A football player would never go out on the field & play a game w/ out all his equipment on & securely in place. The same should go for us, we need to have our armor on & in place. Letting each piece protect & do for us what God has intended for it to do. Make sure you put your full armor on before you step outside each day. We are in constant battle, but God equips us w/ all we need for protection & most importantly Victory through & w/ Him. So let's make sure each day we've got our armor on, "& when we've done everything to stand, Stand firm." (Eph 6:13&14) Eph 6:10&11- Finally, be strong in The Lord & in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes.

I am not a very political person. Monte is, he knows way more about what's going on in the world than I could ever think about knowing. I know what I believe in, I know what the bible says & if I don't I do my best to find out. So I'm not completely clueless, I just don't pay much attention. So this morning as the news was on they were talking about the president, shock right?, one story was about somebody in Fort Wayne who clearly doesn't like the man, & another was about celebrities bashing him at some awards show. I wasn't paying attention at first, Monte was, I heard mumbles & groans & started paying attention. Then I started thinking, okay, there are people who absolutely loathe him, your gonna have that, I'm pretty sure there's not been one yet who people haven't felt that way about, but really the absolute bottom line is, instead of all the nasty remarks, pouting b/c your person didn't win, marching, rioting, just down right hatefulness, pray for him!!!! I know that seems like something you wouldn't want to do, especially if you don't like him, but maybe look at it like this...He may be in charge of the country, but ultimately, God is in charge of ALL!!! And He says in 1Timothy 2:1&2- I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession & thanksgiving be made for all people---for kings & all those in authority, that we may live peaceful & quiet lives in all godliness & holiness. So it's pretty simple, or it seems like it should be--no matter who's at the whitehouse--we've got to pray for them. That's kinda our part. We want peaceful lives filled w/ godliness & holiness, we've got to pray. So lets do our best to do that. Praying Gods wisdom & knowledge on all those making choices & decisions on our behalf. That's how the difference is going to be made, not by being hateful, but by praying!!! Let's start today.

This morning as I was praying, I was praying for a friend who lost a child. Now you know all the hope & anticipation that goes into a new little baby & then when that doesn't happen, it's devastating. It changes everything. You are not the same person that you once were. That can be okay, if your letting God do the healing & take that grief & turn it around & it seems that she is, so that is a praise. Shes also found out she is expecting again, so what great praise is continuously being lifted up for them all. But as I was praying for her & her little family I thought about the verses in Ecclesiastes chapter 3. Verse 1 says "there is a time for everything, & a season for every activity under the heavens." Then the next 7 verses talk about that, the different things there is a "time" for. So when I was praying I knew that verses 4 & 5 were going to be just for her..."a time to weep & a time to laugh, a time to mourn & a time to dance." She has wept & mourned but is now being able to experience the laughter & the dancing!! It really just brought me to tears!!! Then I read a little further & verse 11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in it's time." Grief & sadness are never ever fun to go through, but what great hope God gives to us. He says, "yes, there's gonna be bad stuff, sad stuff, but that is only for a "time"--for a moment. Hold on to me b/c I bring good, I give hope, & I offer My love!!" That is so exciting, so reassuring. I hope you find the same excitement in these words that God gives us & if your "time" right now is a little less than good, remember it's only for a moment--trust in Him, go to Him & let Him continue to do His good work & change that weeping into laughter!!! What a great hope to have--to laugh in & w/ our great Savior!!!

One of my favorite books in the bible is Esther. I love how she just went from just being this ordinary girl, into the queen. I love that her cousin, Mordacai-who raised her b/c she was an orphan, helped to encourage her in her faith & remind her of that faith. It's such an amazing story & I encourage you all to read it. My favorite part is in Esther 4:14, when Mordacai says to her, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" There was a lot going on at that time & Mordacai had heard of plot to destroy all the Jewish people & he was like, "hey!! What are you gonna do? You need to talk to your husband, the King!!" She was kinda like..."Hhhmm--weeelll I don't know..." And then he said that to her, reminded her that she wasn't queen just by "accident" -- there was a certain reason, a specific purpose & she needed to seek God, reach out to Him & let Him guide her on what needed to be done. So she did, she fasted, prayed & followed exactly what God wanted her to do. I said all that to say this...sometimes I get a little flat, or I feel like what's my purpose?? I told Monte the other day (now just know I was being a tad dramatic) that maybe I'm supposed to go on a mission trip...he's always very calm when I get like this..."where you gonna go Miss?" "Africa!!!!!!" He just shakes his head & says "yes, they need Jesus too...but Africa?" I go pledging my reasoning & he half listens & half reading. So when I told him I was meeting my BF for coffee after work he was all for it. He knows that when wisdom needs to be heard for each of us, we'll listen to each other. So she became my Mordacai..."yes, mission work in Africa is important, but look around you & look who's lives your impacting right here!!! This is your mission right now!! Maybe your supposed to go somewhere, but don't you think right now--right here is where your supposed to be, doing His work--in the mission field of this town!!??!!" Hhhmm--maybe so. So don't ever think that you have to do something big or up front in order to make a difference for God. Let Him use you right where you are. Maybe your supposed to go somewhere but maybe, just maybe, He's called you right here...for such a time as this!!" I hope this gives you encouragement to let God just work in your life & you to just be obedient to His calling for you!!!!

