Victor Rebukes Satan

Everybody say, "Hey Victor!"

Victor is a pretty typical 1st grader at Ciudad de Luz; His attention span lasts for about 5 minutes, he likes to be first in line, and he enjoys doing Kung-Fu moves at recess.

Today, God chose Victor to be a not-so-typical 1st grader for a moment. Here's what happened:

Backstory-

The Lord is growing me. Some of it hurts (emotionally and mentally especially). Some of it makes me laugh (He does some pretty WACKO things). Some of it has given me a whole new perspective on the world. By asking for His wisdom and love, my eyes are being stripped from the physical world and opened to the spiritual.

I feel I'm grasping the tip of the reality of spiritual warfare. Without going too deep into things, let me just say I see it everywhere. Let me also say I feel the need to protect my 'territories,' one of which is my classroom.

While praying for my students and classes today, I felt the Spirit tell me to rebuke Satan and his demons at the beginning of every class, to declare my classroom as Holy ground, and to make it known that he is not welcome.

I then toyed (sp?) with the idea of when I would do this, contemplating when the best time would be and what would be the best way to go about it. I momentairly forgot that all I have to do is say it and it's so cause I've been given that authority in JESUS!

Fastforward to 3:05p.m. today.

Victor and his classmate, Joseph, are in my classroom ready to start reading group. Victor volunteers to pray, and as he prays, we repeat:

"Lord Jesus (Lord Jesus),

Thank You for today (Thank You for today).

Thank You for everything You have given us (Thank You for everything that You have given us).

And Satan, get away from here! ( AND SATAN, GET AWAY FROM HERE! [what?! he totally just rebuked Satan from this place!]

In Jesus name (In Jesus name)

Amen y Amen."

Me: "Wow! Thanks, Victor! Who taught you to pray that, "Satan, get away from here!"

Victor: "No one."

Me: "No one? No one taught you how to pray that?"

Victor (shrugs shoulders like it's no big thing): "Nope. I just thought of it."

AYE COSA!

('Aye cosa' is my Spanish equivalent of 'Oh brother!')

The Holy Spirit totally used this 5 year old not only to rebuke Satan from the classroom, but to remind me of my responsibilty to do it from here on out.

What a sweet sweet moment from a Father who cares about us more than we will ever fully comprehend :o)

Straight Hair

Back in the States, people pay for curly hair. My whole life, people have always given me positive, encouraging compliments about my hair. I don't say this in a conceited way, it's simply factual.

Here, it's the exact opposite. EVERYONE has hair like me and they are always trying to make it straight. I am also asked quite frequently why I don't get my hair straightened or relaxed. Quite frankly, I prefer the curls. However, every now and again, it's fun to mix it up.

The following are a few pics from a few weeks back when I had it straightened...enjoy!  

Finished product

Isaura (next to me) and Jennifer (behind), a few of my stylists :o)

Praise Him!

God. Is. So. Good.

 (When I say 'God,' I'm referring to the God-Head, the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.)

He doesn't leave me where I am but continues to let me know Him deeper.

He doesn't leave me alone but promises to always be with me.

He could teach me all I need to know all on His own, but He blesses me with relationships with other believers who instruct, encourage, challenge, and confirm His heart.

He is patient with me as I screw up.

He is kind to remind me what He has saved me from and how He has grown me.

He gives me good gifts and is teaching me to be generous.

He restores the joy of my salvation.

He's given me citizenship in a Kingdom that is yet to come.

He gives me hope not only for the here-and-now, but that after my 'X' number of years on Earth are over, there is something even better waiting.

He loves me intimately as a lover.

He is the kind Father.

He died in my place.

 His blood covers me in such a way that He only sees white when He looks at me.

He prays for me.

He delights Himself in my praise.

Psalm 115:1

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us

but to Your Name be the glory,

because of Your love and faithfulness."