I Got To...

I got to preach this morning.

I can't tell you what an honor it is to be used in this way...to have the privilege of sharing the Word of God with others. It's a strange thing. On each of the three opportunities that I've had to preach, I have felt a tremendous amount of "heaviness" prior to Sunday morning. Particularly on Saturday.

It's not heaviness like the pressure I've felt to score well on an exam or to perform well on a speech, but a mental and spiritual heaviness that reminds me of the weightiness of God's message for each of us.

Although I pray through the whole process asking the Holy Spirit to provide me with the message, guide my words, and guide the hearts of the listeners, I understand (and take very seriously) the warning given by James to those who would answer to the call to be teachers of God's Word.

I also got to visit a few of our members in the hospital on Friday.  What a privilege to enter into a private place of healing and pray with someone who needs God's healing, comfort, and strength.  Some of my favorite conversations with fellow brothers and sisters have taken place in that sterile environment in the presence of God.  (Where two or more are gathered...)

I got to visit with young college students about Christ this past week.

I got to serve Holy Communion last Sunday while several of our members said those familiar phrases, (Christ's body/blood broke/shed for you.) in their home languages--seven different languages!

I got to help setup our recently renovated fellowship hall for the upcoming auction to benefit our missionary to Honduras while visiting with the other volunteers and occasionally picking up my friend's little girl who happens to like me...and honors me by wanting my attention.

I got to grow in grace as I experienced hunger for another week and gained new insights into this suffering.

Serving my God is not a chore, it's a privilege.

I am so grateful that I get to do it.

Get it? Got it. Good!

It was a nice, lazy day for my kids today while the teachers were in training. I think they thoroughly enjoyed it...and I'm pretty sure they all got a nap in.

I also took a nap today. Late nights and early mornings can only continue for so long.  We all need an earlier bedtime to be honest.

It was another good day regarding food.  Hunger did not dictate my mood at all.  Yay!

While at work this morning, I found out that my youngest daughter stepped forward last night at a big youth event to give her life to Christ.

Some people might question that. But she was baptized as a baby? Didn't she go through confirmation classes just a few years ago? Why would she feel the need to do that when she's already professed to be a Christian?

Well...sometimes it takes a while before we truly get it.

I will never forget the morning I was sitting in an adult Sunday School class in the small town in which we lived for a decade.  I think there were probably about 8 other people (average age of 65) and me.

The leader of the class that morning was talking about grace...and how we are saved by this wonderful, but free, gift from God.

And I got it.

In fact, I about came out of my chair.  "You mean, we aren't saved by our actions?!  God just gives us salvation as a free gift?!"  I asked those questions multiple times in multiple ways while everyone else at the table nodded their heads.  I was blown away.

How old was I? At least 30. What? Was this the first time you ever attended a church? No. I was raised in a church where I'm quite sure they explained this multiple times...but I never got it.

The same could be said for my call to ministry.  When God opened my heart and mind to His Truths, I was hooked.  In fact, over the last few years my life has changed in ways that have been simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating as I have worked to answer His call on my life.  But the lives of my husband and children have also necessarily changed as they have fully supported this journey...even through the required sacrifices.

And they have sacrificed.

Why does this happen? Well, I have a theory. I think that God reveals things to us in His time and not necessarily in our time.  Even when exposed, if God is not ready for us to develop an understanding, I believe that He blinds our eyes or hardens our hearts until the timing will be perfect.  His timing.

Better late than never, right? So, it took my baby girl a little longer to get it.

I'm just glad she did!

Only When Necessary

I knew it was going to be a good day when Bruce woke me at 5:00 with "Glory Days" followed by my oldest daughter knocking on the door to get me up to go work out.  Exercise always makes the day go better.

I felt good today...strong even.

That's saying something when you realize that I made caramel apples with the kids after school! Sometimes things like that are enough to put me over the edge.

I've been working on my sermon for Sunday.  It's on the biblical concept that we are all called to be in ministry.

That doesn't mean that you are expected to run out and quit your job and start going to seminary.  But, no matter what your job is, you should be serving others on a regular basis using your gifts, abilities,  passions, and prior experiences.

Although many people do this by serving in their churches, they are missing the boat if they are not also serving outside of their churches.

