March 10

Our church is preparing to move to the new location. The church that vacated the building, left behind many things that were not necessary for them to take. For instance, we are boxing up hundreds of Baptist Hymnals and moving chairs off the platform. Technology is such that we don’t have a need for the hymnals and our worship doesn’t include a choir. This doesn’t mean we won’t sing those old songs, our music minister always includes snippets of them for those who cherish them. Sometimes we need to make modifications in the way we do things so that our worship doesn’t grow stale and to use the amazing things that God provides for us to worship Him with. My point is, don’t get so stuck in a routine that you are no longer useful in your service to the Lord. While the world is growing and changing, we must be willing to change the way we minister in order to continue to draw the lost. 

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

March 9

As I’m looking through my windows, I realize that it’s about time for me to get outside and clean them. It’s not a chore that I look forward to doing, shoot, I don’t look forward to doing any chores! However, my view is distorted because of the grime that has built up, and as the light shines through it, there is a haze that is messing up the spectrum of colors. On top of that, the screens need to be removed before they can be cleaned! What an aggravation! If I want unobstructed scenery, cleaning is necessary. Do you have something in your life that is obstructing your sight? Maybe there are hurts from your past clouding the truth. If that’s the case, you may need to do a little window washing yourself! Take a little time to assess your view on issues or ask God to reveal to you the things that are distorting your opinion. There’s nothing like a little clarification to renew the mind!

But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24

March 8

My husband and I went to dinner from the island to the mainland in our boat. When we left it was still light, but when we got back from dinner it was dark. We had equipped our old boat with a light system so we would never be stranded in the dark again, however, our new boat has a system but it’s not operational. So, once again, we have no lights! The distance from the mainland to the island is just a ten minute ride, but there are obstacles everywhere! There are no lights on the channel markers and if you get outside of the channel, you’re sure to run aground. If you can’t see the markers because you have no lights, they then become a hazard. We managed to get across unharmed, but it took almost thirty minutes. Are you trying to move about in this life without your beacon of light guiding the way? Jesus is our light! Don’t try to traverse this world without him! You could run aground or worse, slam into a channel marker!

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

March 7

God is the God of miracles! A person close to our family was diagnosed with a tumor on their brain. The family began to pray for their healing. At the next doctor's appointment the tumor had disappeared. Some attribute it to being a misdiagnosis, but others believe he was healed. No matter the case, their brain is fine and now all is well and God received the glory. I got caught up in reading comments on a story that was similar to this and was shocked at the great number of people who are convinced that there is no God. Christians were praising God for the miracle and were being belittled for believing. It’s such a sad thing to believe in only the deteriorating flesh. Call me crazy if you want, ridicules, and simple minded, but people without the Spirit of God cannot understand the things of the Spirit. One day they will bow before our King, but their fate will be disastrous. God help our unbelieving world! 

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:36-37

March 6

Although the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west, the earth’s tilt makes it appear to be in different positions which gives us seasons. I notice this the most when I’m visiting my favorite little beach getaway in south Florida. When I’m there in the summer, I can see it’s boldness arising directly from the comfort of the living room couch. If I want to see the sun rise during the winter, I have to walk out on the dock and watch it come up over Boca Grande. God is like the sun and never moves in His position, but we are like the earth revolving around Him, and sometimes our position changes depending on our season. However, no matter where we are, we are never out of His presence. If you are feeling like you're in darkness, take note of your location, maybe you have rotated to the dark side and need to reposition yourself and turn back towards Him.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8

March 5

As spring approaches, so does the urge to get outside and tool around in the yard. Except, now I’m in a place where they take care of everything, so there’s not much to do. So I got the bright idea that I would add some new landscaping and do a little designing. There is a list of plants the association will approve and the plan has to be submitted to a committee. There is good reason, the community has a design standard and they want to maintain a consistency and keep out any invasive species of plants that could take over and destroy the posh look. Does this scenario sound familiar? It should, because God also has a design standard for your life. Though everything is permissible, not everything is beneficial. That’s why we have this amazing book as our guide to help us weed out the bad and keep the good. It helps us keep our “yard” manicured to perfection.

"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

March 4

Enjoying the company of two of my grandsons is such a joy! As I cleaned the chartreuse dust off of my patio that the grand oaks dropped on it, I watched as they played together in the yard. It reminded me of when I was a little girl, pretending to be a different character than I was. Being the boys that they are, they fought off the vicious bear and deer! It makes me thankful that I was insistent that my children play outside, and now they are encouraging their kids to do the same thing. You don’t hear about children enjoying the outdoors, just complaining that they spend too much time on their games, but if they had something else to do and weren’t so bored, they might play pretend a little more. Children need you to be available and not so wrapped up in your own life drama or technology that you miss seeing them interact with other children. Spend some time in the real world today!

