"No in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who love us." ~Romans 8:37 February was tough. Actually, that is putting it lightly. February was downright difficult, and frankly, I am wanting a redo. You see, I struggle with depression, have for most of my life. Last month it was all consuming. It took everything inside of me to push the darkness away and get out of bed. I would like to admit that I was successful every day in doing so, but that would not be telling the truth. There were days when I gave into the darkness and allowed the enemy of my soul a victory. This past weekend, the darkness began to fade, and I could see the light coming back into my heart. As I was having my quiet time with the Lord, I asked Him what was different about today. Why was my heart lighter? His answer came in a song and a whisper. Turn your 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. The lyrics of this song flooded my heart as God gently whispered, “Sarah, my child, you forgot to find your strength in Me. You forgot your battle plan." A year ago, God gave me a specific battle plan to fight the depression and it is found in Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)… “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” When the darkness of depression begins to creep in, I stop and pray the armor of God over myself. I literally touch each part of my body as I claim, out loud, the power of God's words in these verses. I also have scripture that goes with each piece of armor that speaks the truth about who I am in Christ, who God is in my life, captivating my thoughts, abiding in joy, and living in peace. And you know what happens when I do this? Satan has to flee. The depression has to flee. My focus is back on Christ and the day becomes easier to face. Why? Because I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. And so are you! Whatever battle you are facing today, have a specific battle plan ready so you can fight victoriously through the strength of Jesus. Hebrews 13:5 says that Jesus will never leave or forsake us. Hold on tight to that promise!
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"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. I love to ride my bike! I have an adorable light blue beach bike equipped with a cup holder, a wicker basket on the handlebars and a bell. Apparently, I am not the only one who loves to ride my bike! There was a house being built next door, and before construction started they delivered a 20 foot high mound of dirt to help build up the foundation. The mound sat there for several days beckoning my sons to find something fun to do with it, and boy did they ever. They got a great idea to try to ride a bike down from the top. Logan was the stunt man and Alex was the videographer. They were so excited to show me their video. I sat stunned as I watched my beach bike careening down the side of this dirt mountain. The hill was so steep that when the bike reached the bottom the back tire went straight up causing my bike to land on the wicker basket attached to the front. They didn’t do this just once, there are several attempts ending with the same results. I was so angry I started to crying. Up until that moment, they hadn’t even considered they were doing anything wrong. I asked them “What made you think it was OK to do this with my bike?” They said they didn’t think about it they just did it. Their burning desire to do something fun with that dirt pile caused them to act impulsively. The word impulsive is defined as: acting or done without forethought. Often times impulsiveness is thought to be a negative character trait. The apostle Peter was impulsive, and yes, he did some foolish, sinful things because of it. For instance in Mark 9:2-8 when he was invited to witness Jesus’ transfiguration where Elijah and Moses also appeared with the transfigured Jesus, Peter responded “let us build you three tents.” What! Jesus just became radiant with glory, Peter heard the voice of God the Father and that’s what he comes up with? In another instance of impulsiveness gone awry, in Matthew 16:22, Jesus said He would suffer terrible things, die and be resurrected, and Peter rebuked him, saying that Jesus should never suffer these things. But there is a beautiful side to Peter’s impulsiveness that is driven by his love and devotion to Jesus. For instance, in John 20:3-9 after hearing the report from Mary that the tomb was empty, Peter ran with the apostle John to see for themselves. John outran Peter and looked into the tomb. But when Peter arrived he went into the tomb. For Jewish people, graves were off limits; to touch one meant you were made unclean. And that is why John only looked in at first, but impulsive Peter, in pursuit of Jesus, walked right into the tomb. And in Matthew 14 in the middle of a raging storm, Peter stepped out of a boat and walked on water to Jesus. Can you imagine what that must have been like to step out of that boat and feel the water like solid ground under your feet? Peter’s impulsiveness got him to take that first step. I want that kind of godly impulsiveness. I want my desire to love and follow Jesus to