The Dancing Church…It’s Not What You Think

Sharon JaynesFriendship, Power of Words 98 Comments

I don’t know about you, but a few of my greatest lessons on how to love other people haven’t come from church folks. For example:

Nestled 50 feet off Highway 17 in Pawley’s Island, S.C., used to rest C.J.’s Beach Club. For years, Steve and I eyed the clapboard building tucked in the grove of myrtle trees, but it wasn’t the sort of place we would tend to visit. One weekend it was just the two of us on a short holiday at the beach, and we were feeling adventurous. Steve turned the car onto the crushed-oyster-shell parking lot of C.J’s, and we decided to taste the local nightlife of the coastal South.

C.J.’s was a dance club. Now, before you click delete in shock that we would darken the doors of such a place, I want you to stay with me a moment. We grew up doing a dance called “The Shag,” which is like an East Coast swing. This was shag night at C.J.’s, and the disc jockey spinning the 45s was about 75 years old and had a striking resemblance to my mother-in-law.

Steve and I felt a bit uncomfortable as we walked through the doors and noted the neon signs advertising various drinks, but we were committed. All eyes turned toward the new couple as we walked across the threshold…there was no turning back. The smell of popcorn laced with cigarette smoke filled the air as middle-aged couples shuffled their feet to old beach music under the spinning disco ball.

We each ordered a Coke and found a seat. It wasn’t two minutes before a couple wandered over to our table and sat down.

“Hi, I’m Tom,” the forty-fifty something man said as he extended his hand to Steve. “And this is my wife, Julie. We’ve never seen you here before. Do you live around here?”

As soon as they walked away, another couple sat down, and the same friendly banter ensued. Then another couple…then another. By the time we left C.J.’s, we felt as though we had been welcomed into the family. We knew about families, college alma maters and occupations. We had walked in as wary strangers and walked away as warm friends.

“Y’all come back when you’re down this way again,” several called out as we made our way to the door.

As we drove away in silence with the sound of oyster shells crunching under our tires, sadness washed over me. “I have been in many churches in my time, but never one that was as welcoming and warm as those folks were tonight,” I whispered. “We have a lot to learn.” Steve felt the same.

All through the New Testament, we are reminded to love one another (John 13:34), accept and welcome one another (Romans 15:7), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32). Paul even tells believers in his day to greet one another “with a holy kiss” (2 Corinthians 13:12). For us in our culture, that could mean good ole hug or a hardy handshake.

What struck me about the dance club was that no one said, “Now turn and greet someone around you.” It was simply spontaneous, genuine interest.

What is going to attract the world to the church and ultimately a relationship with Jesus Christ? Genuine interest, caring, and concern. More than a theological debate, modern facilities, or the latest media-savvy services, loving relationships are the net that casts out and gathers in a bounty of souls. Simple kindness reflects the heart of God to a weary world.

Let’s be that. Let’s do that.

Heavenly Father, I want to be known as a woman who welcomes others. Show me someone today that needs an encouraging word or a hug—someone who needs to feel the love of Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Friend, let me be the first to love on you today. You are amazing. I love doing life with you. I want to know you better! Click on “comment” and tell me 5 things you’d like me to know about you!

Digging Deeper

Words are one of the most powerful forces in the universe, and God has entrusted them to you! They echo in hearts and minds long after they are spoken. How will we use this gift? Your words can change the course of someone’s day…even someone’s life. In The Power of a Woman’s Words: How Your Words Shape the Lives of Others, learn how to tame your tongue and speak life to those around you. Grab your copy today and get your words ready for the holiday season with family and friends. This book also has a companion study guide that is perfect for women’s Bible study groups!

 

 

 

 

 

© 2024 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.

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Comments 98

  1. When I read this I was struck by the fact that I’m guilty of judging. I pray constantly that God will remove this part of me. I am lonely, but not alone, even though I have family. So, as I seek to find my place in the world, I am hopeful and prayerful that God will lead me as he lead y’all. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!

