During the past week, I have been impacted by one word-SHINE! It has shown up in daily Bible verses, devotionals and a fellow blogger’s post. The word has so much packed into it that I couldn’t possibly unwrap it all in one post, but I want to encourage all of you to allow your best self to shine through everyday. I have been left with the question- how I can shine for others? Where is my source of light and can this be used for good?
A friend sent me Psalm 73:26 by text this week- “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Words that reminded me that with God as my source of light, I will be able to shine for others.
My friend Holly wrote a great post on Tuesday titled “Those who come may see the light“ as part of her 31 Days of Writing. She writes that as God’s light invades our lives, the darkness is pushed out. I want that in my life – light that invades and pushes through the darkness. A light guided by God, nourished by God and kept burning because my desire is to follow after Him with all I have.
Finally on Friday, I flipped the page of my perpetual “teacher” calendar and saw this:
The challenge listed above is simple but so impactful when we take the time to tell people how much they mean to us or how much they have made a difference in our lives. Take a minute today and let one person know they are loved, beautiful and important.
Have a beautiful Sunday!
Mary
Blessed to be linking with:
You are loved and I am so very grateful for your friendship. You make a difference in my life. Love you. xoxo
The feeling is mutual Beth! As my Allume roomies and I were talking about all the people who didn’t make it to Allume that we wish were with us, your name came up and I shared how I had an immediate connection with you as soon as I started visiting your blog and getting to know you. You are a treasure! Love and hugs!
I love the idea of shining for Jesus (but I confess to getting a little cranky when He has to polish me so that I can shine more brightly 😉 ). I love the new look on your blog :).
Me too Anita! Jesus does ask us to shine but honestly some days it takes everything in me just to get a glimmer! Praying that we all may bless others with our words and actions each day! Blessed you stopped by!
My prayer for you Mary:
Numbers 6
24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’
You bless me more than I can put into words so I use His. ❤️
I love how God orchestrates our lives and has our paths cross with people who we were always meant to know. You are one of those people. I love the verses you chose for me-God speaks loudly and encouraging in these words. Hugs friend!
Love your soul, Sister!
What a beautiful word, Mary! SHINE… Let me be one to tell you my friend: you are definitely “loved, beautiful and important.” I hope you had a peaceful and relaxing weekend. Thank you for your always moving and timely words :). I love in your calendar where it says don’t just plan to do it. I’m a much better planner than doer… Something I’m definitely working on!
Your encouragement means so much to me. I had a wonderful weekend and am looking forward to my first writing retreat-Allume at the end of this week. Blessed to have you stop by and share your words here too. Hugs!
Mary, thank you so much for your uplifting article! Today I feel God’s love shining and overpowering an overwhelming grief that would have been in me today. I’ve also felt compelled to write an article about “Shine.” Replace the one letter “i” and it is my son’s name “Shane.”
Blessed when you stop by Verona. I am glad you can feel God’s love shining today and I pray that His love is felt everyday. May you have a week that is blessed by the light of God! Hugs!
Hi Mary! Doing is always better than just settling for planning. I really like the idea of following through to encourage someone who has been a positive influence on my life. My friend is going through a really tough patch, and I finally sent her a card this week. I love her so much, and I’m so sad that life is so dark right now.
We never know how much our actions are appreciated. But we sure know how little only a plan makes. Great reminder!
Ceil
I will be praying for your friend! I have found that thinking beyond ourselves blesses so many. Taking the time to be this blessing for others is a challenge that God asks of us and we need to find the time to follow through. May we all shine for at least one person this week and give thanks that we are able to do this whether the fruits of our labor are obvious or not.
Your words are that light tonight. After reading your post, I went into my daughters room and shared your encouragement. Your words are beautiful , important and lovely Mary. Thank you.
You are so sweet! I am blessed by your encouragement to me and for sharing it with your daughter. Being the light for others is something I need to pray for each day. It is only with God’s strength that I can build into others. May your week be blessed!
I love it when God repeats His lessons to make sure I get the message! Thanks for mentioning my post too sweet friend!
When I read your post this week, I knew that God was trying to teach me a lesson in the word “shine”. God has a way of letting us know something is important and for some-especially me -He needs to show me in many different ways. Have a wonderful time with family and I will see you on Thursday! 🙂
Mary,
What a blessing to find you at Lisha’s #GiveMeGrace link up. I love finding confirmation, particularly the way you write about being reminded to Shine.
I will return to read your words again.
God’s Peace and Good to you,
Chelle
Blessed you stopped by Chelle! God’s reminders are everywhere and I love when He really wants me to learn something by putting it in front of me many times. Just His way of saying-hey this is important! 🙂 Have a beautiful Sunday!
Mary, I loved the post! Thank you for the challenge. I plan on doing this! I am your neighbor at the Weekend Brew Linkup.
Thank you and I hope we can find a way to encourage others and let them know they are loved and appreciated!
Oh yeah … you are loved, valued, and treasured, dear friend. I’m so thankful that you’re in my world!
In the middle of your month of intense writing, may there be a serenity that causes you to smile deep …
Thank you Linda! You are also a gift of encouragement for me! May God’s blessings be abundant this week! Hugs!