Lights Shine Bright Everywhere We Go

Thanks, Toby Mac, for your great song: “Everywhere we go. Lights shine bright. Lights shine bright, everywhere we go.” It must be God's message to us because this is my second day in a row to emphasize how important it is to let our lights shine.

I remember that timeless Sunday School song that went: "This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine! Hide it under a bushel – NO! I’m gonna let it shine! All over the neighborhood – I’m gonna let it shine! Won’t let Satan blow it out – I’m gonna let it shine." It doesn’t take a news anchor to know that so many people in our world are living in darkness. That’s why letting our lights shine is so important. 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.

The enemy uses daily circumstances and situations to try to douse our "light”. It may be a negative comment made to us or about us. It may be about all that TV and social media rancor. Or it is someone's bad mood or a surprising situation like a flat tire or a computer crashing (like mine on Friday) or a negative medical report or any other bad news coming our way. The "stuff of life" wields its water hose that is filled with doubt, worry, and negativity at us. What may have started out as a fun water shower from a friendly water hose that hits our flame, but it soon becomes a super water blast that douses out our fire of energy, joy and enthusiasm. With all the negativity that surrounds us, it's easy for our light to become nothing more than a little flicker.

The good news is, we have a choice to wring ourselves out from the onslaught of negativity that is coming 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. We must keep in mind -- the more we hang out with THE LIGHT, the brighter our lights will shine.

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.

When You’re a Hugger AND Encourager

That’s me. I come from a family of huggers. So, throw me into a world of social distancing and stay-at-home orders and I’m really uncomfortable. Actually, my heart aches for our world that needs a good dose of love, compassion, understanding and HUGS. Let’s get the truth out there. God, the greatest of all lovers everywhere, didn’t cause this world to be locked up. Not our God Who “reached out and touched” the untouchable and loved the unlovable. It was our Lord’s mode of operation that He modeled for us from the feet of His disciples as He washed them as the greatest Servant of all. Our Lord was the One that crowds thronged around Him. He was the One Who called the little children to Him. He was the One who fed the thousands in a crowded situation. So, who is responsible?

It is the enemy of our souls – the greatest hater of all – the one who locks us up to keep us from loving, the one who would rather kill, steal and destroy our peace, our joy, our hope and our love. He is the one who tried to take our Lord out, once and for all, by crucifying him. He failed. It is he that has us locked up and away from others. But, he will not win. He is a loser in every way because we have read the end of The Book, the Bible, AND, we win!

A friend of mine posted on Facebook: “I hate Facebook”. I commented: “Oh please don’t hate it. It’s my mission field. We just have to let our little lights shine brighter so the darkness gets lit up with God’s love. I’ve learned to avoid the negative in every way. You have too many blessings to not share them. Love you so much sweet girl.” The truth is if we’re not the light and the encouragers, who will be? Sure I might need to stave off my hugging for the time being, but I can still encourage in word through social media, email, and when I am at church (yes, my church is following the 50% rule – sitting in every other pew and 6 feet apart). I can wave and blow kisses through my facemask. Encouragers just have to encourage.

Country Living magazine came out with more scriptures. I posted their encouragement in uncertain times' scriptures a few weeks ago). Now they posted scriptures about encouraging others to brighten their day. I love this so much and I’m passing on excerpts from their article and scripture verses for you to use to encourage yourself and others.

“Encouragement is something we all need to keep us motivated, loved, and feeling confident in ourselves and what we do. It’s something that is important for our mental and overall health and it truly can give us just the same amount of joy to give it to others as it is to receive it. Because God created us and knows this about our personalities, he has provided countless verses in the Bible to not only encourage us but also to teach us the importance of lifting up those around us. Imagine how your community could change for the better with a little more encouragement between neighbors instead of community message boards filled with complaints. Or how strong your team at work could become if each person talked up their teammates' work instead of their own accomplishments in order to get ahead. What a world that could be!”