Most people immediately equate this with "volunteering". And volunteering is a wonderful way to be in service to others. But you can also be in ministry by raising your children to know and love God, having a conversation with your neighbor in which the Holy Spirit prompts you to share the Gospel, or even writing a blog.  :)

Each of us should have a personal ministry where we intentionally reach out to others based on our specific and unique set of gifts. This isn't always through our words, but through our actions. In fact, Francis of Assisi is famously quoted as saying:

Keep in mind that God created you with inborn gifts and talents, blessed you with others who helped you develop specific abilities, and guided you through the experiences in your life that have led you to this point right now. You are the only person in the world who is that specific combination that defines who you are.

And God has a specific plan that involves YOU. You are the only person who can reach certain other people in this world. If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit is calling you to your task.

Are you listening?

Even more importantly...

are you answering?

Clean Water, Living Water

My posts have focused mostly on the hunger that is faced by those who live in areas that do not have access to food.  But it is important to realize that they also often don't have access to clean water.

I've mentioned before that I know my project doesn't duplicate the situation of those who are suffering due to starvation, because they are also living in conditions that we, as Americans, cannot fathom.

We take clean water for granted.  It is always there...to drink, to wash, to even flush away our waste.  In fact, bottled water (often packaged out of a tap in some unknown city) is big business here.  Apparently our clean water is not always clean enough for us (myself included).

A few years ago during Advent, my church decided to spend some of their Christmas shopping money on gifts that would make a difference in the lives of others.  We purchased two wells.

Well, they were not wells at that time.  But we paid to have wells dug so that people in two communities in Peru would finally have access to clean drinking water.

Can you imagine being that excited about water?

The organization is Living Water International.  According to their website, they can provide one person with clean water for a year for $.98...about the price of one cold bottled water at your nearest convenience store.

Their current promotion is called "With this Ring".  This started with a woman who sold her wedding ring because she felt that it was ridiculous to have that much money on her finger when she could be doing something to make a difference with it.  Awesome.

On this website, you can sell your extra jewelry (or even your precious jewelry) or you can purchase some of the donated jewelry.  All proceeds go to new wells.

Your gold and silver are corroded. 
Their corrosion will testify against you 
and eat your flesh like fire. 
You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
--James 5:3

What Does a Packaging Event Look Like?

It was time to go and have some blood drawn again.  I'm anxious to see how the numbers look.

I'm feeling a little guilty for not going to the gym tonight since I have time, but I'm tired.  Maybe getting to bed earlier would help.  With so much reading to do, going to bed now and reading for a while before falling asleep sounds like a good plan.

I wanted to share with you a video that shows a packaging event.  If you would like to participate in one in Salina, Kansas, once the project ends, complete the form (link on right) and let me know.

The food packaged here went to Kenya but this is only one location of many that need it.  In the past, food has been sent all over the world.  For more information, go to www.numanainc.com.

In order to make this happen, $23,000 needs to be raised in the next 10 months.  That's 100,000 meals at $.23 per meal.  Please consider making a pledge to help meet this goal.

Good Gifts

No stomach growls today!  My body was tired, though.  I packed tonight and hauled some things out to my vehicle...and they seemed much heavier on the way out than on the way in.

But part of that is due to the fact that when I travel, I enjoy buying my children small gifts. 

Stopping into gifts and souvenir shops to look for the perfect item for each child makes me feel closer to them.  It is a time to consider each of my children and the things they like or collect.  I look forward to surprising them and letting them know that I thought of them while I was gone.

This time I found some of the old standbys.  One of my kids collects pins, so she's easy to please.  She has no idea how much time I spend debating between the varieties.  They are all displayed on a canvas bag to remind her of the places we have visited. 

The other ones are a bit tougher.  My oldest son and his wife like unique things, so I was thrilled to find them something right on campus that was a Fair Trade item made in India.  My youngest son will get a kick out of his harmonica and my youngest daughter will be thrilled with her pretty heart necklace that were both purchased at the Grand Ole Opry.

My husband, although he requested a new leather motorcycle jacket, will have to settle for a small genuine Louisville Slugger bat that I received with my tour of their factory.

With these things on my mind, I was surprised today in class when my professor told a similar story and quoted a familiar verse that I was able to see in a new light.  (Thank you for the inspiration, Dr. Johnson!)

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  --Matthew 7:11

I hope you are asking.  Daily.

Damaged Goods

Over the last two days the stomach rumbling has started back up.  It isn't too terribly uncomfortable but kind of embarrassing when I'm sitting in close quarters between two classmates. 

My energy level continues to be high.  In fact, I enjoyed an hour-long workout on the elliptical tonight...ironically, while watching the Food Network. 

I wanted to share with you an interesting insight from today.  The heavily damaged tempera painting below was found by accident in 1919 in a dilapidated woodshed near Zvenigorod, Russia.

