Treasures in Texas : 2009

Friday, December 18, 2009

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...please

Present time...3:30am - night shift....sooo tired. All my children are snuggled in their beds as
my eyes get heavier and heavier.... So ready to get off and curled up in the car, while my sweetie drives us to Staunton!
Counting down the hours until we leave- just 4 1/2 more hrs :)

Forecast for Staunton:
80% chance of 10 inches of SNOW :) we just might get a white christmas after all.
It will be a wonderful repreive for both of us to relax with my parents and sis.
Mom always showers us with whatever we want seeming that we don't see them
as much as we would like. It is always special to come for a visit though! This
will be my families first time seeing me since we found out we're expecting. So we
have lots to catch up on!

"Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; Teach us to be patient and always kind."
Helen Steiner Rice

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Brother Out- Law

I lived with an amazing family in Charlottesville a few years ago while I completed an externship at UVA in Labor and Delivery :) Though I did not fall in love with L & D, I did fall in love with this family! Each one of them has made such an impact on my life!!

Chris, who I like to call "my charlottesville brother" is involved in acting. He just finished starring in a short film for the Virginia Film Fest....

Not only is Chris an actor....he has been battling leukemia for almost three years now! He is doing amazing and is in remission! He is such a FUN guy! Proud of you Chris!

If you have a little extra time check out his latest film:

Brother Out-Law

Me, Chris, & Darcy

Chris and I :)

You can follow Chris's story and his mom's story, who is also battling a rare form of cancer, at

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisalimenti

Beauty Will Rise

A must have CD!

Steven Curtis Chapman wrote these songs in dedication to his daughter Maria who passed away tragically this year. The songs will make you cry, encourage your heart, and remind you of the faithfulness of God's promises! This family is a true testimony of an unshakable trust in the God they know and love.

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Its Our Wonderful Life

What's new with the little Hunt family:

~ Busy busy BUSY buSY with work! Though I work full time, I am blessed to only work 3 days a week. My work days are definitely filled with lots to do for 12 hours but I usually have a few days to recoup. My sweet hubby stays busy working part time at Veritas Christian Academy teaching PE. He is always coming up with fun things for the kids to do...I think he likes playing as much as they do! He also works full-time at Verizon. He has a wonderful boss that is flexible and fun! All that to say, we stay busy working and cherish the moments we get to just sit on the couch together.

~ Our baby boo is 12 weeks!! My nausea has, for the most part, subsided. I was bracing myself the past 2 months for being very sick...seeming that my mom threw up her entire pregnancy everyday. BUT, much to my surprise, though I was nauseated, I only had a couple of "throw up days." :)

One of my favorite stories thus far in my pregnancy occurred around week 8. I was very nauseous, Ray was up with me at 5am helping me to get ready for work. I finally made it to my car, he was waving at the door, still in his boxers (haha), when I jumped out of the car and finally got some relief from my nausea....all over the front yard! He ran outside to rub my back and make sure I was ok. So...we put on a nice show that morning for the neighbors :)

Oh, and p.s. our baby is as big as a LIME this week! Hehe :) CUTE!

~ We got out christmas tree! We went out to a tree farm in pungo... we had plans to cut one down, but my favorite christmas tree is a frasier fir...they don't grow around here. So, we bought one at the tree farm! ha! :) It was still a special memory.... driving with the tree in the back of the El Camino. Our first tree as a married couple! yeah!

~ Wrapping presents for the cutest boy in the world, snuggling on the couch watching football and christmas movies, finishing christmas cards, and talking about when the baby comes....

~ Reading an AWESOME new book... I was will occasionally read the girl talk blog. The other day they mentioned a blog that they enjoy reading that peaked my attention. I would highly recommend it...I have been very encouraged by reading it....