** Hebrews 10:24-25 -- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..”
** Psalm 31:24 -- "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
** Psalm 121:1-2 -- "I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** John 16:33 -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
** 1 Corinthians 16:13 -- "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
** Romans 8:31 -- "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
** 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
** Romans 15:5 -- "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** 1 Timothy 4:12 -- "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
** Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
** Joshua 1:9 -- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
** 2 Timothy 1:7 -- "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
** John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
** Philippians 1:6 -- "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
** John 15:13 -- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
** 1 Corinthians 10:13 -- "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
** Galatians 6:2 -- "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Thank you, Country Living magazine, for giving us exactly what we need to be encouraged and be encouragers!

Let Those Leaves Fall – Once and for All

Yesterday, for the first time this year, I had to sweep yellow, brown, and orange leaves from my front porch. Company was coming. I wanted a clean, welcoming porch. I realize that in a matter of days, my porch will be overladen with leaves. It seems I must be in a wind tunnel because my neighbors’ leaves somehow make their way to my front porch and bushes.

As their bright green color fades, it seems the leaves fall almost as quickly as they change. Part of me longs for the leaves to hold on a little longer. "Come on. You’ve got this. Think green!” But graciously the tree only listens to its Maker rather than my senseless longings. In order to flourish in the new season, the tree must let go of its decayed leaves. They’ve done their job well for their season, but their time has drawn to a close.

I am reminded that the leaves display an important lesson for all of us to follow. Just as the trees don’t stubbornly hold on to their dead leaves, so we shouldn’t hold on to the unnecessary weights of negativity that has clung on way too long in our lives. I am so ready to move on to a new season when the old one has been filled with stinking thinking, poor self-image, mistakes made, regrets and disappointments. It’s time to move on to a new season and let go of the past. So, I’m getting my game plan ready for “shaking my tree” to get all those “hanging on” negative leaves to let go and fall – especially the ones that try to impede my peace and joy.

Oh, how God longs to empower and strengthen us for the new season ahead! So much awaits us when we let the past go. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18,19

It’s time for us to release the grasp of the “dead and unfruitful” leaves that prevent a freshness to the season ahead. Could it be that the decayed leaves have piled up and our heart needs to discard them for good – once and for all? God longs to help us let go. All we have to do is go to Him in prayer and ask Him to shine His light on any thoughts, circumstances, habits or other “decayed leaves” we might be clinging to.

As you and I watch the leaves fall this season, my prayer is that you are reminded to let go of anything that would hinder a fresh relationship with God. I’m praying that prayer for me, too! I’m “letting go” and letting God have His way in me in this blessed new season.

We Need Mind Control

Oh, but if we had the power to put our minds on "lockdown" when they are being bombarded with negative overload. I've found the more I think about something, the stronger it takes hold of me, which is why the Bible teaches "Run from anything that gives you evil thoughts, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right”. (2 Timothy 2:22)

How do we halt those negative thoughts from entry? I think it can be compared to the TSA inspectors that check us and our baggage before getting through to our flight gate. They make sure no weapons or items come through that could be potentially dangerous to travelers. We need thought inspectors at the gates of our mind that declares "NO ENTRY!"

We have the ability to HALT those negative thoughts, but we have to do it on purpose, as soon as they try entry. Here's the "how-to" stop them and one of my favorite scriptures: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- THINK about such things." (Philippians 4:8) That, is the TSA for our minds. We purposely and intentionally THINK good thoughts and when the alien, negative thoughts come....they get quickly replaced by focusing our attention on what and WHO (God) is and the good, true, excellent, and praiseworthy thoughts.

It's a matter of discipline and taking authority over negative thoughts. With God's Word, we can have mind control and furthermore, we can put our enemy in captivity when he tries to mess with us! Here's God's Word that confirms it: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3.

When I was looking for an image to go with this blog, I searched "guard your mind" and, lo and behold, this second picture showed up in the images. I know that girl. That's my girl and her "Brand New Life" album which includes her "Guard Your Mind" song that she wrote and sang. Some of the words are: "Let your thoughts bring hope to help you do your best; champions know their thoughts determine their success.....guard your mind." https://open.spotify.com/album/2K5B8q6A5BrkjCBkR5uMvh?replay=1

Listen and you'll be inspired to "Guard Your Mind" because we know the most effective way to have mind control is keeping our minds on what God says about us in His Word. Proverbs 4:23 says “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” Let's be mind controllers!

