Out of Order

So, our internet has been "out of order" off and on for several months now. Very frustrating when you are in the middle of Season 1 of Revenge on Netflix and it decides to shut down! Or, when I need to post grades and look for school ideas. 
Tonight, I was as busy as a bee cleaning the house. I was really wanting to get on Facebook or check email, but as I looked over to the computer, I could see the lights blinking on and off, letting me know it was down again. As I continued to clean, several thoughts, A.K.A. convictions, ran through my head. It went something like this:
Just the other night Bro. Dennis spoke of how we spend our time surfing the web, watching TV, and filling it with busy- stuff, when we should be spending more time in prayer and the word. As I found myself "busy" cleaning, I realized that if the internet had not been out, I would probably been "busy" surfing. I found a stopping point, and read over a devotion or two. Then, got back to cleaning and getting the kids to bed.
As I continued to clean, the Holy Spirit continued to speak. Funny how He's done that twice recently when I've been cleaning! I think He had something to say to me about this subject! 
We put our Christmas tree and decorations up this past weekend. But, with the crazy week before, I really had not cleaned like I needed to before decorating. Oh, well. Jason had the boxes down from the attic before I could get too much done. So, decorate we did. I finished up most of it on Saturday, then slipped into my mini-coma on Sunday afternoon. On Monday night, I decide to clean! Now, not only was the internet "Out of Order." My extensive cleaning should have come well before decorating- but I had been more concerned about making everything pretty and festive, getting it finished,  and overlooked the dust and dirt that lay near. (A LOT of dust!) Immediately I was reminded of the Scripture that mentions our whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside but full of dead bones and unclean things on the inside. Which then brought me back to thinking about getting on Facebook, and posting my 5th day of Thanks, but wondering if that was just for appearance? Have I walked in a grateful attitude the rest of the day?  I am guilty- of being a Martha, busy about the housework and at times, more concerned with appearance rather than approaching the Father. I had to spend a little time confessing, needless to say!
I truly am grateful and am trying to be mindful of not taking things for granted this Thanksgiving season, but am also grateful for the Spirit's reminder to not get things "out of order" again!

Painting with a Purpose

 As I prepared the devotion for Painting with a Purpose last week, I got to thinking about the whole painting process. 
Our lives seemed to be represented by the blank white canvas. We all have one; we are born with one yet unfolded- our life story. Basically, as our pastor and others have said, it's what that dash represents between our birth date and death date on our tombstone. 

The paintbrushes represent the tools God has given us- our gifts, talents and circles of influence. I can't touch the lives of all that you may, just as you can't necessarily touch the lives that I can. We are all put in a different circle of influence for different reasons. We are all given different spiritual gifts, if we are born of the Spirit, and we all have certain talents that God has bestowed upon us. These tools are what help us paint that canvas. But, we must have paint or color.

And, we all do. These paints are made up of our life experiences. Some are bright; others are dark. Some are similar shades of blue or red, but each is specific for each one of us. My colors will be different than yours because you have not experienced the same things that I have. But, I must decide how to allow God to use those colors of my life upon my canvas.

Just as Katie showed us by example how to paint our own picture, so does the Lord. He guides us, gives us advice from His word, and shows us step by step how to use our tools and colors so that in the end, He is glorified. We have to choose to listen to Him or not, to let Him show us how to use the colors we've been given to reflect His light.

We can just sit there, leaving our canvas blank, maybe because we don't like the colors He's allowed on our pallet. Or maybe we do not agree with the brushes He's given us to use. 

As we painted that night, I noticed that some paid close attention to the details of their work. They took pride in it and took it seriously. Some tired quickly, ready to give up and call it quits. Others used the colors they were given, stayed as close to the instructors example as possible. Many added details that others did not. 

Not one of the canvas' looked alike, when we were all done. And they shouldn't. Our lives will not look exactly like another's because each one of us has our own specific purpose and way of allowing God to use what He's given us to honor Him. 
Yes, God is the focal point of our life canvas, but we first must allow Him to be. We have to make that choice to let Him be our painting Master. Only then can He use our colors and brushes to make much of Himself.

A question for myself: What does my canvas look like? 

