Valerie Sjodin

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Shine Your Light! S in A-Z Challenge

What does it mean to shine?

Merriam-Webster defines the action of shining as: “to emit rays of light, to be eminent, or distinguishable, to perform extremely well, to have a bright glowing appearance, to be conspicuously evident or clear. Also to cause to emit light, to throw or direct the light of…”

I’ve been revisiting my journal this year, reading through my word “Light” quotes and verses. The theme of “Shine” makes sense for my word of the year Light, but I think it is relevant to all of us according to the definition above. To shine looks differently for us individually, but my guess there are also some common things we long for, need, and value.


The question I'm challenging myself with is

“How do I shine as myself, with God, and others?"

For me the answer spoke to me almost immediately in a phrase:

Shine the light, make things right

I woke up in the night reminded of a regret I had a number of years ago with someone, and it occurred to me how I could make it right. I trusted this was God speaking to me and in the morning I took action.

In order for me to shine I need the Spirit to shine in and through me. This also involves me forgiving myself for where I’ve fallen short and made poor choices. Then turning to goodness and doing the opposite, which is repentance. I want to grow as a person, becoming more like Jesus. So much of this process is tied to my self-image, how I see myself. If I see myself as a child of God, made in His image, dearly loved by Him, I can risk being wrong, admitting it, seeking forgiveness and moving on in freedom.

I like what James Bryan Smith says:

"When we pray for the Spirit,
we are not praying for an answer;
we are praying for God to enter us,t
o fill us with his presence,
his thoughts, and his words."
~
James Bryan Smith

Questions to Consider

Is there someone on your mind you need to make things right with?
Does an act of kindness come to your mind and you feel prompted to do something?
Will you act on that prompting? 

Scripture

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly,
and to love kindness and mercy,
and to humble yourself
and walk humbly with your God?”

Micah 6:8 (AMC)

It's important for me to remember we are all on a life journey and give grace for change and growth. This verse gives me a lot of hope:

“You are living a brand new kind of life
that is continually learning more and more of what is right,
and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ
who created this new life within you.”

Colossians 3:10 TLB

This evening here in the Pacific Northwest, as September begins our journey into the Autumn season, I light a candle, thankful for the Light in my life, with renewed courage to shine. Then  look up at the sky and once again am overcome with the wonder of the stars shining in the darkness.

 

Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky,

and those who lead many to righteousness,

like the stars forever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3 NRSV

The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face to shine upon you,

and be gracious to;

the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,

and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26 NRSV



Living Your Word 2019 Opportunity

Bernice Hopper, and Mary Brack, and I share insights through blog posts for keeping an Everyday Calendar Journal. We will be using the journal to record events, experiences and relationships; to explore our word’s meaning in visual and fun ways. If you would like to connect with others in creative way about organizing your word, your ideas, thoughts, prayers, events, or your projects all in one place, you are invited to join our Facebook group: Everyday Journals ~ Living Your Word of the Year.URL for Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/203309083575277/

URLs for Instagram: #livingyourword2019

CHECK OUT THE BLOGS:

Bernice: https://newlycreative.com

Mary:  www.foundonbrighton.com

Valerie: https://valeriesjodin.com/blog/(this one :-)


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