100% Christian

SO MUCH DIVISION!  This is a very difficult time in our Nation and globally as well. In the midst of COVID-19, we have the very opposite of Social Distancing.  We massive nation wide protesting and it has spilled over into other countries as well.  People are ANGRY!  Justifiably so.  Sadly, this news has been all to frequent. The video, too was horrific to watch.  He "the officer" appeared so very calm and determined to hold his position.  He was unmoved by video footage, the onlookers or the pleas of his coworkers to turn Mr. Floyd over on his side.  

This has been an ongoing practice in many other Law Enforcement agencies for decades.  Officers have been and still are misusing their privileges and breaking public trust.  Many have taken the lives of men and women, and yes even children, and it had nothing to do with self-defense.

The reason I'm posting on this particular case is because I am half police officer (now retired) and half civilian.  Marine's say, "Once A Marine, Always A Marine."  Well cops, usually say, "Retired!"  After successfully retiring, you (in my opinion) are unable to forget the blue family that you have shared life with for the past twenty-five to thirty years.  MPDC will always by my family in blue, and even though I have decided to stop attending police funerals, I still pray for my police family and I still pray that they would be not only safe, but also quick to listen and slow to use deadly force.  I totally get the "fear factor."  Feeling fear and being threatened cannot be a Monday morning quarterback conversation amongst people who were not there.

We have to first, "which is very difficult in this flesh and in social media" but we have to first hold our personal opinions until all the facts are released.  Sadly, all the facts are rarely released and sadly again, when all the facts are released early on, the law doesn't always act justly!

I get upset when people are quick to say, "She did it/didn't do it. / He did it/didn't do it."  And were not eye witnesses.  I hate the news, but yet, I need the news.  I will not live in a bubble and ignore all the things evolving and involving us as a society.  Good and bad, I cannot sit here and just be concerned with only the things that are happening outside of my little circle in North Beach. I will not act unconcerned about all the persecution, poverty, human trafficking, orphans, racisms and other injustices that are occurring, as today's President wants to keep focusing on the economy.  I know that money makes the world "go round" and money helps us to sustain life and prayerfully, give to SO MANY who are less fortunate.  However, the economy has to take a back seat on what is currently happening world wide. In no way am I blaming the President, but in the midst of COVID-19 all I could hear was how great the economy was and how we are going to get back there....

PEOPLE are oppressed and have grown absolutely sick and tired.  The volcano has erupted! We are all human beings and we have for way too long chosen to ignore certain people, certain ethnicities and certain classes so that we can have more for ourselves and also, so that we can step over others for the sake of self preservation.

FEAR and IGNORANCE fuels the man and women living without God.  I was watching Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last sermon on Youtube.  HOW VERY SAD that it is still applicable today...over fifty years later...

I am a child of God.  I am a Christian.  I am walking in the truth and I am fully persuaded that God is the answer.  The officers who have stained the badge and have stolen lives at the hands of their firearms, choke holds, night sticks and pure hatred.... do NOT have God in their hearts, but have partnered with the adversary of this world.

The bible clearly says that YOU are for God or against Him.  The bible goes on to say that the god of this age has blinded the eyes of many...2 Corinthians 2:4-5...

We all know a lot of good people who do NOT have Jesus and want nothing to do with "god and religion."  We all know lots of people who are of various faiths...

We have loved ones, friendships and many acquaintances who are not bible believing people.  They are good, kind, loving and sadly, even more so than some "Christians."

However, the issue with them, the "bad cops" and yes, the believers too, is the heart.

WITHOUT GOD, you can do all the good deeds that you desire.  You can get all the awards known to man and it means nothing to God.  You can also be the meanest, cruelest and hateful person...intentionally abusing and killing others just because you want to.

This heart that God has given us was good.  Adam and his God had a beautiful relationship in the beginning.  AND then, satan, the one who wanted to be like God, took and tainted that relationship with sin.  Adam had everything he could have possibly needed and yet he and Eve wanted just a "little bit more."  TRUTHFULLY, that is you and I today.  We want just a little bit more: more power, more money, more sex, more alcohol, more drugs, more shopping, more food, more spending ability, more square footage, more promotions, more of technology...just to name a few...

With that choice, that free will, that rebellious heart, they/we chose to sin against God.  Therefore, the heart has been broken, bruised, deceived and longing every since.

"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.  He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT

GOD sent Jesus to reconcile us back to HIM and we want no parts of that reconciliation.  

SO many know John 3:16, but very few know the remaining... verses 17-21.

We like our sin, we like our freedom to choose and we like the fact that no one is going to tell "me what to do!"

Hence, the ability to own "PEOPLE!  We call use to call it slavery and it still exists today.  It's hidden, but many have stolen people and brought them into their homes for house maidens and child care providers.  Human traffic is SO NOT TALKED ABOUT in the NEWS!!! YES IT IS STILL HAPPENING!  We are more concerned about the weather than we are about missing and exploited children!!!

It's also why we have the innocent deaths of many...the starvation of millions, the inability to see that every living being should have access to health care and the increasing population of homelessness.  All of these things preached over 50 years ago by Dr. King.

Our heart's cry is how long O God...how long???

