That Annoying Fly and Our First Line of Defense

It is Saturday morning and my blog inspiration is slow in coming, Soon the creative juices start to flow. It starts with an annoying, over-sized, buzzing horse fly that overflew his bounds since the night before. I attempt tactical warfare -- swatting and spraying – but the beast lives on. Then, while sitting at my desk, he has the nerve to land on me. I think: “This is one of satan’s little imps on assignment to steal my joy and annoy me!” He, obviously, doesn’t know I am in “beast-mode” after a week of faith-filled injections of God’s Word at VBS. I grab my trusty flying insect spray and nail him. He is down for the count! Victory!

Now, it is time to head out for a 7 am appointment. I turn the ignition on my car. It does not start. All the lights, music, and a/c are working just fine. I know it's not the battery. I call my children for help, but, alas, this is their morning to sleep in. No cell phones on. One last attempt before canceling my appointment. I call my grandson who picks up the call. He is gracious to get me. It is worth the annoyance to have this precious few minutes together. He fills me in on his new real estate career and so much more. He waits while in my appointment. We go for breakfast at Chick-Fil-A where my granddaughter serves us. Then, we’re back to my home where I start to figure out what to do about my car. It’s Saturday and my auto repair shop is closed. I call and leave a message that I’ll have AAA to tow the car to them on Monday. I call and ask my family to please take me to church tomorrow because I’m on for serving this Sunday. I think “This is all a hassle with towing, a repair bill that I’m not looking forward to, and my family going out of their way for me, but I’ll get it done and soon this will be behind me!

I sit down for my morning devotion and prayer time when suddenly, I remember that on Thursday night I was the speaker for our Rejoice Healing Night at my church. I spoke about our “first line of defense” when trouble comes. Jesus used it for those who approached Him for healing or help. The example I used was from Mark 5 -- the story of Jairus, a synagogue leader, who came to Jesus begging Him to come and heal his dying daughter. After the interruption of a crowd and a woman with an issue of blood for 12 years who was healed as she touched the hem of His garment, Jairus and Jesus were on their way again. But Jairus was met by people from his home who said: “Don’t bother the Teacher – your daughter is dead!” Before Jairus could say a word, Jesus said to him: “Do not fear – only believe!” The first line of defense. The little girl was healed.

An "aha" hits me. I start praying for my car right here in my chair. “Nothing is impossible with You, God!" I go to my car and pray. “Please heal my car, Lord. I am not fearing. I am believing that nothing is impossible with You!” I turn the ignition. Nothing. But, something (actually, Someone), tells me to look to my right. I see that my car’s gear stick is in neutral – not in park. I put it in park, turn the ignition, the car starts -- and in my heart, I hear bands playing and choirs singing “Alleluia” and so am I!

Oh me. Had I not prayed and just pondered “What do I do? Who do I call? Where do I go?” instead of applying my "first line of defense", I would be waiting for the tow truck on Monday and no telling what charges would have been incurred. So many repercussions when, instead, I use Jesus' tips for quick answers to prayer: "Do not fear; only believe!"

I think back on my Saturday morning fly and car annoyances. I feel that way about the enemy of our souls – how annoying he can be. But, when we use the right plan of attack on him, he and all his tactics to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10) will be swatted and lambasted out of our lives. Remember. Jesus and I told you so: "Do not fear; only believe!"

Name Calling -- But If It Fits, OWN It!

Machines, Rock Stars, Beast Mode, Tough Cookies......those are names my sweet daughter, Shawntel Wuerch and I were called a few weeks ago as we packed up their entire home for their move to Texas. We were relentless in making sure the precious items were padded and packed into just-the-right-sized, room-named boxes. We laughed a lot along the way, sometimes because of silly antics and sometimes because we were so dog-tired. We made some really sweet memories and our "bond" became even stronger. When the movers showed up, they simply loaded all the furniture and all the perfectly packed boxes we had packed.

This week, since Monday, we were in machine-mode again, as the movers showed up in three huge moving vans. We were prepared for them, with rooms named and places all set for the multitude of items to go. We directed them, opened the amazingly-packed boxes by those "expert" packers and distributed the items throughout the house. Sweet and precious family friend, Kristina Vinberg, came from Seattle to help us conquer. Honestly, as many of you know, big moves across the country, or across town, are not for the faint-hearted, but with the tenacity of three determined women, we're getting the job done. Sounds like a commercial for 3-Women and 3-Trucks Moving Services! LOL!

This little example of strong women is really a story of God's amazing grace, of His care and love for us. We don't quit when the going gets tough. We persevere to the finish line. We're not at the finish line just yet, but we'll get there! Proverbs 31:17 "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

Last night, we breathed a sign of relief for all that we had accomplished, even though there are what seems to be tons more of boxes yet to be opened. But, we'll get it done, because like the girl in this photo, life may throw us some fast balls (gotta work with speed), curve balls -- left and right (aching legs and feet) -- but we've got bats, and God has taught us how to swing. So....batter up, Strong Women! It does fit....so let's own it!