    1. I always put God first in my life,read my Bible in the morning and do my quiet time before the kids start coming to the daycare.I like doing volunteer in my church doing Coffee,ushering,host and welcome center. I’m part of the volunteer doing night shift at my church every 1st Tuesday of each month feeding the homeless. I love helping seniors so that’s what I’m doing right now cooking,cleaning,spend time with her the grandma of one of the kids in the daycare I work. I love sharing God’s word

    2. 1. I am a child of God and I have an intimate relationship with Him.
      2. I love older people and animals excessively.
      3. I love nature; the seashore( I have met Jesus there so many times) and the awesome wonder of the mountains.
      4. I am recently (4-1-23) widowed and have been traveling the long road of grief but I see and feel God’s hand in mine, carrying me and walking with me. I had to realize I didn’t have to understand why God was bringing g Randy home; I had to trust what He was doing. I was angry with Him because it was a long suffering stage4 colon cancer where he basically starved to death right in our presence. But God took my hand and heart and led me to a place of peace and belief and trust. Hmmm
      5. I love my devotional time and Bible reading every morning. It’s what gets me thru this thing called life. My way of talking openly and honestly to my Lord and Savior.
      Thank you, Sharon, for your devotionals. The world needs YOU, sweet lady.

  2. Hello:
    My five things are as follows:
    1.) I love the Lord.
    2.) I’m a marvelous middle child.
    3.) I’ve lived in Germany and traveled to South America.
    4.) I’m vegan.
    5.) I love helping people in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    1. Me,
      you have been prayed for. Your post struck me as a reflection of myself. Here are the words I say to us . We are women (Designed to be exactly who we are). We are sad,because we have the ability to care. If we did not care, we would have no emotions. We are going through grief, key word is going through, we will walk yo the other side. overweight. yes, but by whos standards? in some cultures, I am too thin. Hurting, a wound to be healed. I pray for our wounds.
      hugs to you

      1. Thank you for this reminder. I am a child of God. I love God with all my being. I’m a sinner saved by grace. I try to be the best mom, friend, caregiver, and coworker I can be. I’m still a work in progress.

      2. I admire your ability to reframe your descriptions… which can easily be explained by perceptions! We humans are wired so differently, but we all have the same sense that our negative views are merely the result of focusing from one vantage point… and unfortunately, believing what we see.
        God has blessed us with His promise that we are made in His image. When we trust in the Creator’s view of us, we are perfectly loved… human flaws and all!
        Thank you for showing us how God, and our trust in His truth, cannot only change our view, but mold our minds. He blesses our hearts, souls, and minds, when we “know” we are His children… and truly loved by Him!

    2. Me – I have added you to my prayer list – not only thatGod’s arms will envelop you tightly,but also that He brings someone into your life to beanie hands and feet and heart for you.

    3. To Me You are Brave, Observant woman bcuz You See your shortcomings and your weaknesses and we all have them And that’s why Jesus came to die so that He can say Let the Weak say I’m Strong bcuz thru him You are Beautiful, Chosen, Smart Woman and it’s okay to Grief and be sad bcuz You can do that Safely in Your heavenly Father’s arms for a season bcuz He’s got You‼️

    4. God loves you unconditionally and waiting for you with open arms. Go open up your heart to Him. You are His daughter and He is your merciful Heavenly Father🙏

    5. You are beautiful, amazing, talented, gifted and no mistake!
      God loves you for you
      I love you too
      Speak life over you and not defeat, words do matter!
      Remember whose you are!

    6. From Ephesians 1: IN CHRIST you are chosen, blessed, adopted, accepted, forgiven, redeemed, and immeasurably loved by God. These verses encourage me when I’m struggling. I pray Ephesians 1 encourages you too. ♥️

    7. Me – my heart couldn’t help but hurt with you. We have crossed each others path through this devotion and even though I don’t know you and you don’t know me, I know that God does and He is right beside you. You may not feel Him every minute of the day, but as time passes, my prayer for you is that you will feel His presence and be someday be able to give Him the glory for your healing and a stronger relationship with Him. God loves you. And I love you too. His love is overflowing. I pray for healing and for your relationship with Christ to grow more each and every day. It is our challenges that bring us closer to Him. God bless. 🫶🙏✝️

  3. I’m a people person, I love to talk and meet new friends, I love to cook but mostly bake although I’m not a professional I just love to experiment with new recipes. I love to help people if I can even if just to pray for them. I love to read.

