 "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also" A couple of years ago, a business opened near me that is part of a booming industry. Apparently there is a big demand for this type of business; however, to be honest, the name of this business annoys me every time I pass by it. The name is Life Storage. Based on the name, I guess it’s a storage place that people can rent so they can safely store his or her life or belongings. Surely, no one one would intentionally pack up her life in a box and put it where it wouldn't be seen, used or even remembered. If that’s the case, then maybe the business should be renamed Life Forgotten or Life Un-Lived. I’ve learned that when I put something in a box and try storing it for a long time, the contents may get destroyed by roaches or mice. We are warned in Scripture, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV). According to Matthew Poole’s Commentary, a treasure signifies something laid up for tomorrow, for future; something of value or riches. If we treasure things of this world, we will chase after temporary riches or success that will be destroyed or stolen. In the book of Mark, the question is asked, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36, NIV). Treasures with eternal value will endure. So, What do we treasure? For me, I look at what I think about; how I use my time; where I exert energy and spend money. My actions reveal what I really treasure; things of this world or eternal riches of the Lord. I treasure the Lord, things of eternity and my relationship with Him. Do my actions reflect that? Do I understand how much my Heavenly Father loves me and desires to reveal more of Himself to me? If so, then I will choose to make time with Him-to sit at His feet and enjoy being in His presence? Do I pursue Him continuously throughout the day or get easily distracted by social media, straightening the house or crossing things off my to-do list? These choices reveal what or Who I treasure and where my heart is. I also treasure the people that God has put around me. Do my actions reflect that? Am I regularly communicating with my family and friends? Am I willing to give a cup or water in Jesus’ name to someone in need (Mark 9:41, NIV)? Am I encouraging others in their walk with Jesus and sharing with them that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father but through Him (John 14:6, NIV)? Our relationship with the Lord and with others are investments that require love and time. These are treasures that cannot be boxed up and stored for later. Earthly things that have no eternal value will be destroyed or stolen. Let’s ask the Lord to help us to focus intently on Jesus and the eternal treasures of heaven and like the old hymn suggests to turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. 
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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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