Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Snowflakes

 

Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

They’ll never leave home

but they’ll always be alone

in their Safe Place.

They’ll moan and they’ll cry

and always wonder why

she didn’t win the race.

So Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

They’ll riot in the streets

and watch flags and cars burning.

they’ll bitch and moan

and act like the world quit turning.

They’ll riot all night until the morning

and they’re always on the lookout for

a trigger warning.

Their profs gave them hot cocoas and

soft cuddly puppies to hold.

l just  hope their acts come together

before they get old.

So Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

They’ll never leave home

but they’ll always be alone in their safe place.

They’ll moan and they’ll cry

and always wonder why

she didn’t win the race.

So Mammas don’t let your babies grow up

to be Snowflakes.

Do Not Grow Weary

Friends, in Revelation we read about the last days.  Satan will be unleased upon the Earth to wreak havoc and is desperately trying to destroy souls for he knows his days are numbered.  If we look at the shape of the world today,,could this be what is going on?  People rioting in the streets, killing others because their views are different, countries waging war on other countries, people living only for themselves.  What was once thought to be good and right is now evil and hated and what was once called evil is now looked upon as right.  Terrorists and thugs are raping, beheading, shooting and torturing people.  My fellow Christians, we must persevere and keep on fighting the good fight.  God is on the throne and will send His Son for His children soon.  Do not grow weary in fighting the good fight or as Paul said “run  the race that is set before us”.  We mist daily pray for our country and its leaders.  We must also pray for each other.

Get Off the Pity Pot

Unless you have living under a rock you have seen the riots in our city streets over the recent elections.  I have heard many people say that protest is good and is guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States.  I agree.  However, instead of peacefully protesting, these people (thugs) are destroying property, endangering lives and over all making nuisances of themselves.  A washed up singer recently said that America is the laughingstock of the rest of the world.  I won’t mention any names if that’s alright with you, Madonna.  Well, honey, what do you think you were when you offered to perform sex for a vote for Hillary.  We have been the joke of the rest of the world for the past 8 years under Obama.

When I see the “Snowflakes” crying and wringing their hands because they are “offended” by people that do not agree with them, it really offends me.  Oh, excuse me, I can’t be offended because I am not a liberal.  Let me see if I have this straight—I do want to be politically correct. HA!   Conservatives offend but can’t be offended while Liberals can’t offend but are offended.  OK.  Gotcha!

I went to college in the 70’s.  It might surprise the “enlightened” kids (yeah kids they are not acting like grown-ups) of today’s college campuses but we actuall6y learned from listening to the differing views and opinions of our classmates.  This was during the Viet Nam war era and classes were filled with a wide diversity of students—from the fresh out of high school students, older more mature students and *gasp* even veterans.  We did not run out of the room crying if someone voiced an opinion that differed from ours.  We discussed the opinions and each student was able to take a little bit of knowledge out of that room.  We did not curse or brow beat each other.  The college did not offer safe spaces, play doh or cute little puppies to salve our wounded egos and hurt feelings.  The only safety pins we wore were to hold a hem up or mend out clothes until there was time to mend the clothes the way they should be mended.

If you plan to prosper and flourish in this world, you need to realize LIFE IS NOT FAIR and the world does not revolve around you and your feelings.  You might be offended when the bank tells you to make your house payment or you will lose the house.  Your feeling might be hurt when your boss tells you to do something you do not want to do.  You will find that no one will provide a safe space for you when the real world hits you in the face and you have kids to feed and clothe and bills to pay and you can’t stretch that paycheck far enough.

So SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP, face life and GET OFF THE PITY POT.

My Run In With Farm Equipment

Had a little run in with farm equipment on the road yesterday. A blade from a huge disc hit my driver's side mirror and knocked it out.

No further damage and no injuries. A few more inches though and it would have taken me and my car out. Ain't God good?

The Church Of The Here And Now

Friends, this is fiction.  But it is something that could possibly happen in the near future.  We Christians need to wake up and stand up for God before it is too late.  I hope this piece will give you something to think about.

If my people who are  called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14.

I saw the building in the distance and decided to get a closer look.  The sign in the front yard had these words: Welcome to the Church of the Here and Now.

As I walked up the door, a man greeted me.   “I see you are interested in our church.  Let me give you a tour.”

