LEADERSHIP DEFINED

"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to go."   Unknown

I found this quote today on a graphic as I was doing research for another project I am working on. I tweeted it out, because it really hit home to me.

Before I became a mommy, I was on staff at our church in the Youth Department. I was basically the female Youth Pastor, though I did not have the official title.

I will try to keep my "church history" as brief as possible, because that's not what this post is about. However, I do believe it is important to set up my thought process in all of this.

I was raised in a very legalistic church. My brother and I were both known as the "black sheep" of the church because our parents raised us to make our own decisions, not just follow along.

When I was 14-years-old I was sexually assaulted. As a very naive' 14-year-old, I was totally shocked, not only at what had happened, but that it was even possible. This event sent me on a downward spiral that would last a decade and a half or so.

THE ARMOR OF GOD

I have no words in me tonight. I've sat here, thinking and praying on what He wants me to pray about tonight. There are so many things that need to be prayed over. In reality, it is all summed up in Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

We are in a Spiritual Battle. Everything- all of life- is one, big Spiritual Battle.

Tonight, I am simply putting on my full armor of God. I need to be able to stand my ground no matter what.

God is my Refuge and Strength. He is my Armor.

Lord God, I pray my consistent prayers. I pray for Congresswoman Giffords. I pray for her husband, Mark Kelly. I pray for President Obama. I pray for the turmoil around the world. I pray that this nation would turn back to You. You never left us... we, as a nation, left You, Lord God.

I pray for my 2 children who are sick. I pray for my husband... that You will bless the work of his hands. Protect him from those who would intend him harm.

I pray for my friends- in real life, and my online friends.

Help us all to put on Your armor, Lord God.

I pray all of these things in Jesus Name- Amen

A QUIET HEART

I am usually a person with many words to express my thoughts and feelings. Tonight, however, I have a very quiet heart.

There is a strange sense of foreboding.... yet, at the same time, a very quiet peacefulness.

I have many thoughts whirling- things I am thinking and praying on. However, my heart is very quiet.

Tonight, my prayer will be very short and simple.

I pray tonight, as always do, for Congresswoman Giffords. I pray her progress and healing will continue to surpass our understanding. She truly is a miracle!

I pray for President Obama.

I pray for this nation.

I pray for Israel- as a nation and as a people. Lord God, please keep her safe.

All these things I pray in the holy Name of Jesus Christ- Amen.

I'VE COME TO A REALIZATION

I just got finished with a major rant on Twitter. My husband just showed me an article that has blown my mind! For your reference, here is the article that caused my rant:

U.S. Debt Jumped $72 Billion Same Day U.S. House Voted to Cut Spending $6 Billion

Now, why in the world would this send me into a tizzy, you are probably asking. It is quite obvious that our debt and continued spending is completely out of control. It's been one of the main topics of discussion for- oh, I don't even know how long!

So I will tell you- my rant was caused by the sudden realization that no one in Washington gets it! And I do mean NO ONE! I say this, because if anyone at all truly got the enormity of this crisis, this would be the ONLY thing that was being discussed!

I WILL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS YOU

"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3

Israel is the time piece and compass for everything that happens. Israel is God Almighty's time piece.

God makes it very clear that all blessings and curses are administered by how Israel is treated.

OVER MY COLD DEAD BODY

I read an article today that made my blood run cold, and in the very next second, my blood began to boil! I am attaching the link for you to read.
The Islamic Demolition of the Statue of Liberty

No matter your political views, if you do not look at the State of Liberty and get choked up, you have no business living in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.  The image of this tall, brave lady standing on our shores, beckoning to all who seek a life of liberty, freedom, and the opportunity to become all you dream to be. No, she doesn't GUARANTEE you success- but she provides every opportunity you could ever imagine.

A COMMUNITY OF SOULS

Tonight, I dedicate my post to a very special online friend. Over the last few months I've talked with her many times, and her heart for God truly blesses me. There is a mysterious beauty that has drawn me to her. In fact, she reminds me of what I believe one of my Biblical heroes was like. Though I have no idea of her past, I cannot say that the similarities go beyond my minds eye. In fact, I do not know much of her story. However, she reminds me of Rahab.

Eliana, my heart and prayers are with you tonight. 

Eliana's bio on her twitter account says that she is a Goodwill Ambassador. Maybe this is why she reminds me so much of Rahab. Rahab risked her life and everything she had to help the spies that went to search out Jericho. Though Rahab was not a Jew, she stood with the nation of Israel and risked her life to help the Jews. She, as an outsider, recognized that God Almighty Is the One True God, and she gave her everything to serve Him. This is how I see Eliana in my minds eye. The difference is that Eliana IS a Jew- and I am honored to know her!

TIMES- THEY ARE A'CHANGIN

I thought I would be a bit "cute" tonight.

Since tonight is the night that time changes- yet again- I thought a reminder might be a good idea. I honestly just wish they would keep the time the same all year round! It takes me a month to get readjusted when the time changes, so 2 months out of the year I'm all out of whack just because the time changes on me.

I think it is fitting, in another sense, because it seems like that every day times are changing more and more. As a believer in Christ, and a believer in the rapture, I firmly believe we are in the end times. How soon will the rapture be? That I do not know. I know there is a prediction that says the rapture will happen in May of this year. There are some that believe it is far off from now. And then, many still, that do not believe it will happen at all. I, however, do believe that it is soon.

Reading the news headlines these days are just like opening up The Bible and reading prophecy.

PRAYERS FOR JAPAN

Tonight is another night of just a simple prayer. There are no words to really express the devastation in Japan after the earthquake that happened almost 24 hours ago.

I first heard of the earthquake when I woke up in the middle of the night and realized that I had fallen asleep with the TV on. When I realized what was going on, I immediately started praying for all who have been affected by this tragedy.

There are hundreds who are confirmed dead, thousands who are still missing. Cruise ships have been washed away, a commuter train that is completely missing, and debris scattered for hundreds of miles or more.

WHAT IS BEING ACCOMPLISHED?

I am a very active member of twitter. For me, it is my "outlet" to be informed on the goings-on of the world and connect with like minded people. There are many people that enjoy the heavy debate of those on the other side of the political aisle. I cannot say that. Yes, I most definitely like to hear other views, but unless they are debating the issues with common sense they have absolutely no chance of swaying my view on things. There are many things I am rock solid on in my beliefs and will not change. Other things I am not so rock solid on, and maybe my views can be changed if common sense is used in the debate. There are also things that I know absolutely nothing about, so learning different views helps me to come to my own decision on how I feel about it.

There have been many people to seek me out, arguing against this tweet or that tweet that I've sent out. There has only been one person out of any of those who I have actually become friends with. There have been a couple of people that I was able to basically agree to disagree with, and go our separate ways. Unfortunately, most of the time I just end up ignoring them, or if that doesn't work, and they persist, I block them. I just do not have the time or patience to deal with someone who refuses to accept that I have different views than they do. Hey, you have the right to your own opinions and feelings, as do I. I do not try to change your opinions and feelings, stop trying to change mine unless you want to have a sensible conversation built on common sense.