How is it that someone here with HIV or Cancer gets treatment, yet in Africa, they simple wait to die?

We have gotten to distracted with achieving, advancing, making money, materialism, social media and the so called "American Dream"  that we have never gotten around to the real needs....human needs.  PEOPLE matter to God and every life is a soul created in His image.  The worst sinner receives forgiveness from God if he/she asks.  HE is the GOD of all flesh says the bible.

This heart is wicked and yet, if we ask Him for forgiveness, He grants it.

I pray for all those who have lost a loved one through acts of violence of any king, and I pray for the offender also.  I pray for this season of protesting to bear much fruit and for many closed eyes to be opened, and not just for the moment.  And I pray for police officers everywhere who are being targeted because some of their peers are revealing their true colors.  

I hate what has happened.  But I do not hate the people who are causing all this hurt.  I'm angry at the great deception that we think can do good apart from the Holy Spirit and apart from a life surrendered to God.

The works of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, patience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, says the book of Galatians.  WE cannot live this out in our own flesh.  This is NOT a list of fruits, it is ONE Fruit, lived out in the Power of God's Spirit.  It is not lived out perfectly, it is an ongoing journey, partnering with God, and allowing Him to transform you.

I cannot even imagine where my heart's (disposition) would be if I were still in my sin and still under the misconception that this life was all about me, my happiness and my entitlements.

BEFORE we allow our HATRED to fuel our responses, remember that it is a "heart issue."  It is not a black or white issue, nor is it a law enforcement training issue.  The man in uniform saw nothing wrong with what he did and daily, people like this man, have hard hearts and are freely living out their beliefs.  They could care less if you video tape them because they stand firm on what they believe, what they have been taught and have been influenced by.

If you believe their is a GOD and that He sent His Son to the Cross of Calvary to die for your sins, than you live out biblical truths and godly principles in life.  NOT perfectly, but with humility and a heart to obey.

AND if you do not believe in God the Creator of all flesh, than you do whatever you want, wherever you want and whenever you feel like it.  Regardless of anyone else's opinion or approval.  ME, MY and I is your heart's desire.  AND we many not say this aloud, but our actions are crystal clear.

Spiritual truths: The heart is deceitful above all things, and beyond cure.  Who can understand it? NIV

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.  Who really knows how bad it is?  NLT

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  Galatians 6:7 NIV

Don't be misled-you cannot mock the justice of God.  You will always harvest what you plant.  NLT

FORGIVENESS is extended to all sinners, regardless of how we feel and who we think should be punished.  God is the JUDGE and at the end of life, everyone will meet with Him personally to give an account for the life they chose to live, says Hebrews 4:13.

In Christ love

YOU Hear Us When We Pray...

Father GOD I love You and I trust You.  Yes, we are in the midst of a global pandemic and yes, death surrounds us.  That does not mean that You are not good and it surely does not mean that You are not God.  I began this faith walk with You at the age of forty-two.  And although I'm now fifty-five, I want to say, I could have possibly come to faith around fifteen years of age had someone shared the gospel with me.  If only I'd known You in my teens it would have been such a different journey for me.  BUT You knew the day that I would say "YES" to Your gift of salvation.

And knowing You as intimately as I do, I have seen and now see Your covering on every day of my life.  Before and after salvation.  All the search warrants, arrest warrants and traffic stops...You were there.  Your grace and Your mercy stood between me and death.  Stood between me and all my foolish choices and stood between me and the adversary of my soul.

Your are still standing with me!  This I know to be true.

During these uncertain time, my friend expressed her doubts about Your Presence and Your Promises.  Many are having doubts because of this COVID-19.  I am not having doubts and I am not afraid.  Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 are not just words to me.  They are truths and they are promises.  What can man or this virus do to me?!!

I know that You hear me when I pray and I have seen YOU at work in my life, and in the lives of countless others.  Big and small You answer them all.  It may not come in the answer that we were expecting but You do answer.

When my friend shared her doubts, I began to write down in my journal, a few of the times that I prayed and the times that You answered.  Of course, I could never write them all because the list would be so long.  Even as I try to keep up with Your answers in my prayer journals, You still exceed my ability to remember everything I've ever prayed.  However, You still remind me that You heard me and that You are at work.  All of these reflections reminded me of the prayer that I'd begun to pray about 2-3 years before my retirement.

At first, I must admit that I was envious because two of my previous coworkers had moved to the water after their retirement, and then a third.  I was beginning to wonder, where would I live and what retirement would look like for me?  Would it even be a possibility?  I could never sit down and calculate the percentage, the pension and the cost of living stuff...I just knew I wanted out.

My one desire was to just leave.  My heart's prayer was to one day, check off duty, grab my purse walk towards the exiting while saying, "Good-bye, be safe" and head to the parking lot.  Something I'd done for years.  Because I was once the Acting Lieutenant, I'd had the sweet privilege of working my own hours.  So by the time most patrol officers where having a shift change, I was approaching the water and the ginormous flag at the Chesapeake and North Beach split.

My quiet prayer was to check off, get in my grey Toyota, have the black iron gates open and to never come back.  OH MY GOODNESS!!! Did YOU not give that to me?!  Oh Yes You did!!! You so did!  I still cannot believe it!  Just as I had wanted and envisioned.  EXACT!!! It so came to pass!

