Do I shine?

I was sitting on the couch, working on a project while re-watching an older movie. Towards the end of the movie there is a scene where the visitor in town is invited to attend the "Lantern Walk", one of the town's oldest traditions. In the town, as fall is turning to winter, and the nights are getting darker, they bring their lit lanterns to a park/lake area, and there is a lantern, on a stand, there that is lit and then they all hold up theirs and follow a path by the light of the lanterns.

(Free Stock Photo of A group of people walking on a street with lights | Download Free Images and Free Illustrations)

As I was watching the movie, I was struck by the simplicity of the scene, and how it is such a good picture of how we are to walk in the Light. 

I don't think it is hard to see that the world is getting darker. But as a Child of God I am supposed to be the Light, and shine it into the darkness. Right?!

The first thing I thought of, and my husband said it out loud, just as I had thought of it, was the song, "This Little Light of Mine". The lyrics say, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." It goes on to say I'm not going to hide it under a bushel, I'm not going to let Satan blow it out, and I am going to shine it around the neighborhood. I remember learning this song in Sunday School, and they taught us some actions to go with it. Such a good message to teach young people. 

This all makes me think of Matthew 5: 14-16, part of what is called the Sermon on the Mount. I read it in The Passion Translation and thought I would share it from there. 

"Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it's placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don't hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 The Passion Translation)

Have you ever seen someone that is doing something they love to do? Someone that is happy, or joyful, and their complexion is an extension of the smile on their face. They "shine", right?

(Photo taken from Page 29 | Pleased Happy Images - Free Download on Freepik)

I heard someone years ago speaking about reaching people for the Lord, and encouraging them to come to church. The basic idea was why would those that don't normally come to church, want to, when believers walk around looking like they've sucked on green persimmons? It hit me then, and it still hits me. Who would want to go somewhere with people who do not enjoy where they are and those they are with? 

Jesus is the Light of the World, and as His child, I should also shine His light. If I am staying in my small circle, and only "shining" there, am I "hiding my light" or "shining in the darkness"? When I go out to get groceries, to run errands, to the office and to support family and friends, am I "shining" and bringing His light into those places? Am I just paying attention to what I need to do, focus only on me and mine, OR am I sharing a smile, and His love to those that need it. I want to shine brightly! I want to make sure to make a difference in all the places where I go, and to those that need it. I want to make an impact for Him.

Lord, thank you for loving me, and for Your light that shines into all the dark places. Thank you that Your light reached me, and shone into my heart, helping me to see how much I needed You. Your love and Your light helped me. I want to shine with Your love and light that You placed inside me with each person I encounter through out the day, and shine Your light in the darkness. Thank you!

Time for Spring Cleaning

This week, I woke up singing a song, that we sang at church this past Sunday. It is a fairly new one for us, but as I woke up to it ringing through my spirit, just the title spoke to my heart.

 Make Room...

(taken from What To Keep And What To Get Rid Of Stock Illustration - Download Image Now - Decluttering, Heap, Stack - iStock)

Over the past couple of weeks, I have felt that the Lord has pulled back, but not because of me, or something I did wrong, but for me to pursue Him.

The song lyrics speak...

    Lay down burdens

    Lay down lies and doubt

    Surrender, to His plans

These are all things I keep being reminded about... 

1 Peter 5:7 -"Casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you."

When I used to read this, I usually thought of laying down things that I thought were bad, only. While the word "care" is defined as "anxiety" the word "care" itself, as a verb, means "to have a liking, interest, or taste." (definition taken from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/care) That definition makes the verse take a whole new meaning! 

I care for my family, and friends. I care for my house and vehicle- as in I take care of them. I care for a lot, as well as I have "cares" that have weight, because they are the worries and stresses, that make me think on them more that others. I care for my family member or friend that is ill, not only in doing what I can to help, but the extra times they come to my mind, and the extra times I lift them up in prayer. 

The song lyrics go on to say, "I will make room for You, to do whatever You want to."

It hasn't been that long since we moved into the house we are now living in, but now that we're there, I have realized I want to rearrange a couple of larger items, because I want to add a couple of pieces of furniture/equipment in a room. In adding those, I need to decide which pieces are more functional for my needs, and which are more desired, in order to make room for the right pieces. 

In my heart, it is not much different. I need to consider what is taking away from time I could be spending with the Lord. I need to weigh the function of it, and what is working for my good, and what is not working for my good. What is a good use of my time and what isn't? 

This is not a new process. I've done this some previously, but just like in my house I will repeatedly need to go through closets, drawers, shelves, and even rooms to get rid of things; so it is in my heart. Some things are needed at during one stage of life, where they are not once that stage has passed. As I grow, the needs are different. 