They Say, We Say, I Say, You Say

We can say so many defeating and negative things about ourselves – when we need to be saying what God says about us instead. Others may cast shadows of doubt in us by what they say to us and then there’s the times when WE (you know, misery loves company) speak negative and self-deprecating things about ourselves. I love Lauren Daigle’s song “You Say”. It is an anthem to what God says about us and His is the only voice we should be listening to, unless others agree with us about what God says about us. We must silence other voices that tell us otherwise.

Lauren Daigle, two-times grammy award winning artist and songwriter, said the following about her song “You Say”. She was being challenged with the issue of her identity and was trying to figure out how to exist when she felt like so many things were pulling her in so many different directions. She said, “I think a lot of times we build these complexes based on insecurity, based on fear, based on rejection, and lies that we have to constantly overcome. And so, this song for me was just a reminder of identity. It was a reminder that I know when I’m weak, He’s strong—so how do I change that and bring that into my everyday life? When I feel inadequate, how is it that there’s always these moments where I feel like God just steps in and supersedes my inadequacies. This entire song was so every single day I would get up on stage and remind myself—no, this is the truth, this is the truth, this is the truth. Don’t get buried in confusion. Don’t get buried in waywardness. Just remember to steady the course, steady the course." Here is the chorus:

You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And you say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, Oh I believe, What You say of me. I believe.

Lauren’s worth, according to her song's lyrics, is found in God and whatever He says about her strength and ability. I agree with Lauren. It is so easy for me to fall into the trap of allowing what others think of me to determine my identity. There is really only ONE who has the authority to tell me who I am...and that is my Creator. This song, “You Say” encouraged me so much the first time I heard it. And, it inspired me to do a little treasure hunt for scriptures that we can all use to discover who we really are in Him. Let's discover what God's Word has to say about it and stand in faith and belief on what it says.

I am a child of God. (John 1:12)
I am a friend of Jesus. (John 15:15)
I have been justified and redeemed. (Romans 3:24)
I have been set free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
As a child of God, I am a fellow heir with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
I have been accepted by Christ. (Romans 15:7)
I am a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am no longer a slave, but a child and an heir. (Galatians 4:7)
I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. (Ephesians 1:4)
I am seated in heavenly places with Christ. (Ephesians 2:6)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
The peace of God guards my heart and mind. (Philippians 4:7)
I have been made complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
God loves me and has chosen me. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

All of those “I am” scriptures prove who we are if we have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and committed to serve Him in word and actions. I've seen way too much evidence that He sees me right where I am today, and I know His love for me is vast. I've experienced way too many of God's blessings, and I know they didn't come to me by coincidence. I've been loved so much that it's the story of my life. And, I want it to be the story of your life as well. I want it to change everything -- including how you look at God, and yourself, and other people. I want you to live in confidence that when God looks at you, He sees beauty. He sees value. He sees hope. He sees a precious treasure beyond compare. And when you're hiding, or when you feel so beaten down, and you can't see anything clearly, He's still hard at work, crafting for you a beautiful future. He sees you. He loves you. We are SO loved by ALMIGHTY God -- doesn't that AMAZE you? It sure amazes me. Listen to this song and let it resonate within your spirit that YOU ARE HIS!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI

What’s Your Default Setting?

I'm sure we've all had to deal with "default settings" on some of our electronics. For example, if our cell phone is having issues, and all else fails, we’re told to reset it back to the default or factory settings. On our computers, our fonts or our margins are programmed to the default setting, until we change them. The same is true with our web browser – we may have Google or Yahoo as our default browser until we change it.

The question is “What is OUR default setting?” Most of us live on our “programmed” default setting, which oftentimes, isn't so appealing. For example, we may be programmed to be negative, a criticizer, a complainer, a blamer, a loose cannon (hot tempered), fear-ridden, and so many other default settings that need to be reprogrammed. What I’ve come to realize is that our default settings can be reset. I know that because my default settings included many of those attitudes I just described, but once I recognized those were not the settings that God chose for me, and that I could be reprogrammed, I purposed to make changes.

