Faithfulness

I went to the conference to sharpen my writing, but my most profound lesson came on a hilltop outside the classroom. A friend encouraged me to attend a writers conference in North Carolina. In late May, my husband and I headed to Ridgecrest where he worked remotely while I mingled with authors, editors and publishers who, with their credentials, overwhelmed me. Many topics were taught by godly men and women and their words replayed in my head. I needed a break so one even

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand...” Psalm 139: 17-18 Sometimes, when you think you need something small, God reminds you that you already possess something bigger. I stood on the pier taking in the view. It was sunny and the waves at Pensacola Beach folded into ribbons of translucent greens and blues. Shallow waters beckoned even the timid to step into its liquid delight.

I had an eye on the clock. Reverend Franklin Graham had asked Christians to pray for our nation at noon, and I wanted to take part. As the minutes ticked down, I began humming a tune I had not heard in years, while recalling an incredible moment of worship at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fl. Backed by the church choir, the pastor’s wife, Liz Traylor, stood on stage and sang, ‘Statement of Faith.’ The song’s arrangement, lyrics and recitation build to a triumphant

My favorite fragrance often causes people to stop me after passing them in a store aisle to tell me I smell good. Some even take the time to ask its name and where they can get it. I know what you’re thinking so I’ll pause here for a brief commercial break. It’s Kuumba Made Egyptian Musk, an affordable body oil with a light, earthy scent. You can find it at Ever-man’s in Pensacola, Fl., or on Amazon. Now, back to my original message.

... stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is them proof of perdition (loss, destruction), but to you of salvation, and that from God. In Philippians 1: 27, 28, Paul is writing to the saints in Jesus in Philippi. He tells them to stand fast in their faith. What does that look like?