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

February 17

Since we’ve been having beautiful spring like weather, we decided to enjoy a fire in our outdoor pit just after the sunset. As the fire became brighter, I noticed we had a visitor creeping along the wall. At first I thought it was a cat, but upon further inspection, I realized that it was a raccoon! It decided to do a balancing act as it walked across a section that had a chain link fence, it was quite a sight! Me being proactive and not wanting it to come into our yard, because my dogs would probably roll in anything they might leave behind, did my best to shoo it back into the woods. It was very determined and I had to get pretty close to it to get it to finally scurry up a tree on the other side. As much as we love God’s creatures, they are not all friendly or beneficial. The same goes for people, be careful of the company you keep, you don’t want to find yourself rolling in whatever they leave behind!

Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33

February 16

My husband and I went to the Florida State Fair. I realized that I’m no longer amused by the chaos and crowds that surround such an adventure. There were people from every walk of life and of every age, all there to fill up on fair food and possibly catch a glimpse of something unusual, both of which are easily achieved. We spent the money to get in, walked around until we found the delicacies we were seeking, sat, ate, and then found our way through the peddlers and bought a new American flag for our house, then we left! We didn’t even look at the farm animals as we usually do. The things that were once a thrill as a kid, no longer excites. Can you imagine what it will be like when we know fully what we do not know now of the truth about the Kingdom of God? The things we thought were so wise will become rubbish. So for your short time here on earth, love well - it’s the best we can do!

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11

February 15

Watching blessings fall into place is an exciting part of being a follower of Jesus. So many times the enemy’s attacks keep us focused on fighting him rather than looking toward what’s being accomplished for the Kingdom of God. One important lesson that I’ve learned is that, when you are under attack, it’s best to focus on Jesus! Our eyes should not be turned in any other direction. If you are getting worn out from the struggle, it might be time to hit the refresh button on that page! The battle is not yours to fight! Our power comes when we call on the name of Jesus - we are too weak for combat - He is our strength! The Israelites were encouraged to set up memorial stones so that every time they passed by, they would remember what God had done for them. Write your blessings down, set up memorials, and never forget the battles He’s already won for you.

And he said to the people of Israel, "When your children ask their fathers in times to come, 'What do these stones mean?' then you shall let your children know, 'Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.' Joshua 4:21-22

February 14

Happy Valentine’s Day! Today is a special day dedicated to love! Hearts and flowers adorn the shelves in the stores and sweet treats covered with chocolate make it hard to resist enjoying the day. The Bible’s main theme is love! Jesus called it the greatest commandment - love God and love people! Solomon, the king of love, wrote a whole book about it, and it’s full of passion; the Song of Solomon!  The story of Ruth and Boaz is one of my favorites! All the love stories in the Bible point to Jesus! Jesus our King, who loved us more than any other, was willing to sacrifice His own life because of His love for us. If you don’t feel love, it may be that you’re not focusing on our most important love; the love Jesus has for us! Make Him the love of your life and all other love will fall into the proper order. Spend time with Him today and tell Him how much you love Him - He’s worth it!

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12;30-31

February 13

Do you ever have days where you wake up with a song in your heart? I know it’s going to be a great day when it’s a song that’s praising the Lord! That sets the tone for my day and puts it in proper order. When we praise God, great things happen! Some times the great things are just aligning ourselves with God’s plan and opening our eyes to the things He has waiting for us. The best way to see God’s work is to bless Him with your praise, worship Him with your actions, and make Him the center of your life. When your relationship with Him is strong and you align yourself with Him, you can expect amazing things to happen. Do you want to see Him move? Seek first His kingdom. A breakthrough comes when our faith overpowers what we see in the natural. Our God is the God of miracles and can override nature, but it all starts with our relationship with Him. Go to Him first and watch what happens!

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

February 12

There is a portion of scripture that I had always thought was a little disrespectful. When Jesus’s mother and brothers sent for Him and He said, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" Jesus was not the one being disrespectful, it was His mother and brothers! Jesus was teaching, had a crowd around Him, and was doing what God sent Him to do, bring salvation to the lost! They didn’t even bother to go in and listen to His teaching, but instead, stood outside and sent someone in to get Him! His family knew who He was, why else would Jesus say to Mary during the wedding at Cana, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." He made it very clear that those who do the will of God are His family, that includes me and you! We are to love everyone, but there is a special connection between those of us who love Jesus, remember to welcome them like family.

For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:35

February 11

I learned a valuable lesson while attending church with one of my children. The pastor began to muddle through the sermon he had prepared, which seemed to be scattered with no purpose. I’m sure it wasn’t his intention and it may have come together to make sence at his conclusion, but something changed. The Holy Spirit took over! The message that the Spirit brought was full on gospel! I learned, in that instance, that the Lord wants the message of salvation brought! When the Spirit decided to take over, everything changed and man’s message was tossed out. If you weren’t saved by the end of this service, then your heart was hard. Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit’s influence in the church! You may not see tongues of fire as the early church did, but that doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit is not in charge, believe me He is!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8