November 9

My husband and I have adopted a sugar-free, low-carb lifestyle, but we still crave sugary treats like pancakes and desserts. There are lots of recipes the help you get past your desire, but they are not always accurate or descriptive, and can lead to lumps or cause them to be watery. I’m a pretty good cook, and know that you mix the dry ingredients, and then the wet ingredients, before mixing them all together, but what do you do with cheese? Anyway, I tried making pancakes without following directions, because they weren’t included, and ended up with major lumps. I had to get the blender out just to get it smooth. The point of this story is that there is an order to things, including our life as a Christ follower. God has given us very serious commands, because he is an orderly God and expects our lives to follow an orderly manner. If you try to mix the things of this world with the things of God, all you get is a bunch of lumps on the head. God is not tolerant of our misbehavior, and we will pay a price for our error. Yes, he is forgiving, but only because of Jesus. If you continually walk in the way of the world, without remorse, you may need to rethink your lifestyle and consider that you may not have the Spirit of God dwelling within you, and that is very serious!

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. Romans 8:8-9

November 8

Have you ever set out on a journey not realizing how long it would take? Richard had my car, and I had my grandson; I wanted to take him to a park that is close to my house. I loaded up the wagon with all the supplies that I would need for a two year old, and set out on this short journey. My memory did not serve me well, because the park was further away than I had remembered. It was a good thing that I coated him with 50 SPF sunblock, because it was long and hot! I had already started, so it was too late to turn back; besides, I needed to give the little sweetie something to do to work off some of his energy. We finally made it there, played a little while then made our way back. Our journey with Jesus is very similar. You think it will be short, because you accept him as your Savior, not realizing that even though it’s simple, he has plans for you that you never thought about. He takes your journey as a sinner and washes it away, and then begins the process of drying your tears. He covers you with son-block so you won’t get burned, and begins taking you on a walk towards sanctification. Submit to the process, it makes the journey so much easier.

"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11

November 7

I can hear my dad using the words, “I reckon,” when he’s contemplating something. I had never thought about it until I saw it used in the King James Version of Romans 8:18. I reckon it means, suppose, reason, conclude, think, or consider. Paul used the Greek word “logizomai,” which translates to reckon, consider, or any of the words above, to help us understand that he had come to the conclusion that our sufferings here on earth are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. We must remember that Paul had seen some things that no one had ever seen, and heard things that cannot be told; so he has the experience to back up his words. Remember, at one time, he was caught up to paradise. Whatever you may suffer as a Christian, just hold on to what you have, it’s only temporary, and according to Paul, it is well worth it! Don’t turn back to a sinful life because it’s an easier road; that easy road will eventually lead to disaster. Keep pressing on toward the upward call; your suffering will lead to glory, and we will finally dwell with our Savior for an eternity and soon forget our worldly challenges.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 ESV

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 KJV

November 6

In our business, the first of the month is our busiest time. We must manage move-outs, and move-ins, and handle the accounts receivable, and accounts payable. People that rent from us, owe us debt for the use and maintenance of their home, and it’s the same if you have a mortgage, except you owe the bank, rather than a landlord. That debt must be paid or you will be evicted, and lose your home. Our body is the temporary home of our soul. It’s temporary because sin causes it to deteriorate; that deterioration is the debt we must pay, and eventually we will be evicted because the debt becomes too much. This is why it’s so important to nourish your soul, and maintain it because the Spirit of the living God lives within you. While our soul goes on to eternity, our bodies will be buried for a time, until it is clothed with glory and reunited with the soul at a time chosen by God. You must do what you can to maintain your body, because you have a purpose for the here and now, but you must also maintain your soul by looking to God for spiritual nourishment.

So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:12-13

November 5

Richard and I had our two year old grandson stay overnight. We’re getting older, so having a baby around becomes a challenge because our home is not prepared for children. What that means is, we have to have an eyeball on him at all times; until he starts to get into it, we don’t know what might become dangerous. One moment he’s right in front of you then the next moment, he’s headed to a ladder that’s sitting on the porch, which his Pawpaw showed him how to use! I decided that he needed to run free for a bit. He’s always saying “water,” so I thought he might like running through the splash park near our home. Boy was I right! His diaper weighed three pounds before I decided it was time to go. Our grandchildren bring us great joy; they each have something special about their personality that helps you see their potential for good things when they grow up. It’s up to us, working beside their parents to help bring out that potential by encouraging them in their special gift. This one likes the water; he might be the one who likes the beach like his Namaw. We’ll have to keep his lily-white skin covered up though; he’s the whitest grand-baby we have!

