Jennifer Hudson

>> L O S T<<

>>> The Final Season.

>>>> Starting TONIGHT

>>>>> February 2nd on ABC!!

“If we can’t live together…we’re gonna die alone!” - Jack, Season 1.

I can’t believe it’s finally here. I’ve been waiting for this moment and it’s finally here…Yes, we are LOST FANATICS!! Most of the seasons, we have watched via DVD, because we would skip a show or two, and in Lost-world, that means, you are totally lost. I really could go back and watch every single episode again, from start to end, and would love every minute. The hidden meanings, the conversations, the christian parallels, the thrill of what’s about to happen next. Eeeeehhh!!!

I’m such a lost fan that…

…if I had a baby, she would be wearng this every Tuesday.

…I am thinking about hosting a weekly “island party” in my home

…I have actually followed the “Real Hurley’s” blog, Dispatches from the Island, for several years now

…I watch every minute of the “Extras” and “Directors Comments” on the Series DVD’s

…I have read the entire Wikipedia page for “Lost TV” -  yes…including episode recaps

I really like how ABC, catches up the ‘others’ who may not have watched every episode for the last 6 years, in a ‘starter kit: know what’s happening‘ video.  It’s actually a nice little refresher, if you are interested in jumping in on the Lost fun.

This season I plan on catching every episode LIVE, in person, each Tuesday.  So if you call me between the hours of 7pm and 8pm central, you know where I’ll be!

I saw this video on the Real Hurley’s blog. It’s sooo funny!  My brother thought it was oh-so-stupid, and so did our mother. But, I laughed so much, I had to share.  This must have been ONE hilarious family night.

thanks: Mattson Creative and The Landline

Do you ever have those moments, ironic-type moments when you realize that, what you are saying does not match what you are doing? Isn’t it Ironic…don’t you think? (ok, enough Alanis lyrics this week–the 90’s are stuck in my brain lately!)

For instance…/em>
Eating Oreo’s and watching Biggest looser. (check)

Putting the last bag from Target into the trunk of the car, while talking about debt reduction (check, check, check!)

So the millionaire man and I found ourselves in the kitchen around 2 am this weekend…after sleeping for oh 2 hours, we both had one of those weird, I’m changing my sleep habits and were starving for bacon and eggs moments. To which he whipped up the meal of the century while I watched from the couch. Ahhh. Good times. K- so anyway. We started small chatting about what woke us up in the first place. I started thinking back and said, well, I never really went to sleep, I just kept laying there thinking, thinking, thinking…at first it was about the previous day, then it was about the next day, then it was about next week. The action plan of life kept playing out on the stage in my brain. But my biggest – most daring thought is my deep down desire to get over this weight issue, once and for all.

Many of my more noble female counterparts are out smokin’ that scale, in Weightlossville. They are actually successful, changing their lives and accomplishing goals. Actually making it happen, instead of talking about when it’s “going” to happen.

So. Here we are, 2 a.m, in my ironic moment, enjoying the most delicious sandwich. Bacon, cheese and yes, fried egg with just a tiny bit of mayo, smashed together between a fresh toasted sesame seed bun! mmmmm…it was soo good. And when the sandwich is not enough, I dig out the Doritos, the mother-of-all-taste-buds bag, and dig into a few rounds of cheesy fingers. And I’m telling my sexy chef just how irritated I am with myself for my current reading on the big mean fat scale. And I really need him to fly Jillian Michaels out here on our jet to come kick my big butt all over the gym. I mean what’s it going to take? As I dip in for my round two, I tell him, with orange crumbles falling onto my pink robe, how I JUST heard Dave Ramsey say that “you have to get a healthy disgust with your situation in order to start making changes.” And the chat turned hysterical as he looked at me as I’m gazing lovingly with doe shaped eyes back into my delectable bag of Doritos, and simply says with his perfect used to wear braces smile, “Baby! You are eating chips straight out of the bag, honey, I think the first step might be to simply start now.” Ok, 2 more chips, and then we are done…forever…ok, maybe 3, no 4. OK, that’s IT!!!

