The truth was the truth all along—but until I knew the truth, I couldn’t be free #Shine

I shared in this week’s teaching that for as long as I can remember, between the ages of babyhood and about 25, I was very afraid of men with beards and shaggy clothes or blue collar type work clothes. I can’t count the number of times I experienced a scenario like this one I am going to share with you. Picture me walking down an aisle in the grocery store, minding my own business, making my grocery selections and keeping tabs on my calculator. I focus intently on whatever I am doing—so much so that it drives my family crazy sometimes. The whole house could fall down around me while I’m focused on the task at hand and I probably would not skip a beat in what I am working on. In fact, a counselor friend once told me if I had any more dopamine in my brain, I would be psychotic! (He said this tongue-in-cheek….I think!)

            So back to my scenario: Picture me focused intently on the task of grocery shopping—something I don’t enjoy anyways—and not noticing anyone around me except to go around them instead of through them as I do my shopping. Then, as if a radar detects danger, I notice a man round the corner with his own buggy, sporting a long beard, long hair and his work clothes from a construction job or something similar. Immediately, and without any provocation, my heart begins beating faster. I sense danger. I feel the intense need to make myself completely invisible to him. I feel panicky. But I have NO idea why. Logic tells me I’m being ridiculous. “Shelley, why are you freaking out? This guy has not done anything to you. Why do you always do this? Are you a bigot towards white men with shaggy hair or guys who work blue collar jobs?”

            This issue was so prevalent with me that I did not like it when the men in my life grew mustaches or beards. And I had NO idea why.

            Until one day in 1999 when my older brother and I were talking about memories from childhood. This was during the season I was experiencing an unwanted divorce from my first husband. My family members rose to the occasion big time and they all surrounded me with great support. My brother was helping me laugh as we reminisced about days gone by—the way that only siblings can because they go so far back together. At one point he started reminding me of the days when our parents could leave us kids in the car when they ran errands. This is something I never did with my children when they were young, but it was common in the late 70’s and early 80’s. My brother said, “Do you remember when Dad would leave the three of us (my two olders brothers and me) in the car to go into a store or something and you’d start crying for him?” I did not…I do not…remember this. And then he said, “And we  would tell you, ‘Shelley, you better be quiet…or the HIPPIES ARE GONNA GETCHA!!”

 Lightbulb.

            After all these years and after all the times I had asked my mom if something had happened to me when I was little that would make me experience so much anxiety when I would see men who looked a certain way; after all the confusion and guilt and fear, I finally understood where this all started and why I was affected so strongly.

            When the light was shone on this dark place, I experienced immediate release of all of that fear. (And it is a good thing my brother was on the other end of the phone or he might have been on the other end of my fist! Ha ha) 

The truth was the truth all along—but until I knew the truth, I couldn’t be free.

            And, as a side note, may I just say how thankful I am to have found this out before I met Stephen Hendrix—a man who has had facial hair almost every single day I’ve ever known him. J

• ·       Have you experienced a situation that this story reminds you of? If so, please share with us in the comments section below. 

  

• ·       What do you think might have happened if I continued to live without the knowledge about the idea of “hippies” and how the idea was planted in my mind when I was a toddler?

YOU ARE GOD’S STAR – SO #SHINE ON!

by 

Cherisse Stephens

Have you ever sat outside and looked up into the heavens on a clear dark night?  Aren’t you amazed by the stars that shine so brightly even through the darkness?  God’s creations of the heavens are so beautiful, that it leaves me in awe of him and all of his glory.  Just as God created the stars to shine in the heavens, he has created you to SHINE in the earth!  You are God’s Star!

I love the scripture that tells us that we are the light of the world, a city that cannot be hidden.  No matter what comes our way, God has given us the ability to shine through it all.  You have been given the power to light up this world with God’s glory.  How awesome is that?  Once we take on the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are empowered to let our light shine, so that men will be drawn to him.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is that of Esther.  Her story is so inspiring because Esther learned how to shine despite the odds that were against her.  In the 2^nd chapter of the book of Esther, the king Ahasuerus decided to select a new queen as his wife.  All the virgins of the land were gathered together and began their preparation process before going before the king.  Esther who was an orphaned girl being raised by her relative Mordecai, was selected.  In most people’s opinions, she was not suited to become the bride of a king. I am sure that someone reading this passage has been denied something in their lifetime.  How many people have counted you or someone you know out, because in their minds, you don’t have what it takes to fulfill the assignment or walk in the role that’s presented to you?

The scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 says the following; “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end.”

God had a plan for Esther’s life and he has a plan for your life as well.  You may feel that your light is kind of dim right now.  Life has thrown you some blows that has literally left you feeling like there is no way to reignite the light and fire that’s on the inside of you.  I think of you as the diamond in the ruff.  A diamond in the rough comes out of the dirt in which it was buried and doesn’t seem to have much value and worth.  But once it is discovered that the rock is a diamond, the process of polishing begins.

Polishing is the process that Esther had to go through as well.  You see, she was not in any condition to go before the king in the state she was in.  She needed to be processed and polished before she would walk into her divine assignment.  She was a diamond in the ruff, waiting to shine! 

One of my favorite sayings is this, “Don’t judge who I am by where I am right now.”  Just because I don’t have it all together right now, doesn’t disqualify me from the plans of God.  We are a work in progress.  God is building character in us daily.  I am certain that those around Esther sized her up and tried to discourage her from going before the king.  Even in our Christian walk, there will be those who will try to snuff out your light and keep you from walking in your divine purpose.  But you have to be determined to shine, no matter what! 

Esther had the favor of God on her life.  Although she was surrounded by beautiful, wealthy women who came from royalty, she knew that God’s Glory was shining upon her and would bring her favor with the king.  That is so powerful!  We can use that same principal today.  We must live knowing that God’s Glory is shining so brightly upon us and because of it; we can walk into our kingdom assignment with authority.

The scripture says in Esther 2:17  “And the king loved Esther above all women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”

Wow, look at the favor of God that was on Esther’s life.  She was now the Queen to King Ahasuerus.  Her life had taken a turn that left many in disbelief.  I believe that God wants to shift your life and bring that kind of favor to YOU!  Esther was now shining brightly!  Through all of her scars, disappointments, rejection and hurt, she was chosen to shine brighter than those around her.

God has selected you to shine through it all!  You are his special STAR! You have been given the gift Shine for him!  So embrace your journey and hold your head up high!  Tell yourself, I am God’s Star and I must…SHINE ON!

                                                                                

About The Author

Cherisse Stephens is an Author, Evangelist, Television Host, Recording Artist, and Producer.  She is the founder and CEO of the “God’s Cover-Girls Women’s Conference” and the “Spring Forth Into Destiny Family Conference.”  She is the author of the book series entitled “How to Be God’s Cover-Girl” for adults, teens and tweens.  To find out more about Cherisse Stephens, visit her website at www.godscovergirls.com and www.cherissestephens.com

The Wait is Over!! #Shine begins TONIGHT!!

Town Center Community Church

1040 Blackwell Road

Marietta, GA 

Doors open for "Chick Chat" (Bring your own meal) at 6:15 p.m.

Main Event begins at 7:00 and you'll be on your way by 8:30 p.m.

See you there!!

Let Your Light SHINE! #Shine Series #Giveaway

Let Your Light Shine from Above, Down, Inside and Out

by Dr. Shannon (Giveaway info at bottom of post)

There is a light of greatness on the inside of us all.  I like to think of it as the WELL from which all life flows.  I believe it was put in us from the moment that we became God’s big idea and He said, “Let there be light”.  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV).  It was from this light that all existence came into being.  Having been made in the image of the Most High God, the Alpha and the Omega, the Creator of the Universe…our light is magnificent, infinite, and divinely creative.  It is the very nature of God, and is part of a much bigger plan than us just showing up on planet earth, breathing some air, and then expiring. 

Instead, God has a Big Plan known as the “Master Plan” (that’s because He’s the Master J).  It’s a brilliant symphony of all the individual Big Plans that He has for each of our lives! It’s harmonic, and powerfully creative and collaborative.  When we truly grab hold of the revelation that we are each uniquely a part of something so much bigger than ourselves, we will be compelled to stop playing small.  On the contrary, we will play as big as we were designed to play…beautifully and boldly…healthfully and wealth-fully, 

Click Picture for more info and to order Dr. Shannon's Book!

We were designed to show up and play BIG, and to reflect the light we’ve been given. As well as to inspire as we are giving!  It’s this eternal inspiration that has no expiration. 