"“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children—"Deuteronomy 4:9

November 4

There is a point in your life where you have to let go of your past and move on. Yes, people have hurt you, but it’s time to forgive them, not for their sake but for your own. This is one time when it’s okay to be selfish; you need closure, but they aren’t a part of it; this is about you. The pain they’ve caused you, probably doesn’t even bother them, and I doubt if they ever give you a second thought. Time heals most things, but sometimes the pain runs deep, and time doesn’t soften it. That’s when you know this pain is bigger than you can handle. When you’ve done all you can, then it’s time to hand it over to God and ask him for his healing touch. When Jesus was here on earth in the flesh, he tried to teach us how to be free, and leave our cares in his hands. Don’t take lightly what he did for us on the cross, not only did he wash away our sins, but he took upon himself all of our burdens, even the ones we are carrying right now. Today, ask God to heal you so you can move on with your life and live free.

As I finished writing this, I had to pray for myself, realizing that I have some things from my past that I haven’t released. I then asked God how I could tell others to do this when I haven’t even conquered this myself. Then he showed me this portion of scripture where Paul writes: 

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

November 3

My family is in the business of providing homes; whether it is a rental, or a purchase, we procure that arrangement. We deal with a variety of people, from all walks of life; from the very poor and needy, to those who seem to have their life in order. In most cases, they are happy when they find that special home, because they have the strong desire to be settled. Their sojourn is over, and they can begin making their new home a place of comfort, and become familiar with their community. The process is very similar to finding a church home that is right for you. You may try a variety of churches, but when you find that special one, you know it. I’ve gone through the process of searching for a church more times than I should, and I love them all because they are family, and because of their relationship with Jesus, but there are some family members you can’t live with, and there are those you can’t get enough of. The point is, find a church home, but even better, find one that you can live and thrive in. Every church has its flaws, just like families do, find one whose flaws you can live with, remembering that Jesus is the center of it all.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. Acts 2:42-44

November 2

Have you ever felt like God was sending you a special message? It has happened to me, but because the message was not clear at the time, it was hard to understand. 

Here’s what happened: I was driving down a street, on my way to pick-up the mail at one of our properties, and this woman, whom I know is a little eccentric, was walking down the middle of the road, blocking me from getting past her. I finally saw an opening and took it. I didn’t disturb her, she’s a little different.

Then after that, I went to Costco and once I had checked out, and headed towards the door with my cart, an old woman, who was walking very slow began blocking me from passing, I finally caught a break and got around her.

After combing through the scriptures, looking for the meaning of this, I began to realize that it was about God’s timing. The prayers that I’m waiting on an answer to, will happen, but only in his timing. The roadblocks, and delays are all a part of his process. Then he assured me that he would give me what I desired within this life, and that he is the kind of Father that gives good gifts. Are you waiting for an answer to prayer? This is a reminder to all of us, that God loves us, and what he is preparing is worth the wait.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

"who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:13

November 1

Even though the atmosphere was lovely, after a trip, it’s nice to come home. The familiar faces of your neighbors greeting you upon your return is welcoming.  It’s fun to get away, but there’s nothing like the comfort you create in your own home; you know you can count on it being just the way you like it. Jesus is our comfortable home. He is our beacon of light in this troubled world. We can go to him and find peace, and comfort from our sojourning. He’s familiar, because he never changes; he was the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. In this world, there will be trouble, but we can count on Jesus being the stronghold that keeps us safe, because he has overcome the world. As you face the challenges of your day, and go about your business, remember that you have a peaceful home to come back to, even if your earthly home lacks peace, close your eyes and find comfort in the arms of Jesus. He is familiar, and stable, and the picture of what we desire to come home to. 

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”"  John 16:33

October 31

When you ask a question, do you stop and listen for the answer, or do you ask just to hear yourself talk? I’m guilty of this, especially in my prayer time. If you need the right answer, look for it in the scriptures. God gave many examples of how he feels about things and the direction we should take. Jesus told stories in the New Testament to teach his disciples about life issues, look for your answer there. In all that he did, he was teaching us about the Father, and how everything we do should be to the glory of the Almighty. Life can be complicated at times, but through each of our trials, we have Jesus walking with us, and giving us hope. Spend some time in God’s Word; he has all the answers, if you listen.