The artist was Andrei Rublev who lived in the 13th century and contributed works of art to cathedrals in that area.  He is particularly well-known for his depiction of the Holy Trinity.

When you look at Rublev's interpretation of Jesus, what you initially see is the damage--the missing top of the head due to rotted wood, jagged "scars" throughout the face and neck, the hole in the throat, chipped and flaked paint that distorts shapes and colors. 

However, when you start looking past the damage, you start noticing some of the genius of Rublev.  Look, for instance, at that very small mouth. 

Jesus spent lots of time simply being quiet.  In fact, he often instructed others to do the same!  He chose his words carefully and was often misunderstood.  When accused and tried for the crime of heresy, he remained largely silent rather than spewing out a panicky defense.  Often, we are told in the New Testament, Jesus sought time to be alone, be quiet, and pray.

In continuing to observe the painting, you will also be taken by the eyes.  Jesus certainly doesn't look rested here, does he?  The dark circles illuminate the toll that Jesus' ministry took on his physical body.  He was, after all, fully human (as well as fully divine).  There were many demands upon his time and energy from the moment his ministry began. 

Notice that his body seems to be walking by you...but it seems you have caught his attention.  He has stopped and turned his head to see you and hear from you.  His eyebrows are lifted as if he is anticipating your greeting...your questions...your needs.  He is looking at you.

As a non-artistic person, if I had walked by this painting hanging on a wall, the rotted wood and damage would've made me wonder why in the world it was kept.  And I would've kept walking. 

And I would've missed it.

But by looking deeper, listening to my teacher, acknowledging the talent of the artist, and understanding the symbolism, I developed an appreciation for this great work of art that was created in Christ's image.

Everyday we walk by damaged goods and don't take notice.  In actuality, we are all damaged goods...some being more damaged than others. 

But if you look closely, if you listen, acknowledge the genius of their creator, and take time to understand them...you just might find that you can appreciate these damaged people that were created in Christ's image.

The Gold Rush

I got to visit with one of my classmates today about her life and her journey to Asbury.  She grew up in Singapore where she was brought up communally with her father's family.  So there are lots of fond memories of family...especially cousins.

Although they were poor, she didn't realize it.  Their toys came from nature--dirt, water, trees.  In fact, the first time she visited the city and saw a doll, she said she thought, "What is this that looks like me?!"  

She had heard of "Christians" before, but thought that this was something that one was born into.  In other words, her understanding was that one could only be a Christian if her parents (and their parents, etc.) were Christians.  Not that it mattered, she didn't even know what it meant to be a Christian.  She had absolutely no knowledge of the Gospel.  None.

With no spiritual knowledge or transcendent faith of any kind, she remembers distinctly thinking that life was meaningless.  

However, God changed that through the ministry of Campus Crusade.

One day while she was studying, one of the ambassadors of this program shared the Gospel with her.  In particular, Romans 5:6-8 got her attention:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I don't think I will ever forget her words.  She said, "It was gold."

This poor, rural young lady who went without the excesses (even some of the basics!) of what I would consider to be a "normal" childhood, understood the immense value of the gift she was given by a stranger who shared with her the story of Jesus Christ.

She gave her life to Christ then and there.  And she has never looked back.

Just listening to her talk with excitement about the many young people that she has brought to the Truth since that day through her own missionary work is a blessing.  She simply lights up!  For her it is an amazing privilege and honor to serve God in this way.

There are many people who don't understand the importance of missionaries.  Stories like this remind me that their are many, many out there who have never had the opportunity to be introduced to Jesus Christ.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  (Romans 10:13-15)

She didn't just sock that gold away.  Instead, she became a gold mine.

And she is spending her life recruiting miners.

Ups and Downs

Today had some ups and downs.

First, on my way to class this morning I noticed that I had a small bump (the size a pen tip) on my thumb.  It was kind of itchy and painful.  It reminded me of a festered sticker or something.  About halfway through the morning session, I realized that it had turned into a big blister.  What in the world?  I have no idea what that's about, but wonder if I was bitten by something again.

After class I ran to the store for bandages and then fell asleep as soon as I got in.  I was exhausted and achy.  I slept for three hours. 

After a full day of rest yesterday, I was surprised by my fatigue.  I am happy to report, however, that I feel much better tonight.

I let my water intake slip a bit yesterday and this morning so I'm going to chalk it up to that.

On a more exciting note, I started conversations with Numana on planning a packaging event next August 1!  Mark your calendars, people. 

