If we allow them, desperate conditions can open our eyes to see the unconventional in the light of facilitation. Baling wire is not a conventional fastener on an airplane. But I had an uncle who, in the 1940’s, flew a single engine plane back and forth 
between Louisiana and Texas numerous times with various pieces of the plane held in place with baling wire because other parts and equipment were not available. (Please note: I DO NOT recommend any of my uncle’s mechanical practices!) He couldn’t afford instruments for flying aids so he tied a bolt to a piece of string and hung it over the center of the windshield so that, in a cloud, he could determine if he was still flying right side up! There are those who would not use the unconventional simply because it is unconventional but there are those who will take courage and apply an unconventional solution when they realize that attempting to apply the conventional no longer works or the conventional simply is no longer available.
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Beyond Demographics
As the people of God assemble today may they realize they are not pawns and slaves to demographics that so many willingly give in to as mandatory but are chosen to 
succeed in the purpose for which the Lord of heaven and earth has called them no matter the forces of current events that seem to pressure most into demographic molds/agendas of “correctness”. Eph.3:20, Amp — “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,” Eph.1:18, ESV — “Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,” Eph.2:10, ESV — “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Declared Worth has Worth
Kathy — The second temptation of Jesus was when Satan said, “Since you are God’s Son, jump.” Many grow up never being affirmed. No authority figure notices their worth or ever takes the time to declare it, but God did. “This is My beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased,” affirmed Jesus personally and publicly. Satan couldn’t make Him test His own worth because he couldn’t make Him doubt His Father’s affirmation. (Mt.3:17)
Looking Where we Never Looked
A careful perusal of our nation’s history will reveal to us that in every economic 
downturn, there were people making money. The challenges of unconventional times and ways can find us shutting down because of focusing on limitations or they can spur us into looking where we have never considered looking for resources and answers. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa.55:8-9, Amp) We must needs pray for and prepare ourselves for Father’s thoughts and ways at this time.
Knowing Who You Are
Kathy — Identity is knowing who you are and being confident you have purpose for being here. The first shot the devil took at Jesus in the wilderness was at His identity: “IF You are God’s Son, then command these stones.” However, Jesus was so confident of His identity that Satan couldn’t tempt Him to even have to prove it. (Ps.71:18)
Industrious Minds and Positive Attitudes
There were people who came through the economic downturn, and ensuing hardships of the crippling Great Depression. They applied positive attitudes and industrious minds to adjust to the unconventional of their times. They broke free from what some viewed as yokes necessary to bear because of decades-long standard practice and even enabled others to excel, instead of allowing themselves to be harnessed to an old paradigm that they would drag around and pass off to coming generations.
In God’s Order
Kathy — In God’s order, healthy parenting establishes three essentials in each son or daughter: 1. Identity which produces self-image, 2. Affirmation which produces self-worth, 3. Obedience which produces self-discipline. These are three essentials for mature, healthy character, and mature character is essential to experience our fullest destiny that glorifies God. (Ps71:18)
Old Tin Foil and the Unconventional
Saving each bit of tin foil, no matter how torn or wrinkled, was what some of my kinfolks did after they went through the Great Depression in the last century. My 
grandmother made dish soap out of old bars of bath soap that had become too small to handle easily. She would drop them in a jar of water and let them melt and use the liquid to wash her dishes. Experiences of the past help shape our attitudes and actions (or lack thereof) in the present. There were, however, people who came through that economic downturn, and ensuing hardships, by applying positive attitudes and industrious minds to adjust to the unconventional of their times. They were, therefore, able to affect the future so that they might be better prepared to advance into coming changes and developments.
The Lord Bless Our Mothers
As the people of God assemble today as best they can, may they support mothers young and old with encouragement and a helping hand and edify them with inspiring words from the Lord. May our mothers continue to find refuge and strength in the Lord God. We pray that mothers receive refreshing from the Lord and courage to admonish their children in His ways in coming days. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (Prov.31:25) “Her children arise and call her blessed..” (v.28).
Carry Heaven Into Relationships
If we will go before the throne of God (prayer & meditation in His presence) to receive the grace we are invited to come and receive (Heb.4:16), we will carry into relationships and situations (good and bad) something of heaven, something of God’s attributes with us.
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