Does my light still shine?

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 The Message

     I remember attending Vacation Bible School as a child. I would prance in front of the packed congregation with my first finger held high while singing "This Little Light of Mine." My six-year-old brain could not fathom ever letting my light go out. I remember the words....

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine. Won't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine over the whole wide world, I'm gonna let it shine.Let it shine over the whole wide world, I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

      
     I recently taught that song to my daughter, Olivia. She sang it with her whole heart and I believe she meant every word. As an adult singing along with her, I wondered if I still meant every word. Does my light still shine or has it been blown out?
      I loved driving home to my parent's house for the weekend when I was in college. My mom and dad would always have the porch light on and a candle in the window. It was the only house lit on the street. The lights welcomed me home.
     Jesus talks about lights in the book of Matthew. He tells us as believers we are to be the light of the world. A city on a hill that cannot be hidden. In other words, He calls us to be different from the darkness. Standing out, not blending in.
     Letting our light shine is not an easy calling. As parents, it may mean speaking when it would be easier to remain quiet or saying "no" to your child when all the others are saying "yes." As a teenager, it may mean staying home when everyone else is partying, or befriending the one who doesn't quite fit in.
     For me, it may mean saying a kind word when an ugly one is justified.
Shining our light means showing others the path we have found in Christ so they too can find their way.

Soul Sisters,


I had such a good time at our first Gab and Grab. Shopping is always fun when you get a good deal!   


It was a privilege for me to meet several ladies who came to Soul Sisters for the first time.  I hope this is the beginning of some new friendships for many years to come.


I love to watch God at work. He mixes the right people at the right time to fulfill His purpose. He is busy behind the scenes working out the details and coordinating the plans so we can rest in His care. 


I see what is unfinished, what is imperfect, and what I am lacking.  God sees the finish line, the perfect ending and He is pretty proud to called our Father.


It is my prayer that each of you realize how important and special you are in God's eyes.  Your talents, your experiences and your life story is unique to only you. No one can share what you have. 


Jesus is not haphazard in His designs.  Our circumstances are not accidental and unknown to our Creator. He is aware and uses everything allowed into our lives to bring us closer to Him so we can know His heart.    


Hope to see you at our Bible study beginning Wednesday, 9/22, at 7pm at the Day Shelter of Safe Harbor.


Your Soul Sister,
Angie 

So Many Soul Sisters, So Little Time....

Hey Soul Sisters, 

As I looked around Trinity on Sunday morning, I realized how blessed I am to be surrounded by so many amazing women. Women who challenge me, encourage me, entertain me, and teach me what it means to look like Jesus Christ. Some of these incredible ladies have done these things for me and do not even realize it.  I am better because I have had the privilege to watch how they live their lives. Taking the long road, the hard way, sacrificing more than was required all because they are living for Someone who calls us to be different and to be set apart.

I am also grateful for all the new women I have yet to meet. I encourage you to come to our Soul Sister events and especially our Bible study that begins on 9/22.  We all have so much we can learn from each other.  I look forward to getting to know all of you.

Your Soul Sister,
Angie Pisel