Just inside the door was a table holding two large binders.  I did not see a Bible anywhere.  “These binders have taken the place of the Bible.  In the Church of the Here and Now we have found the Bible is Politically Incorrect.  The binders contain our lists of PC terms.  You see instead of sin we use the term mistake.  Instead of God we say Higher Power.  By doing this we do not offend anyone with differing beliefs.”

He then led me into the sanctuary.  “Here you see all the sections we have,” He proudly waved his arm around the room.  we walled up to a section.  “Here is where most of our white people sit  However, you will see a smaller section.  That is where white people who do not understand or believe in white privilege sit.  Next, we have a section reserved for our African-American members.  We find our friends of African descent very comfortable here.  We do not use words like slavery, shackles or anything like that for fear of offending them.  Our next section is for our neighbors who have crossed the border.  We do not call them illegal aliens—that is very offensive.  We called them our undocumented friends.”

The next section he led me to hard plastic bubbles built around the seats.  “I see you are wondering who sits here.” He said with a grin.  This is where our future leaders sit—our college students.  Here they are protected by the bubbles so nothing can hurt their feelings.  They each have their own ‘safe places’.  The last section was lit with rainbow lights.  When I asked about this section, he proudly replied, “This is for our LGBT members sit.  They requested their lights be in rainbow colors to show solidarity.”

“You will see each seat has special earbuds.  These filter out any offensive words that might slip in.  It also lets our members hear what will make them feel good.  Our pastor’s sermons are reviewed before Church by a special agency but sometimes words do slip in or fall through the cracks.”

By this time, I just needed to be alone and process all I had heard. “Uh-where are the bathrooms?” I asked.  “Oh,” he said with a broad smile. “right this way.”  He led me down a short hall and pointed to the bathrooms. “Naturally, they are all gender neutral.  After all we want to befriend not offend.”

When I awoke sweat was running down my face and tears were stinging my eyes.  I jumped from bed and knelt to pray.

“Father, this world has taken you out of our schools and out of the military.  Now you have been kicked out of church.  I pray that people's  eyes will be open before it too late.  You blessed great nation and now this country has rejected you.  God bless this country again.  but more importantly let your people wake up and stand for you like you stood for us at the cross.”  Amen

Proud To Be A Deplorable Redneck

With the election only a month away, I have studied the issues and prayed about my vote.  I then realized there is only one way that is right for me and my family.  As a Christian, I feel I have a responsibility to vote and let my voice be heard.

First, I would like to address the words Trump said on the leaked tape.  I do not condone his words about women nor think they are acceptable in any way.  As a mother and grandmother of girls, his words disgust me.  However, I cannot condone Bill Clinton’s actions against women or Hillary’s attempts to ruin these women’s lives.  She states she is an advocate for women and children but her actions decimate her words.  When she laughed about getting the child rapist out of jail, I could not imagine the horror the 12 year old girl and her family felt.

I admit I do not find the characters of our choices admirable.  Both candidates have said and done disgusting and appalling things in the course of their campaigns.  This election is not about characters but so much more—our way of life.  Sexism and racism are running rampant in our country today and the government is fueling the fire with groups like Black Lives Matter creating havoc around the country. Police have been ostracized and treated like the enemy from our president on down through the ranks of elected officials across the country.  I agree Black Lives do matter but so do Blue Lives and everyone’s lives.

Our media is not reporting the new.  It has taken it upon itself to monitor what we see and hear.  There is no such thing as true objective reporting anymore.  Our media lies to us, our president lies to us, and Hillary lies to us and then lies about her lies to cover them up.  Who can we trust for the news anymore?

Now I want to tell you why I am voting for Trump based on the issues we are facing today.

First, our Economic Stability is at risk.  Hillary has promised so many things that sound good-too good.  I have always heard that is something sounds too good to be true it usually is.  Sure Trump did not pay taxes but he used a legal loophole—the same loophole Hillary Clinton did.  Trump is a business man that knows how to run a business.  If a worker did not do a satisfactory job, he wasn’t paid.  Trump did not accumulate his wealth by selling favors to rich influential friends.  He worked and built real estate.