I am reminded of the passage where John says, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30- NKJV) I have heard so many different messages, and explanations of this verse, and right now all I can think of, is that the part of me that is not who I am meant to be MUST decrease. This includes all the distractions that keep me from time to be all that I am called to be, and I need to allow the Lord and His influence in my heart, mind, and actions to increase, so that what I do has fruit and brings glory for the Lord.

(Taken from PROPHETIC ARTS/WORSHIP | Noiva de cristo, Mulher de deus, Casais cristãos)

Lord, I love that You love me. I love that You desire to be with me, and for me to be with you. Help me to make room for more of You and Your influence in my heart, life, and actions. Help me to lay down all of my cares, not just those that are worries, but even those that are "good", allowing You to care for them, which is better than anything I can do. Help me to press in past all the distractions to more of You, and more time with you. Thank you! 

Do I Disturb the Signal, by being a Signal Jammer?

     While I was recently out of town, my husband had to be available for a technician to come and check our cable service from the pole to the modem and router. The reason on the ticket that was left for us said that our outage was due to "ingress & egress". (I understood after all was repaired that the cable company thought something in our home or network was causing a problem for the neighbors, it was not just our service that had the problem.) So, sometime on Saturday the technician came and looked our equipment over, and ended up climbing the pole to get our service up and running again. There are less than 50 houses in our neighborhood, and they thought ours was the source of the disturbance. 

     But this did stir up some curiosity in me, so I looked up the definition of "ingress". 

    Ingress - "the act of entering; the power or liberty of entering, or access." (Taken from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingress#:~:text=noun-,in%C2%B7%E2%80%8Bgress%20%CB%88in%2D%CB%8Cgres,power%20or%20liberty%20of%20entering) 

  Egress - "the place or means of going out; the action or right of going or coming out." (taken from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/egress) 

     Sometimes, where there are problems of ingress for access like cable/internet, it is said that there is "noise" that is causing the problem. 

My mind was kind of spinning a bit. The first thing that I thought of tonight, is the song from Sunday School, "Be Careful Little Eyes What You See." I am responsible to be careful of what I watch, and listen to. 

Psalm 101:3a "I refuse to gaze on that which is vulgar." (TPT)

My eyes and ears are gates to my heart and mind, and I am the keeper of those gates, responsible for what I allow to enter. But, as a believer,  I am given authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, over the cattle, and over all the earth and over things that creep on the earth. (My version of Genesis 1: 26). I am not given charge over other people, but I am given it over the earth... that means much more than what I have grasped, so far, or what I have walked in. 

In me, what do I let in? 

  In my home, what do I let in? 

    In my neighborhood, do I make a difference? 

      In my county, do I make a difference? 

I am old enough to remember when video games were a system that was connected to the family television set. In the back of the set was a device used to change the "input" from the antenna to the game system. It looked a lot like this.

(Picture from Google)

But watching television meant you were either using your antenna, OR you had cable coming in. There were a couple of different styles of the antenna, too. One was directly attached to the set inside, the other was wired to it all the way from the roof, and some even had a motor that you could turn it to get better signal.

What signal am I tuned to, or what signal am I attracting? 

Then, I started asking myself this question... what am I blocking? 

The technician from the cable company mentioned both ingress and egress, and a gatekeeper doesn't just let things in, they keep things out. Now it is not as much using the switch to change between antenna signal and the game system; but it is the wireless signals coming in from everywhere, unless there is a signal jammer, of some kind. While "gatekeeper" sound somewhat "Lord of the Rings" or like a fairy tale,  they are usually dark images. Today, there are gated communities with a guard house and gates and/or guards to control the traffic in and out. 

(Photo from Google)

In my community, am I an effective gate keeper, and signal jammer? 

Do I pray for my neighbors? 

Do I bless my neighborhood?

Do I host, in person, and in my home, the presence of the Lord?

Do I speak the Lord's will to be done in and around it? 

I want to be the antenna for His presence, and host for His glory, and the signal jammer to keep the enemy/evil out of my neighborhood/community.

Father, thank you for the wonderful message from something as simple as  an internet outage. Thank you for showing the importance of what I allow into my eye and ear gates. 

Help me each day to be the antenna tuned to pick up what You are saying, or showing me, and help me to be a host of Your presence and glory, while being the signal jammer for what is not in your plan for me, my family, my neighborhood, my city. 

Help me to be the gatekeeper here, where you have placed me. Help me to  bloom where I am planted, and to keep the weeds from the garden. All for Your Kingdom, and for Your glory. Amen.

