God is good always.....

Hello my friends!
Well Christmas has come and gone but I have to say this year seemed a little less rushed for me mostly due to time management on my part which took the hustle and bustle out of the scenario, it was a most enjoyable Christmas day. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you too were lucky enough to find some breathing time.

Hard to believe we are headed into a new year which will be filled with memories that mark the year with significance of some life altering event that is sure to be a part of it. 2016 had many moments like this for our family. Larry was out of a steady job, I began working from home, AC went out, my nephew was put on a permanent trachea, my sister was diagnosed with colon cancer to which she will continue chemo until February, but in the face of these events hope still shined through and brought out so much good when we could have chosen to let it beat us down. I see strength and hope, grace and mercy, as they sculpt us into better versions of ourselves. I see a God who places people in our lives that not just help us through difficult times but find joy in them too. I do not know what this new year will hold but I am confident in the one who does. God is good always no matter what may arise.

With every situation we have an opportunity to grow and despite the human inclination to focus on the here and now and the emotions of any given situation if we would just remind ourselves that "this too shall pass" we can cling to the promises that God is in control even when we feel out of control.

My prayer for you and myself is that we never forget to find God in every moment, good or bad, and find Him first because no matter how in control or out of control we might feel, the only one with real control is Him.

We have one very specific call on our lives, and mom's it is not the calling of being a mother (there is nothing biblical to support that) or the calling of a wife (we choose this) but the calling of seeking God FIRST. We take pride in being in control or taking control of this or that and never realize that very control is a trap, a distraction that can leave us feeling powerless when things don't work out as we plan because we actually think we are in control and never really are. God has got this, always has, always will, let Him be God and let us seek God, control how you can make that happen this year.

Happy new year my friends, may God always be your first response

Happy Thanksgiving.......

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

I know it has been a while since I have written, but I did not want this day to pass without telling you all how thankful I am to have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life. I may not get to see you all, or even talk with you sometimes, but I hope that does not ever diminish the significance of how each of you have come to mean to me.

This morning I think back on the first Thanksgiving  in 1621,  I am amazed that very special day, between the Indians and the Pilgrims, would come to be one of our most treasured holidays between family and friends. Although I sometimes wonder if this holiday should be more about friends and strangers then family. How cool would it be to get together with several family members and friends, cook up a yummy thanksgiving feast together only to put them in "to go" containers and go out and feed those who are less fortunate? Perhaps an idea for another thanksgiving.

There are many blessing that come from being grateful for the good things we enjoy. Did you know that counting your blessings literally increases your emotional health? The more you focus on the good in your life, the less power the not so good things in your life can weigh you down. In addition, the more you think about how blessed you are, the more blessings you begin to see in your life. The world around you becomes more and more beautiful, the little things become big things and many seemingly big things become small things.

Thanksgiving may be a day set aside on the calendar, but it should be practiced everyday of the year. I will admit there are times that I don't feel much like reflecting on all I have to be thankful for, but it is in those very moments when I need to the most. So I encourage you, on this Thanksgiving day, and everyday to come, practice focusing on all that you have to be thankful for, and don't let anything steal the joy God so much wants for each of us.

Happy Thanksgiving, and don't eat too much!!!!

All my love............

Plant a seed.......

I want to share this facebook post from a friend of mine that comes at a time when many need to see love and kindness in what they believe to be a world of uncertainty. No one should ever nit see this in anyone who labels themselves as a "Christian".
From my friend Heidi:
Friends, I’m sharing this story because I want love to win. Today I experienced the very immediate, tangible realization of what happens when we obey Christ in loving one another as He commanded. Sometimes this is difficult, because of presuppositions, assumptions, divisions, or misunderstandings. Sometimes we are selfish or withdrawn when we should be selfless and accessible – and I am guilty of sometimes being at the front of this line.

In reading today’s news stories, it hurt my heart to read about how deeply anxious and concerned many people are regarding outcomes of the election. Of special significance is the storyline that Muslims in America report feeling threatened and on alert. I understand this feeling, of being singled out and treated badly based on my spiritual beliefs, from events both here in America and in my travels abroad. I’ve been praying and pondering throughout the day what could be done to bring people together to rebuild trust and relationships where political and religious faultlines – which in some cases have run silent and dormant for decades – suddenly shook and exposed the true core of our nation just 24 hours ago.