START YOUR FAMILY BLOG

Anyway, The couple that writes the blog also wrote a book... that I also highly recommend. It has made me super excited about having a baby :) I know that you will be encouraged...and beware you will probably want to start having children once you start reading it!! :)

START YOUR FAMILY: INSPIRATION FOR HAVING BABIES

(photo from website: www.startyourfamily.com)

~ Celebrated our 5 month Anniversary on November 27!!! The most Amazing 5 months :) So thankful for my husband...who puts up with all my whining (haha), makes me laugh uncontrollably at least 20 times a day, listens to me, holds me, cooks for me, holds the trash can when i'm sick, never complains about working so much, loves our families, is super excited about being a dad, and always points me back to Jesus. I LOVE YOU, RAYBO BABY :)

~ Already receiving presents from GIGI (Ray's mom) & GRAMMY (My mom)...

~ Planning a visit to Staunton next weekend... have not seen my family since we found out we are having a baby...so I am VERY excited to spend some time at the little Barrett cottage. It will be wonderful to catch up with my sis since she will be home for Christmas break! I am also looking forward to my first christmas not working in the past 2 years! Yeah! My family will be coming to our house December 26th. I will be so FUN to have both our families together! We all LOVE making memories! So grateful for such supportive families! :)

~ Baking cookies with Grandma Hunt! All the cousins gather every year to bake christmas cookies from grandma's home-made dough... yum!

Ray, Ash, & Baby Boo Hunt :)

~ So, all in all, through the business and craziness of life, we are loving our life together! It truly is A WONDERFUL LIFE!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Journaling through the seasons...

"Trust in the Lord at all times, O peoples;

POUR OUT YOUR HEARTS TO HIM,

For God is our Refuge."

Psalm 62:8

Since I was a little girl I have loved to Journal. My first "diary" ever had bright pink ballet slippers on the front and it had a lock and key :) I wrote all about the things I did everyday with my parents and how my "sissy" annoyed me. I also wrote about the boys I thought were cute in my first grade class and how my favorite music group was my dad's worship team! After a few years I graduated to writing in cursive. My dad encouraged my to write down my prayers to the Lord, things that I felt God was speaking to me, and to write out Scriptures that meant something to me. In Highschool I probably filled 10 journals with all my thoughts, emotions, likes, struggles, and learning to how to listen to God's voice. Then college came, my best friends loved to buy me journals for every occasion. :) I love reading back through the thing that I wrote the past 15 years... seeing God's constant faithfulness and care over me through every season is evidence of a real, true God!

It seems crazy that I have most of my life documented...but the more I grew in my relationship with the Lord my journals became filled with prayers. I guess all along I was learning to "pour out my heart to God." Since I moved and the crazy fun college days seems long gone I have drifted from sitting down to write out the things that fill my heart. Where did the days go when I was able to sit down for a couple hours and just write...all the ups and downs of my emotions, the little things that God blesses me with everyday, the times he speaks in that still small voice, the patients and families that I meet at the hospital, the ways that God is teaching me to grow in my love for my husband, and now to the million emotions I feel about being a mom! I love talking to my friends and I call my dear mom just about everyday to tell her when I'm sick, when I'm sad, when I'm scared, or when I'm excited. But when do I sit and tell the Lord, the only one that TRULY understands me anyways. He made me...He knows me....He formed me in my mother's womb...He knows my heart...my fears....insecurities...He knows it all and understand too. He has what I need no matter how I feel or what I am going through- His Word.

So just as Hannah "poured out her heart to the Lord," so will I "pour out my heart to the Lord." He is always waiting; He always has time; He never tires of my ups and downs; He longs to hold me, fill me, comfort me, encourage me. The Love of my Jesus...there is nothing like it!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

SURPRISE!!!

SURPRISE

So it all started with this.... (its kinda hard to see...but it CLEARLY says PREGNANT) haha:)
Ray gave me the option of going to get a pregnancy test or getting icecream... I voted pregnancy test. He thought I WAS preggo; I thought NO WAY! After we saw these results...He said, "Do you wanna go get icecream now?" hahaha!

