I've come across this quote quite a bit in the last few years but I've never taken to time to read it in its entirety. These thoughts inspire and challenge me.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so?

You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of god that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others. -Marianne Williamson

This quote gives me further encouragement to be completely alive.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Jesus(recorded in the book of Matt)

Deep thoughts. I'm heading home from school now. Bye friends.

Labels: everyday art, glory

Do you ever feel a little ill at ease? Do you ever feel frustrated with things going on in your life? Do you ever feel a little insecure? Well, I'll just step out there and confess that I sure have. This morning I was taking a closer look at Daniel, the book in the Bible, and came to a little realization that this unsettled way of life might not be a bad thing.

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. Daniel 4:4

Nebuchadnezzar was the mighty ruler of Babylon and he was contented and prosperous. What could be better than this? In the Babylonian culture, life couldn't get any better than this. Most Americans would agree. This word contented is selah in Aramaic which means properly 'at ease' or 'at rest,' conveying both contentment and security. I thought this was really interesting because I tend to place a very high price on security in my own life. I tend to look for what will be the safest, most secure arrangement all the time. But my question is...If I made decisions to find stability and security, why do I feel so unsteady?

Hebrews 12:26-29 echoes the trouble with dependence on earthly securities.

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."
The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."

I'm not going to discuss the full meaning of these verses, but I will say that it helps me understand why God lets things be shaken up in my life so much. If I remain content and prosperous relying in my worldly securities like academics, material wealth or even family, I will not fully understand the depth of security I have in the Lord.

Beth Moore shared, "Sometimes we don't recognize true security until all lesser forms prove false." I would have to agree with her. Until our worlds quake and things start to shatter, we have no idea what lasts. This truth helps me to be thankful for feeling frustrated with life because I'm realizing it is teaching me to live for what is truly life!

I will leave you with Psalm 62 which remarkably conveys the concept of authentic contentment.

My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Labels: glory, truth

For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness...

has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth]
the Light for the illumination of the knowledge
of the majesty and glory of God
[as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed]
in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
2 COR 4.6
Amplified Bible

Labels: glory