The Lord reminded me of Pastor J Mark Johns’ leading of the “Plant a Seed” effort we as a church undertook a couple of years ago. The idea was to do something kind, on purpose and without an agenda, for someone who could use a little help or encouragement. It was described as a conspiracy of kindness, to purposely send out signals of love everywhere that we went, without expecting anything in return. It was done just to live out the true love of Jesus that we talk about every week, with the message that the real proof of our faith comes not in our attendance on Sundays but in what we do on Monday in the office, Tuesday in traffic, and Wednesday on the way home. In response to his prompting, some of my friends from church mowed lawns for their neighbors; others bought movie tickets and provided free babysitting for overwhelmed parents who needed a night out; still others paid for lunch or dinner of the person behind them in line at Panera.

Today, I went to Starbucks over my lunch hour and took my time browsing before getting in line. I’d picked up a Christmas Blend pack of K-cups and found myself behind two young women who I thought may have been Arabic or Egyptian. They spoke in a language I did not recognize, and one was wearing a Muslim hijab, along with long, flowing clothing. As we drew closer to the front I felt moved to pick up their tab for coffee, and when the time was right I asked if I could do so. The woman closest to me, who spoke English, looked at me quizzically and said, “No, you don’t have to do that…” I said I would like to, if it was okay. She half-smiled and stepped back and said, “But WHY?” I said, “I just really want to do this for you, my treat.” Then she was smiling full-out, and said that was sweet, I didn’t have to, but okay. Then before agreeing she again asked, “But WHY?”

Before speaking to them, I thought about what I would say if asked this question. I didn’t want it to be about the election, either of our religions, or anything other than courtesy and friendliness. I wasn’t looking to make a statement, but to metaphorically wrap my arms around them and tell them everything would be okay. I wanted both women to feel surrounded by support just as I did in Cairo when a group of Muslim women befriended me and assured me they would watch out for me, as I felt and must have looked terrified after a series of stories best saved for another essay. 

To the woman in Starbucks who could not understand why I was reaching out to her and her friend, I simply responded, “I want to plant seeds of kindness and love.”

Her face was visibly overwhelmed with surprise and wonder and happiness, and she said, “Okay, then….uh…that’s so nice of you. Thank you, thank you very much. Oh, that’s so nice of you. Thank you.” The other woman, who I don’t think spoke English, was watching all this go down with the same wondrous look, looking as though she wasn't sure what was going on.

After I inserted my card and finished paying, the first woman thanked me again and let out a relaxed laugh and said, “You know, I think we should just move on from what happened yesterday and go forward." I nodded, and before I could respond, she said, "I think we should just hug it out!” I beamed, gave her a hug, and as we embraced, I whispered in her ear, “Bless you.” By this time my eyes were watering and I couldn’t look at her anymore for fear I would lose it right there in Starbucks. My heart was bursting with love and astonishment. She thanked me again, extended her hand to mine, and said, “I hope you have a happy Christmas.” I thanked her very much, and they moved on to the end of the counter to wait for their drinks and marble loaf. As I placed my order and paid, I could hear the two talking and I think the one woman was telling the other woman what had just happened. You could see the other woman – the one in the burka – slowly begin to smile, then full-out beam, until she looked at me and nodded with her hands clasped in front of her and we too spontaneously embraced in a hug. Just as they were about to leave, the woman in the burka came over to me, and in the most joyous, genuine smile I have seen in a number of weeks, using her best English she said, “I thank you so much and wish you a happy Christmas.”

Two Muslim women, wishing me happy Christmas, and all of us embracing, because of two cups of coffee and one marble loaf. I share this as commentary on the power and importance of bold, courageous acts of love during difficult times among people. Here we three were, in the middle of Starbucks in Gainesville, Florida, never having met before in our lives and on the surface, seemingly worlds apart in terms of religion; potentially distant in terms of politics; but sharing the unifying love of comforting, warm coffee. Never in my life would I have imagined that a Muslim, yet alone two Muslims, would wish me a happy Christmas. Perhaps it is because never in their lives would either of them have imagined that a random stranger would pay for their coffee, simply out of the desire to plant seeds of kindness and love. No agenda, no motivation, no craftily-worded propaganda or political positioning, just love and kindness as a singular platform. All of this went down in less than three minutes, which leads me to believe that if others engage in similar acts, we as a people can come back to the enjoyment of human decency and respect for each other. And we can do it far more quickly than the time during which we became so divided.

