My Armor

Ephesians 6:10-18

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore 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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And 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 saints.

I do not think it is a coincidence that this is the scripture that appeared yesterday when I opened my blog. My family is in a battle right now for literally the life of one of us. And, I need the reminder that our battle is not against the flesh. It is against the enemy of our souls. I feel weakest when my family is attacked. But, I know that HE can make me strong. I know I have been given the armor that is undefeatable, the protection that is resolute. I have been given every tool necessary to fight - I just need to use it.

And, when I have done everything else, I will stand.

Adventures in Madisonland

I think they should have build a theme park. Call it Madisonland. The food stands would only sell juice, lime-shrimp ramen noodles, and candy. The soundtrack in every ride would be, "no...I no like it... I go potty, I get candy... we go to church... I go to Jo's house... I like Papa Jim ... what's that truck say..." There would be a special ride called the Molars, in which you get to ride the emotional roller coaster of cutting teeth with Madison. But, maybe, that's just me...

Seriously, Madison is really funny to be around, most of the time. She loves to laugh & be silly, and this weekend was no exception.

Adventure #1: Hair

Saturday morning, we took the girls for a hair cut. Katrina loves Miss Ronda, loves the chair, loves getting her hair cut. Madison... not so much. I have been trimming her bangs because I didn't want to subject my amazing hairdresser to the wonders of my daughter. But, we decided to give it a try. I got tired of the screaming, morning and night, as we tried to brush her hair.

So, here is Madison with her bribery. Yes, this is one of those things you swear, before kids, that you'll never do.

The amazing, wonderful, Miss Ronda cutting her hair. Yes, we did save some of the ringlets.

And, presenting, Miss Too Big For My Britches, complete with a new haircut. We survived, with no tears! She absolutely loved it, and made sure everyone at church on Sunday knew she had gotten her hair cut.

Adventure #2: Dinner

Saturday night's dinner consisted of steak, fish, rice and veggies. I had no idea what, if anything, Madison was going to eat. She had been riding her emotional roller coaster all day. She ate a little steak (it was kind of hard to chew), a little fish, all of her rice (no surprise there), and ALL OF HER CARROTS! Hallelujah, the child ate veggies. She liked them so much, she asked for seconds, then thirds, etc. She then told us, and I quote, "I like carrots. Carrots are my best friend." Should I be concerned that my child is that close to her carrots? Perhaps too much veggietales?

Adventure #3: Breakfast

Breakfast Sunday morning for the "big" girls consisted of powdered donuts and granola bars. I know, not the healthiest, but sometimes you have to pick your battles. Well, Madi ate all of her donuts, wanted more, then got mad when informed that there were no more. Instead of eating her granola bar, which she asked for, she waited until Katrina turned her back, then STOLE her sister's donuts off her plate! I told Madison to put them back, which made Madison mad and got Kat's attention. Katrina yelled at her sister, Madi cried because she got caught, and the only thing Jerome & I could do was turn our backs and giggle uncontrollably. Once we were done laughing & crying, we were able to tell Madi that, no, it is not okay to steal food from your sister.

Like I said before - a new theme park - Adventures in Madisonland. Only our family...

The Champion

This post is so long in coming, its not even funny. But, before we begin - a little mental exercise. Close your eyes. Ok, now open them, because you won't be able to read anything else unless you do. Picture, if you will, Queen. No, not the lady in England, but the power rock band. Remember the song "We are the Champions"? Yes, I know that it's now stuck in your head. Remember this song, and all its emotions, as you continue reading.

My sweet, sweet husband has a problem. At first, I didn't think much of it. I thought he could stop whenever he wanted. We dealt with it on and off while dating, and as newlyweds, but it never seemed to cause an issue. At times, I have actually encouraged this problem, I will admit. I thought he was just having fun, you know, being "one of the guys". But, lately, this problem has gotten worse. Like I said, I thought he could stop. I now realize that my husband has a serious addiction. Does anyone know a 12-step program for...

FANTASY FOOTBALL?

Ok, ok, so I was totally teasing in the last paragraph, lest anyone call the Betty Ford Clinic on my behalf. But seriously, the man LOVES fantasy football. He watches the training camp news with bated breath all spring & summer, waiting for pre-season to finally start. The first day of pre-season, he is positively giddy. He then spends the next four weeks pouring over every fantasy report, magazine, and website he can get his hands on, all in search of the elusive "sleeper". Personally, these "sleepers", to me, sound like either a terrorist cell or a really lazy player, but, like I said, that's just me. He spends hours (I'm convinced) at the office, discussing defenses and wide receivers with the other addicts. You see, before he entered the black hole that is Coldwell Banker, he was not this bad. He played, but didn't live it. Now, he spends from August to January refreshing the injury reports from ESPN, in the desperate hope that he will get the news before everyone else.

Do you want to know what the worst part of all this is? The worst part is that I can no longer harass him about it. Why? Because he WON his league! Here is my giddy husband, holding his huge and hideously ugly trophy, along with the engraving on the side that will declare to eternity that, in 2008, Jerome's Walkers Texas Rangers won the Durango Fantasy League.

The night he brought home this lovely piece of artwork, I got to hear many renditions of "We Are the Champions". He taught it to the girls. They all danced. I laughed. And now, because of "league rules" (whatever, league rules, I know it's just an excuse), he HAS to participate in the league again next year. Oh well, I guess I can't complain too much. For once, his addiction paid off to the tune of a handy cash sum that allowed us to pay off some bills. I know, I know, exciting use of winnings, but, hey, we are in a recession people!

