THE BOGEYMAN

Big girl confession.

I am a scaredy-cat.

And I am very afraid of the dark.

Which isn't a good thing when you live on the top of a mountain, with only one neighbor in sight (who only occasionally visits), no streetlights, multiple windows, and minimal window coverings.

I feel like I am on view for every scary creature out there.

And I really don't like driving home in the dark.

The last leg to our house is a steep switchback, a skinny ribbon of a road that requires one to slow to a snail's pace to negotiate it.

At nighttime, this means one lonely set of headlights illuminating shadowy trees and clawing branches, ogre-shaped boulders, darkened ravines where trolls lurk…

And heaven help me if it's windy!


I have always been afraid of the dark.

I think it must be something innate to the human creature.  I think we're born with an uneasy wariness of the darkness.  After all, we can't see as well, and therefore we're most vulnerable.

However, if something happens to you when you're a child, that fear can really escalate and take hold.

Like it did for me.

I vividly remember one night when we were visiting my grandparents' house. I was very young.  Young enough that my mom put me to bed in the other room while they stayed up visiting.

I fell asleep, yes.

But at some point, I awoke – and discovered, to my terror, that someone or some *thing* had a tight grip on my hand!

Now I knew that the Bogeyman lived either in a closet or under a bed.  So I knew it was HIM that had hold of me!!

Even though I was scared out of my wits, I still had some wits about me.

So I started reasoning out what to do.

If I yelled for my father, the Bogeyman would pull me quickly under the bed and take me to the unknown void where he takes little children.

If I stayed still and quiet, he'd still end up pulling me quickly under the bed and taking me to the unknown void where he takes little children.

I finally decided that if I yelled for my father, the Bogeyman might be startled just long enough for my dad to arrive and rescue me.

I started screaming…

"Dad, help me, help me!!"

He stormed into the room, and I started sobbing.

"What's wrong???"

Blubbering, I tried to tell him about how the Bogeyman was tightly gripping my hand, and how he was momentarily going to pull me under the bed and take me to the unknown void where he takes little children.

My father started laughing.

Dad was not a cruel man, but I just could NOT figure out what was so funny about being kidnapped.

"Dad, why are you laughing?"

"Look at your hand," he chuckled.

Oh, I was terrified to do that.  What horribly gnarled, wart-encrusted, talon-curled, slimy green hand was I going to see?

Finally, I took one peek – only to find my hand firmly in the grasp of my other one.

What?!?!

Well, it seems that one arm had fallen asleep, and dead to the world, it had become the gripping and grasping claw of the *Bogeyman*…

OK, amusing, but this incident only cemented my terror of the dark.

Fortunately, I did not have parents who used the Bogeyman as a threat to ensure good behavior.

But I did have a brother who delighted in jumping out at me from dark doorways, or from behind couches, or out of closets.

My fear of the dark and sudden surprises took root.

I still sorta launch myself into bed from a couple of feet out…

And "The Hub" has been know to accidentally startle me into a terror-stricken shout from time to time.

He always asks me, "Who did you expect?"

Well, the Bogeyman…


Interesting background on the Bogeyman:

"The word bogey is believed to be derived from the Middle English bogge/bugge (hobgoblin).  Bogeyman (also, sometimes, incorrectly, spelled bogieman, boogeyman, or boogie man) is a common allusion to a mythical creature in many cultures used by adults or older children to frighten children into good behavior. This monster has no specific appearance, and conceptions about it can vary drastically from household to household within the same community; in many cases, he has no set appearance in the mind of an adult or child, but is simply a non-specific embodiment of terror. Parents may tell their children that if they misbehave, the bogeyman will get them…In some cases, the bogeyman is a nickname for the devil." 
(From Wikipedia)

It seems like every culture has some sort of myth or legend about the Bogeyman.

But what I found most interesting is that he can represent Satan.

When you think about it, our fear of the dark probably has its roots in our fear of the devil and his minions.  And though the Bogeyman is a fictional character, the enemy of our souls is very real.

And he has a mission – to steal, kill, and destroy.  (John 10:10, ESV)

Described as evil, a thief, the father of lies, a murderer, he is scary.

But, I have discovered a couple of things about him.


One, he cannot read my mind.

This means that my thought life is private.

It cannot be invaded physically or spiritually by the enemy.

Yes, just as we can sense the mood of another person and try to influence it, he can be the parrot that sits on my shoulder, squawking his lies and venom into my ear.