I left work on a Sunday, so not expecting to retire early, yet that is exactly what I did.  I had said my good nights to the evening detectives and went to get in my car.  I waited for the gates to open and drove out, headed home with no idea whatsoever that I was on my way to an early retirement.  No idea whatsoever that I would never work another day as Detective Sergeant Fuller.

YOU SO DID IT!  You so answered it!!!  Glory Hallelujah!  You so answer prayers!  In the midst of sorrow and death, we must remember Your faithfulness.  This post is so not about me and my retirement.  This post was to be reminded that I prayed and it mattered to You.  You did not have to give me what I wanted.  It was not the doctor nor the police department releasing me, it was ALL YOU!

Big and small, the prayers of the saints are heard by YOU!  In the name of Jesus, prayers are heard by You.  Even if YOU hadn't, I would still believe in the power of prayer, because my life is layered with answered prayers.  YOU have proven to be trustworthy and You are so very praiseworthy.

I pray that anyone living in fear would come to YOU and have those fears resolved.  I pray that the anxious heart is seeking for some kind of answer, something to place their hope, and find YOU in their search.

I have read the Old and New Testament and You, Your Son and Your Spirit have convinced me that You not only care, but You hear. #John 5:17

THANK YOU!
In the precious and matchless name of Jesus. THANK YOU!

I pray to keep proclaiming all that You've done, are doing and have promised to do!
I was saved to give witness.  Lord willing, that's what I'm gonna do and the corona virus isn't gonna stop me!

(First ask for forgiveness of your sins, then place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!) THEN, stand and be amazed!  You may even want to keep a journal as you watch your prayers come to fruition!
Like the disciples, ask the Lord to teach you to pray!

With Love,
Denise, the one whom Jesus loves

The More of Me Culture

As I travel through the streets of Washington DC, it saddens me that the transformation has grown exponentially. I'm reminded of Sodom and Gomorrah. Things are growing wider and higher as Christianity appears to be shrinking. The Nation's Capitol is increasing in materialism and Jesus is slowly fading into the background. The pride of the flesh and the lust of the eyes is becoming more and more apparent as we grow nearer to the last days. It seems we're steadily building our kingdom and ignoring His. Is there anyone who agrees with John the Baptist who humbly and beautifully said, "I must decrease and HE must increase!" Jesus posed this profound question in the Gospels, "Will the Son of Man find any faith when He returns?

On An Adventure

Oh how He loves me and how I love Him.  I can never, ever repay Him for what He's done for me, but not just me...all of mankind.  For God so loved the world...whosoever believes...anyone who call on the name of the Lord...

I am a servant of His and I'm having such an adventure in His glorious name.  Since retiring, (pause: PRAISE GOD) I have been to England, Japan and Ghana.  Not only that, I had the most incredible time at this year's Momentum Youth Conference in Indiana.  There were over 2,000 teens desiring to know this Jesus who died on the Cross for them.  WOW!  Thank YOU GOD for gifting me with an experience that I wasn't afforded in my youth.  Thank YOU for showing me YOUR heart for this generation and the next!

I 've been a substitute teacher, an on-line Christian mentor and a Hospice Volunteer.  To Him be all the glory both now and forever. Amen!

I'm committed to serving Him, leaning in and listening to the Holy Spirit's leading.  I am also privileged to watch the babies on Wednesday mornings while their mommy's hold bible study just above our heads.  They are upstairs learning, growing and praying and I'm beneath them, on the first floor with their precious cargo that the Lord has entrusted to me, along with Jan and Bridget.

Lord, only YOU know what's next and only YOU direct these footsteps of mine.  Thank You for loving me and using me.  Thank YOU that I don't need a college education to serve You.  Thank You that Bible Study Fellowship has started back up and we are taking a slow walk through the "People of the Promised Land."  I'm in the book of Joshua and I'm thoroughly seeing, experiencing and enjoying YOUR Promised Presence.  As You were with Moses and Joshua, You are surely here with me, right now..

I LOVE LOVE LOVE MONDAYS

This is my new office. NOPE, I'm not back in Law Enforcement. I just stopped by here to PUBLICLY PRAISE GOD!  I was in Law Enforcement for 25 years and I was a supervisor for 17 of those years.  I ended my career in the Criminal Investigations Division.  WOW...just typing that and it all comes rushing back.  It was indeed not my strength that got me through that assignment.  Funny how I used to sit in front of the tv watching cop shows in my youth and later, entered into the profession.  My dream job was to be a journalist.  But we all know that our lives rarely turn out the way we'd like.  But then again, GOD's Plans, when we surrender will come to pass!

I love HIM and I absolutely love His plans!

I love Mondays because I used to despise them.  I had the unfortunate privilege of going to Headquarters every Monday for our 10:00 am Crime Briefing. There we would discuss all the violent crimes that occurred over the weekend!  YES, I hated it but prayed often about it and God gave me the peace to see it to the end.  When YOU PRAY, He hears and answers!  THANK YOU GOD!

I could not have done it without HIM!

