- I still have a tendency to get hurt when someone is critical or speaks harshly. I'm too over-sensitive. I feel like the Lord told me He's making me into His little duck - and these kind of words/negative energies coming at me will roll off me like water off a duck's back. So, I decided to look up what makes water roll off a duck's back so easily. This is what I found.

Ducks spend a lot of time preening, ie: spreading oil over the top layer of feathers. They get the oil from a gland. This coating creates such a shield that water is repelled and cannot penetrate the outer layer! Two other interesting facts: Ducklings with "down" are not protected. In fact, their soft hair-like feathers hold the water....they can get so soaked and weighed down that they can't swim. Some even drown! Also, the oil gland can get plugged with dirt and dander and the duck can't access the oil. However, soaking in a warm bath can unplug the gland and the oil flows again!  Hmmm.....some interesting analogies here....Holy Spirit teach away!

+ It's pretty obvious isn't it, my little swimmer? I have promised you that I would "harden you to difficulty"...toughen you up....and this is a good lesson in how this comes about! When that criticism came at you recently, it was as though you had no feathers, only down, something that actually absorbed the weight of the remark. In your spirit, you heard Me tell you that I want you to be like a duck with water rolling off her back. So....all you need to do My love is:
1) Spend a lot of time preening...Spread the oil of gladness....the oil of the Lamb of God (that expensive oil of Love purchased at so high a price)... spread it over you and feel the power of this impenetrable shield! Ducks were created to swim, yet they would not be able to survive without continually applying this oil. So, My love, continually apply this oil of gladness around your mind and heart. Let it protect you from the weight of someone else's weakness. You needn't be dragged down. I'm getting you to the point where something like this won't even be an issue. These petty things will simply roll off your back. You also need to remember:
2) You are not a baby ducking...unprotected. You have an armor about you. The way you preen and strengthen this armor is by staying thankful... filled with praise... laughing and living in the Joy of your Lord, your Strength! You don't have "down"...so don't think you have to hold and absorb hurts, letting them weigh you down. Keep on preening in the Goodness...Mercy and Love of the Lord and you will be completely free. Your freedom will not be compromised by anything someone else does. This will also keep you free from judgment and bitterness...things that can clog the outpouring of healing oil. Don't forget:
3) The duck's oil gland can be blocked by dirt and dander. This represents any unforgiveness and critical thinking that you feel justified in picking up in response to your mistreatment. Live lightly! Let go! This is such a happy, carefree way to live. When you let things roll off your back, you don't feel a need to respond and/or protect yourself. You've already been protected! You have a continuous supply of the oil of gladness that keeps you safe.Finally:
4) My people are called peculiar because they do not live in this world....walking in this world's ways... Instead, they live their lives in the Kingdom. Some people think this makes them quacks!!! :) But I say, be my little, happy quack! Keep your oil gland soaking in the warmth of your Father's Presence.  When you live in the Kingdom, you get to experience the beauty ...freedom and refreshment of the River of Life right here...right now....now and forevermore! Exciting isn't it? That's why I'm always telling you to rejoice!! Enjoy the Living Water and the fun of a resilient life. This is Freedom!