Inviting you to join me on my new adventure

As I come to my blog each day I am excited to share my walk with the Lord with you. Here at my Nest I can share book reviews, music I love, and give praise to God each day. I can share about my struggles of illness and overcoming obstacles that affect us all. I can write about encouragement and share what I have learned from  God's word. I can share my dreams with you.

It is awesome to look back and see the Lord has been here with me every step of the way and know that with each new step He too will be here leading the way. I am a work in progress and so thankful. I am beginning a new blog, Simply Robin. I am not leaving my Nest, just adding a new adventure. At Simply Robin I am beginning the new year with 365 days of thanks. Is there a better way to begin the year? For me, it is the perfect start.

God has touched my life in so many ways. Through each struggle He teaches me. Through each circumstance of my life all I see in the end is His love. I know when all else fails, He is still here with me. I am amazed by His love. Why He chooses to love me simply boggles my mind. He leaves me speechless.

So, as I find myself on those days where I cannot get out of bed or a migraine has consumed me, I want to look to the Lord and simply be thankful. There is nothing that touches me that has not first gone through His hands. Through Him, my life brings purpose. Through Him everything makes sense. Without Him, nothing makes sense.

As Steve has been laid off for two years now, there is still much to be thankful for each day. I want to not only share that with the Lord, but with you. I want to shout from the roof tops all He does for me daily.  I want to take this new journey of thanks and spread His love even more. It is when we learn to simply take our eyes off ourselves and place them upon Him that we finally really get it. It's not about us. It's simply all about Him.

I challenge you to take this journey with me. Keep a journal. Write down each day just one thing throughout the day that you can give thanks for. At the end of the year we can look back and see all the Lord has done for us, instead of concentrating on what we think He hasn't. So, come along with me and lets see all that God can do through His children by simply giving thanks.

There is no love like His

As I am sitting here this morning almost migraine free I am thinking to myself, "Isn't His love amazing?" I mean really. Where I go, He goes. What I feel, He too feels. Every emotion under the sun, the Son also knows. I am never lost with Him. I am never alone. When I feel weak, it is His strength that washes over me. In those times I find myself ashamed, it is His grace that blankets me. His mercy refreshes me daily. On those cold days when everything seems to go wrong, He brings it altogether. When my vision is clouded, He removes the fog so I gain a clear view. There is nothing than can separate He and I. He even took my sins upon Himself so that we could be together. There is no love greater than His. No powers of this world can destroy what He has made. He is simply good.

I find myself simply overwhelmed by Him today. I could have the worst of days and He always knows just what to say to bring me back into focus. He stirs my heart with His word and lights my path with His will. Every corner I take He is there waiting. Nothing surprises Him. He knows me better than any other. Can there be a better friend?

His love has lifted me above all else and His grace has freed me from the chains that have held me down for so long. His forgiveness allows me to live with a new joy. I don't have to think upon yesterday, nor worry about tomorrow. There is no shame as a child of God. There is no panic in letting go of yesterday or what tomorrow will bring. He has everything covered. There is not one moment of my life that He does not know about. He misses nothing. He has His eye upon me. In faith I believe even when I cannot see up ahead. I trust in Him and it is that very trust that gives me peace to live life each day.

"God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love-not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." 1 John 4:9-10

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with Lynn Dove

 I am so excited to have Lynn join us. She made me laugh right off the bat. I love a woman who can simply just be herself in the midst of a world trying so hard to be someone other than themselves.  Don't you love learning about others? It not only gives us insight about what is important to them, but it also gives us a chance to learn from all they have overcome. Lynn is open to speak about herself and her trials.  She doesn't take herself too seriously and she is forever an encourager, reaching out to others. She makes it easy for others to approach her and I really like that. I think you might learn a few things about Lynn you didn't know before. Lynn also has a passion to stop bullying and bring light to this tragic offense that reaches so many. She is on a mission writing to bring healing to the hurting.  I must say, this is one of my favorite interviews. I love it when women simply share, one heart to another, without fear of judgement or persecution. Lynn has overcome obstacles I have never faced. I will take away much wisdom from Lynn and I am so thankful I had the pleasure of interviewing her. It is an honor to have such a wonderful lady or should I say a dove be a guest at my nest. Sit back my friends and enjoy.

