You Will Shine Like Stars in the Sky

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. — Philippians 2:15-16

When we don't grumble or argue, we shine like stars in the sky.

God calls us to hold firmly to His Word, the word of life.

And when we do that, we will be able to boast on the last day.

The day of Christ is coming soon.

We do not want to run or labor in vain.

Rather, we want to follow Christ and honor Him in everything we do.

To Guide Our Feet

 To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. — Luke 1:79-80

Christ's light shines on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death.

The light of Jesus guides our feet.

He leads un into th path of peace.

After all, He is the Prince of Peace,

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father.

 

Shine Like Stars

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. — Philippians 2:16

Paul tells the Philippians that through Christ they will shine like stars.

God can shine through us, too.

Shine among them like stars in the sky.

We hold firmly to God's Word, the Word of Life.

On the Day of Christ, we will be able to boast in the Lord.

What an exciting day that will be.

Happy Birthday, Victoria!

[God] makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. — Psalm 104:14-15

Today is my niece Victoria's birthday!

She visited us from Vienna last summer and we had a chance to meet her boyfriend, Max.

We had such a great time together, they are hoping to return in the summer of 2021 again.

Our guest room is at the ready!

Here she is on the top right next to Abby.

Max is just below her next to Kirk and Cameron.

We are thankful for family.

God makes the grass grow for the cattle and plants for us to cultivate.

He brings forth food from the earth.

The Lord gives us wine to gladden our hearts and oil to make our faces shine.

He also gives us bread to sustain our hearts.

God is great, and He gives us everything we need.

Happy Birthday, Victoria!

Night Will Shine

Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. — Psalm 129:12

God is light.

Even the darkness will not be dark when He is near.

Night will shine like the day.

Darkness is as light to Him.

When I am feeling as if I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, God's light shines before me.

He created all things.

Including me!

Let Your Light Shine

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16

Our friend Ernie took this photo of the poppy fields in Walker Canyon on Saturday. Gorgeous!

We were sorry to miss it, but the pictures are amazing.

While driving home yesterday, Kirk noticed that the entire landscape of Mission Trails is now covered with poppies. 

We weren't sure how we missed that earlier, except that they wait to open until the sun comes out.

All of the rain we've had has encouraged the flowers to fill the mountainsides, and the color is dazzling when they open in the sunlight.

Just as the poppies create a shimmering effect on the mountains and canyons, God uses my life to reflect himself. 

I usually don't do a very good job at that. Even so, God helps me shine for him in my actions and words toward others.

Lord, today use me to glorify you so that those I meet today will see your love shine and so you will be glorified. Amen.