Betty Whitaker Jackson

Day 10

In a way, I suppose I am still willful, even at three-score-and-ten-plus-five, somewhat like the perpetual adolescent who thinks I am immortal, invincible, that I can accomplish anything, that I am captain of my destiny. Didn’t I just finish my eighth book in three years?

I exhibit pride in my education, ingenuity, talents, my belief in the American spirit, the prevailing  go-it-alone-I-can-do-it-myself arrogance that can fool some of the people some of the time, but in the long…..

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Day 9

As the oldest of four children, I was expected to achieve, to accomplish, to be a good example, to look after the others, to be perfect. It has scarred me, placed too much stress on me, somewhat alienated me from my siblings, and in perspective, colored my attitudes and diminished my sensibilities.

But God is healing me of that stain of self-sufficiency, and life’s blows have taught me the humility and balance I was lacking. I am learning…..

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Day 7

I love one of my neighbors who often smiles and  says, in response to my, “How are you, Jesse,” : “Too blessed to be stressed.”  He lives the Christian life of joy and thanksgiving every day. He knows the strength of God’s love in His life, and I have begun using his comment with others. It’s amazing what a difference it makes in people’s attitudes, and in mine.

Today’s Scripture: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the…..

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Day 6

I choose to live with an attitude of gratitude for the big things, such as my personal relationship with Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrificial Presence with me, and for the little personal things which affect my moment in time/history but have eternal consequences. Even the difficult days become testimonies to His guidance.

What, then, does the Bible say about gratitude? There are at least 30 references to giving thanks and offering thanksgiving in a quick overview…..

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Day 5

It is with awe and an attitude of gratitude that He is not merely “out there” but is a very personal presence because He reaches us through sending Jesus Christ as a visible presence, and His Holy Spirit to guide us and point us to Him, Holy yet approachable.

When I look at life through His perspective, my life is inexplicably entwined with His purposes for me and for those with whom I come in contact. Mankind, believers…..

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Day 4 The world calls unexplainable situations various names: circumstance or chance, coincidence or accident, serendipity or freak of nature, luck or magic. Culture has its explanations. How many times have we heard: • “It is what it is,” • “That’s the way the cookie crumbles,” or • “That’s life.”? I, on the other hand, live in the sure knowledge that God is in charge of my every experience; therefore, I know by those experiences that He designs them for…..

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Day 3

I reject the opinion that religion is an opiate, a crutch, a fantasy, or worse, irrelevant. Again, I respect others’ belief systems, or the choice to believe nothing.

However, and eternally, I maintain that God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform, because I have seen it fulfilled.  I call His way Godincidences, because they have proven true in my experience, and with astounding clarity, frequency, and intentionality.

Today’s Scripture: “I was pushed back and about to…..

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Day 2

It seems to me we learn to cope with life’s circumstances through facing them with an attitude of gratitude for what we can learn from them. That being said, when we successfully overcome episodes, crises, or intense situations, upon reflection, we are thankful for the experience because it has:

taught us something, resulted in something unexpected, or served a greater purpose.

True, not everyone looks at life as I do. I respect that. I am a Christian, and…..

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Today let us remember the legacy of faith presented to us by those who have lived the Christian life before us. Perhaps it is the prayers of a grandmother or parent that has brought you to faith. Perhaps it is a Sunday School teacher who not only taught you, but exhibited Christ’s message even without using words or flannel graph figures. Perhaps it is a pastor or youth leader who inspired you to think about the spiritual life which is…..

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In a world filled with TV news of war, intrigue, murders, and campaign promises, it’s hard to focus on the great things people are accomplishing. Yesterday afternoon at Eau Gallie, there was just such an interlude, and the nine members of our family were refreshed and our faith in the future was bolstered.

For what was announced to be the fourteen the Mel-Gallie Orchestra Festival, the orchestra students from these two high schools sent their orchestra students to an all…..

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