Now, in this season of my beautiful blessed life, He has given me my heart's desire.  Originally, I wanted to run errands for senior citizens and didn't know what that would look like.  I met an amazing woman in my career as an officer and she was 87 years young.  We became friends and in her passing, I wanted to do something that would keep her close to heart!

The Lord has led me to Volunteer with Hospice. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays I get to love on seniors and be there in their time of need.  I don't administer any medications or provide physically healing but I do have the sweet privilege of sitting with them, conversing and often running errands with them.  I love being used to fill in for their loved ones or medical aides.

Secondly, I get to Volunteer for a Christian Program and use my spiritual gifts to offer encouragement and hope where there is none.  I get to share my faith, my testimony and my love for HIM!  I don't do it all in one encounter but over time, I am being used by GOD to tell people that HE loves them and HE always has.  NO sin is greater that His GRACE and NOTHING will ever separate us from His LOVE! Psalm 139, Romans 5:20 and Romans 8:35-39

Yes, I get to do this on MONDAYS, Thursdays and Fridays.

I used to be a substitute teacher and now I volunteer for His Kingdom for free.  What a joy it is to serve HIM and not to have to respond to anymore 911 calls.

Complete Freedom

My Lord,

This is my first Monday as a civilian. I was bound by my duties and responsibilities as a cop for over 25 years and I'm finally blissfully free.

No more getting up at 0345 hours, monitoring the radio, code-one assignments, signing leave slips, executing search warrants, reviewing affidavits, registering for training, qualifying at the range, PDT, AHOD, Summer Crime Iniatives, WALES, NCIC, court appearances, monthly reports, PD 50's, need ASAP, departmental e-mails, conference calls, crime briefings, power point presentations, arrest reports, TACIS, PSS book, criminal background checks, case reviews, follow ups, chasing leads, uncooperative complainants,  knowing how many people died in a 24 hour period, knowing how many juveniles were arrested, knowing how many repeat offenders, hot car sheets, disgruntle employees, mismanagement, fake friendships, egos, pride, selfishness, spirits of darkness, lack of resources, lack of concern, roll calls, leave restrictions, details at the last minute, leave cancellations, teletypes, BOLO's, wanted posters, shootings, robberies, assaults, endless theft reports, homicides, sexual assaults, shift changes, midnight watch commander, answering to 10 different bosses, staff meetings, being held over, being essential personnel, working holidays, missing important family events, walking footbeats, chasing suspects, responding to the police clinic, presidential inauguration assignments, employee performance evals, citizen's complaint, disciplinary review, being responsible for eight plus detectives, favoritism, transfers, inspections, sounds of gunshots, priority alert tones, bulletproof vest, asp, handcuffs, sanbrown belt, glock, magazines, bullets or chaos.

And that's just to name a few.....

Thank You Lord -----------> No more!!!

Again, as I stated in my previous post, I will miss many friendly faces and colleagues-some I'll see again and many I will not. But that won't change the impact that they have made in my life and that won't stop me from praying for them and their families.

Your Word is truth --------->Your grace is sufficient for me.

My Last Day As Sergeant Fuller

Today is my last day as Detective Sergeant Fuller and as a law enforcement officer.  There are too many people to thank and not enough time to speak of all that this job has meant to me.  I cannot possibly write or blog about 25 years of serving the Nation's Capitol and protecting the citizens of Washington, D. C. 

The only thing that I will say here is that I have met some amazing people, created some lasting friendship, learned countless lessons and received endless blessings as a result of swearing in on November 18, 1990.  As I leave today, it is only because My Savior, Jesus Christ was walking with me the entire time.  NOTHING I DID IN MY OWN WILL. 

His grace, mercy, tenderness, compassion and love was my armor and protection. And in all that I have mentioned, I am most grateful that I never had to take the life of another in the performance of my duties.  In closing, I am grateful that I am leaving in good health.  Again, all the praise goes to God!

Psalm 23, Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11-14 is what sustains me.

I will always pray for the safety of my brothers and sisters in blue and not just here in the city but for law enforcement officers everywhere.  If you've never walked a day in our shoes, you simply cannot judge us from a "media report, newspaper clipping, or a video" that was taken in the midst of chaos. 

PRAYER in the name of Jesus is the only thing that will keep this world together until The Lord returns...prayer and love.

The First District Detective's will always be inside my heart....those who have since retired, those who will soon retire and those that will be retiring in the years to come.

Good-bye Rich, Tom, Dave, Sabrina, Carol, Paul, Matthew, Ms. Burns, Dave, Mike, Steve, Zach, Tink, Rosslyn, Casey, Bridget, Antoinette, Richard, Se, Steve, Kim, Robbie, Darren, Shayne, David, Charles, Ray, Phillip, Emmie, Carol, Kelly, Karen, Kim Walston, and so, so many others. 

10/7 for the remainder!

His Grace Alone

Today I returned all of my uniforms and equipment to the Equipment and Supply Branch! Ms. Jackson assisted me and God's favor was present!!

Afterwards I returned my department issued cell phone! PRAISE THE LORD! I repeat, "PRAISE THE LORD!"

Yesterday I returned my police radio and the day before, I returned my glock 19.

I am 3 days away from being Ms. Fuller!

