Stone Walls and Golden Shields

         Stone Walls and Golden Shields 
Dear Friends,
     I’m going to be honest here.  I’ve been struggling this winter.  The long months of cold, snow and gray days, along with the sickness and death of my dear friend have made me have difficulty focusing to write.  When I’m able to be outdoors and working in the garden I feel renewed in mind and spirit.  I’m able to pray and meditate while I do the work.  Often it's during these times that I start to get an idea of what to write in these letters.  Now, because it’s not garden season yet,  I will try to use my imagination to take us to summer time in the garden.
     It's often hard for me to keep up with the garden work during the summer.  The weeds compete with the flowers for space and seem to take over when I'm not looking!  The weeds could be compared to a relentless enemy.  They  are determined to control the garden.  Enemies can be described in different ways.  The army of an opposing country, or one person who has harmful intentions or even thoughts that attempt to take us away from God’s path can be considered enemies.  
     God makes provisions for us to be safe from these enemies.  We need to be alert and aware so we can put up the walls of defense to fend off the thoughts that can hold us prisoners.  He is our defense, our strong tower and our armor.  Staying close to God in prayer and the Word can be difficult during the time of warfare but it also is where we will gain our strength for the duration of the attack.  So let's think about the strong, stone walls and golden shields while we draw on the provisions God has for us to use for the purpose of protection!  
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” 
Psalms 91:4
“He will cover you with His feathers.  He will shelter you with His wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
Psalms 122:3
“Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached.”