  4. Thank you for this amazing experience at CJ’s and the view of church and how we can live like Christ.
    1. I am a wife, mother, grandmother.
    2. I am loved
    3. I am prayed for
    4. I am blessed
    5. I am healed from church hurt, multiple surgeries and saved

  5. I am a Christian who loves Jesus.
    I am a wife of 30 years to my John.
    I have one 25 year old son who has walked away from the church and us, breaking our hearts.
    I teach 5 year olds and LOVE them all.
    I love Disney World.

  6. Hi Sharon,
    I have clicked to order THE POWER OR A WOMAN’S WORDS + THE WORKBOOK, BUT I CAN’T FIND A WAY TO COMPLETE THE ORDER.

  7. I love Sharon Jaynes articles. I just like realness! I’m used to form and fashion, but realness is becoming more and more rare. What I’d like you to know about me is that
    1. I love the Lord
    2. I’m introverted
    3. I love to laugh
    4. I’m zany
    5. I am committed to living my purpose sooner than later and I want to meet real people along the way

  8. Thank you Sharon!

    1) I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior at 13 yrs old.
    2) I have walked with my Lord for 57 yrs.
    3) I was a military kid and lived in many wonderful places.
    4) I love the beach and how it speaks to my heart to Gods beauty and greatness.
    5) I love to quilt and sew.

    Love to all my sisters in Christ 💟

  9. I became a Christian august 1977
    I live in East Texas
    I was married 42 yrs to a wonderful husband who passed away Dec 24, 2021
    I have 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren
    I ❤️ Jesus‼️

  10. I am seeking a personal relationship with God; I am in recovery for 9 1/2 months, I am kind and compassionate. I love Jesus.

  11. I am a woman who loves Jesus & am grateful of my relationship with him. I am a kind hearted, honest, encouraging (being a forklift not a saw to others) Forklift, lifting up & not a saw cutting down others. I am generous, sharing my spiritual tools with others. I am a woman who cherishes family & honor God

  12. Oh Sharon how this resonates with me!
    My father was a jazz musician. I grew up with music that filled my soul…..then I became a Christian, went to a Christian college and my heart sank with the rules that no such music was allowed, no movies…..my poor family thought I’d joined a cult.
    I’ve been an Airbnb host for over 20 years. Meeting people from all over the world.
    My husband plays the trombone in our local jazz band. He loves the Lord!
    We just retired and moved from 60+ years in New England to NC.
    I was a Reading and Learning Disabilities teacher for 30 years.
    So there you have it. We’re still adjusting to the south. Big changes. Y’all are very friendly folks. Very welcoming.
    I’ve been following you GIGS forever, now individually.
    Stay tuned into the Lord…..and keep dancing 😁
    Dee

  13. Hello, Sharon,
    I enjoy reading your post.
    1. I am a daughter of The King of Kings.
    2.I am the daughter of Mattie.and.late Father Earnest
    3. I’m a mother of two and bonus mother to one. I have seven grandchildren and two great grands.
    4. I am twice widowed.
    5. I am TRUST GOD that my latter days with be in all areas above and beyond anything that I can comprehend or think.

  14. I am blessed to be a member of a thriving church.
    I am blessed to still be married to the love of my life for 44 years.
    I still miss my mama who died in 2020.
    I love chocolate (not always a good thing).
    I love to dance.

  15. I became a widow right after I turned 44, and I am now 63; we had been married 23 years at his passing.
    I have 3 children who were 10, 12, and 17 when their father died but are now 30, 32, and 36.
    I have been a Christian since I was 7 years old, and I know I couldn’t have survived the trials of life without the Lord.
    I briefly remarried but am now divorced.
    I am still working full time but enjoy time off with family and friends, and I love playing Bunco.