His grace is so good that I get the next three days off! A paid holiday and my last "regularly scheduled" days off!

I will miss so many beautiful people and friendly faces. I will miss the hugs, laughter, conversations and even tears...but I will not miss being a detective sergeant - law enforcement officer for the Metropolitan Police Department in the Nation's Capitol.

Lord have your way! I trust you completely!!

10/8 for now....

Sgt. Fuller

Bittersweet

I just left church and now I'm cleaning out my desk.  The LORD blessed me beyond measure, but that's the GOD I #serve.

More to come.....

Be blessed and be safe as we get the honor and privilege to celebrate our Savior's Birthday!!!!!

With love,
Sgt. Fuller

Random #gratitude

Another day to ....................

Thank You for Your #provisions...#protection...and #presence!!!

Interuptions.....

This job is filled with interruptions...
The dispatcher is talking non-stop
Case reviews
Printer printing and printing....
Telephones ringing
Walk in reports
Things needed signatures
Questions
Mentoring
Counseling
Listening
Potty breaks
Praying
Lunch breaks
Stop and breathe
Alert tones
Code 1 assignments
Butterflies at my window
Squirrels at my window
Birds at my window
and #yucky spiders at my window
and then there's the sun
I love when the Son interrupts me

Yesterday on my way home...

WOW

This is the God I serve.  Everyone freaks out at the mention of bad weather....concern is normal, but when you put Your faith in Jesus, the Son does prevail.

The window isn't all that clean, but the Son still #shines.

Took this on the third floor.....He stopped me in my tracks.  I absolutely #Loves when that happens!

My Armor

The bible has been my friend since 2008 and I see no end to this divine friendship.  I have every belief that it will see me to the end of my life.  I wouldn't want it any other way!

Assurance

God and I have this thing about pennies.  He has assured me that when I retire, He will #continue to meet all of my needs.  He has laid a path of pennies that you simply would not believe. 

Anyway, yesterday I went upstairs to the locker room to pray and there was a penny.  As I was leaving work, there right in my path, another one.  And, just now, I took something to my car and another one.....

I'm just saying......

I so trust Him!  :-)

Today's Truth

Romans 16:20 (WEB)

And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Promise #271: I will soon crush the evil one under your feet.

In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to ask our Father to ‘deliver us from evil’. Jesus wouldn’t have told us to pray this way unless He was certain that His Father would answer this prayer.

We know that in this world, we will have trouble in life because we live in a fallen world. Hurting people hurt other people and the cause and effect of a fallen humanity causes many evil things to happen. However, that does not mean that we are in subjection to the prince of the power of air. In James 4:7, the Bible says, resist the devil and he will flee from you.

In Romans 8:37, Paul says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. As Paul continues to write the book of Romans, he goes on to say in today’s promise found in Romans 16:20, that the God of peace will soon crush the evil one beneath our feet.

No matter what circumstances you are facing today, be encouraged that our God and Father will soon give us an eternal victory and crush the evil one beneath our feet! ...So rest in this amazing promise and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
-Devotion by Barry Adams

My Real Protector!

Psalm 23:4 (WEB)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Promise #269: When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will be with you.

Today's promise is a much loved verse from the often quoted Psalm 23. Most times, we might quote this verse at a funeral service or at another time of extreme loss and of course this verse is fitting for those occasions. At the end of our lives, it is comforting to know that God will never ever leave us.

However, I do want to ask you to think of another application of this promise... Jesus told us that except a seed falls in the ground and dies, it abides alone (John 12:24). The principle of the Christian life is a continual letting go of things, allowing them to 'die', only to see them resurrected again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Whether those things are dreams or desires, the principle of the cross (death, burial, resurrection) is a resounding theme in the daily Christian life.

In that context, when you are feeling like God is asking you to surrender something dear to you, when you are in a sense walking through the shadow of death for something that you have hoped for, be comforted in knowing that God is very close to you in those times of surrender and His staff and rod will bring comfort to you. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy is coming in the morning! (Psalm 30:5)

-Devotion by Barry Adams
#Promise by my Heavenly Father, the Creator of Heaven and Earth

End of the day...

Waiting on God in the parking lot

 

 

Yesterday

Yesterday the Pope was visiting our Nation's Capitol.  It was a #ginormous celebration for Washington, D.C. To say that a lot of planning, preparations and security measures were put in place would be an understatement.

But yes, he is here and almost everyone appears excited and overjoyed by his presence.  Everyone is hoping to get a glimpse of his presence...to hear him speak....to even touch him or his robe perhaps...

For me, it's business as usual. At my desk doing case reviews, signing affidavits and monitoring the radio for priority calls.

I know that he is a man of the cloth and I know many admire his position, power and authority but Jesus is Lord.

I pray that during his visit here in D.C., Philly and New York, that he will use this very important opportunity and public forum to tell others that Jesus is Lord, and the only way to be secure in your eternal salvation is to repent of your sins and to ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life.

The only way to end this violence, death and destruction...the pride, evil and poverty....the abuse, divorce and lack of parenting....the overcrowded prisons, the human trafficking, the abortions and the homelessness.... the only way to find HOPE, PEACE, REDEMPTION, FORGIVENESS, RESTORATION, ACCEPTANCE, WISDOM, LOVE and GRACE is to repent of our sins and to ask Jesus to be the Lord of our lives. 

