Together; Flesh and Spirit

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... these pictures are worth more...

The feelings we have had these last couple of days are OVERWHELMING!  They are joyous, tearful, amazing, humbling, fearful, tiresome, exuberant, frightening and a bunch more all in the exact same minute of time!

God is Good, ALL THE TIME!  I can attest to that firsthand.

I can also attest to the power of Satan. 

Ephesians 6:11-12;16  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places....above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

I guess if I were Satan, I wouldn't be too happy with me.  But, I am amazed how easy I fall.  How easy I find myself snared in the tools he uses to wear me down.  The first one is sleep.  I think lack of sleep has to be one of the easiest ways to loose hope, start worrying, become fearful, and "stress out."  Then its "others."  Things people say, friends, family, or strangers, that are hurtful.  Some things of course were not intended to be taken that way, some possibly intentional, but, in the end words are powerful.

Proverbs 12:18  The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

In just four days, lack of sleep, and reckless words have quickly found me angry, easily upset, bitter, frustrated, mean, and a big cry-baby.  I too quickly jump the boat.  One minute I am singing praises, and the next I am ready to "ream someone a new one."  I am thankful for a forgiving God.  I am thankful He is still with me.  I am thankful He is gracious.  I am thankful He quickly has pointed out that HE is all I need, that regardless of my sleep condition, regardless of what people say or do, He is still here.  He is still God.  He has given me these children, this life, my husband, this house, and He is still holding ME in the palm of His hand.  He asks me to trust Him, to have faith in Him, to love Him. 

Flesh and Spirit.  I repent and then I praise Him, and then I do it again.  I have been bought though, paid in full, Satan has no claim over me, or my sins.  AMEN!!