(Robin) Tell us a little about yourself, Lynn.

(Lynn) A little bit about me: First I think it is pretty cool for a Dove to be interviewed in the Robin’s Nest. Tweaked my funny bone today! I am a Christ-follower, a wife, a mom, a soon-to-be grandmother, a teacher and a writer (in that order). It helps if I prioritize my “hats” that I wear everyday or else I can get caught up focusing on one thing and then neglecting the other important roles in my life. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. He is my first love. I married my best friend, Charles in 1979. We have three amazing children: Laurelle (husband Matt) are expecting our first grand baby in February, and we have our two live-at-home teenagers, Brett and Carmen. I have been a teacher most of my adult life, and I still substitute from time to time at the private Christian school my teenagers attend. I love volunteering and working closely with the youth in our church as well. Lastly, when I’m not writing, I’m reading. I love to blog and when I’m not blogging, I’m working on my next book.

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time where you have struggled in your faith? 

(Lynn) I think everyone at some point or another has struggled in their faith walk. There are ebbs and flows in our lives and times of great spiritual drought sometimes followed by bountiful harvest. Certainly when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, I questioned “Why me, Lord?” And His answer to me was, “Why NOT you?” I realized that I had arrogantly assumed that because I was a Christ follower that I would not have that kind of hardship befall me. It was a HUGE life lesson in learning the compassion and the love that the Father has for me and that His plan is always perfect. I would never have experienced the Father as intimately and profoundly as I did without my journeying with Him through cancer.

(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your perspective?

(Lynn) “Aha moments?” Hmmmm. I think every day has the potential to have an “Aha moment” in it if we just open our eyes and ears to the Father. I am reminded daily by a sweet friend who just moved to Alberta that we live in one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on earth. I tend to grumble and complain about our frigid winters. The other day it was -41 C ! It doesn’t get that cold very often but when it does, I am bemoaning the fact I live here and I forget that God placed us here for His purposes. Everything is new and exciting for my friend and as I start to see life through her eyes my perspective changes and I am reminded of God’s love for us…even on those c…c…c…cold days!!

(Robin) Do you have a favorite bible story, hymn or verse that brings encouragement through times of struggle? 

(Lynn)  My husband, Charles and I have claimed this life verse: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 Through our nearly 32 years of marriage, this verse has sustained us through all the ups and downs of life knowing we may make our plans but God is always in control… AND He allows U-turns!

(Robin) What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope they see in you?

(Lynn) The one quality I look for in a close friend is a listening ear and a caring heart.

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection that you would share with a friend?

(Lynn)  Well, my favorite authors are Lucy Maude Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) and Janette Oke (Love Come Softly Series). They are Canadian authors and so being Canadian, I naturally gravitate to books written by Canadians. That said, I just recently finished reading Carol Kent’s book: Between a Rock and a Grace Place and I have been so blessed by the poignant message of hope in the midst of struggle. Another book that I read is Max Lucado’s: Outlive Your Life. What an incredibly encouraging message! In the fiction department, I interviewed Francine Rivers on my blog recently and I read and reviewed her latest books: Her Mother’s Hope, and Her Daughter’s Dream. I am currently reading Suzanne Wood’s Fishers’ books: The Choice and The Waiting.

(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is one thing that seems to bring you comfort and  peace? (Lynn) When life seems to go crazy,…whew…when doesn’t life go crazy? I think it is part and parcel of being a wife, a mom and soon-to-be grandma. When we feel life pressures start to weigh us down, my husband and I like to take long drives to the mountains. It is such a blessing that we live only forty-five minutes away from the Rockies that we can surround ourselves with God’s creation and feel renewed and revitalized.

(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?

(Lynn)  The one thing I admire about myself is my ability to not take myself too seriously. I laugh a lot. My kids laugh a lot at me. There is a lot of laughter in our home. Sometimes all we need to do is just laugh out loud!

(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?