"So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place..." Hebrews 6:1 - The Message

20 seconds in the water

I felt a need to follow up from yesterday's post after today's events......no, not Phelps winning another gold; although, that is an amazing accomplishment- 22 medals, 18 gold.


But that's not it.
Today was the annual Back to School Ski Day for the youth. I've only been twice. I wasn't planning on getting on a boat, much less in the water. I wasn't dressed to swim, but since my own kids were going tubing, I decided to ride along and watch them. We'd been out for a while, and stopped for the kids to take a break and just swim. As I sat near the edge of the boat, Jason (along with Danielle), gave me a push into the water. I was half expecting it, yet didn't really think they would do it, since I was fully clothed and not wearing a swimsuit.
I think I went in screaming at them. It felt like I was taking forever to come back up and I guess I panicked and got water in my nose or mouth and could not catch my breath as I came up. I was also worried about losing my contacts. Jason yelled "Are you ok?" and I shook my head no.
Thankfully, he jumped in to help me get back to the boat.
I can swim, although I don't very often. I always have to hold my nose whenever I do jump in- which is not very often at all! It was a scary moment; looking back I probably looked like an idiot, and felt like one too.

So, coming off of my blog last night, closing with the fact that it's time for me to get "out of the water", only to literally find myself in the water today, I thought some more about yesterday's thoughts.


What I learned today: 
We weren't made to spend our lives in the water.We don't have fins or gills. Our bodies are not capable of only functioning in the water. Sure, we may be able to float for a while, or tread water. We can enjoy swimming and water sports, but have to rest at some point. We certainly aren't made to breathe under water. If we try, we'd end up like me, choked, coughing and sputtering until someone jumps in to help us.


It further reminded me of my word from the Lord last night. We are not meant to sit around, focusing on the things of this world. We are told to "seek first the kingdom of God."  We are to be investing in what will last. 
One thing I'm reminded of that my father-in-law has said many times: "People matter to God." I need to spend more of my time investing in the lives of those around me, encouraging others, and being encouraged. I need to spend more time in prayer, in reading the Word, so I will know how to invest my time and talents wisely. I am praying the Lord daily reminds me of this. 
I wish I had a picture of me coming up out of the water- I could put it on my bathroom mirror. That would be an interesting reminder!


Sometimes we jump in on our own. Sometimes we are pushed in by those around us. But try to live there, and you'll find out very quickly that you can't. 


I'm feeling tired now. Must be from all that swimming I did today. Ha! 
Whether its 20 seconds, 20 minutes or 20 years of living in the "water," it has a way of wearing us down.


"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18

20 years in the water

I've been watching the Olympics- ok, well at least gymnastics and volleyball, some swimming and diving. The rest of it doesn't really interest me. I mean, there are some we just don't hear much about. Does anybody know who the fencing champion is? What about the best contender in the canoe sprint? No, me either.

As I watch, the first thing I think about is how I really did dream (for a short time in 1984) to be the next Mary Lou. I know now that was never even an option, as my parents sacrificed what they did have to send us to the school we attended. Gymnastics wasn't in the picture. I was a cheerleader in high school- that's as close as I got! But, a girls gotta dream, right?

But this week as I've watched- especially the swimming- I've been thinking about some things. I had said to Jason earlier in the week that Phelps came across arrogant, after hearing an interview or two. His reply was simply, "He's earned it." The greatest Olympian in history. Maybe so. After hearing more interviews, I've changed my opinion I guess.

After tonight's win of his 21st medal, 17 of which are GOLD, I looked up a little history on Phelps. I found out he'd been swimming since he was seven years old. 

He's spent 20 years of his life, give or take some days, in the water. Hours and hours of training, I'm sure getting up early, sacrificing who knows what- probably nothing close to what most would call a normal life. And all for what? Well, 21 Olympic medals so far.

Probably the same could be said for any athlete there competing- a lot of time and energy put into that one goal.

They invest all of their lives trying to attain the gold.

But even as Tim Daggett commentated the USA women's gymnastics team receiving their medals, he said himself that it was just a blur to him now, having also received a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics.