The January first, new year, new me day has come and gone. So this weekend, I decided to take my rich mans advice and simply start now, after all it’s the first of February and who says I can’t start now? It’s baby steps people!

Life is a funny, funny thing, as Alanis said, >>like ten thousand spoons when all you need is knife… Aaahhhh, I can look back at seasons where I could barely catch my breath from all the “doing,” believing the mis-truth in my heart that surely I was doing ‘as unto the Lord’ because I was giving all of myself wholly to the world. A self-sacrificer, or maybe a selfish-sacrificer, nonetheless.

At the turn of my third decade on this earth, last summer, those “secret of life” questions began resounding in my heart. There must be more than to have given so much only be left empty, broken and hurting. I’ve learned the hard way, being busy will never fix those things.

In a conversation with my love, my millionaire man (well, maybe not yet, but I see that much worth in him now), we were talking about this concept of life and purpose and our passions. How many people get to truly do what they love everyday…very few. They say they love it, but that’s because they have to. Truly, truly waking up, jumping up each day exhilarated beyond measure to pursue the day, would, to me, mean living life to the fullest. What would living out our passions truly look like? What would the world begin to look like? Could we change our world, if everyone pursued their soul-purpose?

The windows of my heart seem so buried under the layers of life, that three decades into it, I find it difficult sometimes recall that “original recipe” of what I was created to be. You remember how the “New Coke” was so messed up – nobody wanted it? We all wanted Classic Coke back, that’s where its at people! Sometimes I think we just have to take time to humble ourselves, and say, Ok, so I tried, this and I tried that and it did not work. So now I’m going back to the place where I originally started, the road I was originally on, before I took that wrong turn, and I’m starting there. Going to a place way back in the recesses of my mind and heart to rekindle my “original passion.” This week, I’ve been stirred by a noble theme, as the psalmist David says, as I recite my verses before my king.

Colossians 3:17 “whatever you do in word or deed” was heavy on my mind the past few days. I’m relating it to my new passion theory: “that my doing unto the Lord should only be done through a heart of original intent, full of passion, spilling over with words, and deeds.” Our passions, from Christ will somehow always revolve around Colossians 3. I believe that anyone’s true passion can be found by meditating on this chapter.

He starts by telling us to get rid of the junk! Our psalmist also says, “guard your heart, for it is the heart is the wellspring of life.” It’s clear, the heart is like a wellspring, when that spring gets clogged up, nothing will work right. The issues of life, and our sins can prevent us from functioning/flowing with our true life passion. Throw out the sin issues, that’s step one. (which, btw, is super easy. just ask Jesus. yup, that’s it.)

Then he tells us, now that we are holy (um, just cleaned up through prayer), we can have super fun, adding some decorations to the place, and getting some new clothes, like compassion, and kindness, humility, gentleness and patience – oh those are so much fun!! And they look good too.

It’s all about spiritual maturity (as my millionaire man preaches to me daily.) Growing up in Christ means changing out our old with our new. yes, it’s scary and may be difficult (letting go of the past hang ups or addictions). But living a life FREE from sin, and bondage truly is rewarding and unbelievably good.

From that point, our spring starts blossoming with trees and flowers, Lilly pads and birds. Ok, maybe I’m illlustrating too much of my own perfect stream here, but my point is – that’s when the Beauty starts to happen (something I preach to my millionaire man daily. lol) We become Beautiful creations in Christ. Peaceful, Thankful. And showing others the way to obtain their own beautiful wellstream.

