Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Stay in the Fight

Posted on By jennifer

Welcome back to the blog, friends!  For those of you who are Halloween enthusiasts, today is your day!  Whether you are helping your own favorite little people go around the neighborhood, or you are passing out the good stuff, I hope you have some cute fun.  Here’s to everyone staying safe.  We don’t celebrate Halloween.  We never have and it has never really been a big deal.  It still is not a “big deal” but, I will admit, in recent years, we are more and more in the miniority.  Many I know who once we were non-participators have found ways to creatively “join the fun.”  I think this might happen when you become a grandparent:)  Just my humble observation.  And….moving on –

Tomorrow will be the beginning of another month.  And in just a few days, the election here in the states will be over.  But the drama, the mess and the conflict will be far from over.  No matter how the election turns out, I am sure the division – and the real attitude of hate – will only intensify.  I’m sure it is not all due to the election (or the sad state of our country) but I have felt agitated lately.  Stressed and even on edge.  When I get like this, my mind starts to wander and, often before I even realize it, I’m falling for the lies of the enemy.  Satan’s subtle, often seemingly harmless, yet devious and destructive lies that can trap me again and again.  Soon I’m not worried about the election at all, but have been forgotten the Lord’s promises (and His truth) regarding many other things.  A spiritual issue maybe.  A troubled relationships.  Or perhaps something more personal.  For instance, what I believe about myself.

I need to daily replace these deceptions with truth.  With clear thinking.  And that can be a challenge.  A challenge that some days (if I’m honest) I just don’t want to face any more.  But it is essential.  I know what it is like to be trapped and mired in Satan’s traps.  And I want to do whatever it takes to stay out of there.  I have to stay in the fight against my greatest enemy.  And that fight always starts in my mind.  With that said, here are three basic steps – that I have rehearsed over and over throughout the years – for mental victory.  For defeating the enemy’s lies.  Whatever the lie.  I’m rehearsing them again – for my own sake and, perhaps, they will be a help to someone else today.

1 – Recognize, record and rehearse truth.  Often, it might seem the first step to defeating a lie would be to recognize the lie.  However, if you have believed the same lie for long enough, it can sometimes be hard (or impossible) to even see a lie for what it really is.  A better place to start is simply remembering God’s truths.  Start with a few you know from heart.  Then, get in God’s word and look for more.  As you find them, write them down.  Keep them before you.  Make sticky notes or note cards – whatever works for you.  Have them available when your thoughts start to spiral downward but also simply keep meditating on them often.  Remembering who God is and all His wonderful attributes is key.  Focus on Him rather than on your situation.  And let truth expose the lies.

2 – Surround yourself with like-minded community.  If there is power in numbers, imagine how much stronger Satan’s attacks are when we determine to go it alone?  It’s not a good idea.  Find community.  That community – those you choose to walk with you and help you stay in the battle – does not have to be huge or necessarily even from your church.  I do believe a church family is essential; but, there may others who can be a tremendous help as well.  The support you need might come from your spouse or a trusted friend.  Or maybe you do need a larger accountability group.  Or support group.  Whatever form it takes, find others who support and lean on them.

3 – Follow God’s plan.  When lies begin to take root in our thinking, often our judgments begin to cloud.  Soon, our emotions are taking control and we can become experts at rationalizing all sorts of wrong ideas and choices.  Whatever the situation, God will never lead us to decisions that go against His word or His character.  Don’t convince yourself otherwise.  Many people (even some found in the Bible)  have made very poor choices and thought God would somehow approve.  But that does not happen.  If you are not sure of all the major decisions or changes involved in  “the bigger picture” of your situation, start with what you do know.  Each choice to believe God and to obey Him is a defeat over the devil.  One small defeat at a time will ultimately lead to victory!

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Romans 12:2
I hope this will be a help to whoever might need it today.  If not for you today, maybe tuck it away because you can be sure the enemy will never stop attacking.  Be prepared.  Blessings to you today, my friends.  I am blessed when you stop by –

Something on My Mind

Comments (25)

  1. Thank you for these words this morning! So timely and true. Your three basic steps (complete with alliteration for step one :)) contain such wisdom and they have helped me today. I do celebrate Halloween; with that said, I completely, 100% understand not doing so. I sent a text to the kids this morning, wishing them a good day and telling them that I would miss seeing them dressed up today like they did when they were kids (but I also told them that I loved the adults that they are today :)). I sent them these verses that I read earlier this week. 1 John 1:5-6, This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
    I think it´s good to focus on God being light and in him there is no darkness. As some people use this day to celebrate darkness, I want them (and me!) to be reminded that God is light and the way, the truth and the light!

    1. Maria, thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciate your encouragement. I hope you (and the your “kids”) enjoyed your evening on Thursday. Great verse – really appropriate. Thanks for sharing here in the comments!

