"Don't give up the ship. God didn't promise us a bed of roses," is what my great-aunt Eileen told me one day when I had gone to visit, and was in a 'feeling sorry for myself' mood. I had finally felt comfortable letting down my inhibitions, to speak to her woman to woman, instead of great-aunt to great-niece. My confidence was shaken up a bit when she didn't feel sorry for me. She didn't pat me on my shoulder and say "there, there, I understand, it's 'gonna be alright." No, I walked away dejected and angry. I felt lost because I had no one in whom to confide in, and the person I had just told said "Don't give up the ship!" You know what it did? It made me dig my heels in and resolve that I was 'gonna make it no matter what, and I was not going to give in and I was not going to give up. Sometimes when you get angry it stirs up strength.

It is written "24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil." Ephesians 4:24-27

The bible says anger gives a foothold to the devil, so we can't direct it towards a person. But anger towards a situation can actually drive you to take the first step towards changing things for the better, and it conjures up a winning attitude, so your spirit doesn't give in to giving up.

We are in a spiritual war and the devil wants to oppress us; wants to oppress me; would love for me to quit writing God's Word; and would love to see me quit and give up, but you know what? I'm not giving up and I'm not giving in, so devil, "Watch me." Praise God we have His Word to lean on and His strength from His Spirit within all whom believe in Jesus. Praise God we can go to His throne because of what Jesus did for us. So, we can begin our day by putting on the whole armor of God, and here it is!

Ephesians 6:10-20 The Whole Armor of God

"10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on 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 and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should."

I continued through verses 19 and 20 because as Paul was asking for prayer, so am I. And also I'm thanking all who have been praying for me during the last two weeks of my grief and mourning. Thank you. And I also thank God for sending Jesus to us, for it is by our faith in Him and belief in His Word that we have our hope in the Lord. Trusting in God and His mercy are what brings me through each day.

And, praise God He teaches us how to fight!

Psalm 144

A psalm of David.

"1 Praise the LORD, who is my rock.

He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.

2 He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer.

He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.

He makes the nations submit to me."