John and I had a gift card to P.F. Changs that we used tonight. I think, by the way, that it's my new favorite restaurant. Our fortune cookie guts are pictured. We thought their stark contrast was interesting. I think we'll toss one. What do you think? (That's rhetorical in case you were wondering.)

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The first canner full of spaghetti sauce is out of the canner. Now one more. Looks like bedtime at 1:30. I a few months I will know that it was worth it. Thank God for His provision of both food and enough stamina!

The kids and I (Elizabeth and her kids too) got to hear some excellent lessons yesterday on God being a warrior. I had already been thinking - reminding myself - about who the enemy is. That is important. If we become distracted soldiers and begin to see distorted images of the enemy in the form of some people(s) or circumstance then we despair. Those foes are impossible ones to defeat. We do not possess weapons that are suited to battle with them, so we grow weary and eventually are in danger of deserting.
However, when we remember that our enemy is satan there is only room for hope and vigor. He is the defeated enemy. He will NEVER be an impossible opponent. Jesus gained that victory solidly and works on as our strength against him. Don't misunderstand, satan is not a deflated enemy, rather he is an enemy of fury (Revelation 12). We cannot dismiss him, but we can have confidence in God's power which is at work in us. It is that very magnitude of power which cast satan down. If we fix our eyes and our hope on Jesus, strap on our armor, and remember that we do not fight an impossible foe, there is no reason at all we ever have to lose a battle.

I just noticed something for the first time while reading through Genesis 41. (Don't you love that happens?) The wife given to Joseph was the daughter of a pagan priest. We know what happened when Ahab married a woman of a nation of idol worship. He followed her like the proverbial puppy dog. It appears, however that Joseph remained God's man - remaining aware of Him as the Director of his steps (Genesis 41:51, 52; 45:7-9) That inspires, doesn't it? No matter what our circumstances we can remain faithful to God. Thank God for Joseph's stellar example!