Here’s how to determine what our default setting may be. For example: If a pressured situation occurs, what would be your default setting? Would you get uptight? Panic? Do you get angry? Nervous? Hyper? Do you yell? Act forceful? Or, do you remain calm? Are you in personal control? Do you rationally assess the situation? Do you stop and take everything into consideration before reacting?

Yesterday, I heard a great message on gratitude and how, if it is our default setting in every situation, then all else can be over-ridden. Gratitude helps us to reset our mind to think positive and not negative. Gratitude helps us reset our heart to be fixed on what matters most so we won’t be fixed on those things that matter least. Gratitude helps to reset our mouth to speak life and not death, and gratitude helps us to reset our eyes to see the best rather than the worst.

Good news: As operators of our own system, we can override our natural default setting. And, we can help others do the same as we set the example for living in the love setting, the joy setting, the peace setting, the patience setting, the kindness setting, the goodness setting, the faithfulness setting, the gentleness setting and the self-control setting. Hmm! Those settings sound very much like the Fruit of the Spirit, and those are settings that we can purposely RESET to the Factory/Manufacturer’s (God, the Creator’s) settings. Consciously, developing the habit to RESET when we catch ourselves outside of the Gratitude and Fruit of the Spirit settings….will eventually cause our DEFAULT Settings to be God’s settings consistently. That's what I call growing fruitful from the inside out! Ready to hit that RESET Button?

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new."

Staying Positive in a Negative World

After grocery shopping, I was stopped by a televsion reporter to ask me what I thought about the added traffic in our area -- just immediately North of our subdivision. Initially, I was reluctant to comment, but I could see I needed to speak a positive word in what could be a negative news report. She signaled her camera man and the interview began. (I sure wish I had freshened my lipstick before the camera started -- LOL!)

My subdivision is in West Tulsa, where it's been a relatively quiet area of town, but then, just North of us, two new shopping areas have been built. Now there's a vast array of restaurants, retail stores, large anchor stores, many services, financial and medical facilities, plus a 12-screen theater, so, this little "sleepy hollow" is now hopping.....and so is the traffic. It continues to increase with the popularity of all the many retail establishments that are available here.

This reporter was looking for negativity by the questions she asked, but she chose the wrong gal -- I'm from Dallas and this small amount of traffic pales in comparison. I told her that indeed the traffic had increased, but no problem to us. It's worth having all these amazing amenities so close by. And, for us, it means the property value of our homes has increased and we're close to where our shopping needs are met in a few minutes.

I responded to the reporter's questions for about 5 minutes with only optimism and so when my grandkids and I watched the 10 pm news to see what was aired, they were jumping up and down and laughing so hard to see their Nana on TV (they had seen the whole interview come down as they watched it from our car). And, we weren't surprised to only see a small snippet of what I said. I get that a lot of folks watch the news for controversial stories -- but I sure wish they'd report the positive stuff rather than so much negative.

Negativity breeds negativity. What should we do when we live in that world but want to stay positive? I'm so thankful that I purpose to look for the good in just about everything and here's what I do:

1) I protect myself from negative news. And in this political head bed, we DO need protection. While I want to stay up on current events, sometimes a headline is sufficient to grasp new developments.

2. I control the number of negative people in my life. I often spend time counseling and hearing people's problems. Some days are filled with more uplifting reports than others. However, I can carefully select how much time I spend with those who are intent on being negative. My frame of mind and my attitude is dependent on what I allow into my mind -- good or bad.

3. I love to listen to uplifting Christian music in my car and home. With just a click on an app on my phone, I can be transported to a place of joy, peace, and thanksgiving.

4. I practice gratitude. Appreciating life and its many blessings puts me in a cheery mood that really helps when I'm in traffic or standing in a long line at a store. That gratitude makes me want to encourage others -- calling or emailing them with an encouraging word. Random acts of kindess goes a long way in turning a negative world into a positive one.

5. I pray randomly all day: "Thank you, God, for that green light. Thank you, God for that parking space." And whether it's in traffic or a line at the store -- I use that time as a reminder to have a little conversation with THE ONE who isn't surprised by the delays. No doubt, it's a part of His Master Plan.