So yes, Passion. Real Passion, starts with a pure heart. Join me in seeking God, for that “pure and holy passion – one magnificent obsession – one glorious ambition for my life – to know when to follow hard after you…”

As my friend Candi Pearson Shelton sings it (yes, well ok, so we were on choir tour a few summers together in high school). A song, from one on of the greatest worship albums ever, Passion’s One Day live:

thanks: super talented brother

People have asked me a lot lately, what do I do all day? With all that time on my hands? No job, no kids, and NO TV? wha-t?? As if those are the only two things a woman in “my condition” should be doing (a 30 year old gal, living in southern America.) I answer: “Weeeeell, (deep breath) my life is pretty full actually. Clipping coupons (yeah, right), cooking, cleaning, shopping and watching Grey’s Anatomy on Hulu, only when I have the time, of course (fake yawn)”

– Actually the first three are just first impression bits. When i say cooking, I actually mean stopping off at Subway on my way home from shopping, then “cooking” a batch of pull-apart Pillsbury cookie dough to eat while I watch every drama and reality TV Show Hulu has to offer. And by cleaning I mean, straightening the pillows on the couch and closing the door to the bedrooms. Yes, I live quite the busy life these days. But there is no resentment here when I peer beyond my back fence to the private schools across the main road buzzing with busy lives…well maybe I’m a teeny bit curious, but that’s the “future soccer mom wanna-be” in me.

You see, ‘busy’ has really never been a good friend to me in years past, so I’m choosing to embrace these unusual days, this slower season of life. They are after all, precious and rare. And I am certain for reason beyond my knowing, that it’s my “lot” to embrace my cup with pride, on behalf of all womankind. Ok, so I’ve watched a few too many red-carpet interview videos from E! online today.

I was reminded this morning in the quiet of the day the truth about truly living and “doing” as unto Christ. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” I’ve mis-interepreted that word to mean that all my busy-mess must be done in the name of the Lord. But after reading this passage in entirety, including the preceeding scriptures I’m understanding today that all of our words and deeds, should be consumed in doing “the name of the Lord.” What can we “do” to represent the name of the Lord? Well, many things are mentioned here – u can journey that one on your own, but I’ll mention the first: clothe yourselves with compassion.

So what am I doing today you ask? I’m clothing myself with compassion. I’m worshiping in his Presence, and I’m waiting, quietly in his embrace as Rita sings my life song today:

Lately Africa has been tugging on my heart strings. Maybe it’s all the breath taking images of Haiti. They remind me of a life beyond my big southern world. I confess, many times, I’m the girl, who changes the channel at the commercials of the hurting and homeless, avoiding articles about charities and stories of compassion. Simply, because it grips a place in my heart so deeply that I’ve mastered the skill of piling all those emotions into the closet of my heart and putting the chair against the doorknob to seal it shut.

On May 1st, 2000 – I packed my bags and my heart, and I boarded a plane to Johannesburg, South Africa. When I returned on May 29th, my bags were in hand, but my chest was completely empty…and soo full at the same time. At twenty years old, it only took one journey to change my life forever. For many years I have said that I left my heart there. The images, the aroma’s, the sounds in my ears, were all a symphony of sweetness to my soul. The hurting country somehow helped heal my hurting heart, more than my songs, I believe, ever helped heal them. I was in that place, a tiny chasm of time, where passion met purpose. And oh, I’ve tried to journey there through other ventures…but nothing quite satisfies.

But there is a place where I can go,
that Jesus only knows…
a place of quiet peace,
of love and perfect stillness.
On my knees, in sweet embrace,
in the chamber of that secret place.
The gentle waves of grace and praises
exchange from the Fathers heart to mine.
At his feet I find my rest, behind the veil
a place where my heart will be made well.

When I stepped that first foot off the plane, walking into Africa, there is a feeling…nothing to see, nothing to experience, just a feeling…many have shared…an overwhelming mixed moment of fullness, and disbelief, joy and so much more – deeply indescribable. And that’s just the very first step of the journey! We haven’t even arrived in the memories of my visits to orphanages or the safari’s or the cities yet! The first step was amazing, a moment I will remember forever.