The second issue I would like to address is our National Security.  I, for one, do not want open borders.  That is not to say I do not want immigrants coming to my country.  Many have come here to make a better life for their families and have followed legal channels to become citizens.  They were able to assimilate into our culture and have managed to make a good life here.  I am talking about the illegals who have come here and committed crimes against our citizens.  Many have been deported once and sometimes more than once.  I am talking about Muslims that come over here and refuse to assimilate into our culture insisting America cater to their culture.  Our Constitution is our law of the land—not Sharia law.  I find it very offensive that schools have kicked God out but are teaching Islam.  Our country was founded and established on Judeo-Christian values and should remain Judeo-Christian.  Our Constitution affords citizens with the second amendment—the right to carry guns.  Hillary wants to take guns from citizens.  She says that will make us safer.  Friends, if we give up our guns do you think criminals will give up theirs?  No, they will always find ways to get them.  The only objective this will accomplish will be to leave us defenseless.  Criminals do not care about laws.  Simply put, that is why they are called CRIMINALS.  Trump wants to protect Americans.  He wants to do what is right for this country.

Third, I would like to talk about Pro-Life.  I believe that God is the creator of life and no one has the right to play God and decide that a child’s life is not important.  Murder is murder whether it is in the womb or not.  Hillary believes that a child does not have constitutional rights even minutes before it is born.  If she believes that, what is stopping her from declaring that senior citizens don’t have constitutional rights either.

Finally, I would like to discuss the Supreme Court.  Whoever is elected will appoint 5 justices.  These people will have influence ever after the president leaves office.  Hillary did not say she wanted a supreme court that would uphold the constitution. Rather, she said she wanted a supreme court that would further the liberal agenda on same sex marriage and abortion.  She has already said that “Christians will have to change their beliefs on these issues in order to follow the laws and policies.”  Is that who we want in the White House?  Not me.  I will not abandon my faith because the government tries to tell me that it interferes with the law.  My God is the ruler of my life and He will always be the ruler of my life.

Friends, I urge you to do your own research and vote your conscience.  I am not telling you who to vote for.  But do not let the liberal media influence your vote. Remember, all it takes for evil to spread is for good men to do nothing.  I urge you to do your part to stop this spread of evil.  As a Christian, don’t stay home on election.  We have a duty and must not neglect it.

All Lives Matter in the Eyes of God

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

If you listen to the news or spend any time at all on social media you know about the riots and demonstrations that have happened in this country. The theme these riots center around is the mantra “Black Lives Matter.” I know I am taking an unpopular stand on this issue but the Bible clearly teaches us that All Lives Matter to Him. In Psalm 139 He tells us He knew us before we were born. He knows us this intimately because He made us. He did not say He made only one color, or gender and rest came along because of a major boom in the universe. No He said He created each every one of us in His image and He loves all of us.

Society tries to pit us against each other by telling us that all whites have something called “White Privilege.” What is this anyway? My God says we all have privilege to be alive and the privilege and opportunity to strive for a better life. I can hear some of you saying, “I don't have the opportunities to make a better life for myself. I was born into poverty and can't get out.” I say, “yes you do.” I was born into poverty and worked my way out of it. I did not say it would be easy. I said you can make your own opportunity. I have learned in my lifetime that anything worth having or doing requires hard work and sacrifice. If you have to work for something it becomes more valuable than something that was just handed to you.

When society shuns people because of skin color, gender, or sexual orientation the message is sent that “you are not as valuable or important as I am.” It is not our job to judge other people. That is God's job. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a God that loves us. He thinks we are all special. We are all unique but we do have one thing in common. God loves us all, and to Him all lives matter. He loves us before were were born and His love continues today. In Matthew 5:44 we are instructed to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He did not say this would be easy but it is necessary if we are His children to do if He lives in us. I remember a song I learned as a child, I dot know who wrote it but its message is relevant to us today: Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow; black and white,They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the children of the world. Who are the children? We are and to Him all lives matter because He loves us all.

Jesus died on the cross thousands of years ago for each and every one of our sins—not just for my sins or your sins but all.  When we place one group of people above another, we are saying His sacrifice meant nothing.  Friends that is wrong.  I will say it again and again as long as there is breath in this old body.  ALL LIVES MATTER IN THE EYES OF GOD

Psalm Of the Welfare State

The government is my shepherd

Therefore, I need not work.

It alloweth me to lay down on a goof job.

It leadeth me beside still factories.

And it destroys my initiative.

It leadeth into the path of a parasite for politics' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley

of laziness and deficit-spending.

I will fear no evil, for the government is with me.

It prepareth an economic Utopia for me,

by appropriating the earnings

Of my own grandchildren.

It filleth my head with false security;

my insufficiency runs over.,

Surely the government should care

for me all the days of life here on earth!!!

And I shall dwell in a fool’s paradise forever.