Seriously, though, it was fun to see my husband's amazing ability to memorize sports facts come in handy. And I am proud of him, even though I tease him about it. Because, now, he's in a funk until baseball season starts. He's pacifying himself with pro hoops fantasy leagues until the real thing comes around again. Pray for me, please. Because I know he's going to be that much worse about it next year!

P.S. I would like to mention that, the night of the draft for the aforementioned league, Jerome texted me. He wanted to know if he should draft Westbrook. I told him absolutely, he's a steady, consistent, proven receiver (shout out to Q). He then texted back that he didn't know, what about this player? I responded, "If you don't want to hear my advice, don't ask for it." He chose Westbrook. Westbrook put up a lot of points for him. So, who is worse? Him for playing fantasy football, or me for getting upset when he debated my draft recommendations? Because I'm not bad about football at all... GO CARDINALS!

Thankful Thursday...the journey

This Thursday, I feel that I have so much to be truly grateful for. I have been learning so much lately about the character of God. I hope I never stop learning. So, today, I am thankful for this journey my Daddy has been taking me on lately, because...

I was the square peg in the round hole!

Ever since I accepted Christ, this is how I have felt about my "quiet time", "devotionals", or whatever you call it. Essentially, quality time with Daddy. I have not been a morning person since I was six. And yet, I have heard numerous people say that morning is the best time to do devotionals. I have counseled numerous people that this was the best time to study the Word, as you are fresher, not bogged down by the day, etc. And so, I have tried to force myself to do this, with no luck. I have felt like I've been beating my head against a brick wall, and beating myself up for a "simple" spiritual discipline that "everyone" else did just fine. Now, I know that is not the truth, but, as with any other struggle, that is exactly what Satan wants you to believe.

Jerome has teased me since our wedding about my ability to stay awake all night reading. When 10PM hits in our house, I know it's time to take the sleepy boy to bed. He has been known to fall asleep while praying at night. He gets up to run with a bunch of other crazy men at 5AM. He likes morning. I do not. On the other hand, I can stay awake a lot longer than he, and usually do. And so, I had a revelation in the last few weeks. It was as if God said, "How did I create you? Why are you trying to fit yourself into someone else's mold? Why not try mine?"

What a revelation! I can be who God created me to be, in all aspects of my life. Who cares if others do their devotions in the morning - it doesn't mean that I have to! The last few weeks have been so refreshing, so alive. After Jerome goes to sleep, Daddy and I can spend time reading, learning, talking. I have finally found the benefit to being an insomniac!

For the Saunders...please pray!

I know I have a few "lurkers" and readers that do not follow our dear pastor Linn's blog. I have wanted to post about what has been going on this week, and to ask you to plead in prayer for them with me, but I simply did not know where to start. My heart is so heavy, and so hurting for this family, that I couldn't even begin to write.

Wednesday morning I received a call at 7:15 AM from Linn. When she answered, she was so hysterical I could barely understand her. Their home was on fire. She had gotten all the kids out of the house, but couldn't get diapers for the little ones. For those of you who do not know, they have 9 children, both by birth and adoption, with 6 of them at home. Her husband Dwight was about an hour away at a pastor's retreat. We live nearby, so as I quickly grabbed diapers, wipes, whatever I could think of, Jerome & the girls began praying.

The day was filled with frantic emails & phone calls as the news spread. Praise God, everyone is safe, but they believe they have lost most of their belongings. The damage to their home is extensive, but they believe it is repairable. They are now beginning the process of sifting through what is left of their belongings, a task I cannot even imagine.

And, when the timing couldn't be worse, their son Graham had to be rushed into emergency surgery yesterday for acute appendicitis. He is recovering well, but this dear family is beyond what they can handle. I know God's word says that He will not give us more than we can handle, but I can't imagine much more than this.

Two fellow bloggers, Lori and Lydsey, dear friends of the Saunders, have built a blog dedicated to updates about the family. They are also using this blog as a way for people to communicate how amazing this family is. You can go there for updates, and to leave encouragement for the family. They have also set up a ChipIn account for people across the nation and the world to be able to give to this family. Lurkers, this is the time to come out of hiding! This family could use all the support and prayer you can give. Please pray especially for the children - they are mourning the loss of their beloved possessions - blankies, stuffed animals, etc. Two of their precious family, Elizabeth & Elijah, just came home to them from Uganda right before Christmas.

Thank you, my dear friends & family, for lifting up this family with us.

Thankful Thursday...

This poem has been emailed to me a few times, but it never loses it poignancy. I keep it on my computer to remind me of just how much I truly have.

I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER

WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT

BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION .

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE CRAZY PEOPLE I WORK WITH

BECAUSE THEY MAKE WORK INTERESTING AND FUN!

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL (and blogs to read)

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

Cousins!

Christmas Day, my brother Kevin, his wife Crystal, and their three children, Riley, age 14, Hayden, age 10, and Katie, age 7, drove down from Grand Junction to see the Durango family. They had to drive over three mountain passes in a white-out to do it, but they made it safely. It was really fun getting to hang out with our siblings, nephews, and niece and see how much they've grown. This was their introduction to Violet as well, since we haven't been able to get together since she was born. All in all, it was a wonderful couple of days spend with some very precious family.

Enjoying the new bowling alley in Ignacio - Jerome won the first game & Kevin won the second

Playing Halo 3 together. It took Madison all weekend, but she finally warmed up to Uncle Kevin.

Katie & Violet

Hayden & Violet - He is normally such a "tough" guy - it was fun to see his softer side come out with his baby cousin.

Katrina was far too busy, by the way, running around totally crazy with her cousins to be bothered by photo ops.