Saturday, March 9, 2019

March 9

My need for adventure can take me and whoever I’m with, into some precarious places. So part of my Sanibel experience was a boat ride out to Keewaydin Island, just off of Marco Island, for a day of shelling. What was I thinking! It’s frigid cold out, even at 9 am! That wind blows right through any layers you have on! Once we got there it began to warm up. A portion of the island is a county park, so you can traipse all over it without trespassing. My ultimate goal is to find the larger shells, I call myself a “big shell sheller!” I know they can be found near the shallows of the mangrove trees, so I set out to get there. My usual mode of transportation is my paddle board, however, it’s stuck in a lockup on another island, so I headed out on foot! I made it through most of the woods, with my partner in crime in tow, dodging prickly pears and low hanging trees, not realizing that there really aren’t any mangrove trees on this island, which is quite unusual. It was a waste of energy and a waste of time. We found a lot of great shells, and the experience and camaraderie were worth it all. Sometimes the adventure leads to a dead end, but maybe it’s not about where you’re going, but the friendships you grow while trying to get there.


Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Friday, March 8, 2019

March 8

As part of our Sanibel Shell Show experience this year, we got tickets to enter early to see the exhibits of my friend. They do this for the exhibitors so they can see if they won any ribbons, and to be a part of the announcement of winners. She has been a crafter for several years and has entered many projects in this competition. This year she entered five different projects, each in a different category, and for the first time she won the prize, a first place blue ribbon! She was so excited and overjoyed, and so were we! As her friends, we rallied around her to give her support and encouragement. This type of thing can be nerve wracking and sometimes disappointing. As friends, we need to comfort in times of disappointment, and rejoice with them during their accomplishments. Her perseverance paid off and she accomplished one of her goals, and won the race. Today, run to Jesus! He is the most valuable prize we can receive; and then all of heaven will rejoice when you accept Him.


Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

Thursday, March 7, 2019

March 7

It’s shell show time on Sanibel Island. The exhibitors have meticulously displayed their projects, or in many cases, on the scientific side of the show, displayed God’s perfect creations. I love all the artsy projects, but there is something special about viewing the many incredible ways God chose to decorate the homes of these exotic creatures. My mind is blown by how little I know about the wonders of this world. If God loved a creature enough to take His time to masterfully design its protective shell, that most people will never see, how much more do you think He loves you? When you look at yourself and criticize the way you look, or demean yourself in some way, aren’t you being critical of God? How dare you treat the Father that way! He created you in His own image, so be grateful to Him, and learn to love the shell you are in.


So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

March 6

How devoted are you to God? Do you really love Him as much as you say you do? The depth of your love can be measured by your sin. You don’t sin against someone you truly love. The evidence of that love will be your devotion to Him. Like the relationship between a husband and wife, your respect for them is shown by refraining from, or continuing to seek the love of another suitor. Every time you run to someone else for comfort or love, you have cheated. Sin is like the other woman, or the other man. Jesus said that the culmination and pinnacle of the law is love, and The Ten Commandments were made to help the Israelites learn to show God their love. We were made to love Him. Set your sights on Him and Him alone, and turn away from your mistress of sin.


And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. Matthew 22:37:38

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

March 5

Today, I’m sitting outside on my porch on a comfy new couch. The air is crisp, but that’s nice for a change. There’s that moment when you have to deconstruct a few things to get the new and improved to fit in. Yes, my patio is a bit messy right now, and it wouldn’t be, but it was 10:30 pm before I got a chance to put it in its place. My next step will be to give my table and chairs a new coat of paint, then everything will be nice and fresh. It’s a plan to improve. Here’s a plan for you, renew your thinking! First, begin thinking positive things! Just like me placing my couch before getting rid of the old stuff. Dragging around that old, and tired way of thinking, just weighs you down. Adding positive new thoughts will change your negative attitude. You’ll feel better, and eventually the negative thoughts will disappear. You will then begin to see Jesus in everything! Changing your way of thinking is one of the first steps to truly having freedom in Jesus.


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Monday, March 4, 2019

March 4

We must continue to march forth! Continue to love, though we, as Christians, are not loved. As the world around us seeks to devour us because of our stand for righteousness, and our rejection of evil, we must continue to stay committed to Jesus, He is the only hope for a world gone mad. Things that should be considered decent human behavior, like not killing, are raised up as a right. We know the Word of God, we know how powerful He is, and He will come down hard on those who do not change, and accept Jesus as Savior. Don’t give in and respond passionately as they do when the debate becomes heated; keep your cool, and if you’re rejected, shake the dust off and walk away. They’ve made their choice and will pay the price for it. Remember that when you are weak, He becomes stronger, let Him be your strength!


With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5

Sunday, March 3, 2019

March 3

My daughter and I had a day of adventure! We started out early and headed down to Little Gasparilla Island to freshen up our place for some guest that were coming for vacation. It was a gorgeous day, perfect for the boat ride over to the island. We finished our chores and decided to take a golf cart ride. We enjoyed the scenery, stopping to soak in some salty air, and to feast our eyes on the beautiful blue-green gulf waters and sandy shore. We were almost back when the golf cart started slowing down! Oh no! The cart path is sandy, just like most dirt paths in Florida, making it difficult to keep it moving. Christina got out to give it a push while I kept the peddle pressed in to make pushing easier. We finally made it back, but Christina was exhausted! A little sand and sun, and a little exercise! Adventures are not always easy, sometimes you have to get out and push, but it’s all in your perspective. Life is short, enjoy it, because the end of it comes quickly.


Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Ecclesiastes 9:7-8