Weekend Giveaway: Darkness & Light
Do you know who you are?
More importantly, do you know whose you are?
I must admit, even though I first met Jesus in a very real way back in late high school, I haven’t always lived as though all that took place with that life-changing encounter were true.
What I mean is this: sometimes, there is a disconnect between my mind and my actions; between my brain and my body (or most often between my soul and my mouth!)
The good I know I should do….
I don’t always do.
The love I know I should display…
I don’t always display.
The kindness I’m convinced I should show….
Well…it stays hidden.
This disconnect both frustrates and aggravates me.
Until I remember that I am not alone.
Read preacher Paul’s words from Romans 7:18-20 in the Amplified Version of the Bible:
18For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]
19For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.
20Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].
Sister….can you relate????
Now I know Christians aren’t perfect. We are just forgiven.
And I know I cannot always make the right choice…. in my own strength.
But for me I know where part of the problem lies.
I forget I am no longer in the dark, but in the light.
“….for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)” Ephesians 5:8-9
Walk as children of the light.
Walking is an action. It takes effort on my part.
Good. I need to focus on what is good.
Right. I need to chose to perform that which is right.
True. I need to focus my brain on the things that are true.
For me…that last one is a doosey. You see, I let the enemy whisper all sorts of things to my soul that simply are not true.
You’ll never lose weight.
You are incapable of being a good wife.
Rotten mom. You sure blew it today with your kid.
Christian? Yeah, right. Some Christian you are having those thoughts you did just now.
Just give it up….ya failure!
At those times I have a crucial choice to make. Am I gonna give in to the dark or run to the light?
Am I going to listen to the lies or align my mind with the word of God?
Darkness or light? Its our choice.
Do you ever battle the same thing? (Oh please tell me that you do?!?)
Lets purpose to pray for each other during the heat of the battle for our minds. And, just cause I love you all, here is a little light & dark giveaway to go along with our little chat. It includes:
~ A cozy brown plush throw–for you to snuggle up in as you read the Bible, filling your mind with God’s truth about you.
~ Some dark chocolate Hershey’s kisses.
~ A tube of Dark Kiss Bath & Bodyworks lotion.
~ Three packets of Land O’ Lakes white hot cocoa.
~ Two white votive candles from Bath & Bodyworks–one vanilla coconut & one creamy nutmeg.
~ A candle snuffer from At Home America.
One person who comments this weekend will be chosen at random to win the above package. So please, tell me your thoughts on this topic. (Or if time is tight, just say “I’m in!”)
I’ll be praying for you this weekend. Will you do the same for me?
Into-the-light Blessings,
Karen, I totally relate to all that you have said today. Next to Satan, I am my worst enemy, being so hard on myself all the time. Getting better at quieting my self talks and listening to God speaking to me – that makes all the difference for a better day! I will pray for you, as well as all who are involved in this journey. Have a God filled wonderful day!
I look so forward to reading your blogs Karen. You truly are an inspiration and help keep me FOCUSED.
I want you to know that I’m In ~ I will be praying for you, please pray for me to. Trying to find balance in my life in all areas – Mind, Physical, Soul/Spirit and Emotional. I am learning to Trust God and let him take the reigns in be in control. I’ve asked him to help me focus where I need Him the most. I’ve had some weight loss, but I think he’s working more on Spiritual Growth with me. I am making time and looking forward to Bible Studies/Groups and reading your blogs and some other inspirational emails I receive. Thanks for being there for all of us! May God continue to bless you and your gifts.
I struggle with this more than I should. At some points is has devasted my life. I’m too young to live with darkness. So today I choose to the light I go!
I think I have been living in darkness but trying to act like I am in the light! I just had a complete hysterectomy Dec. 9th and my hormones are out of control which is not helping to focus on the light. Thanks for the reminder to look for the light! It is nice to know also that sisters in Christ do have these moments in life where it is harder than other times to stay focused and wonderful people like you to re-focus our hearts & minds towards all the God has for us, only to be found in the LIGHT!
I’m in. LORD knows I need help on being the woman He wants> I’m thankful sanctification.. I’m a work in process.. and God don’t give up?
Thank you So much for sharing! I to have had these thoughts. Which hurt and I know thats NOT what our Lord wants. I pray each time and ask God for His comfort and peace. I know, know matter what I face each day that God will see me thorugh all things. He is my ROCK and STRENGTH! I will be praying for you also. May God bless you in all you do. With Love and Prayers, Shawnia. Phil.4:13
Life is sure a journey and I am so glad He extends His GRACE to us daily!!!
I’m in today….
Thanks for the encouragement. It is needed.
When Satan tells me I won’t be able to do something, I just picture myself putting on the full armor of God, one piece at a time, staring him down!
Wow.. my first time reading your blog and I have to say.. it was exactly what I needed to hear/read.
Life is never slow around here so only have time to say “I’m In”
Oh and I’ll be back to read more of your blogs..
Thank you for your heart to reach women and encourage others.
-Amanda
I’m in. I struggle with this in my home life, especially with my 2 teenage children. Sometimes it is so easy to let harsh words slip out and you just can’t take them back. Thanks for the reminder.
I’m in! Running myself crazy these days, and in the early stages of pregnancy at that! I know I cannot make it through the day without the Truth that will set me free!
Karen – thank you for sharing. I am a new christian and the dark took me over just a few nights ago and I have been hurting over it since then. I am sorry you struggle with it still but it is good to know that I am not the only one.
Karen,
Thank you for posting this. Today, of all days, I needed to hear it!
I’ll be praying for you this weekend1
Blessings,
Edwina
Thank you so much for speaking to me today Karen. I am struggling so much with the lies-they seem so much easier to believe than the truth. Feeling like a failure as a mom, a wife and a christian-feeling like God could never love me-it is just too easy sometimes. Thanks for reminding me to focus on the truth-on the word of God!!!
LOVE THIS!!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Karen,
Your words spoke to my soul today. Yesterday was one of those days where I felt a spiritual warfare in my soul! I can see it now for what it was, and I know that God is in control. I’m ready to focus on Him! and seek HIS light!
You are such a blessing! thank you!
I love this! Thank you so much for your words on the conference call!
Can’t wait to listen to it again!
I struggle with this and in 2 of my bible studies i am doing we just talked about discernment and wisdom… Both help with making decisions!! So hooefully you will have wisdom and discernment when picking a winner!! :-). HAve a blessed weekend!!!
I’m in! I struggle with these thoughts myself and I fear my son struggles as well. We need to dwell on God’s Word, so that when the enemy whispers these words to us, we can be prepared to do battle!
I posted already but I have a few more minutes so i just wanted to add, thanks for this reminder today! I too struggle so much with what is “true,” what is in my mind. My husband points that out to me often. as a mom of a 1 and 3 year old I feel overwhelmed daily with just getting through. but this morning was a good day and I was able to actually clean a little (the children helped some and played by themselves for once!), and it reminds me that I can do what I need to with God’s help, not by myself, and that is what is true!
I’m in!! So needed this today. I feel like my life has become a country western song in the past 3 weeks…whole family sick, dog died, fridge on the blink and all the food went bad, collectors calling because my health insurance won’t pay the doctor what they should and to top it off my 13 year old is making some really, really dumb choices. All I want to do is sit and eat to calm myself down. Add in the lies above, and I have a recipe for disaster! I need to renew my mind with the TRUTH!!
I SO completely identify with what you wrote today…thank you. Sometimes it is just nice to hear we are not the only ones going through this. I will be praying for you and thank you for praying for me!
I’m in; and I feel your pain. I’ve had all of these thoughts