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...

Leaving Work Yesterday....

Yes, one day all the "crime and stuff" will come to an end and those who #believe will be with Him.

Sunset At The First District

October 5, 2014

Seasons Of Life

Many of my coworkers have retired and many are in the process of retiring. Lord willing, I will be joining them very soon.

I miss Debra, Manning, Elliot, Riddle, Donnie, John, Marcia, Chris, Dennis, Garry, Robbie, Lisa G., Lisa A., Monica, Norma, Bill, JT, and many others.

I will miss Sabrina when she leaves.

Many have been promoted and or transferred: I miss Kim, Smitty, George, Chanel, James, Julius, and many, many others.

Life is all about seasons. Nothing is permanent and nothing remains the same. I'm so grateful that with each passing day, we become closer to who we were meant to be.

Look at your life and look closely at the career you have chosen or are about to choose. What season are you in and how will others benefit from your presence and contribution?

Life is not about you or I. It is about being kind to others, loving and forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven us.

Working past sunset...

Your Grace

God you are so very gracious to [us].  In spite of the evil, cruel and disheartening acts that occur day after day, you still continue to show your grace.  You continually gift us with a new day, a new sunrise, a gentle breeze, a beautiful flower, a fluttering butterfly, green grass, amazing clouds, a sweet bird's song, food, shelter, employment, medical coverage, hugs, laughter, photographs, beaches, animals, transportation, museums, choices, friendships, comfort, books, desires, dreams, homes, parks, music, churches, playgrounds, a child's laughter, nursing homes, endless resources, grandparents, wisdom, tears, lessons, answered prayers, sleep, vacations, paychecks, dancing, ice cream, electronics, candles, memories, hope, love and so much more....My Lord, I do not take any of this for granted and I pray that if anyone is in need of a reminder about how precious this fleeting life is that they would stop, look up and praise You. 

There is nothing more precious than "knowing" that we are not alone in this life's journey and that we are not in control.  That is why my joy is complete and why I am trusting you for ALL things. 

The enemy may be under the assumption that he has the upper hand and that society is losing the war against crime, but Father, I know who reigns and who still sits on the throne.  You are coming back to take what is rightfully yours and those who know and love you will NOT suffer your wrath.

Father, please have your way and continue in your will to bless our Nation in spite of how things may "appear."

I pray for comfort to those in mourning, those who have lost a loved one, those who have suffered a violent attack, those who feel lost, those who suffer from addictions, those who are contemplating suicide, those who have broken relationships, those who are homeless, those awaiting adoption, those considering divorce, those who have been mentally, verbally and physically abused, those who are victims of human trafficking, those who are wrongly imprisoned, those suffering from depression, those who have no hope and those who do not know you to be Lord of all.  This is my heartfelt prayer, in Jesus' precious and perfect name. Amen.

Thankful Me

the sun wakes me up
it's another day
the coffee keeps me going
i am on my way

the job is calling my name
i cannot be late
with the to-do's on my mind
i can't remember the date

the boss isn't in yet
oh what a relief
i fix my morning grits
yes such a treat

i turn on my music
to calm my soul
i glance in the mirror
am i getting old

i check the clock
it's time to begin
my door is wide open
you may walk right in

i talk and i listen
and i lend a hand
it just doesn't make sense
what's wrong with this plan

i say to myself
is it the end of the day
i give thanks to the LORD
for all that he gave

ahhhhhhhh
i'm headed home...

My Bliss....

In the midst of "calls for service," telephones ringing, unimportant e-mails, keyboards pounding, case reviews and rush hour traffic, I look up to see in the median across the street, a big white butterfly fluttering about.

Yes, that's my bliss.

Thank you Lord...

:-)

It's Getting So Close

As many of my friends and colleagues are retiring, I'm reminded that soon, it'll be my turn.  I still cannot believe that I am a cop.  I never held a dream as a little girl to grow up and fight crime.  I actually never dreamt.

Being abandoned by my birth father, being a child of a painful divorce and being a young pregnant teen in a domestic violence relationship left very little room for dreams.

And although I have discovered at a much later stage in my life that I can dream, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.  My dreams for now consist of being content...not being concerned about a career (so to speak)...just being able to live on the water and have my needs met, one day at a time.

