Category Archives: Beach

Savior Of The World!

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My Savior!

Your Savior!

The Savior of The World!

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John 1:28-29

This all happened at Bethany

on the other side of the Jordan,

where John was baptizing.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him

and said,

‘Look, the Lamb of God,

who takes away the sin of the world!'”

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John 3:16-17

“For God so loved the world

that He gave His One and Only Son,

that whoever believes in Him

shall not perish

but have eternal life.

For God did not send His Son into the world

to condemn the world,

but to save the world through Him.”

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2 Corinthians 5:15

“And He died for all,

that those who live

should no longer live for themselves

but for Him who died for them

and was raised again.”

Walked dirty streets…

Not famous…

“Come”

They came…

Ordinary face…

But different…

Leads

All say…

There He goes…

Hero…

Savior to the world!

Scars in His hands…

Gave His life… 

We’re free!

The Savior of the world!

Authority…

Walked on water…

Spoke and calmed the storm…

Touch heals…

Called hypocrite…

Dead behind the stone…

Left curtain torn…

There He goes…,

Hero…

Savior to the world!

Chose the cross…

For the lost, broken, and needy

Forgiving all!

Angel said, “Have no fear…

He’s not here!”

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Isaiah 53

“Who has believed our message   

and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,   

and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him,   

nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.

He was despised and rejected by mankind,   

a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces   

He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem.

Surely He took up our pain   

and bore our suffering,

yet we considered Him punished by God,   

stricken by Him, and afflicted.

But He was pierced for our transgressions,   

He was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on Him,   

and by His wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,   

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on Him   

the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,   

yet He did not open His mouth;

He was led like a lamb to the slaughter,   

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,  

so He did not open His mouth.

By oppression and judgment He was taken away.   

Yet who of His generation protested?

For He was cut off from the land of the living;   

for the transgression of my people He was punished.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,   

and with the rich in His death,

though He had done no violence,   

nor was any deceit in His mouth.

Yet it was the Lord’s Will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer,   

and though the Lord makes His life an offering for sin,

He will see His offspring and prolong His days,   

and the Will of the Lord will prosper in His hand.

After He has suffered,   

He will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by His knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,   

and He will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great,   

and He will divide the spoils with the strong,

because He poured out His life unto death,   

and was numbered with the transgressors.

For He bore the sin of many,   

and made intercession for the transgressors.”

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Matthew 1:21

“She will give birth to a son,

and you are to give Him the Name Jesus,

because He will save His people from their sins.”

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Acts 4:12

“Salvation is found in no one else,

for there is no other Name under Heaven

given to mankind

by which we must be saved.”

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What a Savior!!

There He goes..

Grab hold!

He’s your Savior, too!!

Amen!!

All Of Creation…Sing With Me Now!

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My sister, who lives in Brooklyn, NY…

Just e-mailed me this gorgeous sunrise shot…

She took of the city from her apartment!

She said God woke her up early to see it!

It was as if God was saying…

“Good morning…

My Child!!!

Have a Blessed Day! 

I’ll be taking care of everything that concerns you today!

See? 

I’ve started with the beautiful sky above you! 

Tomorrow, I’ll provide you with another spectacular display!!”

Isn’t God awesome!!!

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day which the Lord hath made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

(this was my Mom’s favorite verse!)

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Sunrise…Sunset

Wherever we are…

We’re joined together by  the sun rising and the sun setting each day!

I love knowing my sister’s sharing God’s wonders at the same time I am!

At the same time you are!

Whether we live in the city, at the beach, in the mountains…

Wherever…

Let’s do this life together!

Let’s start each day together…

Let’s end each evening together…

Let’s plan our next day together…

By prayerfully…

Looking at God’s amazing Creation…

And asking…

“What can I learn about God…

And His Character…

Through what He loved us enough to Create for us to enjoy!!”

One of the things I love about living in Florida…

Is that while it’s hot, steamy, rainy, and buggy right now!  Ha!

Most of the time, we wake up to Sunshine!  

Amen! 

And Hallelujah!!

It gives Hope…

As we rise to go to work, school,  or get the kids ready for their day…

That His mercies are new each day!

Sunsets…

Declare that God will protect us…

And give us peaceful sleep…

Calms our spirit down…

As He blankets the earth with radiant colors!

Let’s not miss His beautiful gifts!

Stick around for the magnificent views of the stars and the moon, too!!