 

I did not write this but  I wish I had.  This is how our country is today and it is a shame

This is from the Los Angeles Medical Society Bulletin.

Makes sense doesn't it?  Think about it.

Privilege is Not Just For Some

Well, I have to vent again.  I am so sick of hearing about White Privilege.  In fact I am so mad I could spit enough nails to build a house.  And friends in the south that is pretty darn mad.  I hear about how whites have more inherent rights than minorities because we are white.  Who is spreading this  atrocity?  I will tell you.  It is the white hating race baiters like Sharpton, Jackson, Holder,  and yes, even the president himself.  Well I want to clarify a few things that need to be said.  Not all whites were born in the lap of luxury.  I, for one was born into poverty.  I come from a family of six kids.  We lived in a small house with two parents, an elderly grandmother, and an aunt who was wheelchair bound.

We did not have food stamps or welfare.  Yet we had food to eat and clothes on our backs.  We did not always have what we wanted to eat but we had nourishing food.  We did not have the latest fashions but we had clothes even if they were hand  me downs.  We felt rich at Christmas and when school started each year because we could get  some new items and new shoes.  What we got came from the hard work of our parents not from government handouts.

On second thought I guess you could say I am privileged.  I am privileged to have parents that loved all their kids and taught us to love and fear God.

I am privileged to be adopted into God’s family.  I am proud to say my Heavenly Father is the only king I will bow to.

I am privileged to say I got a college education.  I not only graduated one time but I went back to college after my kids were grown and I was raising grandkids and working full time and graduated with honors and a second degree.  I got no free ride either time.  The first time I worked my way through.  I admit I had to take out student loans but they are paid in full.  The second time I worked and paid my way through.

I  am privileged to have the support of my family.

I am privileged to have five sisters who are close and love each other.

I am privileged to raise two kids and four grandkids and teach them about God’s love and grace.

I lost my only son two years ago but I am privileged to know that I will see him again one day in Heaven.

I am privileged to have a husband who has provided for his family the best way he could.  It has been tough at times, I will admit and it took both of us working to make ends meet.  I am privileged to stay home now so I can take kids to their activities and school functions.  It will not be easy since social security will be our income now but I have faith that God will provide our needs.

Yes, I guess you could say I am a privileged white but not in the politically correct sense.  There can be privilege for everyone in America if they are willing to dare to dream and work hard everyday to make those dreams come true.  Don’t expect to get anything for free.  Use your heart and mind and don’t be afraid of that four letter word-WORK.

Now here is my disclaimer:  IF I OFFEND ANYONE DON’T EXPECT AN APOLOGY FROM ME BECAUSE YOU WON’T GET IT!

This Little Light of Mine

You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Matthew 5:14-15

 

The sun is the center of the solar system and lights the world.  Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we are told to reflect the light of the son.  God tells us to be the light for others so they may see God in us.Yes we will be mocked and ridiculed because man hates the light and loves the darkness because it covers his sins.  In John 3:19 we read “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”

In Ephesians 5:8 we read, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.”  We are commanded to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose expose them.

With all the turmoil and chaos in the world today, we are seeing more and more darkness covering the hearts of men.  We are seeing more and more violence disrupting the world.  As we are shown more darkness we must shine more light so that the world can see God through us.

Light reveals who we really are and as it attracts, our lives should attract other people to Jesus.

I remember a song I used to sing as a child that seems to be relevant today:

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine.

Let it shine

Let it shine

Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel-No

I’m gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel-No

I’m gonna let it shine.

Let it shine.

Let it shine.

Let it shine.

Let’s go into the world and let our lights shine so the darkness will be dispelled and God’s love can show through us.  Let’s not hide our lights under the bushel of political correctness but let it shine so the world can see that God is the light of this world.

 

I wrote this years ago but still try to live its message.

The Only Bible

I may be the only Bible

that someone else will read.

So take my life and guide it

in thought and word and deed.

Let me be a blessing

to someone else I meet.

Help me show then it’s your love

that makes my life complete.

Oh, such a sobering thought to think

of what they’re apt to see.

Help me show them it’s you, Lord

that lives inside of me.

 

Well, I hope you are encouraged by my words today because this is Life on the Edge.