We were both (well mainly me) shocked at first...but obviously knew it could happen :) Ray has been my rock...He has been excited, happy, encouraging me with Truth, making me laugh, and being there for me since the minute we found out. It has only been about 8 weeks (we think), but we have both been overwhelmed with God's love and grace carrying us. We kept it a secret until a few nights ago.

Since I had kinda gone crazy when I first saw the first positive test...I decided I needed to take another one so that I could have a little calmer reaction :) So I took another one while Ray was at work. It was once again loud and clear with the results... PREGNANT!!! So here are some pictures from when I told him we DEFINITELY were gonna have a baby... :)

I made a nice dinner and several little things sitting

around his plate...

One of his favorite books from when he was a kid...

Where the Wild Things Are...

The Baby Name Book...

Which we already have names that we really like :)

(I love that we agree on most things... or I win!!)

SUGAR BABIES :)

Then he had to read the story aloud at the table...

and he said he needed to hold the book like the teachers

in school holds it so the kids can see the pictures... haha!

I can already tell he is gonna be a GREAT dad...CRAZY, but GREAT!!

So here we go...onto the next step of the journey....

An unexpected gift and the best surprise I have ever had....

We are going to be parents... Sometimes I just have to let the words sink in...

But I know that there is grace upon grace upon grace in the arms of our Savior...

Sooooo.... Lets get the party started... :)

Psalm 139:14-16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Laughing in the Wildflowers....

Fear...

Distraction...

Confusion...

Frustration...

What does the Enemy use to take our gaze off our beautiful Savior? This past week I have felt my gaze dropping from heaven to earth. Thoughts of the future mainly... regarding money, our families, our house, etc. The Lord clearly tells me to stay focused on today and not worry about tomorrow.

Matt. 6:25-43 (The Message)

"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

How often my mind drifts to what i must do next with the house, what I will fix for dinner, what new clothes are out... though these are all good in and of themselves.... i must remember that one day it will all burn. I will not take my house, clothes, food, or job to heaven. I enter heaven with my gaze fixed upon the most beautiful treasure... Jesus Christ. "All my crowns will fall down before him." What a gift!

I have been trying to apply this to my life... Laying down each day and surrendering to the Lord to use me and every aspect of my life as he wills. I was reading through Proverbs 31 the other day, just reminding myself of the precious precepts in that passage. One verse, that has never previously stood out to me, jumped out at me when I read it this time....

Proverbs 31:25- SHE IS CLOTHED WITH STRENGTH AND DIGNITY; SHE CAN LAUGH AT THE DAYS TO COME.

WOW!! Lord, how can I laugh at the days to come...I don't know what is going to happen???? The woman that trusts in God can surely LAUGH at the future...nothing is going to take her by surprise because she is steadfast. She is firm in her grip on her faithful, loving, sovereign Father. Her Abba will not give her anything she cannot handle...and the same goes for me! I can handle anything!! :) Because my Savior is TRUSTWORTHY.... ALWAYS!

May we just try to forget all our cares and worries just long enough to run through the wildflowers and admire their beauty, laughing as we hold the hand of our Father... I bet we will never go back to our worries...

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Little by Little

Flowers from my Love before I left to visit my parents...

He has been such an encouragement to me and my family during this

season. I don't know what I would do with out him :)

Putting up our new decor :)

We finally finished up our last few gifts cards from the wedding!!

"Laugh, Live, Love" for our dining room

Our new shoe rack.

It actually rotates!!

I will not even begin to tell you what I went through to try to find

a wreath for our door. I had no idea a silly autumn wreath would

be sooo expensive. Anyway, we put this little door hanger up.

I guess it does the job!

Don't you love our newly painted red door?? :)

This house is definitely feeling more and more like home each day.

We are taking one thing each week to focus on in the house.

