Hi Brian!

The word for this week is "encourage". We find it in these two verses in Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 1:38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. KJV

Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see. KJV

These are both the Hebrew word "chazaq". Strong's Concordance says: To fasten upon, to sieze, to be strong, courageous. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says: To strengthen, to prevail, to be strong, to become strong, to be firm, to be resolute, to display strength. God's people were encouraged in Joshua 1:9 to be strong and of good courage:

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

..but the verses above are instructions for US to encourage others! So, I want to encourage both you and Kristine that you are doing such a wonderful job raising your beautiful and talented daughters to be the very best that they can be! It has been such a blessing to watch them learn and grow and develop their interests. It seems that there is nothing done half way with them! Plus they are kind and thoughtful and loving! We love you all so much and we are so proud of you! I believe that 2025 is going to be a very good year for you all! Here is Hillsong Young and Free with a song called "World Outside Your Window" that I think perfectly describes your family because you are right where you are supposed to be and doing exactly what God has called you to do!

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!