The Whole Armour of God

A few weeks ago I had a strange dream. Ron and I were being outfitted with armour. With heavy helmets, breastplates, heavy armour on our legs and feet and we were given swords. I distincly remember in the dream feeling the incredible weight of that armour. We were being prepared for battle, and we were going to war together! It felt so real---so serious. As I woke up pondering this strange dream I thought what is coming? What kind of war did I just dream about? Then that thought was immediately answered in my mind, "You are already at war, you are in the midst of it now." I looked up Ephesians 6:11-19 and read it again.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,"

After re-reading this scripture I found much to ponder over. It's been on my mind a lot lately, the things that we "wrestle" with in this mortal world. I pray God will give me, and all of us the strength to "withstand in this evil day!"

Queen Bee

Saturday night we went to a gathering of funeral directors. (Ron sells pre-need funeral plans and property.) While there we got talking to an old friend and somehow got on the subject of bees. In Arizona where he was raised, his scoutmaster kept beehives. So, he acquired two of his own. In one of his hives the bees were so mean and aggressive that he could hardly work with them. His scoutmaster and mentor told him to remove and kill the ill tempered Queen Bee and order a new one which he did. After about a month with the new Queen, which is the lifespan of a bee, the bees became so calm and docile that he almost could have handled them without protection. He then paid his wife a wonderful compliment on the tone of love and cooperation she had set for their home, and we all agreed how important it is to be a leader and the effect of that leadership on everyone! I wish I had always been that good of an influence on those I lead and love, but this story of the cranky Queen will help me remember that "when Mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

Styles of Leadership

Ron has always taught our children a wonderful concept about leadership. He heard somewhere that there are two ways to move a string---you can push it or pull it. Pushing is hard and frustrating work, especially when the person or persons you are trying to push dig their heels in. Most people don't like to be forced, and we all know whose plan that was. In contrast I have thought of the Saviors wonderful example. He eagerly climbs the summit of possibilities, and though He has already ascended to the top he unselfishly turns and beckons to us "Come Follow Me" but He doesn't just say come, He reaches down to give us a hand up. Pulling the string always reminds me of Greg Olsen's beautiful art piece "Be Not Afraid" I love this picture and I love the Savior.

That is also why I love Ron so much. He isn't perfect yet but I want you to know that everyone who has ever worked with him or for him has proclaimed to me that he is the nicest man they have ever worked for and I agree! Being nice to our fellow workers, especially the ones we have stewardship over whether in the church, on the job, or at home, inspires loyalty and a desire to please. Their cooperation and productivity soar much higher and hey, everyone is happier and has more fun along the way!