A young Facebook friend posted a message late one night... it read something like, "I feel useless... like nothing matters." All I could think to say in response was that's just not true. Then I wrote this song. Don't Buy The Lies.
    The devil would like nothing more than for us to feel useless. Keep your faith. Let the devil beware. Tell him he can't have you.


Here is a link to my fancy new Don't Buy The Lies YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzNgbzD0PBM

My prayers go with the music... for every person who feels discouraged, down, hopeless, afraid, useless, or any other feeling not of God. Stay strong. Don't let the devil steal your joy.

Scripturally Speaking:

1 Peter 5:8
8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
New American Standard Bible

Scripturally Speaking Too:
Nehemiah 8:10
10 Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
New American Standard Bible

    From the time our kids were in grade school... we've been involved in sports; basketball, volleyball, track, soccer and football. Our children were never interested in debate, science or foreign language clubs. Our son dabbled in DECA... but only in his senior year... and it was really all about hanging with friends and going on overnight trips for competitions. The happy-sad thing is... he was really good at it and might have excelled in that... if he'd only put in the time. Sports was where it was at for our family. Now it's over. Neither of our children moved on to play college sports... so there's just nothing to watch. At least that's what I thought.

    Our daughter received two years free at the local Community College. She took a part time job at Regal Cinemas to earn some cash. She's a saver... not a spender... so the money is starting to pile up. The other night my husband and I went to see a movie during her shift. I got that cheer leader feeling all over again. She's really good at her job! I found myself watching her every move. Team player that she is... she jumped behind the counter to help the poor guy that was overwhelmed by customers... then she started taking and filling drink and popcorn orders. She whipped up a pair of cappuccinos and a hot dog like it was no big deal and made every customer smile. I caught myself walking with her as she made her way back and forth behind the counter. It was a little like the old days when I paralleled her moves on the court, the track or the field. Back then my insides jumped when she cleared a hurdle, made a basket or a goal. That night I found myself celebrating her grace in action... through customer service and professionalism. I stood there... filled with pride... and wanted so badly to tell everyone she was OUR DAUGHTER.

    I came away from that experience silently satisfied... knowing that sports... as parents or athletes... don't make or break us. It's life and how we live that counts. Our kids can make us even more proud by who they are and how they live. I am so proud of my children. I hope I'm cheering enough and I pray they can hear me... even when they want me to keep quiet. I look forward to discovering more of what God has in store for them in real life... who they were born to be and who they are destined to become.

    Know this... I never stayed in my seat when they made a great play or crossed a finish line... and I'm not about to start doing that now. I don't have a player number to wear anymore which is kind of a bummer.  I'll just have to keep my pride in check... and try not to embarrass them. I'll be quiet and discreet. After all... I want them to want me around... not dread my being there.

Scripturally Speaking x 3
Psalm 127:3
3 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
NASB

Matthew 19:14
14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
NIV

Proverbs 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
NASB