My Defender - 04/20/12 - 2 Sam 2:1-3:5, 1 Chron 3:1-4, 2 Sam 23:8-17, 1 Chron 11:10-19, 2 Sam 23:18-39, 1 Chron 11:20-47.

"Joab and his men then marched all night, arriving in Hebron as the dawn broke".(2 Sam 2:32)

I think about how much God defends me.......and mostly I am unaware of the different ways, the extent.  When mowing or weed eating along the road, I think about angels guarding our backs against the cars coming towards us.  With a blink of an eye...........

I think about how He and His army never stop.  This verse causes me to have a vision of His vast army, marching as one, headed for battle - for me.  For His family. 

They say it is always darkest before the dawn.  It seems when we are in a trial, or valley, when it seems there is no hope - His army arrives - at dawn.  How I have to remind myself that He is always there with me - every step.  We are so unaware of the whole spiritual battle raging around us.  He isn't.  He is right there in the thick of it all - guiding, protecting, keeping the peace - my Commander in Chief. 

What a comfort I receive knowing this, that He is on the march........all night long.  That He always, always arrives as dawn breaks.  That in the death of His Son - my Savior - He arose and won the battle over the grave - over sin.  I love that I know I am on the side that won. 

That I belong to an army that is always marching, taking up the call to win others to Him. 

RELIEF -04/17/12 - I Sam 23:13-29, Psalm 54, I Sam 24:1-25:44

        "Saul went in to relieve himself" (1Sam 24:3)








Did you know that when He made us, there were many, many things that we all have alike.  One of them is the fact we all have to "relieve" ourselves.  It amazes me that He used basically the same "ingredients" to create us, yet not one - not even identical twins - have the same exact face.  Out of all the millions, billions of faces, bodies, personalities He created - each one is unique.

And yet, I still allow myself to be intimidated by another human.  I sometimes allow myself to "wilt" into the background when around someone "who has their act all together".  To want to " hide and not come out" when bullied.  Or when during work, when I am dirty, not in the most up to date outfit, and have to go into a store or gas station - I cringe if a well dressed woman looks down her nose at me. 

That is the times I hear Him tell me, "Deby, they go to the bathroom just like everyone else", and I smile.  I love, love my Daddy's sense of humor - even if He is sternly reminding me the I am His, His beloved and precious daughter.  Then He causes me to think about their insides.  No, not the organs, etc., but their lives.  Just because they are dressed to the nines, driving a fancy new car, doesn't mean they have their life "all together".  Doesn't mean they have everything paid for, happy marriage, good kids, and most of all - Do they know my Lord, Savior?  Is the Holy Spirit dwelling within them?  Do they chew on His Word throughout the day?  And then He lets me know that I haven't a clue what they are really thinking, what all is going on in their lives.

I am growing - I am more "Godfident" - I am focused on Him so much more throughout my days.  It is because His Word reinforces where satan and self tear down.  It is a habit I took up when very young, to beat myself up.  Tear me down.  Before anyone else could.  So often, He causes me to realize that the way I speak to me, about me, I would never do to someone else.  So why do I do that to one of His chosen?  Me. 

He has also helped me take my focus off of me, to leave my pity party and join Him.  In doing this, I have found that I am more than likely not to take things personal like I used to.  He helped me realize, "It isn't all about me"!  And how much more I enjoy the fruits of the Spirit.  How much I enjoy the burden, stress being gone. What a "relief" to be rid of all the things that bring me down - that are toxic to my spiritual, emotional, physical being.

How much more I enjoy life.

Oh, what a "relief" it is living in/for Him!

His Light - 05/08/12 - Psalm 22-26

"Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.  I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life."(Psalm 23:6)

When I was seventeen, I moved from a town of maybe 100 people to Chicago.  The very naive farm girl was in the middle of the big city - very big city.  A few months ago, when I was there visiting Nichalas and Amber, we went downtown and walked through the old building I used to work in.  It amazed me after 33 years much of it was the same.  I worked for a freelance logo designer.  It was a very fun job with different hours.  "Back then" we would take different pictures in stores for ideas, presentations to the clients were done throughout the regular working hours and at night we would do the layouts, drawing, etc.  There wasn't photo shop back then - everything was pretty much from scratch and by hand.  I really enjoyed the work and the hours didn't bother me. 

