A Warrior of Light

A storm blew the birch tree across the walking path.

The park's team cut the trunk into manageable pieces 

and left it to rest for the creatures of the woods.

When I spied the chopped wood, I admired the beauty of the trunk 

and the rounds inside.

The mottled bark reminded me of a soldier's uniform, 

and the inside center—a heart.

As a Jesus follower, He wants me to be a warrior with a heart for people.

He wants me to fight the battle of darkness with His light in my heart.

Keep His light shining mighty warrior.

 

Full of Light

Matthew 6:22-23
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hand the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,
ready my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, ears, and heart,
illumine me, Spirit divine!

Even though my second cataract surgery is complete, I won’t know for three to four more weeks if I need to wear glasses again. Although my vision is clearer, and I can mostly read my laptop and phone, I need readers for the smaller print. My distance vision is much better in my left eye, but due to an astigmatism in my right eye, I still have blurriness. So, I wait.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke about how important the eyes are. When they’re healthy, they let in the light. By healthy, Jesus is referring to spiritual health.

At times, the brokenness of this world paralyzes me. I want to hide away from the darkness and tragedy, the unfairness and constant bombardment of distraction from God. But because Jesus’ light shines into my life, I can face every day and be a light for Him. As a believer, I’m fighting back against the darkness. Through my sight I see His lantern glowing brighter.

When I was young, our church sang Open my Eyes, an old hymn written by Clara H. Scott. I love the stanza that asks the Spirit to “illumine me.” The Holy Spirit walks with me each day and opens my eyes to what Jesus wants me to see and do. I pray the light always fills my soul.

Seek Jesus’ light. He will guide the way.

Easter May Be Over But...

 Choosing to follow Jesus fills my heart with hope.

I'm one of those people who has a hard time watching the news.

The sadness pierces my soul with grief.

But the hope I have in Jesus fills my heart with joy.

One day, I will meet Jesus and be reunited with loved ones 

who have gone to heaven.

No sorrow, no tears, no negativity. Only joy!

We'll rejoice with the angels and revel in the light of God.

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:13

The Light Came Down

1 John 1:5-7
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Be the light or look for the light.

Tim and I turn the Christmas music on in the car and cruise through a few neighborhoods to view Christmas lights. We have a few favorites we hope to see every year, and we’re pleased when a few pop up we haven’t encountered before. On a street new to us we saw a sign pointing people to a display. When you see a sign, that usually means we will come upon a home where someone has taken the extra steps to create a light show. Sure enough, we turned the corner and oh my, the lights shone.

The house, covered in strands hanging from roof to foundation set the stage for the many lighted blow-ups in the yard. I have to say, the folks who set up this display had organized it and made it attractive and fun. We were drawn to the light.

John tells me that God is the light and anyone who loves God and follows Him will be a light in the world. I see this two ways, we either are the light, because we choose to follow Jesus or we need the light of Jesus’ love. There was a time when I chased the light, and I thank God He offered me grace and hope. I pray now I am a light in the darkness of this world. My hope is, if you need the light of Jesus, you embrace it this Christmas. 

The light Jesus brought to the world, coming to us as a baby and growing into the teacher and Savior shines rays of hope.

Light was my word for 2022. I’ve clung to Jesus’ light and shared it as I followed Him.

Merry Christmas!

I See the Light

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?

A green light shone every six seconds.

Seventy-seven steps. The number of stairs a person would need to climb to get to the top of Marblehead Lighthouse. Tim and I have climbed those steps to the top, in the daytime, where we stood against the railing and viewed Kelleys Island in Lake Erie. When we turned to face the lighthouse, we peeked in on the magnificent LED lights that shine in the night.

We are drawn to the lighthouse at dusk, when the green light flashes every six seconds. There isn’t a beam, like a search light, instead there is a steady lamplight warning boats of the hazard of the nearby land and rocks.

Boats aren’t the only thing aware of the light at night. Mayflies are drawn to it. They appear around May, June, and July on Lake Erie. If there are a large number of the flying creatures, the lake is clean because these insects choose a clean environment to lay eggs. On Kelleys Island, I asked a young lady if they were bothered with mayflies. She told me they mostly come out at night because they love the light.

In my everyday life, God is my lighthouse. He’s not shining a search light, instead He’s a steady beam of light which draws me to Him out of the darkness of our broken world. Like the boats, I need Him to warn me of the dangers, and like the mayfly, I’m drawn to Him as my shelter.

David reminds me God is my stronghold and my shelter. I have no need to fear, because He’s the light which draws me to Him and the salvation for my soul.

When I keep my focus to God’s light, as I walk through this dark world, hope wells up in me and I embrace His peace.

Seek God’s light and salvation.

Find the Tunnel

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.

Can you hold your breath through a tunnel?

