Let's Get Ready To Rumble!

I can hear the famous announcer in the ring now yelling those famous words; "Let's get ready to rumble!" I know I've been in a fight with an unseen apponent.  So picture if you will a boxing match ring with people all around the outside seats.  I am in one corner and noone is in the other. The bell rings and I head to the center and start swinging at the air with my sword, the word of God, instead of boxing gloves. I keep getting hit though by an unseen apponent.   I am hit to the ground, the referee starts counting, it looks like I am TKO'd, but wait God says to me, "get up! You can do this with Me. You don't have to fight alone!" So I get up and win this battle.
Just recently I have felt knocked down. I had the wind knocked out of me when a very close friend thought the worst of me. I was hurt, shocked, and ready to call it quits on my calling from God.  However, I realized where I made a mistake in a decision I made and decided to get up for another try.
I may not be the smartest fighter in the ring, but I don't have to be. I just need to learn from my mistakes as I make them.
It doesn't matter how many times I fall down at the count, it matters how many times I get back up.
-we don't fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities,  against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual ghost of wickedness in the heavenly places.
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengths me.
So just for today, I am getting back in the fight for Jesus' kingdom.

~ Be encouraged, I am!

Eph 6:12; Phil 4:13

In Everything!

There are those that struggle with these holiday times; such as myself. This poem helped me and if you are struggling maybe it will help you too.

In Everything

Sometimes I don’t feel thankful

For things You send my way

For all the pain and trouble 

That crossed my path today.

Sometimes I’m not so grateful

When sorrow fills my cup

When all my hopes and blessings

Feel totally used up.

When friendships fade

Promises break

And treasures disappear

When all the trials around me

Fill my heart with fear.

But in everything 

I will give thanks

For this I know is true

That all these trials and troubles, Lord,

They bring me close to you.

-Jackson Monroe-

Making a gratitude list helps in this time of year because it has helped me. 

Gratitude list:

1) The roof over my head

2) The clothes on my back

3) My eyesight 

4) Working fingers, toes, knees, feet, and hands

5) Hearing

6) Dog Sadie Mae

7) Able to work in God's ministries as I am

8) Food 

9) flushing toilets

10) pillow and  blankets

Now you use these items or make your own and start at scratch.