  16. 1. I love to drink coffee by a fire.
    2. My husband and I have been married for 35 years and it’s still challenging but love prevails.
    3. I have 3 kids and 2 grandkids whom I dearly love.
    4. My favorite candy is Almond Joy.
    5. I became a convicted felon at the age of 50 but God redeemed it all. My story qualifies me to help numerous people. God is good.

  17. I am lovable, but i will not be used.
    My God sustains me.
    I am harder on myself than I am you.
    Everywhere is my church.
    The hardest one is taking care of myself, so I can take care of others. I always thought this was so selfish and I still struggle with it.

  18. Hi Sharon,

    Thanks you for allowing God to use to minister to me and millions of women in the world. You have truly blessed me from your writings ( books and blogs)

    May God continue pouring into your cup as it overflows to the world.

    Blessings, from Nairobi, Kenya, Africa.

  19. This is such a sweet story, thank you Sharon!

    1. Wife of a family pastor
    2. Mommy to 2 middle school boys
    3. Every day i Miss the girl we never got to meet when she went to heaven before she was born 9 years ago
    4. Struggle with control ever since our miscarriage
    5. Love singing and playing 🎹 for worship and really want to start a teen worship team at church.

  20. Good Morning I love your articles, they inspire, encourage and sometimes spank me to name a few. Ohhh let see 5 things about me.
    1. I am married(27 years)
    2. I have 2 adults a woman(41) and man(34) and 10 grand children and 1 great.
    3. I cant decide to stay or leave my marriage.
    4. I was diagnosed as being legally blind in February n I w I’m unemployed
    5. I love doing life with you as well.

  21. I completely agree with you! Thank you for bringing this to everyone’s attention. The church needs to and can do better in welcoming others with the Lord’s help. May it start with us.

  22. I love this! We live about 45 minutes from Pawleys. It’s our favorite place for fishing, shell hunting, and yes, some night life.

    God relaxed my “churchy” mindset years ago to enjoy being with people in lots of venues and situations.

    Truly, the ‘world of the unusual’ does seem to love others better than the Church many times. This is how I learned to accept others where they are without judgment. It’s made all the difference in my coaching and ministry.

    So… my 5.

    I am a daughter of the King.

    My own 2 grown daughters are not currently walking with the Lord, but He’s promised me that He is working.

    I’ve been in ministry about 20 years and as a Spirit led life coach and inner healer for almost 11 years.

    I am married to my husband of 11 years and we enjoy SC life.

    I am currently in a season of waiting. Ugh.

    And I love to meet friends over coffee.

    Blessings to you, Sharon.

  23. Im a retired wife
    Mother of 3 grown children
    Grandmother to 4 grandchildren
    Helping my single parent daughter raise her children
    Striving to become closer to Jesus

  24. Am a Kenyan Lady 48years old.
    I love the Lord as my personal savior
    Am a mother of two and a wife.
    Your story of receiving love from club has amazed me. As I christian, how many times I have I made people around me feel unloved? May be i should have given a smile back, said hi 👋 or got interstate to know them. I should ponder that.

    May the Lord help me to spread his love
    Thankyou and be blessed

  25. I love God. I love people, and I generous love pouring my heart into people that will not take my kindness for my weakness. I love being a mother. I love going to church fellowshipping with other believers. I love my husband. I love having a job to support my family.

  26. Hi, my name is Kim and I love the Lord with all my heart. I’m learning to see and love others the way He has me. I spend time with the Lord early in the morning for a few hours. That’s my best time to meet with Him. I’m retired and do some volunteer serving in the S3nior community where I live.

  27. Hello, my name is Sonya. I think you are blessed how you can make the words of the Bible applicable to my everyday.
    I am a mom of 2 adult children
    God’s love and grace has healed me from broken trust of infidelity and saved my marriage
    I am prematurely retired and God’s provision has sustained us
    I love to serve my community and friends
    And, I love playing pickleball!!

