This weekend I'm speaking at a Women's Retreat.  I'm super excited about the message the Lord has laid on my heart to deliver.

Yesterday & today, I've been studying my material - making sure of two things, 1) that I'm absolutely prepared, and 2) that I'm saying what the Lord wants me to say.


Some translations say, "excellent", some say, "virtuous"... but the Hebrew word here is actually valor, strength, mighty as in a warrior, valiant!

I think too often we look at our English words and miss a HUGE message!  Ladies!  Hear me when I say - We, as Moms and Wives are valiant!!!  This job of raising children and submitting to our husbands is not a job for the faint of heart - but rather requires the strength of a warrior.

I think Pat Benatar got it wrong, Love is not our Battlefield - but rather life as a Christian woman, wife and mother in this present world is our battlefield!

1.  The "he hit me!" and the "she won't give me back my (_____)!" arguments.
2.  The strategy behind which bills do you pay and when
3.  Handling broken appliances, cars, and other mechanical or technical devices
4.  Managing very crazy and sometimes impossible schedule demands
5.  Protecting your sweet innocent minds from the junk on TV
6.  Answering questions about tattoos and nose rings
7.  Raising your kids to love the Lord wholeheartedly in a world that is anything but godly!

In reality, this list could go on for longer than you would have time or desire to read...


This past weekend, my parents celebrated their 45th Wedding anniversary.  I wrote a tribute to their marriage on my blog - Living Above.  I celebrated them as Veterans of Marriage.  While they are still fighting in this battle, they are also definitely winning!!!!

In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day this Thursday - I did a little research as to the characteristics of a "warrior" - check them out and notice just how many of these we need as Moms!



Are you up for it?  I certainly want to be found worthy in this present battle and to not only acquire all of these characteristics but master them as well!  Take another look at this list.  I would imagine you can name several ways you fulfill these each & every day!

I know we can claim victory in this current battle with this simple verse...



My sweet sisters in the faith, with the Lord at our side, turning to Him as our Commander, we cannot fail!  If you are feeling tired in this battle, find a place of safe retreat.  Build up your strength, gain some new ammunition, rest up a bit and then head back out!  We've got work to do!!!

The only way I know how to end this post is with a word we use in our house often and one that would make my military Dad proud....






I would love to get to know you better! You can find me almost every day sharing what God is teaching me personally over at my blog, Living Above Ministries. I also am totally addicted to Facebook & Twitter! So grab a cup of coffee and let's chat!!