Secure Phone Line

I'd always thought prayers silently spoken were private. I now know that somehow the Devil can intercept these prayers and figure out how to get me based on what I am praying for. He's a sneaky snake.

This morning I was able to get up early and go for a long run in the crisp, cool air. It was a really nice morning. As I always do, rather than turning on my ipod, I used the time to pray and get focused for my day. This morning, in addition to many other things,  I specifically prayed for God to continue to draw Tony and I together and to bless our marriage and for help with the kids, that I would be nice to them. Sad that I have to actually pray that, but lately I feel like I get fed up and turn into this wild lady blistering them with my tongue. I have to tell myself all the time, "They are babies! Get a grip!"

The Devil and his minions were hard at work immediately after I ended my prayer. By 8am this morning, Tony and I had a disagreement over a silly miscommunication and I had called Jacob a "toenail face". I'm laughing as I type it, but really?!? Toenail face?!

Eight in the morning is too early to be mad at your family. Tony left in a huff, leaving poor Jacob and Kaylen in my clutches. They were both grumpy this morning too, by the way. Thats right, I'm looking for a little justification. Tony was gone, they were grumpy, they barely ate their special breakfast I made- When French Toast Met Pancakes- and I had all but forgotten my pious prayers for patience, wisdom and self-control. I marched the kids back to their rooms to get dressed. In Jacob's room we went through the daily ritual where I get out his clothes, he goes on the other side of the bed where I can't reach him, I order him back, he s-l-o-w-l-y obeys, I grab him and pull off his pajamas, he steps as hard as he can into his pants which always yanks them out of my hands, I yank up his pants, he's jumpingwigglingmovingwon't-be-still, I order him to stop moving. This is where the ritual stopped this morning. Upon my order, he stopped and stepped closer and jammed a very sharp toenail into my knee. Neither myself nor my knee appreciated it. The former started bleeding and the latter called her favorite son a toenail face.

It's embarrassing, really, to even share this publically. But I consider it my higher calling- for today anyway- to alert you all to the wiles of the Devil. Please, I implore you, when you pray make sure you are prepared to follow through! Be aware that when you pray, you are setting yourself up for failure and arm yourself to handle the onslought when it comes. For it surely will.

 ⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is

undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

 ¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

^{I Peter 5:8-10}

"And the God of all grace" such a beautiful line. Motherhood is hard and harder still when there is an Enemy actively and constantly working to destroy what God has done in our home and in our lives. 

Stay on guard, pray continually, fight back.  



Epilogue:
Toenail face and I have since made up and have had a wonderful day together. He really is my best boy, and Kaylen is my best girl. Even when they turn up their noses at my food I still love them. As for the toenail, it shall be clipped tonight.