Or he can be the slippery serpent that whispers temptations and doubts.

He can attempt to inflame my thoughts, influence my thoughts, encourage my thoughts, twist my thoughts – but he cannot get in there and hear them.

I like that.

For one thing, this means that when I talk with the Lord in my heart, the enemy is NOT privy to the conversation.

He will not hear me pour out my heart, nor listen to me recount my troubles and worries.  He will not hear me when I feel angry or disappointed in God. He will never hear my doubts.

Therefore, what tremendous courage I can take in being totally honest with the Lord!

I don't know if any of you remember the comedy series, "Get Smart."  If you do, then you'll remember the *cone of silence.*  A rather bulky and cumbersome plastic dome that never, ever worked.

But, God surrounds our minds with His protection.

So what we say in our innermost thoughts, and what we feel in our innermost emotions, is safe with Him.

He alone is omniscient, He alone knows the heart.

He alone knows you.


The second thing that I've learned about the enemy is that he cannot read my mind.

I'm not being redundant here.

This is what I mean.

If the devil cannot read my mind – (he cannot) – then he also doesn't hear my words when I try to battle him in my thoughts.

I can say "Get thee behind me, Satan" all I want in my head, and it might serve to shore up my defenses, but there is only one way to be offensive…

Say it out loud.

Yes, say it so he can hear it.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He used Scripture as His sword.

But He didn't just quote it in his head.

Nope.

If you look closely at the story in Matthew 4, you'll notice something…

Jesus SPOKE Scripture!

And he ended with this:

"Then Jesus said to him, 'Go away, Satan!'" (Matthew 1:10, AMP)


"The Hub" has a funny story about a guy he used to know at work.  This guy was really frustrated with someone, and was telling my husband all the ugly things he said to that person.

"The Hub," finding it hard to believe that this guy got away with all the trash talk, asked him, "You said that?"

The guy kinda smiled and replied, "Yeah…on the inside."

Friends, we cannot afford to fight our enemy just "on the inside."

So if you want to fight well against a most-feared, but not so fearsome, enemy – talk back to him...

OUT. LOUD.

After all, he can't read your mind.


Yeah, I'm still afraid of the dark.

I still love flashlights, and night lights in every room.

I still check closets and under the bed from time to time.

But truly, the Bogeyman is just a figment of an overactive imagination, a myth, a legend.

And though our enemy is real, he is also rather insubstantial.

So if you ever find yourself tightly in his grip, take a good, long look at your hands.

Chances are, something's *fallen asleep* and you're only gripped by your own fear.

Your Father is right there.

And there is no one or no thing "under the bed" ready to snatch you away.


You are safe in His hands alone…

Jesus speaks...

I am
the light of the world.
Whoever follows Me
will never
walk in darkness,
but will have
the Light of life.

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"O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.  You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD." (Psalm 139:1-4, NLT)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely and your foot will not stumble.  When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." (Proverbs 3:23-24, AMP)

"'The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned.'" (Matthew 4:16, NASB)

"'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, AMP)

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:28, ESV)

"'...I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.'" (Matthew 16:18, NLT)

"Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you." 
(James 4:7, AMP)

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes…Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11, 13, NIV)

"For the word of God is alive and powerful.  It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword..." (Hebrews 4:12, NLT)

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, AMP)



What is the *Bogeyman* in your life?  What are you afraid of?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, WEEKEND WHISPERS, GIVE ME GRACE, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, LIVING PROVERBS, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE FROZEN PLACES

Brrr…

It's cold outside!

We were out of town during the Thanksgiving holiday.  And upon our return last week, we had to stop at a few places before we actually arrived home.

(You know, the usual – market, mail, and Mexican food).  

Each time we were greeted with the words, "Did you get snow?"

Actually, I suppose we did.

Though there wasn't much evidence of it left!

Whatever frosty flakes fell while we were out of town were now mostly melted – with the exception of a few icy patches stubbornly refusing to thaw.

I'm thinking about those places.

Why don't they melt?

Sometimes they stick around for days, long after everything else has melted.


I'm Google-obssessed, an info nerd, curious, so I looked it up to see if there's a scientific explanation for this.  And yes, there is!

