What is Blocking Your View?

IWhat is Blocking Your View?

If you’ve been a musician in an orchestra, you know that seeing the conductor throughout the symphony, is of paramount importance. That’s why you’ll notice that the placement of every chair is in direct eyes' view of the one that is directing and leading the music. The conductor is responsible for the start of the symphony, setting the tempo, ensuring correct entries by various members of the orchestra and communicating to the musicians through hand and eye gestures.

The question is….who or what is blocking the view of YOUR Conductor? Maybe someone mistreated or spoke falsely about you. That one is all you can think about, so they are keeping you from seeing your Conductor. Maybe your children are blocking your view of the Conductor. Maybe your financial or health situation or the stress and press of the holidays are blocking your view. The point is – anything that keeps our eyes from seeing from first seeing our Conductor is what causes our faith to wane. The anxiety of our circumstances is what keep us from focusing on our Lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. When we keep our eyes on Him -- He will handle the symphony of our lives.

When we focus on the ONE who said, "I am the LIGHT of the world, whoever follows ME, will NEVER walk in darkness" (John 8:12), then the darkness will diminish. As we're drawn to focus on and spend time with the LIGHT, (our Conductor) and stay in fellowship with HIM, spending time in His Word, thinking about HIM -- our Conductor and He Who knows everything about everything, the answers we need will come from Him. The divine set-ups and divine appointments and the divine "suddenlies" will start providing what we need. Our music will reflect His tempo, His starts and His finishes of our symphony.

Maybe it's time to get a new seat in the orchestra -- one that SEES our Conductor -- His hand gestures and His eyes that are on us. His LIGHT shines so brightly and desires to dispel the darkness that is around us. I promise you, He is the most reliable Counselor, the most indescribable Prince of Peace and the ultimate source for restoring LIGHT to our world as the Conductor of our "unfinished" symphony!

Shine, Baby, Shine

Just look at that gorgeous “Full Corn Moon”. I am by no means a student of the skies, but I’ll admit that I can sure get taken by a clear night sky with a full moon. That moon led me to google it to see if it was a special moon. Sure enough, it was the “Full Corn Moon”. Usually it’s called the Harvest Moon, but this year that name is reserved for October’s full moon. That’s because the Harvest Moon is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (seasons opposite the equator), which occurs on September 22nd this year (the first day of Fall). Looking up to the night sky and seeing how the stars and moon are so perfectly aligned, brings calm and comfort, especially when we consider all that is going on here on planet Earth. Maybe we SHOULD be looking up more often so that we reflect what we're looking at -- lights that brighten up the dark.

Isn’t it interesting that a brilliant moon, lighting up the entire night, is actually getting its light from the sun? It is totally dependent on the sun for that radiant light. I can’t help but think of how our relationship with our Creator is the same way. We are dependent on Him for our light. He is our bright light and we are made to reflect His light.

Our world may seem very dark right now -- especially if we watch a lot of world news. Oh, but there IS HOPE! May we remember that wherever there is darkness, there is also the brightest LIGHT of Christ. He pierced the darkness forever. He is THE LIGHT that will never fade and will never be overcome.
John 1:5 says “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Instead of stumbling around in the darkness, we have the light of Christ as our guide. Wherever our path takes us today, it is lit up brightly.

Christ is our ultimate LIGHT source, and we are called to reflect His light and to shine, Baby, shine. We don’t shine on our own. John 8:12 says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” We are called to be the people who reflect God’s light in the darkness of this world. This hurting world needs to know His light. Where there is pain and suffering and questions about tomorrow, the only one constant is that of our LIGHT.

May God use us to be a blessing during these perilous times. Some of us can give financially or in some other tangible way. Some of us can go to places of devastation to help and serve. All of us can pray for the sun to shine again for those who need that Light the most. What a beautiful reflection you and I can be to a hurting world. May we use the opportunities He gives us to shine His light wherever we go. May His love and grace shine through us. May we shine with our words and our actions.

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Let's remember . . . darkness cannot survive where there is light.

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

No shortage of Christmas lights here in Frisco, TX! The homes in my daughter's neighborhood seem to be in competition on who can light up their home and yard the most. I love it! That's been one of my Christmas favorites since I was a little girl. We were always light gazers when we'd drive around neighborhoods to see the lights of Christmas. Occasionally, we'd see a truly spectacular display covering the house and yard and trees and we'd ohh and ahh at the workmanship, plus wondered about the cost of their electric bill at the end of the season. Not everyone gets into Christmas so audaciously, but even lights on a simple tree in the house expresses that wonderful Christmas spirit. I like to think that those lights express the true LIGHT of Christmas that dispels darkness.

Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we simply put a candle in the window of our homes, there is good news for us. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world to be the Light in the darkness, and God got in on the original light show. After all, the angels appeared to the shepherds, and whenever angels appear they often have this dazzling array around them. Talk about LIGHT SHOW! And then there was the star over Bethlehem that the wise men were drawn to. "You LIGHT UP MY LIFE" took on a whole new meaning that glorious Christmas night.

I know there are those who don't consider the lights they're putting on their homes to symbolize the Light of the World that dispels the darkness. But, nevertheless, that's what this girl thinks. Those light displays, GREAT or SMALL, are dispelling the darkness where they are......and I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence -- at work, at home, at play, at school, at the restaurant, at the store, at church, at a football game, at a political event. In that case, "YOU light up my life" really does take on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT.

"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12. And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world....." Matthew 5:14. WOW!! How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

Bottom line, the darkness of this world can only be cured by the LIGHT of the ONE who created it. LIGHT that comes from HIM; LIGHT that comes from us. I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna’ let it shine" should be turned into a Christmas carol....for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make the difference in our world.