Taking care of the WELL within us is of vital importance to how our light will shine.  This WELL within us is the source of our health and wealth, because it’s His wealth.  I refer to it as WELLTH.  It manifests as true prosperity in all areas of our lives.  It’s prosperity that keeps on giving, growing and glowing.

It’s you at your BEST, regardless of the circumstances.  In fact, the light is always brightest in the dark valleys of life, which seem to be inevitable.  Above all, remember that your light is already (and always) shining!  Nurture your light by loving and caring for your self, no matter where you are or where you think you should be.  Your light will shine best when you recognize it, receive it, celebrate it, and care for it. We will always care for that which we value and love.  Do you value and love your light?

It’s when we care for it, that we can share it…and let our light shine! 

Striving for something that we already possess is the quickest way to dim our light and life.  Realizing that you already have the greatness that you seek, because you have the light of the world within you will free you to be all that you can be!

When you care for your self:  body, mind and spirit, you allow your light to shine!  Full expression of that light and life within you is true WELLTH!  When it’s fully expressed from above, down, inside and out…then you are truly WELLTHY.

WELLTHY…is your new HEALTHY!

Giveaway Info: Dr. Shannon has graciously offered to give away ONE FREE COPY of her book to the first person to share this post's link on their own blog, facebook, Twitter, etc. If this is you, please email me a copy of the link (simply copy the URL in your browser and paste into email), along with your name and mailing address to shelley@church4chicks.com Thank you for sharing! 

 Dr. Shannon has been in the health and fitness industry since 1985 and in private practice since 1995. She also serves on staff at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, providing chiropractic care for patients. Over the years, she has assisted thousands of individuals to live healthier, WELLthier lives.

She is a popular inspirational speaker and inspires people to know their WELLth and prosper in health.  She cohosts the dynamic weekly radio talk show, Living Well LIVE, which equips listeners to live their best life. Dr. Shannon is committed to educating people about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and the prevalence of their abuse in our country. She is on a mission to empower Americans to “Just Say KNOW to Drugs" and be the solution by being their best and living a naturally, drug-free life.

She is the founder of the health4life REVOLUTION!, a 12-week fitness opportunity that builds people from the inside, out.  With this program she has witnessed hundreds of individuals and corporate bodies transform their “bottom line” in as little as 4 hours a week.

Dr. Shannon believes that she’s a messenger of hope to a world desperately in need of hope and healing.  This has led her to do mission work in several areas of India. She is passionate about being a catalyst for change in the lives of the women and children there.

As a wife and mother of three beautiful teenage daughters, she is inspired to be the best she can be, while helping others do the same.

Contact Dr. Shannon at www.drshannonknows.com

The Truth about the Lies #Shine

Raise your hand if you have ever used the phrases, “When I get my life together, I will ___,” or “When I get all my ducks in a row, I will ____.”

Somewhere along the way we have bought into the pattern of thinking that we have to have life all together before we believe we have anything to offer.

I think we have missed the point of offering altogether.

I have discovered that there are three lies we believe in when it comes to helping others.

Lie #1 – You have to be perfect.

All throughout the bible, God chose the lame, weak, lowest, foolish, uneducated, outcasts, and the rejected to make himself known. The people God chose to use were far from perfect. They were also in the midst of their imperfections when he used them.

I love that Jesus used a Samaritan woman, rejected by her friends and family, to bring a whole town to himself. Jesus did not tell her to wait until she was changed to use her. As soon as their conversation ended, she went out and told the whole town about Jesus.

Lie #2 – Ministry flows from our strengths.

The people who have influenced my life the most are those who have experienced brokenness. What has been most impactful for me are those who offer out of their brokenness. Authentic pain and wounds are powerful to any heart when they are shared.

God says that “his power is made perfect in our weaknesses” not our strengths. Our weaknesses are powerful agents in revealing his light to those who are hurting. Weakness heals.

Lie #3 – You can only help to the extent you’ve been helped.

Henri Nouwen is famous for coining the term “wounded healer.” A wounded healer is one who offers out of their current struggles. A wounded healer is someone who offers in spite of their struggles. The deception of pain is that we can only offer those parts of our path that we have already walked through.

The truth is that everyone is on a journey. Authenticity is inviting. Being real, and even a mess, in the midst of your pain provides freedom for someone else to do the same. Honestly, the thoughts you have today regarding your pain are going to shine light on the path for someone else.