◄ John 14:6 ►

New International Version Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ◄ Romans 14:11 ►   New International Version It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'"

Leaving Work :-)

Thank YOU For Your Protection

1 Peter 3:9 WEB

"...not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing;
knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing."

Promise #261: I have called you to inherit My blessing.

In this Scripture passage, the Apostle Peter is encouraging us not to repay evil for evil, but rather be a blessing instead. If we are living with an orphan perspective, we will have to scratch and claw for everything we get in life. When people do evil things to us, we will need to respond in the same way back to them. The life of an orphan is lonely and scary. An orphan is left to their own devices to manage life.

The life of a son or daughter however, is quite different. They know that they are loved beyond imagination and are safe from harm. They live in the reassurance that they are blessed beyond measure and that they have a rich inheritance of many blessings yet to come. In Ephesians 1:3, the Bible says that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heaven. The life that we are called to live is a life of abundance and blessing.

That is why when someone acts in an 'orphan-like' way to us, even a brother or sister in Christ, we don't have to respond in a similar way, but we can respond with blessings. May each one of us be so filled with the revelation that we have been called to inherit a blessing, that we become an absolute outflow of blessings to others!
- Devotion by Barry Adams

Quiet Tears

At my desk
Paperwork
Radio
Noise
Sunshine
Chill
Heat


Quiet tears falling from His faithfulness and His goodness.  His #tenderlovingkindness!

#Isaiah 61

Two Praises!

Yesterday I needed You God and You were there.

I prayed with the 1D Divas ..... wow!!!!!!!!!!!! "Thank You!"

Later, the enemy showed up and it was overbearing.........

#BUT because of Your #faithfulness, I was able to stand firm.

THANK YOU for the below #promise and devotional.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (WEB)

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you,
and guard you from the evil one.

Promise #258: I will be faithful to give you My strength and protection.

God is faithful. He will never leave you or forsake you and He has promised to protect you from the evil one. In a world that is full of broken promises, this is something that we can know and rely on. The NIV Bible says 2 Thessalonians 3:3 this way... But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.(NIV)

You can rest in the fact that you are safe and secure in your heavenly Father's love. His Word is His bond and He is completely faithful to do all that He promises. May faith rise up in our hearts today to believe that God is who He says He is and that we are who He says we are... His beloved children (1 John 3:1).

We don't have to defend ourselves from the onslaughts of an orphan world system because He has promised to defend and protect us! ...After all, He is our Dad and that is what good fathers do!
Photo by Martin Smith

-From Barry Adams

Texting w/my daughter :-)

 

#Soon ...... very soon!  LORD Willing :-)

WOW! Wow! Wow!

He's #faithful and I just love Him!  Yes, Jesus!

Yesterday I was hoping to have my application for retirement signed off, but I needed an appointment.  Silly me.  I had no idea. Lol

But as I came back, parked my car and walked into the parking lot.....there she was.  The Monarch fluttered right past me!  MY Beautiful Blissful Friend!!!!

And today, I got what I needed.  A signature.  What a feeling.  Lord, willing, I'll be a civilian soon.

And....not only did I get a signature, He gifted me with 20 pennies to add to my joy!  God and I have a personal "thing" regarding pennies.  YES, Lord!  I so trust You!

God You are sooooooooooooooooooooooooo good and soooooooooooooo faithful.  When I found these 2 dimes this morning, I was thinking, "How cool would it be to find 5 pennies?"  WELL, I just did.  BUT that's so not news to YOU!  I went upstairs to pray and lo' and behold....I found these!

That's a total of (25) pennies to go with my almost 25 years of service.

 

STOP!!!!!!!!!!

I was leaving work on Sunday and as I was making a U-turn....I had to stop and take this photo.  Thank You God that there was no one behind me honking their horn!  You know that I'm crazy in love with Your art work! I hope someone else noticed YOU too :-)

I So Trust YOU!

Lord,

It all happened just as you planned it.  I found these on the ground next to my car when I got off work Sunday.  I so trust you.  I know that you hold my future in the palm of your hands. :-)

I keep saying that after my retirement, I don't have a penny or a plan.  My life is yours and so is any money that I have.  IT ALL BELONGS TO YOU!  The earth is yours and everything in it!

◄ Psalm 24:1 ►

"Of David. A psalm. The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;..." (NIV)

Thank you also for that awesome sermon on the way to the office.  It was so very timely, but you already knew that!!!!!!!!!!!

Lord Only You Know What's Next

Morals

Personal question for reflection: What do we (really) believe and why?

I just wanted to share something that was discussed at my church last night during bible study.  In today’s culture as so many things are changing and becoming more and more acceptable, we are and will be placed in some uncomfortable positions and situations.  We will ultimately be put in a place where we will have to defend our faith and our beliefs. 

The way we live our lives is a direct reflection of what we believe to be true.  When I was not a Christian, which was 7 years ago, I really didn’t know what I believed.  My parents did not raise me and my sisters in church. I held a lot of insecurities and a lot of misconceptions about myself and others. Most of my life I was a people pleaser and went along to get along.  THANK YOU Jesus for the truth.