Things are getting done ... little by little :)

Our schedules have been quite conflicting lately, so it was so nice to spend the day together yesterday. Life can be so busy sometimes!! We are excited about our trip to STAUNTON next weekend with Ray's family to visit my family! The Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains this time of year is beautiful! :)

HAVE A WONDERFUL FALL WEEKEND!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Moving past devastation

Oh How my heart is overflowing this morning... what a wonderful blessing to open God's Word and have him speak to you!

This week in the study I an currently doing we have been studying about getting past your devastation with God. I was initially thinking, well, I have never really had anything that horrible happen to me. But as I began to think of the things that cause distrust in my heart towards God at times, I was completely humbled at what was laid bare in my heart. Every time I go to work I am surrounded by the most precious children, most of which are walking through devastating treatment for cancer. I see little children that spend their days in one room...day after day, these children that should be outside running around are lying in a hospital bed. I see teenagers, trying to make sense of this new diagnosis...me, cancer, but I was supposed to play basketball in college, i'm going to miss my senior prom and possibly my graduation. I see doctors and nurses that are speechless, no answers to these heart broken parents. My ears are always sensitive to the sounds of monitors beeping, children crying, alarms going off.

My heart at times is angry...Lord, why? Why do "these" children have this horrible disease? Why did the cancer come back after all that treatment? They had their whole life ahead of them! Then my questions usually turn to "how." How can I make all this sadness better? How can I encourage these dear parents as they face this horrific, life changing news? How can I trust you, Lord, when I see all this pain?

There are times that I allow a wall up in my relationship with the Lord. I see this suffering, dying, discouraging news, and sadness all around and I cannot reconcile this with the loving, faithful God that I have always known since my childhood.

As I have been pouring out my heart to the Lord this week, the anger and fear that occasionally creeps up, has subsided, as He has begun to pour out immeasurable amounts of grace and surround me with his unconditional love.

As I have been studying 2 Samuel 6, I have seen and remembered the God I know! In this passage, David has become King and he has a strong desire to bring the ark of the covenant back to the city. God's presence dwelled in the ark and this was remarkable symbolism of the heart of David to bring God's presence to dwell with them again. They were celebrating and dancing and then, something devastating happens. The ark begins to fall off the cart and Uzzuh reaches out to steady it. He dies. It then it says in verse 8, "David was angry because of the Lord's wrath." David, the man after God's own heart, was angry at God for pouring out His wrath. Then in verse 9, it says, "David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, "How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?" Again, this man after God's own heart, was afraid and fearful. The passage continues, and David leaves the ark at the house of Obed-Edom for three months. Then David hears that the house of Obed-Edom is flourishing... God is pouring out His blessing and favor on them. David then remembers his faithful God and returns to bring the ark back once more.

I just think that is awesome... First of all that David, after the death of Uzzah, was angry and fearful... This man that we esteem was on our level...he had the same feelings we feel at times. He asked the same questions we ask sometimes. He had to leave the ark for three months to work through this devastation. But then, seeing how our faithful God reminds us of his goodness, kindness, mercy, and grace. He showed David that he was still there. He was still working out a plan.

So, back to my adorable little patients at CHKD...

God has a bigger plan... Most of the time I cannot see that plan. But I was reminded this morning that He is working. He has not left these families in their devastation. He will bring them out and their will be dancing and celebrating. Sometimes it is not how we think it should be, but God knows best. He sees all, knows all and now I must trust Him...with all that I am and all that I have because He has always been faithful to me.

I want to be like David. Though I work through my human emotions, I want to always stay close to the God I love. "A bruised heart that chooses to beat with passion for God amid pulsing pain and confusion may just be the most precious offering placed on the divine alter."

This question in the study truly helped my heart to remember who I love...

"What about you, Beloved? What have you found at Jesus' side that distancing yourself from Him at a time of devastation could jeopardize?

What was my answer??