I was getting ready this morning & just had random thoughts running through my head, then all the sudden different things from the past start creeping up--past mistakes, past failures, anything that wasn't necessarily good, it was there. I was thinking, "really!! It's to early for these kind of thoughts!" Then as quickly as they came in, God reminded me of this verse...2Cor 5:17- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. I was so excited, right there in the shower I said, "AMEN!!! Yes, You are so right Father!!! I'm not defined by the things in the past, I'm continuously refined by your grace & love!" This has made the rest of the morning much better, easier to get going. I'm not weighed down by these discouraging thoughts. Instead I'm lifted up by Gods encouragement!! So if you get to thinking like I did this morning, remember that God takes the old & either helps you forget or turns it into something new & good & glory to Him!! Such great help for me & I pray for you also!!!

I know I've shared this verse w/ you before & even talked about what I'm going too, but I think in light of all the "marches" & protests it might just be a good reminder for us. Jake has always been my crazy dresser. Well he's always just been my crazy kid. If anybody's name was going to be repeated over & over....& over, it was going to be his. I've said many times, "Jake, I shouldn't have to keep saying your name!!!" The sad thing is at 23, I'm still saying that on occasion. Anyway, back to his choices in fashion. When he was about 3 he found great joy in wearing those black rubber boots. He called them "his farm boots." He wore them everywhere, for every season, every situation, didn't matter he put them on everyday. He loved them b/c (his words) "I don't have to wait for someone to help me, he was 3 couldn't tie, I don't have to wear socks, even though he should have, sweaty feet in rubber boots don't make for pleasant odors, and if I get them dirty I can pour water on them & they come clean!!" They were the perfect solution for this happy 3 yr old. Well my mom was taking Trev & Jake shopping & was going to buy them tennis shoes. Trevor picks his out, Power Ranger I'm sure, & Jake picks out--yep--black rubber boots!! My mom did her best to talk him out of them but he was not changing his mind. Trevor even said, in his disgusted voice when Jake was getting on his nerves, "Grandma, that's all he wears & mom let's him!!" Trevor has often questioned my parenting choices w/ his siblings even at the tender age of 5. So they get home, this was before cell phones & she couldn't call to let me know what was up, & my mom is telling me how she tried to talk him out of them but he wasn't having it. I told her I was sorry, I should've warned her about his shoe choice. She said that she did buy him the boots. He was excited!! He knew each morning what he was going to "clothe" himself with, these boots!! It was something each day he would put on. He's had many different choices in clothes that has been against my & Trevs better judgement, but he's put them on each day. What brought all this thinking on of what we clothe ourselves with, was seeing his Tide racing jacket that he bought at the Goodwill store a couple years ago that he has yet to part with...but it reminded me of this verse.. Colossians 3:12- Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy & dearly loved, clothe yourselves w/ compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness & patience. These are things that we should "put on" each day. No matter what!! Doesn't matter if it's not "in style" or that other people look at us like we're weird, these are the things that God says to make sure we have on. It's not always easy, especially when people are mean & unkind to us, to think we should be kind to them, is almost crazy. But the beginning of this verse speaks volumes..."as Gods chosen people" He's chosen us--& this is how He wants us to dress!! I think it's something we should make sure we put on each day. So just like those favorite black rubber boots of Jakes, let's take The kindness & all the others & make sure we have them on when we walk out our door!!!