Invisible or Hidden - He Knows My Name

 Have you ever felt invisible? 

     Have you felt that even though you are part of a large group/class/community, and have a few close friends, not very many others see you? 

(taken from https://theethicalist.com/how-to-stop-being-an-invisible-woman-today/)

I have experienced that. It is not pleasant, and it undermined any confidence. It kind of made me feel a bit like I had a muzzle on, and that it was deserved. 

During my teen years, it felt like when I shared an opinion, it may have not been valued. (These could have simply been my feelings- but it still was thoughts I experienced.) After going through that for a while, it made me tend to keep my thoughts and opinions to myself. My confidence was not strong, and when I had some, I was occasionally accused of acting with a prideful attitude. 

Part of what I had to learn was the difference between confidence and pride. 

•     Pride means "Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others." (taken from https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/pride#:~:text=1.,often%20in%20contempt%20of%20others.)

• Confidence means "A trusting, or reliance; an assurance of mind or firm belief in the integrity, stability or veracity of another, or in the truth and reality of a fact." (taken from https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/confidence)

Pride is obviously not the goal. I am reminded of the Bible verse in Proverbs 16:18, it says "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (NKJV) When my mother would see someone that was full of pride, she would say that they were "full of themself". I remember taking note of how they would treat others, and how they would act, and I knew that I didn't want to act like that. That doesn't mean that I haven't, but when I realized that had, or was, I would do my best to stop, and would talk with the Lord, and repent. 

As a believer, being full of me, is not the goal, but being full of Him, and His Spirit. I want to be filled so full of Him that I overflow to others. 

Confidence is a good thing. It's an assurance, a certainty, in something or someone. I know that my confidence is in the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth. 

What can help me to be confident in life? Sometimes it is a look back, and sometimes it is a look up. 

On days where I may feel a lack of confidence, what is the source of that feeling? It is often lies whispered in my ear, to keep me from saying something, or helping someone. But sometimes it is my own voice from the past, me remembering my own mistakes, my own mess ups and even though I have grown, and repented for the wrongs, I occasionally get stuck thinking that they hold me back, and make me not qualified to share, or help. So, I keep my mouth shut, keeping me invisible. That is a really good example of hiding my light, (Matthew 5:15) which is what I am NOT supposed to do. Matthew 5:16 tells me to "Let your light so shine before men." 

How do I let my light shine before others? It is not to bring attention to me. It is to simply be what is needed where it is needed. It is to be the extended hand of Jesus, extending to others that He loves and cares for others, too.

What does it mean to be hidden, though. When I think of being hidden, I think of playing as a child, and with my kids and grandkids, the game Hide & Seek; I think of when the Lord tucked Moses in the cleft of the rock, when He passed by; and I think of The Hiding Place (where the ten Boom family had a secret place behind a closet for the Jews to hide.)

The last example really struck me. Hidden- the Jews were hidden from danger, they were not visible to the enemy. I have read stories of missionaries that were crossing borders into countries where it was illegal to take Bibles, or they were wanted there, and God literally "hid" them, or closed the eyes of those that meant harm.

(Photo taken from Person hiding behind tree Stock Photos - Page 1 : Masterfile)

If I am feeling invisible, I need to talk with the Father and see what it is in my heart that is causing this feeling. Sometimes, I may be feeling something that is truly happening, but I may instead be allowing my past to pull up the shields to keep me from hurt, or embarrassment, or just discomfort. I need to remember that many of those moments are divine appointments for a specific reason- because something that I have been through, can bless or encourage someone. 

My testimony could help or strengthen someone else along their path, and that is part of why I am here, and why the enemy is trying to keep me shut down. Feeling invisible, is like the evidence that the basket is covering my light from shining, like I am supposed to do. 

Hidden, like Moses, like the spies that were sent into Jericho, like David when he was running from Saul, and Paul when he was lowered over the wall in a basket... It is protection from something meant to stope me from doing something I am meant to do. Hidden is what Moses' mother and family did to save his life. Psalm 91:1 says, "When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High." (TPT)

He is teaching me again, in new depths, that all of my life He has known me. When He first started revealing this to me, I heard this song that spoke straight to it. He Knows My Name sung by Francesca Battistelli. It seemed like she was singing about me and my life. The chorus reminded me that I don't need anytime or fortune, because all He knows me. He knew me before I was born, He knows everything there is to know about me, and He loves me. In the second verse, it is a reminder that staying invisible is not what I am created for, because He has given me a voice and a story that is meant to be told. 

The thoughts of being "invisible" come to keep the voice/story, that is needed to be told, quiet. I need to lean on the confidence in Him, and not let fear keep me timid and quiet. 