Separated until the veil was torn

The moment that hope was born

And guilt was pardoned once and for all

Captivated, but no longer bound by chains

Left at an empty grave

The sinner and the sacred resolved

And all of Creation sing with me now

Lift up your voice and lay your burden down

And all of Creation sing with me now

Fill up the Heavens

Let His Glory resound

Time has faded and we see Him face to face

Every doubt erased

Forever we will worship the King

The reason we breathe is to sing of His Glory

And for all He has done

Praise the Father!

Praise the Son!

And the Spirit in One

And every knee will bow

And every tongue

Praise the Father

Praise the Son

And the Spirit in One

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Psalm 113:3

“From the rising of the sun

unto the going down of the same

the Lord‘s Name is to be praised.”

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Isaiah 45:6

“…so that from the rising of the sun   

to the place of its setting

people may know there is none besides me.   

I am the Lord, and there is no other.”

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Praise the Father, Praise the Son, and the Spirit in One!!

Where Do You Get Your Identity?

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From my Father…

“Because you are sons,

God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts,

the Spirit who calls out,

‘Abba, Father.’

So you are no longer a slave,

but a son;

and since you are a son,

God has made you also an heir.”

Galatians 4: 6-7

He is my Future…

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’

declares the Lord,

‘plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future.'”

Jeremiah 29:11

My Destiny…

“But you are a chosen people,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

God’s special possession,

that you may declare the praises of Him

who called you out of darkness

into His wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:9

In Him I find my Identity!!

Lay Your hands on me…

Tell me who I am…

“For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully

and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:13-14

I can do all things…

If You say I can…

“For we are God’s workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

to do good works,

which God prepared

in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

Show me I am free…

“You have been set free from sin

and have become slaves to righteousness.”

Romans 6:18

Free to accomplish Your plan for me!!

“Yet to all who received Him,

to those who believed in His Name,

He gave the right to become children of God-

children born not of natural descent,

nor of human decision

or a husband’s will,

but born of God.”

John 1:12-13

I worship You my Father…

“For He chose us in Him

before the creation of the world

to be holy and blameless in His sight.

In love He predestined us

for adoption to Sonship

through Jesus Christ,

in accordance with His pleasure

and will—”

Ephesians 1:4-5

You are my Identity!!

 No Identity Crisis!

Christ is our Identity…

Don’t try to be like anybody else…

Christ is the true prescription…

For low self esteem…

Self doubt…

And all other insecurities…

Protect Your Identity!!

Can You Be Accused  Of Identity Theft?

Have you taken your Identity from your Father???

“O LORD,

You have searched me

and You know me.

You know when I sit

and when I rise;

You perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

You are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

You know it completely,

O LORD.”

Psalm 139: 1-4

See yourself the way God sees you!!

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Is There A Road I Should Walk??? Lord, Help Me Find It!!

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He will!

Walk right into His will…

Stay close to Christ!!

That’s where the blessings are!!!

6-12-13 Sunset-Rainbow 084“He made known to us

the mystery of His will

according to His good pleasure,

which He purposed in Christ, 

to be put into effect

when the times reach their fulfillment—

to bring unity to all things in Heaven

and on earth under Christ.”

Ephesians 1:9-10

6-13-13 Beach-Sunset 030“Now may the God of peace,

who through the blood of the eternal covenant

brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good for doing His will,

and may He work in us

what is pleasing to Him,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

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You want His perfect will for you

Not just the road you choose…

Be careful….

He’ll let you have it!

Pray!!

His Plan is always the best!

Where to go from here?

Isn’t always very clear!

We can’t do this on our own…

As long as He is near…

We’re done fighting…

We’re finally letting go…

Trust in Him!

He’s never failed before!

If there’s a road I should walk…

Lord, help me find it!

If I need to be still…

Give me peace for the moment…

Whatever Your will…

Can you help me find it?

I’m giving You fear…

You give me faith…

I’m giving You doubt…

You give me grace…

I know I’ve never been alone!

Even when it hurts…

Have Your way…

Even in the valley I will say…

With every breath…

You’ve never let me go…

I will wait for You…

You’ve never failed before…

I will wait for You…

I lift my empty hands…

Come fill me up again…

Have Your way my King…

  I give my all to You…

I lift my eyes again…

I was blind, but now I see…

You are all I need to find the road I should walk!!

I’ll start with this road in Romans:

“As it is written,

there is none righteous,

no, not one.”

 Romans 3:10

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“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God.”

Romans 3:10

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“But God commendeth His love toward us,

 in that, while we were yet sinners,

 Christ died for us.”

