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Be a Light in a Dark World

You may have noticed I’m not quick to react to all the crazy, sad, violent and horrific things going on in the world. When I do post about current events it is only after much thought and prayer. But after recent terrorist attacks and the web going crazy over red coffee cups I feel the need to address the much broader issues here.

We create our own reality with our thoughts. This truth I know for sure. If we believe the world is an evil place, everyone who does not agree with us is against us and we are being persecuted, that is exactly what we will experience. If we believe in a vengeful, angry God who hates everyone else, that is what we will take out into the world. However, if we walk daily in the presence of God, spreading His light, love and goodness to all we meet our world will be a much different place.

So what do we do when the world goes crazy? How do we react, or keep from reacting?

1. Stay calm. Breathe deep. Surround yourself, your loved ones and the world with the Light of God.

2. Resist the urge to respond to every major world event and every petty little slight. The more we talk about what’s wrong with the world the more we will focus on it and bring it into being.

3. Respond to anger with kindness. This is not easy.

4. Walk away if necessary. Also not easy.

5. Allow other to have their beliefs and opinions realizing you do not always have to be right or have the last word.

6. Surround yourself with positive, caring people. Do this for support and encouragement, not to retaliate against the “other side.” Do not get involved in the wars of others.

7. Believe light overcomes darkness, good overcomes evil and life overcomes death.

8. Let your light shine. Live what you believe, don’t just talk. People will remember your actions long after your words are forgotten.

9. Live without fear. You can actually feel the fear in the world. Fear can cause the thing we fear most to happen. A favorite scripture of mine is, “Fear not little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. This is not a “heaven” statement but a here and now statement. There is no need to worry or be afraid because God does provide.

10. Focus on guarding your own thoughts, words and actions, not those of others. Let other people be. You stay centered and calm.

Be a beacon to the world in a dark time. Let the light that you are shine and shine and shine some more!

Thought for Today

“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” Robert Braathe

Paris terror and Christian response to evil

Sometimes Bob and I find post on other blogs that are so strong, powerful and just plain good we have to share them. Derek Maul of Life, Gratitude, Faith, & Passion wrote one of those blog posts last week called Paris terror and Christian response to evil. He redirects us back to the way of Jesus, the way of love. Please read Derek’s words…

Derek Maul: Words & Photographs for the Journey

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:10-20

Thibault Camus/AP Photo

I have very little time to post this morning; but I feel that I need to say something about Paris. I’m especially sensitive to the idea of evil at the moment, as my men’s group is studying “The Armor of God.” and one of the key ideas in the passage (Ephesians 6:10-20) is equipping ourselves to face the malevolent intentions of evil.

First, and I can’t say this strongly enough, the Paris attacks were the work of evil, not Islam. The agenda of ISIS has nothing to do with God, and everything to do with the purposes of evil.

Evil destroys, it never creates. God – the Creator – builds up, encourages, moves forward…

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12 Tips for Gluten Free Living #11: Learn to Carry Snacks

This is important for anyone living with any type of food restriction. Always have food you can safely eat on hand (or in your pocket, purse or car). You never know when you might get caught out where there is nothing available that you can eat.

I carry trail mix or almonds. These are purchased in bulk and repackaged in single serving snack bags or cups. We also keep a jar of unsalted dry roasted peanuts in the car. For me it is important to have snacks rich in protein available. Whatever snacks you choose remember to try to keep it healthy.

If you know you are going to be out over a meal time it is a good idea to pack at least a light lunch. Sometime food will be available you can eat, but don’t count on it. Learning to take care of ourselves sometimes involves lessons learned the hard way. Get caught without food and this is one lesson you will learn quickly.

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Rogene Robbins is the author of The Gluten Free Good Life and other books available at Amazon.com’s Kindle Store. Please visit her Healthy and Gluten Free page to learn about Rogene’s own gluten free good life.

Thought for Today

“Gratitude also opens your eyes to the limitless potential of the universe, while dissatisfaction closes your eyes to it.” Stephen Richards

Thought for Today

“I truly believe we can either see the connections, celebrate them, and express gratitude for our blessings, or we can see life as a string of coincidences that have no meaning or connection. For me, I’m going to believe in miracles, celebrate life, rejoice in the views of eternity, and hope my choices will create a positive ripple effect in the lives of others. This is my choice.” Mike Ericksen