cause me to do things that seem rash to man, but to my Lord look beautifully devoted. This is where the fun stuff happens. This is where we see miracles. This is where we learn to trust and where our faith grows. This is where we will find the the adventure the Lord is calling us to. “Come close to God, and God will come close to you….” I recently visited my two sons living in Ohio. One of the pleasures of visiting my adult children is helping with projects around their homes. So, on this bright and beautiful spring sunny day, I was clearing dead branches out of my son’s flower bed. I was busily snipping away branches when I heard a man’s voice, “May I help you?” I looked up to see my son’s next-door neighbor engaging me in conversation. He was trying to figure out whether or not I belonged on his neighbor’s property. I stood up and heard him ask, “Oh, are you his mom?” “Yes,” I replied. He told me he was just checking on things and then walked toward me with his right hand extended as we introduced ourselves. Such a small gesture. But it has been over a year since COVID-19 restrictions began and people began staying at home and wearing masks and NOT shaking hands with their neighbors. After a few words, he left, and I realized just how pleasant meeting a neighbor and shaking a hand had been. That small human connection was as life-giving as spring itself. My heart swelled with happiness. We need human connection, even human touch like a handshake with a neighbor. God knows this; it is the way he created us. Jesus knew this; that’s why he came to earth, to give us a God/human connection. Jesus touched people while he lived here and he allowed people to touch him. Jesus held children in his arms; he placed his hands on their heads to bless them. Jesus touched the eyes of blind men, the atrophied arms and legs of the sick, even the coffin of a dead man whose funeral procession Jesus interrupted at Nain, right before he brought the man back to life and returned him to his mother. Jesus was touched in a crowded street by a desperate woman seeking healing. His feet were touched and kissed by a sinful woman who anointed him with her tears of repentance and gratitude for his saving grace and mercy. Those deemed sinners and reprobates by the religious leaders were touched by Jesus. Even those deemed unclean by the Mosaic Law because they had leprosy were touched and healed by God’s Messiah. I imagine that when Jesus spoke to his disciples or invited himself to the home of the crooked tax collector, Zacchaeus, that maybe Jesus put a hand on their shoulders or took them by their arms. Jesus didn’t stand or sit apart from the people he came to teach about his Heavenly Father. He stood close to them; he sat next to them; he touched them. One of my favorite scenes in Scripture is found in John’s gospel. In John 13, the Apostle John describes what happened at the last meal the disciples would share with Jesus before his crucifixion. And the writer describes himself leaning against Jesus. Perhaps John could hear Jesus’ heartbeat as he leaned close, listening to Jesus’ words about what was about to take place. Jesus never told John to stop leaning on him. He will never tell us that either. Jesus appreciates the power held within a human touch. That’s why he came to be near us. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. Are you trying to live up to expectations that you only imagine people have for you? Sometimes we construct these false ideas of what we think people expect from us; how they want us to act or to look. Oftentimes these self-manufactured standards cannot be lived up to or even met and we are left with this overwhelming feeling that we are letting people down. Wives, have we constructed a vision of how we assume our husbands want us to be? Moms, have we decided that we are not enough for our children because “social media mom” does it so much better? Sisters, have we been hiding our brokenness from each other out of fear of rejection? When we try to live up to imaginary expectations in an attempt to please people, we can take our eyes off of what is most important: our relationship with God. We must let God’s perception of us take center stage in our lives if we are ever going to become the wives, moms and sisters that He desires for us to be. So what does God expect from us? The truth is that God expects very little from us. He expects that we will be broken, helpless and insufficient on our own. He knows that time and again we will fall, make mistakes and hurt ourselves. However, at the same time God demands perfection as we read in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” So, how do we reconcile this? How do we live up to a seemingly impossible standard? The answer is faith. Faith is required to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) By faith we cling to our salvation through Jesus Christ as if we were holding onto a life preserver. Through this faith the sanctification process begins. Faith is the only thing that can take a broken, helpless and insufficient person and make them perfect in God’s eyes. Sometimes we get so preoccupied with people pleasing that