Some of my favorite conversations have started with, “this is where I am.” I can’t tell you how many times my heart has been changed by the authentic risk of someone else.

Authenticity has brought new meaning to the words, “by his wounds we are healed.” There is such power in sharing our wounds. Wounds heal.

We are always influencing, especially through our times of brokenness. The mess of your heart just might be the perfect light that someone else needs for theirs.

Are you willing to be a Wounded Healer?

Tracee Persiko is a speaker and writer with a master’s in Professional Counseling. She cares deeply about the heart and story of other people. When it comes to areas of passion, Tracee enjoys speaking on topics including: leadership development, cultivating character, second mile living, identity in Christ, and carrying the weight of your influence well. Her heart is all about empowering others to believe different and live different.

#SHINE in 2012!

SHINE in 2012

by Shandel Slaten

Each year I take time to reflect and plan for the New Year. This year finds me in Las Vegas where I have a view of the city and let’s just say SHINE is an under statement! At night, the place becomes magical all because of the lights.  Truth is, if there were to be a power outage it would simply be a miserable desert.

Now that the holidays are over, its time to put away the Christmas lights, candles, and sparkly decorations that symbolize to us the LIGHT of the World’s birthday. They remind us that our hearts were dark and hopeless until He appeared and our soul, stunned by His glory, felt its worth. It is Jesus that brought light to our hearts and saved them.  Subsequently, the radiance of Christ’s glory is so majestic it shines through us and lights up the world.

You see, dear sisters, when we allow Jesus to shine through us we attract other dark souls to His healing light. When we are in community together we maximize our impact by providing a city of refuge for the needy dark heart. We become a stream in the desert and a beacon of hope to the hurting.

With that said, the Life Coach in me needs to provide an opportunity for action. What are some things we can do to prepare our hearts to be image bearers of the King of Kings?

Here are 5 things S.H.I.N.E. ways to challenge your heart in 2012

Simplify Everything – Seriously. Look at your commitments, every room in your house, and your entire life.  What is cluttering your life and keeping you so preoccupied that you don't shine? Most of us are so scattered we’re not sure where we would shine if we could.  Let there light! At least, let there be room and air for that light to shine through you. 

Have boundaries – We all say YES to too many things so we end up saying NO the most important things. Learn to say NO so you can say YES to…

Intimacy with Jesus – #1objective! Create the time. Guard the time. It takes time to hear from the lover of your soul. You will have to say NO to many things so you can have time for HIM.

No Fear – Say no to the fear of man and yes to fearing God alone.

Encourage Your Sisters – Be an encourager with your words and actions.

We all need to be encouraged. We were all created with unique purposes and we need to encourage each other to be authentic, be who God designed us to be. The fascinating part of this Las Vegas light scene is noticing all the different types of lights: strobe lights, soft lights, spot lights, twinkle lights, warning lights and street lights. We too are fascinating lights that shine in our own unique way in the darkness of this world. 

Let Your Light Shine, Chicks. He has a beautiful and wonderful plan for you in 2012!

Shandel Slaten is an executive coach with a proven track record of assisting business owners and professionals realize their personal and professional goals. She is a national speaker and the author of Clarity: Focusing on What Matters as well as the lead female teacher at Mars Hill Church in Downtown Seattle. You can follow her blog or the Ask Shandel podcast. Catch her  musing on twitter and facebook.

Shandel Slaten, MCC

twitter: www.twitter.com/shandel

web: www.truelifecoaching.com

blog: www.truelifeinc.com

facebook: www.facebook.com/truelifeinc

Finding Radiance in a World of Shame #Shine

I remember walking into church one Sunday two years ago and someone looked at me and said, "You are glowing." I thought he was crazy really! 

He said, "No, there's something different about you. There's light in your eyes." 

I didn't feel different. My clothes weren't new. My hair was the same. But the inside had changed. 

It was Jesus. 

Though I had been a Christian for a few years, something was missing. I had darkness inside me that I kept tucked away for safekeeping. Even though the darkness was destroying me, it was safe. 

Shame was safe. Brokenness was comfortable. Distrust of others had become routine. Though everything in me wanted to change, wanted to let go, I had created a feeling of being content with the crazy safety net I had built around my heart. 

God was calling me for something bigger. I drowned out His voice with negative self-talk, followed by food, and then added another dose of hurtful words to my wounds. You're not good enough for that job. She doesn't really want to be your friend. You'll never amount to anything. Why don't you just give up now? 