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."  Romans 10:17

October 30

One of my favorite times to be in the mountains is when it’s raining. Waking up to the sound of pitter-patter, as it filters through the leaves makes it easy to drift back to sleep. Somehow, the sound brings peace, and tranquility. It’s not quiet here, even without the rain, the sounds of the rushing waterfall breaks the silence. God brought to my attention my view from the couch where I can see out two sets of French doors. Through one set, I can see the incline of another mountain, but through the other set I can see down into a valley. I’m not at the peak, but I’m not as low as I can get either. If I were to go out and try to climb to the peak of the next mountain, I would have to descend from where I am, cross a stream of rushing water, then make my way through some treacherous terrain. If I wanted to make my way into the valley, I would follow the water fall down, but would still have quite a rough hike. Our walk as a Christian is similar; to ascend to the heights of the Lord, is a hard path to take, but descending into the valley is just as rough. Did you know that they grow crops in the valley? The ground is very fertile there. Just remember, wherever you are in your walk, is where God intends for you to be. If you are making your ascent, it means that he thinks you are ready for the climb. If you are still in the valley, he’s growing you.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:3-4

October 29

Perfect timing! It’s been a while since I’ve been in the mountains, but if ever there is a good time to go, it’s while the leaves are changing. The cool, crisp air is something that we who live in Florida desire, but don’t usually get until January. There’s a name the locals have for people like us, “leafers,” and I don’t mind being called that at all. We are in a setting deep in the woods, perched next to a waterfall, and a gristmill, and the color is spectacular! Does it get any better than this? Maybe in heaven! It’s a nice break right before the holidays, because as soon as I get back, I will hit the ground running with all the preparations. But for the moment, I will enjoy the peace and tranquility of the mountains, and breathe in deeply, and renew myself as I spend time with our glorious God, and our Savior Jesus. There is much to learn by spending time in the woods, God tends to use our surroundings as a tool to teach, and the quietness as a way to hear his voice. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, find time to break away and get alone with God, and if you can, take a chair and sit in the woods, you would be surprised how clear his voice becomes during that moment. 

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Mark 6:31-32

October 28

Packing for a getaway to the mountains can be challenging, especially when it’s cold there, but hot where you live. You have to think about what you will wear while there, but also consider what you will wear on the way home so you don’t have a heat stroke. It’s time to dust off the jacket, and dig out the boots! If it was just me packing for me, it wouldn’t be so bad, but I pack for my husband and two dogs, you know the dogs need jackets too! Then we have to try and fit everything in the truck, because where we’re going, we will probably need power tools! It makes me feel like I’m leaving Egypt and packing everything I will need for the next forty years! Wouldn’t it be nice to just get in the truck and go without a care? The luxuries of today keep us needing all the comforts of home wherever we go. There is one trip we will eventually go on that all you will take with you is your memories, and the love in your heart. Your treasures will have already been accumulated, and waiting for you. It will be then that the agony of living in the world of the evil one will be over, and we will be set free, and the riches of the Father will be ours to enjoy, we will be home! The only reason you should be afraid to die, is if you don’t have Jesus. He’s the best reason for living, or dying. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. John 3:16-18

October 27

Do you ever try and avoid hearing the Lord’s voice because you know what you’re doing is not what he wants you to do? For instance, all I want to do is sleep, but I know I should be writing to bring a message of hope to whoever is reading my post. I keep trying to sleep to no avail, my mind seems to keep going on and on, even though my eyelids want to slam shut. I’m thankful that he is gracious, and patient with me. His voice was telling me to wake up, and be about my day, but I closed myself off, knowing full well that it was he that was talking to me. This type of behavior happens all the time, we just don’t want to admit it. Remember that person God told you to help? You were too busy, or maybe you were clutching your money too tightly, so you ignored his voice. Maybe he told you to call someone who might be feeling lonely, but you didn’t because they talk too much. I wonder how disappointed he is with us when he knows we hear him, but we go on as if he didn’t tug on our heart? Pay attention, listen, and obey. You have duties to fulfill as heirs of the kingdom.

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:17-18

October 26

We are so bombarded with the presence of the enemy during this time of year, and he struts around openly flaunting his presence, but if memory serves me correct, every day belongs to God. When in Tampa, you can’t help but drive by this huge billboard with the picture of a creepy clown, advertising a festival for those who like to be scared. Why do people like to be frightened by those masquerading as ghouls and goblins? The people instilling fear find it powerful, and use it as a tool for mischief. The devil loves this, he doesn’t have to hide in the shadows, or disguise himself as a beacon of light, he can just be himself. The only people who need to fear, are those who are unsaved. The rest of us can go about our day, knowing that our future doesn’t consist of a daily dose of torture, or the sting of melting flesh from the pit. My preference would be to see the works of the Holy Spirit, and even that can be a little frightening, because it’s real, and you realize how close God is to you. The fear of God is healthy fear; get some!