  2. Hello, my friend. Thank you for this post today. I appreciate your wisdom and gift for sharing your thoughts. We celebrate Halloween, and I get why others do not. We have always seen it as a fun holiday, with dressing up and too much candy! I hope you have a cozy day!

    1. Hi BillieJo – hope you had fun and enjoyed one of your favorite nights:) Hope that candy dish had some of your favorites:)

  3. Jennifer, you’re a breath of fresh air! Today I posted my Halloween Dilemma that I go through every year! In my younger years, I was very much caught up in the occult. I even believed I was a witch – good one of course! 🤦🏼‍♀️
    So for 40 years I’ve been torn in two directions always caving in and complying. It’s a major stumbling block for me.

    1. Debby – what a story and what a huge praise…to have been delivered from the occult. Praising the Lord….and really looking forward to reading your story. Heading over to your blog as soon as I can get caught up here!! Happy weekend to you –

  4. What a blessing this is to my heart, Jennifer. Thank you for these gentle reminders of why it’s so important to know the Truth of God’s Word and keep it before us. Actually, this post reminds me of some of the very things our pastor shared in his sermon Sunday and how important it is to remember WHO is in charge of our lives. xx

    1. Dianna – thank you for such a sweet and encouraging comment. I am falling behind with responding to comments but I was genuninely blessed the other day when you stopped by. Thanks so much!!

  5. Hello Jennifer. I really enjoyed your post today! I don’t celebrate Halloween. I love all the things associated with fall, just not this holiday. I love the scripture verse you shared today. As Christians, we must always be on guard and always wear God’s armor to stand against the devil’s schemes—blessings to you, dear friend.

    1. Thanks, Julia. I am glad you stopped by and appreciate your comment. I hope that you are enjoying a nice weekend…it has been lovely here!:)

  6. Thank you for pouring out your heart in this post. I can say, this election definitely has me frazzled and I’m definitely getting caught up in it but then I remind myself that no matter who becomes the next president God is still the One in total control and He has a plan. As for me, we do celebrate Halloween but not in the spooky, scary way. My kids have always dressed up and gone trick or treating just as I did when I was little. I have a lot of Christian friends who don’t celebrate and that’s totally okay. They’ve told me they felt convicted not to be part of the holiday but I never felt that conviction for some reason. My son is almost seventeen and no longer interested in going around for candy but my daughter is doing so right now with a friend. I hope you enjoy the last day of October and let’s join together in prayer for whatever is to come on Tuesday.

    1. Hi Dawn. This is definitely a time for being frazzled. For many of us. I wish I could get more “on top of it” but I’ve been struggling. Thanks for sharing. I hope you guys enjoyed your evening on Thursday…and that your daughter is sharing a bit of that candy with you:)

  7. Jennifer, as I read your words, the Scripture verse, ‘Thy Word is truth’ kept playing in my heart. The more I focus on who God is the lighter my stress load and the more confident I am in His wisdom and the perfection of His timing. He does all things well. And therein is our peace. Thank You, Jesus.

    1. Dear Linda – thank you so much for your wisdom. My have been struggling with my focus and, therefore, with my peace. I appreciate the reminder (even encouragment) to refocus. So glad you stopped by the blog this afternoon!

  9. Your three steps are very important. Yes, it all begins in my head. I have to remind myself to STOP. I agree that God’s Word is the first defense.
    As I read your bio, I realized you are in the belt of lots of political stuff. Be safe and careful.
    Also, when will you move to live with the cows and chickens?

    1. Oh Willow – surrounded by politics…and politicians! Please be in prayer for me!!:) I will up and move to be with the cows and chickens the very minute God gives any inclination to do so!! Without delay!

  10. Some timely and good encouragement on facing these days filled with earthly turmoil. The devil is so subtle and a master of lies. God’s Word is always the best response. Thankful for the body of believers God has plopped us in and for other dear friends I can turn to for the litmus test of my ideas and to make sure I’m following God’s Word. I’m also thankful for Bloggy friends who stay in the fight and are an encouragement. Thank you.

    1. So nice, Ellen. Thank you. I, too, am thankful for the encouragment from my blogging friends! Such a great community! So glad you stopped by –

  11. Those are good things to practice. I think the political situation.. mostly the year after Covid have brought out the negative in al lot of people. I am feeling a lack of empathy and compassion. I liked your last point the most, rationalizing and manipulating God’s word into what works for them and not something God would actually approve of. I am ready for this election to be over but I am afraid of the aftermath.

  12. Thank you for your wisdom this morning, Jennifer! I have been posting my thoughts on this election on my FB page (friends only) and have found such support and community. Let’s keep praying and centering ourselves in God and connecting ourselves in relationships.

    1. Karen, yes we will keep praying. Keep centering ourselves and staying connected with those who encouraged and strengthen us. Thank you for the encouragement!!

  13. Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement when the battle is raging all around us – for the reminder of who we should be focused upon to guide us through these days.
    I shall be praying for you all in the next few days as decisions are made for your country. May God be your strength and protector.

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