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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 2

We’re all sinners. There are no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. We are only righteous because of Jesus. When Jesus said “go and sin no more,” to the woman at the well and the paralytic, that’s a command we also need to follow! If we are no longer responsible for our sin, why would He say that? Each of us need to live a sacrificed life and leave our past behaviors behind. He wants us to stop sinning because when we sin, it gives the devil a firm grip on us. It causes us guilt, does a number on our mind, and sets an easy trap for us. Do you love someone any less who is blatantly sinning? Absolutely not! Jesus loves us so much that He died for all of our sins. It’s a sin not to love one another! He hung on the cross, and poured out His blood to cover our iniquities. Anyone who lives a lifestyle of sin, rejects what He did. 

Keep your eyes opened, it looks as though God is having the wheat separated from the tares, in plain sight! If you are following a leader that doesn’t regard sin as sin, you need to turn and run! 

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23

March 1

There is a moment of joy when you notice a turning point in someone’s life that you love. It doesn’t have to be much, just a subtle change indicating a new direction. Imagine the Father when He sees our improvements that go unnoticed by us. Though He is all knowing, I’ll bet He loves to see us change for the better. For someone to make a turn in this day and age, is not easy because the world is against it. Pray for those around you that have strayed. Don’t lose hope. Rejoice in any steps towards Jesus and righteousness. I know that God honors the prayers of His people, so with a sincere heart, keep praying for the salvation of the ones you love. Of all the frivolous things we pray for, I would say that prayer for salvation and change, would go to the top of God’s list.

We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. John 9:31

February 28

There is no debate! If you have received Christ as your Savior, you will change. You will want to refrain from sin. I find it quite concerning to see people, whom I thought had their head in God’s Word, agree with issues that are completely against His Word. I’m not only concerned that they are spreading misinformation to others who are weak in their walk, but I’m also concerned that they themselves have been led astray. If you do not read your Bible daily, keep your mouth shut about issues that are volatile; you have no say! God makes it very clear what sin is. Yes, we are under grace, but there is no grace for those who haven’t turned away from sin to move in the direction of Jesus. True repentance seeks to please the Lord. I love you all too much to see you stay in your human weakness. This is not a game or a social experiment. GOD is real! READ YOUR BIBLE!!

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:26

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Romans 6:15

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

February 27

Making my way through traffic early in the morning can be quite nerve wracking. Trying to figure out which roads to take, that yields the least amount of traffic, is my goal. There are red lights, cars trying to merge, and near accidents everywhere. It’s all part of the rat race! I’m a person who believes that if you’re on time, you’re late, and all these people who are rushing around, are probably late. My point today is that everything seems normal. People are going about their business, as if the world hasn’t taken a turn for the worst. The days of Noah were the same. People were engaging in their normal activity, when suddenly the heavens opened up and a flooding rain came and took the breath of every human and animal who had received the breath of life from the almighty God. Today is no different. There will be a shock wave that runs through this world when Jesus brings His beloveds home. Watch out world, He’s coming soon and those of us who have held on to what we have, will be brought into His glory.

Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26-27

February 26

When I went through Bible training, for graduation, we had to give our mission statement. My mission is to train believers to break bonds and live free. You may have noticed that a lot of what I write about has to do with freedom. I’ve gone through a few types of training on how to become free, but after drilling it down, what I’ve found is that the biggest chain that most people have is being locked up in fear. Fear has a root ball that is hard to dig up, and most of our issues stem from it. Do you know who holds that root ball in his hands? Satan! Jesus has the best solution for fear and here it is,... “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man. Mat 16:23 That’s it! That’s all you have to do. I think it makes us feel better if we go through some kind of process, like the “process” is what heals us, but it isn’t. It’s knowing who has power over you. Do you allow Satan to have power, or do you wield the power you already have because of Jesus? This is a no brainer! Stop letting Satan rule over you and take back your life.

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

February 25

Have you ever been bowling? If you have then you know that it can be challenging. Trying to roll the ball perfectly and keep it from running off into the gutter, feels impossible! There is a technique of foot placement, aim, walk up, and release, that all have to be perfectly performed to knock down all the pins. If these elements aren’t in place, the likelihood of bowling a strike is drastically reduced, and if you can’t bowl a strike, you probably won’t win the game. Fortunately, the laughter, and the camaraderie make the game worth playing, unless you get your feelings hurt easily. It can be  compared to sharing the gospel. The person you’re sharing with will probably not accept Jesus if all the elements are not lined up, which are put in place by the Holy Spirit. However, you may be one of the elements needed so that when the time is right, and the ball is perfectly released, that last person in the chain will bowl a strike, and a new Christ follower becomes part of the Kingdom of God, then, all the heavenly beings shout for joy, just like we do when someone makes a strike!

