Never Leave Home Without It

The Whole Armor of God... Never Leave Home Without It

When you go in the sun, you wear sun protection. When you go in the snow, you wear a snowsuit. Most sports have "equipment" to wear to protect you from injury. (You wouldn't play hockey without a helmet?!)

The world we live in is not our home! It is like going to the visitor’s arena to compete. We are not in our element! It is a foreign environment with players we do not know and a game plan different from our own. As with any competition you must train and prepare for want you do know so you can remain alert for the things you can not predict.

Are you prepared to protect yourself? Do you train everyday! Exercise your body, mind and soul for the daily events we will endure until we go back home to God? Have you even requested your uniform?

Let me share these verses from Ephesians 6:10-20

The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

God is our greatest fan, head cheerleeder, MVP and secret weapon. He is our coach that has given us a rule book on how to proceed on his behalf!

Do not be afraid of this challenge! Face it with Power and Love and Sound Mind!
(II Timothy 1:7)

God Bless Your Day and Strengthen You For Your Challenges!
Love,
Your Teammate in Christ

Fear Does Not Come From God!

Can you believe that fear has kept me from blogging! The fear of revealing too much about myself, the fear of someone using my thoughts against me, the fear of saying the wrong thing the wrong way and making the wrong IMPACT!!!!

This is what I have discovered about fear... IT IS NOT OF GOD!

II Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of Fear; but of power, and of love and of sound mind.

So...I'm back!

One of the wisest Christian men I know shared this verse with me to build up my "armor"! He explained the most effective way to protect ourselves is to shield ourselves with the word. I have never been strong at memorizing verses...but it is time to try a little harder! My friend also provided the following verse to read several times a day to keep our mind in the right place;


The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.

The Psalms 23

The LORD Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Rev. 7.17
3 He restoreth my soul:he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Have a blessed day!
We'll talk again soon!

Life Perspectives - 18 to 80

Milestones bring life into perspective. I recently attended an 80th Birthday Party for a man I deeply respect and admire. This person possesses such a gentle spirit and servant’s heart. I can only speak of how he has touched my life, but it was evident, however, standing in the hall, with his lifetime of friends...he has touched many others!

His legacy is built...Is yours?

What legacy will you leave?

In a world where detachment and self-absorbency are so prevalent, there is hope in knowing people of integrity still exist. This standard of excellence needs to be shared.

Who have you encouraged?

What experiences do you have that are priceless to you? Have you shared them?

During this season of graduations with so many young people starting their legacies, who can you mentor?

It only takes a note, a few words, or a reassuring handshake! Think of what was done for you that made a difference and pass it on!

In closing, let me leave you with a simple example:

Yesterday a new chapter began for a lovely young lady I've watched grow from braces to prom dresses, flip flops to heels...I shared with her what was shared with me at my graduation. First, a journal to keep track of where you've been, where you are, and where you want to go. Secondly, a planner to keep you accountable to others and yourself and finally, a small photo book of those who love and support you always!

None of these items were expensive, but all are priceless when utilized.

Be valuable to someone!
God Bless

Marred Chalk Murals

Last we spoke...things were blurrier than usual. Now they are ineligible, like chalk murals splattered by falling rain drops. I've taken a little time to let the sun dry up the pavement so I can start a new drawing. I apologize for the lack of communication, but sometimes it's better to stop. I had no idea when I wrote about Rest, Rejoice and Restart on Sunday how much I would need to adhere to my own advice.
Tuesday, my youngest son decided to venture from his crib for the first time...unfortunately he caught his face on the way down on the crib's metal braces and tore apart the tip of his perfectly sweet, round, nose. Several hours and stitches later, I was rejoicing that it wasn't worse. There is something so heart wrenching in watching our children suffer. We can't perform miracles, we can't predict the unknown, and we can't help them avoid so many things. Ugh!
So, again I rejoice that my children are not left solely in my hands to care for them...because I can't do it by myself. The good Lord has them in his hands in the moments I can't! He carries them when my arms are tired or weak or full.
I am blessed. It is this assurance that lets me restart. Let's me wake up tomorrow and kiss the now crooked little stitched up nose of my son...knowing everything will be fine.
Goodnight, God Bless...

Reflect, Rejoice, Reset

I like beginings and endings...

• Monday starts the week, Sunday ends the week
• Up at 6a to bed a 10p
• Project Started, Project Completed.

It seems that recently though, the boundaries have gotten blurred. One week runs into the next without a moment to reflect, rejoice and reset. Eventhough God commands us to rest...it is one of the most difficult goals for me to accomplish. It has been a lieftime struggle for me.

I have been forced to understand, however, the importance of this task. As a stay home mom it is very easy to get caught up in the daily grind of managing a household. Unlike when I worked fulltime, let me rephrase that, when I worked 40 hours a week (I have a new understanding of "fulltime"), my day does not begin at 8 break at 10 lunch at 12 break at 3 done at 5. In my day, breaks are nonexistent, lunch is when everyone is hungry and everything is completed in an "on demand" basis. This schedule becomes grueling without rest. Not just sleep, but true rest of the mind, body and spirit. Let me just say from personal experience that a person will only run at a nonstop pace for a limited time. If rest is not applied, the effects can be catastrophic.

...here is the ending for now, more on this topic soon!

Mom's lesson: Reflect, Rejoice, Reset regularly

Wife's lesson: Reflect, Rejoice, Reset regularly

Caregiver's lesson: Reflect, Rejoice, Reset regularly

Everyday is Mother's Day!

We didn't do much for Mother's day. I'll admit it was pretty much the same old same old, laundry, dishes, cleaning...blah, blah, blah. My son had made me a wonderful cookbook at school and had written me a card that had a neat ladybug magnet on it. My daughter and other son are too little for the gift giving process and I thought it self-serving to go buy something on their behalf. I'm not really a stuff person anyway. I'm a feelings persons...and man were mine touched over the last couple days. At least once a day my 4 year old daughter has brought me various items (leaves, flowers, drawings, worms) that she deems as gifts. All followed by the words, "Happy Mother's Day". WOW! Mother's Day everyday!

Mom's Lesson:I can learn from my children everyday!
Wife's Lesson: Sometimes husbands forget
Caregiver Lesson: You can make a someone's day everyday, not just on "special occasions"

Holy God

As any 6 1/2 year old does...my son is introduced daily to new phrases. This morning he was "WOW'd" by something and I heard him say "Holy Moley". I mentioned to my son that Moles weren't Holy and that we save the word only for describing our God Almighty. Later on today, he was once again in awe of something, looked at me approvingly and said, "Holy is the Lord". While I was pleased that he had realized that our Lord is Holy. We discussed that it was still not the best way to express surprise.

Mom Lesson:Be wise with your words. Our children look to us for clarity and understanding, be diligent to take the time to listen.

Where Do We Begin

I never thought I'd be a Blogger...after all don't we all have lives? What makes mine so important? Well, here is my answer: Every life is important because it is a masterpiece by God! If we don't share this journey with others, we are not sharing the gifts we have been given. This is an effective way to touch lives and make a difference! My writings can be catagorized by this statement: The Unorganized Writings of a Christian Wife, Mother and Caregiver. Somedays...I may tug at your heartstring, others I may make you laugh. My goal is to lighten your heart, your soul and your burdens.

Have a Blessed Day,
Kym Lamb