Lord, I thank you that I am here because You created me, and You have known me from before I was born. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for reminding me that all I have walked through, with You, gives me a testimony to share and encourage others. Help me to remember when I am feeling invisible, that I am always seen by You. Help me to share the story You have written on my life, so far, and that if you can do it for me, you can do it for others, too. Help me to pay attention to the shoulder taps, and the nudges, when You are leading me to share, and not to hide beneath the basket. Amen.

Waiting on the Lord to Loose the Weight that Holds Me Down

 When I hear the word, not in a sentence, just the word, "wait"- but may hear it incorrectly as "weight". I know that I am a fairly patient person, but I also have issues waiting on things that I think should happen earlier or more quickly than they have, or do. I also have struggled for much of my life to get control of my appetite and weight. 

I know that there are some promises and prayers I have prayed where I am still waiting on God to see the answer happen. I will admit that too often my waiting has been more impatient than it should have been. Maybe something like this...

                                                     (Photo taken from iStock)

Can you relate to feeling that way? I know I shouldn't, but there are some prayers I have prayed for a long time. (Yes, I know time is relative- but it sure feels that way.) 

Do I know the Lord has heard the prayer? Yes. 

Do I know the Lord cares? Yes. 

Do I know that this is His will? 

   For most of them... YES, absolutely, YES! 

SO, I wait... On Him.

                                                    (Photo from Adobe Stock)

While I am learning to wait on the Lord, with a better attitude, not a hurting heart. I am learning to trust in deeper ways, that He knows when it is the right time. I am learning new depths of His love, and that He cares- but also to listen and hear what is on His heart. I also know that in the waiting I am changing. The parts of me that need new alignment with His heart, are getting their needed adjustments. 

Isaiah 40: 31 - "But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. they spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." (MSG)

I know that in the past I have read this verse and I have wanted to soar, like it says we will do. However, this time, what I see is that waiting on the Lord builds your spiritual muscles. In the natural you lift weights, to tone and strengthen the muscles in your body; so, waiting on the Lord builds your spirit, giving you strength to run longer, or walk longer and to not faint.

When building muscle, sometimes it takes a while before we see the definition, before it starts to be noticeable. It takes time of using weights, and exercises to work certain muscles, and it takes being faithful, dedicated, regular at working on it, to see a difference. 

Waiting on the Lord is working different "muscles". It's learning to regularly listen to Him. It is regularly taking time to get quiet in His presence, and You will hear His heart, and His desires. 

As I sit with Him, the cares that are on my heart can be left at his feet. The parts of me that are not in agreement with His heart, and His way, they "weigh me down". But so do the hurts that have happened and we still carry those scars. The scars can come from so many things- what someone does to me, or says about me; from a traumatic event, for a few ways. Sometimes those scars can make me feel like I am heavier, or just like I am carrying weight that I don't know how to let go of.

                        (Photo from iStock)

As I think of this, I am reminded of this verse, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12: 1b- NKJV)

Waiting on the Lord, helps me lay aside the weight that would keep me from running the race. Because Waiting brings a fresh strength to run and to soar!

Lord, I know that there are scars and hurts that I have left buried, but that are weighing me down, making the race I am set to run more challenging than it needs to be. I want to practice more, and grow in my waiting on you to hear Your heart, and Your leading. Thank you that as I wait, you hear, you heal, and you strengthen me, to grow and fulfill all that you have destined me to do. - Amen

Watch My Heart

I had a lightbulb moment last night. As I was working on something on my computer, I had a movie on in the background. My husband was sitting in his chair reading and all of a sudden what I was hearing from the TV at the time hit me, and it connected with a few things I've read or heard in the last 15 days, or so. (Yes... sometimes it takes a 2" x 4" hitting me over the head for things to connect.) 

I woke up one morning about the middle of this month with a song and the lyrics encouraged my heart that the prodigals are coming back to the Father's house. I prayed, and have continued to do so, as the Lord brings it to my heart. 

But last night, I heard a commercial on the TV and the words were repeated three times in a row, "Come home". THEN I remembered of the movies I've watched in the last 10 days, two or three of them were titled "Time For Them (or Him, or Her- depending on the movie) to Come Home..." Then another commercial came on singing "I'll Be Home For Christmas".

(Photo take from https://churchsetfree.com/2018/01/29/the-prodigal-son/)

So, this morning I picked up the Bible and read Luke 15:11-32. The parable of the Prodigal Son. Many of us have read it repeatedly. Many of us have heard many messages on it. Many of us, at some point in our life may have felt like we were the prodigal. When I read it, the question I felt me asking myself is how will I respond to a prodigal when they come back? 

