Betsy
6:19 am