On vacation or road trips, I remember a game where we tried to hold our breath while we crossed a bridge or drove through a tunnel. I think that was our parents' way of getting us quiet for a few minutes. Oh, wait, I was the parent, and yes, it was the perfect game for a moment of peace.

In my travels, I've never been a fan of crossing bridges, especially long ones. I remember on one trip we drove across a long curving bridge over water, and my stomach turned into ball of nerves. On other trips, we've traveled through tunnels, and I loved them. When Hannah lived in the Carolina's we drove through a couple of long tunnels that snaked under mountains, and I was always excited to see the light at the other end. There's something about the anticipation of seeing daylight shine on the way out.

While riding through a tunnel in a car with headlights can be fun, navigating life in the dark isn't. Depression, illness, sorrow, pain, and sin can all cause darkness to swallow the light. But I have good news. Jesus' light outshines all the darkness in the world.

For many years, I struggled with anxiety and some depression, but Jesus didn't leave me there. He guided me to find a doctor who could help, he answered prayers, and gave me hope. But in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I first had to find the tunnel. God's word, His voice of truth, lit my way through the place I needed to walk. On the other end, I found joy and hope.

Maybe you know the way to the tunnel that provides light, but haven't driven there yet. Maybe you're in the tunnel and well on your way to the light. Maybe you've missed the tunnel altogether. No matter what, keep moving toward Jesus and seek His light. He loves every one of us.

Called Into Light

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

When I was a child, I was afraid of the dark.

My neighbors, cousins, and I played outside and caught fireflies. We played hide and seek while the adults chatted in their lawn chairs, and the light shined from the porch. I felt safe as long as a glow shined over the yard, and the sound of grown-up voices echoed through the air.

When the cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors left for home, the dark overwhelmed me. The porch light clicked off, and I made a bee line for the house. Even as a young adult, I didn't like being outside by myself in the dark cover of night.

As I've grown older, I've learned to appreciate the light of night, the stars overhead, and the moon, for those lights shine through the darkness.

As a believer and follower of Jesus, I'm called to God's light. He doesn't want me to be afraid of the dark or stay in the shadows. The King of Kings has called me to step out of the gloom and doom of the world and step into the beautiful, wonderful light of grace. God calls his children his special possession, a people he encourages, and loves. He guards our hearts and radiates His light as a guide away from the dark corners of the world.

My family experienced a great amount of loss the first three months of the year. Times were dark and sad. We clung to each other and to God, and His light and love have carried us through. Some days will still be rough, but peace comes from knowing the One who created the sun and moon and calls us to His light.

Seek God's light as He calls your name.

And There Was Light

Genesis 1:3-5

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Such a simple yet powerful word—light.

Try to imagine a universe void of anything except the power of God. A vast nothingness until the Creator put everything in place. He made night and day. Can you even comprehend the largeness of that statement? God called into the void and said, "Let there be light." And the light appeared. The brightness projected from the sun creates an intense contrast from the night. Even though we see stars and the moon, those don't compare to the brightness of day.

I'm not a night owl, I'm not really a morning person either. I joke that I'm the tired pigeon in the middle of the day. Seriously, I am more productive in the daytime, when the light shines through my window, or I'm out working in my tiny flower garden. My plants reach their little leaves up and soak in the sunlight and work through photosynthesis in order to grow. As I work in the sunshine, vitamin D gives me much needed energy.

Aside from the great purpose of the sun, God gave us another light, His Son. Jesus is the light of the world. Sometimes the night falls and with it come fear, anxiety, and depression. Instead of leaning into the darkness and letting the negative suck me in, I want to bask in the light of the Lord and have hope, peace, and truth.

Jesus' light shines this truth on a weary world. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life...  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." John 3:16 & 21

Living a life for Jesus draws me into His light where I find help in troubled times, forgiveness and grace, and lots of love from the One who created me.

Walk in Jesus' light.

Shine like Stars

Philippians 2:14-16a
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

Sparkle like stars.

Each year I pray about a word to focus on for the year. In 2021, I considered the word gratitude and how much I had to be thankful for. That will stay with me in 2022, even as God brings the word light to my mind. For me, light brings so many pictures: the sun, the moon, the stars, a lighthouse, a candle, a lantern, twinkling lights, but most of all Jesus, who is the bright light in the dark.

Tim and I visited Carter Caves many years ago. In one of the caves the guide turned off his lantern, and we couldn't see our hands in front of our faces. Darkness blanketed the cave until the guide lit the lantern again. I don't know about you, but I didn't like the veil of darkness. It unnerved me, but the light from the lamp brought comfort and hope.