  28. Thank you Sharon, You have been my inspiration and friend for many years, along with your girlfriends in God, Mary and Gwen. I, however am not a woman or mother, but now an 85 year old guy who has been sharing your devotions with others. My heart goes out to you and the hard work you enjoy in bringing Jesus into our lives. Peace and love in Christ Jesus.
    Jon

  29. Good morning Sharon! Five fun things to know about me are: I love to sing and praise my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! I love going to Christian women’s events, in fact I met you at one!! I love to laugh and build others up, I love to dance with my two young children and husband! I love the simple things in life like looking at what beauty God has created outdoors, and spending time in the word with him!

  30. Thanks for asking! I’ve known Jesus for 48 years and still want to know him more.
    I’m a wife, daughter, aunt, friend, caregiver, employee and business owner and daily practice encouraging others.
    I find great joy in seeing people succeed-at anything!
    I like writing in many forms: Journaling, poetry and songs.
    I am blessed. Nice to meet you! 🙂

  31. Wife and mother of adult children
    started women’s ministry at our church this summer
    I love to cook for others and often volunteer to cook at church events
    I will be retiring from a computer job in 5 years at age 70
    I like to sew quilts in my spare time for loved ones.

  32. 1.I am an RN and have been working for 44 years. I am nearing retirement ( one year away) and it is both exciting and intimidating to me.
    2. My husband and I have been married for 44 years.
    3. I have been blessed with a beautiful family…a son, his wife, 2 granddaughters, a daughter, and her boyfriend.
    4. I love your devotions. Have been following you for years. Thank you.
    5. I loved this story about the lovely people you met and am refreshed to be the Jesus someone meets today.
    May you be richly blessed.

  33. Good morning Sharon, I love reading Gods words of encouragement every Tuesday morning from you – todays writing stood out loud and clear as many times I too have found WARMTH from other places I have been to other than church – let us hope and PRAY as we journey on we gather love 💕 that keeps us growing in the person that JESUS wants us to be.
    Blessings 🙏and WARM Hugs Sharon
    Veronica 🤗💐🧚🏽🎃🌈🌈🌈

  34. Amen Sharon!
    Those folks at the dance club exhibited genuine love and carie for others when they greeted you so warmly.
    I have been a member at a church where others were not nearly as caring towards me.
    We are called to “one another”, “one another”, as a fantastic pastor put it. Be the heart of Jesus.
    P.S. I learned to “shag” in college and absolutely love it.
    I would drink diet coke in the dance clubs.

  35. This is soooo true!
    I have been in 12 step groups for many years and there was a concept of principles before personalities!
    One day at a meeting, there was some verbal criticism about a long standing member.
    I listened to them about 10min and then said, i thought principles were before personalities? The talk ended!

    If you were new to our group, you got as much loving attention as you wanted and several phone numbers!
    Sad to say, i have not seen the church who puts Christ First in the same way!

    Thanks for sharing!
    Susan

  36. 1. I love God so much and can’t imagine life without Him
    2.Mother of 2 and Nana to 9
    3. Struggling widow I can only function one day at a time and pray
    4. Work at Walgreens and get to talk to people all day
    5. Most important start eve day with praise and Thanksgiving

  37. 1) I love starting my day with Jesus.
    2) I love my husband and son deeply
    3) I love peace and solitude.
    4) I miss my momma every.single.day.
    5) I’m a worrier.

  38. I am grateful that my parents loved me, taught me about and showed me the love of Jesus from my earliest days. I am thankful that they taught me responsibility and respect, and that they gave me opportunities. I am thankful Jesus loves me and grateful that now at age 86 in just 2 days, I can share with others.
    Thank you, Sharon, for loving and sharing your love.
    God bless you today and every day.

  39. What a powerful devotion! My five things include:
    1. I am a child of the King!
    2. I have two amazing sons and daughters in love
    3. I am a grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters and two handsome grandsons.
    4. My oldest grandson is married and therefore I have three amazing great grands.
    5. I’m a retired RN who loved nursing and still love to help others when I can according to Galatians 6:10!