When the prodigal comes back- the Father runs to meet him. 

When the prodigal comes back- the Father gives him a new robe.

When the prodigal comes back- the Father gives him new shoes.

When the prodigal comes back- the Father gives him a ring.

When the prodigal comes back- the Father gives him a feast.

BUT

When the prodigal comes back- the elder brother pouts.

When the prodigal comes back- the elder brother complains.

When the prodigal comes back- the elder brother won't rejoice.

When the prodigal comes back- the elder brother has a pity party.

(Photo taken from https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/pouting.html)

It may seem when they come back to the Father's house that the prodigal is being celebrated, and I may not have felt that while I stayed and they didn't. 

If I do not watch my heart and attitude, this can open the door for jealousy, bitterness and more.

I know there is another parable about the shepherd that looses one of this 100 sheep, and he leaves the 99 to go find the one, and when he finds it he calls everyone to rejoice with him because it is found. (Matthew 18:10-14 & Luke 15:4-7)

I know that Luke 15:7 tells us "...there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."

The elder brother in this parable tells the Father all the good he has done for the Father, and he isn't corrected on that. The Father simply wants him to rejoice with Him over the brother that came back to life from being dead. 

It seems like a simple concept, and a simple request. However, when I have allowed, and even nurtured, hard feelings, a grudge, or judged someone when they were not in Father's house; when they come home what has been allowed has grown and will keep me from being able to rejoice and celebrate with my Father.

Lord, thank You for the reception You gave me, when I came back to you after running. Thank you for the love You showed me, and for those that celebrated with You over my return. Help me to keep my heart clean from jealousy, bitterness, and any judgmental attitude towards those that are still running. Help me to love with Your love and rejoice with You, over their return. Thank you that they are coming home!!! Amen.

Gratitude and Prayers

 There has been a lot of preparation going on here at my house, for family that came over yesterday to celebrate together. Including my husband and I we had 20 people here, and I loved every moment of it! The day before, my oldest granddaughter came and helped with some of the cooking, and today she and her sister and mother will come to help with decorating for Christmas. Making memories together is SO much fun! 

One of the family often brings a trivia quiz for us to work after we have our meal, and they did again yesterday. The conversation while we are all trying to answer the questions, is so, so much fun. But we did a new thing this year... we took turns going around the group telling something for which we are grateful. Some were thankful for a specific food item we had just enjoyed, others for their family. I could have specified a food- because I do enjoy good food, which we had in overflow yesterday; but I honestly was not able to pick just one thing, so I kind of listed stuff... my family (beginning with my husband and girls, and grands- extending to the sisters-in-love, their husbands, the nieces and nephews, too), friends, and the time we were able to have together yesterday... salvation, knowing God has a plan for MY life, and so much more... 

My heart was filled to overflowing yesterday, to have time (and we were together for about 4 or 5 hours! Yay!) with family, and to have room for us to hang out and be family.

As I was working on some of the clean up, I felt FULL- both from the food, and all the blessings of the day. 

While sitting here this morning, I have the thought of the passage that tells us of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:9 "Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb'!" And he said to me,"These are the true sayings of God"." This table and mine (pictured above) can't compare... mine is large and will sit about 14 people- but the one for this meal will sit everyone together! I can't even fathom how many people His table will sit. We are told he has gone to prepare a place for us, I wonder if that is just the dwelling place, OR if it includes our place at the table for the feast? 

I've seen the picture of the beautifully set table that fades into the background with settings for many... I found one that is similar online (https://revkevrevelations.wordpress.com/2016/03/10/the-marriage-supper-of-the-lamb-an-earthly-event/) and it seemed to fit similar to what I remember- but not exactly.

I know that for me, yesterday was amazing, and each time we have company sitting at our table, it is a small reminder of what is to come... but I find myself wondering who will be sitting at the table with me? Will there be friends of mine here, that don't make it? Will there be family that doesn't? 

In my gratitude for what is, it also helps me to pray for those that do not yet know and walk with the Lord. It helps me to desire to be a better witness, and example of those that know Him. I want others to see Him and know how much He loves them. I want others to get to know Him, too.

Lord, thank you for the small taste of what it will be like sitting at the Marriage Supper with you and your bride. Thank you for all the promises you have spoken for us, and thank you for all that You have already done!  You are Good, and I lack enough words to express how deeply I am grateful that I get to do life walking with and knowing You. Help me to know you more deeply and help me to walk nearer to You each day. "I want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hand, lay back against you and breathe, feel your heart beat". 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!