By Kim White In my box of written treasures, I still have a paper from my son’s kindergarten year that makes me smile every time I see it. The teacher asked, “How does your mom show that she loves you?” My son replied, “She makes me tacos.” Be honest, you thought it was going to be a sweet, touching answer?!
His answer revealed not only that he loved tacos, but also that he felt loved by my actions. One morning, while reading my Bible on the lanai, a surprising summer breeze made its way to my chair and I felt truly loved by God. His action was very personal and loving to me. There was a time I wouldn't have been as aware of His actions or presence, and truthfully, I still miss so much. However, I am very grateful for a book study entitled, A Thankful Heart, by Carole Lewis. During that study we each had a notebook to write down the things we were thankful for each day. The goal was to be more aware and thankful to God for His many gifts and acts bestowed on us all day long. I remember the day I watched a leaf fall to the ground with such grace, as if showing off in a freestyle dance. I stood there amazed at our God! This was not my normal practice, but, oh, how I realized that I desired and needed to slow down to see God at work and to give thanks to Him. This small snapshot in time doesn't do justice to what Scripture has to say about being thankful. This small snapshot in time doesn't do justice to what Scripture has to say about being thankful. 1 Chronicles 16:34 tells us “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.” Why do we give thanks? Because we serve an incredible God who is worthy of all our thanks and praise! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus". It is the Lord living in us that enables us to see that which is praiseworthy. For in every moment of life there is reason to give thanks! Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” The thanksgiving of our heart is received by our Lord as we live out our love for Him through our words and actions of obedience. Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” At the most fundamental level, prayer is communication between us and God. Thanksgiving is letting Him know how much we enjoyed and felt loved by His works. In all circumstances, whatever we do, let our heart of thanksgiving overflow in prayer and life! The beautiful thing about expressing thanksgiving is that the more we practice being thankful, the more we see His activity, the more we draw near and trust Him. In His perfect love, even the act and command of being thankful unto our Lord is also for the good of His children. I remember when our children were quite young, we would begin our prayer time with them by asking, “What did you do today?” Often we would guide them in their recall, and remind them that every good thing is from God (James 1:17) and we want to thank Him for it. Our two-, four- and five-year old daughters began thanking God for everything from the park and their friends to their toys and ice cream. Today, I challenge you to look beyond what’s next on your to-do list and open your eyes wide, with childlike wonder and excitement for life and really see God, His works and gifts, and give thanks... Comments are closed.
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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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