God has not forgotten.

I had a couple wake up calls this week. Nothing horrible happened. In fact, it was quite the contrary. I got a $0.25 raise! I know it doesn't sound like much. I had been considering asking for one, but wasn't sure with whom I should speak. It made me feel good to be noticed by my employer of  2 2/3rds years. The recognition may not be much, but it made a difference to me.

Dylan started to sign back to me. For those who have talked to me for even a few minutes, know I have a fascination with American Sign Language. Huge studies have been done on the benefits of teaching a child a second language from their earliest moments. I have been working with Dylan since he was born very basic sign language: mama, dada, milk, more, me, eat. Well he watches me intently these days when I sign to him. He thinks its funny when I say the wrong thing with a sign. I'll sign more, but say mom. He just shakes his head no while giggling. Anyway He signed "milk" to me as I was making his milk. I made a huge deal of it. Ran to Andy, so his daddy could see his skills. :D He did it for Andy too. How very rewarding! I hope to help Dylan be trilingual in English, sign and Spanish eventually.

I had the worlds busiest week. My dad had heart surgery. Everything went well and he is recovering with astonishing grace. My sister and brother-in-law got an their 4th or 5th offer from this job in Maryland. Who knows if this is where the Lord is leading them? My dear friend is learning to FLY (finally love yourself). I couldn't be prouder! We've been house hunting. It'll be our first home. With God's grace, we'll find the house that will be a blessing to us and NOT a curse.

All-in-all God hasn't forgotten me. I have a very thankful heart just now.

Love.

RALEIGH, N.C. | On 49th anniversary, NC man gives wife $1 for each day of marriage | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

RALEIGH, N.C. | On 49th anniversary, NC man gives wife $1 for each day of marriage | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

This is the sweetest story I've read in awhile. I thought I'd share.

Finally My Friends...

^{Ephesians 6:11-18
11} Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks.¹² Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.¹³That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.¹⁴ So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest.¹⁵ On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.¹⁶ And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One.¹⁷ Accept God's 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 with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people.

March 28th was my first day being 28 years old. As I look into the coming year, I have but one thought pushing me onward and upward... Be strong in the Lord by putting on the whole armor of God. Christ has many titles: Savior, King, Carpenter. The idea with putting on the armor is to arm yourself with Christ and not in some offensive/defensive way. We aren't to use this armor to beat up those around us. Have you ever tapped a metal pole to listen to the sound? The more you bang on a pole the more the sound vibrates the length of it. The more you beat that metal pole it won't make it a bell, unless you put the metal through the fire. It is then a metal pole will become a pretty sounding tinkly bell.


The armor of God is meant to withstand those things we can't see with our natural eyes. The armor is God's name. Christ IS our Salvation. Christ IS truth. Jesus was the ultimate example of right living. Christ IS a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path. Christ IS peace to those who walk uprightly even in the midst of the storm. Christ is a shield and buckler to keep us from falling prey to temptation. Prayer keeps us a friend to the light, the peace, our shield, our defender and most importantly our salvation. Don't surrender yet. The Lord, the maker of all things, sees you and hasn't forgotten who you are. You maybe tired, hurt, disappointed, or lost altogether. He that began a good work in you is able to complete it. Drink from the still waters and be restored.


Much love for you all in Christ.
28 year old me.