Devotionals and Me - An Introduction

Hi! I'm Sandy.

I wasn't going to bother writing anything about myself because this website is not about me. But I realized that I do like knowing a little something about the authors I read, so I should afford this courtesy to anyone who might be interested. First, a couple of paragraphs of some basic facts about me and then a short intro to the website (Christmas Devotional Series starts December 8).

I am passionate about God and his word; my two grown children and five year old granddaughter; serving in my church and community; reading about theology and science; enjoying nature and gardening.

I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the oldest of five kids. I received my bachelors degree in secondary education in 1974 from Oklahoma State University. (Go Pokes!) I moved to Tallahassee, Florida in 1977 where I earned my masters degree in biology from Florida State University. (Go Noles!) I love Tallahassee and made it my home. I taught high school chemistry as well as various other sciences for 31 years. (Go Pirates!) I retired in 2016. I guess it's obvious that science and education have been a big part of my life. But that's not what this website is about.

I guess it's also obvious, based on those dates, that I'm a baby boomer. Yes, that's right, I find that I have managed to survive life on this planet, thank you God, for 71 years and believe me, there are a lot of ups and downs that a person experiences in 71 years. But that's not what this website is about.

I was baptized into Christ in 2001. No one really knows all that they are getting into when they place their faith in Christ. All you really need to know at that point is that you are a sinner saved by a gracious Savior and God has given you his Word and his Spirit to sustain you on the rest of your journey through this world — which is not your home. We're getting closer to what this website is about.

I spent seven years writing a book, Magnify God. It started as a study on the nature of God. Then, as a teacher, I realized that I would learn a lot more if I were studying it as though I were going to teach it. I decided to do the next best thing, which was write a book. I spent a couple more years having it edited and formatted for Amazon. It was quite a learning experience and not as easy as it sounds. First, I learned a lot about God and his Word. Then I learned a lot about writing and publishing. It was originally only supposed to be about God, but God had other plans. He often does.

So let me say right here, that you won't be learning what you really need to know about God if you are not trusting God and loving him with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength, just as the Bible tells you. God's word has to be applied to your life or there is no point in learning any of it; experiencing a relationship with God is the point of it all. And, of course, there is more to know about God than we can ever begin to know in this life; that's what heaven is about! It's all so simple and at the same time deep and complex.

So that's what this website is about: discovering more about who God is, praising and thanking him; and learning how he can help us in our effort to love him above all else and love our neighbor as ourself. It's that simple and deep and complex.

I didn't know a lot in 2001. I have read and studied and prayed and experienced a lot of Christian living since then but I still have a lot to learn. This website is part of my learning experience and I invite you to make it a part of yours, also.

All for God's glory!