Lately, the ‘groaning earth’ has disturbed that fault line inside my heart, to a 7.0-type shaking. I’m feeling the beats again, and hearing the songs of children, awakening my heart to childhood dreams.

But ten years later, my slightly more realistic mind tells me that the adventures to the deep may be too far out of reach, and that I should settle back in with my cup of coffee and my wireless internet connection and reach out to them by simply texting those five digits to my favorite charity, and moving on with my day. I’ve wrestled with this of late. Giving or Going. Which is my part?

As I sat under the southern hemisphere stars one night during my journey, I asked my Big God a Big question: How long will it be before I can journey back to this land and this people I have fallen so in love with? Immediately that voice in my heart gently whispered….’10 years.’ My heart sank, and I pleaded to have mis-understood. 10 months, 10 weeks, but not 10 years! I was a woman in love, swept away with a new passion for sharing the Love of Christ to a dark continent. Nothing else mattered. No hair, nail or makeup treatment even compared. And even somehow here we are, at the mark, and my heart is questioning this year, this moment. Did I make the most of my time? Am I ready? Is it really time?

The door to that place of passion in my heart has been closed pretty tightly in the past ten years. Sitting in a third floor cubicle, expected to place mutual fund trades by market close, pushing away images of big white smiles, and dusty streets. At a brunch with bosses and new clients, smelling chaffing dish burners and rushing to the hallway, to breathe deeply, as to not cry with memories of the auroma of Africa.

A few nights ago, someone (one of those friends who is usually on the other line talking to Jesus) called me out of the blue, and in the midst of my questioning heart, she spoke to that place deep inside of me. She said, ‘Jennifer, I had the weirdest dream this morning. (She joined my heart and went on her first Medical Missions trip to Africa last September!) – I was IN Africa again, stepping off the plane, and I heard the attendant say ‘Mind Yo’r He-ad’ (as they say in their British/African accents.)” – Instead of our English version “Watch your feet!” they say, “Mind your Head.” I have no idea the origin of this little ditty…but her dream details were like words from my Father in Heaven! Majestic! A reminder to me today, to Look up! Don’t get bogged down thinking about it. Just step over, into your dreams! and — Mind Your Head!

thanks: maybemaq & mcleod

So apparently, it’s Doppelgänger week on facebook…Ok, I’ll have fun with this one, since I skipped out on the last “change your profile pic” week, and the recent post your bra-color day. This one is all about your famous twin! Who do people say you look like? Just change your profile picture to someone famous (actor, musician, athlete) you have been told you look like for the week, post a message to your profile and message your friends with it!

I have been told I look like Drew Barrymore…more times than I can count. My favorite image of her is in her Cinderella flick, ‘Ever After,’ it’s the scene that always makes me gasp for breathe, when she appears at the royal ball transformed from a frumpy farm girl into the beautiful princess. Oh to have a hair and makeup guy as your best friend! (like Jess Simpson’s Ken Paves!)

She is not my favorite ‘real life‘ person, but as a child of the 80’s, she will always have a special place in my heart. I remember watching Drew on screen, during my first ever movie theater experience in 1985 as she played little “Gertie” in the re-release of E.T. Oh that was a memorable night! My family had been camping in the mountains and we decided to go see a movie to get away from all the Indian summer mosquitoes! I’m pretty sure my brothers fell asleep, but at six years old, I remember being mesmerized by a little blond haired girl and her alien friend lighting up that giant screen. Looking at the stars on the way home that night out of the back of our new Dodge Caravan, kept me awe struck.

My Facebook profile is changed this week, in honor of all my 80’s memories, and all the people who stop me on the street to tell me I look like Drew Barrymore – even though, I really don’t see it!

What in the world are you talking about? We’ll I’m telling you that I truly love your blog-thoughts and I’m going to read you consistently.

So, mac friends, I ask you…Do you use the RSS feature in your mac Mail yet?? I just figured out the “show in inbox” feature several months ago and I’m loving it – so I thought I would share with my other mac family members who are dog paddling their way through the Mac’lantic like me, how all this really works.