I didn't deserve to be called by God.  

Somehow being sexually abused was my fault. No one, not even God, could love me. My father's choice to be an alcoholic was my fault. What if I could have done something different? If only I could have been better, men wouldn't have hurt me. If only I could have tried harder to make everyone happy. 

When you reach a level of brokenness and the only way you can go is up, you're right where you need to be. Right where God can finally get you to listen. That's how it was for me anyway. 

I reached a bottom and the things that had protected me, or so I thought, had literally destroyed me. But only temporarily. 

I came to a point of surrender. I unclenched my fists, waved the white flag and said, "God, you win! I'm yours."  

He gave me these words: 

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." Psalm 34:5

Shame. Guilt. Pride. Day by day God stripped those things away. Layer by layer He removed the pieces of brokenness. 

Radiance. That's what my friend saw that day. It was God's radiant light shining in me from knowing who I am in Christ. From the confidence of knowing I am the apple of His eye. From the assurance of knowing that He will never leave me. 

What are you holding onto today that God is reaching out for? What fear is keeping you from surrendering to His call for you? 

Let it go. Trust. Look up. Radiance is waiting for you. 

Sundi Jo is a writer, speaker, and social media consultant, making her home in Branson, Missouri. You’ll either find her engulfed in the social media world, spending time with family and friends, running, hanging out in a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and flip flops, or writing for the Kingdom. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.

You are the Light of the World! #Shine

Matthew 5:14-16

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

I love Christmas! My heart warms at just the thought of decorations, festive food, fun with family and friends and special traditions. My husband and I started a Christmas tradition when my oldest was still a baby.  We wanted him to understand that Christ is the reason we celebrate so big this time of year. Now, 7 years later, our four kids are always anxious to start our nights around the tree.

Each night, beginning after Thanksgiving, my family sits around the Christmas tree to talk about what Christ means to us as a family. On some nights the kids take turns telling the Christmas story, other nights it’s a fun Q & A quiz and sometimes we simply share from our hearts. Then, we break into a loud and enthusiastic rendition of “Jingle Bells”. Don’t judge our song of choice! We conclude with everyone touching a light and saying, “Jesus is the light of the world” before we pray. It’s a precious time for my family.

Imagine if I kept my Christmas tree hidden under a blanket, only unveiling its beauty while I was alone. I would see the beautiful lights and décor but my family would simply be full of questions wondering what the tree was all about. Sadly, many of us have been guilty of enjoying God’s light while hiding it from others.

Friends, as followers of Christ, we have the greatest light to share with the world. We miss an incredible opportunity when we hide His light, keeping it only for ourselves.  Let’s be committed to shine His light bright at anytime, wherever we go, to whomever we see. Let’s be a ray of hope for others who need God’s love, His redemption, His grace, His mercy and His presence.  Don’t discount the power of your smile, your encouraging word, your example…you are an extension of God’s light! Shine bright, chicks, shine bright!

by Tiffany Cooper

About Tiffany	I live each day enjoying God's abundant blessings...my hubby of 13 years and our 4 sweet blessings...Cale, Cade, Caris and Case. Although it can sound cliche at times, I am living a life more amazing than I dreamed. I love my life.

Contact Information

Screen Name	tiffanycooper(AIM)
Website	http://twitter.com/#!/tiffany_cooper http://www.herbertcooper.com http://www.peopleschurch.tv http://leadingandlovingit.com
Facebook	http://facebook.com/tiffanystime

Shine Brighter than the Brightest Star! #Shine

Hello Girlfriends!

 I have a confession to make. I have flaws. 

One of my character imperfections shows up in how I lose things. Rarely have I lost things at work or my children’s things- just my stuff. I have lost my keys, my wallet, my mind (I’m kidding, but not kidding) all in the same week once. It’s an interesting paradox because I was raised to present as “together” at all times, but on the inside, picture me with my bangs disheveled, make up slightly smeared and my breathing labored.  When a prophet shared that I was being called into ministry in 2010, I honestly chuckled and rolled my eyes on the inside. I was newly divorced and in a long distance relationship with my two young boys. My life was a mess…

Got mess? 