"An interesting thing about snow and ice is that they are very good at absorbing long-wave radiation…If atmospheric conditions are such that long-wave radiation can easily escape or leave an area, that area will experience radiational cooling even if the sun is shining and the temperatures are warming up.  We can see this in the snowmelt…Even though the air is warm enough to melt the snow, in [some areas] very little if any will often melt because that snow is cooling radiationally."


Hmmm.

I sorta get that??

But even if I don't understand all the scientific intricacies of snowmelt, I have noticed two things that all these patches have in common.

For one thing, they're always in the shade.

I see them in cold ruts by the side of the road.  Or under trees with heavy branches.  Or in forgotten corners lurking under our stairs or decking.

They are found in dark places, away from the light and warmth of the sun.

I've also noticed that these patches are found in areas where there's no greenery surrounding them.

Areas that are bereft of plants or shrubs.

They are found in rocky or stony places, places where nothing grows.

Cold, lonely, forgotten places.

Frozen places.


As I gazed out my window the other day, and pondered these places, I realized something...

Sometimes these places exist in our own hearts.

Dark, rocky, stony places.

Lonely and forgotten places.

Places where something has gone cold and dead.


The causes can be many…

Maybe it's the long-ago, or not-so-long-ago hurt of rejection or betrayal. When your heart was shattered by someone you trusted.

When you said to yourself, "I'll never let anyone get that close again."

And something froze.


Or maybe it's the crushing blow of failure.  A mistaken decision.  Or something you did and shouldn't have, or didn't do but should have.  When you were overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy.

When you said to yourself, "I'm a loser." 

And something froze.


Or maybe it's the gnawing ache of estrangement from someone you once loved.  When the seeds of bitterness took root deep inside, strangling and choking.

When you said to yourself, "I'll never forgive them."

And something froze.


Or maybe it's the death of a dream you once had.  Of something you'd do or be.  When something you wanted with your whole heart was smothered by the realities of life, and it never happened.  

When you said to yourself, "I give up.  I'll never try again."

And something froze.


Are you like me?

Do you open your heart, but only so far? 

Do you surrender your life to the Lord, but only so far?

Are you like me?

Stubbornly clutching deep and secret and hidden places?  Places where something cold and stony resides?

Places imprisoned in shady darkness, where nothing at all ever grows?

Frozen places where hope has died?


Oh friend, let's look deeply at ourselves, deeply within ourselves.

And let's not be afraid to see what's there.

God already knows.

He knows.

And He loves those deep and secret and hidden places.  

Places where something cold and stony resides.

Lonely and forgotten places.

Frozen places where hope has died.


For He loves to thaw them out with the Son, with the Light of the World, with the warmth of His Spirit.


In this season of Advent, I am thinking of another place, hidden from the eyes of the world.  A lonely, forgotten, stony place.  A place where the deep darkness of the world was invaded by the bright Light of the Son.

A place where the cold and icy power of evil and sin was overcome.


A secret place where Hope was born.

And frozen places began to melt…


Are you willing to meet Him there?

In the frozen places of my heart
Where my hidden pain doth hide,
Shine Your light, bring Your warmth
Let Your hope once more reside.

Melt the icy, stubborn parts
Where I have ceased to be,
Bring me back, restore my breath
Give me life, abundantly.

(Sharon Kirby, 12/6/15) 

C. S. Lewis, who described himself as a most reluctant convert, once described his conversion in these words:

"I felt as if I were a man of snow at long last beginning to melt.  The melting was starting in my back – drip-drip and presently trickle-trickle."
("Surprised by Joy")

It's interesting that Lewis chose this word picture of snow melting.  It's a good one, suggesting how the bitter coldness of one's heart can be changed and transformed into a vibrant heart for God.

Later, Lewis once again used the imagery of snow in his beloved classic, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."  When Narnia came under the rule of the wicked White Witch, she turned it into a place where it was "always winter but never Christmas."  When the snow of Narnia begins to melt, it's an apt metaphor for how the "winter in our hearts" can once again experience the springtime of hope when a Savior invades our world.

"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,

At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,

When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,

And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again."

("The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe")

"And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

"'I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior – all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness.'" (John 12:46, AMP)

"'…I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"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." (John 1:4-5, NIV)


"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; 
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; 
and the government shall be upon his shoulder, 
and his name shall be called 
Wonderful Counselor, 
Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, 
Prince of Peace.  
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, 
on the throne of David and over his kingdom, 
to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness 
from this time forth and forevermore." 

(Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, ESV)



Do you have a *frozen place* that Jesus needs to melt?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, WORDS WITH WINTER, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WORSHIPFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, LIVING PROVERBS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

DRACULA MOON

Monsters.

I sorta like to be scared by them.

Back in the day (my day that is!), there was a rash of monster movies. Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Phantom of the Opera, Creature from the Black Lagoon, to name a few.  In my humble (and correct) opinion, these were *true* monster movies.  (I am not a fan of re-makes).

And, in a pre-special effects world, a world without computer-generated creatures, these movies were classics of makeup and lighting and cinematography.  I think the fact that they were filmed in black and white made them even scarier.  Properly creepy, they scared the wits out of me.

Especially Dracula.

For weeks I was unable to close my eyes at night without feeling his warm, batty breath on my neck!

Somehow in my mind, he was the one monster who could actually be real.

And so, to this day, I am still a little spooked by what I call a "Dracula Moon."

A "Dracula Moon" is a full moon surrounded by wispy clouds, or fog, or a halo of moist air.  (Check out my photo below and you'll see what I mean).

A regular full moon is also a bit eerie, as it brings the risk of a random Wolf Man appearance.

But at least you can see well by the light of a silvery moon.

A "Dracula Moon" is not a bright moon.  It is a shadowy harbinger of ominous monster-lurking (or flying).

Part of the reason I still look up in the sky and feel a tingle along my spine is because of one true fact…

I am still afraid of the dark.

Yup, I admit it.

I am a nighttime sissy.

And you know what?  It is really, really freaky up here in the mountains!  There are no neighbors next door, no streetlights, no neon-lit main street, no fancy backyard lighting.

Just an inky sky…

…and whatever else is lingering nearby just waiting to jump out at me!

I've mentioned before that our house is located at the top of a winding, switchback road.  And I hate when I have to drive home after dark.  It doesn't happen often (on purpose) – but occasionally I have to do it.

Let me tell you, there is no way that I can drive fast. 

And so, when I go slowly, and especially when I have to slow down around the curves, all I can see is what is lit up by my headlights (on high-beam, of course).

I am surrounded by trees and boulders and ravines and things that go bump in the night.

My hands get a little sweaty, my heart beats faster, and my mind races to all sorts of things.  Beasts that will jump out at me, or scary robbers trying to hijack my car, or monsters looking for an unwary and hapless victim.

And, if I am ever unfortunate enough to drive home on a night lit up by a "Dracula Moon" – let me tell you, I am looking for wings.

Silly, huh?

A little, maybe.

But fear of the dark is real.  And fear of monsters is instinctual in a way, don't you think?

Found this on the web:  Fear of the dark is usually not fear of the darkness itself, but fear of possible or imagined dangers concealed by darkness.  It's linked to a fear of the unknown.


Yes, that is it exactly.

But, where does this fear come from?

I think it comes from something that the enemy places in our hearts and minds.

The prince of darkness reigns on this earth, and fear is one of his most effective tactics.

He moves in darkness, and hates the light.

And he delights in scaring the children of God.

Trust me, I know.  For I am a worrier, a fretter, a stewpot of *what-if* thinking…and I get scared very easily.

It's my thorn.

And the enemy knows how to poke at and stir up and wound me at my most vulnerable spot.

F reaking out
E ndless anxiety
A ngst-ridden thoughts
R unning away


He is a monster.

But truly, I don't really need to be afraid of him.

For I have the Light of the World with me.

I have found that if I turn on a Christian radio station while driving up the road, I'm not afraid.

If I pray while I'm driving, I'm not afraid.  (Eyes open, of course!)

If I sing while I'm driving, I'm not afraid.

See, the truth of the matter is this – if I focus on the Lord, I AM NOT AFRAID.

This is Truth that can, and must, be applied to all aspects of my life.

Fear is really just the devil taunting me, and tempting me to look at all my inadequacies, my inabilities, my lack of control over anything.

And this is the root of fear.

It stems from that old prideful desire to be our own gods.  To run our lives.  To do what we think is best.  To rule and reign and make life into our own image.

And when we come face-to-face with the fearsome reality that we are not in control, well, we can crumble.

I have battled an onslaught of anxiety since my dad died in January.  It's been overwhelming at times.

And yet…

AND. YET.

I am also finding out how much I am loved.

Loved by a sovereign God who loves me perfectly.

