So I'll keep writing, but Lent is over. So this blog will become silent. But I started an old blog long ago... so see the below address if you want to keep reading!
http://getyour10minutesofsunshine.blogspot.com/
Love,
Katie
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Freedom -
Hi folks,
It's technically post Lent, but I didn't write for a while... so last thoughts here. I think one of the most amazing things about Easter and Christianity that gets lost in translation, especially in Lent, is the freedom Christ gave us. There are over 600 Jewish laws. Imagine trying to keep all those. It's hard enough trying to keep the speeding law! Basically, you come to realize... it's absolutely impossible to keep the law. It's impossible to be nice every day, to not complain, to not be arrogant. We're going to make mistakes. Worrying about whether you're a good person and whether you've done all the right things will only make you an obnoxious, anxious person!
Frederich Buechner said:
Who is pure in heart? Only those who have completely given their hearts to Jesus, so that he alone rules in them. Only those who do not stain their hearts with their own evil, but also not with their own good. A pure heart is the simple heart of a child, who does not know about good and evil, the heart of Adam before the fall, the heart in which the will of Jesus rules instead of one’s own conscience. A pure heart is pure of good and evil; it belongs entirely and undivided to Christ; it looks only to him, who goes on ahead. Those alone will see God who in this life have looked only to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Their hearts are free of defiling images; they are not pulled back and forth by the various wishes and intentions of their own. Their hearts are fully absorbed in seeing God. They will see God whose hearts mirror the image of Jesus Christ.
I love the image of a child who does not know good and evil. Why are children so happy and carefree? Maybe because they're not constantly worried about what they're doing and whether it is within the realm of good or evil. And we, who are older, look out for them - and correct them if they do slip into something harmful... how much more with the Father for us? In the end, it is not about what you do, but who you trust, cling to, and believe in. That is the power of Christ. Of course, as Paul would say - this does not give one license to do whatever one wants... but it does free you from being a straightjacket of laws. It frees you from loads of service without joy, it frees you from a yoke that is 613 laws impossible, it frees you from a life of anxiety, a life of competition, a life of trying to outdo the best. We boast in Christ and a message of the cross which is foolishness to the world of accomplishments. Hallelujah!
It's technically post Lent, but I didn't write for a while... so last thoughts here. I think one of the most amazing things about Easter and Christianity that gets lost in translation, especially in Lent, is the freedom Christ gave us. There are over 600 Jewish laws. Imagine trying to keep all those. It's hard enough trying to keep the speeding law! Basically, you come to realize... it's absolutely impossible to keep the law. It's impossible to be nice every day, to not complain, to not be arrogant. We're going to make mistakes. Worrying about whether you're a good person and whether you've done all the right things will only make you an obnoxious, anxious person!
Frederich Buechner said:
Who is pure in heart? Only those who have completely given their hearts to Jesus, so that he alone rules in them. Only those who do not stain their hearts with their own evil, but also not with their own good. A pure heart is the simple heart of a child, who does not know about good and evil, the heart of Adam before the fall, the heart in which the will of Jesus rules instead of one’s own conscience. A pure heart is pure of good and evil; it belongs entirely and undivided to Christ; it looks only to him, who goes on ahead. Those alone will see God who in this life have looked only to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Their hearts are free of defiling images; they are not pulled back and forth by the various wishes and intentions of their own. Their hearts are fully absorbed in seeing God. They will see God whose hearts mirror the image of Jesus Christ.
I love the image of a child who does not know good and evil. Why are children so happy and carefree? Maybe because they're not constantly worried about what they're doing and whether it is within the realm of good or evil. And we, who are older, look out for them - and correct them if they do slip into something harmful... how much more with the Father for us? In the end, it is not about what you do, but who you trust, cling to, and believe in. That is the power of Christ. Of course, as Paul would say - this does not give one license to do whatever one wants... but it does free you from being a straightjacket of laws. It frees you from loads of service without joy, it frees you from a yoke that is 613 laws impossible, it frees you from a life of anxiety, a life of competition, a life of trying to outdo the best. We boast in Christ and a message of the cross which is foolishness to the world of accomplishments. Hallelujah!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Intercession - Love God love your neighbors
Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.