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!" Psalms 111:10

October 25

Have you ever kept looking at something and knew you had to change it? I walked past this room every day and didn’t like what I saw; it’s not a room I use, it houses the workout equipment that sits idle. For days I shopped, trying to find the perfect picture, and maybe a small table to go under it, but nothing appealed to me. I had a couple of things that might have worked, but their color was all wrong. Then it hit me, and I said to myself, “why don’t you paint them the color you want?” And that’s what I did, and it looks great. This same idea will work when you see something about yourself that you don’t like; you keep searching for ways to fix it to no avail. Even if it’s your appearance that you don’t like, God can fix it! Now, he’s not going to miraculously change your looks, but he can change your attitude about your appearance, and help you to live peacefully with yourself. Just like me finding items in my house to decorate with, you also have it within you to make changes to yourself to become the best you can be in the eyes of God. Remember, the things God looks for in a person, is entirely different from what mankind expects from us; he’s the one who counts! Seek God’s council, and he will help you.

"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”" 1 Samuel 16:7

October 24

When darkness looms over you as the blackness of night, there is hope. The storms may rage, but you still have peace. Our Savior is there, giving you comfort, and urging you to press on. Sorrow and brokenness can wrap you up in its clutches and take you deep into a pit. I’ve dealt with this in my lifetime, and felt that I might be slipping into it again, but this time I recognized who was luring me in, and rebuked him, and I pulled away from that thought. There is hope for a new day, even if your days seem like doom and gloom right now, there is a Light on the horizon, and hope for life beyond this realm. Seek the Lord with all your heart, know that you have a power within you that gives you the strength to rise up. Wield that power! Fight back against the power of darkness! Get up and put on your armor! Never let Satan beat you down! The battle belongs to you. You are a mighty warrior, but you don’t have to fight to win; you need only to be still, and know that God will fight for you.

For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 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 9:4-6

October 23

If you are not for Jesus, you are against him. There is only one way to be saved and it’s through him. You cannot drive down the middle of the road; if you don’t stay in your lane you will get hit by oncoming cars. You must be aware that the enemy requires payment from us when we veer off course and turn to the dark side; this is why it’s imperative that we keep moving forward with Jesus without looking back to our past. We once lived a life of sin, but now we’ve found new life in Jesus; the old life is gone and we are a new creation. To keep looking back to our old life as if it was something to be proud of, is like going to the dump, it’s buried under litter and debris, and it stinks. The devil will dangle his ways in front of us like a shiny silver object, to try and take our attention off the truth, don’t fall for it! Trouble is just around the corner for anyone who gives-in to his enticements. Fill your life with the goodness of God; knowing God is the best way to keep from falling in the trap of the enemy. Don’t go a day without communicating with him, when I say communicating, it’s not only praying, but it’s listening, and that means opening up his Word.

Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Luke 11:23

October 22

I know God’s word is old, and seems out of date, but you would be surprised how relevant it is today. My stories may help get your attention, but if I could bring you biblical truths without such stories, and have them relatable to your own experiences, that’s what I would do. I am so in love with God’s word, I know that if you would fall in love with him, you would also hang on his every word as I do. Every time I read it, I find something new about him, his truths, or tidbits of information to help me live my best life. My mission is to teach those of you who are saved to live free from the weight of the baggage placed upon your shoulders by the world. Not only did Jesus save us from eternity in hell, but also to make our lives better while living in the world. I’m going to tell you what I was told years ago by the Holy Spirit; follow the footsteps of Jesus through the New Testament, there is freedom in his teachings. Even if you read nothing but the words written in red, you will be blessed, and find direction to becoming free.

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1

October 21

Some may wonder why I would sell my house on a lake and then buy in a townhouse neighborhood. The truth is, I like the looks of the perfectly groomed landscaping, each building being maintained the same, and never having to worry whether my neighbor is going to use an old toilet as a planter; and yes, I saw that happen. The lawns are all mowed on the same day, and someone else takes care of the landscape pest control, and makes sure the sprinklers are always up and running. Now, what’s going on inside the house is a different story; my neighbors may be living in filth, but no one knows because they are not allowed to let it overflow to the outside. I would say that it’s much like my faith in Jesus; his followers are all cleaned up, and perfectly groomed, because their sin is hidden in him. However, some are still living in their filth, and haven’t trusted him to clean up their past. If that’s you, stop beating yourself up; you’re forgiven. You can be clean on the inside too, but it’s up to you to surrender it to Jesus. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9