Psalm 34:18- The Lord is close to the brokenhearted & saves those who are crushed in spirit....praying this verse would bring hope & comfort to all those who are feeling loss. Loss can look different to each of us depending on the situation. It could be the death of a loved one or friend, or just the ending of a relationship that you had put so much hope into. No matter why your heart is broke or your spirit crushed, God takes care of you. He saves you, restores you, & will give you the strength you never thought you had to get through whatever it may be your going through. So don't be downcast or discouraged, turn to God & let His closeness & His love heal the brokenness & restore your soul!!! Remember "sorrow may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning!" He brings us that promise of hope. So let's let God be what gives us comfort & courage today!!!

Psalm 56:3- When I am afraid, I put my trust in you...What a great verse. It's so powerful w/out a lot of words. I'm sure David wrote it in one of his many running & hiding from King Saul, who was trying to kill him. I don't have anyone trying to kill me, Monte maybe, especially after my dramatic stove/pan incident, but that's a story for another day lol, but there are times I am afraid. I'm afraid for my kids, I just want good things & happiness for them & I forget that sometimes they've got to walk through the fire so that God can purify them & do & work in them-His mighty plan, (not mine!!) turning them into the diamonds He wants them to be. I'm afraid, sometimes, for my sister, she lives so far away & I feel anxious for her. I'm afraid, at times, for our country, I wish that we could live in unity, that the shootings & the hate would go away & we would show kindness to each other, even/especially when it's not deserved. I guess I could probably go on & on w/ my fears, but I'm not going to. We all have fears, we get scared, nervous, or anxious, but what we need to do is exactly what this verse says, put our trust in God. There's no promise that we'll never be scared but there certainly is answer to the fear--God!!! So if your fears start to creep up & you find yourself worrying & fretting, go to God! Read His word, especially the book of Psalms, pray-tell Him all about those fears--& then just rest in God & let Him turn those fears around, equipping you w/ exactly what you need so you can continue on. Giving you His strength & courage to get through that time of fear. He takes care of us always & loves us endlessly. I pray that gives you the promise of hope through the times of being afraid!!

Watching the Greenbay Packers w/ Trevor is not fun. He's very emotional, that's his team. He loves everything about them. So when he was home he had to go to his grandparents house to watch the game. He would yell at the tv, throw things, jump up on the couch, it was to much. So let's talk about the Packers-Cowboys game last night. There was yelling at the tv, turning the channel b/c, "I can't take this, this is ridiculous," deciding that, "the Packers are really Americas team b/c they are owned by the people." Now you might be thinking, "oh Trevor came over to watch the game." No, that would be his dad!!! Right away I knew where Trevor got it, it was very obvious. Now I could care less about football. I don't know much about it, in all honesty I don't really have a favorite team. I could care less!! But last night I found myself so worried about this game. I'm not even kidding, before I knew it I was praying for these Packers players. I didn't even realize I was doing it. Until the Cowboys intercepted the ball & Monte was not very happy & I found myself feeling anxious, my heart was racing, my stomach was in knots, & I realized, "I've been praying for these people!?" I don't know them, I'm never going to know them, & does God really care about the outcome of this game? I mean I know He loves the players & all those involved, but does it really matter if the kicker has enough strength to make this 51 yard field goal? I don't know!! But I was praying for him!! Then I was thinking prayer is important no matter what we're praying about, it's communication w/ God! Important!! I remember one time somebody said to me, that "God goes through our prayers like mail & throws the junk out." I don't believe that, I believe if it's important to us--it's important to God. Working w/ kids I have prayed for animals, deer hunting season, school work, spending time w/ friends, families, everything. There were times when I thought, "hhmm--well okay!" But it's important & it's important for kids, all of us, to know that God loves for us to pray to Him. It's like if you have kids, you want them to talk to you, about whatever is on their minds. So no matter what it is, no matter how trivial it might seem, if you want to talk to God about it--do it!!!Go to Him & let Him know (even though He does!) what's on your mind. I know you'll be do glad you did. Even after I thought, "why am I praying for this game?" I thought, "oh well, it's time well spent & words well said!" Here's a verse or 2 to just remind you to always pray, about everything!! 1Thess 5:16-18- Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.

