Kids

I realized yesterday that our 2 kids,Alexandra (23) AND Gregory(21),will be home in about 3 1/2 months and I got so excited! You might think, "that's a ways off" but they haven't been home since last Christmas. I think about them every day. I do talk to them regularly via phone but I long to put my arms around them and kiss them (they still let me do that!) As time has passed, I realize how much they are maturing and I am so proud of them!

If your kids are still at home and drive you crazy from time to time, it's all good! And, be careful that you always enjoy them- before you know it, they'll be off somewhere far from you. But, we are their stewards- the Lord owns them and He gives us the AWESOME privilege of having them bless our lives! Thank you Lord, for children, especially OURS!

Be devoted- (a longer post than usual but worth the read)!

What a crazy few weeks I've had-it's all good but nevertheless crazy! Sorry for the absence(for any of you who DO read my blog- besides myself LOL)

Anyway, during my devos lately I've been meditating on Prov 4:23:

"Above all , guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life".

Interestingly, my sister send me an email about the Arlington National Cemetery. As I began to read it, I was stopped in my tracks at what these soldiers do in regards to their commitment to guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Not only are there requirements about the rifle, the gloves, the times but sooo much else. Check out some of the info. You'll be amazed..

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10' and 6' 2' tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30.' Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
res t of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.
The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.
The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.

WOW, WOW, WOW!!

When I got a pic of that in my mind I realized that this is the urgency I need when I read scripture. These guys are radical about guarding that tomb. DO I GUARD MY HEART with that much passion, unswerving commitment and dedication? Do I put it above all else? After all, if contains (or should) the most precious thing in the world.. God's word, the living word, the thing that is the wellspring of life-what I need to live??

I have recommited myself to upholding that verse . And also to be more proactive in guarding what I let into my well- not letting it get gunked up with pollutants, junk or unnecessary stuff!

Will you come on duty with me today?

'Above all , guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life"

Worship

I was reading Ps 34 yesterday and verse 1-2 really struck a cord with me:


"I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips."

David wrote this after he was being persecuted. He had to act like a crazy person- literally- because his life was being threatened. During one of the worst times of his life, David declared that he would praise the Lord no matter what! That at ALL TIMES he wills to praise the Lord, that praise to the Lord will ALWAYS be on his lips! David was an ordinary guy who had an extra-ordinary desire to worship his God. He even did it in a greater way when his hardships were greater that usual.

He is my mentor when it comes to worship. But, do I do it to the measure that he does it when I'm under pressure?... when things aren't going my way? ...when hardship or persecution comes my way?

I challenge you(and myself) today to become the worshipper that David was.

God is looking for faithful worshippers.. that is why we were created!