Good Morning Girls!  This weekend Pastor Jim shared with us the road to victory that his girls basketball team traveled as they won their first State Championship.  He shared with us the power of prayer.  He also shared with us some of the scriptures his team stood on during their prayer time.  Or should I say laid upon........

His team prayed Psalm 23 with all faith and belief, often laying down as they let the words take hold of their hearts- He makes me to lie down in green pastures.......

He shared with us that David, the author of Psalm 23 believed that 2 Angels followed him.  Their names were Goodness and Mercy- as referenced in 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life......

It made me smile to myself as I thought "Actually, there are 3 angels mentioned in that verse".

You see, a few years ago I was the parent helper in my daughters kindergarten classroom.  My assignment that day was to make sure each child had memorized their Bible verse for the day.  it was Psalm 23:6.  Most of the kids were doing great, only a few stumbled.

Then it was Christian's turn.  Christian was a charmer for sure.  I believe he will be a great man accomplishing great things when he gets older.  He is charming and bold and quite comical (even when he is not trying to be).  One time when I was grading him, he received an S-.  He looked at the score and said very seriously "I think you may want to change that.  If you don't, my dad will be upset......with you".  He was so convincing that I almost changed it!  For a brief second I imagined his dad coming to me and saying "listen lady, you've got a lot of nerve not giving my son a perfect score.....even though he did not know half of his verse....."  Being the confident woman that I am I looked that 5 year old in the eye and said "I am sorry Christian, I need to follow the rules.  If your dad is upset with me, I understand, and I will be happy to talk to him". 

Not one to hold a grudge, Christian came out in the hall on Psalm 23 day with a chipper "hi Charley's mom".  He had obviously forgiven my earlier offense.  I told him he could begin at any time.  He sat there for a moment with a puzzled look on his face.  He tapped his chin looking around.   He said "ooooohhhh....I know this one.  This is the one about the lady."  I am thinking "the lady?  What is he talking about?  Poor kid, he couldn't be more off track this morning."

He just sat there saying over and over again "oh....man.....what is her name again?"  .  I am so confused I didn't even know how to help the poor kid.  "Would you like me to get you started by saying the first word?" I asked.  "Okay" he said.

I began, "Surely"...."That's it!  That's her!  I can't believe I forgot!  That is my grandma's name!  Shirley, goodness, and mercy follow me all of my days!"  He said with a mile wide smile on his face.  My heart melted and I just wanted to grab him and squeeze him and thank him for making my day.  I gave him an S+.

So Girls, I am heading off to my job.  A job I am still in disbelief over but am thankful for.  And though I do not neccessarily feel like going out in the cold yet again today, I find comfort that I have my 3 angels following me, keeping me safe, and bringing me blessings.  Come on Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy.....lets go rock the pizza world!

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Love, grace, and childlike faith to you all,
Jen