Too often the world seems dark—shadowed by evil, fear, grief, and sadness. Many folks fight through addiction, anxiety, and depression. Jesus calls me to be the light in a dark world, to shine hope and love on the people around me. How do I do that? I pour out the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

To shine like stars, I need to glow brighter than the darkness that shrouds our world. To shine like stars, I need to shine like Jesus and show the hope he offers to everyone I meet. I admit, I'm not always good at shining like a star. Because I'm an introvert, sometimes I have to climb out of my protective shell, consider the needs of others, put a smile on my face, and offer hope. I pray God helps me to light the way to Him.

This year, I want to shine like the stars.

Be the light and seek the Light in this new year.

Shine Brightly

In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches about being a light to the world.

"...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds

 and glorify your Father in heaven."

Our acts of kindness, generosity, and love should shine the light on Jesus 

and spill over on others--

so the glory of God will illuminate the world.

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth, shine a light that draws others to Him through kindness, love, giving, and caring.

 

His Light Shines in the Darkness

John 1:4-5
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

I like that extra hour of sleep when we fall back.

In the fall, I look forward to change. I love the way the trees show off their red, orange, and yellow leaves. In Ohio we have a lot of maple trees. They glow a golden yellow, and this year they have waved their dressy branches in the most spectacular way. The cooler weather reminds me winter peeks around the corner. Yes, I'm one who enjoys snow and bundling up or cozying in for the colder months. Many folks may disagree with me, but I like when the clocks fall back, and the hour of sleep I lost in the spring is restored. The morning light wakes me, and in the evening, I can huddle in our cozy home.

I've written about hygge before; the act of creating a comfortable and inviting environment inside when the weather or time change gives us darkness early. Part of the hygge experience is lighting candles, turning on lights to brighten the darkness, and cuddling in a warm blanket.

When God created the earth, He made day and night—darkness and light. As a believer, I experience a light, unlike the sun or a lamp. I don't welcome the darkness of the world, a shadow of sin which Satan brings with him. When that darkness falls, I cling to the light of Jesus. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." His word lights my way, and His light overcomes all darkness. Jesus is the hygge I want when the darkness of despair, worry, sin, or sorrow try to smother me. He is the light of the world. He alone brings peace and comfort in times of darkness. As the dark surrounds me, Jesus' light of love and grace illuminate my life.

Seek the light of Jesus.

Light up the Dark

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

The fireworks lit up the sky.

Tim and I had our first date on July 4, 1992. Twenty-nine years later, on July 4, 2021, we drove home from visiting my mom. As we rode along state route 68, we witnessed fireworks as they flared in the sky. The magnificent burst of color and light reminded us of our first date. As we reminisced, I thanked God for my husband and the years we’ve spent together.

The dazzling display of light brought another thought to mind. As a believer in Jesus, I need to be a light in the darkness. I’ve watched fireworks in different venues, and one thing I’ve noticed—The darker the night, the more brilliant the light.

photo from pixaby

Our world suffers from spiritual darkness. But Jesus light shines through the dark. His hope illuminates every shadow, dismal valley, and blackest night.

Jesus’ light shines grace and forgiveness on a fallen world. Paul writes to the Thessalonian church “brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” He urges them to be a light to the world as they wait for Jesus.

We don’t know the day or hour of Jesus’ return to earth, but as followers of him we are called to shine his light. Be kind, love others, forgive, share joy, be generous, live in peace, be gentle, show Jesus’ grace—be his light.

Jesus shined his light on my life. He loves the unlovely, illuminates our path, and seeks to restore light in the lives of everyone. Jesus’ way offers hope as the brightest light in the darkest night.

If darkness swallows you, seek Jesus. If you have faith in Jesus be his light.

Be the Light

On July 4th, our minster spoke on how Jesus 

is the means by which change can come in our culture. 

He closed the sermon with this quote,

 "Continue to shine brightly. The darker the dark, the brighter the light."

That light is Jesus. He's our hope against the darkness of the world.

Be the candle, flashlight, lighthouse, and even fireworks.

 

Be His Light

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.

For the first time in ten days, the sun's rays broke through the clouds and warmed the earth.

When the yellow dwarf star at the center of our universe hides behind the clouds, people notice. In southwest Ohio, we've experienced a cloudy, gray January. Darkness infiltrates the morning and dusk arrives early. But oh how the absence of light makes Ohioans grateful for the dazzling sun.

Dark days cause rejoicing when the brilliant rays brighten the sky.

As I read the news and listen to family and friends, I'm reminded of the darkness surrounding our lives. Between the COVID-19 virus and the political climate, it's difficult to feel anything but doom and gloom. But, there is a light which outshines any darkness.

No matter the situation, no matter the sorrow, the worries, the fear—Jesus light shines brighter.

I read posts on social media which disturb me. Family and friends fighting over what they believe to be true. It's time to stop arguing and embrace God's call to be the light. In professing to follow Christ, I promised to obey his word. In Galatians 5 I read, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I'm not asked to shout my opinions out loud. Instead I'm asked to illuminate the radiant fruit God wants me to share and offer the fruit of the Spirit through my actions and words.