(Lynn) I’m not exactly sure what you’re looking for here, but the things I love (other than my family, church family and friends) is the view of the mountains from my home, my community, music (from good country gospel to Rock and Roll!). I love the snugly cuddles I get from my lap dog, Samson; going camping, traveling to new places, exploring and sightseeing. I love to curl up with a good book, or watch a movie, or watch one of my favorite shows on T.V.

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?

(Lynn)  My deepest passions, other than my relationship with God and my family would be my writing, my books, and cheering on my favorite sports teams!

(Robin) What is the best advice you have ever received?

(Lynn)  The best advice ever given to me was something my husband said before we were married: “Don’t sweat the small stuff,…and….everything is small stuff.” I am a natural worrier. I thought I could blame it on my genes, (parents, heritage etc.) but I don’t think I have that as a legitimate excuse anymore. I worry…needlessly, most of the time. It all comes back to submitting myself over and over to God’s sovereignty and everyday claiming the Proverbs 16:9 verse. God is in control. I still have a tendency to worry but when I feel the worry is controlling me and my actions, then I know I need to release it to God. I am so glad He loves me!

(Robin)  In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope outshines all others?

(Lynn)  I would hope that people would see that I had (have) the “joy of the Lord” in my life. It didn’t necessarily mean I did not have challenges but that even in the midst of those challenges, I never failed to live by faith.

(Robin) What are you currently working on?

(Lynn) I am currently working on the third and final book in the “Wounded Trilogy”, Love the Wounded, scheduled for release in 2011. My debut novel, Shoot the Wounded, that is written for young adults and teens was a 2010 Finalist in the Readers Favorite Book Awards. The sequel, Heal the Wounded was just released in October 2010. I am also working on a more autobiographical account of my journey with breast cancer.

(Robin) How do you define success?

(Lynn)  I love the inscription on Ruth Bell Graham’s tombstone: “End of Construction. Thank you for your Patience.” She journeyed with the Father throughout her life and even though there were some road bumps and even a few crashes along the way she still finished well. That’s how I define success.

Lynn, thank you so much for stopping in and sharing with us. Wouldn't you want Lynn for a teacher?  I love the inscription you share on Ruth Bell Graham's tombstone. Praise the Lord, we are a work in progress, but one day to hear the words, "Well done my faithful daughter." I long to hear those words from my Savior. What an inspiration you are. A willing vessel who stands out among others as a light to the world. Thank you for all you give. If you would like to follow all Lynn is doing here are her links below:

Lynn Dove's Journey Thoughts Blog

Lynn's website

Books on Amazon.com Shoot the Wounded

Books on Amazon.com Heal the Wounded

I have two more special guests to close out this year. What an awesome, unexpected blessing this has been. I am forever grateful for each and every guest who has stopped in to chat on a Friday. My cup is overflowing.  I am working on new questions and new quests for the new year. My first guest of the year will be a returning friend who I love dearly, Julie Gorman. Julie has faced many changes and will have much to share with a new insight as the Lord continues to bless her and use her in ways she never thought possible. Thank you for stopping in each Friday. I pray you will continue to be blessed in this coming year.

We already have the greatest gift of all

This time of year is suppose to bring joy and excitement. We are to celebrate with grateful hearts and loving compassion for our neighbor. We are to live with cheer and see our cups as overflowing. It is a time to gather and reflect. It is a season of hope.

Sadly, we are living in hard times and I am afraid it is going to become harder. We tend to think of a good Christmas if our tree is lifting off the floor with presents surrounding it. Family filling our home and of that perfect dinner where everyone tastes of the fruits of the year and is pleased with everything. We think of those great shopping days with filled bags for everyone we know. We see our door with Christmas cards surrounding the frame. We see parties where laughter is catching. Snow falling and snowmen scattered throughout the yard.

May I just say, this is not Christmas. Christmas is the birth of Christ. It is seeing our Savior as the Light of the World. There is no gift greater than the love of Jesus Christ. We already have the most spectacular gift in Him. We find life and life abundant. All those other things? They are just added bonuses. We place too much emphasis on purchasing the right gifts and feeling bad when we cannot.

Whatever happened to inviting your neighbor to dinner? What about a home made gift? What about just spending the day cherishing your family? Looking around and seeing all the Lord has done for us. I think it all comes from perspective.

