The Flame Within

🌾 The Quiet Fight of Faith 🌾

We all have those days.
Days when you wake up feeling heavy—like the weight of yesterday never really lifted. Maybe you’re feeling defeated, discouraged, or even under attack from every direction. Maybe you’ve been doing all the “right things”—praying, serving, working hard—and still feel like life keeps throwing punches you didn’t see coming.

If that’s you today, I want you to hear this: it’s okay to have a hard day.
It’s human. It’s understandable. It doesn’t make you weak or faithless—it makes you real. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35). Elijah sat under a tree and told God he couldn’t take anymore (1 Kings 19:4). David poured out his heart in the Psalms, crying, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:11). You’re in good company when you feel the ache of life.

But while it’s okay to have a down day, it’s not healthy to stay there.

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🌱 Don’t Let the Low Days Define You

The enemy loves to strike when we’re weary. He uses discouragement as a weapon, whispering lies that tell us, “You’ll never get through this,” or “God has forgotten you.” But Jesus made it clear in John 10:10 that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

Our job is to recognize those tactics and refuse to let them take root.
Yes, rest when you’re weary. Cry when you’re hurting. But don’t let your low moments become your living place. Instead, choose to fight back with truth.

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🕊 Tools for Turning Toward Hope and Healing

When you’re in a valley, here are a few tools that can help redirect your heart and mind:
• Worship – Even when you don’t feel like it. Praise shifts the atmosphere and reminds your soul who’s in charge (Psalm 22:3).
• Scripture – Speak truth out loud. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” (Psalm 28:7)
• Community – Reach out to a trusted friend, counselor, or pastor. Isolation strengthens the enemy’s voice; connection weakens it.
• Gratitude – Even in pain, name one thing you’re thankful for. Gratitude breaks the power of despair.
• Prayer – Pour it all out. You don’t have to sound strong—just be honest. God already knows.

Philippians 4:8 reminds us:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

When you redirect your thoughts toward what is good, the light begins to seep back in.

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🌤 A Gentle Reminder

Friend, the valley doesn’t last forever. The rain eventually stops. And when it does, the soil of your heart will hold new growth that could never have bloomed on the mountaintop.

Hold on to this promise:

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

So yes, take your down days.
But take them to Jesus.

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Friends Reflection Section

• What do you tend to do when you feel discouraged or under attack?
• What spiritual tools help you find hope again?
• Is there a verse you can cling to this week when you feel low?
• Who could you reach out to for encouragement—or who might need encouragement from you today?

Blessings, Crystal

“Faith & Courage at the Checkout Counter”

Yesterday, I had one of the sweetest God moments while shopping at Cato. I had picked up a shirt that said “Faith & Courage.” As I brought it to the counter, the associate—a kind woman wearing a cross necklace—looked at it and said, “Oh my, I didn’t even know we had this shirt. I love this shirt!”

I smiled and replied, “I need all the courage I can get these days.” From there, our conversation took an unexpected turn. I opened up to her and shared that I had recently been assaulted in Australia—hit upside the head—and that I was still recovering from a concussion. She was understandably shocked, apologetic, and compassionate.

As we continued talking, I could sense immediately that she was a believer. So I shared even more of my story: how, in that hotel room in Australia, while I was hurting, scared, and praying, God made it clear to me that the attack was from the enemy—an attempt to keep me from finishing a book I am passionate about, one I had been working hard to complete on spiritual abuse. I told her that my family has faced many spiritual attacks in recent years, but that God’s purpose cannot be stopped, no matter what the enemy tries to throw at us.

She listened intently, sharing powerful verses, and then shared a piece of her own story. I felt like I “had gone to church-right there at Cato”. She shared with me one of our struggles and how she had fallen at church a few months ago, that she was still experiencing some pain, but how grateful she was that it hadn’t been worse. We both agreed on that point—yes, it hurt, but it could have been far worse, and God had protected us.

Then, out of nowhere, she looked at me and said, “Would it be OK if I just prayed with you today?” I was caught off guard—in the best way. It was one of the sweetest gestures I have received in a very long time. Without hesitation I said, “Absolutely.”

Before I even knew it, she reached across the counter, took my hand as though we were lifelong friends, and began to pray over me. Right there. In public. At the checkout counter of a clothing store.

I wanted to take a picture in that moment—not for me, but for the world to see this truth: there is no racism in the body of Christ. In that sacred moment, it wasn’t about skin color, age, or background. It was simply two women who loved the Lord, connecting in faith, courage, and prayer in the most ordinary of places.