The world/society has a saying, “the truth will set your free.”  However, the bible, “God breathed” says it this way: John 8:32, 36  “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free…So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed..”

There is so much to learn from studying God’s word and yet, we will never fully understand HIM.  But, we can choose to develop a relationship with Christ or we can choose to indulge in the world’s views and way of thinking.

We are each responsible for our own actions and whether we realize it or not, we have a sphere of influence that follows us even when we are not in “uniform” and serving the public.  Our friendships, family, neighbors and communities watch how we do “life” and how we react and respond to life’s challenges and circumstances.

If there is no one in your life to hold you accountable, I pray that you ask God to send you wise counsel and that YOU ultimately seek His will and His instruction.  We were not meant to do this life on our own and we were created for fellowship and that comes from the willingness to be vulnerable and the willingness to let others speak “truth” into our lives.

Whether we are being "video taped" or not, God is always watching.
#Hebrews 4:13

Thank You Father

My Lord,

As this tour comes to a close and I no longer have to work this crazy shift again, I praise you and I thank you for your unending grace.  Thank you for your protection for me, my team and the brothers and sisters in blue.  Also for medics and physicians that are on call 24/7 along with the fire fighters and police officers.

Father, You have been in my corner since day one.  Your presence is something that I still long for even when I know you are right beside me.  I still cry when I think about the years when I did not long for you.  I know that old things have since past away and all things are new.  I know that you remember my sins know more and I know that you do not hold my yesterdays against me.  BUT yet, I still wonder how different my life would have been had I known YOUR Grace and Mercy back then.

Deep breath....exhale.....

Thank you that I know it now.

Thank you that I was not killed in the line of duty.  Thank you that I was not involved in a car accident and thank you that I did not suffer an illness that could have taken my life.

Thank you for granting me the privilege to be your servant.  I get to love you all the days of my life and I get to see Your face at the end of this journey.

In a world filled with hatred, pride, greed, destruction, evil, revenge, senseless acts of violence and pure darkness, YOU still show Your glory and You still have compassion on us.  YOU want all to come to Salvation.

I pray that as I continue this journey in Law Enforcement, that YOU will continue to use me, my life and my testimony to point others to You.  I have no shame about who I used to be and how You delivered me from the hands of the enemy.  Yes, I would have been in hell had I died before I asked You to be the Lord of my life.

Thank you.

Humbly,
Sgt. Fuller <3>

Coming to an end...

I am working the midnight shift for the next week.  It is always so difficult to drive home in the mornings.  My body is not use to this strange tour which I call "so not normal."

There are a lot of things that we as "police officers" experience that are not normal and to me, this shift is certainly one of them!! 

This assignment usually comes twice a year.  I always dread it but toward the end, I begin to embrace it.  My body slowly becomes accustomed to having the day to sleep and then the late afternoon to study and be still.  I get to pretend that life as I know it is at a complete standstill.  I am physically unable to participate and I cannot see past my bed :-)

I stock up on food and I turn my ringer off.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am unavailable due to my zombie state of mind.  I look out the window from time to time as life passes by and I resemble a robot that has no control over her body.

And before you know it, a week or two passes and things begin to settle in the old routine.  I start to feel like my old self again and the past becomes a blur. 

BUT, for me, the good news is that this is my #last tour on midnights as the CID Watch Commander.  Lord willing, I will have the privilege of accomplishing 25 years of service on November 18, 2015.

None of what I've endured and experienced would have been possible without the GRACE of God.  HE was there on every assignment, walked alongside me on every foot beat, responded to every code-one call, all those hours of training and every range qualification.  He safely carried me through every search warrant, demonstration, ever protest and every frozen Inauguration Detail.  He was with me when I locked up every violent offender, when I responded to every burglar alarm and when I conducted every unsafe traffic stop.  He has been my #ROCK in those moments when I just didn't feel like it, when things made absolutely no sense and when I wanted to give up.  GOD is the source of my strength and HE has been even when I did not know it.

There were many, many days...years in fact, when I did not give Him any credit and that was only because I was operating in my own will.  In the past, I never sought His guidance or path and believed that I knew what was best.  How wrong was I?!

Thank You Father that YOUR #best was and is so much better than mine.  I thank You and I praise You for all that You've done not only for me, but for all of my brothers and sisters in #blue and for all of the citizens that we were able to help.  I continue to pray for those who have lost a loved one, those who never got closure and for those who were wrongly accused.

Father there are still so many who need YOU and still so many who are waiting for healing and deliverance.  Our Nation is in trouble, our schools, churches and communities need YOUR PRESENCE.  This world is operating out of fear, greed, pride and ignorance.  WE are STARVING for LOVE and we are in need of an outpouring of YOUR Holy Spirit.  We call on the name of Jesus and WE wait in expectation.

Father have Your way. Please, have Your way!

An Unknown Future

It's so strange to me how we can oftentimes fret about the BIG things and remain completely unaware that nothing is guaranteed.  Not even our next breath.

<>< Psalm 144:4
"Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow."

