365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 215 & 216

My daughter and I watched the movie The Great and Powerful Oz which ended up having a good message for all. Oz is plagued with confidence in himself. He doesn’t think he measures up enough to be with the woman he loves. He does dream of being great and that is what drives him. He chooses to forgo love for a dream of greatness. Fortunately, for him a tornado takes him from Kansas to the land of Oz. His journey in Oz will finally lead him to the truth that it isn’t about being great but about being good.

I am sure many people have this type of battle going on within them. The truth is when we accept Christ into our heart and the Holy Spirit dwells within us we have what we need to be good and to do good. Goodness is a fruit that is given to us by the Lord. This is fruit we can take and eat and let it nourish our souls. We were made in His image and he is a God full of goodness and mercy. We have the power within us to be good.  All things are possible with God.

Psalm 119:68 You are good, and what you do is good.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 214

I love the summer season with all the fresh fruit. It is a real treat after spending the rest of the year with whatever you can get and packaged fruits. But even in the summer you can pick a “wrong” fruit. We got a watermelon last week and were SO disappointed by it. Not sweet at all. It happens and we can go on. But there is another kind of fruit we have to be wary of…the bad fruit of a false prophet. Jesus warns us to be wary of these false prophets and tells us we can know the false prophets by the fruit they produce. Trusting in anyone of this world needs to go through the discernment and wisdom the Holy Spirit can give us. May your good fruits ripen to juicy sweetness this day and all your days to come.

Matthew 7:15-16 Watch out for false prophets. They come to us in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 213

I have been going over my class on temperament over and over again preparing to take the test. Each temperament has certain needs and when these needs are not met in a godly way they can lead to trouble for your soul which means trouble for all of you body, soul and spirit. A balance in these areas is the best option. In thinking about these needs, I remembered there is a verse in the bible about God meeting all of our needs. I think that most people read this verse and think mainly of their bodily needs or their life-style needs. We so often overlook the needs within our souls. We all have needs for socialization, control and love but each temperament has a varying degree of these needs and some temperaments have conditions for these needs to be met. People spend most of their lives trying to discover themselves. It is these needs within our temperament and our soul that we have to learn how to meet in ways pleasing to God. But first, we have to know what our temperament is and what are needs are. I am excited about being able to help people discover their temperament and their temperament needs and help them gain balance within their soul, spirit and body. It won’t be long before I will be authorized to administer the 10-minute profile a person needs to answer to start the process of finding out who God created them to be.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 212

I will let this scripture speak for itself. My prayer is God will speak something to you this day through this scripture.

Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 211

My bible study group finished up on the book of Hebrews last evening. I have gained so much more insight into what faith really is. In Be Confident by Warren W Wiersbe he writes the biblical definition of faith: True biblical faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences. Our group discussed the man who did the tight rope walk un-tethered across the Grand Canyon yesterday. He was in constant prayer the whole time across. We don’t know if God called him to do this or if this was his idea and he prayed to God for what he needed but it does demonstrate the kind of confidence true biblical faith is made of. In spite of the circumstances and consequences, would we do as God ask us? Would you walk into a den of lions or a wall of fire? Would you pack up your family and go wherever God tells you? Would you keep strong in faith in the aftermath of losing your home to a fire? Call on Jesus to help you strengthen and keep your faith no matter the circumstances life throws at you or the consequences you will have to endure.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 210

Our sermon yesterday was about The Great Commission which in layman’s terms means “go and tell about Jesus”. The part of the sermon that stuck with me was about the history of the early church and how they ended up being divided into two groups; the members and the missionaries. However, we are all called to be missionaries. That doesn’t mean we are taking trips to 3^rd world countries but taking the message of Jesus wherever we are and wherever we go. In our politically correct world, we have let our fears for speaking the truth be buried within us and we let the lies of Satan stop us from sharing about Jesus. We are in a spiritual war and like any war we have to take sides. Those that don’t take a stand and choose their side are often steered into collaborating with the enemy. If we don’t share about Jesus when that opportunity comes up, we are in effect becoming collaborators with the evil one. I think this whole concept is very much like our modern-day voting here in the US. Most voters are unclear on where they should vote. They aren’t informed enough to make a firm decision. Instead, they are swayed into taking up with the side that lies the best. The antidote for lies is the shining light of truth but it must be sought after. If we keep our focus on Jesus, study God’s word and pray for the Spirit to enlighten us with the truth and fill us with his fruits then we will be able to take our stand and fight for our Lord and King.

2Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 209

I was able to get a quilt for my bed yesterday at Khol’s on sale 50% off. It was an exciting moment to see my bed looking so nice. We have been a two-comforter bed for the length of our marriage which is plus 17 years but the heat lately was making me think it was time to do something with our bedding situation and my comforter is falling apart. Of course, I need a new sheet set and still need to get curtains for our bedroom to block out that morning light but I have learned to be content with what I have and enjoy all the blessings that God has already given me. I think this piece by piece putting together aspect of my bedroom is much like how people are put together. There are different areas that we have to develop. We have our soul which I will call the bedroom windows. We have our bed which I will call our physical body and we have the atmosphere within the room which we develop by the colors, light and décor used. The atmosphere is our spirit. All three aspects of our bedroom need to be developed. I may not get to the final perfect bedroom but I focus on the goal and I enjoy the process of shopping for décor, making the bed with a new quilt, envisioning the windows covered with drapes and so on. How content are you with your life? Don’t focus on what is missing. Focus on what you have and keep your eye on the Lord and what is to come and the fruit of joy will fill you.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God as said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 208

Saturdays are always in need of more patience and gentleness because I am with my strong-willed daughter all day. Thankfully, I have the power of the Holy Spirit within me to help me overcome my own need to control and be gentle and patient with my daughter who wants to take charge. Praying your Saturday will be filled with joy, love and all the fruits of the Spirit.

2Corinthians 13:11 Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 207

A song by Colton Dixon keeps running through my head with the words “scars remind us who we are”. We are not perfect. We fail and fail again and fail some more. We say things we shouldn’t say. We do things we shouldn’t do. We don’t do things we should do. We don’t say things that should be said. Got all that? We are not God. We are not in control. The mistakes we have made, the scars within us should remind us of how imperfect we are, of how we are not the one in control. We choose what controls us. Do we let the sinful nature control us or do we let the Holy Spirit control us? It is a choice that must be made continually.

Romans 8: 5-8 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 206

Yesterday I played hookie from work to attend an all day class on basic pistol training. We were off early in the morning to get my daughter to her camp and down to the Honda dealership to drop off one of our cars for a maintenance service. So, the plan was to go to McDonald’s for breakfast and do Burger King by the class for lunch. I was ready for sacrificing the hash browns at McDonald’s but was completely thrown off by the donuts at the class. Yep, I failed miserably. I keep thinking of a song that says, “your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.” I am so thankful to God for this unfailing, never-ending love he gives to me. He won’t give up on me and with his help I won’t give up on growing and being able to glorify and love him by my actions.

This scripture about David giving counsel to his son Solomon really speaks to us about our own temple.

1Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 205

As you know, I have been on this weight loss roller coaster. Not that I am super overweight. I am just over the border on weight for my height and frankly with acid reflux and not fitting into half my clothes, 5-8lbs is a big issue. I came upon this book called Spiritual Secrets to Weight Loss by Kara Davis, MD. It is a Christian solution for weight loss. Ironically, her chapters are broken down by the fruits of the spirit. The first chapter on the fruit of love has really gotten me. She discusses the definition of agape love which is a godly love that is unconditional. She goes on to explain how agape love is also sacrificing. This makes complete sense in that God’s only son was crucified for us. Jesus could have stopped his execution at any time but because of his love for his Father and for us he was obedient and sacrificed himself. Our bodies are the temples that hold our soul and spirit and should be revered and taken care of. The Israelites took great care of their temple because God’s presence was there. God’s presence is within us as well as the Holy Spirit. So, to truly be loving God with the agape love means sacrificing those things that do not care for our bodies or do not glorify God. Being a coach potato night after night does not glorify God. Eating dessert everyday does not take care of your body. Maybe you can come up with your own things that you need to put under the magnifying glass of agape love?