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear…" (1 John 4:18, NIV)

He is the One who controls my future.  He is the One who battles the darkness of fear.  He is the One who overcomes the powers that taunt and tempt.

Yes, the enemy may say, "Boo!"

But the Lord says, "Be gone!"


Truth be told, I'll probably always be a little afraid of the dark and monsters – (I still jump into my bed from about 2 feet out – nobody’s grabbing me from underneath the bed!)

And I'll probably always have to battle my tendency to worry.

And I'm sure I'll always have a "control" issue!

But, I do not need to fear…

For the light of the moon, even a "Dracula Moon," is still just a reflection of the sun…

…and even on the darkest night, the Son is still shining!

Fear not!
I am with you always,
even to the end of the world.

"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you...[and will] release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." (Isaiah 42:6-7, NIV)

"For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, NLT)

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves..." (Colossians 1:13, NIV)

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people...As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9, NLT)

"For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord.  So live as people of light!" (Ephesians 5:8, NLT)

"'Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.'" 

(Acts 26:17-18, NLT)

"In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:4-5, ESV)

"'I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.'" (John 12:46, NASB)

"'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 1:12, NIV)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

"Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me." (Micah 7:8, NKJV)

What are you afraid of?  And how does God help you overcome your fears?

Linked today with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, UNFORCED RHYTHMS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, UNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, WORDS OF LIFE WEDNESDAYS, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, THRIVING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, THRIVE AT HOME THURSDAY, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, FRIDAY FIVE, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, WEEKEND BREW, RECOMMENDATION SATURDAY, STILL SATURDAY, SATURDAY SOIREE, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

LIGHT AND SHADOW - A Poem

LIGHT AND SHADOW

The light and shadows play today
One moment sunny, the next moment gray,
The wind does its work, sculpting the air
One moment gloomy, the next moment fair.

It's much like the way it is with my life
One moment calm, the next moment strife,
I'm never quite sure how the wind will blow
One moment high, the next moment low.

Sometimes I wish the wind would cease
And bring me some quiet, bring me some peace,
But it continues to blow and blow and blow
Taking me where?  I just never know.

There must be a way to control the air
So that every day dawns sunny and fair,
There must be a way to control my life
So there never exists a day with strife.

But I have never found a way
To control what happens in the course of a day,
I do not know how to harness the wind
Nor how to alter a world filled with sin.

So each day I wonder what the wind will bring
Will I be crying, or will I sing,
Up and down I'm carried and blown
Twisted by forces completely unknown.

Oh, I am tired, and in much need of rest
I need a day when with peace I am blessed,
But where to turn, I cry out in pain
For after all, today it might rain.

Then a Voice so quiet, a Voice so still
A Voice that works outside my will,
Speaks to the wind a word of peace
And tells the storms, "No more, now cease."

The light and shadows will always play
One moment sunny, the next moment gray,
But the Voice does His work, sculpting the air
While always keeping me under His care.

Yes, that is the way it is with my life
One moment calm, the next moment strife,
But though I don't know how the wind will blow
The Light always leads me where I should go.

© Sharon Kirby
January 7, 2013

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 

"The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." (Psalm 19:8, NIV)

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." 
(Psalm 119:105, NLT)

"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." 
(Psalm 36:9, NIV)

"I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." 
(Isaiah 42:16, NIV)

"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.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1:5, NLT)

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." 

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'"

(Isaiah 9:2 / Luke 2:9-11, NIV)

Glorious now behold Him arise,

King and God and Sacrifice.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Sounds through the earth and skies.

O star of wonder, star of night,

Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding,

Guide us to thy perfect Light.

(Christmas Carol - We Three Kings)

How does the Light shine in your shadows?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS 


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Light

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!


Today's word: light

Of all the things that give off light, what is your favorite and why?

Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world."  What do you think He meant?

How can we show our *light* to the world in a more effective way?


Let me know what you think!!


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Guidance

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: guidance

What does the word guidance mean to you?

How do you seek the Lord's guidance?

How do you confirm the Lord's guidance?

In what area of your life are you seeking guidance today?

Let me know what you think!!

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR

I am in love with a renegade.

A maverick.

An outlaw.

Yes, I love "The Hub" dearly – and he would undoubtedly fill those categories. We tease him all the time that he should have been born in 1854. He's a whole lot of Jeremiah Johnson (the consummate mountain man), a touch of Butch Cassidy, with a liberal sprinkling of Virgil Earp in there…

But he's not the one I'm talking about.