RSS, u may know is just a simple way of saying “what’s new on this site” or “keep me informed when they post something new here.” Well, I tend to forget to go check out all my pal’s blogs and I often find myself playing catch up and reading the last 30 posts of my bestie’s life journey…omg, You had a baby? What???

I am, however, in the religious habit of knocking out that little RED number above my mac mail eagle-soaring inbox. So, I thought to myself, I wish there were a way I could just get my friends new posts into my inbox, since it’s “sooooo much trouble” now to actually click that bookmark link in my browser….so once again, the Mac’lantic life-savers came to my rescue.

I’m using Firefox (but Safari has this built in feature as well) – just go to your favorite website, like your daily news, or your favorite friends blog, and click the little blue RSS button on the right side of the web address box (or you can click ‘Bookmarks,’ then ‘Subscribe to this page’). The button looks like this in Firefox:

A drop down box appears with options, just click “Subscribe to RSS” (not sure yet if it matters which one, but I choose RSS 2.0). Click “Specify a Custom Feed URL” – the URL (or link) should already be listed in the box…THEN, this is the fun part, make sure the BOX is checked “Show in Inbox.” And Voilà! You’re done!

Now go open that little eagle-soarin’ Mail application, select View, Show Mailboxes. Look down the list in the box on the left to see the RSS folder. Open it, and you shall see your new pal’s blog, with most likely the last 10 – 20 posts (and they should have popped into your Inbox as well.) IF you want to just READ the blog post in the RSS folder instead of your inbox, right-click on the RSS box for that feed, and simply uncheck ’show in inbox.’ happy RSS’ing.

This morning I woke up like any other Sunday, stumbling into the kitchen around 8ish, grabbing the airtight canister of my Starbucks Guatemala Antigua beans, with their “subtle cocoa texture and gentle spice flavors,” to help percolate my morning. With the beans freshly ground, and my Hamilton Beach coffee carafe filling up, I then turn around to prepare the oven for my 30-year standing Sunday morning tradition (thanks Dad and mom) of Pillsbury Cinnamon rolls, with icing. Yes, the 8-pack kind in the round refrigerated can. Mmmmmm. A tasty combo.

But as the morning progressed closer to our go-time, the subtle cocoa texture kicking in my brain alerted me that my millionaire man was not hopping into to his regular routine. “Bless his heart” the guy strained a big-bad muscle at work Friday morning, had to take a trip to the Doc and get some meds & has spent the major part of the weekend rotating shifts with the heating pack. Last night we went to our other job, “facilities management” (i.e. cleaning the church) and I think he over did it. Having just cranked up iTunes Radio to some get-me-going worship, I canceled my 20 minute makeup session with Mary Kay and sent texts to alert the media that we would not be in our usual ‘front row’ seats for morning worship. Then I settled in for Plan B: a long-loved adventure with going to church online.

Being the marketing thinker that I am, I started wondering ‘How in the world did I ever stumble onto Gateway Church Live today?’ Ok, lets trace back my (insert crazy backwards ‘Shorewood‘ YouTube video) random twitter clicking steps using a numeric list…

1. The ultimate “click” to Gateway Live, came when I spotted my new ‘follow’ Vince Marotte, @locustfist on Twitter, saying ‘we’re live @ gateway.”

2 which really was led by me logging into Tweetie and seeing a precious digital friend (we met through twitter last year, i think tweeting about reality TV?) – posting that SHE was visiting LifeChurch.TV (I am an avid fan of Craig Groschel’s weekly podcasts), and I thought OH yeah, that’s what i can do today – go to church online!! And I then I had a feeling that I wanted to look into a NEW place. —-> immediately after that post was Vince’s link to gateway, and I thought, “Okay, lets see…”

3. But why was I following @locustfist to begin with? Well, He’s a guest contributor for a new site I discovered just over a week ago, which I am absolutely enamored with called ChurchCrunch. I’ve even logged in on a few intense debate discussions, because i love it sooo much. yes churchcrunch.com, “like” – click.

