Dive Dive Dive

Surface with Courage,
On this day in 1958, the Nautilus became the first submarine to cross the North Pole underwater. Nothing above ground had any idea there was a large object right below. It's probably cool, however , to sail unseen beneath everything, and very few people even know you're there. But do you ever wonder what else might be lurking under us or around us?

In Ephesians 6:10-18 we are warned about the real but unseen world of spiritual warfare. Paul tells us in verse 12,"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Sounds daunting. Fortunately for us we have the protection. However, we have to actively participate. We have to prepare ourselves. Accept the gift of salvation, learn God's truth, behave in a righteous way, practice peace, be faithful, and call in the Holy Spirit to assist you. We are also told to pray and stay alert. We all know to some extent how much they put our military soldiers through when they get them ready to face the enemy. Why is it then that we don't prepare and take the spiritual war we are in seriously?

Parents, satan would love nothing more than for you to continue to fly under the radar and do nothing. Live out your every day life as if nothing is at stake and he will be thrilled. However, I challenge you to be aware and alert that his agenda is hard at work to steal the hearts and minds of your children. You are God's weapon on their behalf. Train your children on how to recognize and defend themselves against evil. Help them recognize that each day something is right their hoping to help them trip up. Remind them that God wins and they want to be standing beside Him when He does.

Sorry this is so heavy, but it is heavy on my heart as I see so many of our children in our church choosing evil or holy lives. However we can help you let me know. We are here to do battle right alongside of you, but we all know that the real Biblically called trainers of our children are the parents.

Blessings to you all,
Brenda

Fade to Black

Hello Families,

The following is a song by Casting Crowns, called "Slow Fade". In my life this has been one of the foremost lessons I have given my children and reminded myself. Most of the time our descent away from God is so gradual that we wake up one day different people, not quit sure how we got here. Satan is crafty and will pull you and your children away from God one small step, one small compromise at a time. Read the lyrics of this song and assess your life. Most of this song talks about little feet, hands, eyes, etc, but is really speaking to us as adults with little ones watching our every move. The weight of our responsiblity is much greater now that we have not just ourselves to lose. Read each word and ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Make sure you remind your children that every day choices WILL move them either toward God or away from Him. Each decision counts. To guard their hearts. This is my prayer for you.

Casting Crowns

"Slow Fade"

Writer: Amy Sondova

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings

Be careful little feet where you go

For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away

It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid

When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear

When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near

Be careful little lips what you say

For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away

It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid

When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands

Is shorter than you're thinking

Be careful if you think you stand

You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away

It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray

Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid

When you give yourself away

People never crumble in a day

Daddies never crumble in a day

Families never crumble in a day

(Sung by a child)

Oh be careful little eyes what see

Oh be careful little eyes what you see

For the Father up above is looking down in love

Oh be careful little eyes what you see