Please join with me in this conspiracy – to love one another, without stopping to determine what you can get out of it or whether you think the other person is worthy. Join with me in this quest to overcome our own fears, our own faultlines, and our own failings. Each of us is responsible for the energy and messages we send out into the world, for better or for worse. What happens to one, happens to all, and unless all of us are free, none of us is. Live and let live. Let’s make sure that love wins.

That's the call.........

In 1964, reflecting on the events surrounding John F. Kennedy’s recent assassination, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote, “God’s Word teaches us to have respect for authority. There can be no power, except as God allows. The Bible does not teach that this world’s governments are righteous, or representing God. But, so long as God allows them to wield an authority He established—even though they wield it contrary to His laws—to disrespect the government is to disrespect God.”

Well tomorrow is the big day and whatever the outcome of the election one thing remains, God is still and will always be on the throne and in control.  It is sad to see how many relationships were put to the test over this election, but if someone unfriended me because my views are different from theirs, then so be it. I will not deny my faith or shy away from what I believe for the sake of man, any man, and I will respect anyone who does the same even if it is different from my own.

As a Christian, I try to follow the rules of the Bible, and it is very clear we are to submit to those that have rule over us,  pray for those in leadership,  and obey the laws of the land.  Nowhere in the Bible did I see where we are to wish death,  and destruction to our leadership,  I live in America, and I do not wish harm to my leaders whomever they might be.  My prayer is that they walk in the wisdom of God and put the American people before any political agendas. Above all else my prayer is that God's will be done, I may not like it, I may not understand it, I may even question it, but I will place my trust in Him and His plan for my life and this world, whatever they may look like. That's the call.

Please don't let this election weigh you down, go vote based on what you believe is the best choice, and if you lose some friends based on that, then honey they are not really your friends and have probably done you a favor. May the peace of God be with you and His blessings on our country.

I will vote for...............

In realizing the lasting impact this topic can have I do so reluctantly as an individual but obediently as a child of God because one of you is struggling with this election, as I have, both as a woman and as a Christian.

One thing I have come to learn and accept is that no two people agree on everything no matter what the subject is because our individual life experiences impact us in different ways.

You are all intelligent women and realize that this election is more significant than which candidate we choose to vote for, because although they may be the president for 4 to 8 years, the supreme justices will impact the long term effects for the next 40 years. That is what I believe this election should be about.

As you know, I am not a fan of either candidate but as an American who believes in the vision and foundation this nation was built on and my own personal beliefs as a Christian and a woman, a vote for Hillary would compromise much that I believe in , as would those to whom she would chose for the supreme court.

Trump, well he is like that kid you don't much care for but you really like his parents so you tolerate him. I believe, in having spent much time praying, that Trump genuinely want what is best for the country, and one thing that we are overlooking, with all the dirt and dirt bag behaviors we have seen is that this candidate has consecutively, throughout this race, sought Godly council. Ask yourself "what has he really done that was worse than the murdering and adulterous acts of tha man after God's own heart". The man you and I have come to love and admire through the stories we have read? The man that ruled a nation? David was no angel.

Trump aside we need what he brings to the table. I do believe that the America we know today will be a very different America in the Clinton administration. When a tag line such as "one world government" is associated with a candidate the jerk knee reaction should throw us to our needs and seek Godly council ourselves.

I appreciate your respect of my views, as I will respect yours, and remember no vote is still a vote and voting for anyone other than someone who can actually win is just silly. Happy voting and GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

More than just a card..........

Good Morning Friends!



If you have known me for any extended period of time you know I LOVE Christmas. I love the music, the lights, the smells, how much nicer people seem to be in general, and I love giving and receiving Christmas cards, hint hint! It seems like sending Christmas cards are becoming a thing of the past, and that makes me a little sad. I know not everyone is going to love sending Christmas cards but if someone has taken the time to sit down and include you in the list of people to remember for Christmas, and you might be one of those people,  maybe you might consider, at the very least, having some cards on hand just so that you can return the thoughtfulness and send them a card in thanks for them thinking of you?


