See -- Hear -- Speak No Evil

It doesn't take stepping out of our homes, just reading or watching a flick on TV or our computer, listening to the news or saying what we really mean to someone to realize that there's a whole lotta darkness out there! But, see ye, hear ye and speak ye! We don't have to become part of the darkness but we can rather be a beacon of light and a source of truth and strength in our world. We can remember that light dispels darkness. "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 60:2)

I thought about those three wise monkeys. One covered his eyes who sees no evil, the other covered his ears who hears no evil and the third monkey covered his mouth so he would speak no evil – thus, they have a good mind, speech and action.

Seems like a good plan – especially in these days we are living in. But, the fact is – unless we lived in a cave 24/7, there is no way to avoid seeing and hearing about evil. If we paid attention only to the news or social media, we’d think there was only darkness in the world — only bad news. Only evil. But if we would meditate on the "best of times" in our lives as well as start our day reading the Good News, our mind would be filled with good and the bad news could not overcome it. Here's the promise we have from God: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4) We can be overcomers!

We have to be talking and looking for good news if we are going to find it. We must believe that God brings the best of times in the middle of the worst of times. It's easy to live in the darkness with anger and negativism,, pessimism and despair. We can look for the worst, and fail to believe the best. These are the words of our "BEST OF TIMES" Lord: “Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12)

Two teams are playing in this world. One is all about darkness, and the other is all about light. One is all about bad news, and the other is all about good news. We know which one will win -- let's join THAT one!

Dual Citizenship Has Its Privileges

I had an “aha” moment when I handed over my passport at the Mexico customs entry. I was handing over my Rite of Passage.

Having a passport goes way back to my teenage years but taking the time to read the first page of it goes back to last Sunday. This is what I read: "The Secretary of State of the United States of America hereby requests all whom it may concern to permit the citizen/national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection." I read those words and felt privileged.

I’ve used my passport to take me through many border crossings and I like to think that if I had ever had any kind of difficulty, anywhere in the world, I could have shown them this little blue book embossed in gold and people would have helped me because of what our country stands for in the world -- "land of the free and the home of the brave". Too many have shed precious blood for our liberties and our privileges. I’m more proud than ever to carry an American passport. Also, I love seeing the customs agent flipping my passport pages to find a blank space to stamp that country's seal to prove I was there. Every stamp represented the privilege of entering that country with the backing of my country behind me.

Because my husband was a natural born citizen of Canada, our children are dual citizens -- of the U.S. where they were born and are also Canadian citizens. As his wife, I was welcomed in. We were graciously given the same privileges of other Canadian citizens.

But the grandest news is to have dual citizenship of this world and the citizenship of the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 2:19-20 says, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone." Being a child of God comes with the privileges of being loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I love, honor and respect my dual citizenship: in the U.S. AND in the Kingdom of God. As citizens and representatives of both, there are responsibilities to love, honor, protect and respect our privileges, to represent both kingdoms well. If I didn’t live in the U.S. and hadn’t become a part of the Kingdom of God, I suspect I’d be clamoring to get in. In the Kingdom of God, the borders are wide open -- no walls, fences, and no “Do Not Enter” signs. WHOEVER you are, you can get in, too! Just look at the WHOEVERS-MAY-COME into this privileged Kingdom:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOEVER believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

“I am come a light into the world, that WHOEVER believes on me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)

“And it shall come to pass, that WHOEVER shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)

Because of the cross, Christians know where we’re headed, and because of the cross, we are guaranteed citizenship. It is the country we belong in, the home and land we’ve been looking for all our lives. The color of our passport is blood red and our eternal visa has already been irrevocably stamped. We can’t always know what our house will look like or what country we will call home for any given season, but all believers can have full confidence and deep comfort that, because of Christ, God has prepared a place for us. Indeed, we are privileged dual citizens!

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

Is it just me, or am I seeing more homes lit up with twinkling Christmas lights this year? Hopefully, it means the Christmas spirit is catching hold of people's hearts and they're desiring their "lights" to shine brightly! I know most people are adding to the festivity of Christmas and don't consider the lights they're displaying to symbolize Christ, 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. My lights don’t qualify for extravagance but they do merit checking the box “Donna lets her little lights shine”!

Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we're like my community where we have just mini-displays, there is good news for us: our homes are still expressing the Christmas spirit. Lights are an important symbol of the meaning of Christmas. Jesus entered this world as the Light of the World to dispel darkness and God got in on the original light show. Just think about the dazzling array of angels who appeared to the shepherds and then the "extravagant" light show of the star over Bethlehem that drew the Wise Men to it. All those fun birth announcements we see today on social media don't hold a candle to THAT birth announcement and LIGHT show!

I like to think that the LIGHT that lives in us is dispelling the darkness in our sphere of influence. 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." Matt 5:14. How's that for a standard to live up to? It sure puts the onus on us to check out our wattage and 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: His Light and our Light. I'm thinking that the song "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine" should be made a Christmas carol, for most certainly, His LIGHT shining through us could be the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas LIGHT display that could make a difference in the lives of those around us here and around our world. So, shine little lights, shine!

We are the Light of the World

It is so refreshing to be in the presence of positive, optimistic and encouraging women. Many of my dear “sisters” from our 2017 Fall ACTS Retreat met on Friday for our one-year reunion. Just being around those precious women not only on Friday but throughout the year, energizes me. Their spirit of encouragement is contagious. I can't be down in their presence because they are such bright lights. Their “glow” rubs off on everyone they touch. They have their own stories of tough times, but they have found the “Light of Christ” that has turned their darkness to light. And, when there is someone who is facing a challenge of some sort, they are quick to offer their love, care, support, and prayer.

Why is that? What do these women have that others don’t? It has a lot to do with how rich they are in their faith, love, and commitment to God, embracing His character and striving to follow His lead -- in word and deed. We exposed “our light” Friday night, not only with our light sticks, but we went to one of our ACTS sister’s home to bring light and love to her daughter who is battling leukemia. This mama and her daughter are lights in their own right as they daily share about their relentless faith on social media in the midst of challenging times. We pray for a miracle for this precious young woman, while in practical and tangible ways, these wonderful ACTS women have served this family. On Friday night, we reminded them of God’s light in the midst of the darkness. We sang our “retreat” song, Kari Jobe’s “We Are the Light of the World” to Morgan and we saw her sweet face “light up” with God’s light.

We have ALL been called to be "Light" bearers. If our 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 AND house. How does that happen? When we go the way of those who are bitter, angry, cynical, fearful, and anxious, then darkness enters our lives. We have a choice -- to stay there or turn on the light because when light stands next to darkness, LIGHT will always win.

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 the 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 get connected to the “Light Source”, the Lord Jesus Christ AND get connected to other “light” bearers so that you become THAT "bright light" to those around you. They need YOUR light to shine brightly! Before long, you’ll hear others say to you “You light up my life!”

You Lead. I'll Follow!

Check out that hairdo of the late 60s. It was called the bee-hive -- the higher the hair, the closer to God we felt! LOL! Curls-on-steroids! What was I thinking? Those were our Master's IV Quartet days when we traveled all over the U.S. and Canada to churches and events to sing our 4-part-harmony of Gospel songs. Except for the hairdo -- precious memories!

My husband was the leader and piano player in our group. He also carried the "lead" (the vocal part that generally carries the melody of the song), but often he'd say, "Karen, (his sister) take the lead on this one. Jim, our guitarist, and I would follow their lead as he'd sing the bass and I'd sing alto or tenor.

Funny how I was reminded of those times when I heard someone say "Lord, you take the lead. I'll follow." In music terms "You carry the tune and the melody of my soul and my life." Back in my early walk with Christ, I'd sing "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back." Or, "Where He leads me, I will follow." Today, I sing Jamie Grace's song "You Lead. I'll follow."

There were times when we tried to lead God to our way of thinking by making decisions without consulting Him and listening and watching for His "Lead". We wanted Him to follow our lead, our ideas, and desires. And when we took the lead, we made some huge mistakes. We messed things up and even lost our way until we let go and followed Him again.

From the moment we wake up to when we go to sleep at night, we have decisions to make and a road to follow. If we have chosen to follow God, then He gives us clear directions for our lives. We don’t have to guess or wonder what course to take. Psalm 119:105 says "His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path", especially if we have a love relationship with Him. Following God is the best decision we can make, as He shows us how to live joy-filled and contented lives. Unnecessary failures can be avoided when our attitude is, “You lead. I'll follow.” That's when an exciting journey of faith is lived out as we're willing to listen and obey His directions.