I want to be in a state of knowing how blessed I am and how much He loves me.  Something that has surely happened over time.  And to think that all the years in the past, I was a #crime fighter and I was not praying for my safety or that of my peers.  I didn't even know the word prayer...not in the true sense.

His grace was always there and even in the midst of this messed up world, covered in its sin, greed, evil and hopelessness...His grace is still there. 

For those that #believe, pray to Him and wait in expectation, His grace is sufficient.

Knowing that has caused my questioning to cease.  I know longer wonder, "How could such awful things happen in my day to day life in law enforcement?"  God has given us each free will and we can use it to obey and accept him or to defy and reject him.

We can continue to blame society, our local churches, the government, the school system, the prisons and the parents #OR we can each make a small contribution toward the bigger goal.  To love as He has loved us and to forgive as He has forgiven us and to bless others as He has blessed us.  It sounds simple when you say it and even as I type it, but I have found this to be very true and very effective. 

I am not the same girl I was almost 24 years ago when I raised my right hand and took an oath to serve and protect.  I was shy, controlling, angry, hurt, misguided and oh so rough around the edges.  And sad to say that I wore a smile so wide and so fake that no one knew how broken and bruised I was on the inside.

So to know that my time is quickly approaching, I hold no regrets about my yesterdays, no fears about tomorrow and no reservations about my next career as a #civilian.  I know that because of my faithfulness to Him and to M.P.D.C., a beautiful gift with my name engraved on it awaits me just on the other side of this badge and gun.

So excited and so grateful!

Sgt. Butterfly :-)

Grateful....

My Lord,
I know what Colossians 3:23 says and I need you to hold my hand.  Without you I simply cannot.  However, with you, I can!

In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Prayer request:
Our Nation
Our Soldiers
Our Leaders
Our Pastors
Our Churches
Our Public Servants
Our Teachers
Our Government
Our Youth
Our Prisons
Our Marriages
Our Family structure
Our Enemies
Our Health
Our Medicare
Our Economy
Our Disabled
Our Mental Health Consumers
Our Pride
Our Greed
Our Sins
Our Need For A Savior

Serendipty

Sunday, February 23, 2014.  Thank you Jeff W.

Thank you ...

Thank you My Lord for 23 years of safety and service.

I have my moments, BUT James 1:2-8 says to count it all JOY!  All days are not good days, but I am grateful for the lessons, blessings, trials and triumphs.

I was reading this devotion and I have felt this way on many of days...

My Normal

roll call
crime reports
conference calls
meetings
sounds of gunshots
chaos
police tape
interviews
moments of silence
traffic accidents
school crossings
bike patrol
robberies
peace be still
stabbings
blood
screaming
evidence
witnesses
exhale
stolen autos
domestic assaults
fast food
dispatcher
scout cars
paramedics
suspects
burglaries
shift ends
but the cycle continues...

Be The One...

With the government shutdown, many, many people are afraid, frustrated and down right mad.  I don't know what that feels like.  Nor do I know what it feels like to be unemployed.  I have been praying for a long time for those who have lost their jobs and for those who may not know where their next meal will come from.

I've worked in the District of Columbia for almost 23 years and to turn the cheek on the homeless and hungry would be cruel.  I find great delight in making a small difference.  Because of My Lord, a portion of my earnings are donated to many homeless organizations.  I do not know what it feels like to be hungry or thirsty.  I know that it may seem unfair of me to say this, but I must.

The God that I serve is faithful.  He has blessed each individual with the gift of life and has a plan for each breathing soul.  (Jeremiah 29:11-14) We, as individuals however; we have failed.  We are a selfish and consumed society.  The more we "get" the more we "want."

I took an inventory of my home and my personal belongings when I moved almost 3 years ago and the amount of "stuff" that I had acquired was insane.  After I'd downsized, I thought that I'd donated most of it until I came back from Haiti last November and felt compelled to do another inventory of my material possessions.  I had to be honest with myself and see that there was so much more that I could do.

Please search your house and your heart...better yet, look at your income and the (overage) if you're blessed...and see where and how you can help at least one person.  How awesome would it be if you could help one family?!

If one person...JUST ONE...did something out of the kindness of his/her heart, there would not be hunger and homeless needs in our Nation's Capital, in our Nation or even in our Country.  It sounds make believe and even unachievable...but we can do more than what we're doing now.  Yes, one person can start today!

