 As I walked through the door and approached my mom, she looked up and said, “Hi honey.” This visit was already off to a good start! The workers in the memory care unit had explained to our family that my mom knows, on most days, that we are someone special in her life even though she can’t remember our names. Mom’s greeting,“Hi honey”, warms my heart every time she says it. For as long as I can remember, this is how she has always answered the phone or responded when she sees me. On this particular day, though, as I was talking to her about various things she suddenly said my name. I honestly don't remember what else she was trying to say because I was so taken aback that she called me by name! (Even as I am writing this now I have tears in my eyes.) To hear her call me “Kim” stirred deep feelings of a relationship we once shared. I wanted that moment to last, but I knew better. Still my heart was full for I knew this was a gift from God; and my lips quietly uttered “Thank you Lord.” I love how God uses life experiences to help us have a deeper understanding of His truths. In Isaiah 43:1b the Lord says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” For those who have asked Jesus into their heart, this promise is ours! (John 1:12) To think, God Almighty calls each of His children by name! When my mom said my name I was moved by the past; memories we shared and love experienced. But for our Lord to call me by name is an eternity past, present and future kind of relationship. For it was God who “knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) He knows our thoughts, what is on our lips before we say it, and everything we do. (Psalm 139:1-4) And He still loves us! It’s a forever, unconditional love that is described in Zephaniah 3:17b; “He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” God the Father also says of us in Isaiah 43:1, “You are mine.” I remember when my husband, Bill, and I got married. How I loved to introduce or reference him as, “my husband.” I wanted everyone to know that he was mine! Our Lord wants us to know how important we are to Him and how loved we are by Him. What does it mean to our everyday lives that He calls us by name and that we are His? God the Father knows every hurt you and I are facing today. He also knows our hopes, desires, victories, concerns, fears, frustrations and needs. Whatever you are going through in this hour, our Heavenly Father wants to meet you in it. In our struggles, He wants you to find strength and hope in His truths, knowing that He will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5). On the other hand, your heart may be full today. As you lift up your heart of thanksgiving, He is there loving you and gently reminding you that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17) These gifts that are lavished on us are not only a truth to memorize but to meditate on til you know you have experienced the One who calls you by name.  Weekly Memory Verse Photo by Irina Iriser from Pexels
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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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