Tag Archives: shine

Behold ~ Five Minute Friday

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Behold

There are moments in time that stick with you, both good and bad. Recently, I was blessed to be invited to a special meeting with my grandsons and Santa.  The youngest was hesitant at first, fearful of the situation; but Santa knew just what to do. His reassuring kindness, cheerful manner, and engaging voice soon had all three boys drawing near in wonder. It was a good moment and a sight for this MiMi to behold.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:8-12 (ESV)

Fearful at first, the Shepherds weren’t sure about the situation they found themselves in at all. But the reassuring promises of the Angels, the joy they proclaimed, the inviting message soon had them in awe at all they’d heard and their fear became anticipation. They’d been “invited” to a special meeting with a Baby in a manger, Jesus, our Savior. They drew near and were filled with awe. It was a sight to behold!

Behold: to witness, regard, contemplate. That’s exactly what I did as I stood off to the side taking in this memory making moment, and it’s exactly what the Angel told the Shepherds to do when visiting them in the fields that night. My friends, it is what Christmas reminds us to do, too. 

We know that life can be challenging. Devastation occurs, the unexpected happens, evil abounds, and it may leave us feeling fearful of our situations; but God knows just what to do.  Christmas arrives, saying, “Fear not! Christ the Lord has come for all people!” Yes, the reassuring promises, great joy, and invitation to draw near to Jesus the Angels brought to those Shepherds long ago, are offered to us today and everyday. 

So this Christmas season, while we’re making memories with our family and friends, let’s bear witness to the miracle that was placed in a manger, regard receiving the gift of Jesus with praise, and contemplate the good news of great joy we’ve received. Then, may our lives, in good moments and bad, shine the glory of the Lord around us, being a sight for the world to behold!

How? ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Jesus said, ‘You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.’ ” John 9:3-5 (MSG)

How?

How’s it possible to love
When there’s so much hate?
How can one voice be heard
Above all the angry debate?

How can healing begin
After so much pain?
How will understanding ever come
When it’s all so hard to explain?

How might common sense
Replace all the fake news?
How can believing the best
Not the worst, be what we choose?

How can one person
Make a difference today?
How, is the question,
The only answer is to pray!

How can this world
Find a way that is new?
How? By seeking God first, then
Letting His light come shining through.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.” Matthew 5:14 (MSG)

Adding my poem to the other selections at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where we’ve written to the prompt “How”. I don’t know about you but there seem to be so many unanswered questions in the world today. God used this prompt to remind me that “I” don’t have to have the answers because HE IS the Answer! My prayer is that we cling to Him and together shine His Light everywhere we go! Thank you so much for stopping in.  I pray you find a little encouragement when you do.  You are truly a blessing to me! 

 

The Other Side ~ Five Minute Friday

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It’s time for me to bring my Five Minute Friday writing and my poem a day goal together again.  This week’s prompt is “other”. Think of all the possibilities!  To read the ideas of “others” on this prompt click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 (NLT) / Pixabay

The Other Side

When you’re talking over coffee and the words become hotter than what’s in the cup:

Listen to the other side.

When you’re hurt because a friend who’s always been there seems to have forgotten you:

Remember there’s always the other side.

When you’re blinded by all the bad being shared everywhere you look:

Discover the good in the other side.

When someone is lost in the dark and too afraid to go on:

Shine the light to the other side.

In a world where so many don’t know their way and are clinging to the edge:

Be the bridge to the other side.

When you feel that to listen, remember, discover, shine, and be,  are just too much to bear, don’t grow weary. You’re never alone:

Jesus is on the other side!

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