Psalms 105:4 says: “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” I have had three spiritual encounters in the last two days, clearly out of the blue, unexpected, what I call Godincidences. One was the inspiration of beautiful music (I’m being led to write my next devotional book on the topic of music as a gift of God for His pleasure) so I’m tuned into that topic right now. I heard the legendary, but oh, so real, music ministry of Wintley Phipps in concert twice over the weekend and was lifted high to the mountaintop in worship through the Space Coast Symphony’s performance with his arrangements and his singing. Secondly, at that concert, I met a man who has used his voice as a commentator and speaker all over the world. And third, I have just discovered a website which will inspire me every day with its ministry. It is called iBelieve.com. I am reaching out to Sarah T. Martin editor, because of an article she posted on the web about music and worship. I have subscribed to two of their newsletters, I already get the Proverbs 31 one every day, and have started a thirty-day prayer journey which I know will start this year right as I seek to live a life of peace and grace. I am already noticing places where I can improve my attitude and responses and thinking. I wish everyone in our society would adopt a freeze on the negativity. Can we at least look for opportunities to change the world in our little spheres of influence?
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.