I'm talking about Jesus.

I just finished reading a wonderful book (in my humble opinion) called "Beautiful Outlaw" by John Eldredge.

Eldredge talks about the very real Jesus that we encounter in the Gospels. Let me tell you, THAT Jesus is not the Jesus that the world thinks they know. Eldredge subtitles his book, "Experiencing the playful, disruptive, extravagant personality of Jesus."

Doesn't that sound delicious?

You know, to me, if you don't know the true Person of Jesus, then the real meaning of the Incarnation kinda fades. It will become just a nice picture of a cherubic baby who came into the world, meek and mild – only to grow up into a Jesus who was a kind and gentle man, who sweetly taught people "good lessons."

If you don't know the true Person of Jesus, you only know a two-dimensional cardboard imitation of the real thing.

Listen to what Eldredge says:

"Reading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off."

Yeah, Jesus on mute.

This book has me pondering…especially at this time of year.

Exactly WHO was born in that manger??

Not a wimp, that's for sure. Not someone boring. Not someone easy.

If you read the Gospels, Jesus is someone wonderful. He is exciting and unpredictable. He hates the status quo. He angers the "religious" and loves sinners. He is sometimes clever, sometimes sarcastic. He is always intelligent. He doesn't fit into any stereotype.

He is dynamic and charismatic – and quite honestly, a bit unmanageable.

I like that in a Savior, don't you?

Compelling.

I have lately been gripped by a new fervor for the Person of Jesus – it's overtaking me. I have been captured by the Son of God – real, uncontainable, thrilling.

I am reminded of a scene in the book "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" (from C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia). One of the children, Lucy, has never met Aslan (the Lion who is Jesus). Listen to this conversation:

"Is he – quite safe?" [asks Lucy].

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good."

Later, Mr. Beaver also says this: "He's wild, you know. Not like a tame lion."

You know, I love a rodent who speaks the truth!

So, you see, as I think about that baby in the manger, I'm taking a new look at exactly what happened there, and exactly who was born. Yes, it happened quietly, only in the presence of Mary and Joseph, in an obscure and lonely, dirty and dingy place.

But oh! God might as well have hurled a cosmic thunderbolt to earth!

A comet of salvation slammed into earth that moment, and life would never be the same again. The dark and lonely world had been struck with the Lord of Light, and Satan's kingdom had been invaded. Look out – the Almighty Son of God took His first breath, and Life itself began!

I'm sure the heavens shook.

It just gives me goosebumps.

Now, the enemy does his best to keep the real Person of Jesus hidden from us. The enemy tries to convince us that Jesus is weak, uncaring, restrictive – or worse yet, totally irrelevant.

No, no, no.

I will not listen to those particular lies.

The Jesus who was born in the manger came to upend the world's value system. He came to revolutionize the human heart. He came to love mankind in an impossibly sacrificial way.

He came to turn ME inside out – to interrupt MY agenda, to challenge MY goals, to disturb MY comfort – to shape and mold and prune and knead.

He came to give me HIS life.

I don't know about you, but THAT'S the Jesus I love and want to follow.

The Jesus who was born in the manger is a hero…

Do you know the REAL Jesus deep in your heart? Has He lit your life on fire?

(I would also recommend this book, along the same lines: "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancey. Of course, there is no better place to meet the real Jesus than in the pages of God's Word.)

It's time for Joan's GRACE CAFE - come on over and join us!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Light of the World

In the beginning, God…

Do those words thrill you like they do me?!

GOD.

The Ultimate Cause.

The Great Creator.

The One Who Rules The Universe.

God's work of creation was an amazing, awe-inspiring, majestic, supernatural miracle. God made something – God made everything – out of nothing. His Wisdom stretched out and filled time and space with Himself.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" focuses on the beginning of His incredible creative plan:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good."

(Genesis 1:1-3)

Here, in the beginning, God's Spirit hovered over a dark world.

The image of the Spirit of God hovering over the earth's surface is similar to a mother bird caring for and protecting her young (see Deuteronomy 32:11, 12/Isaiah 31:5). Don't you love that?

And in much the same way, the Spirit of God hovers over a dark world today. A world full of sin – a world full of people trapped by the darkness – in their lives, in their relationships, in their hearts.

Dark.

Several years ago, I visited the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. They are fascinating. A myriad of shapes and colors – intricate, massive – a wonderland. A most interesting combination of water, and minerals, and lots (and lots) of time.