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.  This is your spiritual act of worship.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 204

A friend of mine from bible study lives in Black Forest. Thankfully, her home was not among the 483 that were lost. She got word yesterday that they could return to their home. She said a 100 cars were lined up to get into her subdivision. There were 3 fire trucks with lights and sirens going there and about 30 firefighters cheering them on as they drove into their neighborhood. She said was very emotional. Firefighters are amazing and what a gift from God to give them a chance to celebrate with the people they were fighting for. Our souls are being fought for everyday. God wants to have and watch us grow in relationship with him and Satan wants to do everything to keep that from happening. Oh how the angels of heaven must be cheering for us when we win the battle. We know the war is already won thanks to Jesus but everyday is a battle to distract us and lead us away from our awesome God. I pray that today you and I can win the battle and give cause for the angels to celebrate and cheer.

Luke 10: 19: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

http://sfc-hemet.org/the_ten_scriptures_satan_hate_most0.aspx

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 203

Some very good friends of ours who had moved to Washington State a couple of years ago were out this weekend for a visit. They invited us to a bbq at another of their friend’s homes so we could visit and my daughter and their daughter could have fun playing together. They were the best of friends so this was special to be able to see each other again after so long. But kids grow and change and things don’t always remain the same. In fact, they very likely do change. My daughter has always been tall for her age. It has been a pattern in our family as our son was the same way; always thought of as being older than he was. It was obvious by her comments that my daughter’s friend was thinking negatively about how short she was. Comparisons are never a good thing as they inevitably bring out the negative rather than the positive. Love who you are because God certainly does.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 202

Today we celebrate all fathers but most importantly the Father of us all. May this day be filled with joy with your families and may all the dads look to our heavenly Father for guidance and all they need.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 201

Habits can hard to break especially if you have done these things since you were a little. There are the typical bad habits that we can all think of like smoking and drinking which we know are addictions but there are also the more subtle bad habits that aren’t physical addictions but emotional addictions. My biggest bad habit is dessert. It is something I expect to have in the evening whether it’s a simple bowl of ice cream or more elaborate dessert creation. I have a mind-set on dessert. If there isn’t any dessert then I will find something else to eat. I would like to say I am fully led by the Spirit but I know that I am not. My evenings are my danger zone time when I let go of the Spirit and go back to my old ways. I will have to be more mindful of this and prepare and pray so that with the Spirit’s help I can overcome this bad habit. Bad habits can be broken because anything is possible with God.

Romans 8:13-14 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 200

We were all packed and ready to go if we get the notice that our area is under mandatory evacuation so I went to work yesterday. It wasn’t until the afternoon that the mandatory evacuations area drew closer to my home and than I heard about the deaths and the number of homes burned(360) You hear about these kinds of disasters as history but to actually be a part of it gives you a whole new perspective. I ended up in slightly freaking out mode not because of my home and the possibility of it going up in flames but being separated from my family. I had to stop and pray and than go get some tea and call my mom. The evacuations I was told by my hubbie have created a massive block on the highway home so I planned to stop at a drive-thru for dinner and eat on the way home not knowing how long it would take me. But God was so kind and my ride home wasn’t even like regular rush hour traffic. It was like early Saturday morning traffic. It was almost eerie but I was so thankful to God to get home quickly. It is horrifying to think of the two people who didn’t make it out. Their garage door was open along with the car doors and the fire apparently trapped them in and they couldn’t get out. It is hard to imagine and I pray they were believers and are now in their glorious home of Heaven. We are not alone. In the midst of all this tragic loss, God is here and is shedding tears for us.

John 16:33 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 199

I think I may have admitted this before but here goes again, I watch The Bachelorette. It is really the psychological aspects of it that draw me. In this last episode, my heart was breaking for this one man who broke down into tears because he was reminded about the hurt and rejection he felt of all the men in his single mom’s life who came and went away. This same man later decides to tell the bachelorette that he is falling in love with her. So it is only episode #2 and I am pretty sure he thought telling her this would help him stay. I couldn’t possibly guess what his temperament is but from my studies I know there is a temperament who is so fearful of rejection they will do and say whatever they perceive as necessary to get the love and affection they are needing. I wanted to climb into my television to be face to face with this man and tell him that he is loved by the one and only awesome God of the universe but a prayer is all I could do. May this man and all who fear rejection and only want to be loved be led to the One whose love is never ending, never failing and will comfort the hurts and replace the fears with peace.

Psalm 147:3  He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 198

Whether it is a hurricane, tornados, flooding or fires, we are all affected by the nature of our world. God isn’t punishing but rather will use whatever happens for good purposes. Let us all pray for the firefighters and anyone who may be in harms way that they may be safe. In the end it is not about where we live or what we have but who we love.

