Need Motivation? Attend a Good Funeral.

That may sound like an oxymoron, a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other, like “motivation and good” combined with "funeral". Four motivational, good funerals were those I attended in the last four months because each one was a celebration of life of those who positively impacted the lives of their friends and loved ones.

Monday’s funeral, this week, was no exception. This one packed a punch -- of memories of old songs that stirred up the sweetest memories of congregations and choirs belting out praises to God. I grew up on those familiar songs -- singing, verse after verse, without a need for the song sheets. There were memories of family get-togethers, childhood orneriness, beautiful reflections of divine set-ups that brought love and marriage of immigrants to this country and laughter at the recollections. But most of all, I left with desiring to live on purpose in this life because it really is short – in the light of eternity that really is forever, and forever is a long time!

This was the celebration of life of Aunt Iris Litke (my husband’s dad’s sister). I heard it said many times and I see it clearly now. She favored Queen Elizabeth, in looks, style and elegance. She was an influencer. A cousin shared that Aunt Iris gave her love, attention and compliments that carried over to her becoming that kind of person to others today. Another cousin, a self-proclaimed introvert, was greatly impacted when Aunt Iris spoke into her: “You are and will be a great helper to others.” Those words impacted her and that’s exactly her strength today as helping others is her greatest desire and goal. Another cousin recalled her providing the best meals and was responsible for introducing him to tacos for the first time. Another cousin touted "She introduced me to a new restaurant, McDonald's!"

Pastor Wesley Wuerch, another cousin, officiated the service, and gave a beautiful overview of the genealogy of this family that hailed from Austria, Germany and Russia and immigrated to the safety nets of the U.S and Canada during the heat of World War II. A beautiful story of finding true love in countries they came to love, build homes, farm, and raise families there.

Wesley’s most impactful words to me were those from Proverbs 31 where the question is asked “Who can find a virtuous woman?” He said, “You'll find the answer to the question in verse 30: “The one who fears the Lord.” That was Aunt Iris. Different ones said: “She had an infectious smile that invited you into her presence. She accepted everyone. She smiled so much they just wanted to be around her. It certainly gave me the desire to bear an infectious smile, too! Wesley went on to talk about her infectious voice and song. As a matter of fact, this family is still exceptionally talented as I heard 4-part harmony as they raised the rafters in that little chapel singing out songs about heaven. Beautiful, heavenly music. Bottom line -- Aunt Iris loved big because Jesus was the center of her life.

If you haven’t been to a funeral lately and you could use a boost of motivation that makes you want to be a role model and imitator of Christ to others, too, I recommend you take one in and celebrate the gift of life. When you get there, you’ll hear the best things about that person. It will make a lasting impression on you. Just hearing such words of admiration, can sure make us want to stand taller, smile more and live with gusto each day. Concern for how we look doesn't matter in the least -- well unless you look like a queen or king, but I’m thinking I want to represent well the life that God has given me. Only one. Maybe it’s time we all begin today with eternity in mind and the potential words that will be said of us at our memorial service. Maybe it would create the desire in us to step it up a notch.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

This Little Light of Mine has an Eternal Backup Source

Yesterday, I was responding to someone asking for prayer for help in spreading God’s love through her business! I prayed this prayer: "Heavenly Father: We stand in agreement with _____ and her desire to be Your hands extended in her business. May her bright light shine so much that others are drawn to You, through the Fruit of the Spirit that is so evident in her life. May love lead her actions, her thoughts and her business relationships. We pray this is the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!"

Maybe you have that prayer, too. I asked God for her bright light to shine. I ask God for yours and my bright lights to shine today. At one time or another, we've all sung that little song, “This little light of mine; I’m gonna let it shine.” We know it, but do we actually let our little lights shine, especially when we've run out of a good battery charge?

Listen to the wise advice of the Apostle Paul who tells us how to keep our lights shining: “Do all things WITHOUT complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15). Just imagine the difference we could make in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and businesses if we didn't complain about this, that and the other, and instead, presented our "LIGHT" with cheer and joy? Our lights could alter the atmosphere wherever we go. Our lights could literally dispel darkness and knowing scriptures like this one keeps our "light" battery charged up.

But what about those "light" drainers? It may be a negative comment or someone's bad mood or a surprising situation like a flat tire or a washing machine breaking down or a bad medical report or any other bad news coming our way. The "stuff of life" can drain our "battery" with doubt, worry, and negativity. What may have started out as an occasional little loss of energy that weakens our light, can soon become a bolt of lightning that trips a breaker that completely shuts down our light, our energy and enthusiasm altogether. That's why keeping "charged up" with God's Word will keep our lights burning brightly that will cause the darkness around us to flee -- not so much by what we say....but what we do in spite of our own circumstances. Others are watching how we demonstrate God's love, peace, and joy -- right in the middle of some of our darkest times.

We can make a conscious effort to be sure our little lights are backed up with God's Word as our eternal backup source and we'll be bright and shining lights all the time -- right in the midst of negativity and all the "stuff" being sent our way. St. Paul reminds us, "you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8).

That's what the darkness needs -- in spite of our circumstances and the darkness around us -- it needs LIGHTS that conquer every opposing force. People will be thinking "How can they be so peaceful, full of joy and hope -- when I know they're going through the stuff of life, just like me?" Before long, they'll get it. They'll know it. And they'll want it, too! "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

This Little Light of Mine

At one time or another, we've all sung that little song, “This little light of mine; I’m gonna let it shine.” We know it, but do we actually let our little lights shine, especially when there's always SOMETHING that wants to douse our lights out?