we forget that our faith in Jesus Christ has made us new creations. We continue to see ourselves as if we are not enough and assume that others see us this way too. These false perceptions hinder us from thriving in our relationships; we can become an insecure wife, a discouraged mom and a half-hearted friend. We must not allow our insecurities to sully the beauty of our identity in Christ. We need to stop worrying about what the world may think about us and start remembering how God sees us. We will certainly mess up from time to time, but by focusing on His grace toward us and allowing His Spirit to work in our hearts, we will become more intentional in our relationships with others. Things like extending mercy, offering forgiveness and showing love will become actions that we want to do and they will bring glory to God while helping our earthly relationships to flourish. As we go through our days remembering who we are in Christ, we will be freed from worrying about what others may think of us. We can begin to thrive as the persons God is making us to be. Additional scripture references: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Proverbs 29:25 Hebrews 11:6 Philippians 2:13 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As a mom of three children, I feel like all day long I am constantly cleaning up toys, washing dishes, and doing loads of laundry. Some days, I can get so frustrated because the to-do list seems never ending, and when I feel like I finally have checked everything off, I wake up the next day and do it again. On days that seem a little stressful, God reminds me of the importance of thankfulness. When we can let go of our fixation on the negative things in life, whether that be the mundane routine of everyday, or an unexpected circumstance, and we begin dwelling on the things God has blessed us with, it is then that He changes our heart and allows us to have a different perspective. There is a country music song by Scotty McCreery called “Dirty Dishes.” The premise of the song is about a mom that is thanking God for things that we don’t often thank Him for, like a messy house and dirty dishes. One of the verses in the song says this: “Noisy kids are happy kids, and slamming doors just means we live in a warm and loving home. Your long hours and those dishes in the sink means a job and enough to eat.” The words to this song remind me that when we thank God for the things in our life that are difficult to thank him for, God allows us to see things differently. Instead of seeing my to do list as an insurmountable or frustrating task, I can choose to thank Him for it, lay it at His feet, and then experience unexplainable joy through the Holy Spirit. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul commands us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God’s word doesn’t just tell us to be thankful when circumstances are good, or when we have received a blessing. Paul is very specific in this verse to use an absolute when talking about when to give thanks: “in ALL circumstances” (vs.18). I know this verse can be very difficult, because in our flesh, there are many things we not only don’t want to thank God for, but instead we want to complain about. However, when we choose to heed His instruction from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and be thankful, even when it is not easy, God transforms our hearts. Having a heart full of thankfulness can allow us to see the good in our situations and other people, that we might have otherwise missed out on. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Do you ever wonder what the disciples did during the days between Jesus’ death and resurrection? Yes, we know they went into hiding, but can you really blame them? They just watched their best friend be brutally murdered by a group of jealous religious leaders. Of course, they were scared in the midst of their grief. But what did they do while they were waiting? In the quiet moments of their fear, grief, and remembrance. The same question can be asked of us. What do we do in the waiting? While we are waiting for Jesus to answer our prayers, to speak clearly to us, to deliver us through a situation. For me, the waiting period can be very excruciating. I struggle with wanting everything right now, but recently, God has been working on my heart in this area. As He gently does with me, He whispered to my heart one day, “Sarah, while you wait, praise Me. While you wait, seek Me. While you wait, trust Me.” Praise… Praising God takes the focus off self and puts it back on Him. With God as the focal point of my thoughts, the waiting becomes easier. Why? Because my self-centered agenda has been pushed back to allow His greatness to shine through. And oh, how my heart becomes settled as I praise His mighty Name, as I recall all of the ways He has been faithful to me in the past. Psalm 150 tells us to “praise Him for His powerful acts; praise Him for His abundant greatness…Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.” We can praise Him in the waiting because He is still God no matter the circumstance and giving Him praise aligns our hearts with