That was my daughter, Julie, to me today! I’m forever trying to teach her what I’m learning from our friend. What I love about Ceri, is that he gives me a new mindset, like my calendar from God explained:

“In order to effectively fulfill your mission, you need to embrace NEW MINDSETS and outlooks that will help you to personally change.” – Mottos for Success

This message from Ceri in his ‘Breakfast and the Bible’ group chat has helped me tremendously:

“This morning, I will share from Joshua 1:8-9, and it says,

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

This particular verse is extremely powerful because there are just a few things that stood out to me with it. We should always remind ourselves about a few things that God tells us in this. One of the things that stood out to me most importantly in this verse is when he said, “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Sometimes we get into dark places. We go places, and we think we’re alone, but we’re never alone, and this is just one of those verses you can repeat to yourself. You can keep in the back of your mind and just walk with it and use it as a tool. Use it as a weapon. As a weapon against the enemy. Use it as a weapon against anxiety. Use it as a weapon against unsurety. That God reminds us that He is with us wherever we may go.”

So, no shame in my game! I have a bracelet that my daughters gave me that says, “Be strong and courageous for I am with you. Josh 1:9.” When the anxieties get high, I hold on to this bracelet (like a tool) reminding myself that God is with me, until I calm myself down. This life is rough! Then I look at everything from God’s perspective seeking His help as I calmly figure out the next steps to take. The crazy, emotional, fretful, and anxious Nik must go!

Honestly, Ceri is helping me to become more confident in myself personally (like I can succeed in this male-dominated car business!!), and most importantly, in my confidence in God (He must be the firm foundation of our lives!!!). I often use this tool to remind myself in the high and low moments that God’s invisible Presence is with me and it is seriously working.

God is incredibly always available to us no matter what is going on. It’s just for us to keep ourselves reminded of this important fact (at every moment!!!) to help us confidently, courageously, lovingly, and boldly take on our lives, seeking God’s guidance in every circumstance, every relationship, and every decision. Ok, my Julie?!? We got this, and God got us!!!

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91: 1-2

“So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – ISAIAH 41:10 (NIV)