 A couple of months ago, a friend in my neighborhood told me that she had spotted a bald eagle on several occasions. Because I had never seen an eagle in our area, I doubted that she had actually seen one. I had no reason to doubt what she saw as she knows a lot about wildlife and is very trustworthy. When I decided that she was telling the truth, I quickly became envious that she had seen an eagle and I hadn’t. I wanted to see one, too! How come SHE ALWAYS gets to see a bald eagle and I NEVER EVER get to see one? It’s not fair!!!! Yes, in my mind, I was definitely a whining child!! Well, as a child does, I quickly forgot about an eagle. I never took steps to find one; I never looked up when I was walking outside and I never inquired as to where she spotted the beautiful bird. My actions indicated that seeing an eagle wasn’t really important to me and truthfully, I wasn't expecting to see an eagle. On New Year’s Day, my husband and I were out for a drive and we were stopped at a traffic light. I looked up and spotted a bird that I had never seen before. I poked my husband and told him to look up in the tree. He confirmed my suspicions - that bird was a BALD EAGLE. I was so excited! I finally got to see this amazing creature!!! IT WAS MY VERY OWN BALD EAGLE! I was an elated child, and at that moment, I felt the words of the Lord speak to my heart, “You have not, because you ask not” (James 4:2, NIV). WOW!! I hadn't even thought about praying and asking the Lord to see a bald eagle. However, in the Lord’s kindness, and in His timing, He showed me one. By doing so, He reminded me of several things I am currently facing that I’m trying to figure out on my own. Why do I repeatedly fall into the trap of trying to do things on my own - without asking the Sovereign One who loves me with an unfailing love (Exodus 15:13, NIV)? In Scripture, we read “this is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:14,15, NIV). Once we pray about something according to His will and with right motives (James 4:3, NIV), we have the confidence that He is listening to us and we are to “wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3, NIV) for HIs answer. After seeing my very own eagle, I am not only praying more fervently and asking the Lord more specifically what His perfect will is, but also, I am looking up and expecting to see His answers.  Weekly Memory Verse This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will,He hears us. And if we know that He hears us -whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15, NIV. Comments are closed.
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Kim White
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 Fuller
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 Calhoun
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 Brown
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 Spencer
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
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 Sommer
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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