And just like that, the weekend is over and it’s time to start a new week. I find myself praying for this week to begin better than last. For less sad and more moments to be thankful for the gift that was Kayleigh’s life.
I know our family would appreciate your continued prayers. And not just Tim, myself, and the kids – but our extended family as well. Each of us continues to battle grief in our own ways. It’s like slogging through hip deep, sludgy, swamp water. It’s dark, nasty, and not the kind and of thing you want to sign up for. Yet, here we are, standing in the funk.
The good news is you’ve never met a more stubborn bunch of people. So while we are in this mess, we aren’t going to stay here. We are going to continue to move forward. We might be limping a bit like the walking wounded, but we will continue to fight through the sludge – keeping our focus on Jesus and what He has done for us. God makes no mistakes and we are all here for a reason.
In my 7th grade Sunday school class we talked about the importance of putting on the full armor of God each and every day. That armor protects us from those fiery darts hurled by the devil. But so many days we are “too busy” to take the time to prepare ourselves. How silly is that? We are to busy to protect ourselves from harm? If it was physical harm I was talking about we would be looking for a way to save ourselves from immediately. Our hearts are just as precious as our bodies, and they need protection too.
Ephesians 6:13-18
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
For everyone who has ever asked, “How do we do it?” Those verses are the answer. We don’t, God does. He protects our hearts and minds and fills us with joy. It’s not always easy, but it always works.
Until tomorrow,
‘Carrow💜
This is worth fighting for…