At the time, I lived in a suburb and would take the train home.  Many, many times to save money, I would walk across downtown to catch the last train home - usually after midnight.  To save time - I would cut through alleys, side streets, etc.  I was so naive - it didn't occur to me the dangers I was walking though.  Back then, I didn't even recognize a gay couple.  I didn't know what it meant when they told me the elevator man was "an old queen", just nodded my head like I did. 

Today - I kinda miss looking at the world through those innocent eyes.

Many, many times over the years when I think about how many, many, many times I walked through "dangerous places" - it is without a doubt I know His hedge of protection was about me.  It still is.  I often say that my guardian angels probably have gray hair or no hair from all the stress I put them through! 

When I think about the darkness of the alley's I cut through, I can see that His light was behind me. In my minds eye, I can actually see His bright light following me through my memories.  I once heard that there is no such thing as darkness, only the void of light.  His light was always there.

Is always here. 

No matter how dark I feel it is - His light is there - somewhere - I just need to "focus" on it. 

My heart is overwhelmed knowing that "He always chased after me."  That I came to my senses and let Him capture me.

That " I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."

UNBROKEN - 1 Kings 2:1-9, 2 Sam 23:1-7, 1 Kings 2:10-12, 1 Chron 29:26-30,Psalm4-6, 8-9, 11

"For you, God, have put my life back together."(Psalm 4:8)  "we can look him straight in the eye." (Psalm 11:7)

In our sermon last week, Chuck talked about making the broken, unbroken and using it for Him. 

I instantly thought about my marriage. 


Less than 10 years ago, Curt and I were separated.  It had been over 20 years of a cycle that I just couldn't stay in anymore.  I was dying - mentally, physically and spiritually. There were issues from the past, we weren't a team in anything.  In the company, I was in charge of mowing.  Curt handled the spraying, landscaping, etc.  and he wasn't doing it.  While I was working my bum off, he was playing golf, poker, or just shooting the breeze at the shop.  Not only did he move out of the house, I pulled out of our combined business and started my own company.  We were headed down the road to divorce.

The sad part of all of this time was that underneath all the anger, resentment, lack of trust, and hurt - we still loved each other.  Before he moved out, we went to different church leaders and although they listened to Curt admit and request accountability, we never received any from them.  I grew so angry at the church.  I stopped going every Sunday and when I did attend - I slipped in and out quickly - not talking to anyone.  I was not only hurt by my husband, but also my church.  I heard over and over from these leaders how the church needed to grow in accountability - yet none was given to my husband.  We tried counseling, and came away feeling  justified to call it quits. 

And then, God really stepped in.

Through a friend we were introduced to a counselor that gave Curt the type of help he needed.  I knew I had faults too, and began to change and forgive.  We began to unload and trust again.  We were allowing our love for each other be bigger than the problems. 

He fixed us.  He knew better than we did that that is what our hearts desired.

Because I was no longer carrying Curt's company, it folded and he went to work for his cousins who are in the concrete business.  It required him to be gone 2-3 weeks at a time, living in a motel with guys who weren't Christians.  This situation really opened his eyes to what he had at home.  It also opened my eyes to what was gone from our home - him.  I remember one Sunday night as he was preparing to leave, we sat at the kitchen table, neither one wanting time to go forward and we cried.  Neither one wanted to be apart from each other anymore.  (Don't you love how God rekindles love). 

God then blessed His business in a way that it would support us and Curt was able to come back home.  I was thinking the other day how hard he works now, how much of a team we are - not only in the business, but with everything.  I love looking across a property and seeing him on a mower or weed eating.  Just getting to look at him, spend time with him, talk with him, every day is such a wonderful gift.  We love making our new house, "our home".  Being a true family with our kids.  It was said between us more than once on Nichalas' wedding day how thankful God kept us together.  We couldn't have imagined celebrating it with anyone else.  It grew us closer to lean on each other as our kids have moved out of the home - knowing each felt that New York is a long, long ways away.  I love that we have each other to miss our kids together. 