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19

February 24

As I scrolled through my newsfeed last night, I came across a picture with the depiction of Jesus that said “Love your enemies, but I will send mine to hell!” I’m sure that many who come to refute the Christian faith will bring this argument to the forefront to cause weak Christians to falter. We are each given plenty of opportunity to choose whom we will serve. We were created to have continued fellowship with our Heavenly 

Father, and Hell is that eternal separation from Him. When someone chooses to follow the wiles of the devil instead of our loving Jesus, they made their decision for their eternal home, why should we have to reside with them forever? God is just. Salvation and forgiveness is a gift to all, but we have the responsibility to scoop it up before the clock stops ticking. Don’t be drawn away by twisted words. Trust in God’s word, and stay strong when facing opposition from the devil and his minions.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

February 22

I became weepy realizing the amazing love Jesus has for us. Not only was His love extraordinary because of His willingness to die for us, which by itself was enough, but the fine detail put into every moment leading up to it. I commissioned my daughter to recreate a painting that I’m over the moon about, and she did an excellent job. I love the artist that created it, but she didn’t have prints for sale in the size that I wanted. The painting is called “The Four” and it depicts the four women mentioned in Jesus earthly lineage. You would think that the women in His ancestry would be of impeccable reputations, and from clean Jewish families, but that’s not the case, most were not even Jewish! Tamar posed as a prostitute to get Judah to sleep with her. Rahab was the prostitute that helped the spies scope out Jericho, Ruth had a good reputation, but met Boaz on the threshing room floor, to which he said “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” Then there was Bathsheba, whom King David found attractive after seeing her bathe, slept with her, got her pregnant, and then had her husband killed to cover it up! This is a good reminder that you are not tainted and that Jesus is not ashamed of you. It’s time to stop beating yourself up!

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

February 21

A trip to the veterinarian is a yearly event unless our pets are sick. It’s something that I dread, only because one of my dogs gets very ill, and she is tender at the site of the injections. I have them vaccinated because I don’t want them to pick up any diseases from other animals. As a precaution, they have started giving the injection in the leg rather than the neck, because tumors can occur at the injection site, and it saves their life by only having to cut off a leg! Isn’t that interesting? So the injections you are giving my pet causes tumors? What the heck! Why is there a downside to a precautionary measure? Lose a leg or lose a life. We are also given the same kind of option in Jesus. We can lose our life to save it or we can go on living, and die forever. Seems crazy, but not when you’re talking about eternity. We must lay down the life of sin that we once embraced, and begin living a righteous life in Jesus as if we are already eternal beings. We must lay down our life to save it.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:35-36

February 20

This is a question that I’ve asked myself, so now I’ll ask you; what motivates you for Jesus? Sometimes I think we get caught up in what it will do for us, rather than what it will do for the kingdom and the lost. If your source of income is ministry related, would you do it for free if you didn’t have to rely on the income? Some do ministry because they like recognition. Would you still work for Jesus if you got no recognition at all? A couple of examples; one being those who video and document their giving to the homeless, another may be someone who’s a part of the praise team, but only wants the key parts. These are “self” motivated, not God motivated. If your drive to do good is not spurred on by the love for others, and a sincere love for Jesus, be careful! The Almighty will humble you and cut off any useless branch that He feels needs pruning. We all have to be pruned, but it’s better for you to handle it before He does!

But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor....  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:4 & 8

February 19

These are the characteristics of a person in whom the Holy Spirit resides, - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the characteristics of a person in whom the Holy Spirit doesn’t reside, - sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. Now occasionally, there will be flair ups of sin because we are still fleshly beings, however, for the most part, we should exhibit the characteristics of Jesus. You should be quite concerned with your salvation if you lean more toward the second list. If this is the case for you, pray again for forgiveness, commit your life to Jesus, turn away from sin, and turn your life around. It may be challenging, but if you are truly committed to Jesus, it will be possible for you to change because of the Holy Spirit.

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:24-25

February 18

I finally got my fire started this morning, it took me a couple of tries, but now I can watch the flames and get lost in them as they dance around the fire pit. It’s a beautiful spring like morning. It’s not cold or hot, it’s the perfect weather. The birds are singing and milling around for their breakfast, and I feel blessed. I haven’t had contact with any humans yet, so my emotions are pretty steady. I know that most people can’t always go outside and sit for a couple of hours before their day begins, but try to make it a point to get alone with God, and maybe enjoy His creation for a bit. Doing this brings me peace, and settles my soul. You may not know this, but I live right in the middle of a bustling town. The mall is less than three miles from my house, and our neighborhood is just off a major thoroughfare. If I can find peace in the midst of chaos, I’m sure you can too, it’s a matter of priority. Make God your priority, and even though the rest of your day may be filled with uncertainty, at least you spent time with the one that matters most.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

February 17

As our Women of Freedom met to debrief after our time in the woods with Jesus, I began watching this squirrel. I was still paying attention, but what he was doing had me fascinated. He went out on a limb about the size of a tiny twig. The branch began to sag because its weight was more than it could bear. There was something delicious that he couldn’t resist, so he was willing to risk falling for that tasty morsel.

There are people in China who do the same thing, just to get a taste of God’s word. They risk their freedom and their lives in pursuit of Jesus. They know what a treasure it is, and dangle from a limb, just like the squirrel, to get a taste. What have you risked in your quest for Jesus? This is something you may need to consider because it was just recently said by one of our congress members, that if they should come to power, they could use a “national emergency” concerning guns. If this happens, the Bible could follow. Take advantage of your freedom while you have it.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26-27