27 million – Number of people in modern-day slavery across the world.
1 million – Number of children exploited by the global commercial sex trade, every year.
32 billion – Total yearly profits generated by the human trafficking industry.
1.6 billion people — a quarter of humanity — live without electricity
Number of children in the world
2.2 billion
Number in poverty
1 billion (every second child)
According to UNICEF statistics, 300,000 children under 18 are serving as regular soldiers, guerrilla fighters, porters, spies, sexual slaves, and even suicide commandos, in conflicts under way in over 50 nations. Over the past decade, conflicts have claimed the lives of more than 2 million children; left millions maimed or permanently disabled, 10 million with serious psychological trauma, and resulted in over 12 million children refugees. In addition, worldwide conflicts have created 1 million orphans.
Consider the global priorities in spending in 1998
And compare that to what was estimated as additional costs to achieve universal access to basic social services in all developing countries:
27 million – Number of people in modern-day slavery across the world.
1 million – Number of children exploited by the global commercial sex trade, every year.
32 billion – Total yearly profits generated by the human trafficking industry.
1.6 billion people — a quarter of humanity — live without electricity
Number of children in the world
According to UNICEF statistics, 300,000 children under 18 are serving as regular soldiers, guerrilla fighters, porters, spies, sexual slaves, and even suicide commandos, in conflicts under way in over 50 nations. Over the past decade, conflicts have claimed the lives of more than 2 million children; left millions maimed or permanently disabled, 10 million with serious psychological trauma, and resulted in over 12 million children refugees. In addition, worldwide conflicts have created 1 million orphans.
Consider the global priorities in spending in 1998
| Global Priority | $U.S. Billions |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics in the United States | 8 |
| Ice cream in Europe | 11 |
| Perfumes in Europe and the United States | 12 |
| Pet foods in Europe and the United States | 17 |
| Business entertainment in Japan | 35 |
| Cigarettes in Europe | 50 |
| Alcoholic drinks in Europe | 105 |
| Narcotics drugs in the world | 400 |
| Military spending in the world | 780 |
And compare that to what was estimated as additional costs to achieve universal access to basic social services in all developing countries:
| Global Priority | $U.S. Billions |
|---|---|
| Basic education for all | 6 |
| Water and sanitation for all | 9 |
| Reproductive health for all women | 12 |
| Basic health and nutrition | 13 |
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Let not your hearts be troubled
Hullo folks,
I'm all discombobulated! In some cases, I hate holidays (including birthdays) because everything gets thrown off. All my routines, my lenten practices, my hard practiced habits have gone to seed. I had to admit, I'm not very good at discpline/self-control. *Sighs* When I was home, my mom and I talked quite a bit; and I've come to the conclusion that I am not a peaceful person. The problem is... I'm not really sure why. I know I'm not good at trusting God or surrendering... so those are definite problems. One cannot have a quiet heart without trusting in God's goodness, but I don't know how to get any better. So I've decided to do a word search on peace. Here's what I've come up with so far:
Shalav - to be tranquil ie: secure or sucessful - prosper, happy
Shalom - well, happy, friendly... completeness, welfare, health.
Shalam - to be safe -in mind, body, or estate... to be completed
Shelem - sacrifice in thanks
Shalem - complete or perfect- God demanded total obedience from His people "Let their hearts therefore be perfect with the Lord our God"
My heart is agitated. It is stirred up and troubled. Often I find myself anxious. Most of this is because I forget to give thanks. I like that shelem is a sacrifice in thanks. When you offer the Lord the sacrifice of thanks, you receive peace, because you remember how much He has given and how good He is. You quickly regain optimism when you give thanks.
I never feel complete. Part of my agitation is that I'm constantly longing for connection and fulfillment in relationships. I make myself miserable all the time by attending social functions that I believe will satisfy me, but only sometimes do. But one can only find completeness and security when one has spent time with the Lord.