  40. On the eve of my 75th birthday….5 children, 12 grandchildren, 3 great grandkids ~ but still sprite-ly and refusing to accept being “Old”!! Someone suggested “Older”…but we’re all getting “Older” with every breath God, in His love and grace, gives us!! Guess I’ll settle on “Oldish”…as my body reminds me more often. BUT loving and growing in the love of my Savior Jesus Christ, lover of my soul, and our soon coming KING! Faithfully watching for His return and loving on those He faithfully puts in my path!! Hallelujah!!!
    So richly blessed by the words He gave you in this post!!! Best of BLESSINGS to you!!!

  41. Our family is moving next week and our conversation about finding a church went like this…maybe we should go alone without our sons for a few weeks and see who welcomes us and invites us to some groups and fellowship. Then we will bring our two adult sons with disabilities and then see how the same welcoming people disappear from our lives and we can leave and continue the search. ‘ This is real for us. We have not ‘fit in’ for a long time. One son with Down Syndrome just jumps in and designates himself as a greeter, usher, coffee barista and no one stops him. they love him and are friendly, but no one sees him as a person who needs a buddy/mentor or as someone to disciple. there are no groups for him. The other son is in a wheelchair and brain injured after getting hit by a drunk driver. We don’t get invited places and when we invite people over, they don’t come. One man came to dinner and he confessed that he was uncomfortable about coming to our home and then said he was delighted that we were nice people…It is so sad how families with disabled members are ignored in church.

    1. Post
      Author
  42. Thank you so much for this beautiful story. We are looking for a church home and the people are not friendly so far of churches we have visited. I want to change this. I don’t want anyone to feel unwelcome Iike I have. Please pray we find the church God wants for us.
    1. I love Jesus and he loves me
    2. My marriage is very difficult right now
    3. I love my 3 girls to my core
    5. I am a social introvert
    6. I love people
    7.

  43. Me – I have added you to my prayer list – not only thatGod’s arms will envelop you tightly,but also that He brings someone into your life to beanie hands and feet and heart for you.

  44. Five things:
    1. I’ve been a believer for 53 years (I’m now 72)
    2. I have 2 sons, 3 grandsons and 1 great-grandson (with another great-grandson on the way)
    3. My husband and I became believers at the same time, early in our marriage. We are still going strong, thanks to God’s blessings
    4. I love Jesus!!!
    5. I am an Avon rep for 43 years. I consider it another way of ministry.

  45. I am a child of God.
    I’m the youngest of 14 children.
    I Love the fact that God made me and I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not.
    I’m a very considerate and empathetic person.
    I’m loving most of all singing in the choir and giving God Praise. When I look back over my life I see what he’s done, what he’s still doing and what he said he will do He’ll never leave us or forsake us. I love the Lord.

  46. Thank you for sharing such a timely and beautiful story!! So true!!! I especially like this portion of what you said:

    “More than a theological debate, modern facilities, or the latest media-savvy services, loving relationships are the net that casts out and gathers in a bounty of souls. Simple kindness reflects the heart of God to a weary world.”

    Too many cliques and superficial folks in churches today! Jesus saved me from a lost and sinful lifestyle and I’m forever grateful for Him in my life!! He protects my heart from becoming bitter because of how quick “Christian sisters” are to judge and He teaches me to depend on Him alone for my worth and identity. ❤️

    I am married to a Godly man!

    I have 3 adult children and only one walks with the Lord even though they were raised to love Jesus. I’m hopeful for them to turn back to Him!

    I love to “shag” dance too!! I was a professional ballroom instructor and won several dance competitions.

    I love the elderly and God has strategically placed me with several hospice clients with whom I had the privilege of praying with before they died! ❤️

    I hope that my husband and I will have a fruitful ministry when he retires. We are helper’s in our church now but we would like to serve Christ more fully.