 Romans 5:8

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 “Wherefore, as by one man

 sin entered into the world,

and death by sin;

and so death passed upon all men,

for that all have sinned.”

Romans 5:12

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“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life through

Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

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“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth

 the Lord Jesus,

and shalt

believe in thine heart

 that God hath raised Him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved. 

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;

and with

the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

For the scripture saith,

whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.”

Romans 10:9-11

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“For whosoever

shall call upon the Name of the Lord

 shall be saved.”

Romans 10:13

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Thank you, Lord!

Invest In Your Future!

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“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’

declares the Lord,

‘plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future.

Then you will call on Me

and come and pray to Me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart.'”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

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This is my son’s favorite verse!

Mine. too!

Along with…

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“Call to Me

and I will answer you

and tell you great

and unsearchable things

you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

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“…and call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you,

and you will honor Me.”

Psalm 50:15

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God’s plan is to…

Prosper you…

Not harm you…

Give you Hope…

And a Future…

Call on Him…

Come to Him…

Pray to Him…

He will listen to YOU!!!

Seek Him…

Find Him…

With all your heart!!

Call to Him…

He will answer YOU!!

And tell you great and unsearchable things…

You don’t know!!

Call on Him in your times of trouble…

He will deliver you…

And you will honor Him!!

Amen!

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You have now invested wisely in your future!!

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Praise God!!

You Put Your Light In Me!

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“When Jesus spoke again to the people,

He said,

I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.’”

John 8:12

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“You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp

and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

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“The night is nearly over;

the day is almost here.

So let us put aside the deeds of darkness

and put on the armor of light.”

Romans 13:12

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Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the LORD will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.”

Isaiah 60:1-2

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“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the Heavens,

and those who lead many to righteousness,

like the stars for ever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3

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A flame burning down…

You gave me Life

You put Your Light in me!

You let Your Love shine down… 

Now the world can see…

You put Your Light in me!

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Now, I’m a reflection of

You, Lord!

I’ll let it show…

You will be known

And all will see…

You put Your Light in me!

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Christians…

Go!

Shine…

 Brightly!!

With His Light in you…

Wherever you go!!

You Are Amazing God!

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 Majesty…

Indescribable!

Uncontainable!

Amazing God!

All Powerful!

Untameable!

Awestruck…

We fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim…

You are Amazing, God….

None can fathom…

Indescribable!

Unobtainable,

Incomparable!

Unchangeable!

You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same!!

You are So Amazing, God!!!

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Feel free to add your own words!!!

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How about…

God, You are…

Holy, Grand, Vast, Great, Marvelous, Excellent, Glorious, Exalted, Dynamic, Thrilling, Astonishing,

Breathtaking, Magnificent, Overwhelming, Impressive, Permanent, Exciting, Stunning, Heart-Stirring,

Wonderful, Outstanding, Splendid, Faithful, Enduring, Divine, Extraordinary, Inspiring, Fantastic, Imposing,

Astounding, Fantastic, Unforgettable, Wondrous, Incomprehensible, Spectacular, Incredible, Phenomenal

Miraculous!!!

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He’s definitely all these things…

And more!

This is the Amazing God who rules our lives!!

Mind-Boggling, huh???

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Makes you want to go and tell everybody, doesn’t it???

When Did Going On Vacation Become So Difficult???

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Apparently…

When I became an adult…

With responsibilities…

A family…

A job…

A house…

And a dog!!

When we were children…

We just hopped in the car…

And we left!

Okay, so we are packed…

But, it was a rough road to get to this point!! 

This vacation has been planned well in advance…

I’ve been looking forward to it all year…

You know how much I love the beach…

You know how much I love to be at the beach…

To read, to write, to do whatever I feel like doing, or nothing at all!!

But, working part-time this year…

As much of a ministry opportunity as it was…

Has put quite a crimp in my retired lifestyle…

Where all my ministries were challenging…

But, I was a volunteer…

And the beauty of that is that I still had control over my time…

 I’m feeling drained…

I’m really stressed…

I just don’t feel like going on vacation right now…

That’s crazy, I know!!

Plus, my poor, precious Crazy Siberian has not been feeling well lately…

We certainly all love her deeply…

But, we’ve all lost sleep…

Lots of sleep…

We’ve all cleaned up pee, poop, and throw-up…

More times than we care to…

We’ve made multiple runs to the vet with her…

And she definitely, ridiculously, horridly hates the car ride to see the vet!

It’s exhausting!!

We now have a calendar on our kitchen counter…

Just for her…

So we can keep track of all the medicines she’s on…

It’s just like living with a newborn, needy baby…

Which I remember so well…

Or, an ornery, elderly person…

Which I also remember!!