4. What made me inspired to follow VM on TWTTR anyway? this article, of course.

5. What made that article so special? An end of the year “perspectives list” and conversation with God and my millionaire man, that my Greatest Focus in this new year should revolve around all things Voice – my ‘au natural, who am I down at the core, what did God create me to do’ gift. The first few days reflecting in the new year, I simply could not get past this term/concept “Voice.” I just kept hearing that one word. Nothing else. Whatever that truly encompasses- time will tell. But for this moment, the Church Crunch article struck a ‘vocal’ chord (haha) in me.

6. But how did I come to find this beloved ChurchCrunch? Glad u asked. Besides the fact that I love combining church with technology, what led me there? Well, I’ve been an active RSS-er of TechCrunch, a site for all things tech. For me it’s truly like trying to dog paddle through the Atlantic Ocean, but I find the ’sparkly water’ of the tech world intriguing and exhilarating. And as I usually do, I pop in occasionally to ‘get my tech on.’ But 8 days ago, I opened the RSS link to watch the Crunchies (because for some reason winning awards and watching Award Shows just flips my pancakes!) I was so jazzed and ready to watch some great award ceremony, with shiny gold statues, and grand finale music, wardrobe changes, and out of this world graphics and lighting! Aaaahhhh!! — But, No-Can-Do, ultra geeks, I guess a little pomp and circumstance is not your thing. Needless to say, my twitter ranting says it all…disappointing indeed! While my TechCrunch RSS is still active, watching the Crunchies will never be on my list of things to do again, ever.

(hang on – i’m getting somewhere)

7. …so I’m so ticked with the disappointment of my Tech world lack-luster award show and I started thinking that night (Eight days ago) – I REALLY wish the CHURCH would offer some kind of “ChurchCrunch?” Man, that would be super cool – I wonder if someone already has? Google search. click. Really? Wow! sweet. An new RSS, that I even ‘allow’ to pop into my inbox!! Love it.

8. But I know by now you are wondering…But Jenn, what led you to go all techie and watch the Crunchies to begin with? Glad u asked. After surfing back through, my twitter clicks – I found where it all started…Da da da dummmm. Here, with this post, from @davidrussell – my all time techHero (2nd’d to dad, of course, the techGenius). The music is playing and a super-model like figure presents the lovely statue to our winner, but this time, Kanye is NOT allowed in the building. My ‘little’ brother, @davidrussell is a greatly anointed minister and church techie. I am certainly following his footsteps with this whole technology in the church thing. But I realized today, that my steps into ‘one of the greatest internet campus experiences I have ever had’ with @g8wayaustin, can be traced back 8 days ago to one little inspirational tweet. Thanks Dave. ~

There are so many articles, forums, blogs & coffee shop chats about church online, i.e. “Internet Campuses” – bottom line: Can they truly achieve real fellowship (church speak for social interaction or community)? Well, my fellow digital coffee shop friend sitting across from me today, I would have to ask – Have you ever been to an internet campus?? You’ll have to see this for yourself…

_________________________________
Personal Reflections about Gateway Live:
I’m not sure, but I think this might be a sort of new project for them, with a bit of beta testing, the graphics and interface were seamless and eye-appealing. I was actually overwhelmed at one point with a real sense, an actual feeling, of Community and belonging. It was definitely Holy Spirit inspired and anointed. the people/leaders in the “room” had huge caring hearts and a knack for socializing. First Impression: through the roof!

The lead pastor, whom I have never seen before or heard of, is a fabulous orator, I really enjoyed listening to his voice. He comes across very balanced, maybe even low key, like polite and poised, but from his message, we hear that he is all together like the rest of us creative peps, high strung and easily distracted.