    God bless you!!
    Cindy 😊

  47. My name is Nikki. Here are my 5 things:
    1. I love the Lord.
    2. I am a sinner who has been .forgiven and saved by grace.
    3. I have an above knee amputation of my left leg who is learning how to live with this.
    4. I am daughter of Paul and Paula

    5. I technically am a nurse practitioner (certified but not working at moment because of life circumstances

  48. 1. I have recently been church hurt, but I am praising God through this storm!!! Pray that we will find another God fearing, loving church.
    2. I Love the Lord!!!
    3. I am happily married to my husband of 32 years. We have 2 wonderful sons together!
    4. My favorite hobby is reading. Especially, Karen Kingsbury books!
    5. I have an identical twin sister that is my very best friend!

  49. My five things:
    1. I love the Lord so much and can’t stop feeling I don’t deserve him.
    2. I am a married mom, grandmom, and great grandmom, and love all of them so deeply.
    3. I struggle daily with wanting friends, but being afraid of not being accepted.
    4. I have always had to be the adult even with my husband and parents. I have desires to join a church , but am afraid of people. I have even taught Sunday school in the past and loved it, but it was taken away from me by the pastor when he found out I was divorced.
    5. I am a mess.
    I wish I could be as optimistic as others in their posts, and usually pretend to be, but I’m being honest here.

  50. Amen thank you for this posting. We are the body of Christ meant to bring His love and caring to people we may meet each day. I pray the Holy Spirit will remind me each day to bring God’s Love, kindness, joy to those I meet each day. Thank you Jesus for loving me.

  51. 1. Your devotionals are raw, honest and are full of the love of God! Thank you for them. I especially liked this last one. We are too quick to judge if we see Christians walk in places where we know there is darkness but the light needs to get into those places.
    2. I’m a wife of 33 years and probably 32 years of unhappy marriage. My husband suddenly expressed his unbelief in the Bible and has studied to disprove it. Please pray for him and our marriage.
    3. I love my church family. They have been so good to me (24 years).
    4. I play the piano for Communion Services and funerals. God gave me the talent….I do not read notes.
    5. Am in my 70s and experiencing health issues. Your blog helps me to keep Christ centered.

  52. This was so good, and needed.
    I am a wife of 25 years and a mother of 2.
    I was a caretaker for my Aunt for 5 years. She had Alzheimer’s and passed in Jan. 2023, I learned so much.
    We show Santa Gertrudis cattle.
    I am on the shy side, which is hard , but my husband is not shy, so that is a good thing.
    I love the Lord and love learning about Him each day!

  53. God bless you sister. This story is wonderful. I agree 100%. Even though I go to church to worship and receive from God, I look forward to being greeted and welcomed. It makes my heart so happy. About me: I suffer from depression and worry. I live in a difficult environment within my home. I have suffered because of it but the Lord has loved on me in a miraculous way. He has given the inner peace to deal with these situations and in all the chaos, HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL! AMEN. I love your emails and always look forward to the next one.

  54. I love Jesus
    I am married for 39 years, have 5 grown kids, 13 grandkids and 3 great grand boys
    Rick and I go to church, but he won’t go to small groups because he says he does not believe in organized religion. He says he is saved, but I don’t understand why he won’t go, I just keep praying!
    I am a retired retail manager
    I enjoy going places to just see Gods creation

  55. 1. I’m 66 and still am not sure of my place in this world
    2. Pride
    3. Fear of most everything
    4. Unresolved grief since hubs died in 2017
    5. Lonely

  56. 1. I love Jesus!!! ❤️
    2. I love my husband 💕
    3. I am my own worst enemy.
    4. I want to see my husband and dad saved.
    5. I struggle with PTSD

  57. I’m set free from alcoholism. Now praying to become the real God-fearing Christian he called me to be. Always have been a people pleaser and herein lies the problem of my addiction. Set unrealistic standards of achievement for myself and others thus, felt like a failure when I couldn’t succeed. My plea is make me over Lord, make me over amen.

