 Give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Luke 2:11, “For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Throughout this month, our desire at He Is Your Life Ministries, is to help each one of us to stop and ponder what is familiar, and fan into flame our joy, faith and obedience to the One who is worthy of all our praise; our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! God chose to begin the New Testament with the genealogy of Jesus. The list ends in Matthew 1:16, “and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.” Joseph was part of God’s plan from the beginning! “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) And it was because “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) It was God’s plan to have Joseph be part of the birth and life of Jesus. We may think that his role was small or insignificant, but when God chose him to take Mary as his wife, He knew Joseph’s response to this extraordinary, holy event would be handled in love and obedience. Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married and were following the Lord's guidelines by remaining pure in their physical relationship when Mary announced that she was pregnant. Joseph could have reacted in rage at the news that Mary had been unfaithful and was pregnant. He could have made a spectacle of her or even worse, had her punished according to the law, which could have been death. We know through Scripture, though, that Joseph was “a just man.” (In other translations, righteous, faithful to the law Mt.1:19). When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant he was going to handle it quietly. (Mt 1:19) Even when it appeared he had a right to be angry, he chose to respond with kindness. Joseph could have reacted in fear or sought counsel when an angel of the Lord spoke to him in a dream saying, “Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Mt.1:20) But instead... “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (Mt 1:24) Joseph followed in obedience two more times when an angel of the Lord appeared to him. Both of these occasions were to immediately get up and leave the place they were living. (Mt. 2:13-15, 19-21) Let’s think about this for a moment. Would it be safe to say that the upcoming marriage was probably on Joseph’s mind quite a bit? He was beginning a new, exciting chapter in his life when God intervened and Mary became pregnant. I’m assuming Joseph certainly didn't include that in his plan!! God's plan was very different than Joseph's. We, like Joseph will have plans that will be altered from what we anticipated or desired in the flesh and when we don't understand His plans, we can still trust that He is good and so are His plans. The question for you and I today is, “Will we respond like Joseph, in an upright, godly manner when plans don’t happen as we think they should?” Will we respond quickly to God’s command? Joseph didn’t question God’s plan. God chose Joseph to be Jesus’s earthly father, beginning with call to, “Give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Mt.1:21) God has a plan for you and me that includes proclaiming the name of Jesus as the Savior of the world. May we be found faithful in following His plan in our lives!  
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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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