March 17

The day is coming when Jesus will call the elect to come. Those who’ve made the decision to love Him will be called away and only those who’ve rejected Him will be left. It’s necessary to bring all to the saving knowledge of Jesus now, do not wait! The time is near! If you have loved ones who haven’t yet made a decision to follow Him, pray with faith that the Holy Spirit will draw them. Pray that someone they trust will convince them. Pray for seeds to be planted, watered, and growth begins quickly. When you see that a country founded on the principles of God, has diminished to only half who say they believe and less than that who are true followers, you can bet the end is closer than you think.  Bring the gospel message to anyone who will listen, someone may have prayed for them and you are the means by which they will accept Jesus.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. Mark 13:26-27

March 16

My grandson and I went on a nice long walk. We had an agenda, but we were in no rush so we were able to enjoy our surroundings. We met many people along the way, but there was one in particular that stood out; she worked in a jewelry store, probably the owner's wife. She spoke a little English, but understood none. My grandson said it best, “how could you not know English, everyone speaks English!” We were there to see if they had a setting so we could make a sharks tooth necklace for him. Unfortunately, she didn’t understand what we needed, so she couldn’t help us. So we left there without accomplishing our goal. The same thing is true about knowing God; you can’t truly speak or understand His language if you haven’t studied His word. Like the woman trying to speak to me without understanding is the person trying to explain God’s word without any knowledge of it.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

March 15

Our church is honored that God would entrust us to bring new life into an old, but exquisite building. The first task was to get it operational and then to make it fit the image we like to portray. Our colors lend themselves to be very contemporary and a little ridged if you are trying to decorate with them. I was given the task of trying to add some warmth and maybe take the edge off, so to speak. I shopped for two days straight, hunting and gathering items to bring in. It would have been enough to overwhelm any home, however the foyer and the spaces are so large that the decor was almost absorbed. In the presence of God, which is all the time, His magnitude and majesty are well beyond our comprehension, if we only understood how grand He is, the things we consider significant, would pale in comparison. My point is, don’t sweat the small stuff, they disappear in His presence anyway!

"But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! 1 Kings 8:27

March 14

I was sitting at a very long red light waiting for it to change, when I noticed a man crossing the street. He was chatting on his phone and then stopped right in front of me and stood there as the light changed. I wasn’t sure what he was doing, but then saw a car making a right turn; he was waiting in front of me while that car turned. He smiled and waved apologetically. Before he moved from in front of me, a huge van blew through the red light at a high rate of speed. I would have been killed if that man hadn’t stopped me from going. Was that guy an angel or was he a human sent to intervene? Either way, He protected my life. This is not the first time I’ve seen God use human ‘figures’ to do His bidding and I am thankful that He makes me aware when He does it! God has a plan and a purpose for each of us and I believe that until our mission is complete, He sends His protectors to keep us alive. 

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14

March 13

The winter is a busy time in Florida, but with good reason, it’s cold in the northern states! People escape the snow to bask in the sun. The little island that I like to frequent gets booked up and almost everything that is rentable is rented. Because it’s an island with no bridge or stores, it takes precise planning. If your flight is not scheduled properly or your grocery list is missing an important ingredient, you could be left without transportation or have tasteless food. There have been people left standing on the dock late at night due to poor planning, just as there are many people who have not prepared for the return of Jesus. He is our connection to the Father and if we are hidden in Him, the Father no longer sees our sinfulness. Jesus is our boat, our ark, and our bridge. If we put our trust in Him, we will never be left standing alone on the dock having missed our transportation to paradise.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

March 12

Where I grew up, other than farming and cattle, the best source of income was phosphate mining. Needless to say, I’ve seen my share of draglines, gypsum tailing piles, and pits. So, imagine my excitement when I heard that they had built a beautiful new golf course and hotel amidst all that carnage! As my husband and I were coming back from watching my brother sing, we saw the signs for Streamsong, which is that fancy new golf course. Being curious, we decided to go see it. Much to my disappointment, it still looks like an old phosphate mining area and the buildings were made to somewhat blend in, with rusty slabs of sheet metal for signs and rustic barn siding as decor for the clubhouses. I’m sure all of that makes for a challenging course for the golfers, but it wasn’t much for the eyes to behold. This is similar to how the devil lures us in, with the vision and promise of extraordinary things. When we finally reach the pinnacle of what he has to offer, all we get is hell. Be careful of what you believe; test it to make sure it’s pure and biblical.

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3

March 11

You know you’re from the country when you go back home to watch your brother and his friends play. We don’t have garage bands in the county, we have barn bands, and they were fantastic! We thought we were just going to watch, but with every country gathering, there is food! Not just any food, but fried catfish, gator tail, barbecued chicken, and the best dessert you’ve ever tasted! Little white haired ladies from the church, listened a while, ate their food and then headed home. It made me miss home for a moment, but then I remembered, that’s all they have to do! I’m so thankful that God had me raised among such fine humans. It’s nice to forget your troubles and enjoy precious moments like these; it’s somewhat of a reprieve from the drudgery of everyday life. We weren’t meant to do life alone, and there’s nothing more precious than being among a community of believers.

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, Acts 2:46

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