December 28

Starting out on the dock, I watched the sunrise. It was quite beautiful, but then I felt God leading me to the mangrove. The mangrove is the trash collector of the sea, so if you observe, you will find all kinds of litter and debris. I found two foam buoys that came off someone’s crab traps. One buoy was loose and one was still attached to the rope, and the rope was buried. The purpose of the buoy is to mark the location of the crab trap so the fisherman can find it and collect their harvest. When bad weather hits, it can become detached from the trap. Those markers that are firmly attached will stay put and continue to mark the harvest. The lesson in this is to stay firmly attached to Jesus, because He is Lord of the harvest. You never want to be like the buoys that wash ashore. You especially don’t want to have your rope buried in the sand! Stay rooted in God’s word and He will lead you to a bountiful harvest.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

December 27

Remember to have compassion. That person at the check out who was nasty to you, doesn’t know your peace. That driver who won’t let you over is heading to hell; pray for them. The young mom with the out-of-control children has no one to turn to for help; you help her! You were once lost, defeated, and didn’t know where to turn, and the Lord lifted you out of that pit of despair. He brought you near and comforted you. He gave you a reason to live. Your gaping wounds are healed, and your blood stained hands are clean. You were made whole. Most are still walking in darkness with no hope, they need to see Jesus through you. You have a testimony, share it. You will be put into situations orchestrated by God to show His love, don’t let Him down. Sow seeds of love and compassion for Jesus, and the harvest of delicious fruit will come in its season.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25

December 25

As I was reading the story of the birth of Jesus this morning in Matthew, I noticed a couple of interesting things. After the wise men left, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to depart for Egypt because Herod was going to try and destroy the child. The first thing I noticed is that Joseph had inclined his ear to hear the word of the Lord through his dreams. The second thing is that even though it was Jesus, He didn’t stave off the assailants who were sent to destroy Him, He made Joseph responsible for His protection. In other words, you can’t stand in front of a moving train and expect for God to save you, you have to get off the tracks! Figure out how you hear the Lord the best, whether it’s by reading the Bible, that still small voice of the Holy Spirit, or whatever it is, and listen carefully to Him. Then take the action needed to help your situation.

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt Matthew 2:13-14

December 24

Trying to find the perfect gift for children who have everything, can be a challenge. I had the brilliant idea to get the older kids a metal detector, not realizing that it would require more than batteries! The good thing is that they had their dads there to get it up and running. I also had the idea to hide coins in the yard for them to search for, that was a bad idea too! The coins fell into the thick grass, causing them to start digging up my sod! I think they only recovered about fifty cents out of six dollars in coins. On this Christmas Eve, remember the treasure we have in Jesus. He spoke about the man who found a hidden treasure in a field, covered it up and sold all he had to buy the field. There are riches, and hidden treasure to be found in God’s word, and it’s on almost every shelf, in almost every household; you won’t need a metal detector to find it, it’s hidden in plain sight.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."  Matthew 13:44

December 23

My heart is full. The holidays can be draining with all the required preparations, but the reward is well worth the trouble. With our family going in all different directions, we chose to have our celebration a couple of days early to catch as many family members as we could. With the prior two days filled with rain, it was as if God had cleared the skies just for us. I chose to not get overwhelmed, and enjoy my time with the precious souls that God gave me to nurture. In the next few days, try to slow down and balance yourself between Mary and Martha. Be Martha before your guests arrive, and become Mary once they are there. Follow Jesus’s example, and make this more about loving your family and guest, and less about the show. 

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:40-42

December 22

My daughter and I spent all day yesterday doing some last minute shopping for a family member. Even though we found some great gifts, with it being only a few days before Christmas, the merchandise was somewhat picked over. Waiting to the last minute is never a good idea, whether talking about Christmas gifts or Jesus. Some may think they have all the time in the world, but that may not be true. Consider the victim of a fatal car crash, they didn’t know it would be their last drive. Anything can happen to cut your life short. Even though you may feel as though you are free to do as you please, life without Jesus is limiting. Once you become a Christ follower, you will realize that what you thought were strenuous rules, actually set you free, and provide you the ability to live a fuller life. Don’t wait until the last minute to accept Jesus as your Savior, you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:13-14

December 21

We’ve had a lot of wind and rain in our area over the last several days. The home I live in is situated under many large oak trees. At four thirty this morning, we were awakened by a loud sound, like a large limb had fallen on our house. As I walked outside on the porch to check it out, an acorn fell and hit the metal of the screened enclosure with a large bang! I didn’t see where a limb had fallen, it was probably just a twig. The same thing can happen in our mind. What we perceive to be a big deal, may be insignificant to others. Similar to the acorn hitting the metal on the screened enclosure making a loud sound. If you allow a small seed to be planted in your mind, it can grow out of control and cause you to feel anxious, fearful, rejected, or hurt. You can’t help how you feel, but you can make sure it’s the truth, and not just an acorn or twig.