It was such a blessing to my soul. I told her I would be praying for her as well and thanked her deeply for her prayer. I don’t know her name, and I may never see her again—though I will probably keep shopping at that Cato just in case! But I will never forget the way God showed up in that unexpected place to remind me that He is everywhere, always present, and always ready to encourage us when we open our eyes and hearts to Him.

It brought me right back to that shirt: Faith & Courage. That’s exactly what it takes to keep moving forward, to keep trusting, and to keep living with the boldness to share our faith. And to risk rejection or embarrassment to share how God is working in your life. And the courage it took for her to pray for me right there on the spot. Wow! So grateful for the reminder to live out my faith with courage.

🌿 Verses about Courage & Faith

• Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord
  your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
• Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
• Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
• Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

💞 Friends…

Are you in a season where you could use a little more faith and courage?
When was the last time you had a special “God moment” in an ordinary place where He reminded you He was near?
And when was the last time you prayed for someone—or had someone unexpectedly pray over you?

I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s encourage one another and remind each other that God is still showing up in the everyday moments of life. 🙏

Blessings, Crystal

“Standing With Charlie, Standing for Christ.”

I may be one of the only ones bold enough to say this—or maybe others have and I just haven’t seen it. While I completely understand the sentiment and the heart behind the statement “I am Charlie”… and while I am a supporter of his work, heartbroken and outraged over his assassination, and deeply committed to standing up for my faith without being silenced… I still wrestle with the phrase.

I think Charlie would have been touched by the solidarity, but I also believe he would have struggled with the saying. Because Charlie didn’t live to point people to himself—he lived to point people to Jesus. He would not have wanted people to say, “Be like Charlie.” He would have wanted them to say, “Be like Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

This reminds me of a dear friend of mine, Barbara. She was one of the most godly, pure-hearted women I’ve ever known. When she passed away, I was heart-broken. She had been such a source of love, encouragement, and always pointed me toward Jesus. After she died, I found myself comparing myself to her: “What would Barbara do? Barbara would never say this or feel this way. I can’t compare to her.”

But in prayer, God gently reminded me: “Barbara wouldn’t want you to be like Barbara. She would want you to be like Jesus.” Barbara always pointed me and everyone to Jesus. Barbara’s faith was incredibly God-fearing and a womderf role model. But, she is not my standard—Christ is.

And so it is with Charlie. He lived his life pointing others to Christ, and he lost his life because he refused to stop proclaiming Biblical truth. The bold statement we should be making is not “I am Charlie”—but “I am a Christian.”

I stand with Charlie. I stand for Jesus Christ and the gospel.

Friends, what about you?
Who do you compare yourself to?
And would that person want you to be like them… or like Jesus?

We are each created with a unique DNA, soul, personality, and purpose. We were never meant to be like someone else—we were meant to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. God created eaxh one if us with a purpose!

Blessings,
Crystal ✝️

“Gilmore Girls vs. Family Estrangement” – A Present Day Cultural Trend That Will Stunt Relational Growth Within Families for Decades

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18

One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Gilmore Girls is the way it portrays messy, complicated, yet deeply human family relationships. Lorelai could have made the choice to completely distance herself from her parents, and at times, that probably would have seemed easier for her—and even for Rory. Distance can feel like relief when relationships are stressful, but in the long run, it rarely brings healing. Instead, it often leaves behind layers of guilt and an even deeper void in one’s life. Estrangement may offer temporary comfort, but it creates an emptiness that grows over time.

The show reminds us that learning to navigate difficult family members is actually a vital part of our own healing process. Lorelai shows us the struggle in both unhealthy and healthy ways—sometimes setting boundaries in anger, other times in growth—but she models the very real journey of figuring out how to live in tension with imperfect family dynamics.

Of course, there are times when even healthy boundaries are not enough. There are situations where people must leave toxic relationships in order to survive and heal. But what’s striking is how often, in our culture today, people are encouraged to make this decision quickly—before doing the hard, refining work of learning to manage difficult relationships and build resilience.

And while Gilmore Girls didn’t always portray family dynamics perfectly, one of the most wholesome aspects of the show was its consistent emphasis on family connection. Compared to many of the shows available today, it stood out by showing the hard work, grit, fortitude, and perseverance that are essential in working toward healthy, enduring relationships.