We have had those great big Christmas mornings where presents were bountiful and those like this year where they are not. I have learned it isn't about the gifts we buy. It is about the gift that was given to us that we cannot purchase.

I remember a Christmas when my dad was on strike. I was just a little kid. My parents couldn't afford any gifts. They felt so terribly bad they sent me to my aunt and uncle's house. They had a large family. I remember the tree and the house filled with decorations. I remember a gift my aunt gave me. It was a bottle of Avon perfume. We had a dinner and many laughs. It was a special day, but you know what would have made it more special? Just being with my parents. Just having them be honest and share their heart with me. I would have rather just spent the day at home playing cards or reading a Christmas story together. Sometimes as parents we try too hard and think we must buy out the store to show our children what a great Christmas is.

Just think if we let all that stuff go what our day would be like. Just think if we took our eyes off of ourselves and placed them on Jesus what blessings would flow. We tend to make this day about us and we get all caught up in what we are getting and giving. Instead, why not just be reminded of the gift that God gave us when He gave His Son.

It's when we let go of all the stress and slow down we can see the real meaning of Christmas. Maybe it has taken us a few Christmas' without gifts to realize it really isn't about gifts under the tree at all. Snuggle up warm with your kids and bring a story to life. Share with your mom just how much you love her in a letter written by hand. Open your home and share a dinner with a friend of long ago. Invite your neighbor to your church service. Surround yourself with moments of joy and find laughter in the faces of others. Don't buy in to commercialism and find yourself depressed because you have not. Think of what you do have and make each moment count.

It is this very day we teach our children what Christmas is all about. Might we give them memories to remember for a life time. That tent in the living room floor. That checker game with dad. Baking a cake with mom. Just calling up a friend and saying, "I'm thinking of you." This day is what we make it. It is our choice. Start a new tradition. Might we light a candle and say a prayer. My friends, Christmas begins and lives in our heart. Make this season all about Him and others just might want to know where your greatest gift came from.

Love is knowing when to let go

Being a mother is the hardest job in the world, but also the most rewarding. You feel this little one grow inside your womb for nine months. You feel them kicking, moving and that occasional hic-cup. They seem to tell you what foods they like and oh, do you know the ones they don't. You soon find out when you are up all night. This is just the beginning of bonding. We watch our babies with that first smile. They raise their head and we are amazed. We go from being excited about the first time they roll over to the first time they use the potty. Oh, do they grow fast. We never realize just how fast until they are about to leave. It is upon that moment that you look back through the years and it seems it all happened over night.

You begin to wonder why you didn't slow down a bit more, why you didn't you read a few more books and why you said yes to so many activities when all you really needed to do was settle in and enjoy being a mom. Laundry, crying, dishes, diapers, the list goes on and on. Days without sleep. Nights spent walking the floor. You get use to that spit up smell because it has become a part of your dress now. It is permanent. No matter how much perfume you try to put on, that smell is just one sniff away. You dress and in moments you find you have been peed upon by an unsuspecting little one with a grin. Those little stinkers you smell, become more than just a whiff, they too find a way to your lap.

You take out that pencil and paper with their hand in yours. It is now time to begin to write their name. But oh, that paper doesn't keep interest too long. Soon your walls and headboards carry their little names in every color. They seem to use the walls for their inspiration.

Here comes that first bicycle with skinned up knees and bruised elbows. Nothing can keep them back now. All it took was that very first step to teach them the world was at their feet. Oh, that bicycle doesn't last too long and you find a car pulling in the drive way. Yes, it is that boy your little girl has a crush on. You would like to see him leave, but you know in your heart that is never going to happen. You look back to your own first love and know they too feel a heart's flutter. You remember what it was like and know you must let them go.

Now they are standing with their daddy at the aisle waiting to walk down. They are heading off to war. They are going across state to school. They are those little birds that perched in your nest. You fed them and cared for them in every way you could. You build their shelter. The very home that raised them. But now, they are moving close to edge and all you want to do is keep them back. You don't want them to fall. But how else will they learn to fly? They must take that first flight. They must spread those wings and live all that you have taught.