Rebellion: I have a ridiculously stubborn heart. You know those Israelites and their hard hearts? I sympathize. Sometimes, I simply run from God. I don't spend time with Him. I don't ask His opinion. I don't take time to listen. I don't try to see things from His perspective. This results in misery. My heart can only find perfect peace in obedience.
Pray for me that I may be discplined in obedience to the Lord and find His peace. Pray that I may be content in all circumstances. Pray that I may regain my childlike optimism and be able to give thanks in all situations. Pray that I would not be focused on myself - but look to God and the needs of others. Pray that I would find my security and completeness in God alone. Please help me battle!
I will pray that as you surrender more, and hunger more, His peace still your heart.
Katie
I'm all discombobulated! In some cases, I hate holidays (including birthdays) because everything gets thrown off. All my routines, my lenten practices, my hard practiced habits have gone to seed. I had to admit, I'm not very good at discpline/self-control. *Sighs* When I was home, my mom and I talked quite a bit; and I've come to the conclusion that I am not a peaceful person. The problem is... I'm not really sure why. I know I'm not good at trusting God or surrendering... so those are definite problems. One cannot have a quiet heart without trusting in God's goodness, but I don't know how to get any better. So I've decided to do a word search on peace. Here's what I've come up with so far:
Shalav - to be tranquil ie: secure or sucessful - prosper, happy
Shalom - well, happy, friendly... completeness, welfare, health.
Shalam - to be safe -in mind, body, or estate... to be completed
Shelem - sacrifice in thanks
Shalem - complete or perfect- God demanded total obedience from His people "Let their hearts therefore be perfect with the Lord our God"
My heart is agitated. It is stirred up and troubled. Often I find myself anxious. Most of this is because I forget to give thanks. I like that shelem is a sacrifice in thanks. When you offer the Lord the sacrifice of thanks, you receive peace, because you remember how much He has given and how good He is. You quickly regain optimism when you give thanks.
I never feel complete. Part of my agitation is that I'm constantly longing for connection and fulfillment in relationships. I make myself miserable all the time by attending social functions that I believe will satisfy me, but only sometimes do. But one can only find completeness and security when one has spent time with the Lord.
Rebellion: I have a ridiculously stubborn heart. You know those Israelites and their hard hearts? I sympathize. Sometimes, I simply run from God. I don't spend time with Him. I don't ask His opinion. I don't take time to listen. I don't try to see things from His perspective. This results in misery. My heart can only find perfect peace in obedience.
Pray for me that I may be discplined in obedience to the Lord and find His peace. Pray that I may be content in all circumstances. Pray that I may regain my childlike optimism and be able to give thanks in all situations. Pray that I would not be focused on myself - but look to God and the needs of others. Pray that I would find my security and completeness in God alone. Please help me battle!
I will pray that as you surrender more, and hunger more, His peace still your heart.
Katie
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Bless the Lord O My Soul
Buenos Noche folks,
I always get rather angsty around my birthday. In fact, I cried myself to sleep on Monday. I dunno. Time just seems to go so fast. I don't like change... I like stability. Of course, life with God doesn't really allow for that. I am not the one in control, and I constantly need to go out of my comfort zone. So, I guess it's good to be reminded that my life is not my own. Lord, I commit myself to another year under your sovereign hand of love. I re-surrender the desires of my hearts and my deepest dreams. You alone know how to fulfill them and grow me into the perons you first dreamed. May I grow more peaceful under the knowledge that you are in control and you are good.
I will take my own advice from the beginning of this blog and review all the reasons I have for thanksgiving - in this past year as well as my entire life.