When an event is hosted, the food that will be packaged must be purchased.  I expect that we will be able to put together 100,000 meals that day.  Yes, that's right...100,000!  In order to make this happen we will need $23,000 to buy the food itself.


This is just the beginning.  We have a long way to go to reach this goal.

If you haven't completed the form (also always available in the right column) to support this project (either through prayer, sharing the project with others, or by pledging a donation for the year, and/or each month, week, or day that I successfully abstain from food other than my one daily serving of Numana this year), please take the time to do it.  It doesn't matter how small the pledge may be, every little bit helps.

An easy way to support the project is simply by "liking" it on Facebook or following it on Twitter.  Both of these methods of support help spread the word.

Also, plan to join us on August 1in Salina if you can.

And, uhm...plan to bring a covered dish.  I'm going to be ready for your home-cookin'!

Sabbath

Today was my first time to intentionally practice a Sabbath.

I slept in and spent my day relaxing--doing the things I enjoy doing (mostly in my PJs).  I wrote, visited with friends through facebook, prayed, thought about everything and nothing, read, played the guitar, and listed to music.  What a great day.

This is something I've intended to practice regularly for a long time.  It's tough when you are raising a family to set aside time to relax and rejuvenate.  However, that is what God intended for us to do.  I would also say that it doesn't have to be on Sunday.  In fact, mine won't.  Sundays are just too busy at our house.  Instead, we will choose Saturday.

I encourage you to pick a day and give it a try.  Be careful not get legalistic about it though.  God never intended it to be a hassle, but a blessing.

Food was absolutely a non-issue today.  I ate my serving of Numana at about 3:30 and was satisfied.

One of the songs I played today was "The Ghost of Tom Joad".  Yes, another Springsteen song.  :)  As I played and sang, the words got to me.  They certainly tie in with my project.

This version includes a musician and singer from the band "Rage Against the Machine".  They remade the song a few years back.  It's a neat version of the song--and to be honest, I like a bit of screamin' guitar now and then.  Enjoy!

Nobody's kiddin' nobody about where it goes...

The Streets of Louisville

I spent the day with a friend in Louisville today.  And it was a beautiful one!

We toured the Louisville Slugger Factory and visited Churchill Downs.  The weather was gorgeous and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some American classics.

But the things I noticed that stuck in my head the most were not the things I came to see.  Isn't that how it works?  They certainly weren't things that I was looking for, but things that just jumped out at me.

The first was this partially eaten apple.

When we walked by it I thought, "I could pick that up and eat it!"  And this thought completely surprised me.  Would I have thought twice about an apple on the sidewalk before today?

As we continued our adventure, we decided to stop for a drink at Subway.  Walking in I noticed torn pieces of the Subway bread scattered near a table for the birds to enjoy.

Someone didn't eat their fresh, warm, delicious bread.  Do you know how much I miss bread?  Yes, I could've eaten it off the ground...and been perfectly fine with it.

In fact, my friend and I considered the possibility of adding this little rule to my challenge.  If I find food left by someone else (legitimately left by someone I don't know and not planted for my benefit), I can eat it if I want to.  What do you think?  Fair enough?  I'll need some feedback before I will change my rules but this seems reasonable...not to mention humbling.

As we passed a tree planted in a cut-out of the sidewalk that was covered with a grate, it reminded me of story from my childhood.  The story began with my confession that I never appreciated all of the things my parents provided for us, including the trips they took us girls on.

At that point, I nearly stepped on this...

...a shiny dime.  I took the time to stop, pick it up, and put it in my pocket.  Then I continued my story...

I was probably 12 or 13.  We were walking down the sidewalk in Philadelphia and I noticed a man poking a stick into such a grate.  My curiosity got the best of me and I went over to see what he was poking at.  Was it a small animal?  What was so interesting to him?

As I stood beside the man looking down into the grate, I realized that he had placed a piece of gum on the end of the stick.  He was using this tool to try and pick up a dime that had fallen in the grate.

My mind was blown.  For the first time in my life, I had to face the desperation in which many people must live.

Ironic that I found a dime in the midst of telling this story?  No...not at all.

God made me mindful of many things on the streets of Louisville.

Content...Whatever the Circumstances

While looking for the weight room today, I ran across a scale.  My curiosity got the best of me.  I've lost more than 20 pounds.

Don't worry.  My BMI indicates that I still have plenty of calories stored away for a hungry day.  And I feel good.

But, I couldn't stay warm today.  My insulation layer is apparently gone.  I invested in some sweat pants and a jacket...2 sizes smaller than the shorts and short-sleeved tops I brought with me.