Teaching was so crazy at the end of the year…

That I lost my cool…

And it ceased to be fun…

I had to apologize for my grouchiness to everyone…

There, and at home, too!

 I really just want to stay home…

And vegetate on the couch!

But, no…

Not me!

I decided to tackle the humongous job of cleaning my house from top to bottom!

Starting with the ceiling fans the day after school got out…

My son, the one actually cleaning those fans…

Was not elated!

Well, that’s as far as we got…

When I had to stop cleaning to start packing for this vacation…

While dealing with a sick dog…

I hate packing…

Why can’t all my “stuff” just be there when I get there…

And I don’t do well with unfinished jobs…

So I’ll be planning my next cleaning job…

The blinds and windows…

For when we get back from vacation!

Rats!

Why do I do this to myself?

Please tell me to stop!

Take a deep breath…

Count to ten…

And enjoy my blessings of a wonderful beach vacation…

With my wonderful family…

And the whole summer off from work!

Just tell me, Lord…

I’ll listen to You!!

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“My son, if you receive My words and treasure up My commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

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“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

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Thank you, Lord!! 

Amen!

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“Blessings crown the head of the righteous…”

Proverbs 10:6

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I love the refrain of the old hymn:

“Count Your Many Blessings”

Count your blessings, name them one by one…
Count your blessings, see what God hath done…
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!!

I Can’t Be A Writer!!

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No one around here will let me think!!!

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If my dream is to be a writer…

I need to write!

To write…

I need to think!!

Here’s the scenario:

Get up late…

If I’m not working…

Get the coffee churning!  Ha!

Or, rush home from work, or from wherever…

Hurry to get everything done around the house…

Well not “everything!”

But enough to make me happy!

Eat, so my brain can function…

Sit down at the computer in the den…

Check my e-mails…

Gather my thoughts…

Compile my notes…

Download my photos…

Prepare to think…

Get ready to create!!

Ahhhhhhh…

The moment’s here!

And then!!!!!!!!!

It starts….

“Hon,

Can you peel the eggplant for dinner?

Put away the groceries?

Bread the chicken cutlets?

Send out this bill?

Call the pharmacy?”

And on and on…..

“Mom,

Where’s my whatever???

What do we have going on for Saturday?

Do I have to vacuum today?

Can I use this den space to play my games?”

And our Crazy Siberian…

She’s the worst!!!

She’ll be perfectly fine…

Relaxed…

Just lying around…

Watching TV with us…

But, as soon as I get my behind on my comfy chair in the den…

To sit down right in front of my computer…

And start to imagine…

Start to formulate a wonderful idea…

About something I’m passionate about…

“Ahhhh, yes….

It’s time to write!”

She barks to go outside!

She barks for a treat!

She barks for some attention…

Who knows…

She just barks…

It’s soooo annoying!

Then I get angry…

And whip out the dreaded fly swatter…

And warn her…

It doesn’t help!!

She’s spoiled by all of us!

So I end up…

Getting up…

Getting the treat…

Taking her out …

And giving her attention!!!

All my thoughts…

My beautiful, creative thoughts…

Just completely left my mind!!

Come back, come back…

Sweet, precious thoughts!!

This is why I often write at 2 am!!!!

When everyone’s asleep!

My fantasy…

Is to be alone in a cottage on the beach…

For at least 3 full entire days and nights!!!

Dear Lord…

I love my family, my home, and my life…

But, is that too much to ask for???

Just a little time to think!!

“Finally, brothers,

whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things”

Philippians 4:8

You Know You’ve Embraced The Florida Lifestyle, When…

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This is your “cloudy” day!

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This is your lunch guest!

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This is your backyard!

(With a pool an “expensive hole-in-the-ground!”)

Where a live alligator has visited you on your lanai after the hurricane…

Before the lanai screen could be replaced!

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This is you, everyday…

  Not just on your day off!

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You expect your year-round weather to be “not so hot,” “hot,” “very hot,” and “intensely hot”…

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Another baby boomer, who just retired, has just moved in next door to you…

And you know their grandchildren have already embraced the FL lifestyle, too!

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Your sailboat “dock ornament” is taller than your house…

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You look forward to March…

So you can see your favorite NY team!

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Play the FL favorite during Spring Training!

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You enjoy being with so many New Yorkers, again!

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And you wait for Joe Girardi to smile!

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“Cause his team WON!!!

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And you truly believe Jesus is a Yankee fan!