The Light of Love: How God’s Love Shines Through Us

Discover the power of God’s love as light in a dark world. Learn how scripture teaches us to shine with kindness, compassion, and faith, bringing hope to others.

In a world that often feels clouded with confusion, fear, and division, love shines like a beacon of hope. Love is more than just an emotion—it’s the very nature of God, and when we walk in His love, we bring light into the darkest places.

The Bible tells us clearly:
“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (1 John 4:16, NIV)

That means love isn’t just something we give occasionally; it’s something we live. Love lights our path, heals broken hearts, and bridges gaps where words fall short. When we allow God’s love to guide us, it illuminates our decisions, our relationships, and even our outlook on life.

Love as Our Light

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, NIV)

Our light doesn’t come from our own strength or goodness—it comes from the love of Christ within us. This love reflects His character: patient, kind, forgiving, and never failing (1 Corinthians 13:4–8). Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every moment of forgiveness is a ray of God’s light shining through us.

Love That Overcomes Darkness

John reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5, NIV)

The world may try to dim our light with anger, bitterness, or fear, but love always conquers darkness. When we choose love over hate, peace over conflict, and compassion over indifference, we testify to the unshakable power of God’s presence in us.

Living the Light of Love Daily

• At home: show patience and gentleness with your family.

• At work: extend grace to those who may be stressed or unkind.

• In your community: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and eager to serve.

When we practice these small acts of love, we reflect the light of Christ and make the world a brighter place.

A Closing Prayer

Lord, help us to walk in Your light of love. Let our words and actions reflect Your heart so that others may see You through us. Shine through us today, and may Your love bring hope to those who need it most. Amen.

Resources:

Quote from grateful.org

Related Blog Post:  Faith Reminder: Tomorrow Isn't Promised, so Live Well Today

The Subtle Trap of Pessimism: Why It Feels Safe but Holds Us Back

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. -- Helen Keller

Pessimism often sneaks into our lives disguised as “being realistic.” It tells us we’re just protecting ourselves from disappointment, bracing for the worst so we won’t get hurt. And in small doses, that protective instinct can make sense. But when pessimism becomes our default lens, it quietly shapes our thoughts, our choices, and even our future.

The tricky thing about pessimism is that it feels smart. If you expect little, you can’t be let down, right? But here’s the paradox: by focusing on what could go wrong, we close ourselves off from what could go right. We stop dreaming. We hesitate to try. We live in defense mode instead of discovery mode.

Think about how pessimism shows up in everyday life:

• You hesitate to apply for that job because “they’ll probably pick someone else.”

• You keep your guard up in relationships because “people always disappoint me.”

• You dismiss new opportunities with “it won’t work anyway.”

Over time, these small “safeties” build walls around us. The world feels smaller, and our potential shrinks inside of it.

Here’s the thought-provoking part: pessimism doesn’t protect us from pain—it just limits the joy we might experience. Yes, being optimistic carries risk. Hope can lead to heartbreak. But it can also lead to breakthroughs, deeper connections, and unexpected joys.

What if, instead of asking, “What if it all goes wrong?” we asked, “What if it actually works out?”

2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV  - For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Shifting away from pessimism doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It means choosing to see possibilities instead of only problems. It means balancing caution with courage.

So, next time your inner pessimist pipes up, pause and ask yourself: Is this protecting me, or is it holding me back?

Because sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is allow ourselves to believe—just for a moment—that the best is still possible.

Resources:

2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV - Bible Gateway

grateful.org - Helen Keller quote

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Real People, Real Scripture, Real Life: Living God’s Word Every Day

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

The Bible is not just a book to be read—it’s a living Word meant to be lived. Too often, we picture Scripture as something reserved for pastors, theologians, or scholars. But the truth? God’s Word was written for real people, in real struggles, with real needs—people just like us.

When you open the Bible, you step into the lives of fishermen, shepherds, mothers, kings, carpenters, and prophets. They weren’t perfect; they were ordinary men and women who wrestled with doubt, fear, loss, and hope. And in the middle of their humanity, God’s voice spoke. The same God who guided them is speaking to us now.