;

Another Week Done

Well, it is Sunday afternoon here On the Edge.  I hope everyone is having a nice quiet day with family and friends in spite of the terrible events of yesterday and last night.  Let’s not forget that God is in control and He is here with us.  I hope I do not offend anyone by my faith that God is awesome but He is.  I want all of you to know that I do think of you often and send up prayers for each and every one of you.  Let’s not give up the fight for truth but keep on keeping on in the faith.  He will hold us up and be there when we fall.  I love each and every one of you and wish you only the best.

As we get ready for another week, let’s all remember we are not alone.  We do have each other and most of all we have God.   Let’s keep an attitude of gratitude.

My Crazy Wonderful Life

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those that know Him and are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

 

I remember watching my grandmother cut scraps of fabric for one of her many quilts.  She lovingly pieced these scraps together to make beautiful coverlets.  These quilts would keep her family warm in the cold winter nights ahead.  I’m sure some of you can recall sleeping under quilts made with love by mothers and grandmothers.  Didn’t you feel so warm and loved?

I loved all of Grandma’s quilts—the “log cabin” patterns and the simple “nine patch” tops but my favorite ones were called “crazy quilts.”  These quilts had no distinct pattern but were made of the tiniest scraps that were left from her other projects.  These quilts did not have a set pattern or even one type of fabric.  Elegant rich velvets could be side by side with plain cotton, rough corduroy or wool, and even thin lacy fabrics.  Each piece gave its own special feel and look to the finished product.  No two quilts were identical—each had its own personality and unique look.  This did not make one more special than the other but each one was special in the way the colors and textures blended together.   Although each quilt was a “one of a kind” the one thing that was common in each was the amount of love that went into its creation.

My life often reminds me of these “crazy quilts.”  Each experience is pieced together to make a complete life.  Some days, everything is smooth with no problems, much like the cotton fabrics.  Other days are so rich and wonderful that I call them my “velvet days”.  Then again, I have rough days that seem to ebb and flow much like the ribs in a corduroy scrap.  I don’t want to forget the light and airy days that seem to lull me into feelings of being carefree much like the lacy fabrics.

Each experience I have had has shaped me into the person I am today—much like the finished quilt.  But I do know that God is in control and is making something beautiful out of the chaos of my life.  With His beautiful thread of love and mercy He binds my rough edges and signs His work with  His won trademark-- “Created with love by God.”

Note to Readers

I haven’t been posting much because I finally acquired a building for my computer and writing related items.  Once I finally got it set up and wired with electricity for use—my computer and printer decided to take a hiatus.  Now I think I have everything in working order again so I WILL get back to my writing.  I know you have probably not missed me BUT I have missed you.  So I have encountered a setback I am still blessed to be able to have my own hideout.  So you see I am still living Life on the Edge.

The True Treasure

Do not store up yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

In today’s world we are bombarded with ads that tell us to buy more, want more, do more, and be more. There is nothing wrong with wanting to make our lives easier and better but when we put material things and our personal accomplishments ahead of God, we are worshipping idols.

Idol worship did not end in the Old Testament. An idol is anything or anyone we make more important than God. When we put possessions, job, money, or even our family and friends our most important priority we make them idols. God blesses us with gifts to show His love to us but too often, we replace Him with these blessings.

How can we use these blessings on earth to store up treasures in Heaven? I will explore three ways we can have treasures in Heaven that will last for an eternity. First, we must treasure Christ. In John 3:16, we read that God loves us so much that He sent His one and only son to pay the penalty for our sins. Can you imagine such love?

The second way is to use the gifts and talents God has given us to glorify Him. He has gifted each of us with talents we can use to further His kingdom. Some of us can sing, others are gifted teachers, and still others’ hearts are touched to write of His love. We have different gifts but all can and should use them for His glory.

Finally, when we spread the gospel to other people, we are storing treasures that will not rust or decay. We are called to be missionaries. We may not be called to a foreign mission field but our own communities are fertile soil for spreading the good news. Sometimes our own families and friends can be ministered to. I lead my own children and grandchildren to Christ. Nothing else I have accomplished can match that. Jesus has commanded us unto spread the news and there are plenty of opportunities to let others know how great our God is.

By storing up treasures in Heaven we are assured that these treasures will not be destroyed by moths and vermin or stolen by thieves. How great is that?

Recently in church I heard as sermon based on these scriptures in Matthew 6. As I was listening, this poem began to run through my head. I wrote it down while it was fresh in my head. It expresses how easy it is to let “things” in our life crowd out God’s place in our hearts.

My True Treasure

I bought a new car today,

Such a beautiful ride.

Church time came and went

And I pushed God aside.

