 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Earlier this year I had a plan. I had been listening to some old teachings from Millie Dienert and was working at turning them into a small group Bible study. My bedroom floor was covered with Bibles, color-coded spiral notebooks and transcripts of her teachings. Every spare moment that I had was spent organizing thoughts and researching biblical truths from scripture. I had personally gleaned so much from listening to Millie that I was eager to share her lessons with a new generation of women. However, as the weeks went on, I found myself unable to focus. My “free time” was becoming less and less and I couldn’t understand why God wasn’t helping me complete this task, so I prayed for Him to direct me on the path that He wanted me to take. It wasn’t long after that when God spoke up in a big way. I had been reading a parenting book for a women’s ministry that I belong to for young moms and God used that book to make me realize a critical truth: That though I was doing something good, it was taking my focus off of my greater work… being a mother. You see, while in my pursuit of accomplishing what I believed was a good thing, I began to view the busyness of motherhood as an inconvenience. I wanted more time to work on what I wanted to do and I became irritated when I was interrupted. God was merciful to gently remind me that motherhood is not an inconvenience; it is not an interruption from good work, it is my God-given work, the work He planned in advance for me to do. This realization helped me to refocus and it removed the anxiety that I was causing myself from trying to accomplish something that wasn’t meant for me at this specific season of my life. I learned that the good things that we want to do for God may not necessarily be a part of His plan for us or perhaps they may simply not be a part of His plan for right now. In 1 Chronicles 17, King David proclaimed that he wanted to build a temple for God. He had good intentions and was motivated by his love for the Lord, but God said no. David was not the one who would build the temple, his son Solomon would. When David learned that it would be his son who would accomplish this great task, instead of being discouraged, David praised God for blessing his lineage. Though David wouldn’t construct a temple of gold, he would build a foundation of faith in his son's heart. Like David, our legacy of faith, our greatest accomplishments for the Lord may not be the things that we do, but instead be the people that we raise. As mission minded disciples of Christ, we may face discouraging moments when we discover that our good plans are not God’s plans, but as mission minded moms, we have an opportunity to continue Christ’s work in our homes everyday by faithfully raising our children to know Him. Scripture references: 1 Chronicles 17 1 Chronicles 28 1 kings 2:2-3 Proverbs 16:3 
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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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