His. Praise Him with your words, praise Him through your song, praise Him through your dance…just praise Him! Seek… “So I say to you, keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be open to you.” (Luke 11:9) Did you catch that repetition? Keep asking, keep searching, keep knocking. Seeking God is not a one-time deal. To fully seek Him, we must continuously do so. Dive into His word. Ask Him to reveal to your heart the things of His heart. Ask boldly for the desires of your heart to align with His. As you do so, the waiting becomes about connecting with the heart of the Father, seeking His will above our own. There is comfort here. Sitting, seeking, being intentional in finding out what His plan is. Jeremiah 29:12-13 says, “You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jesus is there with you in the waiting, seek Him. Trust… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) Waiting does not always make sense to our finite human minds, and that is okay. There are many things we will not understand this side of heaven, which is why Proverbs 3:5 is so comforting. I know that I cannot always rely on my own understanding, and this is where trusting the Lord comes into play. I can trust Jesus because He is trustworthy. It is who He is and always will be. He does not change. He is constant. Here my heart can be firmly planted. Here my waiting begins to make a little more sense because I know the lover of my soul has me in the palm of His hand. I can trust Him because His word tells me to cast all my cares, my anxieties on Jesus because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). The Creator of the Universe cares for me and He cares for you. Let that truth take root in your heart and mind. As you wait, praise God. “My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praise.” (Psalm 57:7). As you wait, seek Him. “For I know the plans I have for you – this is the Lord’s declaration – plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) As you wait, trust Jesus. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3) How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. Have you ever been on the Pinterest website or saw something that you thought you could make? Certainly, anyone could follow 5-easy-steps to accomplish this fabulous craft or recipe! Right?!? A few years ago, I saw a cute reindeer-pretzel snack that was perfect for a church event. After I purchased all the ingredients, a few friends gathered and we started an assembly line. After many unsuccessful attempts of following the directions and then improvising, we finally surrendered. Someone suggested that we post pictures of our mangled and not-so-cute reindeer on the “Pinterest Fail” page! Compared to the Pinterest-perfect picture, they were definitely a “fail” and although tasty, they never made it to the church event. Have you tried something much more serious in life than a craft or recipe that you considered to be a failure? Or are you facing a challenging season right now with issues beyond your capabilities? Regardless of what or how things happened or are happening - YOU are NOT a failure. If ever you hear words in your head, “I am a failure,” know for a fact that those words are NOT from the LORD God Almighty, but from the enemy - the liar and the father of lies (John 8:44) and you can replace those thoughts by thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8, NIV). When thinking of failing, Psalm 36:7 is a great verse to cling to: “How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings” (NIV). God’s love is UNFAILING! His love is constant, everlasting, inexhaustible, sure and infallible.* His love never disappoints or is without hope. Also, His love is PRICELESS - so precious that the value cannot be determined as the value is beyond any price (*Merriam-Webster Dictionary). There is nothing that we can do to make God love us more than He does; AND there is nothing that we can do to make God love us less than He does. He loves us. He created us. Sometimes, we may need to remind ourselves that His love is not based on what we do, but that we are His. His love for us is priceless and everlasting. This week we celebrate Resurrection Sunday. We celebrate how Jesus Christ, perfect and sinless, willingly laid down His life; He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus is the spotless lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) Jesus showed His priceless and unfailing love when He was nailed to the cross. May we walk in this Truth. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. I vividly recall being in the shoe department of a retail store when I heard a child call out, “Mommy, where are you?” In a peaceful, reassuring voice the child’s mom replied, “I’m right here, follow my voice.” The mom continued to guide the child with encouragement until the reunion was obvious to those within earshot. “Mommmmmy!”, said it all. I have replayed this scene, in my mind, many times. It always makes me think of my relationship with the heavenly Father. As His child, I desire to hear His voice speak to my heart and guide me. One of the first verses I memorized was James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” (ESV). Some translations say to “Come near to God.” My desire is to come running into my Father’s outstretched hands, but I must be honest, I don’t always do that. Even this morning, as I sat down to read my Bible, my mind was all over the place. The rapid, random thoughts brought me to the point of anxiousness. I was trying in my flesh to make order of my thoughts. Finally, I drew near... I followed the example the Lord made known to the prophet, Jeremiah, “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV). I called out in prayer for Him to help me concentrate. As I started praying, He quieted my soul. Was there something magical about it? No! But, by faith, I chose to believe He would do what He said He would do. I called. He answered! The author, Evelyn Christenson, of “What Happens When Women Pray”, would have called my prayer an “SOS” prayer. I definitely needed help! Thankfully, with my mind quieted by the Lord, I could now draw near by approaching Him in The Word. It is here that He speaks to our hearts. I have heard some people say, “I wish He would speak to me when I read my Bible!”Our Lord longs to speak to each one of us through His Word...even more than we want to hear from Him! On the inside cover of my Bible, I have written a few quotes from Andrew Murray’s book, “ The Inner Chamber and the Inner Life.” These words are a wonderful reminder to me as I open the Word of God. “The Word of God is a living Word. It carries a divine quickening power in it.”“These words are full of the life of God. God is in them, and makes His presence and power known to them who seek Him in them.” Lord, today, may we each choose to draw near to You. And may we hear You speak to our hearts through Your living Word. “The disciples were amazed. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked. ‘Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” Matthew 8:27 Our grandson has never required much sleep. He is an early riser and nap-taking isn’t a favorite activity. He doesn’t particularly like bedtime either. But now, at three years old, he and his mommy and daddy have a bedtime routine which works for him, though it wasn’t easy getting to this point. Once when he was two, his mom was beyond worn out trying to get him to sleep. They had read several stories together; they had said bedtime prayers. She had stayed with him in his room for a time until she decided that he would have to get to sleep on his own. He didn’t like this idea and fussed about it. His whimpering turned into full blown wails. My daughter thought he would tire himself out with all of the crying and sat downstairs listening to his cries. She had made up her mind; he would just have to cry himself to sleep. After a while, she noticed a pause in his sobbing. A shaky little voice uttered, “Mommy, I’m sad!” My daughter jumped off the sofa and bounded up the stairs, grabbing her son in her arms to soothe and comfort him. What the constant crying could not provoke, those simple words produced in her mother’s heart a need to ease his self-inflicted trauma and console her “sad” little boy. What is it about a hurting heart’s cry and expression of sadness that can grip our emotions and ignite our desire to help? If we as imperfect parents, and human beings for that matter, can feel such compassion, why do we doubt the compassion of God? We may question, doubt or suspect our Heavenly Father of not caring. Our whimpers of not trusting turn into wails of unbelief. We see this in Jesus’ disciples when they faced a physical storm on the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:22-25; Matthew 8:23-27). They were fighting for their lives as waves tumbled over the sides of their boat, threatening to topple them and throw them into the sea. Where was their companion, Jesus? He was sleeping peacefully in the midst of the tumult. They awoke him with shouts that they were about to die. In my imagination, the thoughts of the terrified disciples went something like this: “Jesus, Jesus, don’t you even care that we are about to perish? Why aren’t you doing something?” Their fear beckoned answers. Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves and the storm stopped. “Where is your faith?” Jesus asked them. And they marveled that even the wind and the waves obeyed Jesus. Their fears of harm had compelled them to wake their Master. He quickly came to the rescue; He calmed the storm. The water was again peaceful, as were the disciples’ hearts. When we call out, God always hears us. When we feel afraid or sad or overwhelmed, we need to remember that we are not alone. We are the children of the God who can calm any storm and who rushes to take us into His arms. |
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 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 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 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 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 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 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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