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Bookends – Beth Fortune
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The enemy prowls

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. I Peter. 5:8 NIV

I have a tendency to think I have to face life alone. Peter tells us our adversary, the devil, “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” When I try to face life without help, encouragement, or someone to talk to, I find I’m setting myself up for the enemy to devour me. He’s on the prowl looking for prey and being alone makes me an easy target. I hear his tummy growling now.

He is a subtle enemy, one who works by using the power of suggestion – planting a negative thought or lie in my mind. He works at taking joy away, for he loves to plan the ever-popular event called the “pity-party.” The enemy even provides the cake, balloons, confetti, and when allowed, he will remove all clocks in sight so my stay lasts a long time.

But when I surround myself with others who encourage me…friends who can and will shed thelight of truth on the lies I’ve believed – those who love and pray for me, the enemy won’t be able to hold me in his grasp.

Lately I have allowed myself to roam alone and the enemy quickly comes upon me with lies and suggestions, attempting to take my joy away. To keep me from accepting the invitation to the pity-party, I reached out to two dear friends who I know support me and love me. They have become my bookends. Both of them, in their own way, help me to see what God has been doing in my life, the blessings He has so richly given me, and the future He has for me. They help me see and embrace God’s truths – not lies from the enemy. Yes, they are my bookends, one on each side.

Today I put the enemy on notice and said, “I am not alone and you cannot overpower me, because I have my bookends.”

Are you walking this journey called life alone? Don’t let the voices and the lies of the enemy take away your joy. Get your bookends! These will be your sturdy friends who will hold you up as you add chapter after chapter to your book of life.

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Beth Fortune has a passion for God’s Word and a desire to encourage others through writing and speaking. She is an award winning writer published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Faith and Family: A Devotion Pathway for Families anthologies. She published in Thriving Family magazine, and  In Touch magazine. Beth is a CLASS  graduate and a graduate of the Christian Communicators. She is an active member of the Greenville Chapter of Word Weavers and has years of experience serving in women’s ministries and teaching Bible studies. With a degree in Horticulture from Clemson University, Beth gives gardening talks to community and church groups, as well as schools. Her real passion however, is sharing God’s truths and encouraging women. Beth’s hobbies include indoor rowing, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. She and her husband live in Mauldin, SC, where they’re finding their way as empty nesters. You can visit her website at www.bethfortune.org.

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Tethered – Beth Fortune
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Tethered...like a dog on a leash.

. . . God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ Hebrews 13:5 NIV

“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!” Obviously a person must have some sort of control of their situation if they can tie a knot and hang on. But what if you are a ball attached to the end of the rope, tethered to a pole, with no control of your situation?

How I wish I could have tied a knot and held on these past few weeks. One minute I was peacefully hanging at the end of a rope, swaying to the rhythm of life when suddenly I was hit with a force that sent me flying in circles through the air.

At first I wished I hadn’t been tethered at all. That way, the force of the punch could have sent me sailing to an unknown destination and the circumstances of the punch …out of sight. It would have been much easier to bear the pain and assess the damage.

No chance . . . I was tethered. Circling at such speed, I didn’t even see the pole until I felt the pain and tight grip of the cord. Tie a knot and hold on? Why, I couldn’t even move as the situation unfolded around me.

I couldn’t fly out of control because I was tethered… tethered to Jesus Christ – the One who will never leave me nor forsake me. As I felt the pain and helplessness of the situation, the tightness of the wrapped cord soon became an embrace. As I calmed, I realized the pole to which I was tethered, was my anchor. Where would I have landed if I hadn’t been attached and whose arms would have been there to embrace me through the pain?

By God’s grace, I’m being unwound at a slow, gentle pace. The hurts and disappointments are washing away by the wind of God’s Spirit. Soon I will once again sway to the rhythms of life, thankful I’m tethered to my Savior and Lord.

When you’re hit with life’s painful circumstances, know you are anchored by the Lord of all.

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Beth Fortune has a passion for God’s Word and a desire to teach, lead, and encourage others. Whether through writing or speaking, she allows the heartbeat of the Father to pour through her words. She is an award-winning writer whose articles have been published in magazines such as Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family magazine, and Dr. Charles Stanley’s In Touch magazine, as well as stories published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She has a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and also enjoys speaking and writing on gardening. Visit her blog “The Potting Bench” at www.bethfortune.org where God’s Word is planted in hearts to grow roots and bear fruit. She lives in Mauldin, SC where she and her husband are finding their way as empty nesters.

