First, let me thank all of you who prayed for me this past weekend as I went to serve the ladies of Amelia Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida. I felt your prayers and the Holy Spirit was very present. Thank you, thank you.
When we left Blairsville on Wednesday morning, it was bitterly cold–about 8 degrees. I consider that bitterly cold, although my northern friends are probably laughing at me. Eight degrees is a heat wave for some of them. I, however, am a southern girl and 8 degrees is pretty danged cold.
This was a very educational trip for me and I want to pass on what I learned or was reminded of:
- I learned that just because I am going to Florida doesn’t mean it will be warm and sunny. Oh my goodness, we arrived on Amelia Island and I think it was in the high 30’s. BRRRRRR!! It was cold, especially with the wind coming off the ocean.
- I learned that it is a long darned way from the top of Georgia to the bottom of Georgia/top of Florida. It took us 8 1/2 hours (including eating and bathroom stops)to make the drive. Talk about a tired tushie!
- I learned that there are lots of ladies’ rooms along the way that Cindy and I had never visited. Cindy and I make sure we take advantage of EVERY opportunity to visit the ladies room that we are given.
- I was reminded that traveling long distances cooped up in the car is far from my favorite way to travel. I was extremely unhappy when I realized that Delta would have taken me there for around $225 round trip. Next time I’ll let Delta do the driving!!
- I learned that even the Ritz Carlton is not immune to the buzzards of life. Let me make sure you understand, we did NOT stay at the Ritz Carlton, however, it was just next door to our condo and on Thursday when I walked out on the balcony and looked down onto the lawn at the Ritz there were 5 HUGE BUZZARDS sunning themselves. I just laughed so hysterically at the irony of the whole thing. The folks at the Ritz are usually pretty picky about who (or what) they allow on their grounds but it seems the buzzards didn’t really care!! They just sunbathed right there in front of God and the Ritz!!
- I was reminded that having a good friend who will stand by you and pray for you is worth more than words can express. Cindy and I really hated like everything to be missing the Travis Cottrell concert. Thank you, Cindy!!
- I was reminded that God is so eager to declare His glory and encourage His child. On Saturday morning as I was out for my morning walk/run on the beach I asked the Lord to just show me His glory and let me know that He was going before me as I spoke that night. Near the end of my walk, I came across a beautiful, beautiful starfish that had washed up on the beach. It was about 7-8 inches and the most beautiful blue and coral colors. I could tell it was still alive, but not being a beach girl, I had no idea if it was safe to pick up and throw back in the ocean. Fortunately for the starfish, the Mother Teresa of the beach came along and tossed it back in the ocean. Rats, I didn’t even have the presence of mind to pull out my phone and take a picture of it. I was just so excited to see it and to be reminded of the presence of the Lord.
- I was reminded that I love speaking and teaching the Word SOOOOOOO much. Those sweet ladies at Amelia BC had such a wonderful program planned and I was blessed so much. Brittney and Grace did a wonderful job of singing my favorite song, “In Christ Alone”. Talk about two girls with bea-u-ti-ful voices!!! A little bird had told them that was a fav of mine and they would have made Travis C. very proud.
- I was reminded that no matter where you go, women are hurting and in need of a word of encouragement from the Lord. It was my honor to be able to bring that Word of encouragement to the ladies at Amelia. I’m praying for you A. and N. Thank you, Julie and all of the ladies on the Women’s Ministry team for allowing me to serve you!! You blessed me!!
Ok, enough of my weekend ramblings. I’ll try to post a more serious Bible lesson later in the week when I have dug out from beneath the laundry pile.
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