Listen to the key that the Apostle Paul gives us to keep our light shining: “Do all things WITHOUT complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15). Just imagine the difference we could make in our homes, schools, neighborhoods and businesses if we didn't complain about this, that and the other, and instead, presented our "LIGHT" with cheer and joy? Our lights could alter the atmosphere wherever we go. Our lights could literally dispel darkness.

But what about those "light" extinguisers? It may be a negative comment or someone's bad mood or a surprising situation like a flat tire or a washing machine breaking down or a bad medical report or any other bad news coming our way. The "stuff of life" wields its water gun filled with doubt, worry, and negativity at us. What may have started out as an occasional little water gun squirt hitting our flame, soon becomes a super soaker blast of water endeavoring to douse the fire of energy and enthusiasm that we had. In those times, our little light can become just a flicker. We live in a world where so many people are in darkness and those people want to douse our lights with a "super soaker". But, you and I might just be the LIGHTS that cause their darkness to flee -- not so much by what we say....but what we do in spite of our own circumstances. They're watching how we demonstrate God's love, peace and joy -- right in the middle of some of our darkest times.

We can make a conscious effort to be sure our little lights are blazing all the time -- right in the midst of negativity and all the "stuff" being sent our way. St. Paul reminds us, "you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8).

That's what the darkness needs -- in spite of our circumstances and the darkness around us -- it needs LIGHTS that conquer every opposing force. People will be thinking "How can they be so peaceful, full of joy and hope -- when I know they're going through the stuff of life, just like me?" Before long, they'll get it. They'll know it. And they'll want it, too! "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

These Little Lights of Mine

Day 265 of Photo Inspirations -- These Little Lights of Mine
Yes, I'm relentless in my expressions of the joy and delight that my grandchildren bring me.  And, yesterday, was no exception.  Of course these would be my photo inspirations for today.  It started on Thursday with my two youngest grandchildren, Brennan, age 11 and Bryson, age 8.  Shawntel and I attended their school's Spirit Assembly for the Jog-A-Thon (their annual fundraiser) that took place yesterday.  At the Spirit Assembly, each grade had a Spirit Chant/Cheer & team name that included references to "letting their lights shine".  Obviously they go to Christian school where praying, reading God's Word and memorizing scriptures are not only acceptable, but are urged and required!  What an amazing foundation for their lives!

Bryson's 3rd Grade Classes ran at 10 am.  I loved it that he wanted me to run with him -- he's stil my lovey boy that wants to hold my hand AND run with him too!  And, you see that adorable girl with him.  She's been his best friend since they were just 3 years old.  Between us two girls, Bryson was a happy runner!  On the other hand, big brother, Brennan, 5th grader....is quite pleased to run with his buddies, or by himself.  LOL!

The Jog-A-Thon's theme was "Let your light SHINE before others so they may SEE your good works and give glory to your FATHER who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16.  This was probably one of the first verses we learned in Sunday school. And one of the first songs we sang was "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." Jesus said that we (His disciples) are the light of the world. That little song says "Hide it under a bushel -- NO!  I'm gonna' let it shine."  And, yes, our lights should be shining so brightly to this very dark world that needs so much light.  Our actions and our words speak volumes as to how bright our light really is.  

What does Jesus mean by light?  He calls Himself "the light of the world." John calls Him "the life that is the light of men," John 1:4. The light in us is His light.  We have that light shining through our lives if our actions reflect His nature -- His love, compassion, peace, and forgiveness. His light shines through our attitudes, words, and deeds. When people see that light shining through us.....they'll long for that LIGHT in their lives, too!

This little light of mine -- I'm gonna let it shine!

Super Soaker Can't Douse My Little Light

"This little light of mine...I'm gonna' let it shine!" Remember that little Sunday School song? I sure do. We live in a world where many people are in darkness. And you and I might just be the LIGHTS that cause the darkness to flee -- not so much by what we say....but what we do in spite of our own circumstances. They're watching how we demonstrate God's love, peace and joy -- right in the middle of some of our darkest times.

Quite often something happens in our day to try to douse our "Little Light". It may be a negative comment or someone's bad mood or a surprising situation like a flat tire or a washing machine breaking down or a bad medical report or any other bad news coming our way. The "stuff of life" wields its water gun filled with doubt, worry, and negativity at us. What may have started out as an occasional little water gun squirt hitting our flame, soon becomes a super soaker blast of water trying to douse the fire of energy and enthusiasm that we had. In those times, it's easy for our little light to become a little flicker.

The good news is, we have a choice to wring ourselves out from the onslaught of negativity and all the "stuff" being sent our way. It takes a conscious effort to keep our "Little Lights" blazing! St. Paul reminds us, "you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8). That's what the darkness needs -- it needs lights to penetrate it -- in spite of our circumstances and the darkness around us -- it needs LIGHTS -- that conquer every opposing force to continue shining God's LIGHT. People will be thinking "How can they be so peaceful, full of joy and hope -- when I know they're going through the stuff of life, just like me?" Before long, they'll get it. They'll know it. And they'll want it, too! "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.