I'm not bashing the Olympics or dreaming dreams. I'm a teacher. Of course I want children to have goals and see some dreams come true. 

In the eternal scheme of things, it's all for naught. As I was thinking about this, and just thinking of Phelps, "Well, he's laying up for himself treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupts," the Lord spoke to me. Yes, right there on our futon after watching Michael win. Don't you just love it when He does that? He put me in my place, I tell ya!

Here is what He said: How much time have you spent in the "water," Jennifer? How much of your life have you spent striving for this or that, which makes no eternal difference whatsoever? How much time and energy have you wasted on a "title" or a "record" or recognition for something that basically doesn't amount to a hill of beans? How much money have you spent (ouch!) on stuff instead of souls? How much time have I slept away, watched away, or googled away?  I can tell you I'm sure I've spent way more time on the temporal than I have the eternal. I'm sure I have missed out on plenty of opportunities to minister because I was too caught up in whatever my "gold goal" was at the time.

I don't know what Michael will find himself doing after these Olympics are over. As for me, maybe it's time to get out of the water. 

Matthew 6:19-20- "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

Another thing I've thought about while watching the Olympics: How long does it take these commentators learn how to pronounce all these names?

Go Get Her!

Well, I haven't known for sometime whether to write about this or not. But, I can't sleep- maybe due to the coffee and GiGi's wedding-cake cupcake I had earlier- so, I'm up, writing.

A few nights ago, I woke myself up from a nightmare. If you know me very well, you'll know I have weird dreams. So, this night was like most, only I rarely have nightmares. I was dreaming that I was driving into some camp-like setting. Next thing I remember, we're at a pond at my parents. There's a tree growing by the the pond, a dirt hill, and more water on the other side of the hill. Coming up beside the tree is a python- a big one, one Biologist Bob would likely bring to school. This particular python, or maybe boa, was swallowing a raccoon, if I remember correctly. I ran, needless to say, as it crossed over the hill, to the other side of the water. There, my daddy and I  was standing kind of in the edge, where some roots or logs or something "snaky looking" was also in the water. There was another snake nearby. Then, the scary part- Presley was in the water; she was very little in my dream. The next thing I remember, she went down behind the logs or roots, and before I finally woke up, I was trying to scream to my daddy, "Go get her! Go get her!" I knew that snake was headed in her direction.
I woke myself and Jason up, as I was making that noise. As I was in the middle of waking/dreaming, I remember trying to get my daddy to get her, only it was as if I had my mouth taped. I couldn't get the words out, and he couldn't understand what I was saying.

Monday, we picked the kids up from Jason's parents, and Presley came in, saying a snake was in the yard. She was a little too calm, I thought, so I wasn't even sure she was serious. Sure enough, it was. Molly, the dog, had been barking at it, and Presley saw it up next to the wall, close to the sidewalk, and very close to where we had been and where the kids had been playing. It was near the water faucet, which they had turned on earlier in the day to play in the sprinkler. Sorry Biologist Bob, Turtle Man, and Swamp People, but Jason killed it. Not sure what kind it was, but I really don't care!

My thoughts went right to my dream, and as I was mowing today, I thought of how easily snakes blend in with their surroundings. That one sure did. It could've easily been mistaken for a stick, just as I saw a stick today that really looked like a snake.

Before I get to the rest of this blog, let me start by saying I have often thought certain "snakes" were just "sticks." There have been plenty of times where something seemed harmless and I picked it up, only to realize later I'd been bitten. That is just how the snake, the devil, works. So, guilty I am. I've held the snake of bitterness, pride, jealously, lust, envy, slander, gossip..........when Satan had made them only look like harmless, lifeless sticks........I've got no stones to throw. But, if someone saw a snake about to come after me, bite me or begin to wrap around me, I would hope they would hear someone screaming, "Go get her!" like I was in my dream.

I have been very concerned over the summer's rage in books and movies. Even as I type, I have mixed feelings of how to convey my feelings yet not come across judgmental. I feel these are just some of the tools Satan uses. He parades around as light, but his goal is to steal, kill and destroy. We justify so much, thinking it doesn't affect us.
I asked, "How do we balance not sounding judgmental, yet hold ourselves and others up to the standards to which we are called?" Are we just "fans" of Christ, or "followers?" (Read NOT A FAN if  you haven't)

These are hard questions I'm having to ask myself.


