Spiritual Warfare

Do you ever just feel like you might be under attack?  Like there is something working against you?  Nothing seems to be going your way?  No matter how hard you try there are evil forces that seem one step ahead of you?

I have noticed and witnessed to some mischievous,  hurtful behaviors and painful situations happening lately, not just in my life but in the lives of the people around me. 

Many of which are heart breaking and sad.  It very much seems like there is an attack on us and the people around us.  This much pain and destruction does not just happen naturally.  It is provoked.  I personally feel it is the evil one trying to stir things up.  He wants us to fall and loose faith in God.  This is his job and purpose.

I have been thinking about this lately.  About why would all this craziness and hard times be happening to us.  I know there has to be suffering in the world.  I know there is a reason for everything that happens and I firmly believe God sees us through it all.  Even when we inflict it upon ourselves, He's there watching us and trying to guide us back to the light.  I also feel that if you are doing His will and following His purpose, that just makes Satan even more mad.  When we follow His will, we show up on Satan's radar.  All of a sudden, you are a threat.  And Satan's purpose and goal is to steer you away from the kingdom and make you loose faith.

I was reading a book about this not that long ago and it used the imagery of  Satan in a board meeting with his demons.  It talked about imaging Satan in the morning with his demons having a meeting about the upcoming events and their daily plan.  The book asked if during the meeting when your name was mentioned, what would Satan's reaction be?  Would he say, "Don't worry about this one.  He/She is doing enough damage on their own."  Or would he say, "This is the one we need to pay attention too.  We are losing the battle with this one and we need to step up our game with them."  I thought that was a really interesting and it really made me think.  Does Satan view me as a threat?

I think this is what is happening here.  I think Satan is threatened by some of the activities and level of faith going on in my life and the lives of family and friends around me.  I know I am following down the path that God has chosen for me.  I know what I am doing right now is trying to accomplish my purpose here on earth so that I can perform my purpose in heaven one day.  (Yes, we will have a purpose in heaven)  And because I am on the path He has chosen for me, I have become a threat.  The friends and family around me has become a threat.  Therefore, the attack is more intentional and fierce.

Now, the one thing I have noticed that is different from earlier attacks for me is I am turning to God more.  I am not detouring like before (even though I sometimes want to).  I am staying the course and talking to God every step of the way.  I am in constant communication with Him about this plan and about the others around me.  My faith seems to be getting stronger, not weaker.  I know Satan knows me.  I know he knows my weaknesses.  I know he knows what worked in the past and he will probably try to use it against me.  But I don't think he is factoring in the relationship I have with God now.  My relationship with God is much stronger than it was before.  And it is becoming stronger.

I am very excited about my future here are earth and my future when I get to finally go home.  I know I am viewed as a threat by the evil one but that just means I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.  I also know that he will be defeated.  He may keep trying to remind me of my past and I know what is coming in his future!

Patience

I know what you are thinking.  "Don't say it too loud!  God might hear you!"
This is something I struggle with from time to time.  I am doing better in some areas when it comes to patience and other areas I am really stumbling.  I do tend to get an instant gratification attitude when it comes to some things and some people.  I want things done the way I want them done and I want you to do it now!  (Sound familiar?)
God didn't say patience was going to be easy but He does show me it is mandatory.  I have to learn patience in order to see the true beauty of something and to receive the knowledge and wisdom I am supposed to receive out of any situation.  Through patience comes understanding.
Many times I feel it would just be easy to get things done my way and I could probably do it faster.  So move over God, I got this.  I'm in control!  And oh how quickly I mess everything up!
And then I have the nerve to turn to God and say, "Here you go!  You clean it up cause I can't do it!"  Just like a child says to the parent.
I must hear this from Grace at least once a day when it is time to clean up the toys.  "The mess is too big mommy!" I tell her, "I didn't make the mess, but I will help you clean it up because I love you.  And that's what we do when we love someone....we help each other."
I think this is what God says to us.  "I didn't make the mess but I will help you clean it up because I love you."
I am so glad God doesn't lose patience with me.  Every time I mess up, He's there to help me clean up.  He loves me in spite of me and my character defects.  He is helping me work on my patience by giving me opportunities to do so.  He is giving me strength to help see me through the times I want to step in and take over.  And He reminds me by being patient there will be much bigger and greater blessings than I could have ever hoped for.
But all I have to do....is patient.

Truly, crazy love

I hear the question asked, "If you saw Jesus on the side of the road- hungry and cold, would you help him?  Would you give him food?  A blanket?  Offer him shelter?"

My answer to this question is OF COURSE!  Its Jesus!  He can have all the food I have.  Take all my blankets and coats.  Here's the keys to my house and car!  What else can I do for you Father?

I always thought this question was a little ridiculous.

Until I got to thinking about it.  We are supposed to love our neighbors as Jesus loves us.  We should give freely unto others as Jesus has given freely unto us.  If I see someone suffering and I have plenty, it is my responsibility to share my wealth among others.  By doing this I am in turn giving to Jesus.

So why is it so hard to give to other people?  I mean sure, if I saw Jesus and I had no doubt it was the Almighty Father...I would have no problem.  Take everything!  But if I see a man, suffering, hungry, cold...why is it so hard not to share with him?  In fact, sometimes its easier to turn away!  Why is this?

Jesus has a truly, crazy kind of a love for us.  He died so that we may live.  We sin and he forgives us and continues to love us in spite of us.  His love strong, runs deep and is faithful.  He does not give up on us and he does not waver.  All he says in return is to love Him with all our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Treat others as he treat us; as we would want others to treat us.

