May Ends and June Begins

Just as life was readjusting to a new normal and we were beginning to venture out again, 2020 reminded us once again, we are not in control. We must look to God for comfort, peace and trust in HIS promises, and not rely on ourselves.

Admittedly, it's been difficult to find the bright spot or be the bright spot these last few days of May if you are paying any attention at all to the news or social media. 

So I decided to look no further than my own back yard. An evening around the fire with my kids, my hubby, singing, and s'mores melted away the cares of the world around us.

Lake Time and Puppy Cuddles

On my 5 mile bike ride last night, the sun cast a perfect shadow of me. I wish I'd had my camera so I could've captured my bike riding shadow. I was definitely in the bright spotlight of the sun.

My girl and me took a walk along the seawall in Clear Lake. Even though it was overcast, there's just nothing quite like being next to the lake to brighten the day.

Doodle snuggles always manage to bring a smile.

The Future is Looking So Bright!

Bible journaling with my girl! So very blessed to have my college junior (now senior) spending this quarantine time at home with us. She gets me through all the days! We drink coffee, bake, cook, binge watch stuff on Netflix, put puzzles together, karaoke, and cheer each other on. I can't imagine self-isolation without her!

Beverages on the patio include sunny morning whipped coffees and evening glasses of wine by the fire! Perfect bright spots no matter what time of day!

Radiate

John 1:5 says, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

As I sit here drinking my coffee this morning and typing this blog entry, the sun is shining through the window. I'm literally sitting in a bright spot! At first, I was trying to lean down to avoid the glare, but now I'm leaning in and letting the warmth bathe my forehead and eyes. Yes, I'm squinting and can see my reflection in the computer screen, but I'm thankful for the light.

A friend in my group chat posted a song this morning that was a perfect bright spot for this day...

"Radiate" by Hannah Kerr

Lyrics:

Made a future out of my past
You meet me right where I am
It's all part of Your plan

Shines brighter
Shines brighter

No matter what comes my way
I'll live my life
Radiate Your light
Now and always
I'll let my lips be only for Your name
No darkness gonna stand in my way
If my way is Your way then You'll make me
Radiate
Radiate

Lord, let my story be a glimpse of Your glory

Shines brighter
Shines brighter

No matter what comes my way
I'll live my life
Radiate Your light
Now and always
I'll let my lips be only for Your name
No darkness gonna stand in my way
If my way is Your way then You'll make me
Radiate…

The Bright Spot Challenge Begins!

My mom kept a journal of my first few days of kindergarten. Apparently, the teacher told mom that I was a "Bright Spot" in the class. For the rest of May, I'm hoping to either be a bright spot in someone's day or see a bright spot in my own day.

Lately, my evening glass of wine has been a bright spot in my day.

Other bright spots in May so far, include...

My patient, loving husband; my wonderful kids; and the cutest, smartest mini goldendoodle on the planet!

This Mother's Day 2020 has been relaxing and stress-free. Just what I needed. (The coffee shop gift cards from the kids were a great bonus!!).

John 6:40

"For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." NIV

"For the longing of my Father is that everyone who embraces the Son and believes in him will experience eternal life and I will raise them up in the last day!" TPT

"For this is My Father's will and His purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day." AMPC

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." KJV

Eternal life - An infinitely high quality of life in living fellowship with God--both now and forever.

Raise him up at the last day - Death cannot destroy the life that Christ gives.

John 12:45 - "When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me."

Playing Catch Up - Part 4 - Photo Highlights of 2019

These are a few of my favorite things...