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Uncomplicated Plans – Beth Fortune
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Moving Day.

I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

The move was getting complicated. I waited for the movers to arrive and tried to keep in mind what went on the truck first and what went on last. Those things I needed to keep with me would be loaded first, with everything else heading to storage – for an undetermined time.

It wasn’t only the move that was complicated – it was my life. We were in a financial crisis. My husband’s parents agreed to let us move into their four-room apartment in the basement. Since the apartment was fully furnished, most of our furniture and belongings could go to storage.

What happened to the American Dream and the idea that at middle age, a person would be financially secure? We’d made plans and suddenly they were gone. Things had grown complicated—at least for me.

I have read, memorized, quoted, taught, and claimed the words of Jeremiah 29, but my complicated life tried to squeeze the truth from this verse. So as I travel this difficult season, I had to break it down.

*God knows the plans He has for me. I must not have fulfilled them yet because I’m still here.
*He has a plan to prosper me. Yes, but I need to realize His plan may not be a monetary prosperity.
*He has a plan not to harm me. I realized I was in a safe place during my crisis, the home of family.
*He has plans to give me hope. Digging deep, I could see hope. For my hope is in Jesus Christ.
*He has a plan to give me a future. I had to step out on faith and trust God.

You see, God always provides and He provides in every way.

I’m learning that no matter how complicated life gets, I’m going to trust in God. He is the one who has my life planned, keeps me safe, gives me hope, and has my future.

Will you trust Him?

Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over fifteen years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and leads a variety of Bible studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with three married children, four grandchildren, and a daughter in college.

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Swallowed Up – Beth Fortune
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From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God, He said ‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From the depth of the grave I called for help and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:2

My what a busy person I am, and oh so important, I sometimes think. I pride myself in seeing how much can be accomplished. Lately I have gotten much better at saying no to many things I have done in the past. However, the void left in my heart, home, and life by my daughter leaving for college has prompted me to fill my days with new responsibilities. It doesn’t take long for the pressures I have created to begin to cause me to stress out.

We all have reasons for our busyness. For some it is out of necessity, for others it may be a particular season of life we are in. For others it’s self-worth. No matter what the cause, we can easily find ourselves swallowed up in the pressures and stresses of life. But what do we do? How do we get out?

Jonah was swallowed by the big fish and “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to HIS God.” As soon as Jonah found himself in the belly of that fish, I am sure he knew he was at a place in which he could not help himself. He said, “In my distress I called to the Lord and He answered me.” Two things here. First, Jonah called out in distress. We also must remember to lift our voices and cry out to God. Too many times we try to take care of things ourselves without His assistance, but He does care and wants to help us. Second, God answered Him. What an awesome statement. When we acknowledge our need for God and call out to him in our distress, He will answer us.

Remember this wonderful promise the next time you feel swallowed up. It may not be by a big fish, but it stinks just the same. Cry out to God, tell Him what you need, and how you feel. Then wait, because He will answer.

Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over 15 years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and leads a variety of Bible studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with 3 married children, 4 grandchildren, and a daughter in college. Read Beth’s devotions.
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Front and Center – Beth Fortune
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. . . You will find him if you look for him with all your heart . . . Deuteronomy 4:29

The little girl ran out on the platform with her hands holding the hem of her dress as if she were waiting to take a bow. She tiptoed, half skipped, tiptoed again, and then bounced until she reached her appointed spot. The dancers came together in a circle of white.

It was the annual children’s program and all the dancers began to move, keeping a watchful eye on each other, all but the little girl who tiptoed and bounced. She looked toward my section. She twirled then looked toward the left side. All the girls raised their hands gracefully then dropped to the floor, arms stretched forward and heads bent down. All except for one who was looking towards the left side. She held up her head, stretching to look over her shoulder.

I was so curious I finally looked to my right and found the object of the girl’s attention— her mother. She was waving her hand up and down, encouraging her daughter to keep her head down. The girls stood, made a few more turns and exited the platform. Some skipped, others ran—all except one who trailed behind, looking toward the left side.

