I was just thinking about this weekend, and joyfully thanking God for my lifestyle here. The Space Coast of Florida is a great place to live.
This weekend we had beautiful weather–a little sunshine, a little rain, and wonderful temperatures. This is paradise.
I met with the Space Coast Writers Guild, likeminded writers who desperately want people to read the books they’ve poured their souls into. (OK, I ended a sentencce with the preposition!). These stimulating people come from all parts of the country, write many kinds of books, have varied interests and life stories, and approach life creatively. I identify with them.
I attended church in a vital congregation, actively seeking to engage the world for Jesus, and a place where from the early sound-check for choir at 8:45, rehearsal until 10:00, Guest Services ministry before and after the service, and the worshipful praise and prayer and teaching which helped heal our souls after a week of national tragedies–all with fellow brothers and sisters who share their dynamic faith–what a blessing to my soul, body, and spirit. This week our ministry will include Spring Fling with our local school, a time to minister to the community, and many other opportunities to share our love for Jesus and those who need His healing touch in their lives.
Then, a gracious time with our kids over meals: Friday night, Saturday noon, Sunday noon, Sunday night–best times are gathered around the table, face to face and laugh to laugh. What a blessing to watch Kaley’s antics, to share concerns, to pray together, to plan the week together, and to gab about the concert rehearsals and performances.
And to mention the concerts! Vero Beach Saturday and north Melbourne Sunday afternoon: The Space Coast Symphony really outdid itself in this performance. What a blessing to hear our three kids playing their hearts out in very challenging music. Each time I hear them, I think of the faltering first notes on tiny instruments when they were four years old! How far they have come, and how God has blessed their many years of practicing and performing which have brought them to the successes they now exhibit! This orchestra, in its four short years, has provided more than 190 concerts, and is a true jewel of this community.
And today, we babysit Kaley while Mom teaches another generation to love music, and Dad and Aunt Nancy prepare their music students for end-of-year concerts, we are blessed to help them achieve personal and professional greatness.
Can there be any more blessings than these?
A career teacher, with forty years of teaching language arts/English, Betty Jackson enjoys wordsmithing, writing, and reading as a vocation and avocation.Retirement is her "age of frosting," a chance to pursue postponed hobbies with gusto. She especially sends kudos to the Space Coast Writers Guild members for their encouragement and advice. Her five books, It's a God Thing!, Job Loss: What's Next? A Step by Step Action Plan, and Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir, And God Chose Joseph: A Christmas Story, and Rocking Chair Porch: Summers at Grandma's are available at Amazon.com. Ms. Jackson is available to speak to local groups and to offer her books at discount for fundraising purposes at her discretion. She and her husband soon celebrate their 47th anniversary, and have lived in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and now the paradise of Palm Bay, Florida. Their two grown children and daughter-in-love, all orchestra musicians, and our beautiful granddaughters Kaley and Emily live nearby. Hobbies, and probably future topics on her blog: gardening, symphonic music (especially supporting the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer and proud parent of a violinist, a cellist, and an oboist), singing, book clubs, and co-teaching a weekly small-group Bible study for seniors. She volunteers and substitute teaches at Covenant Christian School, and serves as a board member of the Best Yet Set senior group at church. Foundationally, she daily enjoys God's divine appointments called Godincidences, which show God's providence and loving kindness.