We just experienced the phenomenon of the super blue moon the end of January. The January 31 full moon was the third in a series of three straight full moon super moons (super-close full moons). It was the first of two Blue Moons in 2018 and a total lunar eclipse. The next month with two full moons is March.

We were privileged to see a bright full moon. Sometimes we see a full moon but at other times we see a half moon or a crescent moon. Yet we know that the full moon is there even though we don’t always see it.

Matt and Beth Redman use this illustration of the moon in their little book “Finding God in the Hard Times” (p. 33). “At times, painful life circumstances seem to obstruct our view of God and His goodness. But we have seen the form of the Lord many times before – in life and in Scripture – and we know Him to be good and as kind as He ever was.”

When life gets tough our circumstances my cloud our memory of what’s God has done for us. It’s in those times I have found it helpful to do something to help me remember God’s goodness in my life. Through journaling I can look back and see how God has answered my prayers or has blessed me. It’s there in black and white for me to remember that God has not abandoned me and has come through for me in the past. (Psalm 9:1; 77:11; 143:5)

When we tell other people how God has answered prayer, blessed us or strengthened us in difficult times we can be an encouragement to others. They too can put their trust in God (Psalm 78:1-8; Deuteronomy 4:9). It reminds us that God is there for us even though we may not always see or feel Him.

Memorials or family traditions help us remember what God has done for us in the past. We had a family tradition at Christmas where we wrote on a white table cloth year after year with puff paint. Each person wrote or drew something significant from the year. When the kids were little it may have only been an outline of their hand. It was fun to see the blessings, growth and changes over the years.

Simple scriptures written on cards or pictures from significant events are good reminders. I have a friend who develops cards like this one at Avenue17Design.com

What are some things you do to help your remember God’s goodness?

Once again I’ll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonder; I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts. Psalm 77:11 MSG

On the journey,

Trish

Last week I attended a funeral for a dear friend’s husband. The church was beautifully decorated for Christmas. As I sat there I couldn’t help think that it is because of the birth of Jesus that we can have hope and peace in the midst of sorrow. Our loved ones no longer with us who believed Jesus was the Son of God, that He was born, lived and died so we can have the gift of life with God forever, are celebrating and worshipping directly with the Son of God!

“What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.” John 1:4 MSG

Jesus came into existence to bring light and life. Many people believe in the moment of death “all the lights go out.” But Jesus promises the light of heaven.

Jesus said,”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NLT

God is light, not a light. Light is a part of His essence, as is love (1 John 4:8). God is light and it is His plan that we shine forth His light. The light of God is His righteousness, goodness, holiness. To shine forth His light means to become more like Christ everyday, to know God, understand truth and live in obedience to God’s Word.

In contrast, to walk in darkness refers to all that is opposed to God. It is a life characterized by disobedience and lack of relationship with God. Darkness and light are two opposing forces trying to make claims upon us. We must decide if we are going to live in the Light or in the darkness.

Light provides energy to promote the giving and sustaining of life. Jesus gives us everlasting life.
Light guides us as we travel. Jesus guides us through our journey to our heavenly home.
Light has a way of exposing the evil that is concealed. Jesus is goodness itself.
Light warms and comforts us. Jesus welcomes us and calms us.
Light dispels darkness. Jesus pierces the darkness of sin and death and conquers them.

If I choose to walk in the Light I must humbly trust Jesus to reveal the light through me. It is God who puts when and where I find myself on my journey. This rang true at the recent funeral I attended. My friend shared during her husband’s service how it was through the invitation of my husband to go on a mission trip together to Russia to do dentistry that her husband developed a love for missions. Pictures flashed on the screen of both of our husband’s in their Russian hats in front of St. Peter’s Basilica and them doing dentistry on some Russians. Pictures continued of subsequent mission trips this man took followed by him and his wife starting an African medical mission working with local African doctors and dentists. All because my husband invited this man on a mission trip. We never know our influence. Only God can measure the significance of our influence and visibility. I may influence one person who will then influence the world! My focus should be on following the Light, Jesus, wherever He leads.

On a recent walk, as I came near our beach, this was my view:

It was such a statement to me: Will you choose to follow me and walk in the light?

I pray you will choose to follow the Light of the World. May you be reminded this holiday season that the little baby whose birth we celebrate came so we can live in the light and not in darkness. He loves you, has delivered you from the darkness, and wants what is best for you. Walk as children of the Light!

On the journey,
Trish

PS Yes, I know it has been since May that I last posted but I hope to be back on a more regular posting!

Super Blue Moon

The Light of the World