For many sending Christmas Cards is not just a tradition, it is an opportunity. For example. Each year, weeks before sending out cards, I window shop for a while before choosing or settling for the card I will send out that year. I think I have only sent out photo cards once or twice, typically I send out the traditional cards, put I love it with I get the photo cards. Once the card has been chosen I grab a cup of holiday cheer, cider, pumpkin spice, or Christmas Cocoa, put on some Christmas music and begin. Sounds pretty normal right? Well as we all know I am not normal.  As I go down my list and write out each address, one by one,  I also start to pray for that person and their families. I pray for stronger marriages and Godly children. For daily provision and unexpected blessings. For loving conversations and renewed appreciation. For restored health and increased faith. For grace and mercy and love to abound in their lives. Each time I whisper a prayer, I am reminded of how blessed I am and how grateful to God I am for placing these special people in my life. Truth is sometimes it may take more than just one set down, but it is important to me to give more than just a card to those I hold dear enough to even consider sending a card to.

I tell you this, not to make anyone feel bad about not sending me a card in return, but to remind you that for most people who do send out cards, rather it is holiday or birthday or something in between, it is never just a card, but a symbol of a much greater thing, that YOU are loved and thought of.

If you have not yet read the "Five Love Languages" I highly recommend the read. So many relationships struggle because we fail to love someone in the way they need to be loved. People who send out cards, year after year, regardless of how many return one, are usually some of the most thoughtful and caring people you know. They are also some of the most forgiving and in many cases also feel unloved sometimes. Why? We tend to love people the way we want to be loved, and yes something that may seem silly to you, like sending a card in return,  can be quite meaningful to someone else. There is that saying , 'to know me is to love me' but it should  be 'to love me is to know me'.

Just some thoughts :)

PS My mailing address is: 23838 NW 176th Ave, High Springs FL 32643. LOVE YA!!!!!!

Just don't be you.........

Good morning my friends,

I thought before my day got too busy, with meeting after meeting, at this quarterly board meeting I was just stop and chat with you.
I am sitting on my balcony at the Ponte Vedra Inn Beach Resort. I am about 100 yards from the shoreline and breathing in the salty breeze as my ears enjoy the sounds off crashing waves, which is what finally put me to sleep last night.

I must admit the beach is definitely one of my 'happy places". This is a place that I cannot help but see the wonderful works of God's hands. The vastness and depths of the oceans, and all that dwell within it has always left me in wonder and amazement. There is nothing 'man-made' that compares to all the glorious things that God simply spoke into existence.

Last night, or should I say, in the early morning hours, I came across something on Facebook shared by an acquaintance. It was an article written in the Huffington Post titled "White, conservative, Christians- I wish you really were pro-life", on which the acquaintance replied that they agree wholeheartedly. To be quite honest, I found the article irritating mostly because it was directed at this white, conservative, christian, who does not fall under the description laid out in that article, not to mention the contents could be directed at any race, political and religious individual, but was singling out one group, mine.

Stereotyping is just as bad as racism and discrimination. No one is perfect, but no one should be found guilty of acts and behaviors committed by someone else, or should they? The article spoke of love for all life, and yet I heard hate and disgust towards white, conservative, Christians. IF there is to be this proclamation of your love for life, all life, does that not include the white, conservative, Christian?


Like any other thing, there are good Christians and not so good Christians. There are those with God's agenda and those with their own hiding behind or using their faith or religion as the reason why they behave so poorly in the sight of others. I will be the first to admit that I am embarrassed and even angered by some who claim to be apart of my faith family, because if God's message of love is not what others see in you then you have much to learn about how to be less of you and more of Him.

In God's word we are warned that we would be persecuted, and I can live with that knowing that Christ paid the ultimate cost, and if He can pay the price for the crimes/sins of others, who am I to really be upset regarding the article? If you claim to be a Christian, and don't take this the wrong way, but don't be you, be Him, filter all that you are through grace and mercy, get back to the basics people. If you don't have anything nice to say, if it does not build up, if it looks or sounds like anything other than the red letters, just don't be you. (I am saying this to myself included)

Well have a great day everyone and thanks for being my friends :)