I can see - in full color. I can hear. I can breathe. I can walk. I can taste. I can hug and hold. I can speak. I am in perfect physical health. I have few allergies. I don't have cavities, but have glasses, contacts, and retainers. I have easy access to clean water, hot water, water whenever I want it, an abundance of water. I have a college education. I have a stable job. I have a warm house, a comfy bed, a variety of foods. I have money to bless others. I have a car, bike, phone, computer, mp3 player. I have never been physically, verbally, or sexually abused. I have not been raped. I have not been sold into slavery. I have been able to see Kenya, Peru, and Yosemite. Children smile when they see me. I can cook. I can write. I can draw. I can read. I can sleep without too much trouble. I have too many clothes and shoes. I was born and not aborted. I was adopted into a loving family. I have many friends who constantly pour love on me. I have a warm and nourishing church family. I have multiple Bibles. I have a concordance! I have freedom of worship. I grew up knowing the Creator of the universe. I live where there are breathatkingly beautiful sunsets, trees, flowers etc. I have men in my life that are gentlemen - that open the car doors, shovel your walkways, insist you eat first, don't make dirty jokes, give great hugs, and remind you of God's love. When I fall, God picks me up. When I run, God chases after me. Any hardship I experience, is only allowed by God's loving hand; and therefore bearable and refining. And most of all - God gives me unconditional steadfast love, grace to save me in my deadness, hope to last me through this life, and peace against all anxiety and fear.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits․
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I always get rather angsty around my birthday. In fact, I cried myself to sleep on Monday. I dunno. Time just seems to go so fast. I don't like change... I like stability. Of course, life with God doesn't really allow for that. I am not the one in control, and I constantly need to go out of my comfort zone. So, I guess it's good to be reminded that my life is not my own. Lord, I commit myself to another year under your sovereign hand of love. I re-surrender the desires of my hearts and my deepest dreams. You alone know how to fulfill them and grow me into the perons you first dreamed. May I grow more peaceful under the knowledge that you are in control and you are good.
I will take my own advice from the beginning of this blog and review all the reasons I have for thanksgiving - in this past year as well as my entire life.
I can see - in full color. I can hear. I can breathe. I can walk. I can taste. I can hug and hold. I can speak. I am in perfect physical health. I have few allergies. I don't have cavities, but have glasses, contacts, and retainers. I have easy access to clean water, hot water, water whenever I want it, an abundance of water. I have a college education. I have a stable job. I have a warm house, a comfy bed, a variety of foods. I have money to bless others. I have a car, bike, phone, computer, mp3 player. I have never been physically, verbally, or sexually abused. I have not been raped. I have not been sold into slavery. I have been able to see Kenya, Peru, and Yosemite. Children smile when they see me. I can cook. I can write. I can draw. I can read. I can sleep without too much trouble. I have too many clothes and shoes. I was born and not aborted. I was adopted into a loving family. I have many friends who constantly pour love on me. I have a warm and nourishing church family. I have multiple Bibles. I have a concordance! I have freedom of worship. I grew up knowing the Creator of the universe. I live where there are breathatkingly beautiful sunsets, trees, flowers etc. I have men in my life that are gentlemen - that open the car doors, shovel your walkways, insist you eat first, don't make dirty jokes, give great hugs, and remind you of God's love. When I fall, God picks me up. When I run, God chases after me. Any hardship I experience, is only allowed by God's loving hand; and therefore bearable and refining. And most of all - God gives me unconditional steadfast love, grace to save me in my deadness, hope to last me through this life, and peace against all anxiety and fear.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits․
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
What doest thou here?
Hullo,
I'm a bit glum... so I'm revisiting my one of my favorite stories in the Bible concerning Elijah. After Elijah tries to do great things for the Lord, yet no revival occurs, all other prophets are slain, and Jezebel is trying to kill him, he runs into the wilderness, falls under a juniper tree, and asks to die. He cries out to the Lord that he's all alone, he's tried to do good, it's not working, and he doesn't really see the point anymore. I often feel this way in community. It may be that I've been gifted with the spiritual gift of prophecy... and one big tripwire for prophets is pride. So often I invest in people, try to build intimacy, try to start conversations on blogs... (lol), write letters, take people out for lunch, listen, start converstations, build something for the Lord... but it's all my doing. So I get frustrated and despairing when I find myself alone even if I'm not truly alone.
Everyone experiences loneliness. It's so strange how sometimes you can feel completely beloved and needed in a group and other times you feel compeletely alone or ignored. I am close to one of the most loved people in the world; and yet I still experience deep haunting loneliness. I don't think anything will ever fill it... until I see the face of God. But I do hope that some day, God will send me a partner. That's one of the beautiful things about this passage in 1 Kings 19. At the end of it, God tells Elijah to find Elisha who will join him in his ministry. God knows it is not good for us to be alone.