The Lord has convicted me of some of these "grey" areas, but really, there are no grey areas.
It's either darkness or light- those are not my Words.

I pray that God would put those people in my life, who will "come get me" when they see that I may be near a snake and not realize it.

I pray for the love of God to help me "go get others" in danger.

"In reality just about anywhere you go in dense tropical habitats, there are many many snakes around you. But how often do you actually see the snakes? They are difficult to see because most snakes are "sit and wait" predators but also because they have great markings to help them hide from predators and prey." - thewildclassroom.com

Deeper Waters

I have never seen anything as beautiful as this. Well, Glacier National Park in Montana is close!

I never thought that I would EVER see the Caribbean! I guess it's one of those things, that unless you've been there, you can't put into words. I'm sure many have seen waters like that- but it was my first time. I've only been to the beach twice (ok, three times, but I didn't really count Fort Walton Beach, when it was raining and seaweed everywhere!) I guess that does count though.

Daytona Beach was amazing last summer when we went to Student Life Camp, and I thought Orange Beach with the family was great- but this does not compare.

Water like you could not imagine.

Blues that are not in your 8 count Crayola box. As I was walking along the beach, just taking it all in, I thought about the different blues I was seeing. I was told that the colors differ according to the depth of the water, and the reefs that are there. As I thought about that, I thought about the depths of water I've been in at times.

I have to go back to Baby Pruitt with this analogy, but apply it where it relates to you.

Just after my 30th birthday, I would have NEVER imagined that I would be burying a child a few months later. Those were waters I'd only heard about, but never dreamed my feet would touch. Yes, I'd seen a few other "rough waters" but nothing like this.

As I stood on the shore sorrow, the waves of grace pulled me in. At first, just on the edge of the clear waters where I could still see my feet. I could have turned and ran back to the sands of comfort and familiarity, but tides of mercy and sovereignty were stronger, and they swept me out. There was no stopping its force. It was going to happen.

As I was carried out to sea, those on the shore could see that where I was going, the water was darker.

. . . . . . . .

Yet, as I thought of this while standing on the shore of the Caribbean last week, I thought about times such as this when we are taken to deeper waters. Many times, it is not by choice that

we are carried out. It is there that we can sink into His grace or we can fight it. I've done both.

As the water deepens, the color changes. As we go deeper in our walk with the Lord, our "color" changes to those around us. They can see a difference.

That has certainly not always been the case in my circumstance. There have been moments on this journey that I have gone into the deeper waters, and see a part of God I would have never seen before. I was there, in the depths, not just observing from afar.

At other times, I've stayed in the shallow, and been shallow myself- refusing to see what

gifts He had for me. You have to look to find them.

Even not so far out into the water are these gifts. As I was wading out, I looked down and saw what looked like a star. Sure enough, it was a starfish! Sitting on the shore, a urchin washed up. Yes, His grace is there at every turn. Yet, in the dark depths we see much of His glory that can ONLY be seen when we are there.

Walking by Faith

"Walking by Faith"

One of the first things Tim talked about one night was how he really had to walk by faith in trusting the Lord for direction for his ministry in the Dominican and Haiti.

As the week went on, I was reminded of how not only Tim has to do this, but that those living there were literally walking by faith.

I looked up the verse that quickly came to mind when he said those words that night. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7

I then looked it up in the Message version. Verse 6 says,

"That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us

drooping our heads or dragging our feet."

This lady was singing at church that Sunday. We worshipped

with Haitians, Dominicans, and Americans- singing in three different languages. I couldn't help but think of the songs and verses that talk of all the nations praising the Lord.

The passage goes on to say, "Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming."

As I reflected on the "walking by faith" part of this verse the next few days, and as I saw it lived out in the lives of those we were ministering to, I began to ask myself how much do I really "walk by faith?"

In the area we were in, they literally walked, in faith, hoping that they would be able to receive an education, get clean water, meet together at their church to worship the One in Whom they had placed their faith.

