The Best Year

August 2024 - August 2025 ranks as probably the first- or second-best year of my life, and I never want to forget it. 

Do you have a year you don't want to forget? 

If we don't have things that remind us, we'll most likely forget. That's why God had the children of Israel set up landmarks - so they would remember what he did for them.

God is a true father. His love surpasses any earthly father's love. 

He values us more than the sparrows, he bends to listen when we pray, he is never too busy to care, and he walks with us which means we never have to be afraid no matter what we face. 

He heals the broken heart, comforts the scared heart, strengthens the weak heart, and cheers the sad heart. 

To follow him on the path he leads us requires faith. Walking with him in faith means we can't always see what's next. And sometimes at the end of the day when we've done what's right and we're scared about the next day because of the unknown and we cry HELP!!, he helps. He provides. He strengthens. 

Maybe following God means you need to walk through a trial or pain. In the midst of grief or trials, choosing faith will not eliminate the pain or the questions. It will not create a logical explanation. But it will remind you that God is in control. 

We have the opportunity to take our pain and lay it at Jesus' feet.

And our faith will result in a closeness to God. 

This whole year I watched God literally provide day by day and help when I didn't know what to do. He performed miracle after miracle. So, whenever I have small faith and start to doubt, I stop. I think of this year and say, look what God did. 

Remember. 

August Memories

 I know August came and went almost 3 months ago, but it still needs to be mentioned. :) Here's a picture overview. 

I visited this beach with my 3 young friends, and we found a dead baby hammerhead shark.

This is the underside. It was still very squishy meaning it had recently died. Probably got stuck when the tide went out. 

Please pray for Keira's, Blaise's, and Marion's salvation. We discussed Catholicism (this is what they're learning), heaven, hell, and salvation. Pray someone else in their life will share Jesus with them again. The Truth makes people free and heals brokenness. Not Mary. Not a set of beads or a repetitive prayer. These precious kids need to know Jesus's love. 

Ate at the best Japanese restaurant with my sister friend Jan. If you've never tried Japanese Yum Yum sauce, it is the bomb. 

God's paintings

I spent a lot of time with these friends. When the rain prohibited us from swimming at the pool, Marion and Blaise did the next best thing - play in the rain. :) 

After the rain....

Pray for my 2 other friends Reagan and her sister Riley. We got to talk a great deal about God, mythology, fake gods, and salvation and heaven. Pray they both hear the gospel again and accept Jesus into their hearts. 

This day we cooked pancakes in different shapes.....

And then walked to the library. :) 

And then went to the park.

This dear. She is a gem, and I miss her fellowship. She is a true strong woman of God. 

Aug. 11th I found this park to explore. 

All the animals you can possibly see. I only saw a bird and wild horses. 

Wild horses - looks like they have some skin issues. 

I climbed the lookout tower to see a spectacular view of the scene.

Then on the 14th a friend and I walked through 2 parks. 

This is a sinkhole 120 ft. deep. Since there was no water in it, we stopped halfway down the steps. 

The long sidewalk invites the visitor to meander through the wetlands. I could stare at this scenery all day long. Simply exquisite. 

So many alligators here.

A storm on the horizons provided us with a lightning show and amazing sky views. 

Other wildlife: birds, deer, sandhill cranes, rabbit

I miss Charlotte. She's a true treasure friend and we enjoyed a really great conversation. 

Treasure friend Jan and I stopped by a taco place one evening to talk together for the very last time. 

We tried to spend as much time together before I moved. God knew I needed a friend like her, so he led me to my new home in Orange Park. She taught me so many valuable lessons and practical things just by living. Teaching doesn't have to be in a classroom. If you watch and listen closely to others, they'll teach you something by their living or their life experiences. You just need to open your eyes and ears. I believe experience is not the best teacher (even though yes, you can learn from them) - other people are. 

Sunset

On my way to watch the sunrise at the ocean on a Saturday, I met with an unfortunate accident. At least I could view the rising sun from the bridge.

Sun. Aug. 17th a past Sunday school teacher and I reunited at this Chinese restaurant that served delicious food. This time together encouraged us both greatly and she taught me some lessons God taught her through her recent sadness of becoming a widow.

And I already wrote about Lauren in a separate post, but we had the grandest time together exploring a fort and hiking. 💜

The End. :)