Back to the pride thing, I heard a talk about community recently. As I am anticpating the loss of people as they move on from our community, and the loss of someone I love too much, I asked "How does one bear being left behind?" The answer was quite simple. "It's not about you". In a way, that is what the Lord conveys to Elijah when He asks, "What doest thou here?" He's asking "Why are you here? I didn't save your life for you to be moping in a cave! I saved you to bring my kingdom life to others. I called you to serve. I called you to total surrender - where nothing else matters but me." It's a good wake up call to us... when we're throwing a pity party. It may seem strange, but centering everything around God really does make one feel better.
And of course, God doesn't challange Elijah until AFTER he gives him rest and refreshment. So if you're feeling despairing, make sure you get some sleep and good food. It makes a difference. Now, eagerly await to see how God will meet your needs... for be assured He will!
Love,
Katie
I'm a bit glum... so I'm revisiting my one of my favorite stories in the Bible concerning Elijah. After Elijah tries to do great things for the Lord, yet no revival occurs, all other prophets are slain, and Jezebel is trying to kill him, he runs into the wilderness, falls under a juniper tree, and asks to die. He cries out to the Lord that he's all alone, he's tried to do good, it's not working, and he doesn't really see the point anymore. I often feel this way in community. It may be that I've been gifted with the spiritual gift of prophecy... and one big tripwire for prophets is pride. So often I invest in people, try to build intimacy, try to start conversations on blogs... (lol), write letters, take people out for lunch, listen, start converstations, build something for the Lord... but it's all my doing. So I get frustrated and despairing when I find myself alone even if I'm not truly alone. Everyone experiences loneliness. It's so strange how sometimes you can feel completely beloved and needed in a group and other times you feel compeletely alone or ignored. I am close to one of the most loved people in the world; and yet I still experience deep haunting loneliness. I don't think anything will ever fill it... until I see the face of God. But I do hope that some day, God will send me a partner. That's one of the beautiful things about this passage in 1 Kings 19. At the end of it, God tells Elijah to find Elisha who will join him in his ministry. God knows it is not good for us to be alone.
Back to the pride thing, I heard a talk about community recently. As I am anticpating the loss of people as they move on from our community, and the loss of someone I love too much, I asked "How does one bear being left behind?" The answer was quite simple. "It's not about you". In a way, that is what the Lord conveys to Elijah when He asks, "What doest thou here?" He's asking "Why are you here? I didn't save your life for you to be moping in a cave! I saved you to bring my kingdom life to others. I called you to serve. I called you to total surrender - where nothing else matters but me." It's a good wake up call to us... when we're throwing a pity party. It may seem strange, but centering everything around God really does make one feel better.
And of course, God doesn't challange Elijah until AFTER he gives him rest and refreshment. So if you're feeling despairing, make sure you get some sleep and good food. It makes a difference. Now, eagerly await to see how God will meet your needs... for be assured He will!
Love,
Katie
Friday, March 15, 2013
Transparent Luminosity: Being a vessel of light
Hi folks,
The last few days I've been kind of captivated by the imagery of light. When I've asked the Lord how He wants me to represent Him, I've had three verses bounce around in my head. Exodus 33:29, Luke 11:34, and Hebrews 2:2. I am continually astounded at the illustration of Moses's face being so radiant as to cause fear in the hearts of the Israelites - and that the source of the radiance was being in the presence of God. It literally boggles my mind.
I'm an action, service, Martha kinda girl... and I always wonder how one stays in the presence of God in the middle of this crazy life... which brings me to Hebrews 2:2 and the concept of fixing our eyes on Jesus. In KJV it reads "looking unto Jesus" and "looking" is translated into "to look away from one thing so as to see another" "to concentrate the gaze upon" I love the concept of gazing, because it requires less action and more stillness. If you're going to gaze dreamily into someone's eyes... you can't really do it while you're jogging around, eating food, putting on makeup, etc. However, this translation also gives some power to being still. We often conotate gazing as a lazy business.... something people do as they daydream - but this fixing of the eyes takes willpower to turn away from other distracting things - to one thing - Jesus Christ and his life.