In our own lives, God sometimes calls us not to escape but to grow in the process of loving difficult people—while also giving us the wisdom to know when enough is enough. Healthy boundaries matter. Discernment matters. And so does the growth that only comes from wrestling through hard, imperfect relationships.

What about you? Have you experienced the tension between finding peace through boundaries while also guarding against the void estrangement can bring?

As I look at this picture of Charlie Kirk’s parents, my heart is drawn especially to his mother. You can see the weight of loss etched across her face, her body, her very countenance. A mother’s love is unlike any other—deep, wide, fierce, and tender all at once.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13)

God designed the bond between a mother and her child to be inseparable. For nine months, we carry our children beneath our hearts, their lives interwoven with ours in the most intimate way possible. That bond does not end at birth; it carries on for decades. Even as our children become adults, our thoughts are never far from them. We pray, we worry, we rejoice, and we continue to pour our hearts into their lives.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)

The greatest act of a mother’s love is also one of the hardest—to release her children so they can step into the life God has for them. She lets go so they can grow. Yet, even in letting go, a mother’s heart never stops beating for her child.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

To think of the pain this mother must be enduring now is overwhelming. The countless prayers she’s prayed for Charlie, the years of concern over his calling, the pride and hope she’s carried—all of it collides with the heartbreak of loss. Her grief is not only for today, but for all the days she will never again share with her son on this side of eternity.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

This picture is a window into the love of a mother—a love that reflects the very heart of God. It reminds us to pray for her, for his father, and for all parents walking through unspeakable loss. And it reminds us that even in sorrow, God’s promise holds true:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)

Friends, if you are a mom, or if you love and care about a child, you know the depth of this bond. May we never take lightly the gift of our children, nor the privilege of praying over their lives. Let this be a reminder to cherish every moment, to speak blessings over them, and to trust God’s hand in their story. And let us keep lifting up this grieving mother and father, asking God to hold them in His everlasting arms.

Blessings, Crystal

As I look at this picture of Charlie Kirk’s parents, my heart is drawn especially to his mother. You can see the weight of loss etched across her face, her body, her very countenance. A mother’s love is unlike any other—deep, wide, fierce, and tender all at once.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13)

God designed the bond between a mother and her child to be inseparable. For nine months, we carry our children beneath our hearts, their lives interwoven with ours in the most intimate way possible. That bond does not end at birth; it carries on for decades. Even as our children become adults, our thoughts are never far from them. We pray, we worry, we rejoice, and we continue to pour our hearts into their lives.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)

The greatest act of a mother’s love is also one of the hardest—to release her children so they can step into the life God has for them. She lets go so they can grow. Yet, even in letting go, a mother’s heart never stops beating for her child.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

To think of the pain this mother must be enduring now is overwhelming. The countless prayers she’s prayed for Charlie, the years of concern over his calling, the pride and hope she’s carried—all of it collides with the heartbreak of loss. Her grief is not only for today, but for all the days she will never again share with her son on this side of eternity.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

This picture is a window into the love of a mother—a love that reflects the very heart of God. It reminds us to pray for her, for his father, and for all parents walking through unspeakable loss. And it reminds us that even in sorrow, God’s promise holds true:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)

Friends, if you are a mom, or if you love and care about a child, you know the depth of this bond. May we never take lightly the gift of our children, nor the privilege of praying over their lives. Let this be a reminder to cherish every moment, to speak blessings over them, and to trust God’s hand in their story. And let us keep lifting up this grieving mother and father, asking God to hold them in His everlasting arms.

Blessings, Crystal

Last night I had a dream that felt so vivid, it’s still lingering this morning. In the dream, I starting out at a gas station. It was a normal day, putting gas in my car during the day and it felt completely normal. I had a clear plan for how to get home. I wasn’t worried about getting lost, getting hurt, or losing my way. Everything felt organized and secure.

But suddenly, I “woke up” — not in my bed, but in the middle of a strange town I’d never seen before. Somehow, I had ended up at a remote state park in the pitch dark, miles from anything familiar, and I had no idea how I got there. I woke up in my car, but found myself riding a bike to get to the nearest gas station. When I asked the attendant where I was, they gave me the name of the town — a name that seemed almost impossible to pronounce or remember. The directions were confusing. Trying to tell my family where and how to get to me felt impossible.

From there, I had to wait at a little house with a random but kind husband and wife until my family could come and get me. This podunk town in the middle of nowhere felt both surreal and unsettling.

As I woke up, the symbolism hit me like a wave:

This dream is what living with a concussion feels like.

