Be an EVER-READY Light!

It’s Thursday morning and I’m at my volunteer post in Radiology at Children’s Hospital. It’s a good day. The “little” patients are tolerating their pain until their x-ray is over with. I say to the younger ones “Let’s go get your picture taken. Be sure to smile really big!” To the school age kids, I say “Ready to go to Star Wars’ Launch Station?” That’s what I think of when I go into the room. This humongous arm of white steel with the grand camera ready to take off! Not to mention the 3-D X-Ray technology in another area.

I go back to my station and enters the “EVER-READY bright light” of Raz (aka Erasmo) – from our Engineering Department. He’s a bright light because he’s always beaming from ear to ear with a smile that brightens everyone’s day. He has his ear plugs in, as usual, but takes one out to visit with me. I say, “So are you listening to Christmas music?” He shows me his phone – it’s playing Johnny Matthis’ “Sleigh Ride”. A mom in the waiting room hears us talking and says, “I love Christmas music, too” and one of our cast technicians comes out of her room declaring her love for Christmas music, too.

Maybe you’re thinking these folks are in denial that Christmas is over. Oh, no – that’s not the case. Raz listens to Christmas music all year round. He says it’s always a happy day when he’s listening to Christmas music. Something else Raz and I have in common is we speak the same language. We talk about the goodness of God and how grateful we are to have Him in our lives.

I remember an old song written in 1913 by Ina Ogdon. Here I go again – referencing another song. These were the words:

“Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor "you" may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.”

The point of that old song is to be a light that brightens someone’s day and even might brighten their life with love, hope and joy that saves them from giving up.

Sometimes we hear people say: “I’m not good enough.” “What difference can one person make?” The funny thing is, I’ve been in the dark when there was an electrical storm and I couldn’t find the lighter to light my candles without my Eveready flashlight. We all can be that Eveready flashlight to those around us who can’t find their way. We ARE qualified to be LIGHT-bearers. There is so much darkness in this world – that when a HIGH BEAMER, like Raz, enters the room – darkness flees.

Here’s the Gospel truth: We each have a unique mission which God has prepared for each one of us. Maybe the mission is to share God’s good news in not just our talk – but our walk (St. Francis said “Preach the Gospel and all times and sometimes use words). Or maybe it’s to help one little child get a drink of water. And perhaps, that child will grow up and be that one that will change the world by their EVER-READY light.

If you’re tempted to sell yourself short, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 5:14. “YOU are the light of the world. People do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. The purpose of any light is to shine in the darkness. Even the tiniest light can pierce through the darkest darkness.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for choosing us to serve you. Let us be instruments in your hand so that we brighten the corner where we are and impact our neighbors’ lives for your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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!”

A City on a Hill

While in Stonebriar Mall yesterday, I stopped by one of my favorite boutiques, Altar'd State. Favorite -- not because I've ever bought more than two or three items there, but because of the "feel good" experience I get when I shop there. I see this store being a "city on a hill". Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

It's mostly a trendy clothing-line store for teenage to middle age women, but this over-middle-age-woman bought an adorable jean jacket yesterday to wear over my "trendy" tops. Everywhere in the store you'll see signs that reflect a positive outlook on life, like...."Be who God meant you to be and you'll set the world on fire", "Pray big", "Perhaps this is the moment for which you were created", "Blessed Life", etc.

I came home and delved into their website and I read their Mission Statement (photo here) and their history. It's one of those entrepreneurial, hard-working and living-the-dream story. BTW, the name "Altar'D State" is a reference to both the altar of God and the altered life of a Christian, and according to the CEO Aaron Walters, "because when you live a Christian life, it is a different life." They have 70 boutiques throughout the U.S.

No sooner had I left Altar'd State, that I walked across the mall and there was a new store I hadn't seen before, 3:16.

Catchy numbers with a message that we see on athletes' faces, so I knew I had to check it out. Does it really mean John 3:16? And, to my absolute delight, actually it does, because the entire store is about spreading the Good News that John 3:16 speaks of: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life." There are signs, jewelry, home decor' and a clothing line that spreads the Good News. Bold evangelizing. Impressive.