Today, how we have changed!  Curt and I are in His Word everyday.  We pray together daily, we discuss scriptures, dreams, goals, life.  We are each others best friend.  When we are apart - we actually really miss each other.  Our home is used for Him  - a decision we both made together.  God has used us to help others as they struggle in their marriage.  I have overcome my anger towards church and also at God.  I felt like He had let me down - I had done "all the right things" at the time nothing was given.  He opened my eyes to see that it was about His time, His way - not mine.  This was more about Curt's growth - than mine.  Yes, He told me my faults - but my heart was already sold out to Him.  The main reason Curt and I were divided was he wasn't sold out to God and I was. 

This was about drawing Curt to Him.  And He did.  How much joy I have now that we walk together - that we learn and grow from each other.  I am so blessed that my husband has become the spiritual leader of our family.  How much smoother life in our home is, for that is his place - not mine. 

I never take for granted that He is the Almighty God.  He is also my Daddy.  I am able to "look Him straight in the eye" and see how much He loves me.   He isn't some far off God - He has held me close all my life, I just didn't realize that most of the time!  Just like our marriage.  When I thought it was almost finished, He was using it to draw us closer to Him.  For Him.

God made the broken unbroken.

GARBAGE - 05/05/12 - 1 Chron 29:1-22, 1 Kings 1:1-53

"And give my son Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart so that he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel"(1 Chron 29:19)

Sometimes when I reflect back on my past, when I was single, my role as a wife and mommy, I cry.  I cry because hind site really is 20/20.  So many things I did/have done wrong. 

Such a burden removed when I see that He is so much bigger than my mistakes. 

Curt and I brought into our marriage so much garbage from our past.  It has taken years to break the mold and follow God's plan.  What a difference in living that has made! 

satan loves when I start beating myself up with regrets.  When I think about instances, what I did, said, I feel sick inside.  he loves when I pack this bag of garbage around and allow it to interfere in my life with God.  There is a reason for His command in Philippians 4:8-9,

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."

All we are to focus on is what He is.  We are to focus on Him.  I so pray that Adam, whomever his future bride is,  Nichalas and Amber, all our future generations,  have an uncluttered and focused heart for Him.  I so pray that they will obey Him and live by His directions and counsel.  This is my prayer for Curt and myself too.  To focus on His truths. 

I love how He is cleansing my heart - taking out the garbage so to speak! 

I don't know if this is true or not, but it helps illustrate how a cluttered and unfocused heart can consume all of you.  In ancient Rome there was a form of capital punishment which was gruesome and terrifying. The idea was that if you murdered someone, your victim’s corpse was then chained to your back. As the sun beat down on you and as days and weeks passed, rancid odours would nauseate you as the body rotted and decayed. Infection quickly set in as it seeped into your own body and killed you.

If we allow our mistakes to be our focus, we hinder ourselves for Him.  We are robbing ourselves from the fruits of the spirit.  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness"(Gal 5:21-23)  and the older I am becoming, the more I guard my "treasures' from Him - and that to me is what these fruits are - my treasures. 

"And give my son Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart "so"  that he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel"

The most important word in all of this is "so". 

Only then are we free to be all He has created us to be. 

TRUE FAMILY - 05/04/12 -1 Chron 26:1-28:21

"David continued to address Solomon: "Take charge! Take heart! Don't be anxious or get discouraged. God, my God, is with you in this; He won't walk off and leave you in the lurch. He's at your side until every last detail is completed for conducting the worship of God. You have all the priests and Levites standing ready to pitch in, and skillful craftsmen and artisans of every kind ready to go to work. Both leaders and people are ready. Just say the word." (1Chron 28:20-21)

I am so thankful that our sons know, and I mean know, the Lord.  I am so very thankful that Curt and I have brought our sons up In Him.  I am so thankful since Adam was born, God has been a constant presence and the foundation of our family. 

I am so thankful that He is with them always.  That they aren't ever without Him.  It's a great big world out there.  One that isn't always fair, or kind, or pretty.  But, I do know that our sons look for the good in all situations - they count their blessings.