It's true, the more you Give the more you Receive!  His grace will be sufficient in your time of need.  But only if you follow His commandments.  We must begin to pay it forward...and not in hopes to get something back, but out of LOVE!
Proverbs 19:17

* I realize that a lot of "homeless" individuals have mental issues and a small portion may very well have chosen to live that type of lifestyle for personal reasons.

He is faithful...

Sunrise over the Navy Yard

Lamentations 3:22-25
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

Even though in our flesh, it may not feel like it...He is faithful.

He Cares

Yesterday was a horrific day in Our Nation's Capital.

Who, What, When, Why, How?????

Those are the basic questions for an Investigator and yesterday I kept asking them over and over again. 
My coworkers and I were in complete shock as well as the rest of Washington, DC.  It happened so suddenly and so close to home. 

No words can describe the intensity, the emotion and the uncertainty...

The Law Enforcement Agencies ALL pulled together as ONE union.  We did what we were trained to do and in the end, 13 lives were lost.  And although the media coverage was insane and nonstop, it helped to answer some of the "basic" questions...

But still the WHY lingers in my mind...it did in the midst of the tragedy and it did as I drove (home) and it still lingers today.

As I cried out to God in my quiet voice, He said, "I'm still God and I still care.  I am still in CONTROL."

As I lift of the victims, their families, my peers, our community and the Nation in PRAYER...believe it or not, it is well with my SOUL.  I say that because I TRUST in Him and He is still God. 

How do I know?  Because today is a new day and in His word, He promised that His Mercy would be new every day.  He can stop this madness at a moment's notice...however, HE is still in the business of saving lives.  Today is the day to give "your life" to Him.  He is still GOD and He cares.

1st Peter 5:7

sent w/love

Who's Counting?

Happy Butterfly Day!

Only 893 glorious days until my retirement and then I get to Migrate with the Monarchs. 

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But then again...if He has different plans for me...I wholeheartedly submit to them.

Have a safe summer everyone!

Please....lets find some fun and interesting things for our YOUTH to do.  It DOES take a village.  We are ALL in this together...or at least we should be.

A white butterfly just fluttered by my window...something new is in the making :-)

Be BLESSED!

This Life Is Not About Me

I have discovered that although this career is not my passion, it was His purpose.

In that discovery, one can only submit.

w/love
Sgt. Butterfly

Celebration X's 3

Lord, by your grace, I participated in the 57th Presidential Inauguration.  As a Law Enforcement Officer, it was cold, brutal and exhausting.  Working 16+ hours just isn't normal.  My feet were frozen and my body ached and I was so dehydrated.  I couldn't layer enough clothing to fight the wind and chill.  My finger tips were numb and I was quietly complaining on the inside.  Not good for someone in my position.

But then again, I am in the flesh and as long as I am...I will have a tendency to do that.  However, at the end of the night, after reflecting back and after thawing out...I have to admit that it was truly an amazing event.  The crowds, the unity, the parade, the soldiers, the excitement and the enormous amount of planning that went into making it another "great day" in History.  Not only was he elected for a second term, it was a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s' Birthday.

We have to set aside our differences and rejoice as a human race.  We are ALL the same in that regard.  We are so much more alike than we are different.  And whether we "like" or "dislike" our leaders, your word tells us to pray for them.

If all would join in prayer and love our neighbor, just maybe...CRIME would begin to slowly decline and good will override evil.

One can only hope....

BTW:  It was my last Inauguaration.  This fall I will joyfully celebrate 23 years of MPDC.  And by your grace, I will be eligible to retire in "2015."  YAY!!!!!!

Great is THY Faithfulness

My Lord,

You gave me the most amazing and unexpected gift this year.  YOU are faithful beyond words.  You know the cares, concerns and needs of your children. 

It's so very true...when we delight in you...YOU give us the desires of our hearts.  Even ones we didn't know we wanted.

I lift your name on HIGH for all to see.

Let my light continue to shine in the work place and please Father, continue to cover us (my brothers and sisters in blue) in your grace and mercy as we battle against the evil forces of this world.

In Jesus' precious name.  Amen.

Why are you angry at the cops?

Lamentations 3:39-40
Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we
are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness...

Repent people...
Hell is for real!