 "Taste and see that the Lord is good." When Bill and I were raising our four children, I often commented that the Lord would use situations in their lives to open my eyes and teach me things about myself and my relationship with Him as His child. Now He allows me to learn from our precious grandchildren... This past Thanksgiving, we were all at the dining room table and each of us were sharing things we were thankful for in our lives. One of the last ones to share was our four year old granddaughter. She very intentionally and slowly gazed at each one of us at the table before answering, “Right now.” In that moment, the words of this precious one were used by God to do a work deep into my soul. I can’t tell you how many times the Lord has brought those two simple, yet profound words back to my mind. They have caused life change for me. How you ask? My granddaughter was fully present in that moment and was taking time to drink in what was right in front of her. A few questions for our hearts today, “Do we practice being fully present in our day to day activities?” In our flesh we tend to move from one thing to the next. We may even do a mental check off of the present activity before it is even completed. Are we so bound by our thoughts throughout the day that we are unaware of treasures right in front of us? Are we missing the gifts found in a smile, a vibrantly colored flower, the smell of rain, a sweet encouraging text? God’s loving touches throughout the day are immeasurable! How can we more consistently and fully engage in the “Right Now”? The best place to begin is by spending time each morning with the Lord in The Word and prayer. I challenge you to begin your time with the Lord by meditating on a verse; this will help you leave behind the distractions and the difficulties of the day. One of my favorites is Psalm 46:10a, “Be still and know that I am God.” The practice of meditating on Scripture brings our hearts to a place of praise and a ready heart to hear from Him in the Bible. When we are fully present with Him, He will guide us and speak to our hearts. It does’t mean we will be without challenges, but as our minds are trusting Him, we will be freed up to be more aware of the blessings all around us. Another way to more fully engage in “Right Now” is to begin enjoying the beautiful gifts the Lord offers us. Write down 5-10 things a day in which to be thankful. I challenge you not to repeat what you wrote down, causing you to look for new blessings each day. These gifts demonstrate His incredible love for us. The problem is that many times we don’t stop to unwrap them, giving thanks and seeing His hand in them. Psalm 34:8 tells us to, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Experience Him with your five senses. Why not begin "Right Now!" 
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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, have five children, one son-in-law, one soon to be daughter-in-law, and one wonderful grandson. Donna and Bryan have recently moved back to their home state of Arkansas after livingin southeast Alabama the past 23 years. 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
April 2021
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