I take this verse, not only for them, but for myself as well.  In all areas of life - God is here with me.  With both Curt and I.  I was thinking about all the work He has lined up for us, how are we going to get it done!  If I allowed myself to take my focus off of Him, I would be most anxious and stressed!  I haven't even gotten our April end of the month billing done!  Planning to this week.  Have to - or we won't get paid!!! 

What I really love most about these verses is, "He won't walk off and leave you in the lurch".  He's the captain of the ship and no matter what - He stays with it. 

"He's at my side until every last detail is completed for the worship of God." 

This doesn't just pertain to a building - it also pertains to your heart.  That's what He desires - my heart.  He wants it to be completely in worship of Him. 

As I strive towards this goal, I look around and see the "family" of craftsmen and artisans He has supplied in my life to help this become a reality.  I see how He also provided "His family" for the kids in their new homes.  Although I miss them like crazy, I have such a peace knowing He has them where He needs them to be planted.  Just like Curt and myself.  We all follow His lead - and He is using us. 



"His family" - no matter where we are or go.  All we have to do is, "say the word" and they'll come running.  That's how He works  - He doesn't just horn in - He waits to be invited in.

All we have to do is, "say the word".

"Hoarding" - 1 Chron 26:1-28:21

  "the closets for storing all the holy things"(1 Chron 28:12)

I love how He gives me the verses each day. Before reading,I pray to hear when He "speaks" to me. It is such a delight when I actually feel my stomach do a little flip when I "hear" Him.

This morning as I was reading through about the security guards, the financial affairs, military organization, tribal administrators, the temple plans, etc. I kept thinking, "I'm not hearing Him". And then, almost at the end of reading - it leaped out at me - "the closets for storing all the holy things". I immediately thought, "what? what in the world - closets?". I drafted this verse and a couple of others because I was so sure I had "heard" Him wrong.

And tonight, when I opened up my draft - there it was staring me right in the face. And I knew. I had heard Him correctly.

There is an old story about Jesus coming into your "heart" and wanting to have every "room" within. It takes you through the living room, He talks about the TV and what you watch. The kitchen, bath, bedroom, etc. and as you guide Him through - you give over to Him each "room". That is until you come to the end of the hall to the closet. It is there you change from gracious to rude host. You stand in front of the door and are unwilling to open it because you do not want Him to see inside. It's in the "closet" that you have "hidden" everything that serves self and not Him. When I hear of persons walking off and leaving everything, except what is in their closets, then I again recognize that is where their treasure is.  Why God wants to see and know what we keep there.  

It almost physically pains me when I have to "hurry up and hide something" in my organized drawers or closets. That is why I am stressing out over my closets and things not getting gone through this winter.

Curt is a digger. He also doesn't organize very well - doesn't utilize space. He is a "hurry up and put it away" guy. It used to drive me nuts when he would dig through organized areas. Then God transformed my heart and I realized it is a blessing to have him in my life - and "share" my organized areas with him.

This verse tells me that God does provide closets. They aren't a bad thing. It's what you put in them. Are they holy things? Would I be ashamed if I could see persons going through my things when I am gone? How about when God goes through my "closet" in my heart? Sometimes when I am watching something on TV - I hear Him say, "is this holy". It isn't pornography or anything like that - it's just worldly things. I love murder mystery shows, and sometimes the violence is so worldly. I am finding things I really enjoyed - not so much anymore. One good thing about this Blog through The Word is most nights after work, I am writing rather than watching TV. Even reading the paper. satan wants us to become numb or tolerant of the worldly things.

That is why it is so essential to fill my "closet" with His Words to overcome the words of the world. As far as being ashamed. Yes, I fail so often. At times I will catch myself thinking unloving thoughts......towards someone who has "done me wrong". I need to be praying and forgiving. At times, I am totally focused on "self" and not Him. At times I allow anger to stew and the words that come forth, aren't Christlike. At times I am self righteous, judgemental, envious, coveting, lazy, procrastinate, all about self. Right there in the middle of the top shelf. And if I am not submitting to His "cleaning", that stuff will totally consume all of me and my heart.