At one point on the tour, the guide turned out all the lights. And it was dark – pitch dark. So dark that I could not see my hand less than one inch in front of my face. At that moment, a great truth dawned (!!) on me.

Darkness is not an entity in itself.

Darkness is the absence of light.

It is the light that defines the darkness.

God saw the darkness, and He said, "Let there be light."

And it was good.

The Light of God makes its appearance in our lives in so many ways.

There is redemption Light – when the Light of God shines into the dungeon of our sins, and sets us free. The chains of slavery are removed by salvation – salvation that was bought by the death and resurrection of the Light of the World, dear Jesus. We are freed from eternal darkness – a hell of separation from God – and walk into the light of eternity.

There is wisdom Light – when God's Word becomes a light on our paths, and a lamp to our feet. We are guided in our faith journeys, even when the way seems dark, by the sure and steadying guidance of His Word. We are corrected, and challenged, and comforted, and inspired by Scripture. It enlightens our thinking, and brings illumination to our souls.

There is encouragement Light – when into a dark and lonely season, God's Light shines. Sometimes it bursts forth in glory, like the sun beaming through the clouds – and sometimes it's just the hopeful flicker of a candle, that lets us see His presence again.

God's Light.

Not the opposite of darkness – for the darkness is not equal to the light.

No, all the darkness of the world, and of our souls, is only the absence of the Light – the true Light of God's radiant Presence.

Could we take a step without it?

"Jesus spoke to the people…and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." (John 8:12 – NLT)

"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."

(Psalm 36:9 – KJV)

Take some time, and search your Bible for its many references to Light.

They will wash over your spirit with refreshing rays of warming SONlight.

And it will be good!

Where do you need the Light of God to shine in your life?

"When in doubt, search God out!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Glory

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: glory

How would you describe the word glory?

If you'd like to, share one glorious moment in your life.

Let me know what you think!!

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HIDDEN TALENTS

Hidden Talents.

The Bible makes it expressly clear that each believer is given a spiritual gift – a gift given so we can help each other.

“Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts…due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same…All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.” (1 Corinthians 12:4, 11 – Amplified Bible)

The spiritual gifts given to each person by the Holy Spirit are special abilities – to be used to help people, to spread the Gospel, and to minister to the needs of the Body of Christ.

There are many gifts – people have different gifts, some have more than one – but one gift is not superior to another. All spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit.

“God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” (verse 6, NLT)

God is completely involved in the giving, using, and empowering of these gifts. He creates a unique place for each believer – a specialized, designed-by-God role.

We can take no credit for what God has freely given us.

But what are we doing with what He has given us?

Hidden talents.

Are we hiding them?

We are called to invest our talents in helping others. We are to use them wisely – to reach others with the Gospel, and to build up the body of believers.

There is a reward waiting for those who use their time, talents, and treasures diligently in order to serve God completely.

And there are consequences for those who don’t. We cannot call ourselves servants of God, and then have little to show for it. If our gifts are not being utilized, it means we are essentially living a selfish lifestyle.

There is a principle of truth in this – one that runs throughout the Bible.

Negligence of spiritual truth is punished and diligence is rewarded – rewards are given according to faithfulness, and chastening is brought on by lack of faithfulness.

So again, I ask – are we hiding our talents?

And why would we do so?

I can think of several reasons – because at some time or the other, I have used them for my own excuses.

1) “I don’t have time.”

2) “I don’t have the energy.”

3) “I don’t know where to start.”

4) “I don’t have any gifts or talents.”

5) “I don’t know what my gifts or talents are.”

6) “I don’t have the courage.”

7) “I don’t want people to criticize or reject me.”

8) “I don’t want to fail.”

On and on…

But every excuse has one thing in common – the phrase “I DON’T…”

We are focusing on our INABILITY, our LACK, our WEAKNESS. We are focusing on our SELVES.

We have a calling – to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom to others. We have a calling – to build up the church. We have a calling – issued to us directly from God.

We have a calling…

And we will be held accountable for the stewardship that has been entrusted to us.

We are to bear fruit.

True faith always results in a changed life.

So, my friends, let’s stop hiding our God-given gifts and talents. Let’s stop making excuses. Let’s stop being selfish…

“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all…” (Luke 11:33)

Let your light shine – in a dark and lonely world that needs God.

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”