Have you ever been chased by a mountain lion? Well, most people would answer, ‘no.’ It would be a scary thing to be chased by an animal like a lion. But, think about this fact: It says in the Bible that satan goes here and there, patrolling mankind, looking for someone to devour. Satan is always waiting and ready to pounce on available prey. The prey, being you and me. Yes, he even chases Christians. Even more so, because the devil’s not interested in non-Christians. They’re already under satan’s rule.

Satan is manipulative and sneaky. He will come out of nowhere and show up when you least expect it.

Just think if we could see satan advancing toward us. Would we act any different? I would think we would.

How do we protect ourselves from this vicious demon? God is the answer.

Sounds too simple, right?

Satan hates it when we don’t run from him, and run to God instead.

Don’t back down even from the most vicious attack.

Ask God for protection and be ready for this roaring lion.

Job 1:7 - “The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

As a Christian, I try to live my life by God’s standards. Some days, it’s not easy. When things don’t go well, I want to ask God, “why me?” This is a natural human instinct in all of us. But, I’ve learned to be cognizant of when things are going well, and thanking God for my blessings.

Satan has a way of kicking you in the back, out of nowhere.

Last week I felt blessed to be able to spend some precious time with my grandson. This week, satan’s on the attack again. At first I was angry and thought, “why now?” Then I realized that this is what satan wants. He wants me to think God’s not watching; He doesn’t care.

Satan has a tendency of seeping into our lives, inch by inch until we’re consumed with anger or sorrow.

Don’t let this happen to you. Be proactive. Be aware of the devil’s schemes.

Yes, we get attacked, but God is good, and He does care.

Proverbs 16:25 - “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

As a Christian, our world is transparent, in that people are watching us. They are wondering, “how are they handling this crisis? How are they coping in these uncertain times?”

I’ll be the first to admit, this has not been my favorite year so far. But, I’ve not lost hope. How can that be, you might ask? It’s because I know there’s a God that loves me, and cares for my well-being. God has brought me through some dreadful and scary storms and I’ve come out on the other side, stronger in my faith, and more aware of the awesome God I serve.

God’s not left us alone in this. He’s right here, waiting for me, you, all of us to respond. How are you holding up? Are you hopeful, or are you scared, frightened of the future, worried that things will not get better?

I hope others see me as hopeful. I hope I am showing strength in these unpredictable days.

I love this quote, “Hope itself is like a star – not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.” -- C.H. Spurgeon

Thank God that He’s not left us. Thank Him for never leaving you alone, in the dark. God is as close as your next breath. Be hopeful today. Trust in God, and His timing to make all things new.

1 Peter 2:11-12 - “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

After spending a week with my 20 month old grandson, I realized that I am so blessed to be a mom and a grandma. I watched Cooper discover new things, be content with a simple stick, and laugh at my silly faces.

Most toddlers can entertain themselves with something as simple as a sand pile or a bunch of water toys for hours. They have a trusting spirit and if they’re lucky enough to have good parents, they will thrive in life.

When I became a Christian, things were new and exciting and I was eager to learn all I could about this new way of life. Oh, I struggled in the early years, but once I realized that all I need is a ‘child-like’ faith in God, I could master anything.

Most people think in order to maintain a Christian lifestyle you have to follow all these rules and pray morning, noon and night. While it is true that God has commandments that we must follow, none of us can avoid sin. And as far as prayer goes, I look at it as talking with God. I do it all day long.

I found myself thanking God several times throughout each day I spent with baby Cooper. To see life through a child’s eyes is a blessing in itself.

Don’t complicate an already complicated world we live in. Have child-like faith in our Creator. He promises great things to those who come to Him, just as you are.

Matthew 18:3 - “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Do you ever wonder why you are, where you are in life? Why you’re in your current job, your current role?

I have had a few jobs in my 30 year career path and have developed experience and learned a lot along the way. I’ve had many tools that have helped me advance in these roles.

Two years ago I felt God leading me in a different direction. I was good in my job and made good money, but I had a desire for more out of life. There was an empty space in my life that I needed to fill.

I had experienced a couple of mission trips to Peru, and as I returned from those trips, I felt a distinct pull towards serving people.

For those of you who know me personally, know that I left my IT career to be a caregiver in 2019. This role has given me more satisfaction in one year than 25 years in the computer industry.

I say all this to state that none of us know what tomorrow may bring. Whether you are a stay at home mom or a corporate VP, all of us have a role in life to fulfill.

Accept where God places you, but be available to where He may put you tomorrow.

As a Christian, my role is to serve others, but we can all serve others no matter what our role is in life.

Do your best at whatever you do and let God take care of the rest.

Romans 8:28 - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I am old enough to remember the days of going to a gas station and having an attendant put gas in my car. It was a nice convenience, but you don’t hear about this type of service any more.

We fill up our cars every day so that our cars will take us to where we need to go. So, why shouldn’t we be filling our inner self with something that will last for eternity? Just think, what if we started filling our lives with God? What if we start fueling our minds and souls with God’s word? We would be amazed at the blessings coming into our lives.

It’s a good habit to start and end each day with God. How do I know this? Because I’ve tried it. Before making God a daily routine, I would find myself waking up anxious, depressed and uncertain of the unknown.

You don’t have to read 30 chapters of the bible in a month, or even try to read the bible in a year. But, you can start out by reading the book of John in the New Testament. As you read, ask God to speak to you through His word.

God promises a hope and a future for those who believe in Him.

Fill up on God today and be ready for anything that comes your way.

Matthew 4:4 - “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Do you feel safe and protected when you're going through a rough time; when you know that God is in control?  Or, do you feel safer when you're comfortable and life is easy?

Lately, I've felt safer in the storm.  When things are going good and everything's quiet and peaceful, it’s a little unsettling.  I've had several times in my life where it scared me to be comfortable; to be satisfied with where I was.  Why?  Because when things are comfortable and easy, I get lazy; complacent, when it comes to God.   

Do I like being in turmoil?  No, but it is the most amazing gift in the world to know that when you're going through a storm, God is in the middle of it, and above all, He has control of the situation.   Trusting in Him is the key.  Do not give up.  Give God the praise in every storm.   

Trust in God.  Show Him how much you depend on Him.  He's the only one where we can find complete and lasting refuge in the storms of life.

Proverbs 3:6 - "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." 

Lately, I've been asking God to reveal Himself to me, and He has come through.  Some ways are subtle, others are obvious.  The intent in my relationship with God is becoming clearer as each day passes.  I want to be more aggressive in seeking out God, knowing His plans for me, and not putting any limits on our relationship.

I want others to look at me, and wonder, "just what is it about that girl that's different?"  And when they ask, I can tell them my story.  I can tell them about all the wonderful and challenging stories of my journey, and of all the good things that God has done for me.

Ask God to reveal Himself to you.  God's waiting on you.  He’s just a prayer away.

John 14:21 - “Whoever has My commands and keeps them, he it is who loves Me.  And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”