It was the last day of my first class, so we all went down to the local Mexican food joint for lunch.  I enjoyed the smells and drank my water.  It's funny that the sight and smells of food isn't torturous, but rather pleasant.

This evening I talked to my best friend since childhood.  I have put off telling her about this project because I knew she, like my sisters and parents, would be concerned and feel helpless.  She did indicate concern, but of course there is nothing she can do to "help" me besides support my efforts.

No headaches.  No aches and pains.  No cravings.  No regrets.

For the first time in my life I feel that I can understand Pauls' words to the people of Philippi:

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

--Philippians 4:10-13

Follow Me

This was the first day I had a hard time keeping my britches up.  With another week and a half away from home, I may find myself doing some creative finagling with my clothes.  I am kind of scared to step on the scale when I get there.  After all, my stored energy needs to last a long time.  (Shamefully, I have had more than my share in the ol' storage shed.)

I have an internal debate going on about exercise.  It seems to me that it would be important to maintain muscle tone and aerobic activity to combat the fatigue.  I've been exercising and it feels good, but I'm aware that this is causing my body to burn the calories faster.  Should I just do weight training 2-3 days a week instead?  I guess I need to do some research.

Another issue that I haven't mentioned up until this point is heartburn.  This has been a surprising annoyance. But it has allowed me to enjoy my one "treat"--Tums.  (I still take medications, as needed.)  So why would I have heartburn when I only eat 1/2 cup of bland food at time?  Is this another sign that my body is getting getting rid of toxins?  Is this just part of the adjustment process?

It appears that I am coming to you with way more questions than answers this evening.

And that's okay.  We don't always need to know exactly what we're getting into before we jump in...before we're in the thick of it.  

I know twelve guys who were called to "Follow me."  Who just jumped right in.  And who helped change the world.

Was it always the best decision for their families?  Their careers?  Their health?  I think that many could make a good argument that it was not...especially when considering that each of them suffered an early and unpleasant demise. 

But I would hazard a guess that each of them would make that choice all over again.

I'm not saying they had no regrets.  Men from this group struggled with their pride in front of Christ, denied him, questioned him, disappointing him, abandoned him...and one even betrayed him.

Yes, even those chosen twelve made mistakes.  Even those chosen twelve needed grace.

Do not let your fears, your questions, keep you from following.

Home Grown Hunger

Two weeks!

I noticed today that my fingernails do not appear to be growing.  I painted them a week ago and the polish still goes down to the cuticle.  Interesting. 

Also, usually when I workout I sweat...a lot.  This is kind of gross, but usually I am soaked after 40-50 minutes on an elliptical machine.  Completely soaked--wet clothes, wet hair...it honestly looks like I just stepped out of the shower.  However, after working out for 45 minutes tonight I realized that I barely broke a sweat.  Although I'm drinking lots and lots of water, my body is obviously aware of the need to conserve. 

I've made another interesting discovery.  The two women that each also have rooms in this suite have both experienced life in such a way that they can relate to my journey and this entire project.  It's a God thing.  (Knowing that He is in control, why do these little gifts always surprise me?)

Late yesterday evening we were able to visit about our lives.  One of them grew up in the midwest.  Her father left when she was young, leaving her mother to raise both her and her sister.

They were poor.  And they were hungry. 

In fact, their daily meal was Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper...without the hamburger.  (Her sister didn't like any other flavor.)  Each evening, this was the meal that would sustain her until morning, if she got a meal at all.

For breakfast, mom got two kinds of cereal--Fruit Loops and Frosted Flakes.  Her sister didn't like Fruit Loops, so that's what my friend ate for breakfast.  Everyday.

School lunches were a God-send.  She said that she would eat as much as she possibly could each day at lunch.  But when summer rolled around, it was a very, very long three months without much food.

Although they were always hungry, sometimes she just couldn't get herself to eat the Fruit Loops or the Hamburger Helper.  It made her nauseous to even look at them.  She would prefer simply to not eat at all rather than to have to choke them down.  In fact, to this day she cannot get herself to eat those sweet, fruity, colorful loops.

Interestingly, my new friend is now a professional cook and particularly enjoys grilling.  But there have been times when she would realize that she hadn't eaten in several days...and she would have to make herself eat.  Now she is hypoglycemic which requires that she eats something every 3-4 hours.

There are other long term issues also.  She has chronic problems with her electrolytes, body pain, and heart issues which require medication.  All are from suffering from long-term malnutrition as a child.