You Light Up My Life

I've thought about the impact some special people make in my life (you know who you are), and just by being around you, I feel energized. Your spirit of encouragement is contagious. I can't be down in your presence because you are such a light -- your glow rubs off on everyone you touch. You're so different than others. If it's raining, you say "Isn't this weather fantastic? The rain is so refreshing and clean!" If you're not feeling well, and I mention it....you quickly say, "I'll be fine tomorrow!" You are such a cheerful bundle of joy. You always see the glass full and overflowing. And my life is overflowing.....just because you are in my life!

There are those of you on social media who are that bright light to me, too. You don't bring your "baggage"to us. You refuse to be a "day-darkener". Your main objective is to be a light to this world of darkness. You are a cheerleader when you post. You encourage and bring hope and gladness to me and many others.

I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence -- at work, at home, at play, at school, at the restaurant, at the store, at church, at a football game, and on social media. In that case, "YOU light up my life" takes on a whole new meaning to a world that is begging for LIGHT.

"Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12. And, here's the real kicker.....Jesus said to us "YOU are the light of the world....." Matthew 5:14. WOW!! How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts onus on us to check out our wattage and our light output, doesn't it?

If you're reading this and think "She's sure not talking about me!" Then, I urge you to become THAT kind of friend who is a "bright light" to those around you because they need YOUR light to shine brightly! Then, when we sing "You light up my life", your sweet bright face and light will pop up brightly in our minds, because we're thinking about YOUR light!

Let There Be Light

We all experienced times of darkness in our lives. There's just no way to escape it: a season of regret, a time of the passing of a loved one, a debilitating illness, a financial set back, bad decisions, a huge disappointment, and so many more occasions to "be in the dark".

Here’s the truth about darkness. Darkness is absent of light. Think about it. The more we dwell on our negative feelings or confront someone that is negative, the darker it becomes. The more we listen to the news about wars and politics and economy failures, the darker it seems to get. But we have the power within our grasp to change all that. All we have to do is switch on the light.

Since creation, God has illuminated our world’s dark places. He started it all when He said, “Let there be light,” and there was light”. –Genesis 1:4

The room in this photo was pitch dark. It was absent of light. But, when the light came on, the room was illuminated so much that darkness was dispelled.

We have been called to be LIGHT BEARERS. If our little lights are shining out from within, we can BE THE LIGHTS that brighten our world. On the other hand, if our lights are dim, even out, not only will we not brighten the corners where we are, but we may very well be the circuit breaker switch that darkens the whole room. How does that happen? When we are complaining, whiny, bitter, angry, cynical, fearful, and anxious, darkness enters. We have a choice, stay there or TURN ON THE LIGHT because when LIGHT stands next to DARKNESS, LIGHT will always win.

First Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world”, then he turned around and flipped it and said to us, “You are the LIGHT of the world.” So, let’s BE THE LIGHT in our family, our neighborhood, our workplace, our church and our world and watch DARKNESS flee in terror!!

My Plants Bend Toward the Sun

Day 294 of Photo Inspirations -- My Plants Bend Toward the Sun
I have two plants:  one that I received from my husband's funeral (almost 5 years old now) and the other I received when I spoke for a women's meeting on December 3rd, a year ago.  Both are thriving and flourishing which, of itself, is a miracle.  I have never been known to have "a green thumb" and most indoor plants didn't last too long under my care.  What amazes me about these two plants which I have in a very sunny spot in my home, is how they continue to grow toward the sun.  In fact, weekly, when I water them, I turn them around because they're BENT over toward the sun. Those plants are leaning towards the life-giving energy, even if they have to bend in a completely different direction.  What would have happened if the plants had never been turned?  A strong stem bent leaning in the wrong direction.  Crooked, leaning, and bent. The turning, the changing – always towards the sun gives the plants a strong base.  Growing towards the sun was the only plan that was truly life-giving.

What an amazing phenomenon.  Plants actually move all day, every day. They're very slow, but they're still moving.  Plants need sunlight to make food. They absorb sunlight through their leaves. Every day, their leaves follow the sun across the sky to get as much sunlight as possible.  The higher concentration of auxin (a plant hormone) on the shady side causes the plant cells on that side to grow more so it bends toward the light. Because light is the energy source for plant growth, plants have highly sensitive mechanisms for perceiving light.  At this point, I just have to look up to heaven and say, "Thanks, God!  You did that!"

I'm sure you already recognize where I'm going with my analogy today.  What are we bent toward in our lives? How often are we so bent on one way, our way, or no way?  No turning, no changing, and maybe even not realizing we are growing away from the SON -- our LIFE-GIVING source?  But, I like to think that every day, I'm thriving and flourishing because "my bent" is toward THE SON -- the greatest of all LIGHTS.  I need Him for my peace, my comfort, my joy.  I want to absorb His  love and light into my very being.  And the higher concentration of Him in my life, the more of Him I will want.   He is my energy source for growing to be more and more like Him --  kinder, sweeter, more peaceful, more grateful, more joyful.

John 8:12:  “I am the LIGHT of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.

I believe the key to flourishing and growing is BENDING toward HE Who is our Light.  And, the more of His concentrated power and presence we receive from our BENT toward Him, the more we will grow, flourish and bear fruit.

Psalm 92:12-14 promises it:   "The righteous will FLOURISH like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord,
they will FLOURISH in the courts of our God.  They will still BEAR FRUIT in old age, they will stay fresh and green."