We all have our stories with our mess. I believe it is in those moments when we are our messiest, that God starts our healing journey to clean us up and calls us to SHINE and help others.  I was called to SHINE through a women’s ministry, Girlfriends Pray, during one of my darkest hours. My light was activated as I served and I would SHINE as I shared my gift to plan events for other women.  Many of these women were hurting and reconnected with God at these events. (I too was healed at a Girlfriends Pray event-thank God that those ladies said YES to SHINING!) 

Through my SHINE and connection to God, I could finally see my way out of my mess (Psalms 119:105) and help others at the same time. God uses our SHINE to literally lift a sisterfriend out of darkness into the light which is the love of our Father. I volunteered to help with ONE local Girlfriends Pray event and God increased by territory (1 Chronicles 4:9-1) and made me the International Events Director for the ministry! He trusts me to SHINE by planning events to help heal others and planning these events helps heal me. Just say yes, show up, and serve- just as you are. 

I learned a couple of years ago that God is as you. I interpreted that to mean that God shows up to others just as you are today. Someone is counting on you to SHINE to meet our Father and be healed- today! They see God in you as you SHINE and that gives them hope! God’s light in you accentuates your strengths, and as you SHINE your flaws seem to “exit stage right”. What we see as our mess and flaws are often God’s “entrances” for us to minister to others and minister to ourselves.  As I SHINE, there’s an accountability to read His Word and pray, so I grow because I want to represent God well. My gift and SHINE is not all about me, but I am kept close to God as I help others with my gift and SHINE. It’s a win-win! So, TURN IT UP! SHINE Brighter than the Brightest Star! 

A girlfriend is waiting on your gift….

 About Girlfriends Pray
Girlfriends Pray is one of the fastest growing ministries designed to encourage, inspire, motivate
and empower women through prayer.  Our mission is to get more women closer to God through prayer and the vision is 1 million women united around the world. We accomplish this through our daily prayer calls and other virtual and live initiatives to include Girlfriends In The Word, Girlfriends Pray EmpowerStudy, Girlfriends Pray Global, Amigas Pray, Girlfriends Pray Live, Girlfriends Pray TV and Girlfriends Pray Real Talk which is designed to address the mental health and well-being of women.  In less than one year the Ministry received unbelievable favor that began with the launch of a national tour "Girlfriends Pray Big Hat" followed by a NAACP Award for Faith-Based Community Outreach, hosted a press conference on Capitol Hill with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Pediatric HIV/AIDS Care, Inc., given an ongoing television segment with ABC WMAR Channel "Grace and
Glory", a partnership with Carmelo Anthony Foundation, an invitation to participate in one of the largest foreign missions initiatives with other ministers and artists in collaboration with Praise Fest
Ministries and nominated for White House Council Team on Faith-Based and Neighborhood 

Partnerships.

At a Big Hat event with GP

Tomiko Logan currently serves God through Girlfriends Pray as the International Events Director. Additionally, Tomiko is the host of Girlfriends Pray Real Talk and Assistant to the Founder of Girlfriends Pray, Dee Marshall. Tomiko is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in which she serves as a Clinical Therapist to treat the mental health needs of children and families within the foster care system in Georgia. Tomiko is the very proud mother of two boys, Donovan and Bryson. Tomiko can be reached at tomiko@girlfriendspray.org.

Hide it under a bushel? NO! I'm gonna let it SHINE!

Looking back, I wish that letting my light shine were as easy as I had expected it to be when we transplanted our lives to Amsterdam almost six years ago. 

In Matthew 5:14-16, makes it seem so simple: “a city on hill cannot be hidden…put a light on its stand” and “let your light shine.”  Upon moving here, I had to ask myself “if it is really this simple, why is my lamp not shedding pure light in the dark around us?”

 So why are our lights not shining? What keeps that pure light within us from illuminating the darkness?

Perhaps we have baskets covering our lamps after all. If this is the case, how can we remove those things that conceal the light within? The writer of the book of Hebrews instructs us in chapter twelve to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith”.  Later in the same chapter, he illustrates that discipline is a natural expression of a father’s relationship with his child. Likewise, as children of the Heavenly Father, he disciplines us in order to share in His holiness and to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace. In other words, as we grow in our relationship with our Father, trusting Him through obedience to His Word, He cleanses our lives and removes those “baskets” that have covered His light within us. While painful discipline and perseverance cannot be removed from this process, what a beautiful promise that we may share in God’s Holiness and experience a harvest of righteousness and peace. How bright must be that lamp, giving light to everyone in the house!

