Abiding in a God that will "raise you up"

Thanks to all the people who read my blog the other day. I appreciate it. The Lord gave me the idea and helped me write it. And I am hoping this blog will bless all who read it, both those who are single and in any other stage of life.
I was hoping to write each day but I have been busy with other responsibilities (and yes, I admit it, watching the World Series :-)). But as I thought about what to write, I was not in a good place. This week has been hard...frustrating...discouraging...lonely. Yuck!! I didn't feel good. I was feeling unnecessary at work and in my life. I started worrying about home repairs and taxes and other earthly problems. Where would I find what the Lord wanted me to learn? I didn't want to just complain on this.
Then I thought about the lesson God has been teaching me for a LONG time. I need to abide in Him and not let the world close in and discourage and beat me down. I must "remain in my (Christ's) love" and abide in his care. I must remember "apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15: 4,9) I have started each day determined to read the Bible and pray and get out of the house on time. But did I take time to really release all that burdens me to Him? Did I remain in Him all day, as I got ready, went to work and faced all that came? Or did I pick back up all the stress and worry and carry that with me? Probably the later, I am sad to say. But I keep reminding myself abiding is much better.
Yesterday I thought about the beautiful song "You Raise Me Up". I sang it to myself when I got down and need encouragement. Do you remember it?
 
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit a while with me

[Chorus]
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up, to more than I can be.

What a great song, especially when you realize the Lord wants to raise us up and make us strong. We don't have to do it all ourselves, for He is with us and loves us. 

I had one more thing on my heart. Make sure to hug your husband, your child, your parent, your friend today. And make sure to hug someone that just needs a hug, because they are now alone and don't get those very much. I used to get lots of hugs from my mother and encouragement too. I miss that and sometimes ache for a kind hug and loving encouragement. 
So I encourage you to be that hugger, that encourager to someone. You will be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Have a great weekend! God bless and draw you near. 
Oh, yes, and GO ASTROS! :-)

Love
Leona Hoegsberg