Archive | October 12, 2014

Shine!

“You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on the lampstand,
and it gives light to all who are in the house.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
~ Matthew 5:14-16

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God designed us all to be beacons of light that emanate his love, grace, forgiveness, and beauty to the world. When life throws us hardships, chaos, disappointment, sorrow, trials, tribulations, heartache, and an endless supply of curve balls, often we sink inside the ‘basket’ where no one can see us. In my journey, I have had my share of trials, tribulations, heartache and pain, and at times I lost my desire to shine, but somewhere deep within, God always tugs at my heart and mind, whispering to my soul, and reminding me that it is in the most difficult of times that my light shines the brightest. It is in the moments where I want to run and hide, avoiding the world, that I have to step out on faith, step out on God’s promise to bring me good and not bad, to bring me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). For when I step out of my pain and trust what God is doing, then the light of the Lord shines brighter than the full moon on the darkest of nights. God is love. God is hope. God is joy. God is peace.

So, even when life knocks you down and throws punches where it hurts the most, remember in that moment that you can be the beacon of God in the lives of those around you. Don’t be a shrinking violet, be the stunning sunflower: stand tall, look to the heavens for help, and stay firmly rooted in the Lord. He has always seen me through, and in this difficult trial filled with confusion and heartache, I know he will yet again!! I also know he will see you through the tough circumstances and tribulations of your life, bringing you to a place of beautiful peace and never-ending joy….a place where you will be the brightest light for all around to see the glory of God!

God bless and keep you and may you be the lighthouse to others through your storm.

All my love ❤

Not My Own

Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
~ Proverbs 19:20-21

Not My Own

Thwarted at every turn
Plans gone awry
Expectations gone
This path is not mine

Disappointment strikes
Detours have been given
I know not where to go
Just where I am driven

This way and that
A shot into the dark
Searching for the way
Yet somehow missing the mark

Advice and counsel sought
Paths yet unknown
The journey still unwritten
God’s plan slowly being shown

Plans of the heart
Will often go astray
When not in line with God’s
I tend to lose my way

Clueless I run this race
Hoping to stay the course
Moving here and there
Praying for God to endorse

Trusting blindly I follow God’s plan
One that is greater than mine
A path that leads to peace and joy
Leaving the past behind