It's Friday!!! Yay!!! That always brings a smile to most faces. We're glad for the break of the weekend. Ready to be able to sleep in or get some things done that we haven't during the week (laundry!!!) or just do nothing. But this Friday is Friday the 13th!!! Ooohhhh I remember watching those movies through out high school at our sleep overs. Had to have atleast 1 scary movie & it seemed it was Jason & his many freaky adventures w/ high school kids at some abandon lake resort. Well this Friday we're supposed to have ice come in!!! That is scary enough w/ out watching Jason in his hockey mask!!! So what I wanted to give you all today is just a verse or 2 that is encouraging. That brings us hope. That reminds us that God is w/ us always & that he takes care & protects His children. So even though it's Friday the 13th & we have this impending curse of ice lol, take Gods word & hold it close & know that He protects, provides, encourages, & loves us always!!! Isaiah 43:2&3- When you pass through the waters, I will be w/ you; & when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;... Isaiah 61:10- I delight greatly in The Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.

I know I've talked before about how I love to read about the different names of God & what they mean & how they apply to us today just like they did back in bible times. Well the One that sticks out to me today is Jehovah Ezrah--My Helper. Isn't it so encouraging to know that God comes right along side us, He encourages us, He provides us w/ strength, & insight. He equips us for all that He has planned for us to do!!! He is faithful to us--reliable, firm, steady & trustworthy. He nourishes us, props us up & always gives us His support!!! This kind of knowledge reminds me to be so thankful even in the times I'm feeling alone. He reminds me I'm/we are not alone. It's encouraging & even beneficial to know these things, to know Gods word & take it w/ us wherever we go. So remember these things as you go through out your day today, your Jehovah Ezrah--Your Helper is w/ you always!! Matthew 28:20- I am w/ you always, to the end of the age.

Today I'm going to get just a little mushy....it's Natalie's 17th birthday!!! Every time I say that I find it so hard to believe. How did she get to be 17!!?? She should still be playing w/ barbies, not looking at prom dresses. She should still have a bed time of 8:30, not working till 9 & then starting her homework after that. I know that time has away of moving on & college visits are in our near future, & really I'm excited for her. I know that she is seeking His will in the decisions that she's making. I know that she is constantly becoming a godly young woman after Gods own heart & how exciting that is to see. So even though my momma heart would love to turn the clock back for just a little bit, I'm thankful for this time to watch her grow in grace & love & see all the great things God has for her. She makes my heart smile always!! And even more than that--I'm sure God is smiling too!!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!!! Jeremiah 29:11- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares The Lord, "plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future."

I wasn't going to send anything out today...mostly b/c I'm struggling w/ God wanting to show forgiveness or compassion to me. Have you ever felt like you've just stepped in a big ol' pile of YUCK & how could or why would God want to be near you?? I'm kinda there...my actions & my thoughts are not where they need to be--not where they've ever been. So anyway I thought, "I'm just gonna lay low. I'm going to pray & read my bible & just let God do what I know He will!!" He doesn't want me like this, I fully know that!! I was writing in my journal & here is what was on the top of the 2 pages I was writing on... "God knows your value; He sees your potential. You may not understand everything you are going through right now. But hold your head up high, knowing that God is in control & He has a great plan & purpose for your life." Galatians 1:15 (NCV)- God has special plans for me & set me apart for his work...He called me through his grace. After reading that I thought, "okay--I've stumbled, fell, & crawled, but Gods not done w/ me!!! He's not turning away. His mercy is endless & His grace is enough!!" So it's a new day of a new week & I'm ready to go wherever He leads!! Hope you all have a great Monday!!!

My mom had a heavy day yesterday so I'm going to start this week out w/ something light that hopefully puts a smile on her face & yours too.....I read on fb (where everything is true right??) that if you wake up w/ a song on your mind that it's an angel that has sung to you while you're sleeping. Well most of the time I wake up w/ a cheer!! Yes, a cheer. Would you like an example....V I C T O R Y--thats our Wildcat battle cry---or how bout....Hip Hop FC rocks let me see that left drop...BOOM shake it out...you get the idea. So I decided that it must be that an angel or angels are cheering me on...right?! How else could that be explained. They see my struggles & my battles so why wouldn't they want to cheer me on. How great is it to think about this "great cloud of witnesses" cheering me on--cheering us on!! It makes me excited. None of us are ever alone, God loves us & takes care of us, even in our deepest of slumbers. So I hope this encourages you all as you start your week out. To know & have the assurance of Gods great love for you!! I'll leave you w/ a verse or 2 of course & a cheer to "cheer" you on!!! Hebrews 12:1&2- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders & the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run w/ perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer & perfecter of faith. "Our team is whaaat? RED HOT Our team is what?? RED HOT Our team is R E D oh baby W/ a little bit of H O T RED HOT--Red Hot Red Hot Red Hot!!!!