Fixing of the eyes made me think of that weird verse about your eye being the lamp of your body and providing light. In the KJV, the verse translates even more bizzarely "when thine eye is single, thy whole body is also full of light..." WHAT?! Single is translated "no folds within which to hide something" and eye is translated into "singleness of motive" or "faculty of knowing". So actually this verse ties in perfectly with Hebrews 12:2. This verse warns us to have an undivided heart - one focused on the Lord and not mammon (accumulating for ourselves). To quote Herbert Lockyer, "a mind divided between heaven and earth is dark" (1963, p.149). Conversely, "As we walk with good, sound eyes, and walking in light see objects clearly so the single persistent desire to serve and please God in everything will make our character consistent and bright" (1963, p. 149). Finally, when we live wholeheartedly for the Lord, we have nothing to hide. Therefore, we can live a transparent life... which is the only life that can allow light to shine through.
At this time of year, light/sunshine brings us lightness of heart and joy. So it is with a life centered on God. This is how Christ endured the cross and this is how we are to live as light to the world - something that people crave like sunlight in the winter/spring. As vessels of God's light we are to be warm, transparent, and light of heart with the hope of abundant life in Christ.
May you be radiant today,
All my love,
Katie
Verses:
29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord."
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
34 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. 35 Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. 36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”
Reference: All the Parables of the Bible by Hebert Lockyer
The last few days I've been kind of captivated by the imagery of light. When I've asked the Lord how He wants me to represent Him, I've had three verses bounce around in my head. Exodus 33:29, Luke 11:34, and Hebrews 2:2. I am continually astounded at the illustration of Moses's face being so radiant as to cause fear in the hearts of the Israelites - and that the source of the radiance was being in the presence of God. It literally boggles my mind.
I'm an action, service, Martha kinda girl... and I always wonder how one stays in the presence of God in the middle of this crazy life... which brings me to Hebrews 2:2 and the concept of fixing our eyes on Jesus. In KJV it reads "looking unto Jesus" and "looking" is translated into "to look away from one thing so as to see another" "to concentrate the gaze upon" I love the concept of gazing, because it requires less action and more stillness. If you're going to gaze dreamily into someone's eyes... you can't really do it while you're jogging around, eating food, putting on makeup, etc. However, this translation also gives some power to being still. We often conotate gazing as a lazy business.... something people do as they daydream - but this fixing of the eyes takes willpower to turn away from other distracting things - to one thing - Jesus Christ and his life.
Fixing of the eyes made me think of that weird verse about your eye being the lamp of your body and providing light. In the KJV, the verse translates even more bizzarely "when thine eye is single, thy whole body is also full of light..." WHAT?! Single is translated "no folds within which to hide something" and eye is translated into "singleness of motive" or "faculty of knowing". So actually this verse ties in perfectly with Hebrews 12:2. This verse warns us to have an undivided heart - one focused on the Lord and not mammon (accumulating for ourselves). To quote Herbert Lockyer, "a mind divided between heaven and earth is dark" (1963, p.149). Conversely, "As we walk with good, sound eyes, and walking in light see objects clearly so the single persistent desire to serve and please God in everything will make our character consistent and bright" (1963, p. 149). Finally, when we live wholeheartedly for the Lord, we have nothing to hide. Therefore, we can live a transparent life... which is the only life that can allow light to shine through.
At this time of year, light/sunshine brings us lightness of heart and joy. So it is with a life centered on God. This is how Christ endured the cross and this is how we are to live as light to the world - something that people crave like sunlight in the winter/spring. As vessels of God's light we are to be warm, transparent, and light of heart with the hope of abundant life in Christ.
May you be radiant today,
All my love,
Katie
Verses:
29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord."
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
34 “Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. 35 Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. 36 If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”
Reference: All the Parables of the Bible by Hebert Lockyer
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