You begin with things you know for certain — your routines, your independence, your plans — but suddenly nothing makes sense. Your brain is foggy. Your world feels dizzy and disorienting. The simplest tasks take extra energy and time. Everything seems unfamiliar, even when you’ve done it a hundred times before. And you’re forced to lean on others more than you’d like, waiting and relying on them to help you navigate what used to feel simple.

It’s frustrating. It’s humbling. It’s exhausting.

But even in that strange, hard place — like the couple’s house in my dream — or the dark state park in the middle of nowhere—there can also be moments of kindness and care. People who meet you where you are, help you find your bearings, and wait with you until you’re safe again.

For anyone else who’s navigating an “unknown experience or trial” or illness, injury, or disorientation: you’re not alone. The journey might be foggy now, but clarity will come. This is what I tell myself, when it feels overwhelming and frustrating.

1. When life feels unfamiliar and confusing.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:33

Even when our minds feel foggy and unclear, we can trust that God Himself is steady and constant.

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2. When you feel weak and dependent on others.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

In the dream about waiting and relying on others reflects the truth that in our weakness, God’s strength shines through.

3. When the path feels lost or unfamiliar.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6

Even in the “Podunk towns” of life where nothing feels familiar, He promises direction.

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4. When everything requires more energy, patience, aand endurance.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31

This verse speaks directly to the exhaustion and slow pace of healing — reminding us that renewal is coming.

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5. When you feel disoriented but want to hold on to hope.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
— Psalm 23:1–3

Even when nothing makes sense, God’s guidance and restoration are steady and certain.

Blessings, Crystal

I can only imagine the emotions in this moment. The deep grief she must be feeling—having lost her husband—and the overwhelming weight of standing before an amazing crowd that came to mourn with her. Her strength reminds me of Corrie Ten Boom, who after surviving the horrors of a concentration camp, faced the soldier responsible for her sister’s death. She admitted, “I am unable to forgive in my strength…. I can only do this with the strength of God living through me.” In the same way, I see a woman leaning not on her own strength, but on God—the only One holding her up right now.

As I look at President Trump, I can’t help but wonder what he is feeling in this embrace. He knows the fragility of life all too well—just over a year ago, he himself was shot, and this scene could have easily been his own memorial, with his wife and children in her place. Yet on his face I see something layered: grief for her loss, compassion as if she were his own daughter, and a deep, righteous indignation that such evil left her without a husband and their children without a father.

There is also a quiet strength in him that shows through in this picture. His embrace doesn’t just comfort—it protects. It’s as if he is shielding her, holding her close so she won’t collapse under the weight of grief. I can’t help but think there may also be a sense of guilt he carries—not because of anything he’s personally done, but because of the unrest, violence, and lack of peace that has swept through our nation. With that comes an overwhelming sense of responsibility: to protect her, to protect others, and to do all that is possible to keep this kind of evil from happening again.

This picture captures the raw emotion of the day—grief, compassion, strength, protection, and righteous responsibility all mingled together. It is a reminder that in moments of deepest sorrow, God alone sustains.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

🙏 A Prayer:

Lord, we lift up President Trump and the leaders of our nation. Give them wisdom, courage, and compassion. May this heartbreaking moment not be wasted, but used as a turning point to bring healing, peace, and unity back to America. Guard their hearts against fear, strengthen them with resolve, and guide them with Your truth. Let righteousness, justice, and peace prevail in our land once again.

We also lift up Erika and her children. Surround them with Your presence and comfort. Hold them close when the nights feel unbearably long, and remind them that You are their refuge and strength. Provide for their every need, mend their broken hearts, and let them feel the nearness of Your Spirit in the middle of their pain.

Blessings and Healing for our Land,

Crystal

“When Life Shakes Us, God Holds Us”

This week something I never expected happened — I was attacked by a homeless man who clocked me hard upside the head. I walked away with a concussion, whiplash, emotionally shaken-up. I’ve been dizzy, I have headaches, my neck hurts, and I’ve been resined to sitting in the dark, with ice on my head. Not exactly the way you want vacation to come to a close. I’m working through the physical recovery and the trauma that came with that sudden, senseless violence.

I can’t understand why a stranger would single me out of a crowd and charge on me and wack me upside the head. I’ve tried to make sense of the needless attack; But I’ve continually resigned to sometimes life doesn’t make sense. I do feel it was a spiritual attack intended to steel joy, make me fearful, and keep me from writing all God’s placed on my heart.

