Dances In The Light: August 2020

Monday, August 31, 2020

Be Patient, My Friend - Galatians 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

I read all sorts of devotionals. I guess I like the short stories that apply a Bible verse to my life. So, I really appreciated a book of devotions that a dear friend gave me after sweet Nicky, my 11 year old Maltese, went to the rainbow bridge.

He was the sweetest little clown, always making me laugh. His nickname was Thumper because his tail would start wagging when he knew I was coming close to him. I was devastated when congestive heart failure took him too soon. My friend always knows exactly the right thing to do to show she cares and so it was a pleasant surprise when she gave me the book 52 Devotions for Dog Moms. It is full of dog stories that a dog mom understands.

One of the devotions used Galatians 6:9 to talk about patience. The story was about how a dog patiently waited by the door whenever the author left and how God does the same, patiently waiting for us to turn to Him.

I always thought of this passage as related to perseverance, so this was a new perspective for me. I like it, though. I like the idea of God being patient with us.

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Psalm 32:8

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

I particularly love this translation (NLT) of this verse because it talks about the best path for my life. Not just any path. Not a path that's good enough. The best.

That's how God is. He wants only the very best for us. Shouldn't we give Him the very best we have?

Saturday, August 29, 2020

More Church Signs

I had so much fun making the first group of graphics based on those pithy sayings on church signs, I made some more. Did I miss one that is your favorite or that makes you groan and roll your eyes? Let me know and I'll make that, too!

Thou shalt not COVID thy neighbor's life. Wear a mask!

Having trouble sleeping? Watch our sermons online.

Gossip is the devil's radio. Are you his DJ?

Get some exercise. Take a walk with Jesus.

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Friday, August 21, 2020

Church Signs

With all this rain we need an ark. But don't worry... we Noah guy!

It was a rainy day today, so I spent it having fun making these graphics using sayings from church signs. Some are goofy, like the one above, some are geared for our current pandemic, and others more thought-provoking. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them!

Thou shalt not COVID thy neighbor's house.

Jesus washes away our sins, but you still need to wash your hands.

Every home is a school. What are you teaching?

If you were tested for faith, what would the results be?

Sin isn't hiding any more. Neither should Christians.

God is with you. We're away but you can find us online.

No bungee cords - we encourage leaps of faith

Faith over fear. Peace over panic. God over everything

The fact that there's a highway to hell and only a stairway to heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic levels.

Can we reinstall 2020? This version has a virus.

It's hard to get in shape spiritually if you only work out on Sundays

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Let Your Smile Change the World

The your smile change the world. Don't let the world change your smile.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

What Defines You?

Two things define you:

1. Your gratitude when you have nothing;

2. Your attitude when you have everything.

It's not easy to be thankful when there is little to be thankful for. It's easy to have a pity party or yell at God or think it's not fair. It's a lot harder to look past momentary troubles to see the blessings in our lives and to thank God for all we have.

Likewise, when we have plenty, it's easy to become complacent and cocky. Full of ourselves. I think God likes us to have what we need and more, but He expects us to be grateful and use His gifts to further His kingdom.

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Keep Looking

Go as far as you can see and you will see further. - Zig Ziglar

The first time I heard this quote, we had just reached the summit of a mountain trail. For some time, we had seen only the few steps ahead of us on the steep path, which made it even more refreshing to behold the vista of mountain after mountain. Even though it was a cliche', all I could utter was "breathtaking!". A more gifted orator in the group recited this quote by Zig Ziglar.

And that's the way our journey through life should be - always looking forward, always seeing the next mountain, the next challenge.

Say No to Nay-sayers!

When someone tells me "no", it doesn't mean I can't do it.
It just means I can't do it with them. - Karen E. Quinones Miller

Do you have someone in your life who is a discourager? They may be cloaked as a pragmatist, someone who always brings up the practical issues instead of joining in your enthusiasm for an idea. Or they may get bogged down in all of the nuts and bolts, insisting that every detail be addressed before moving forward. A discourager may just flat-out tell you that your idea is not possible. There are already too many obstacles in life to spend any time with anyone who will drag you down.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Pray For School Year

Lord knows our schools need our prayers this fall! Here are some graphics and a GIF to use on your social media as our teachers and students return to school. As always, they are free to use!

Pray for our teachers as they prepare for this school year

Pray for our schools, students and teachers

Stop Scrolling! and take 30 seconds to pray for our teachers

Please pray for our students as they begin the school year

Friday, August 7, 2020

How Would You Describe God's Love?

Your love is like radiant diamonds

Bursting inside us we cannot contain

Your love will surely come find us

Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

God of mercy sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to Your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

And these Hallelujahs be multiplied

Multiply by Needtobreathe

I am no poet, but I do love a good use of words to paint a picture. And I love the imagery in this song. What an amazing way to describe God's love for us! I can't think of a better way to describe it. I mean, the Creator of the stars in the sky and majestic mountains wouldn't have any plain, old, ordinary love. He can't help but love us in a shiny, sparkling way.

When I think about his unfailing grace and mercy, it does make me want to shout Hallelujah, even though it pales in comparison to God's love. I am not worthy of His mercy or grace or even His love, but I'm thankful for all of it. 💖

Your love will surely come find me like blazing wild fires singing Your name

Thursday, August 6, 2020

BIBLE: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Bible Reading Tools

There are a number of tools available online to help you with reading the Bible, but can I just put in a quick plug for my favorite site, Bible Gateway?

When I link a Bible verse in my blog, I always use Bible Gateway. I find it the easiest to navigate and the many tools are exceptional. They recently revamped their website and it is even easier now to navigate.

Read the Bible

One of the most impactful and important tasks we have as Christians is to read the Bible. This site provides a number of plans that span 40 to 365 days. I would like to see a plan for brand new Christians and I've given Bible Gateway that feedback.

There is also an advanced search that allows you to look up passages.

Bible Gateway offers 60 versions in English and versions in over 70 languages.

Want to listen instead of read? You can! You can search for passages or choose from a number of devotionals and other audio programs.

Study Tools

In addition to just reading the Bible, we need to study it as well. This helps us to understand the message.

Scripture Engagement is an amazing tool that will help you learn how to read the Bible. I highly recommend it!

Explore More

This section provides a rich library of newsletters, devotionals, blogs, and apps.

Bible Gateway Plus

All of the resources I mentioned above are free to use. There are additional resources when you pay for a Bible Gateway Plus membership.

#Biblegatewaypartner

Jeremiah 33:2-3

“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:2-3

“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:2-3

Think about it. The Creator of the Earth asks us to call to Him and He will answer. The Lord of all wants us to reach out to Him and He wants to reach back. He wants to tell us things that our little minds could never imagine on our own. Think about it.

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Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Philemon 6

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

Philemon 6

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have two choices:

we can simply go on with our lives as they are, secure in the knowledge that we will spend eternity in Heaven, or
we can grow stronger in our relationship with Jesus and spread the news to others.

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Be the Best Man

You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. John 3:28-29

You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.

John 3:28-29

When my father remarried, I was his best man. I am his only daughter and I think he chose me because he didn't want to choose between my two brothers. It was a fun experience! I'd been a bridesmaid and matron of honor in friends' weddings, but never a best man. I had to learn what the honor entailed, which was, basically, doing anything needed to make sure everything went smoothly for the wedding and reception. The most important responsibility was being a witness as they said their vows. I was honored to share in the joy I saw in my dad's and stepmother's faces as they said their vows.

We can also be the best man (or maid of honor) for Jesus. We can do whatever is needed to help advance the Kingdom. We can show His love to others. We can witness and tell others of the Good News.