Shining

I'm sitting here in my dining room, contemplating the things taught at the girls retreat last weekend, and if I, one of the leaders, am succeeding in what we were teaching the girls.

We talked about Shining like Stars, being examples in our lives, focussing our thoughts on "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" ~Philippians 4:8 I was challenged by just about every session we had, not only the verses... but thoughts brought up.

In one session the difference between guilt and shame was brought up. How Satan delights in us being shameful, and feeling unworthy to come before God. Guilt is the healthy, God given way to deal with things. It reminds us that something isn't right, and we need to readjust our thinking, and come back to God.

Another session focussed on serving. What a taboo word that is nowadays! Nobody wants to serve, not true serving anyway, including me! I am too focussed on who is going to serve me to realize that I could be serving someone else, and blessing them. This session stood out to me, as my "learning point" for the weekend. I have been waiting at our church for people to approach me, and welcome me, and serve me... instead of having a Christ-like attitude and diving in to serve and help, and welcome others.

As we sat through the sessions, I was humbled, and reminded that I need to reminded of these things just as much as the girls that were attending the retreat.

I am hoping that I can Strive to Shine, and reach others with the gospel, and love of Christ. But, most of all, I am praying that I will be an example to my children, and teach them that shining for Christ is more important than the wordly things we can sometimes focus too much on. Balance is going to be key, as I do feel it's important to shine within our own families and care for them, as well as others.