Sometimes we remember, and sometimes we just forget - things like packing extra diapers, going to follow-up doctor appointments, buying fruit snacks or laundry soap while at the store, and more importantly - putting on our spiritual armor for the day.

Ephesians 6:11 instructs us to, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” 

It is absolutely imperative to understand that we have a spiritual enemy - the devil. He’s a thief and he “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10) The Bible says that he “is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) One of his main tactics is to obscure truth. He likes to conceal it and keep it from being seen or make it unclear and difficult to understand. He also whispers to us absolutes  - words like “always” and “never” - and makes us believe that mere facts are hard truths.

In order to fight offensively, we are implored to, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”  (Ephesians 6:14a) If we aren’t intentional to wear truth like a belt - buckled around our waist - then the imagery would be similar to us walking around with our pants falling down - leaving our bottoms exposed. Not only would we suffer embarrassment but also a potential hazardous trip and fall.

1 Peter 5:8 instructs us to, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

Without truth, we find ourselves dangerously vulnerable. And, it is in our vulnerability when our enemy pounces.

The following is from a journal entry on March 28, 2017, when he did just that:

Today I got into a very negative funk. I was sinking quickly into the muddy lies of the enemy. Lies like I’m sick and I’ll stay sick. I’ll miss our 10-year anniversary because of being sick. The children are sick and will stay sick. Lydia will never sleep through the night again. I will always sleep in Lydia’s room - apart from my husband. I miss my husband, but he doesn’t miss me. In fact, he doesn’t find me attractive. I’m not beautiful. I’m too skinny and tall and my shoulders hit door frames. I’ll never find the time to wash the door frames in my house as I struggle to get the laundry started in the mornings. If I don’t do two loads a day, I will fall behind. I am behind. Just take a look around - dishes, laundry, floors, bills. Speaking of behind, Nathan is doing great in Kindergarten, but he is also behind. And it’s my fault. Pretty much, I suck.

Wow! Writing out these thoughts of mine reveals how ludicrous they truly are. 

The fact is I am sick. The truth is God will heal me.

The fact is there is a chance we will have to cancel our Hotel Blackhawk reservation on Friday. The truth is our 10-year anniversary will happen with or without our getaway, and it will be wonderful because I will be with the one my soul loves - in sickness or in health! 

The fact is the children have experienced a lot of sickness lately - flu, croup, pink eye, sneezing, snot and coughing. The truth is God will heal them too.

The fact is Lydia is having trouble sleeping through the night as fear is tormenting her. The truth is we believe that, “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)

The fact is I have been sleeping on an air-mattress in Lydia’s room for nearly a week. The truth is this season will not last forever and I will sleep in my bed - next to my husband - once again.

The fact is I miss my husband. The truth is he misses me back and finds me attractive. It is silly to think otherwise.

The fact is I haven’t felt beautiful because I’ve been sick. The truth is my feelings betray me, the Word of God doesn’t. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

The fact is I am skinny and tall and my shoulders do hit door frames. The truth is I like being skinny and tall and my mom told me to, “Slow down!” for years. Perhaps, I should listen to her.

The fact is my door frames are dirty and could benefit from a good washing. The truth is I’m ok with it. There will come a day when my children will be out of the house and I’ll have plenty of time to wash them then.

The fact is if I don’t do two loads of laundry a day, I will fall behind. The truth is I’m pretty quick about switching the laundry and actually enjoy doing so.

The fact is I am behind as I am sick. The truth is it’s only Tuesday! I need my rest and strength to mother well and will cast my anxiety on Him because He cares for me. (1 Peter 5:7)

The fact is Nathan is behind in school (as far as number of lessons for the school year goes). The truth is he is doing amazing! He is an “A” student and is learning how to read! The Lord has equipped me with a special grace to organize his studies and to instruct him diligently. 

The fact is I forgot to put my armor on earlier today. The truth is I found it and have since been standing firm.