God calls his followers to be the light—the ones who shine brighter than the evil and distress of the world. Is it easy? Not always. Is it necessary? Yes!

Let the beam of God's goodness overpower the fear and darkness.

Click to Tweet: Be His Light!

No Darkness at All

No matter how dark the world seems, God's light outshines.

He houses no darkness, only light.

The birds, in this beautiful print, remind me of 

the gold finches who visit my feeder.

Even on bleak winter days, 

they flit and flutter and go about their business.

I notice when the rain pours and clouds darken the day,

they gather at the feeder eight to ten at a time. 

They bring me great delight!

Like the little flock of birds, let's join together 

and shine God's light in the darkness. 

Let's bring joy, peace, and kindness to a hurting world.

Only in Him will the light break through the dark.

 

Fiction Book Review: Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

Book Description:

Lucy Clairmont's family treasured the magic of the past, and her childhood fascination with stories of the high seas led her to become a marine archaeologist. But when tragedy strikes, it's Dashel, an American forensic astronomer, and his knowledge of the stars that may help her unearth the truth behind the puzzle she's discovered in her family home.

Two hundred years earlier, the seeds of love are sown between a boy and a girl who spend their days playing in a secret sea cave, while the privileged young son of the estate looks on, wishing to join. As the children grow and war leads to unthinkable heartbreak, a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption unfolds, held secret by the passage of time.

As Lucy and Dash journey to a mysterious old estate on the East Sussex coast, their search leads them to a community of souls and a long-hidden tale that may hold the answers--and the healing--they so desperately seek.

My Review:
Amanda Dykes is a gifted writer who pens beautiful stories of mystery, love, and sacrifice. 

Set the Stars Alight is a scrumptious book to be savored. As I slipped from one century to another, the story twined together as a beautiful masterpiece. The setting is incredible and the characters found their way into my heart. I love Dash and Lucy and cheered them on in their search for truth. Dykes gave the folks, who live in the community Lucy and Dash travel to, interesting quirks and stories. I felt like I was sitting at the table with them drinking tea. This is a well done time-slip novel. If you enjoy historical fiction and contemporary fiction this is the perfect read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.  

A Season for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

And a time to take a walk and see the beauty of spring.

As we wait out the COVID-19 virus, Tim and I and many people I know have made walking outside part of their daily activity.

We've trekked around the high school track. Hiked on a trail in the woods and ambled around the neighborhood. I'm happy to report we've witnessed spring's arrival. Regardless of our circumstances, the frustration that eats at us, missing our families, friends, and church, or not working—the tulips peek out with a flourish of color, the bright yellow daffodils wave in the breeze, trees show off their blossoms, robins twitter and tweet, and the sun bursts through the clouds.

This morning in my quiet time, I read a verse in Psalm 43, "Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell." As I read, sunlight spread across my Bible and highlighted the words. Goose bumps raised on my arms. I bowed my head and prayed God would lead me to that mountain where he rests.

His light gives hope in this time of despair. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a season for everything. Good and bad. Regardless of which moment we're in, God remains the same. His light and truth guide us. He offers hope for a hurting world. In him we find peace.

In this season of difficulty, have you prepared your heart? Jesus loves you. He offers peace and hope through forgiveness and grace. Let his light and truth guide your heart.

Shine Hope

Jesus came into the world to give hope. 

As his people, we are called to share his story with the world. 

Your world might be your children, your spouse, your siblings, your best friend. 

Your world may be your workplace, your college, your school or your favorite hang out. 

The next person God sets in your path may be the one who needs the hope of Jesus. 

In this time of giving, shine the beloved light of hope. 

Share the gift of Jesus.

Joy and Light!

Where are you When the Lights go Out?

John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

1 John 1:6-7
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

As I chatted with my co-worker in her office, the lights flickered out. Electric all over campus shut off. As soon as we realized what happened, we walked to the main room of the library. No storm brewed outside, instead sunlight flooded the sky lights. Two florescent lights stayed on due to a generator. Students wondered what to do. We directed a few to hang in there until we figured out what was going on. Then, one young man stepped in and went straight to the only table with a light. He unpacked his backpack, sat down with his textbook and started to read. He knew what to do—follow the light.

Every day darkness overwhelms us. If you watch the news, you see people who hate and kill. We read about people who bring harm to others or themselves. Illness and circumstances bring grief. The constant focus on politics and who has said what is just plain irritating. If we'd let ourselves, we could sit in the dark of sin every day. But we don't have to. There is a light that shines to bring hope and love to this world. Jesus is the light. He shines brighter than any darkness Satan can throw over us. Like the young man in our library, let's walk toward the light and focus on our Lord and Savior—Jesus. He is the light that shines in the darkest hour. He is our hope!

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”  ― Martin Luther King Jr.