I bought a new house today

Oh what a beautiful space.

Church time came and went

But I was not in my place.

I got a raise at work today

To make my bank account grow.

Church time came and went

But I did not go.

Now the car is filled with rust

And the home was taken away,

When my good job was lost

And the bills I could not pay.

One day the Lord spoke to me

When I got on my knees to pray,

He said, “My child, I’ve been right here

It was you who went away.”

The Great Possum Caper

One day my husband fixed a leak under the commode in my bathroom. Being the handyman he is, he is, he cut a small hole in the floor to make it easier to reach the pipe. Fine--no problem—leak fixed. Now he will fix the hole and life goes on, right? Wrong! He decided to leave the hole for a few days to make sure the leak is really fixed. Now that few days has turned into months. Although it is a small hole, I have tried my best to conceal it but there is just so much I can do to make a hole in the floor attractive. Now fast forward about six months. The hole is still there even though I have done all I can to conceal/decorate it. A hole is a hole and it is still there.

One night I stumble into bed exhausted after transporting four kids to four different activities as well my daily struggles of running a household with four kids. Around 2:00 in the morning my little dog woke me up with frantic barking and yelping. I forced one eye open to see him jumping up and down on the floor by my bed. He looked at me as if to say “I’m trying to protect you, now come on and do your part.” When I did manage to stumble into the bathroom, I was instantly awake. There between the commode and the waste can was a possum! Pugsley, my dog had him trapped. I could not move because I was totally in shock until Pugsley barked again as if to say, “See, I told you. Now get rid of it. I’m tired and want to go to sleep.”

Frantically, I woke up my husband and screamed, “THERE’S A POSSUM IN MY BATHROOM! GET UP AND KILL IT!” He looked at me as though I had totally lost my mind. “Ok, get me something to use to kill it,” he calmly said. I ran to my grandson’s room and came back with a ball bat. I gave the bat to hubby and jumped on my bed and covered my eyes. I could hear the battle raging on the bathroom. “HISS!” “POW!” “KA-POW! “BOOM!” finally all was silent so I opened my eyes. There on the floor lay the lifeless body of the intruder. I picked it up carefully by the tail, placed it into a plastic bag and ran to throw it into the outside garbage can. I was finally able to fall to sleep but the bathroom light was left on for the rest of the night.

I bet you thought this was the end of my story. WRONG! I pulled into my driveway the next morning after running errands and three kids met me at the car. All three were talking at once. I was finally able to understand their excitement when Christian told me, “Nanny, there is a possum in our garbage can,” “and he is alive,” Alyssa interrupted him to excitedly tell me. “Yeah, he is ALIVE!” Nikolas finished with excitement written all over his face. I went over to the garbage can to see for myself. Sure enough, when I raised the lid of the can, I could see two beady little eyes staring up at me. I slammed the lid down and got the kids into the house after explaining to them to stay away from the garbage can and leave the creature alone.

I don’t know what happened to our uninvited guest. The kids think he escaped and is now living happily-albeit traumatized-with his family. I hope that is what happened, but at least, he is living out his life in my house with my family.

When I was finally able to sit down for my visit with God, I asked Him, as I always do “What doe you want to talk bout today, Father?” His answer came as a total surprise to me. “I want to told about the possum.”

“What about the possum?” I asked in astonishment.

“That was a small hole in your floor, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was a very small hole.” I answered, not sure this conversation was going but definitely intrigued by it.

“Well that possum was able to come into house through that small hole, wasn’t he?”

“Y e a h,” I slowly answered.

“Just like that possum squeezing through such a small unguarded hole in the floor, the enemy can enter your heart through a small unguarded hole in your heart. Just as that intruding animal filled you with dread, the enemy can fill your heart with fears and worries. When he does that you do not fully trust me to care for you.”

Suddenly, I understood what He was telling me. We must always guard our hearts against the enemy that roams around who he cab devour. Satan doesn’t need a door with a flashing neon welcome sign, he enters through a hole he finds unguarded. Don’t make it easy for him to enter your heart. Fill your heart with joy and love and trust in your Heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally and will never leave you unprotected.

Oh, by the way—the hole in my floor has been fixed!

Today’s Whisper:

Have you ever left your heart unguarded? Did the enemy enter in and fill your heart with doubts and fears? Journal about the doubts and fears you had and write out a prayer confessing about them and ask God to come into that hole left by doubt. Just as the enemy can enter our heart God can close that hole with His peace and joy.