I am so very thankful that His grace and mercy and all things holy, are also stored in there. He is helping me feel the urgency to "clean" when I am around hoarders. Those that have their "closets" crammed full physically, spiritually, and mentally. It drives me to come home and throw out!

How thankful I am that He is bigger than anything in my "closet" and He is "helping" me clean out my closet.I know that until I die there will always be little dust balls here and there. But, I also know that He will keep on "cleaning" with me no matter what.

All I have to do is stand back and open my "closet" door.

"PROCRASTINATE" -- 2 Sam 24:1-9, 1 Chron 21:1-6, 2 Sam 24:10-17, 1 Chron 21:7-17, 2 Sam 24:18-25, 1 Chron 21:18-22:19

"You're all set—get to work! And God-speed!"  (1Chron 22:16)


David went to such great lengths to prepare the materials Solomon needed to build The Temple. He did it not for the bragging rights that his family was the one, but he did it for the glory of God. David was so excited -you can hear it in his voice.






God brought to my mind the many times He has excitedly prepared me for His work, down to the smallest detail, and instead of jumping on board - I procrastinate.

How many times as a mom did I come up with some "awesome" activity to share with the boys and I was met with the "later mom".

It took the wind out of my sails.

Why do I think that I don't do that to God? Here He is - wanting only the best for me - preparing everything that I need - knowing me better than I do and having on hand the blessings that touch my heart.

And I will greet Him with, "later".

So often I come up with some really lame excuses - "I don't know the right words to say" - "they don't want to have me around" - "I'm tired" - "I'll look really dumb and embarrass you" - really lame.

Then He reminds me yet again - He is in control - it isn't by chance He has me planted where I am, how I am, who I am with - it is all part of His design. And He has "prepared" me.

How selfish I am in the times when I decide "my way" is more important. My body is His temple. He has supplied me with the knowledge of salvation, opportunities to share it, and I say, "later". It is during those times I have decided to choose "self" instead of Him. It is during those times that I missed an opportunity to reach "one more" for Him. It is during those times that I allow all the materials He prepared for me to go unused. To sit idle.

And I don't know why I do this.

The times I jump up in excitement and begin to "build" I receive more blessings than I can even acknowledge. It is the times of serving "Him" instead of "self" that I am really living.

I am praying that no matter the situation - in faith I will "get to work" and never greet Him with, "later".

MY KING - 2 Sam 22:1-51, Psalm 18

Psalm 18

1 I love You, God— You make me strong.
God is bedrock under my feet,
the castle in which I live,
my rescuing Knight.

My dearest Daddy, it is only You, and You alone where I am able to obtain a strength that overpowers anything that comes in my path. You are the solid that I can be sure of when all other steps of life have been in quicksand. You are the King of the Home in which I reside. A castle that is fortified to protect me, to keep me, to treasure me. You are my "rescuing Knight" as no other has ever been to me.


2My God—the high crag
where I run for dear life,
hiding behind the boulders,
safe in the granite hideout.

You are The One whom I climb up to, where I escape to, where I am hidden and protected, safe and secure in the Palm of Your Hand - The Hand that created all - That is in control over all.


3 I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty,
and find myself safe and saved.

My voice is only able to proclaim of You and Your glory - Only You are Worthy of such a song. The music envelopes me and wraps around me - consuming me in You.

4-5 The hangman's noose was tight at my throat;
devil waters rushed over me.
Hell's ropes cinched me tight;
death traps barred every exit.

I once walked in the world - not even aware that I was within the clinches of satan. His lies were deceiving, conniving, they were drawing me in. I was entrapped in a world of darkness, of no hope, of ashes and soot. There was no beauty - only death.

6 A hostile world! I call to God,
I cry to God to help me.
From His palace He hears my call;
my cry brings me right into His presence—
a private audience!

And from the world of lies and death I called out to my God, my Daddy. Please - rescue me, take me into Your care. And You did. Without hesitation, without any anger, only with love. You saved me - You saved me. You took me, ugly in sin. You cleansed me and clothed me in Your Holy wardrobe. You hold me tightly in Your arms. I am Yours and You are mine.