In the same way, I can’t understand why a deranged man would assassinate another human being, simply because he had different beliefs. How he would come to the conclusion that this was the “right” and necessary decision. It doesn’t make sense—- Because it’s evil and evil never makes sense.

The assault hit me in the middle of a season when our nation is already reeling — after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and in the midst of so much unrest. It’s become painfully clear how quickly life can change, how fast something precious can be taken from us. The news of his death has rippled through so many communities and hearts. The news is literally all over th globe.

In the midst of my suffering and chaos that seems to be making its mark on our communities—here’s what I’m holding on to: God is present in the trials. He is not absent in the darkness. Even when something ugly tries to steal our peace, God can use it for a bigger good — to deepen our dependence on Him, to awaken our gratitude for what still remains, and to remind us how fragile and precious life is.

So while I’m healing — while the dizziness and pain are real — I refuse to let this make me a victim. I refuse to let a spirit of fear take root in my heart. I will stand courageous, not because I’m unafraid, but because I know the Lord walks with me and He will turn sorrow into purpose. I choose gratitude for the mercies that could’ve been far worse. I choose to let this season refine my faith rather than define my fear.

If you’re reading this and feeling shaken by the chaos around us — hold on. Pray. Love your people fiercely. Be careful, but don’t let terror win. Let your courage be louder than your fear.

Please pray for my head to heal quickly, flying with a concussion is new territory. Pray my trauma passes through and doesn’t leave a lingering impact. Pray they catch thr man who attacked me and he is punished for his senseless violence. Thank you!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Blessings, Crystal

“How Do Other Countries View America?”

Being outside of the U.S. has given me an interesting view of America. I’ve had conversations with people outside of the USA, because I’m curious what news they’re hearing and what their view is of America. Uber drivers, coffee baristas, hotel managers—people from different walks of life and even in countries considered more liberal than ours.

I simply ask what they’ve heard on the news and social media and ask what they think—I do not tell them what I think. I remain completely neutral and I ask absolutely no leading questions. Want to know what i’m hearing? Every single person i’ve talked to condemns the murder of Charlie Kirk and says he was only speaking his beliefs. They’ll add, “He wasn’t evil or violent— He just had different beliefs—that’s the point of a free country?” They say this regardless of their worldview or beliefs.

I’ve heard people who are filled with compassion and sadness because he left a wife and children. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see sadness and compassion on their faces. I also sea “fear” on their faces for me, all Americans, themselves, their nation, and the world. They are aware that America leads the rest of the world in most areas of life. Not one person has shrugged it off or excused it. Not one person said “He had It coming.” Or… “He asked for it because he wouldn’t shut up.” There seems to be a certain level of respect for his courage.

So far, all the people I’ve spoken to seem to comment about an extreme ideology or mindset and recognize what is happening: The murder Is the fruit of an evil ideology that is producing violence and murder.

The part that saddens me is how people outside of the U.S. have the ability to see how terrible this assination is—-but there are people in America praising this act of violence and seemingly happy they are now rid of Charlie Kirk. Which is disturbing on so many levels. Lord, help us!

Even outside of America, people are saying this radical ideology has gone crazy. They’re fearful of the extreme ideology. They’re afraid to visit our country. They don’t see America as a leader right now—they see us as lost and deranged. They’re fearful their nation will eventually follow in the path of destruction and division. This should shake us all to our core.

And here’s the truth: If you are not condemning this murder, you are part of the problem. You are siding with the evil that Jesus Himself said comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Rejoicing in another’s murder is only of
Satan himself; He’s the only rejoicer of murder and death—It’s evil at its finest.

Friends, hear this—it is time to wake up. This isn’t just politics. This is spiritual. This is good versus evil. The battle is not against flesh and bood. It’s against the forces in the heavenly realm.

America, the world is watching. And they’re not impressed. They see a nation torn apart by deception, violence, division, hatred—and persistent murder. They see a nation that has forgotten its moral compass and has turned its back on the God who blessed it. If we don’t rise up, repent, and return to truth, we will lose not only our influence on the world but our very soul as a country.

It’s time to stand. It’s time to speak. It’s time to push back against evil with courage, conviction, and the unshakable truth of God’s Word. It’s time for people on both political sides and all belief systems to recognize the radicalism that is tearing apart our great nation. It is time to denounce the spiteful ideology and to embrace unity and normalize kindness and respect in the USA. Join me in praying for our nation and that God will save us from ourselves.

Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Blessings, Crystal