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 197

My bible study is working on the book of Hebrews. We met last evening to discuss chapters 9 and 10. In one of the study books we are going by called Be Confident by Warren W Wiersbe, he talks about sin being man’s greatest problem. He goes on to say, “by nature, man is a sinner, and by choice, he proves that his nature is sinful.” He finalizes all this with a quote from sources unknown, “We are not sinners because we sin. We sin because we are sinners.” This one little line gets to the heart of the reason why many have a difficult path to real spiritual relationship with God. In my study on temperaments, there are temperaments that because of their needs or lack of needs do not think they need God or think they are too unworthy and unlovable. Shinning the light on sin is thwarted by our own weaknesses within our temperament but Jesus can be that light. Jesus can show each of us that we are sinners no matter how many good things we do or no matter if we have never committed a “big” sin. Sin is sin and we are all by nature sinners but we will try to cover it up, hide it away, disregard it. Our weaknesses are being played on by Satan. He will play upon those weaknesses to keep us from the light of Jesus and a real spirit-to-spirit relationship with God. Accepting ourselves as sinners is the great hurdle we have to jump over on our path to God. This hurdle cannot be done alone. Each of us play a part, plant a seed, say a word that can encourage and motivate another to seek God and get over that sin hurdle. Share your story, live your life as an example of Christ’s love, be all you can be for the Lord.

Hebrews 10:12-14 But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.  

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 196

We went to the circus yesterday. What a feast of stimulation! Everything was spectacular but one thing stands out and it is because I didn’t expect it. All the typical circus performances were there including the shoot the lady out of the cannon ball. The tigers were amazing and all I could think was how brave is that guy to stand in front of 17 tigers! But the unexpected performance by a group of poodles (Yes, I said poodles) was the icing on the cake. White poodles, Black poodles, Big poodles, little poodles. They were so cute! You never know what the Lord will bring you each day. The blessings he gives us are too great to number or name. But these odd-ball blessings tend to stand out so I am shouting out to God, “That was awesome!!”

Deuteronomy 28:2 All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 195

I like to think I have a go-with-the-flow kind of attitude about when things don’t go as planned. My daughter and I headed to a park and pool but our plans went haywire when we discovered she forgot her swim googles (a must-have) and it was super windy outside. So our plan to have her practice her bike riding was delayed due to wind. We ended up at the library, lunch and than went and saw the movie, Epic. No matter how much planning we may do, God’s plan will prevail. Thankfully, there was only a little disappointment about the swimming and there was a lot of relief not having to practice bike riding. In the end, it’s not about the what and where but about the who.

Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 194

My daughter is home safe and sound from camp and this year there was no homesickness stuff going on. She had lots of fun and I think lived on the zip-line. She even tried a new food! She now likes pickles. That is a big thing considering how picky she is about food. I felt so darn excited to see her. I teared up the day before looking at her picture up in my cubicle at work. I was really missing her. I imagine that God is excited as we take those baby steps closer to accepting his son, Jesus into our heart and finally being able to relate spirit to spirit as it should be. I can imagine God with a huge smile with his arms wide open waiting for his child to room into his arms. That’s how I felt yesterday as my daughter rushed over to us and into our arms. Joyful.

Habakkuk 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 193

I have been working on letting go of the control I need to have bit by bit. It will be an on-going process as is everything else. I came upon this article and this quote really says it all. (see below) How much am I going to surrender today? The measure of my surrender was great yesterday. It gave me the power to overcome when I was asked to finish doing the mail when my own plate is overflowing. But I responded with graciousness and gentleness and let God take care of my overflowing plate. I humbly surrender for I am weak but you are strong.

Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

“My power isn’t in overcoming.  My power is in the measure of my surrender.” Frank Thomas http://marketplacefaith.com/your-power-is-in-your-surrender/