A few thoughts from Pastor John Burke’s Message this AM @ Gateway Church life.
“if peter can be deceived – anyone can be deceived” Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way…psalm 139:23-24

Have you ever been sitting at home, and the caller-id says “by best friend is calling” – you know, the one who lives a million miles away and you haven’t seen in forever? And you get this big warm smile on your face, and you snuggle into the couch, because you know it’s going to be a while? It’s an hour your gonna enjoy spending.

I truly count it an incredible blessing that God chose my life to be lived in the 21st century. I LOVE all forms of technology, and often find myself in a media tilt-o-whirl, screaming for more! Like that feeling you get half way through the ride, when you are over the nervousness and you think to yourself, as soon as I get off here, I’m buying more tickets so I can do this again! However, in today’s ultra-fast, media-based, electronic world, we have somehow ended up conversating via 140 characters per moment.

Friends are precious gifts from God. Cultivating that friendship can be achieved through social-media tools. And as rewarding as a DM or @reply can be – it still in no way compares to the ever precious voice mail that says, “Hey girlfriend, I was just thinking about you and I miss you – I miss dropping by your house on my way home from work to rant about my work drama! I miss my Jenn-time.” (like the one I received last week that I listened to four times, and made my husband listen to twice that was followed with an hour-long skype session with that precious gal)

Oh! I miss you too real-life friend! Lets not forget today to take time for social engagement, and not just interaction. So go plan a “friendly drive by” and call them up and tell them I’ll be there in 5 minutes for a quick Chick-Fil-A sweet tea run. You never know how special you will make them feel…just between friends!

photo via: lorimarsha

Just as I was getting snug in bed, in the quiet of the night, the answers to all of the recent big GOD questions started coming in like a flood. I could have jumped up and stayed up all night filtering through this new revelation, but for the first time in many nights, the post-it-note-pen-and-bible-by-the-bed-routine pays off.

#1 What does it take to really fight the enemy?

#2 How can we truly be delivered / set free from our struggles that so easily beset us?

I have been personally experiencing the unexplainable roller coaster myself, this past winter. And, somehow recently the Lord led me to three conversations with young women just like myself who have struggled with the winter blues (I prefer to call it the mean reds) or the roller coaster ride of life struggles . The word says no weapon formed against will not prosper. Which tells us that even though they may come close or even snag us, they will not last, their mission will not succeed. Thank you Jesus for giving us success over our adversary.

Growing up the daughter of a Children’s Pastor, I am often reminded of simple little illustrations to help even my biggest adult dilemmas. This week, I’m reminded of one of dad’s many real-life characters, “Tom the Toolman” *arrgh, arrgh* – a spin off of Tim ‘The Toolman’ Taylor from Home Improvement. He was equipped with power drill, tool belt, safety glasses – and seemed to always get himself in trouble by making the adults choke with laughter…but that’s another story.

Question one and two, are found in the tool belt, the all powerful belt of truth. The Lord showed me that without this belt we are defenseless to the enemies lies. It’s a vital peice of our armor, and we can be destroyed, our well-being, our mental and emotional state, and even our life can be destroyed if this one tiny piece of armor is not in tact.

What’s in the spiritual tool belt that I wear everyday? My bible of course…I actually physically take it with me most places. Note cards & Sharpies to jot out moment altering scriptures. A book called, “God’s Creative Power” by Charles Capp (learning to declare the word of God) along with other Christian study books, online podcast messages and of course plenty of worship tunes — a YouTube or Itunes Worship Playlist (Jason Upton, Hillsong, Rita Springer, Christ for the Nations). Without these tools active in my life I become defenseless to the “lying arrows” that are coming my may.

God’s truth in our life is amazing. His perspective is the best one to possess, because it’s the only RIGHT, TRUE one. If things in your life are turned upside down, start activating the belt of truth tools and reclaim all the benefits they behold: true joy, true wealth, true love, real relationship, real peace, real life!