The beauty of Scripture is that it translates into everyday life. A verse of comfort when anxiety rises. A word of strength when courage feels thin. A reminder of grace when guilt weighs heavy. Scripture isn’t meant to stay on the page—it’s meant to walk with us, breathe with us, and shape us into who God created us to be.

Think about how many “real people” through history have leaned on it. A soldier whispering Psalm 23 on the battlefield. A mother praying Proverbs over her children. A student holding onto Philippians 4:13 before a big exam. A grieving heart clinging to the promises of Revelation that tears will one day be wiped away.

We don’t read the Bible to simply know about God—we read it so we can know God. And as we know Him, His Word becomes less like ink on paper and more like a light guiding our steps.

You don’t have to be a theologian to use Scripture. You just have to be willing. Start where you are. Pick a verse. Let it soak in. Live it out. Because the Bible was never meant to be locked in a bookcase—it was meant to be lived by real people, every single day.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word, written not just for long ago but for today. Help me to open the Bible with fresh eyes and a willing heart. Teach me how to not just read Scripture, but to live it out daily in my words, choices, and relationships. May Your Word be the lamp to my feet and the light to my path. Amen.

Resources:

ChatGPT - Image, SEO optimized title and keywords (labels)

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort Through Faith

We live in a world that tells us to chase comfort at all costs. Cozy homes, secure jobs, predictable routines—it feels safe when life is wrapped in certainty. But the truth is, growth rarely happens in the comfort zone. The most defining seasons of life often come when we’re stretched, challenged, and yes, uncomfortable.

And that’s where faith steps in.

I tried kayaking in 2024 and have more actively pursued this hobby in 2025 with encouragement from my husband Jon.  We recently did a trip with Jon's friend Rob and others, kayaking 10 miles along the Big Darby Creek near Circleville. I learned a lot about kayaking during that trip but also about faith. There was one section where the current took my kayak and swept me into a down tree/pile of logs. My kayak got stuck under the debris while my paddle and water bottle floated away. I held on to a log because the current was strong and treading water didn't seem like a good option.  I wasn't the only one who got dumped by this current. My husband pulled me to safety and started helping others; people were rescued first and then stuff.  Everyone was safe and the only item lost was a water bottle.  I have a few scrapes and bruises. Everything happened so quickly that I don't recall praying but I know God was there.  The scripture about Jesus and the fishermen in the boat where the fishermen were scared by the storm until Jesus ordered calm came to mind as I look back on the day.

When everything goes our way, we don’t need much trust. It’s when the path is unclear, the answers are delayed, and the outcome feels shaky that our faith muscles start to grow. God often uses discomfort as a tool—not to punish us, but to strengthen us. Just like exercise tears down muscle to build it back stronger, spiritual growth happens when we lean on Him through the hard places.

Instead of seeing discomfort as something to avoid, what if we saw it as an invitation?

• An invitation to depend more deeply on God.

• An invitation to let go of control.

• An invitation to walk into new levels of purpose.

Faith transforms discomfort from an enemy into a teacher. It reminds us that while we may not know what’s next, we do know Who goes with us.

When you feel stretched, anxious, or uncertain, remind yourself: growth and purpose live on the other side of discomfort. Pray for courage, trust God’s timing, and let His peace anchor you even when life feels shaky.

Because comfort doesn’t build courage. Faith in discomfort does.

Resources:

YouVersion - Scripture Image

Kayaking Image - My husband Jon

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Finding Inner Peace in a World of Noise and Conflict

The world around us hums with constant noise. News headlines shout at us, social media scrolls by in an endless stream of opinions, and even our own thoughts can race faster than we’d like. Add to that the pressures of daily life and the ever-present undercurrent of conflict—whether global or personal—and it’s no wonder our minds can feel like crowded, restless streets.