I have found Him to be my Lover, my closest friend, my confidant, my life-giver, my strength, my salvation, my guide, my joy, and my song and so much more! He is my everything!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

NEW & OLD

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

So the past few weeks I have had to get rid of some of my old things... the last time Ray and I visited my parents, he graciously carried 5 very large boxes of old mementos from, believe it or not, elementary, middle, highschool, and college. Just ask him...I saved every little letter from my girlfriends, every card from every birthday and christmas and special occasion, every plaque, every picture, every stuffed animal, etc. Lets just say it was a ton of stuff! So I have been going through the old memories...remembering God's amazing faithfulness to me through the last 24 years. It has honestly been a blast going through it all, but very painful to throw away some of the things that I cherished so much...Ray gets a good chuckle at some of the things I saved :) So... after 6 trash bags full of memories I am feeling much better about things :) At least the room isn't as stuffed full of "stuff."

here's a couple of my sweet mementos from friends and family...

This is a picture that my parents gave me to keep in my little

treasure chest full of special people in my life :) This is them

on their wedding day!! SO CUTE!

This note hung over my bed all four years of college,

to remind me to NEVER

EVER GIVE UP!

This was a silly picture I filled out, pretending each

dog represented someone in my family (even my dog, Manda!) HAHA!

Me and my dad on the SCOOBY DOO Roller Coaster Baby! :)

(I know its crooked)

An encouraging note from one of my best friends, Julia,

also known as HULES :) She was and still is faithful to

send me little notes that ENCOURAGE my heart!

My mom would always leave the sweetest notes in my lunchbox or bookbag...

this one I found in my gym bag on the way to a volleyball game :)

BUT I am learning to LOVE and APPRECIATE new Things...

*being newly married....so many wonderful blessing!

(This was taken when Ray surprised me and took me to see

Rascal Flatts! It was SOO much fun, even in the rain!)

*My new favorite drink... Coffee frappaccino

*Starting a new study at church on GALATIONS!

Galations at SGC

*nEw TV...Whoohoo!!

*New Babies...my dear friends Derek and Carianne, just had their

second baby...such a CUTIE!!

*painting for the FIRST time...our study is now a new beautiful BRIGHT blue!

*And...Our sweet, clean, and NEW toothbrushes...

to get that minty fresh breath :)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Blessed in Brokeness

"Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"
2 Samuel 7:18

The past two weeks have been rather hard for my family. My precious dad lost his job at the church I grew up at. He was informed of this decision rather suddenly. Finances was the main reason, but many other things have transpired in the past two weeks. My parents have sensed the church going in a different direction, after many meetings and much discussion it is with broken hearts they leave the church they love. There is so much to the story, and I usually don't get very personal on this blog, but my heart is breaking for my parents. I have seen them in the trenches with our church for the past 15 years. My dad has faithfully led worship, passionately taught and discipled the youth, cared for the members of the church, and truly laid down his life for this flock. My mom has served by his side as a loyal and supportive wife through all the ups and downs of minstry. I have never seen my parents "above" anything or anybody...they are FAITHFUL to the body of Christ.
This past Sunday was my parents last Sunday at the church. In God's sovereignty, mom and I had a planned to go to the Extraordinary Women's Conference in Roanoke together Friday and Saturday. In God's kindness, we shared the most precious times together..laughing, crying, talking, and laughing some more :) I have seen a strength in my mom that I hope to emulate in suffering. She has walked so humbly, yet confidently through this whole situation. God has been speaking to her very clearly and she knows His vioce. After the conference was over, we were overwhelmed with sadness when we awoke on Sunday. Knowing that it was my dad's last Sunday to lead this congregation in worship broke our hearts. My dad confidently, yet so graciously stepped up on the stage and lead the congregation, as usual, to the throne of grace. The church (and its leadership) has been humbled through all this as well and we saw the love and gratefullness the people from our church have for us. We were blessed in our brokeness. Though it was one of the sadest things I have had to walk through, I felt so uplifted by the prayers of my friends. It was difficult to go home without Ray or my sister being there, but I pray that my presence brought encouragement, support, and love to my parents as they walk through this trial.
My parents still need much prayer and love during this season. The Lord has been encouraging my heart as I grieve with them. He has reminded me that He is Jehovah Jirah, our Provider...that nothing catches Him by surprise...and He has wonderful things in store for His children. The road will have bumps ahead, but my parents are full of faith in the God that has always been faithful every step of the way. I am filled with anticipation as we wait to see the doors that the Lord will open for them!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Opposition to the Anointing

