"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives." Psalm 37:23 (NLT) How well do you sleep at night? My hard-working husband is a great sleeper! In fact, he has “nappetizers” on a regular basis. Nappetizer is a word I created that describes his nap before bedtime. After dinner, he can fall asleep within two minutes of sitting on the couch, sleep through one or two movies, get off the couch, go to bed and quickly fall into another deep sleep. He definitely has the gift of sleeping! As for me, sometimes, I lie in bed awake. Praying. Planning. Reflecting. Recently, I was laying in bed, reviewing the day. My thoughts were like this: This was a really good day, I was able to spend time in the Word, visit with family, but I…. should have called my sister. should have mailed that card today. should have taken time to exercise. should be a better Christian. Wife. Mother. Step-mother. Nana. Daughter. Friend. Neighbor…. Quickly, I felt defeated and discouraged as I was drowning in “shoulds.” Do you ever do that? Let your thoughts spiral downward? We should stop doing that - I mean - we need to STOP doing that!! There are many distractions in this world and many things, important things, competing for our attention. How do we know what, when and how to get it all done? Regardless of what season of life you are in, this struggle is real! We are busy; busy serving the Lord, our families and others. The woman described in Proverbs 31 was busy and productive. “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the task.” And, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:17, 27, NIV). Sometimes, I am very busy yet unproductive, and, I confess, sometimes I simply waste time. Thankfully, I am a work in progress. As I was struggling with all that I should have done that day, the Lord brought these words to mind: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and He delights in his way” (NKJV). Another version states: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 37:23, NLT). Since that evening, I have been asking the Lord to order my steps; who and what to pray for, who to call or visit and how to plan my schedule. When we surrender each day to the Lord and He directs our steps, we can be confident that we are doing exactly what needs to be done. Additionally, we experience freedom; knowing that if we are following Him and something we thought we should have done, didn't get done, we know that what we did — was His best. Also, we can have joy knowing that He delights in every detail of our life! Remind yourself on a daily basis that the Lord will order your steps and He delights in every detail of your life.
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My precious husband, Bill, and I have been planted in Fort Myers, Florida for almost 35 years. As a newly married couple, God most graciously had placed people in both of our jobs to share Christ with us. Its hard to believe it has been almost 34 years since we asked Jesus into our hearts! Bill and I have been blessed with four children, 3 daughters, then a son. These blessings came quickly, all within 6 years!! During these years I'm so thankful I was able to be part of women's ministry classes at our church, helping me to grow in my walk with Him. Then came the day when I was asked that question that stretched me way outside of my comfort zone...will you teach a class? Its hard to believe that I have now been teaching more than 20 years. Bill and I love to travel, most of the time going to visit our 9 grandchildren, oh ya, and their parents! I also love reading, walking and hanging out with some very special young moms in Beloved that bless my socks off!
Julie is a Kansas girl who resides in sunny Southwest Florida. She's been married to her husband Sean for 23 years and they share two boys ages 21 & 17. She enjoys baking and biking, but her absolute favorite thing is snow skiing which is a little difficult to do in a sandy 80 degree land.
She became a follower of Christ at age 10. She loves studying and teaching God's Word. She has a passion for encouraging moms to love and follow Jesus. Beth grew up in a loving home; however, in her early 20s she faced a very lonely time. During that time, she cried out to God and asked “If You are real, please show yourself to me!” God met her where she was and she trusted in the Lord Jesus at that time. Her life verse and desire is “no matter what happens, to conduct herself in a manner worthy of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27
Beth now resides in Tampa, Florida with her husband Larry. The Lord has blessed them by blending their family of five children. They currently have eight grandchildren and are hoping that there will be more grandchildren in the future. Donna accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of nine and has been amazed at God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout her life. She has been blessed to have had many mentors through each season of life, who have shown her what trusting God looks like. Donna and her husband, Bryan, make their home in central Arkansas. They have five grown children and are grandparents to wonderful grandchildren. Donna enjoys spending time with her family, laughing with friends (usually over coffee), going for long walks with her husband, and reading a good book (which may also be accompanied by a cup of coffee).
Sarah is a true Florida Cracker. She was born and raised in Southwest Florida. At the age of 6, Sarah accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior, and she hasn't looked back since. Hebrews 13:8 is one of her favorite verses, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Eating delicious desserts, spending time with her family and friends, and teaching people about Jesus are a few of the things she enjoys to do in her spare time.
Sarah has been married to her best friend and husband, Brandon, for 7 years. They have been blessed with one beautiful, determined son, Asher, who keeps them on their toes. Sarah and her family live in the Tampa area. They love exploring their community together, family hugs, and eating pizza whenever possible. Katie Flint just recently moved back home to Fort Myers, Florida with her husband, Ryan and two children, Collins and Madden. At the age of 5, Katie accepted Jesus Christ to be the Lord and Savior of her life, after attending Vacation Bible School. Through each phase of her life, God has shown her that He alone is trustworthy. The verse that has been her life source is Psalm 46:10- “Be still and know that I am God.”
She is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys exercising and baking. She has been married to her husband Ryan for almost 9 years, who is her high school sweetheart. They enjoy trying new restaurants, family trips to the beach, and relaxing at home. Marsha grew up in a small rural town in upstate New York. In 2006, after finishing college, she moved to sunny SW Florida where she met her, now husband, Shawn. Together they enjoy spending family time with their two fun-loving toddler boys Zachariah and Kairos.
Marsha enjoys living an active lifestyle, which is helpful, considering that her favorite hobby is baking. Though she attended church as a child, Marsha was not saved until adulthood when her eyes were finally opened to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Since being saved, God has placed a loving burden on her heart to share the truth about God’s healing grace with those who may feel like forgiveness is not possible for them. Archives
December 2021
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