November 20
And with an attitude of gratitude, God guided me through dating and courtship, helping me develop the character list my future spouse must possess, and then sending me the perfect person to complete me. He is a godly man, and Christ has been the center focus of our relationship from day one. We met in church. We developed our relationship as church ministry opportunities opened for us. He is logical-mathematical, I am verbal-artistic-creative.. We love classical music, and have raised two marvelous children, accomplished orchestra string players and teachers.
Today’s Scripture: “Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing. As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.’” (Psalm 16: 1-3)
Prayer: Precious Lord, You have planned my life and that of my faithful spouse. Thank You for him, for his wisdom, for provision for our home, for our children, and now for our grandchildren. Thank You for Your guidance and faithfulness as we together serve you and bless Your Name. As in Proverbs 31, may my children rise to call me blessed, and my husband praise me, not because of who I am, but because of who You are, giver of all good things. And may I bring my husband good, not harm as a Proverbs 31 woman is called to do. In the Name and for the sake of Jesus, who is Lord of our home. Amen.
November 20 Thanksliving Journal: for provision of a godly husband and upright children.
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Items, pictures, sketches, photos of family, a legacy of memories, a place I’ll return when I need reminders of evidence of His love for me in every situation.
Scripture references for thanksgiving for God’s family plan.
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2: 18)
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” (Proverbs 31: 10-12)
“Her children arise and call her blessed; he husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31: 28)
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13: 15-16)
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.