There's blessings and beauty everywhere -- it's possible to stay positive in a negative world when we look for it.

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

Affirmative & Positive OR Negative & Pessimistic

Last week, a friend's FB post reminded me of how important it is to speak affirming and encouraging words to our children and grandchildren.  And, it shouldn't stop there -- speaking optimistic and uplifting words to everyone around us has the potential to change the course of someone's day, even their life.

Lots of wisdom here from my friend, Dan Lillpop​, in his recent post:
"This morning, as is often the case, I was feeling a bit reflective. I thought about how often we, as parents, "prophesied" to our children when they were growing up. We would say things like: 'You're going to fall!'  'You're gonna' get sick!'  'You'll miss your bus!'  'You're going to get into trouble!'

I am sure you can think of many others, but the point is, we could have, and should have, done so much better. Not that there are not times when we should have made such statements, but we should also have included such statements as: 'You're going to make it!'  'You can do it!'  'I believe in you!' 'You are special!' 'You have what it takes!' 'You're perfect just the way you are.'

My 3 boys are all grown now, and I can't go back and change how I spoke to them, but I can encourage my grandchildren into greatness, by helping them to unpack all of their potential. I want to be a spark that ignites a great passion in their lives.  As a grandpa, I'm still going to "prophesy", but now I want to prophesy success and good things. I want to help my grandchildren to become the best people they can be!  And hey! I want to also speak good things to my sons,  and for that matter, to all with whom I come into contact.  Let's "prophesy" some good stuff today!"

Honestly, Dan spoke my heart in his words. The simplest things we might say and do, which, though seemingly ordinary, carry an immense weight in telling our children they are loved, cared for, and valued.  Do you remember those childhood experiences when you sensed the approval of a parent, a teacher or loved one?  The ultimate Father figure we have is Father God, and it would behoove us to follow His example in affirming our children and others.  Take a look at the example He sets from His Word.  He gives...

An arm over the shoulder or an embrace in a time of disappointment or fear (see Deuteronomy 33:27)

A pat on the back or a firm steadying hand at a crucial moment (see Psalm 139:5)

A whisper in the ear, giving quiet assurance or secret instructions (see Isaiah 30:21)

A snug tucking in bed when surrounded by the darkness of night (see Psalm 127:2-3)

But the most affirming are those blessings that come in our words: words that affirm and approve; words that commend and compliment;  words that specifically speak love and affection; words that invoke hope and self-confidence; and  words that answer pain and disappointment with support and faith.

May our words and actions bring light and life to our family and our world today.

What's YOUR Perspective?

Day 68 of Photo Inspirations -- What's YOUR Perspective?
While my Texas grandchildren were here, they practiced the speeches that they'll be giving at their Speech & Debate Competition.  Alexia's speech includes this story on "perspective".

There was family that had two twin boys; one was an eternal optimist, the other a doom and gloom pessimist. The parents took the boys for an assessment -- to find out why such drastic difference.

They put the pessimist boy in a room with all the toys you can imagine.   After a few minutes, the pessimist was crying bitterly.   "Why are you crying?" the doctor asked. "There's so many toys here, I don't know which one to play with."

The optimist's room was loaded with horse manure.  After a few minutes, the optimist twin was dancing for joy and kicking up the pile of manure. "What are you so happy about?" the doctor asked. To which the optimist twin replied, "With all this manure, there's got to be a pony in here somewhere!"

It really is all about perspective.  And it really is about our attitude and outlook.  When we look in the mirror -- do we see a scrawny, sickly cat, or do we see a strong, courageous, powerful lion?  Do we look at the glass half empty, or half full?  Do we look for the problems, or do we look for the blessings?   Do we look at defeat and disappointment as the end-all or do we always look at EVERYTHING that comes our way as "ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28.

It may seem having this positive attitude in a negative world can be an almost daunting task, but I promise you -- it has been the single most effect tool in my life to live free of worry, fear, and negativity.  I highly recommend it as a way of life. My perspective is that strong, powerful LION! How about yours?