Putting on Our Armor

January 7th,

" Good morning Lord" I said, climbing out of bed as I read Ephesians 6:14-18 over and over again before using it to pray. I must say, I've never felt closer to God ever since I became born-again...looks like this year's gonna be way different than the others. I feel this new surge of energy within me and I know, it's time to fight the good fight of faith.

"Sandy, I know you still have that video, you have to delete it-"

"What video?" I asked, feigning ignorance as Ray looked at me, obviously frustrated by my attitude.

"Oh! You mean the one where you were singing, dancing and frying pancakes in a girly apron?" I asked, bursting into laughter as he looked a bit embarrassed.

"Bro, there's nothing to be ashamed of

Trust me, no one's gonna see that video. I just need to watch it every now and then to see how big and precious my little brother has become." I said, winking at him as he rolled his eyes.

"Now you sound like Mum. Can I have some of your sandwiches?" He asked, looking at my breakfast as he pushed him away slightly.

"I thought you hated peanut butter and jelly sandwiches-"

"It's because Aunt Rose made those ones. They were so disgusting-" he said as I swatted his arm.

"Hey! Don't be so rude." I said.

"Okay you can have mine, lil' bro." I said as he frowned.

"Okay San-" he said.

"Only Lissa's allowed to call me that. It sounds like 'sand' when other people say it."

"Whatever." He said.

A few hours later, Antony and Melissa( Lissa) came over and after watching a movie( Overcomer) over a bowl of popcorn and soda, we settled down to talk.

"Last time we talked, You guys sounded like we were going to war or something." Antony said, smiling as Lissa shrugged and I nodded.

"So when do we start?" Lissa asked.

"Guys, we're meant to always be prepared so if you haven't put it on, you have to do so quickly. We cannot be vulnerable to the tactics of the devil. I know for sure that the kidnappings of these children aren't normal, coupled with other crimes in Brookville so we have to take our stand. When you both get home, make sure you pray together. I want to be sure that God wants us to do this together. Then we would all pray together when you get the confirmation." I said.

"That's very important. Do you think we should tell our parents about this?" Antony asked.

"About what? Thay we're praying for Brookville? "Lissa asked, a bit amused.

"Uhm...well yes." He said.

"T'is your choice Ant-" I said teasingly.

"I've told you not to call me that-" he started as Lissa stopped us.

"Be serious guys! We're not done here and it's definitely not time to play. No distractions!" She said.

"Yes ma'am." Antony said as I nodded. I knew she was right.

"So, apart from praying for Brookville, are you going to do anything about the wierd house?" Antony asked.

"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"So you think the wierd house has anything to do with your dreams or with the kidnappings? "He asked.

"Hmmmm that's an important question...I don't know, I think I'll just have to pray about that too-"

"Or could the dark room you saw in your dream be in the wierd house? "Lissa asked, out of the blues as Antony and I looked at her thoughtfully.

"I don't think so-"

"She might have a point there...anyways guys, it's getting late. Y'all should start going home now. Parents are getting more concerned about the time their kids come home. Play safe guys, the streets aren't safe anymore." I said as they laughed and walked to the door.

"Bye San"

"See ya Sandy"

They greeted as I smiled.

"Bye guys."