Happy New Year…yes, it is 2023, a new beginning. We can do whatever we set our hearts to do. So, what do you want to do? Let’s make a New Year’s Resolution.
My New Year’s Resolution is to not make any at all. You know why? Because I never do them. I either make them too easy to accomplish or too hard to achieve. I’d just rather set my goals for this week or this month and let the future take care of itself. That’s Biblical, you know. Hear what Jesus said about that.
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34
Taking no thought is in reference to evil things that cause you to worry. When you worry about tomorrow’s problems, you miss the blessings of today and you cannot solve tomorrow’s problems with today’s power. When tomorrow arrives, God will give you the power, perspective, grace, and wisdom you need.
So, I do not worry about the future. I know that God will take care of me today and tomorrow. I can rest in his love and grace, knowing that he knows my need and cares about my wellbeing.
Party Time—- Uncle Pepe is having his quarterly dance party the 4rd Sunday of January at Captiva Recreation center. You must be a resident of the Villages to attend. It is from 5-8 PM. If you can come, call Pepe at 352-633-3600.
Music-By-Bart—every Monday afternoon from 1-4 PM at Mc Calls in Spanish Springs. Come join us.
New Book— I just finished a new book called, “Shadows in the Light of a Pale Moon.” It starts out as a story about a guy that doesn’t follow good gun safety and ends with a teaching on self-defense. It is almost an instruction manual that teaches the right way to defend yourself and what to do in various situations. You can buy it from me at a VIP discount plus s/n. It retails for $14.95 however, your VIP deal is only $10. Call me for ordering at 352-687-1776.
Book Sponsorships—We are now offering book sponsorships. That means you can sponsor a special edition in your name and give copies to family, friends and business associates. We now have about 20-books that cover romance, mystery, Bible teaching, children, and lots more. Check all of them out at www.marrineellichristianbooks.com.
A sponsorship is $150 plus the printing cost of the books. A minimum sponsorship is only 25 books. They will have a burst on the cover with your name, recognition as the sponsor on the title page and one full page inside the book to promote your business, product or services or even just a photo of your family. Call me if you are interested. 352-687-1776
Barnes & Noble — We have several books in The Villages Barnes & Noble store. My newest book, “Shadows in the Light of a Pale Moon”: “Morning Reign” poetry book; Two children’s books, “Mister Tugboat” and “An Elephant Named Clyde”; and “My Collie Girls & Me” They are in the local author’s section near the coffee shop. All could be a good after Christmas gift for grandkids, and other family members. We sincerely appreciate your support.
Bible Trivia— Last month I asked you a trivia question…where did the fish and loves come from that Jesus fed the multitude? Answer…John 6:9-13 A little boy
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13Therefore they gathered them together and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
This Month’s Trivia—Which disciple of Jesus betrayed him? This should be an easy one.
Until Next Time
John Marinelli
johnmarinelli@embarqmail.com