In John 8:12, 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.’” Difficult and dark places in this world can be avoided when He lights our way. Those who listened to Jesus’ voice when He was walking on this earth and those of us who listen to Him now, get to choose between following the “Light” of the Lord or walking in the “darkness” of this world. We have a decision to make -- following the darkness or following His Light that offers us a love relationship with Him that promises joy, peace, hope and an abundant life. That's the life I want!

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.

The Best of Times; the Worst of Times

It was the best of times……being with my family here in Austin over the last several weeks and having my oldest grandson, Braden and sweet wife, Ruth, here over the last several days made it even more special. There was laughter, reminiscing, big brother and little brothers rough-housing, sweet moments when our Bryson asked Ruth to help with his anatomy science work, and she did, building mousetrap cars, great dinners out and in, attending church together, along with serious conversations about the future. Though they plan on waiting for at least two years to start their family, Braden and Ruth talked a lot about the baby they will have one day, and Bryson, rather Uncle Bryson (our 10 year old), announcing that he will be the favorite uncle. LOL! Not one time in all the sweet times together did we talk about the worst of times, in our country, around the world or in any other situation.

I had to look up those words “the best of times and the worst of times” and found that Charles Dicken’s classic work, “A Tale of Two Cities” begins with those words….”It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness...." The French revolution had brought the worst of times and the best of times to both France and England. Dicken’s words were truly descriptive of the mood of the world. In many ways we know what it is to experience the best times in our lives and our world, and at the same time, and in other ways, the worst of times.

Here’s the best news EVER! God’s "Good News" is greater than the world’s bad news. John the Apostle described Christ’s coming as light coming into the darkness, and he said that the darkness could not extinguish it. It could not conquer it, or overpower it. Darkness is simply the absence of light. All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish a single candle. God’s light has come into the world to overcome the darkness, and the darkness is helpless against it. Light is greater than darkness and God’s "Good News" is always greater than the world’s bad news. No comparison!

If we only paid attention to the news or social media, we’d think there was only darkness in the world — only bad news. But if we would meditate on the "best of times" in our lives as well as start our day reading the Good News, our mind would be filled with good and the 6 pm evening bad news could not overcome it. We say with Paul, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57. Here's the promise we have from God: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” 1 John 5:4)

We have to be talking about good news and looking for good news if we are going to find good news. We have to believe that God brings the best of times in the middle of the worst of times. We have to receive the good news into our heart and make it a part of our life.

It's easy to live in the darkness. We can live as though there is no good news — only bad. Like Darth Vader, we go over to the dark side. We can live with anger and negativism. We can give in to pessimism and despair. We can look for the worst, and fail to believe the best. The power of darkness can seem so strong at times. It appears to be all around us. Everyone seems to be giving into it, and we feel overwhelmed and alone. But these are the words of our "BEST OF TIMES" Lord: John 8:12 “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

Two teams are playing in this world. One is all about darkness, and the other is all about light. One is all about bad news, and the other is all about good news. We know which one will win, and that's the team I'm on. That is good news.....AND....the best of times!

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!

Christmas Lights and the Light of the World

Day 336 of Photo Inspirations -- Christmas Lights and the Light of the World
Among Tulsa's great tourist attractions, one of my favorites at this time of the year, is Rhema Church's spectacular "Christmas Lights Extravaganza" -- thus my first photo inspiration. For over 30 years Rhema has provided the city with THE LIGHTS TO SEE. This year, the campus will be lit up with over two million lights.  It draws more the 200,000 visitors each year. There's a "Christmas Tree Forest" and park to walk through with beautiful music playing in the background.  It's really a sight to behold. It's a tradition for our family to take our annual drive through.

My next photo inspirations are mini-displays in my Hyde Park community.  Really not much to bring in the crowds for, but we are still expressing our Christmas spirit. I like to think that these lights express the true LIGHT of Christmas that dispels darkness.