I desperately want to love like that!  I want to love and see people as Jesus looks at us.  If we could all love one another, be there for one another and do for one another what we can't do for ourselves, there would be peace.  It is simply that simple.

So I pray that we all seek this kind of love!  To be truly, crazy in love with Jesus and to be in love with our neighbors.  Isn't that what heaven is going to be like?  Surrounded by love?  I would like to think so!

Happy Holidays?

So the season is upon us and just like every year its got me thinking.  This is the time of year hwere holids and traditions are shared my namy.  Some celebrate Christmas (we fall into that category).  Some celebrate Hanukah and others celebrate Kwanzaa. And then there are those that choose not to celebrate at all.
My thing is why say Happy Holidays?  I know it's just generic and this way we don't offend someone but why not say the greeting for holiday or tradition?  I would not be any way offended if someone told me 'Happy Hanukah' or 'Happy Kwanzaa'.  I would take it as a blessing and be appreciative.  It's the same of someone telling you 'have a great day'.  Its a form of a blessing.

Please don't misunderstand me.  I don't get offended when someone tells me 'Happy Holidays'.  But my response to them is 'Merry Christmas'. 

It just seems people are really looking for things to complain about more and more these days.  Like they want a unifom type society where we all believe the same, dress the same, talk the same....etc.  Its like we all want control.
The truth is we were no created to be the same.  no matter whoe your Higher Power may be (or if you even choose to believe in one) its pretty obvious we are all defferent.  As such we should celebrate that!
So I say please share your beliefs and traditions by saying your celebrations blessing to everyone.  This is what makes us all so special.  All esle fails just wish someone a dreat day.  Putting smiles on faces and spreading love is waht is important. 
So from our family to yours, Merry Christams and many blessings to ya'll this season and in the New Year!

Thanksgiving

I love this holiday!  It is such a great time to get with family and friends and just enjoy being together.  Thanksgiving is right in the middle of the season of fall so the leaves are beautiful colors and filling up the ground.  People gather around a table for a feast and talk about how thankful we all are for the people and things we have on our lives.  But this time of year always leaves me with a question and a prayer.
First the question.  Why does Thanksgiving get overlooked?  It seems like right after Halloween (or in some cases Halloween hasn't even past yet) and Christmas decorations are already going up.  Not even in just department stores but homes as well.  People start making plans for 'black friday' shopping and figuring out who and where will have the best deals for gifts.  Radio stations start playing Christmas music and venues start promoting Christmas specials.  I really feel like Thanksgiving gets that shaft and it just doesn't seem fair.  This is such a great holiday about blessings and gratitude.
Which leads me into my prayer.  My prayer is that everyone not only celebrates Thanksgiving for the great holiday and tradition it is for this country this time of year but all year long.  We shouldn't just be thankful once a year.  Gratitude should be seen and shown all the time.  Gratitude is an action word and doesn't only exist at the end of November.  So I hope everyone continues to be thankful for not just the blessings in our lives but the blessings yet to come.


Just a little side note: I applaud Nordstroms for not putting up Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.  They sent out a statement right after Halloween stating they prefer to celebrate each holiday individually.  I know they received a lot of scorn from customers over this decision but I completely agree with them!  Thank you Nordstorms for setting a standard!

A Life Unfinished

It is times like this my heart is so full and yet so broken.  I found out that an old friend of mine, Katy, was killed earlier this year.  When I found this out I immediately broke down and began to cry.
Flashes of memories of our friendship came to mind.  Many good times and laughs, life changing moments shared and tears shed together over the years.  And even though it had been years since we spoke, I still love and miss her.
To find out she is gone and I never really got to say goodbye just causes me emotional and frankly, a little bit of physical pain.  There are many moments we missed in each others lives.  Moments we can now not get back.  Someone chose to cut her life short unexpectedly and because of that things will be left unfinished, until the day comes we will meet again in heaven.
Katy there are so many things I wish I could have said to you.  I am sorry I didn't keep in better contact with you.  Seems like our lives went in separate directions after we finished school.  I have thought about you often and always wanted to best for you.  I have definitely missed your smile and your laughter.  I have missed our talks and our adventures.  And knowing I won't get that back in this life hurts but I do know I will be seeing you again.  Some of my best memories of us are in Yellowstone National Park.  Being wranglers and being able to ride together through some awesome landscape was a dream come true for both of us.  I know though you have the best landscape to ride in now.  You will always hold a special place in my heart-my wrangler in the sky!  I love you babe!  And I am sorry I didn't get to say this before.  Save a ride for me!  I will be looking for you when I come home!

Jasmine

When God created her up in heaven He pulled her aside and said, "Child, I have a special purpose for you."  And she said, "Yes Father."
He sent her to this earth to be with us.  He chose a special family to help Jasmine fulfill her special purpose.
Through her short 2 1/2 years on this earth Jasmine went through much pain and suffering.  And yet this angel did it with love and a smile on her face.  She brought so many people together and showed us all something unique.  She taught me love, thankfulness and faith.  Lessons I continue to learn over and over.
She left us and went home to heaven, where she was met with love.  God said to her, "Well done good and faithful servant."

I know we don't always understand why He does what He does.  I know for me I have so many questions. But I am learning to listen closely and to pay attention.  He will answer all questions in time.
Thank you to God and Jasmine for teaching me love, thankfulness, and faith.  Just when I think I am going strong in these areas of my life, I am shown I can do better.
Thank you to her parents for sharing her to the world.  Such a precious and beautiful gift you were given.  And even though she is home now, she will be seen again.  Through all of us that were touched by her short life and when we enter the gates to heaven.  I know she will be waiting for us!

Photo taken by Jessica V. of Jessica V Photography