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 Queen and Her Royal Longevity

Happy belated birthday to Queen Elizabeth who turned ninety last week. Her Majesty has been around a long time and her British monarchy is the longest ever, surpassing her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned 64 years. Can you imagine the changes in her country she has witnessed in those many years? The best news is she still remains an amazing force for good in the U.K. and beyond.

You may be wondering why my post is about Queen Elizabeth today. Longevity. Obviously, her expiration label is way beyond most. I looked it up. Here's what "they" say why she's still around:

1. She has regular medical screenings and good medical care.

2. She gets regular exercise.The Brits are big walkers, and so is the Queen. How many nonagenarians do you know who still rides horses?

3. She stays mentally sharp. The queen is still a functioning head of state involved with high-level meetings that keep her mentally acute AND she has a keen interest in the Internet, and is said to e-mail her grandchildren, too. (Listen to that, Grannies out there who shun social media! You could be sharpening your mental state if you'd join us here!)

4. She's learned to handle stress. Just think of it -- having to be on display through all the family scandals and three of her four children had failed marriages that threatened her monarchy.

5. She volunteers and helps others through her many charitable works.

6. She loves her pets -- dogs and horses.

Besides eating healthy, here's the one that impressed me the most. Queen Elizabeth credits her longevity and positive spirit to her resolute faith. She addresses it regularly. Here are her own words:  

~ "For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life."

~ "I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad."

~ And, in last year's Christmas message, she stated: "It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.'"

I'm taking her "longevity" tips to heart. I want my actions AND reactions to life, with its ups and downs, to define my life and legacy. Though I'm not the queen of a country, I'm the queen of my house (the home I live in and the home of Christ that lives in me) and whether my expiration date defies the odds like Queen Elizabeth, or has a shelf life of just a few more years, I have this one determined purpose.....Philippians 3:10 "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection". When I know and trust Him, regardless what is going on in this world or my own little world, like Queen Elizabeth, my faith will guide me and His light will shine brightly and dispel the darkness around me. God Save the Queen!