Another reason that our lights may not be illuminating the darkness is simply because we are not taking them into dark places. Too often, we content ourselves to remain in the company and security of other light-giving lamps.  This was a hard lesson for me to learn on arriving in Amsterdam. I’m ashamed to confess that I didn’t even know how to truly befriend non-believers or converse with other women who didn’t share my faith. The church has an essential role in reaching the lost but we cannot forget the example that Christ personally set before us. Even though Jesus regularly taught in the synagogues, He chose to minister among the masses, to dine with sinners in their homes, to disciple a tax collector and to converse with the Samaritan adulteress woman one day by the well. No matter where you live, there will be people around you who will never enter a church but would appreciate meeting someone for a coffee and a listening ear.  There are women who may not ever accept an invitation to a women’s conference, but when they get sick or have lost a loved one, they will readily accept a hot meal.  Meet them in their dark places and let your light shine.

Who does God bring to your mind as you read Katy's challenge to meet women in their worlds and let your light shine?


Have you found creative ways to allow Christ's light to shine through you to others who may not be interested in a relationship with Him? How can we share His light without blinding people with it?

About Katy Darnell...in her own words:

I am a Georgia girl married to the love of my life and we have served as church-planters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands since 2006. Our oldest son was 6 months old when we moved here and the greatest surprises ever, our twins, were born here almost 4 years ago. We bike everywhere, freeze most of the year and are thankful everyday that God allows us to be here!

Merry Christmas from Church 4 Chicks!

Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours from all of us at

We have so much to be thankful for...

so much to celebrate...

so much reason to hope...

so much purpose to let our own lights shine...

and all because a baby was born!

We Love, We Hope, We Celebrate, We Shine....

Because He First Loved us,

Your Church 4 Chicks Team

We will take a few days off of the Blog Party to enjoy the Holy-Day celebrations with our families and friends. We invite you to come on back to the party resuming December 28, 2011. 

What is the purpose of letting our light #Shine?

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

What is the purpose of letting our light shine'? To bring the Father honor and praise. Sounds simple enough, right? 

Growing up, I heard this passage repeated so frequently that I could quote it in my sleep (which is actually a good thing). However, when the reality of ''the challenge of living life' started to take it's toll, the significance of this passage really began to seep in. 

Whenever we are in a situation and don't know what to do, it never hurts to look toward Jesus! As a matter of fact, it is the best thing to do. That's right dear friends--our humble Savior and the One and Only sacrificial Lamb. He lived out these verses (Matthew 5:14-16) so purely that His life epitomizes them. There has never been, nor will there ever be One again Who, though He endured unimaginable hardship and ultimately died unjustly in an unthinkable manner, continually radiated God's glory drawing man to worship and praise the Father.

At times it is so easy to praise our Creator and 'shine' for Him--when He has given us a break from life's many curve balls, or even when the Lord has answered that prayer we've brought before Him countless times with a "yes." Rejoice! There is nothing wrong with that--we should relish the joy He has given us and soak up those sweet moments of happiness while giving Him credit for what He has done! There are numerous Psalms about "praise" and Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…" 

Nevertheless, there are seasons we walk through when, quite honestly, all is not well and it's hard enough to take it second by second, forget day by day. The beauty of this is that it is in moments (and seasons) like these, we have the opportunity to let our full dependency rest on Him. When we do this, the pressure is off of us (*phew*--sigh of relief), because when we are finally open to His results, He shines through us (and when His light is present, boy does it ever radiate)! It doesn't matter if we feel it or not--our precious heavenly Father is there.

Jesus was the expert for putting this into practice during His short time on earth. He was entirely dependent on His Father, in Whom He had no question regarding His faithfulness. …And look, Jesus was the brightest shining Light of all!

Shining our light is not about feeling or emotion, good days or rotten days, rather our hope being in the One who saved us from the pit. Because of this hope we have been given, we can "…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) That alone is reason enough to continue onward everyday as we let Him radiate through us! Shine on! 


Who do you know that lets her light shine brightly for others?


How does she do this?

 A native of Metro-Atlanta, Danielle Hendrix is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design and is a graphic designer for Ecce Design Studio.

www.eccedesignstudio.com

She is also the graphics designer for Church 4 Chicks and has designed and developed all of our newest designs!