7-15 Earth wobbles and lurches;
huge mountains shake like leaves,
Quake like aspen leaves
because of His rage.
His nostrils flare, bellowing smoke;
His mouth spits fire.
Tongues of fire dart in and out;
He lowers the sky.
He steps down;
under His feet an abyss opens up.
He's riding a winged creature,
swift on wind-wings.
Now He's wrapped himself
in a trench coat of black-cloud darkness.
But His cloud-brightness bursts through,
spraying hailstones and fireballs.
Then God thundered out of heaven;
the High God gave a great shout,
spraying hailstones and fireballs.
God shoots His arrows—pandemonium!
He hurls His lightnings—a rout!
The secret sources of ocean are exposed,
the hidden depths of earth lie uncovered
The moment You roar in protest,
let loose Your hurricane anger.

And as my Daddy, You are my protector. You listen and hear of all the lies that held me in the world. You are angry. You are set on destroying those who have hurt the one You love so much - me. In all of my thoughts, never have I imagined the love, the loyalty, the protectiveness, as You defend me. Nothing can escape You - Enough is enough - no more will You tolerate any one to cause pain to me.

16-19 But me He caught—reached all the way
from sky to sea; He pulled me out
Of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos,
the void in which I was drowning.

You never had me out of Your sight - even when I was walking in the depths of sin. You always knew how to reach me - and You did. You rescued me, Your hedge of protection was about me as I served self and followed the way of the world.

They hit me when I was down,
but God stuck by me.
He stood me up on a wide-open field;
I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!

Those who I thought loved me, loved only themselves. They felt power as they walked on me, not caring if I was hurt or not. But You never left my side. You took some of their blows so I would live. You took me to Your meadow and I was awestruck by the beauty of Your love. I was ashamed. You loved me at my ugliest - You made me beautiful.

20-24 God made my life complete
when I placed all the pieces before Him.
When I got my act together,
He gave me a fresh start.

You took this wreck I called self and rebuilt it into Your image. I continue to give You my all and You continue to rebuild, repair, reconstruct In Your own way. You have taken my "stumbling blocks" and made them into Your "stepping stones". In Christ I have been given a new start - my slate has/is wiped clean. Your grace and mercy have covered me.

Now I'm alert to God's ways;
I don't take God for granted.
Every day I review the ways He works;
I try not to miss a trick.
I feel put back together,
and I'm watching my step

Today, I read Your love letter to me every single day. I look at every Word and chew on it, put it into my heart. I never take for granted, what You have brought me from and into. I look at every step I take, every breath I breathe, for You. I look at every person I encounter, what is it You want me to do. I am whole only because I am In You. I never, ever want to return back to the world. I am finally complete. I am at Home In You.


God rewrote the text of my life
when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.


You have always desired me to be with You. To celebrate my life In You - You saved me from a death in the world, an eternal life in hell - You changed my ending when You took me In. You have given me an eternal life in You. You have captured my heart - forever and then some.

25-27 The good people taste Your goodness,
The whole people taste Your health,
The true people taste Your truth,
The bad ones can't figure You out.
You take the side of the down-and-out,
But the stuck-up You take down a peg.

I walk In Your goodness, it consumes me and makes me Complete. You have filled each and every void that my heart has ever had. I know In You my soul is not ill, it is not broken down, it is not growing weary and old. I drink in Your truths - a refreshment like non other - in a world filled with lies. Those who don't know You can not comprehend how it is You work. How it is that we who walk In You, are as we are In You. You take those the world sees as low, as kind, as weak, as nothing - and make them Your best. The ones who are full of self - You will one day show - it is You who they should be full of. They will never, ever be satisfied with self.

28-29 Suddenly, God, You floodlight my life;
I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!
I smash the bands of marauders,
I vault the highest fences.

And at those moments, when I think I can not go over one more hurdle in life, You pick me up and carry me through. It is not on myself I have to rely - it is not the way of the world to light up my path - It is You, Your Son, Your Holy Spirit, Your Word. In You there is nothing, nothing that can destroy my soul. It is safe In Your Hands.