I have been wondering what God has in store for me as I will be leaving, "Lord Willing" at the end of this year.  I would love to be a substitute school teacher or youth counselor.  It would be my greatest joy to help in the life of a little one, full of wonder and so eager to be molded and influenced. 

Nothing against adults, but after 25 years of law enforcement, I am so ready to be around little hearts with whom I can shape, encourage and instill the kindness of Christ.  I won't do it with boldness, but with subtlety as I interact in their presence and pray in private for their lives and their futures.

It will also give me an opportunity to love on those who are lacking love at home.  I will so enjoy hugging the students and making whatever provisions that God will allow me to, without crossing any boundaries.

I have a servant's heart and oftentimes, I do not feel that need is great in my current field.  Yes, I have met some pretty amazing people and I have created and built lasting friendships, but meeting the need for the community and residents are moreso reached by the first responders.

My heart's longing is really for the seniors and the youth.  I love the senior friendships that I have made in my lifetime and I pray that one day, when I am too old to move about or come and go as I please, that some young woman would come alongside me and sit and talk for awhile; or even run a few errands for me :-)

I love that I am not the selfish, controlling and even fearful person that I once was, and that Christ has given me a new heart.  A heart that sees the need, hears the need and longs to meet the need.  He has given me way more blessings than I deserve and He has carried me this far for a reason. And that reason is to pay it forward.  To be His light and tell others about His goodness!

Although I have plans and dreams for myself, I do trust that His way is far greater than anything that I could want for myself.  As I do not know where I will live in the future, nor do I know where I will work....#BUT I know a God who is faithful to walk beside me and hold my hand.

<>< Proverbs 16:9
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

If He's going to establish our steps, that means that He's already got a plan in place and He's also going to join us in our journey!

I'm so ready and so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#TRUSTGOD
#HEISABLE

Happy #2015

This is it for me!  Lord willing, I will be retiring at the end of the year.

I have been a cop longer than I have been a Christian and I have felt safer walking with Jesus in the past 6 years than I have carrying a glock for the Metropolitan Police Department in the past 24 years.  Only God can give you that kind of peace, protection and comfort. 

Psalm 23 is my best friend!

The same but not...

Sometimes.....well actually, most times when I'm sitting at my desk, it feels like "ground hog day."

It truly feels as if I never left.

This place seems to recycle its self again and again...at least until the alert tone sounds. And then, it's "code one, use caution!"

And with all that's happening today....it's use #extreme caution!

A police officer can be your friend, if you let down your guard and open up your heart. We/I mean you no harm.
With love,
Sgt. Fuller

A #24 year veteran
Christian
Mother
Daughter
Aunt
Sister
Friend
Citizen

I just so happen to wear a uniform.

LORD We Need YOU....

Father, as you know, there were four homicides in our Nation's Capitol last night.  We need you, Lord Jesus!

I believe in your promises and I trust in your second coming!  Those who know you await your arrival.

Until then, Father your healing and comfort is desperately needed for the family and friends who suffered this great loss.  In your son's name, I pray. Amen.


A New Heaven and a New Earth

"…And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."…

Revelation 21:3-5

7th and Waterfront Southwest

Keep Up The Faith & Fight!

We received the below letter from a Christian mom who appreciates our Law Enforcement efforts.

Our Assistant Chief, Diane Groomes shared it with us via group e-mail:

I just love it!

Dear Diane,

With all the hate speech aimed at our law enforcement lately, I want to reach out to as many departments as possible with words of thanks and encouragement. I am a Christian, single mother of three and all I want to say is, please, don't give up on us all. I am with you, not against you and so is God. All the disrespect for authority is just the ugly fruit of a culture growing in un-godliness. I am so grateful for the police. I know most of you are doing what you do because you have a heart of justice. I imagine it is such a difficult job dealing with the rebellious people of society. Day in and day out feeling hated by them. Walking a difficult line. I just want to encourage you with this letter and show my appreciation for all you do and go through. I respect our police, fire department and military for all they do. I thank you, thank you, thank you for putting your life and sanity on the line for my sake daily. I pray that our heavenly Father brings you peace and rest in this turbulent world. May He strengthen you and give you perseverance to do all He has called you to do. May His blessings of protection and wisdom come upon you all the days of your life. With all sincerity, Kristi Smith-Willis

A Classic Photo

I saw this yesterday while at the Police Academy.  They have the coolest collection of photos on the walls there.  So much history in this picture.  The ability for blacks and whites to work and walk alongside one another was not permitted at the conception of the Metropolitan Police Department.  This picture says a lot!  I love it!

Awesome Feeling

to be known for more than just a "cop!"

These were gifts from Assistant Chief Diane Groomes.  So very special of her to think of me in that way.  So grateful.  A memory buried deep in my heart!

The Full Armor

Lord, I cannot do it without you!



Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

Sergeant's can dream too...

Less than a year to go and I'm so excited to see what's next...

Happy 24 Years....

And the journey continues...

Random Pics

A day in the life...

What's Happening Now?

printer printing
pounding on the keyboard
papers shuffling
footsteps
talking
door slams
police radio
thoughts rambling
calculator
traffic
laughter
disgruntle coworker
e-mail notification
cell phone chimes
keys jingling
chewing
breathing
living
grateful

Just before my day begins...