With each step you have prayed. You have prayed for them to have a great faith. To walk with the Lord. To live with purpose and appreciate each day. You have prayed health, love and wisdom for years now and it's time to see where your own faith has taken you. You place them in the hands of your loving Father. Haven't they been in His hands the whole time? To hold on too tight keeps them from being all they can be. We must learn to let go and let love take flight.

You find now that they have a life of their own. Inside you feel lost and so much want to be a part of all they do, but must realize they are learning to soar. Where you once watched them try to fly, they are now soaring high. They are reaching for all those dreams placed in their heart. You aren't missing out, you just have a whole new view. The view your mother once had when you learned to soar. One day they too will see a different view when they watch their little ones take that first step into chasing their dreams. I wouldn't trade my view for anything.

What would you ask for?

A few weeks ago in our Awana class I asked the kids, "If you could ask the Lord for anything what would it be?" I had them write down the three things they would ask for. Now, you might think answers coming from young teens might be a bit self wanted. They gave answers anywhere from healing their grandmother, to having a new house, to yes, having lots of money. They are no different than us as adults. Of course we would ask for things for others, but wouldn't we add a few things in there for ourselves?

We were learning about Solomon and our lesson came from 1 Kings 3:1-15. Here we find young Solomon becoming king in place of his father, David. Solomon is humble. He sees that he is immature and maybe not as ready as he should be. We find God is speaking to Solomon in a dream. "That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream , and God said, 'What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!'" 1 Kings 3:5 Can you imagine? Ask anything and it will be given. I don't think Solomon was as unprepared as he thought. After all when God gives an opportunity no matter how big He will prepare us and prepare indeed He did. Solomon didn't ask for riches or gold. He didn't ask of anything for himself. He asked for wisdom to discern from right and wrong. His thoughts were to the people not himself. I find great humility in that. A wise friend of mine wrote these words, "Real humility doesn't make your worth go down. It makes the worth of others more apparent to you." Gavin Hooks

Solomon would lead his people with great wisdom. He knew where that wisdom came from. God. Before we can gain understanding we must have wisdom. The place we must go? We must dig deep into the word of God. When we find ourselves there it isn't about us. It is all about Him. When we take our eyes off of ourselves we can see Him. Until we are ready to let go of our selfish desires we will not find true wisdom. Wisdom is not listening to our heart, nor is taking popular advice. Often times what seems right in our eyes is the wrong thing. Why? Because our motives are wrong. God's motives are never wrong. He sees the big picture while we see only just a glimpse.

"Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" 1 Kings 3:9 Solomon speaks here saying, "Can I govern Your people without Your wisdom?" He knew he couldn't do anything without God. How many times do we try to go off and do our own thing? I am so guilty of this. I think I have the answer, the quick answer, right? Because no one wants to wait when there is a problem. We are a right now people, while God is a wait on Me kind of God.

His purpose and plan is always higher than ours. Might we begin to seek Him daily. Morning, noon and night. Sometimes I need to call upon Him minute by minute. It is His wisdom that will set us apart from others and guide us through life with meaning and peace. When we know God is in control and really trust Him, there is nothing to fear nor hold us down. Lets take some wisdom from King Solomon and learn to go to God and seek Him with all our heart.

Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

When Solomon asked for wisdom, God not only gave him wisdom, but gave him what he did not ask for. "The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, 'Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies- I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for-riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!" 1 Kings 3:10-13 Don't we have an awesome God? God blesses when we follow His leadership. God continues to tell Solomon that if he follows Him, He too will give him a long life.

I will leave us with one last verse. "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments." Psalm 112:1 Seek  Him today. Delight in  Him today. Wisdom begins when we look to the cross.