Today’s Prayer:

Loving Father, help me to be ever vigilant to guard my heart against the enemy’s attacks. Only you can fill my heart with the peace and joy I crave. Make me ever mindful of your love and care for me. I surrender my heart and soul to you. I know you will never leave me or forsake me. I covet your presence in my life today and forever.  Amen

Remember When

Think back if you can to a time when children were allowed to pray in school and even say the pledge to the United States flag every morning.  What! You don’t remember this.  Well let me tell you a story about how life used to be in this country.
Families actually had two parents.  If death had separated the parents, aunts, uncles, grandmothers and even the community came together to help the family. Divorces were seldom heard of.  You knew your neighbors—in fact—everyone in the community was your neighbor and all you had to do was ask for help and everyone that was able came to your aid.  Our neighborhoods were so safe, we kids could play outside until 10 or 11 o’clock at night.  We didn’t have air conditioning so we slept with windows open and sometimes even our doors because there was no such thing as crime.  Of course, we had neighborhood drunks and the occasional teen age boys that drag raced down the highway but nothing as serious as today.
If any of us kids caused any problem at school we could expect the punishment to be resumed when we returned home that afternoon.
We were taught to respect our elders and say “yes ma’am”, “no sir”, “please” and “thank you.” If a neighbor needed help with yard work or running errands, we helped without thoughts of “how much are you going to pay me”?  We had chores to do and if we forgot to do them we knew we could expect to have a “memory lesson” that would do the trick. No, we were not abused.  We were taught that to be a member of a family and the benefits that came with that also brought with it responsibility to help the family.  We brought that lesson with us to adulthood.
We were allowed freedom to have fun but we were always held accountable for where we went and what we did.  Although there were no phones our parents knew what we had been doing even before we got home.  That’s because we had “nosey” neighbors that were looking out for us.
We didn’t have video games or even much t.v but we had fun with our family and friends.
Yes, we said prayers and the pledge in school.  We helped each other.  There was no shouts of hate or police brutality no rioting in the streets or teenagers robbing the neighborhood store or beating up the elderly. The leaders of this country knew how to lead the country and be the leader of everyone in the country and not cater to a small segment of the population.
No friends, back when I was a kid, we were taught responsibility by our parents.  Our parents raised us themselves—not nannies, maids, babysitters or the gangs at the corner.  We were shown respect and we, in turn, gave respect to others.
I think this country would be better off if our society today went back to the days when we treated everyone the way the Bible teaches us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself”.

Never Give Up the Fight

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Galatians 6:9

"I give up! I can't do this! It's too hard!" Nick slammed his math book shut. I stopped washing dishes and sat down beside him. After helping him for about 20 minutes he hugged me. "Now I understand and it is not as hard as I thought." He gathered up his books and prepared for school the next morning. I sent him to the shower before he went to bed.

After his shower and he had gone to bed, I sat down to relax a bit before I finished my nightly routine. I began to think about Nick and his homework. I realized that I too, want to give up and quit when success seems out of reach. Sometimes when I work on a goal and run into a brick wall I want to throw up my hands in despair. That is when I cry out to God, "Lord, this is too hard! I can't do it. You are asking too much from me." I often feel defeated before I start because I try to work in my own strength. Just when I feel overwhelmed with my endeavors, God speaks to my heart, "Child, I am here for you-- don't forget that you do not have to go alone in your own strength. I called you for a special purpose and I will go before you and equip you with all you need. Don't give up. You helped Nick with his homework and he knew you were there for him. I want you to know that I am here for you."

I would like to say that all my doubts were wiped away but I can't. Doubts still come and I still get overwhelmed at times. I would like to say that I never want to give up and reach every goal I attempt without fear. Again I can't say that. I still have doubts about my ability but when these doubts do rear their ugly heads, I remember I don't have to face them alone. I have a loving and caring Father who will always be with me to help me keep on keeping on.

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on one minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tides will change, Harriet Beecher Stowe

Don't Quit

Don't Quit no matter what!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.

Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late,

when the night slipped down

, How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are -

It may be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit. -

by Author Unknown

I Wept

As I sat thinking
about all the trouble in the world--
all the fear, hate, poverty and violence--
I Wept.

As I thought
of all the children with no home or family
to call their own--
I Wept.

Thinking of all the people dying every day
from and hunger, disease and hatred
filled my heart with such sorrow--
I Wept.