Over the years, we'd find neighborhoods that went all out for Christmas. Occasionally, we'd see a truly spectacular display covering the house and yard and trees and and we'd ooh and ahh at the workmanship of that homeowner. Whether we are the extravagant, over-the-top Christmas light displayer, or we're like my community where we have just mini-displays, 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" 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?

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 a difference in the lives of those around us here and around our world.

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."

Walk in Love & Light

Day 254 of Photo Inspirations -- WALK IN LOVE & LIGHT
Ephesians 5:1-2, 8 "Be imitators of God, as beloved children; and WALK in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us. For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: WALK as children of light."

That's what I thought about when we had a family walk this weekend.  Yes, we needed the exercise, but I noticed the conversation and celebration of walking in love and light.  I saw Larry's patience and love as he directed Lexi across a creek carrying her little Yorkie.  She was concerned about the rushing water and didn't want to fall or bring harm to Emma.  But her Daddy knew what was best and with careful guidance and direction, she made it just fine.

Then I watched Staci and her "bestie", Karen Quick Imhoff​, kicking up their heels in all out freedom and abandonment of worries or concerns.  Living our lives -- with trust and confidence that God walks with us, talks with us and guides and directs us, gives us that child-like freedom to run and jump and celebrate because Dad has got everything under control.

Each of those examples explain the above scripture -- walking in love means tolerance, patience, tenderness, and "giving up" our way for some one else's way.  And walking as children of light.  What does that mean?  In the New Testament, “walking in the light” is directly related to following Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Those who follow Jesus are “walking in the light.”

To “walk” is, in short, to live life. Our lifestyle or way of life can be considered a “walk.” And it also indicates progress.  Walking is related to growth; it is taking steps toward maturity.  While on this little walk, Lexi wanted to turn around and go back the way we came because it meant more adventure, but her Dad saw that it was starting to get darker outside and He knew what was best -- it was to go forward the safer way.  And, I loved it, when he held back from his usual faster pace, to walk side by side with his girl.

Isn't that the way it is when we partner with God in our walk with Him.  He wants us progressing, growing, and recognizing what is LIGHT and what is darkness.  Walking with Him is the opposite of evil.   Putting it all together, “walking in the light” means “growing in holiness and maturing in the faith as we follow (walk with) Jesus.”

Psalm 128:1 "Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who WALK in His ways."

"I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"

A couple of weeks ago, I heard from a friend who wanted to meet with me because she was very troubled, so we met at a restaurant, and spent about two hours talking about "issues" in her life -- those issues had been going on for many years, and she was consumed with it all and unable to find peace.  She had talked to friends who gave her conflicting advice which brought her even more confusion.  At that meeting I explained my response by using the salt and pepper shakers and a ketchup bottle.  I know God used our meeting that day, and His inspiration, to give me what I should share with those at the Advent by Candlelight events.  I explained it this way by using a small lit votive candle and another one that was unlit.

The unlit one represented the darkness in her life -- the confusion, rejection, disappointment, pain.  And the lit one was her.  I circled the unlit one with the lit one and said "Your world is revolving around the troubles -- and your thoughts are keeping you in the darkness.    And the more you keep your focus there, the more you'll be drawn to the darkness (the unlit candle)."

Then I replaced the unlit candle with the large lit candle.  That large candle represents Jesus.  When we focus on the ONE who said, "I am the LIGHT of the world, whoever follows ME, will NEVER walk in darkess" (John 8:12), then the darkness will diminish.  As we're drawn to spend time with the LIGHT, stay in fellowship with HIM, spending time in His Word, thinking about HIM -- He Who knows everything about everything, the answers we need will come from Him.  The divine set-ups and divine appointments and the "suddenlies" will start providing what we need.  We'll no longer be living in the darkness.

And I share those words with you, today, dear FB friends.  Maybe you are frustrated at the kids -- making yet another mess in the house you just cleaned, maybe you are in need of finances for the "extra" you'll need for this Christmas season, maybe you've received a negative health diagnosis, have relationship issues, have BIG decisions to make, and, now, the Christmas season has added to your stresses.  I encourage you, today, to cozy up to Him, THE LIGHT that shines so brightly and desires to dispel the darkness that is around you.  I promise you, He is the most reliable Counselor, the most indescribable  Prince of Peace and the ultimate source for restoring LIGHT to your world.