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. Proverbs 1:8-9

March 3

Our family is in real estate and we deal with transactions that are life changing and incredibly exciting! There are so many different people involved and each has a part in pulling it together to get people into the home of their dreams. Finding someone a home is like finding someone their forever home with Jesus! It takes many people working together for the common cause of bringing people to salvation. Some of us live our lives in a manner that makes others desire to have the peace we have, like the happy homeowner. Then there are those who plant seeds to get those called to desire a better way of life. Others are like the agent who shows you Jesus and handles the transaction from start to finish. Whatever your part may be, know that where Jesus is involved, there is no small part. Heck, you may even plant the seed that sprouts into a preacher or evangelist who brings multitudes to Jesus! 

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20

March 2

One thing great about living in Florida is that you're never more than an hour and half away from the coastline. Most of us who live here have our favorite beach, it's usually a place that our parents took us for vacation or even a day trip. Childhood memories take us back to a time when life has been just a little easier and less complicated. With spring break just around the corner, many are getting ready to create more memories and cause a longing for gentler days. Building sand castles, collecting shells, and riding the endless supply of waves is all just part of the anticipation. The thing that keeps most of us trudging and working day in and day out is the longing for the peace you get while spending time relaxing on vacation. God has built into us a desire for rest and has given us that through Jesus. He is our rest for eternity. When vacation seems so far away, rest in Jesus.

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. Hebrews 4:1

February 28

Sometimes you feel like there is a target on your heart, and every dart that Satan throws pierces the bullseye. Many times you open the door for evil by speaking words that trigger an unexpected reaction; like you gave permission for Satan to pull back the bow and release the arrows. This is when that shield of protection, the guard on your heart becomes an important piece of armor. It helps to deflect the words you hear and cause them to fall to the ground, never penetrating the surface. When those arrows keep hitting the same spot on your armor, it causes a weakness. That’s when you know it’s time  to call in reinforcements! Cry out for Jesus! Let Him handle the enemy for you! Not the person, but the evil that’s controlling them. Remember that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but the powers of darkness; he just uses people as a tool to do his dirty deeds.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

February 27

My heart is overflowing! I had the pleasure of sitting with my grandson and listening to a chapter in the Bible and discussing some of the things we heard. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had the pleasure of a six year old in my home with their curiosity. There’s no better discussion than answering questions about Jesus. A while back God made me recognize that he is our Timothy and his mom and I are his Lois and Eunice. I believe that God may have set us in the same neighborhood for the purpose of training him up in the way that he should go. Something really cool about that is, that my daughter’s grandmother’s name was Eunice and my mother’s name is Lois! A coincidence? I think not! I may be entering a new season of training and bringing up a new disciple for the kingdom. This may be my best assignment yet! Keep your eyes wide open for the opportunities God places before you!

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

February 26

There are days where I know the song of heaven is singing over me; then there are other days that I’ve let the enemy steal it away before it touches my ears. It depends on whose power I allow to remain stronger as to whether I hear it or not. My daughter and her husband are in the middle of a move. If you’ve ever moved you know what a challenge it is to pack boxes and move furniture from one location to another. However, the excitement of getting a new home somehow turns drudgery into joy. Even if the challenge you’re dealing with seems to have a negative outcome, your attitude and response is the key to turning it around for the better. If you are in a time of transition and you are having a hard time swallowing the pill, remember that bitter medicine goes down a lot better when it’s mixed with a little sugar. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength, He’ll get you through it!

Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!" You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Psalms 30:10-12

February 25

It’s that time of year again when my Facebook friends from my beach group meet for the Sanibel Shell Show and lunch. It is a highly anticipated event that we start planning for, from the moment everyone gets home from the previous year. Ladies from all over the country, fly in just to join the festivities. It’s a sisterhood of sorts, where the love of the beach and anything that has to do with it, draws us together because of our common interest. Some of us drive in for the day while others plan for a week's worth of shell collecting activities. Though this is not a church group, God has made it evident that it doesn’t matter who is meeting or what their cause is, He will be a  part of it whether it offends or not. There are some who don’t believe, yet those of us who do, never fail to bring Him into the light and show our appreciation for His love for us. Give God the glory in whatever you do!

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

February 24

There is scientific research that shows harboring resentment, bitterness, and anger, towards others is not only a mental disorder, but can cause physical illness that can affect metabolism, organ function, immune response, and cause disease. There is a cure for this and it’s called forgiveness. My grandmother was a hard person to love. She was harsh and judgmental, and wouldn’t hold back from telling you how she felt. Her children bore the brunt of her emotion and have suffered at her hand. My great grandmother lived to well over 100 years. You would think her descendants would live a good long life; maybe more of them would have if they were able to forgive easily and move on. Thankfully, my dad never let my grandmother get to him and seems pretty healthy. If you are harboring bitterness, work diligently to try and forgive, it could affect your health and may possibly shorten your life.

Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

February 23

You are saved for a purpose! Those of us who appreciate our salvation are also anxious for nothing, but to please the Lord. Though we can’t do anything to earn it, it is our appreciation and thankfulness that drives us to feel like we owe Him something. We tend to get down on ourselves when we sense we aren’t doing enough. Do you think the enemy has a hand in making you feel that way? Maybe he’s whispering in your ear ‘your not good enough’ or ‘He couldn’t possibly use me.’ Those thoughts are far from the truth! Yes, we long to do more, but in God’s timing not our own. The best thing to do is be active in your waiting. Stay in communication with Him through prayer, continue learning about His goodness and attributes by studying the Word; then in His time, you will be given assignments. Be patient in your waiting and relish the opportunities you are given.

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3

February 22

Over the course of the few years that I have been posting to the followers of Christ, I’ve noticed that the posts, where I include life lessons of things I’ve learned through my everyday comings and goings, are the most “liked” and commented on. The Bible is a great teaching tool, but it is more than 2000 years old, and times have changed. This is why it’s important that you share your testimony, something fresh for today’s times. Jesus used what was around Him to teach His disciples and used the ancient manuscripts as a reference point to drive home His message. You don’t have to be a Bible thumping, scripture breathing robot, to be heard, in fact, many ears turn off as soon as they hear Bible lingo. However, to hearts that are ready to receive, God’s written words will not return void and are active and living. People need to hear how Jesus has helped you, then share what God’s Word says about it.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

February 21

As I feed on the Word of God, I realize that I’m not given all this information just to broaden my mind, but to go out and teach what I’ve learned. The twelve disciples sat at the feet of Jesus, then He sent them out, not to appear as wealthy, overdressed men, but as common men blending in. It was still early in His ministry and they were still learning, however He sent them out to teach what they knew. They didn’t spend years studying, Jesus wanted them to make a difference now, with what they knew. Their message was repentance; Jesus had given them the ability to drive out unclean spirits and heal the sick which gave them credibility. They also had a partner to back them up; that kept them from appearing as a radical like you might see standing in front of the courthouse in Tampa on any given day, love his message, just not his delivery. So, take what you know, and make a difference now.

And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. Mark 6:7-9

February 20

I have a passion to see the followers of Christ set free. Many years ago God showed me the moment that my heart was pierced by rejection and thus set me on a path to seek acceptance. The lie was so insignificant and yet it rocked me to my core. The enemy had a planned to take me out long before I had ever accepted Jesus. I spent the majority of my life trying to overcome that lie. My healing began with me asking God a simple question: What is the lie that I believe about myself and where did it begin? The answer came to my mind before I even got the question out. As soon as I identified where it began, I went back through my life, I forgave and sought forgiveness for the sins that came from it. The chain was broken and I was set free. Jesus came to give us life and that it may be abundant. Are you living an abundant life? If not, ask God that simple question and start living!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

February 19

This might sound silly, but I’m going to tell you anyway. Some days I have a hard time concentrating; me being sleepy, the dog, or some other distraction. Rudy, my dog, likes to throw his bone in the air and then tackle it, but this day, for some reason, every time he threw it, it would go under the furniture. After doing that about three times, I had had enough! Then he tossed it again and it went under my chair. That was it! I wasn’t going to get it for him again! Let me preface this by saying that if I don’t get it for him, he will whine and carry on like a crybaby, so there is no ignoring him if I want any peace. So, I prayed and said “Lord, he won’t listen to me, but he will listen to you, could you please make him lay down and go to sleep?” I was floored when he immediately jumped up on the couch beside me, curled up and went to sleep! Why would I doubt? All things are possible to those who believe!

And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'! All things are possible for one who believes." Mark 9:23

February 18

I have a friend whose husband is in ministry and has been for many years. Recently, he was offered a job as an executive pastor. As soon as he said yes, the enemy began a relentless attack on his family. You know God has a huge plan when the devil will try anything to dissuade you from pursuing that call. The attacks are more than distractions, they cause heartbreak and physical pain. I’ve watched them and their reaction, and can just see the Father smiling at their determination and unwavering stand for Him. As we seek to do the will of the Father, stand strong in your pursuit! Though it might feel like you’re going through the gauntlet, don’t allow the hard hits to get you down or take you out of the race. The reward will be great and salvations are sure. Like the seed planted in good soil, you will grow strong with roots going deep and produce a good crop.

But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." Mark 4:20