In my day in and day out life, do I walk by faith? I'd ashamedly have to answer no. I do not give much thought to the fact that I have water, food, a job. I sleep at night, knowing I won't get wet if it rains while I lay in a warm bed; I assume that some more money will be put the bank at the end of the month, that I have a car in which I can drive to my job each day; that I can flip a switch and have electricity; I can turn on a knob and have not only clean water, but hot water; that I have more than one pair of shoes and clothes that I can match to those shoes.

I do not walk by faith; instead, more often than not, I sit in presumption and disregard of the blessings God has so graciously given. I am spoiled to my little "luxuries" each day and take for granted those things that many in this world have never seen.

I can say I have had to "walk by faith" and recognized it as a form of that, only a few times in my life. Once in high school when our school burned, and we weren't sure where we'd go. Once when we quit our jobs, sold our house, moved in with Jason's parents, and waited for God to move us to Illinois. Of course, when Pruitt was born, the difficult circumstances, and when he died.

Even still, and I'm not making light at all of loss- trust me, I know- but even in those times, I still had so many grace gifts from God and physical provisions.

These do not have those things, and they face loss on top of it.

Bil Mar is the pastor of the church we went to; he lost his six year old son last year. He knows what it is to walk by faith. But his faith is his "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." He wakes up each morning, not sure if the other 7 members of his family will even have anything to eat that day. He goes to bed at night with the other 7 members of his family, in one of those 12' by 20' houses.

My guess is that as he lays his head down, maybe on a pillow, maybe not, that he is reminded of the spacious living conditions that await him in Heaven, where he will see his son again- that is walking by faith.

Back to Reality

You hear the phrase "back to reality" or "back to the real world" after coming in from a much needed vacation or a time way from your normal way of life. As I was falling in bed around 1:30 am Sunday morning and then preparing that night to be at early duty Monday morning, I was thinking myself, "well, back to reality." As I did so, a little bit of conviction settled over my heart as I thought back to those faces and sights I'd seen the week before.

The reality that these sweet first graders count it a privilege to go to school, if their parents can pay the $1.25 a month for their tuition, walking there daily. If it rains, they can't go because their school is made of palm branch roofs and dirt floors. Some walk for an hour to attend school, where there are no computers, smart boards, manipulatives, lunches, playgrounds, bathrooms, water fountains, personal desks, centers, dry erase boards or libraries. Yet, they are attentive, respectful, and very disciplined and receive love from their teachers and principal.

The reality of this sweet little one, always smiling and singing "Alleluia!" and "Amen" when we'd sing "If you're happy and you know it, say amen!" The reality that she sees no race, ethnicity, or color but loves whole-heartedly whomever she meets.

The reality that this home is a shelter for 8 and is about the size of what we'd park our car in, but wouldn't be able to open the doors.

The reality that this father - as he bathes his baby, and who will live in that house - was so overcome with emotion over the fact that God would give him and his family the blessing of this home, that he could not even work one day. He was humbly overwhelmed with the grace and provision of the LORD.

The reality that this little one finally has access to pure water- water that is LIFE to them- but for now she must walk to the well to gather the water for her family to drink and cook with.

The reality that this is the kitchen of this dear, precious saint, and that everyday we were working, she and her friends graciously cooked for 3 hours to provide a hot meal for us. The reality that rice and beans are pretty much all they have to eat, even as delicious as it was, and that if they have that one meal a day, they count it as a blessing.

The reality that this is a home to many, and if it rains, they get wet; when it's night, it's completely dark; if they have to use the restroom, they have to walk outside to do so; it is probably one room, the floors are dirt, and if they have a mattress to sleep on, they count it a blessing.

No couches, TV's, tables, chairs, china cabinets, china, dressers, closets, mirrors, running water, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, stoves.

The reality for this sweet 13 year old is that she is the one to take care of her siblings, balancing the role of sister, playmate and now "parent."

As I "come back to my reality" of a job, home, food, water and so much more, I can't help but feel humbled by this past week. From these realities, I have learned what true contentment looks like- what hope can look like in what appears to be hopeless situations. The reality is, that much of the world lives like this, yet we get so caught up on our "own little worlds," and never give thought to not just the blessings that we may have, but the ONE that gave those blessings. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it all and process the week, let alone figure out what I'm supposed to do with it now.

