Beverly Joy Roberts

When I was a child all the way through my teen years, I was taught to be friendly and go out of my way to include people, welcome people and be sure that those in my circle were being loved and cared for. I was taught this, but I didn't always do it.  I know this about me, sometimes I can be highly focused on my few friends and doing only what is pleasing to me.  My youthful years are far behind me now, still I wonder how much I've really changed. Do I leave the path of comfort and security to venture out to include others?  Do I choose only what makes me comfortable not thinking of those around me?  Do I preach one thing and live another? I recently read the story of the Good Samaritan.  It's 12 short verses in Luke 10:25-37.  The question that provoked Jesus to tell this story was this, "Whose my neighbor?" In this story, it was the Samaritan who went out of his way to help the wounded traveler on the road--not the priest (pastor) or the Levite (religi

I have an Apple Watch.  It was a present from my gift-giving husband.  He wanted to show me how proud he was of my accomplishments. I wasn't sure if I was going to like carrying around a high powered computer on my wrist, but to be perfectly honest...I'm loving it...BUT...the one fault with the watch has been that it needs to be charged nightly or every other night.  The other night I got in bed and I pressed the little nob on the side of the watch to display the amount of battery life.  It was less than 20%.  I knew the watch would be powerless by morning.  I looked at the charger across the room and realized I had a decision to make right that moment. I could Give it Power or not. There is truth in these four simple words... I Give it Power . Of course you know I have a story to drive this point home. Years ago, I shared a personal story with someone who was struggling.  I thought I was being soooo helpful, and in my endeavor to comfort her with my wisdom, I share

Have you ever met someone who's afraid of storms?  I have.  If a tornado was reported in a state to the south, this person could calculate the hour within minutes the storm would demolish their house. I'm the opposite...I find storms interesting.  I want to stand on the porch and watch them pass by.  The power of the storm isn't scary, as long as I'm sheltered.  Sometimes I take the grand-kids out on the covered porch to do chalk art-- through the storm .  I want to teach them to have a healthy fear for things that are dangerous, but I don't want them to be fearful.  I had to go into the archives for this photo--they don't look afraid!  In the Bible there are stories of God removing people from the path of storms and occasions where He is with them as they pass through the storm . Combining phases like be not afraid, fear not , and do not be afraid --the bible instructs us over 350 times...not to fear things like...  the future enemies eternal de

 My husband loves to play this game he calls,  The Opposite Game .  He has driven many a young person to frustration as he lures them in with his first question.  It goes something like this. Husband:  "Do you want to play The Opposite Game. Victim:  How do you play? Husband:  I'll ask you a question, and your answer will be the opposite.  Do you have a boyfriend?" Victim:  Fear present as she ponders how to answer.   She timidly replies, "Yes." Husband:  "Oh....we weren't playing yet...so youuuu have a boyfriend.  You said, Yes." Victim:  "No.  NO!  I don't!"  Blushing she hangs her head . Husband:  "Ohhh...we're playing now.  You said, No, so that means yes.  You have a boyfriend." Victim:  "Yes?  No?  Are we play The Opposite Game right now ?" The Opposite Game can get pretty confusing and frustrating as the victim tries to figure out what in the world is going on. Come to think of

Each morning as I begin my day, I tie my shoes.  You could even say, it's a secon d nature to me.  No one has to tell me to do this.  I know this action will i nsure my physical safety throughout the day.    I really hate seeing shoestrings flopping around someone’s ankle.  I know the danger that awaits that person and I'm compelled to warn them,   “You r shoe's untied." Rarely, does a person who’s been warned ignore the words.   They stop and tie their shoe because they also know the danger of an untied shoe. But what about my spiritual shoes?  What can I do to insure they are properly tied?   Meet with God ! O God, my God! How I search for you! How I thirst for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. How I long to find you! 2  How I wish I could go into your sanctuary to see your strength and glory, 3  for your love and kindness are better to me than life itself. How I praise you! 4  I will bless you as long as I live, liftin