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? Mark 8:17-18

December 20

It all comes down to this one day, this amazing once-a-year celebration. We are happy, and the atmosphere is festive with sparkling decorations, food not served during the rest of the year is prepared, and the best of what we have is brought out to be used. It’s a birthday party fit for a King! Who are we kidding? Though many of us are truly celebrating the birth of our King, most are just celebrating to celebrate! I wish this season was all about Jesus, but it’s not. I wish our lives were all about Jesus, but they’re not. The bright side of this is, it’s called “Christmas!” You can’t deny it when Christ is in the name. Do your best, while you can, to bring up Jesus in every conversation about Christmas. It might be the only time you get to talk about Him to the unsaved. God gave you this tool, so use it.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

December 19

I know most people are not fans of fruitcake, but I happen to be one who loves it. Before she passed, my grandmother would spend a good portion of the holiday season baking these tasty delights. If I was honored to receive one of them, I would have a piece for breakfast every day until it was gone. Last night, I saw a picture of one, so I slowed down to read the caption. My friend had made it and said that the first person to send her their address would get it. She had written it several minutes before I saw it, so surely it was already gone. Much to my surprise, I got a reply that the cake was going to be mine! I was thrilled! After the day I had, it was just what I needed to bring me cheer. Today, be that person to show kindness. You never know what spreading a little joy could do for someone.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Peter 4:8-10

December 18

Many of us have battles that are fought just to make it to another day. It’s important, when we are in that season, to rely on the strength of the All Mighty through the power of the Holy Spirit. When in the throes of war be sure to use the most powerful weapon you have, prayer! When facing adversity, my initial reaction is to hide myself in the shadows, and move as far away from the conflict as I can, but there are times when we must face the evil head on. Remember, this is not your battle, it belongs to the Lord! Don’t try to handle this problem on your own. Cry out to Him in your distress. He hears you and will rally around you as you prepare for the fight. I’m fighting a battle today, but I am armed and ready! I am a servant of the Lord, and I shall not be devoured, because the Almighty goes before me, is my rear guard, and the One I can count on to vindicate me. Please pray for me today!

If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you... no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.” Isaiah 54:15 & 17

December 18

Even though it’s a nice thought, nowhere in the Bible does it say that when someone dies, they become an angel. An angel is a different kind of being than we are. Babies don’t become angels nor do adults. Now you're not wrong when you say an angel is watching over you, because Jesus says that the children’s angels see the face of the Father. The Bible also says that He will command His angels concerning you. Again, humans and angels are different kinds of beings, both created by the Lord, each for a different type of service to Him. They are real! I have had a couple of encounters I feel almost positive that they were angels in human form. One time they came to give me comfort for a medical test that I was fretting over, and another time was to give me direction so I didn’t have to walk a long way on my broken leg. Each time they disappeared as quickly as they appeared. When someone tells you their love one is now an angel in Heaven, it’s just for their own comfort, but it’s not Biblical.

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."  Psalms 91:11

December 16

We spent a little bit of time on Little Gasparilla Island for a quick weekend getaway. Yesterday, I decided to take my paddle board out to an island off the southern tip to look for shells. I found more shells than I wanted to pick up! As I approached the island, I saw my first shell sitting in about a foot of water, it’s a little chilly, at least by Florida’s standards; I got excited and quickly tried to stop my board, but it kept propelling forward. So, I stepped off, and as I did, I realized the ground was soft and I sank up to my ankles; I lost my balance, and fell into the cold water! I wasn’t in any kind of danger, but if I had been, God would have heard my cry. We have times where we encounter obstacles, and need God’s help. When we cry out, He inclines His ear to us! He moves closer! Always remember that He is listening, and ready to pick you up out of the pit of destruction.

I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. Psalms 40:1-2

December 15

There are Bible studies that have changed the direction of my life and increased my faith. I’ve learned to dig through the scriptures and find beautiful tidbits of information that God left there just for me. The scriptures are living! Every word of scripture comes out of the mouth of God and is useful in our everyday lives. There is a warning to this; if the Holy Spirit doesn’t reside in you, some scriptures may not make a whole lot of sense. You can’t read it alone! Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, it could become a regular book from off the shelf to some; even though God’s word never returns void. All this to say, if you can’t hear God’s voice, you’re not reading His word. Start with a Bible study that helps you dig. One of my favorites was called Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. If you decide to pick it up, don’t get overwhelmed by it, just take it a little at a time. I can’t wait for you to begin hearing God’s voice!

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

December 14

I’m sitting here in my little bubble, contemplating an island getaway for a few days, when I know that there are people struggling all around me. I wish I could help them all, but some things only God can fix. When life begins to go south, does your faith go that direction too? If that happens to you, look back on those memorial markers, you know, the ones He told you to build so that you never forget how He held back the water so you could walk across on dry land. I have many, but there is one that I’ve marked “important.” If you follow my posts, you probably know that my first husband died leaving me a widow at thirty-one. However, most don’t know that the disease he died from was quite contagious. When I look back and see how God protected me and my son from it, I am astounded! Imagine the fear that gripped me while I was waiting on test results, not only my own, but my sons! I’m overwhelmed with tears, even as I write this. I’m so thankful to be alive. Look back on your memorial stones, especially the ones you’ve marked “important,” and use that to strengthen your faith in Him, and to help you get through your current struggle.