And this is a young lady who grew up right here in our midst.

I am thankful for the systems, foodbanks, and grassroots efforts in many communities to provide food for those who would otherwise not eat.  In my community, the school district also provides summer lunches for any child that needs a meal.  I know that this makes those summer months much more bearable for hungry children.

If you aren't supporting these ministries (and they ARE ministries whether they know it or not) in your own community, please consider finding out what is available and pitching in. Encourage your school district to look into a summer meal program--especially if your free and reduced meal rate is significant.

 And be grateful.

Oh, the Smells!

I was dreading spending the weekend in a dorm room without enough to keep me busy.  When I discovered that Nashville, TN is only 215 miles from Asbury along with the fact that Keith Urban was playing the Grand Ole Opry this week, I decided to make a road trip.  One of my classmates offered to come along, too!

We went straight downtown when we arrived--taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the touristy Broadway area of Nashville.  It seems that my sense of smell has gone into overdrive.  I notice every little smell and find myself seeking to "place" it.

The fresh cut grass, the cinnamon pretzels at Auntie Anne's, a variety of Chinese foods, burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe, and the kettle-cooked popcorn outside of the Opry building.  It was a never-ending assault on my nose.

Actually, what I found is that I very much enjoy those wonderful smells.  It didn't make me feel like I was missing something, instead it made me feel that I was getting to enjoy it in another way.

After a full, busy, exciting day yesterday, we enjoyed sleeping in and catching the 11:00 service at Freedom Church.  It was an inspiring and Spirit-filled worship service.  What a welcoming group of fellow Christians!

A quick stop at the Sonic afterwards allowed my friend to grab a wonderfully-smelling burger combo meal with fries while I was tickled to get my Route 44 water (because Sonic ice is simply delightful).  I was pleasantly surprised to even catch the sweet/sour scent of her Lemonberry slush.

Once I got back to my room and settled in to reflect on the weekend, what I realized was that I really didn't miss food over the last two days.  I was engaged in life and enjoying the gifts that God did provide for me without wishing for more.

I think that's a breakthrough.

Obstacles...Seen and Unseen

I'm not a morning person.  Yet, here I am up early again this morning.  Why?  Bruce woke me up again.  This morning's 5am alarm was Springsteen's angry anthem, "Born in the USA".  Wow.

My biggest fear yesterday was that I would unconsciously pop something in my mouth without thinking.  I didn't.  I carried a water bottle with me most of the day.

When I came home after work, our "I am Second" bracelets were waiting for me.  The kids are wearing them, also.  My family's support is crucial to my success.  I know I am blessed in that area.

Then I took the kids to get haircuts.  On the way, I noticed that my elbow was bothering me.  Upon closer inspection, I realized that something had bit me--something with fangs.  These fang holes are a good 2mm apart, and there are two sets.  By the time we got to the hair stylist's, a large red feverish 2-inch circle enclosed them.

Great.

There have been articles in papers all over Kansas about the large number of spiders this year--in particular, Brown Recluse.  That may sound a bit paranoid; however, my husband has found several both at work and in our home even though our home has been sprayed specifically for spiders.

As I looked over this big red welt, my mind wasn't thinking as much about the type of spider that bit me as it was thinking about spiritual warfare.  Now, I don't know that Satan is responsible for my spider bites.  However, I do know that it is possible.  Why now?  Because I'm trying to make an impact on others.

Angels and demons?  Don't be ridiculous.

It is so hard to believe in those things we can't see.  Yet we are told over and over again in the Bible that they are real.  In fact, we are made up of body, spirit, and soul.  If you have a spirit, why is it so hard to believe that there are other spirits?  We know so very little about our world...our reality.  Yet, we think we know so much.

Let me ask you, if I professed to be a Christian but didn't live my life for Christ and rested in the false security that going to church each Sunday was somehow equivalent to faith--would Satan mess with me?  No need.  He would already have me.  It's those who live their faith that must fight this spiritual battle on a regular basis.  

So, if you were Satan (Remember, he is NOT God's equal.  He is not omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent.) with limited resources and abilities, who would you target for temptation and destruction?

I believe that those who must be the most on guard are those who are reaching out.  My piddly efforts may be bigger than some, but they don't compare to many, many others.  Billy Graham describes it as "living in a perpetual battlefield." (Angels, 1995)

In his letter to the people of Ephesus, the Apostle Paul says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)

The spider bites look better this morning.  All is well.  But I do feel like I've received fair warning to be on the lookout.

This journey is not going to be easy.