Then I thought about Christian Brothers Automotive that I drive by everyday. I wondered if the brothers last name was Christian or if they're defining who they are as followers of Christ! I found out that Mark Carr was discontented with his line of work, so he prayed and asked God to provide him a business. The very next day, while Mark was attending a Sunday School class at his church, a friend from the class told him he was an automotive technician, and asked Mark to help him start an automotive repair shop, and they did. The two men were encouraged by their Sunday school class to call it Christian Brothers Automotive, as they were two brothers in Christ. Today they have 150 franchises in 19 states. Ethical, professional and tremendous customer service are their standards, which speaks volumes about living our Christianity out loud with honor.

Why did I share these businesses with you today? Yes, these businesses are definitely being that "light in the world -- the city on the hill that cannot be hidden" like Jesus spoke of and we pray they be continually blessed for their being so representative of "spreading the good news". But, how about you and I? Maybe we don't have a storefront or a "God Loves You" bumper sticker on our car and we don't wear a "Blessed Life" t-shirt (maybe we should), or we don't have signs all over our home that scream "I am a Christian" (maybe we should), but what about the billboard that we show everyday? That smiling face, that generous heart that gives, or the spokesperson that encourages and lifts up those around them. I'm telling you "spreading the good news" in a world that sure could use good news should be what we're all about. St. Francis put it best: "Preach the Gospel at ALL times, and sometimes, use words."

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!

For Such a Time As This

Though I'm "out there" when it comes to social media, I'm quite reserved when it comes to my political voice. I have my own opinions but I rarely voice them publicly. That could be seen as a wimpy way out of controversy, or it may mean that I choose to live "above the fray" by recalling my Mama's favorite quote "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all!" Aligning myself with particular political figures has been a private matter for me -- especially here on FB. I am a professing Christian, so my primary voting guide is the Bible. I do my best not to be driven by the media, politics, personalities, social issues or other perspectives, but I carefully weigh out the "heart of the matter". I weigh out their stances, but I don't know the true hearts of candidates, so when the time comes to vote, I trust that my tightness with God and His Word that says "My sheep know my voice", that I'll hear THAT voice and vote according to what I hear.

So, all that to say I've never "campaigned" for a candidate in a political race because I've never known anyone, that without a shadow of a doubt, was so completely dedicated and committed as a "servant of the people", and was also an individual of integrity, honesty and love for God like Nancy Rothman! Nancy is a trusted friend, confidant and truly compelled to serve God as she serves His people. That's why I've volunteered to be on her Rothman for Tulsa County Clerk campaign team. From my heart, I know it's time to elect the people WE KNOW represent us with Godly principles. Nancy has been serving in the Tulsa County Clerk's office as Chief Deputy County Clerk for the last 3-1/2 years. She knows the position inside and out. She has the experience and dedication to get the job done.

While Nancy and I were having some "campaign discussions" today, a Pastor from our community, that just happened to be there at the same time, told us that he, himself, was joining politics by taking a board position. Why? His comments were "For too long our voices have only been heard in church, and we've kept them there. Isn't it time that we take on positions where we can be the LIGHT that God calls us to?" Matthew 5:14 says "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." We are that light and we shouldn't hide our light. If we want change, shouldn't we step up and BE THE CHANGE?

We loved that our 2015 Miss Oklahoma, Georgia Frazier, was there in all her beauty and poise, and wearing her crown! Just so happens my sweet daughter-in-love is a former Miss Oklahoma and Miss America, so it was especially dear to me. Seeing that crown, I think of Nancy Rothman as a Queen Esther and Mordicai, her uncle saying to her "You have been called to this kingdom, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!" Maybe, WE ALL have been placed on this earth, at this time and this place, to impact our world FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

#VoteJune28th

#NancyRothmanforTulsaCountyClerk

#NancyforClerk

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.