  58. Hello! I loved this story! Five things about me:
    1. I am a born again daughter of the King!
    2. My husband and I have been married for 49 years. Still loving each other!
    3. I am a third generation of Alzheimer’s. My sister has it and I may be getting dementia.
    4. We were never able to have children of our own.
    5. I am a veteran of the United States Navy AND I met my husband when stationed in Pensacola FL! 🙂

  59. Many times we think of the world needing to learn a thing or two from the church and Christians. But as you pointed out here, if we’re teachable there’s much The Church, God’s kids can learn by interacting with our neighbors in the world. Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m so glad you got to shag with your man and meet some new friends.

  60. Hello brethren,im kedeth 32years of age
    Single mother of one.
    I hv been believing God for some good years but things are not working out.
    Struggle after struggle
    I want friends from here who can really stand with me spiritually and physically.

  61. I am resilient.
    I am a Jesus follower.
    I have been widowed twice since 2009.
    I love to hike in the mountains close to my home in Colorado.
    I love plants and gardening !

  62. I’m 76 woman with someone but very lonely
    I’m a mother grandmother and great grandmother and seldom see my family, hurts daily!
    I know God forgives me of past but can’t forgive myself..constant pain and guilt.
    My youngest son has turned away from me and family, emotionally hurting and lost.
    I’m a royal mess who feels unwanted and unloved!

  63. You have been a steady rock in my weekdays for the last 22 months – since I became a widow. You have helped me through my blue days and more often than not God has gifted me with your writings being exactly what I needed that day. Thank you for doing what you so well!

  64. I am a single woman from Uganda
    Loved by God
    Struggles to express love with/to others
    Desires the be married
    Desires to be more loving to others

  65. 1. I am a daughter of God. The best revelation I had years ago is He loves me and will never stop loving me. I am totally forgiven! This revelation changed my life!
    2. I am a wife, mother, and meme.
    3. I am recently retired and started walking 4 to 5 days a week.
    4. I enjoy gardening and painting with watercolors, reading, and cuddling with my cat.
    5. I teach the adult Sunday school class and do our church’s Facebook page.

  66. 1. I have a profound love for God
    2. Baker/Cook.
    3. I love to read and long walks.
    4. I love to dance.
    5. I express myself well with words.

  67. 1. I love Jesus Christ and I am a born again Christian. I accepted Jesus in my Senior year of High School in 1993 or 1994. But i actually understood and be faithful and committed in 1998 or 1999. I started attending Pacific Fellowship Church and joined Women’s Bible Study. When i did i started being healed, physically, mentally, spiritually, socially, and emotionally and doors started opening. All praise and glory to God.

    2. I have Schizophrenia ever since I was 19 years old. That was in 1995. I was on a scholarship in Shanghai, China and was to study 1 year of Chinese and 4 years of International Politics at Fudan University. I went there against my will and was forced by my parents. I was very depressed. After my vacation back home i went back to Shanghai, China and it was in the Fall of 1995 that I broke down. My parents had to come and get me and bring me back home.

    3. I am from Chuuk, but live in Pohnpei Federated States of Micronesia. There are 4 islands that make up FSM and they are Chuuk Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Pohnpei is the Capital. My family moved here in 1981 when I was 4 years old to work in the National Government. I now work in the National Government as an Executive Secretary at the National Department of Education. It’s been 4 years now.

    4. I attend Pacific Mission Fellowship Church founded by the late Pastor Edmund Kalau from Germany. His son Pastor Norbert Kalau is now the CEO of Pacific Mission Aviation Ministry. They have a church in Yap, Palau, Pohnpei, Guam, and Philippines. They have orphanages in the Philippines, too. Pacific Mission Fellowship Church is Evangelical.

    5. I join a Ladies Bible Study called “Women of the Word” which is led by Sylvia Kunz Kalau and she is Pastor Nob’ Kalau’s wife. I also join her Prayer Group with 7 other ladies. We meet on Saturdays at 7:00 am in the morning and pray. We call ourselves Prayer Warriors. I also lead a young girls Bible study called “Brewed for Excellence.” It’s new and so far there are 3 girls in their early 20’s that join the Bible Study.

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