 “And He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over” . Mark 5:34 21 years ago, this spring, my husband and I lost a baby to a miscarriage. We had named the baby Hope shortly after discovering we were expecting. God’s grace surrounded us during that terrible time when we realized that the baby was not going to live. We grieved the loss of this fifth child. Though we grieved, we still had peace and hope because we believed our baby was in the arms of Jesus and God still had a good plan for us. The following spring brought us a baby boy who would be our fifth child here on earth. We were delighted! His middle name, Zachary (meaning “God remembers”), reflected the promise we believed that God had not forgotten us. Our Graham Zachary was and is a joy to our family! We read in Mark’s gospel about a woman who had lost all hope because of a severe health condition that caused her to have a constant hemorrhage for 12 years. Twelve years is a long time! This woman “had suffered a great deal from many doctors through the years and had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had not gotten better. In fact, she was worse” (Mark 5:26 NLT). If you have ever had difficulty receiving a diagnosis, much less a cure, you know that it is emotionally and mentally draining. Plus, you are suffering physically, so discouragement often becomes your closest companion. When this woman heard about Jesus, a spark of hope compelled her to go find him. Jesus was walking down a street, surrounded by a throng of people. As He was walking, Jesus felt power leave him. The sick woman had touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. She was instantly healed and she knew it! Jesus stopped in the street. Looking around at the crowd, He asked, “Who touched Me?” The disciples thought this a ridiculous question. There were people all around Him; lots of people were touching Him. But Jesus knew that something had happened. Mark tells us that the woman was frightened. I imagine she had a mental battle raging, wondering what would happen if she confessed the truth. Would Jesus take back the healing she had just received? Would she then be subject to more years of suffering? The woman stepped forward and admitted her act; she had touched Jesus. And then Jesus looked at her and said these words: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. You have been healed” (Mark 5:34). Jesus confirmed what the woman already knew; she had been healed! But Jesus’ words did more than confirm; His words meant that He knew all about her and He wanted healing for her. He wanted her to live in peace. She would never have to doubt that the healing would one day disappear or that she would be “found out” or hunted down for her miracle healing to be revoked. She truly could walk away and live in peace. Jesus is the Peace of God (Ephesians 2:14). Peace is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). And when we have the peace of God, we also have hope. During this time of uncertainty in the world, we need the peace of Jesus. And His peace is a gift we can share with others. Embrace God’s peace and pray God’s peace for others around the world. 
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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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