30 What a God! His road
stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward Him
Makes it.

I love You my Daddy! There aren't any traps or hidden tricks that You haven't cleared from my path. You step before I step ensuring that I will be safe. My road to You is paved with Christ blood, there aren't any sink holes to entrap me - I know that You have made this road to You one that I am able to run quickly on and not tire. Your arms are outstretched as a parent to a baby learning to walk. Your Word is encouragement and guidance. I am not alone on this road. I have You.

31-42 Is there any god like God?
Are we not at bedrock?
Is not this the God who armed me,
then aimed me in the right direction?
Now I run like a deer;
I'm king of the mountain.
He shows me how to fight;
I can bend a bronze bow!
You protect me with salvation-armor;
you hold me up with a firm hand,
caress me with your gentle ways.
You cleared the ground under me
so my footing was firm.

There is no other like You. None can compare. I was so lost, so alone and then I found You. I was never prepared, protected, until You. I was stumbling about - unsure of where, when, to go or to stop. You direct me, You supply me with what I need. I have a purpose. I can recognize the enemy and those in his clutches. Those who I need to rescue, to tell of You - so they may be In You too. I stand confident In Your armor, I follow Your lead - knowing You are all knowing, You build me up, you hold me accountable, You groom me and nurture me. You have made me strong and ready to fight. For You. For the lost.


When I chased my enemies I caught them;
I didn't let go till they were dead men.
I nailed them; they were down for good;
then I walked all over them.
You armed me well for this fight,
You smashed the upstarts.
You made my enemies turn tail,
and I wiped out the haters.
They cried "uncle"
but Uncle didn't come;
They yelled for God
and got no for an answer.
I ground them to dust; they gusted in the wind.
I threw them out, like garbage in the gutter.

You have opened my senses to the ways of the world. No longer am I trying to fit in, to be one with it. The things I once delighted in, I can not stomach. They disgust me, they make me angry. I see they are not of You and want to destroy them. It saddens me that people, and sometimes even myself, throw sin in Your face, without any fear, any respect and without any love. I don't see many who are torn to the core when they realize their sin rips Your heart out - because it separates us from You. It saddens me of the many, many who worship and depend on self and their gods. Being one In You makes me so much more aware of the emptiness I once had outside of You. Of what they are experiencing.



43-45 You rescued me from a squabbling people;
You made me a leader of nations.
People I'd never heard of served me;
the moment they got wind of me they listened.
The foreign devils gave up; they came
on their bellies, crawling from their hideouts

You have allowed me to be a vessel for You, for Your glory. It amazes me the many times that You provided words to be spoken to others. It amazes me that You are able to use one such as I, one who was and is such a sinner. It shows me just how amazing You are to be able to take a chunk of coal and make it into a diamond - much as You have done with me.

46-48 Live, God! Blessings from my Rock,
my free and freeing God, towering!
This God set things right for me
and shut up the people who talked back.
He rescued me from enemy anger,
He pulled me from the grip of upstarts,
He saved me from the bullies.

I love how You have completely transformed my life - how You have taken me from the pits of hell and given me a taste of heaven while here on earth. I love how You have changed my focus onto You and what really matters. I love how Your truth always, always, comes out and conquers the lies. I love how You have taken me and given me worth. How You have enabled me to love me as You love me. To see myself through Your eyes. How You have shown me what is real. How You have taught me to use Your measuring stick and not the world's or my own.



49-50 That's why I'm thanking You, God,
all over the world.
That's why I'm singing songs
that rhyme Your name.
God's king takes the trophy;
God's chosen is beloved.
I mean David and all his children—
always.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will moan and groan to You how much I love and thank You for what You have done in/with my life. I pray that I will never be able to keep quiet about You. I pray that every conversation I have will have Your name sprinkled throughout. I pray that all who look at me, see only You. I pray the way I live will draw others to You in wonderment of what it is I have. I pray that they too will want You. I pray that all the generations that come from Curt and me will be Yours. That they will go out and make disciples one by one until the end of time. I pray that all of our generations will be Your Warriors.

I pray that I will not waste one moment that You give me.

That I will see all as Your children.

All.