Darkness and Light

I always say that “May IS CRAY!” because for those of us in education (and those with children in school) it truly seems to be the busiest and craziest month of the year. In May there are so many things that need to be completed before school lets out for the summer and so many special activities (field days and award assemblies and recitals OH MY!) that many of us are crazy busy, over extended, and just plain old tuckered out (how’s that for a Texan word y’all?). Because of this it seems like in May I often run into lots of cranky pants people who are really short with others, impatient and not always very kind. When I run into those type of people I often wonder, am I being that way too? Am I letting my tiredness, or the circumstances of my day dictate my attitude? 

I have been reading scriptures about light this month and I love Matthew 5:14-16 in the Message which says…

“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.

We are called to be a light-bearer for Him, regardless of the circumstances going on in our lives. We are called to share God with those around us by being a light. The only way to get rid of darkness is to add more light. I think sometimes we all (I know I do!) make excuses for not being a light for him.

I must remind myself each day that I am called to be a light-bearer, regardless of...

• how many things are on my to-do list (no matter how long it is)
• how many cranky pants people I encounter (no matter how rude they are)
• how many struggles & problems I have currently in my life
• how I feel emotionally or physically
• how many things don't go my way today (because things WILL go wrong, we can count on it!)
• how tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed I am
• how many things/people I am worried about right now

My prayer today is that we shine brightly for Him to everyone we encounter, because He is the ONLY hope we have in this dark , dark world. I pray that we make it a priority to spend time with Him so that His light pours out of us in powerful, brilliant ways- so brightly that others can’t help but notice. I pray that when it seems darkness is everywhere around us, that we point others to you- the only light that will never fade and never burn out. 

Devotional Books I Adore

I often get messages asking me what my favorite devotional books are so I thought I would 

share all of my favorites for anyone who is looking for one to use to start their day.  

(And if you don't start your day with a devotion or some time just reading God's word, I highly recommend it. 

Focusing on the WORD before the WORLD makes a huge difference in my day 

and keeps me grounded and focused on what is truly important!)

I get to work super early and the first thing I do is my bible reading/scripture 

writing and then read a morning devotion or two. 

While some people use the same devotional book all year long, I am not that girl. 

Instead I rotate and alternate through several different devotional books

 each year - some year long devotionals and some topical. 

I also have most of these books in a physical copy AND a Kindle copy. 

Why? Because when I travel I don't want to carry them all around. 

(Hey...Did you know that once you buy a physical copy, 

you can purchase a Kindle copy super inexpensively? You can!)

Below are my current favorites including a link to each one and a little info about it: 

New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

This book includes 365 useful, practical, encouraging and convicting devotions.

Paul is an honest, straightforward writer who constantly reminds us in these devotions 

that Jesus came to save us from ourselves and that we desperately need Him. 

5 Word Prayers by Lisa Whittle

This book includes 40 five word prayers to pray when you aren't sure what to pray. 

My copy is well used and so greatly loved!

It includes prayers like.....

"I need you desperately today" and "Please give me strength now".

Lisa is so authentic and genuine and I adore her writing so!

And if you aren't listening to her daily podcast, Jesus Over Everything, 

 YOU SHOULD BE!

(You should also be following Lisa on Instagram!)

Embraced by Lysa Terkurst

This book includes 100 devotions full of godly perspective on the issues we face each day. 

Lysa's writing is real and honest and full of fabulous, relate-able stories. 

Everyday Holy by Melanie Shankle

This book includes 100 devotions to remind us where God is in this mess 

of our lives and how He is always working for each of us.

Melanie is so genuine and I love her sense of humor. 

Reading this book makes me feel like I am sitting down and chatting with a girlfriend. 

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

This book includes 60 devotions all focused on finding grace in our everyday lives. 

Ann's writing style is beautiful and truly helps open the readers eyes to the blessings God has given us all around each day in the little and the big things- in the good times and the bad times. 

Always Enough/Never Too Much by Jess Connollly and Hayley Morgan

This book includes 100 devotions that focus on targeting and banishing lies and insecurities 

and focuses on reminding us of our identity in Christ. 

This topical devotion book is packed of godly wisdom and one I use as someone who often feels like I can be too much and not enough- sometimes on the same day. 

(And go follow Jess on Instagram, she is one of my favorites in Instagram stories!)