One main point in a devotion one night that Tim shared with us, and that we forget, is that no matter the material need, the fact that some have nothing, some have everything, some have an abundance of wealth, food, cars- some live on the streets, some are the rich and famous, but ALL OF US NEED JESUS. And that is REALITY.

"God, I pray I'd never take for granted my need for You, and I'd always see it as a need to share with others."

Have I been in the Son?

So, I've been tanning. I know......I can hear my mama fussing at me now. My reason: so I don't get cooked in Haiti! So, I'm trying to get a little color- (Hey, one of my kids at school did say I looked like Jennifer Hudson!)

But today, after getting back from "tanning" and while on my hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor- (I get inspiration in odd places!), I was thinking about this tanning thing.

If you didn't know, you might think I had been to the beach. I wish! Ok, well I'm not that tan yet, but just go with the illustration......

It looks like I've been in the sun, a little, at least. But, it's "fake" tan. No, not the orange kind. That kind of fake is easy to spot. Been there, done that too!

But, it's just enough to seem real.

It got me to thinking about my life and attitudes. Maybe there are times that it would appear I have been in the SON. Maybe it appears I have it together......but inside I know that I really haven't been- I've just been "pretending" like I have. I'll just pretend that during that quick 15 minutes in a tanning bed that I'm really in a lounge chair, soaking up the rays on a beach somewhere. But, I know better.

How many times is this so true in my spiritual life? I just pretend that that quick glance at a little devotion automatically makes me walk in step with the Spirit, but I don't take the time to meditate on it or let it change me. Or that sentence prayer that I manage to throw up to the Lord as I fall asleep- not quite the "effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man." Even more so, when I go through my day, knowing that I claim to be a Christian yet say things or think things that do not bear witness of that fact at that moment. What about on the way to church, walking out the door yelling at my kids and walking in the door of the Lord's house with a painted smile on my face? How often is this also true of our marriages or friendships? Is it a fake? Maybe I've not really been with the SON like I know I should have.

Oh, I pray I would remember this every time I see the sunshine! I want to be real! I pray I find myself spending more time in His light rather than trying to do it own my own.

I'm not trying to sound spiritual, but...........

Yesterday, I heard myself saying those words twice. I was in a discussion about education today, and what could be done about certain issues. In the conversation, I began to make my point with those words, "I'm not trying to sound spiritual, but......." and then went on to make my point. Yes, it was a spiritual, Biblical point. My intentions were not to come across "self-righteous," "holier than thou-ish" or Pharisee-ical. But I've not been able to get away from that today. Then again tonight, as I listened to Francis Chan from the live stream of the Passion conference, my mind went back to that statement. One of his points was about whether or not we take the Bible literally- just do what it says. He also encouraged us not to take another speaker or pastor's word,necessarily, but to get in the Word ourselves, and see for ourselves what God says.

As I thought about that, several things crossed my mind.

How many times do I come across "holier- than thou?" But on the same hand, should we NOT sound spiritual in our conversations? I looked up a few verses and here's what I found: I Corinthians 2:13 - This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

Ephesians 5:19
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Colossians 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

As I listened to a previous stream from the Passion conference, Beth Moore was speaking about the woman with the issue of blood. She talked about how unclean she was, especially in that day.

I was convicted of my uncleanliness, even from today, when my speech has not been "spirit-filled." The following verse then speaks to our speech.

1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

It never fails that God will use something I'm saying to my own kids to make a point to me. Tonight, I was trying to get them to bed, and of course, they were stalling. I heard nerf gun bullets hit something, Presley chasing the cat with a pillowcase, while coming to give me a hug. I raised my voice, "I love you too, but just OBEY and go to bed!"

Immediately, I heard the Lord say, "Just OBEY, Jennifer. Take me literally and just do what I say!" Over and over He tells me what to do, how to live- His word is literal. It's written out plain as day. If I'd just do it.

I want my words to be "spiritual" and edifying. I also want my actions speak love to others. I hope that both will be grown out of time focusing on Him as I reach for that hem of His garment, in faith of being cleansed.