Ephesians 6:10,13 says: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. . . Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Susie Larson writes in Blessings for Every Day: “May God prove Himself strong on your behalf. May He show you how to wisely and strategically stand in this place. May you raise your shield of faith and block every fiery arrow the enemy sends your way. God is mighty to save. He’s with you in battle, and He’s equipped you to win.” This is the week of Hope in the Advent Wreath celebration. In these days of Covid and the grief of seeing unemployment, disruption over the election and its results, and people who are suffering because of job loss or dissatisfaction, let us fight to bring comfort and joy in spite of our circumstances. It’s hard. It’s a battle. But we know Who wins the battle and gives us strength to carry on. God bless your day so you can bless others.
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.