The Lord spoke to my heart in such an endearing way. Daughter, I want you to look for Me as you dance.

I thought of all the times I have gone about doing what I thought was important—never once stopping to see if He was there with me. I have danced through life, going through the motions, running in circles and not once looked to acknowledge His presence.

Now I try to make a conscious effort to look for the Lord as I go through my dance called life. Whether I tiptoe, half skip, or bounce; I look towards the left side. The amazing thing is that I never find Him on the left—He is always front and center, His gaze only on me.

Set your gaze on the Father who encourages you.

Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over 15 years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, and leads a variety of Bible studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with 3 married children, 4 grandchildren and a daughter in college. Read Beth’s devotions

Faith and Finance – Beth Fortune
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“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

In our family, I get paid once a month and my husband gets paid on commission. Do we have to rely on faith when it comes to our finances? Absolutely. We have struggled for years; sometimes it may be from a mistake we have made but most of the time it is the obvious problem of cash flow. Through the years we’ve attended the popular classes and seminars to help us manage money. We’ve realized you have to have money to manage. Here is where faith steps in.

We’ve had to realize God is our provider, not man. The problem is not in the knowing but in the believing. We’ve learned to take God’s Word to heart. We believe that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” We try to please God in many things we do, but do we please Him by having faith for our finances? If we truly want to please God, we must believe He will provide during difficult situations, even regarding our money.

People pray and have faith for health issues, travel safety, protection for family members, comfort in the death of a loved one, help in finding employment; but when it comes to finances, we think we are on our own. We think it is something we must do, perform, or manage. If God is in complete control of our lives, we need to let Him be in control when money is there and, especially, when it is not.

If you are financially well with no issues, praise the Lord for this blessing and continue to honor God with what He has given you. If you are not financially well, put your trust in God, believing that He is your provider. Have faith, “being sure of what you hope for (provision) and certain of what we do not see (provision).” What may seem like a hopeless situation to you is an opportunity for God to show out, because all things are possible with God.

Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over 15 years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and leads a variety of Bible Studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with 3 married children, 4 grandchildren and a daughter in college. Read Beth’s devotions

God Has Our Back – Beth Fortune
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“You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.” Psalm 139:7

I was stuck, paralyzed with fear. I had gone as far as I could while carrying a 30-pound backpack, walking on blistered feet, and fighting scratched arms and hands. But I had to move. I couldn’t stay.

Terrified, I looked at my options. Ahead of me, the side of a rock that I had to scale. Behind me, the grove of tree limbs and roots that hid the drop-off I knew was waiting below. The other hikers in the group were either ahead of me coaxing me upward, or behind me encouraging me onward. I was truly stuck and fear had its grip on me.

I have often thought of the terrifying time I experienced on the side of that mountain. Holding to the spindly seedling with my foot forced in the crack of a rock, I looked at the drop behind and the steep climb before me. I had no choice but to put my confidence in the other hikers. Since that experience I have learned that in life we may have mountains before us we must climb. Sometimes in the middle of the climb, we get stuck, paralyzed with fear. We’ve gone too far to turn back, but what lies ahead is more frightening. The fear and anguish can stop us short. But no peace can be found while hanging on the side of a mountain in total fear.

With help and encouragement, I managed the climb to the top. Since then I have endured a variety of “mountain” experiences, however, the peace that comes from knowing God is with me helps keep the fear away.

Next time you find yourself stuck on the side of a mountain paralyzed with fear, remember, God not only has your back, He has you completely hemmed in—He is behind you, and before you. And, if you rest in this fact and are very still, you may actually feel His hand as He lays it upon you.

Beth Fortune is from Simpsonville, SC and has a passion for God’s Word. Having served for over 15 years in different capacities of the ministry alongside her husband, she now uses her experiences to teach, lead, and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. She is a freelance writer who has written Bible studies, devotionals, and articles for church and school newsletters. Beth is a speaker for retreats and women’s groups and is actively involved in her church where she serves as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and leads a variety of Bible Studies. She and her husband are empty-nesting with 3 married children, 4 grandchildren and a daughter in college. Read Beth’s devotions.