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 192

Each day this week, my husband has taken my 16-year-old son out on a driving adventure. My son is in his last 10 hours needed before he can go and get his driver’s license. So my husband has asked him to locate a specific place and drive there. Each day they have encountered unexpected things which great because my son has the benefit of having an experienced driver in the car with him when these things happen. The first unexpected happening was as they were exiting our highway exit to head home, they came upon a motorcycle accident that just happened with two people. So, they had to stop, call 911 and wait for someone to arrive. Thankfully, the two were not seriously hurt. The second happening was a little less dramatic but still a valuable lesson; a thunder storm came over them and started dumping rain on them so my son learned the lesson of not panicking while trying to see out the window and turn on your wiper blades at the same time. The third unexpected lesson was not as urgent or frightening as the first two: They came to their destination which was on a two-lane road and discovered it was closed and they could not pull in. So, he learned how to find his way back the direction home. I think my husband plans on taking him to our downtown where there are way too many one-way streets. That should be an experience. By day three of these driving adventure stories, I finally had to get up and give my husband a big hug and praise him for the time he is taking to teach my son about driving. I think most of us got a one trip to the parking lot kind of deal so I am impressed with my husband and the gift he is giving my son. Praises to him and to God for bringing those unexpected lessons into the mix!!

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 191

I was in quick work mode yesterday as I had again to process the mail which ended up taking me all day long. By mid-afternoon, my shoulder was starting to ache from the repetitive motion. I leaned over my chair to pick up an envelope that had dropped to the floor and my long necklace caught on my chair arm and ripped apart. I blew like a volcano that was stewing for a long time. I managed to keep my tongue and just stormed off to the water cooler to get some cold water into me to cool me down. I had peacefully taken the task of doing the mail again even though my own work is now behind 4 days but the necklace was personal. I was angry and everyone knew it. But one of my co-workers thoughtfully came over to my desk and said she repairs jewelry because she has a lot of the tools from her musical days so she took a look at the necklace. It is going to need a sodering iron to fuse the piece together that broke apart which she doesn’t have. It humbled me that she reached out to help me. I know it is just a cheap necklace but I really liked it. I think the mail aspect is what I was really angry about because it put me so much more behind. But I am only one person and do the best I can so I need to leave it at that. Lord, may your peace be within me all this day and all the days to come.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 190

Yesterday I found myself stressing and later thought about why I was stressing. Indeed, why? The Lord has my back. He’s got it covered. But the control part of my temperament has a need to control everything so when things are not in the control I like, I get stressed. The busyness of life has taken over and my prayer life has been little bits here and there but I need to take those moments much more frequently and reverently; not like I am in a hurry. Peace comes when we are one on one with the spirit of God inside of us. So, I may get caught today with my head bowed in prayer looking like I am doing nothing but it really is everything.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 189

I was very much taken with this message within our sermon yesterday: “God’s main goal in this life is to bring wholeness.” One of the main points in my studies on temperament theory is how we are triune beings with a body, soul and spirit and we were designed to be in relationship with God. Our pastor made a good point in saying that many people hearing this message today will think it a slap in the face because they have been praying for healing for themselves or another and it hasn’t happened or didn’t happen and died. The ways and plans of God are beyond our understanding but I thought it was great that our pastor took the risk stating the truth. We are not just made up of our physical bodies. If our soul and spirit are not healthy and aligned with God, than we are sick. Jesus came to heal the sick not just physically but especially spiritually. People will often put all their focus on the physical and not on the soul or spirit. It is important to feed your spirit and bring wisdom to your soul if you want to be in balance and whole.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 187 & 188

My Saturday turned into a nursing day as my daughter came down with some stomach bug. Thankfully, she seems to be better this morning so we will prepare for her going off to camp later this afternoon and hope that this feeling better stuff sticks around. There is something about my kids being sick that spurs my compassion and my fears. I will do whatever they need to feel better and I will sleep fitfully because of fear of how they are doing in the middle of the night. I am sure I am not alone in this. Most mothers out there are nodding there heads with a been there-done that kind of attitude. I got up once at 4am and went to check on her. Something about seeing how they are takes the fears away. As all this was going on, I was concerned about some spots that appeared on my lower legs and my arm. The Shingles sign at the pharmacy has been on my mind and so my imagination worked with my fear but I stopped myself from continuing this line of thought and prayed for God to take away this fear. Having more knowledge about shingles has helped. They recommend getting the very safe vaccine for ages 50 and up so I have a couple years. I just don’t do well with pain and from what I have heard and seen about shingles it is not something I want to get. Prayer and thanksgiving are the best antidotes to these kinds of “what if” fears. So, I am thankful these spots I have are probably a bug that bite me a few times to many and I am thankful my daughter has a strong immune system and that I know the Lord is watching out for her. Peace has taken over the spots of fear in my heart.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.