Addison Road - What Do I Know Of Holy

slave (The Hidden Truth about Your Identity In Christ) by John MacArthur

Have you ever thought of yourself as a Slave to Christ? I must say before I picked up John MacArthur's new book, Slave, this thought never occurred to me. I always thought of myself as a servant of Christ. Somewhere in translation the word slave and servant have been misleading. Did you know the word servant only appears three times in the bible? The word slave is found over two hundred times! MacArthur gives great insight, great wisdom and knowledge on this deep subject. He takes us from the early church, to Paul and others who have been slaves. There is freedom in being a slave to Christ. This is a whole new concept for me, but it is one that has led me on a new journey. Is the word controversial? Most likely, but after reading this book I gain a whole new understanding of the word slave in the Christian text. A servant is paid. A servant is hired. As Christians we are not hired, we have been bought with a price. Our debt has been paid in full by our Savior's blood. Jesus Christ is our Master. He is our King. If we count ourselves as Christians we are indebted to Him and Him alone. We do not follow Christ to gain something from Him, but so He gain through us. In reading this book it has changed my thinking as a Christian. I am a follower of Christ, but in being a follower, I am a slave to my King. I can be a slave to this world and myself or I can totally surrender to Him, giving Him total authority over me. There is rich text in this book. Just as in any MacArthur book it is detailed with information. It is a well written book that is easy to follow. It is a book that will give light to knew areas of your thought. I would get to one part and just read it over and over again, soaking in all the information. Really, this is a great book for anyone wanting a deeper and more meaningful walk with Christ. This book is going to be a gift for my pastor.

This book was a gift from Thomas Nelson for it's review.

A clue from a white-tail

If you have ever sat in the woods for a very long period of time you may have caught a glimpse of a white-tail deer. They are beautiful in appearance. I could just watch them for hours. You might see a majestic buck before your eyes in the cold of winter as he is feeding. During the summer you will be blessed if you look out into the field and see a mother doe with her fawn nestled in close for the evening.

Although these creatures are very beautiful, they too are very alert. Just one rustle of the leaves or a sound from the air, their tails go up and off they go. They raise their head ever so quickly, but without sound. As that tail goes up they are alerting the other deer around them of an approaching danger. Something they know that just doesn't fit and it will be better to take shelter than stand in waiting.

God gave these creatures this gift. I look at this gift as protection against the enemy. I see a family protecting one another. Friends watching over the shoulder of others. In many circumstances you see a doe run in the opposite direction of her fawn. That very act is out of love. A pure love from a mother and her child. She is willing to die for her child. She is steering evil away from the very one she bore. Just as we might see a huge buck stand in fight with another. He is protecting his territory. He is willing to die for what is his.

As humans we stand as a shield for our family. We stand in the gap for our friends. We must be awake and aware of all that is around us. Are we willing to throw up that tail and warn others of danger? Are we willing to give our lives for another? In our Sunday school class many years ago we were asked, "Would you give your life for a friend?" As I sat before our teacher, this was a no brainer for me. I raised my hand and said yes. No one else did. I see my life as no more important than another. I see my life as a gift just as every other life. My Savior chose to give His life so that I could have life. He was nailed to a cross for the sins of man. My sins, not any of His own. If He is willing to give His life, who am I to say no?

When there is danger we must be willing to take a stand for those around us. We find the strength of the Lord in our very weakness. Satan is feeding us daily with information leading us down wrong roads and filling our minds with treacherous lies. He is the king of deceit. He is out to destroy everything in his path. Mustn't we warn those around us?

John 10:10 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

1 Peter 5:8-11 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Even though Satan is there just waiting to attack. We can be strong in the Lord. We can stand together my friends. We can stand for truth. We can stand in faith without fear, because we are prepared. We are awake to all that is around us. Everything to what we allow our eyes to see, our ears to hear and what comes through our front door. We might hear the knock of evil but we can turn from it. We can stand firm just like a white-tail, warning others and protecting those around us with the very love and sacrifice the Lord has placed in our hearts. We must fill our minds with knowledge and all His wisdom to wash over us. Everything we hear is not true. Everything we see no matter how wonderful it looks is not healthy for our life. Might we learn to stand guard and protect just as soldier of Christ should do. After all, He is standing with us.

1 Peter 3:8-12 "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling, but on the contrary, blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

A Guest post at Jen's Blog

Today I am inviting you go travel over to JENNIFER SLATTERY LIVES OUT LOUD for another quest post. You will find  CAN I EXCHANGE THIS PLEASE?  a post that had appeared here on November 18. Jennifer is counting down her favorite twenty blogs and I am blessed to be part of her December treat. Just click on the link and it will take you right on over. Thanks again, Jen, I am honored to appear twice this month.