John 10:10 "A thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance."

I am learning so much from God's word as I work through my latest bible study, "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed" by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. The past two weeks have been focused on 'the anointing.' What an awesome thought...I AM ANOINTED! From the day of my salvation I was anointed just like David was. Anointed to fulfill the calling God has on my life...in this stage...wife to my precious husband Ray, nurse to my sweet children at CHKD that are sick, and friend to all my dear friends God has blessed me with! Some days, like today, just seem as though I don't have much purpose; nothing BIG to do for God today. My heart was discouraged and frustrated as I attempted to clean bathrooms, paint the study, do laundry, pay bills, and THINK. My thoughts drifted off to... look at all the mess in your house, you are such a slob, your husband surely doesn't appreciate the mess, you never do anything right, your so forgetful, fearful, and you used to be able to prioritize in college, but things have really gotten out of hand, you didn't even spend time with the Lord this morning, how are you going to grow and be what you want to be if you can't even spend a few minutes in your Bible, you lack so much confidence now, you seem so insecure, your life just has no purpose...and the vicious cycle has continued all day. Now, I know in my heart that all these things are LIES from the ENEMY trying to steal my joy, kill my passion, and destroy my purpose. But when push comes to shove, I am STUCK, stuck in this thought pattern of fear and frustration. Today was one of those days that I just couldn't shake it...the feeling was strong and the Enemy was prowling. Though I wasn't ready for the attack I grabbed my Bible and God is fighting for me!

I opened my Bible study and the title for today was: "OPPOSITION TO THE ANOINTING"

WOW! Exactly what I need to hear.... (I will use some quotes from the study)

"Once we are saved, our enemy cannot destroy us, but he will work hard to distract us." And that is exactly what he has attempted to do today...But the day is not over yet!

"Instead of tapping into God's divine empowering to live the abundant life promised in Scripture, they seek to live in their own power and strength detached form the lifeline of God within. This leaves them feeling depleted, frustrated, and less capable of handling the Enemy's attacks." WOW again! This was me....trying to do it on my own again. I can't fight this battle without my armor, the Word, and Christ!

1 Peter 5:8

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour!"

1 Chronicles 14:8

"When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and WENT OUT TO MEET THEM."

David never cowered away, he operated in God's strength...His trust was deeply rooted in his God! "I encourage you, sister, to stand your ground, look the Enemy in the eye, and walk in full confidence that he is already defeated and your victory guaranteed." Yes! Yes! This is exactly what I must do! Satan, you have no power...it was all lost at the cross of my Savior! You have no part of me! I can stand firm in FAITH in a powerful, almighty, omnipotent Creator! Hes got it!!

Today I was encouraged to refresh my journey of confident faith in God's Word as my SOLID FOUNDATION!

2 Cor 2:14 "Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."

Romans 8:37 "In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."

1 Cor 15:57-58 "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."

"YOU ARE A VICTORIOUS OVERCOMER, COMPLETELY CAPABLE BY GOD'S SPIRIT WITHIN YOU TO STAND AGAINST THE ATTACKS OF THE ENEMY. ARM YOURSELF FOR BATTLE, MEET HIM ON THE FIELD OF PLAY, AND TRUST THE LORD FOR YOUR DELIVERANCE FROM YOUR ALREADY-BEATEN FOE!"