"And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day."  Joshua 4:9

December 13

We all have times that we don’t feel appreciated. We go out of our way to help someone, show love when we don’t feel lovable, give comfort when we need to be comforted, clean up messes we didn’t make, do things when we have no interest, and the list goes on and on. We have such a short life, if only we could do what pleases us all the time, unfortunately, that’s not how it works. There is one who sees all, and appreciates everything you do, and He is the only one who counts anyway. Because Ruth loved Naomi, she treated her with love and respect. The people of Bethlehem saw it, and more importantly, they told Boaz, and he commended Ruth for the kindness she showed Naomi. If you haven’t noticed, in this story, Boaz is a picture of God. We should fall on our face in thankfulness for His kindness to us, and for showing us love when we don’t feel loved.

Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”  Ruth 2:10

December 12

Watching love blossom is a beautiful dance. Though we may not see the details, we do get a glimpse by the outward expressions to one another. In Ruth chapter two, we start to see the beginnings of a budding relationship, though it is still early, Boaz’s kindness to Ruth shows us the kind of man he is. He warns her not to go to any other field because his servants will offer her protection from possible assault. As she is gleaning behind his harvesters, he charges them to leave a few extra stalks as she trails behind them. Not only is this a love story between Boaz and Ruth, but it is God’s love story to us! If we stay in God’s fields, where the harvest is plentiful, He offers protection. What I find is, we get into trouble when we leave His cover, and try to glean in a field that doesn’t belong to Him. Other fields might be psychics, fortune tellers, card readers, and any other source that is not of the Lord. Be careful, and stay under Gods covering.

"Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women."  Ruth 2:8

December 11

You never know what direction God is sending you. Often, what we envision for ourselves is totally different than God’s plan. I remember that while my husband was sick and dying, I would try to imagine what my life would be like without him. I started daydreaming about what I could do or where I could go. I never pictured myself with anyone else, it was always just me alone with my son. I started driving around looking at homes in different neighborhoods, all along thinking about what I was going to do. Never in my wildest dream did I see myself remarrying, especially not a man with three small children. But God in His infinite wisdom saw my need, and their need, and put us together, making us a family of six. Ruth may have had a little separation anxiety with Naomi, but God used that to send her down the path He wanted her on. If you think your future looks bleak, just hang on, it will turn around, and it will be quicker than you think!

And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. Ruth 1:18 

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

December 10

Now that our children are grown, some have families of their own. One in particular has married, and is now divorced. He is divorced from his wife, but I’m not divorced from her. I love her as if she were my own, and have loved her since before they were married. If she decides to remarry, it is my hope that they will both be a part of our family. God doesn’t draw a circle around who we are supposed to love, and I’m thankful for that. I feel like we have a bit of a Ruth and Naomi relationship. Ruth was Naomi’s daughter-in-law, but after her husband died, her obligation to her also died. Naomi tried to get Ruth to go back to her family, but she refused. The Bible says she clung to her. She was determined to stick it out with her to the end, saying “where you die, I will die.” Naomi was still there when Ruth remarried! That is a Godly kind of love! As far as my son is concerned, God will work that out.

Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more. Ruth 1:17-18

December 9

We are on this pathway directed by God, but sometimes the enemy will throw us a curveball, or we will choose poorly and head down a different path. God in all His goodness will redirect us bringing us back to the straight and narrow. I’m reading the book of Ruth, and I’m finding so many great morsels of wisdom. What if she had wallowed in self pity after her husband died and not followed God’s plan for her life? Ruth was a grandmother in the ancestry of Jesus. Would He have used someone else in His lineage, or would the timing be different? Only God knows. She gathered herself, teamed up with her mother-in-law Naomi, and got to work in an effort to stay alive. She didn’t know her future would bring her a wealthy farmer as a husband. If she had lingered in her bereavement over her loss and had not made a move, she might not have met her redeemer when she did. Don’t grieve your situation for too long, pick yourself up and begin moving forward.

"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."  Proverbs 16:9

December 8

Enjoying your family is not always about the occasion. Sometimes the activity turns out to be less than what the boasting implied. If you are determined, you will find good within the disappointment. Family gatherings, a parade in our case, can stink! All those memories from the past come flooding back causing anxiety, or what my daughter calls PTSD. We may have joked as the various floats passed by, but there was real drama and hurt in those memories, things so painful that you want to shove them back into the past where they belong. Some memories can be cleaned up by changing our minds path and by looking at the good things that came from the harsh reality, but there are other memories that cannot be sanitized. In those cases, you have to appreciate that Jesus was with you, even in the most vile circumstances, and He experienced what you experienced; He’s the only one who can get you through it. As we watched those floats pass us by, we created new memories, more pleasant than the old. God is a good Father, and knows just what we need to get through another day.

"God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land."  Psalms 68:6 If you are dealing with past hurt, get your Bible out, and read this chapter, it might help.