In the midst of all this, we desperately need a place of stillness. Not just a quiet room, but a quiet soul. A sanctuary within where noise loses its grip, where confusion untangles, and where the inner compass begins to point true north again.

This kind of peace isn’t the same as mere relaxation. A bubble bath or a nap may calm the body, but inner peace goes deeper—it’s clarity of mind and purity of heart. It’s love that softens hard edges and steadies us when life sways. It’s knowing that even if the world around us spins, there is a center within that remains unmoved.

Finding that center begins with intention. It may mean starting your day with a moment of stillness before your feet touch the floor. It may mean pausing in the middle of your afternoon to breathe deeply and remember what truly matters. It may even mean stepping away from screens, stepping outside, and letting nature’s calm seep into you.

"In a world of noise, confusion and conflict, it is necessary that there is a place of inner silence and peace; not the peace of mere relaxation but the peace of inner clarity and love.  -- Thomas Merton"

Peace born of clarity and love doesn’t just make us feel better—it changes the way we live. It reshapes how we speak, how we listen, how we choose our battles, and how we forgive. And perhaps most importantly, it becomes something we carry with us, offering it to others who are drowning in the same noise we once knew.

In a loud and fractured world, your quiet, grounded heart may be the very lighthouse someone else needs to find their way home.

Resources:

Scripture Image from Christianity

Thomas Merton Quote - grateful.org

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Spirit, Mind, Body: Your Peak Performance Trio

"When we are fully alert in spirit, mind, and body, we are more than we imagine and can accomplish more than we suppose.  --Barbara Holmes"

When we are fully alert in spirit, mind, and body, we are more than we imagine and can accomplish more than we ever imagined. Think of yourself as a complete system. When every part of this system is humming, you become incredibly powerful. This is the secret to unlocking your real, true self.

Many times, we feel stuck or held back. It's like an invisible wall stands in our way. Often, these limits are not real. We place them there ourselves. Yet, deep inside, everyone has a hidden well of strength. It holds vast, untapped potential waiting to burst forth.

What if you could tap into this amazing power? Imagine what you could do then. Getting your spirit, mind, and body fully awake can help you achieve things you once thought impossible. It can lead to limitless achievement.

Truly great feats rarely happen by accident. They come from a special kind of readiness. This readiness involves more than just hard work. It requires a deep connection across your spiritual self, your mental focus, and your physical health. When these three work as one, you gain immense strength. This powerful triad creates your best performance.

Your spirit is your inner compass. It guides your actions and gives your life meaning. When your spirit is strong, you feel a sense of purpose. This inner strength helps you face tough times. It also keeps you motivated to reach your goals.

Spiritual alertness isn't about religion for everyone. It's about finding your deepest values. What truly matters to you? It means feeling connected to something bigger. This could be nature, humanity, or a sense of universal purpose. When you are spiritually alert, you know your "why." You understand what drives you.

You can strengthen your spirit in many ways. Try spending quiet time each day. Mindfulness helps you stay in the present moment. Meditation can bring a deep sense of calm. Journaling lets you explore your thoughts and feelings. Connecting with nature also helps you feel grounded. These practices nurture your inner peace.

Your mind is a powerful tool. A clear mind lets you solve problems easily. It helps you think of new ideas. When your mind is sharp, you learn faster. It also makes everyday tasks feel easier. Mental clarity is key to high performance.

Our brains work best when focused. Distractions, like constant notifications, can make us lose track. They break our attention into tiny pieces. A scattered mind struggles to remember things. It also has a hard time finishing tasks. Keeping your focus sharp is a true skill.

Your body is the engine that drives everything. It supports your mind and spirit. A strong, healthy body gives you lasting energy. It helps you think clearly and feel good. When your body feels good, your whole self feels good.

Have you ever noticed how exercise makes you feel happier? That's your body helping your mind. Regular movement boosts your mood. It also makes your brain work better. What you eat impacts your energy too. Good food helps your body and mind stay strong.

To keep your body ready, make healthy choices a habit. Get regular exercise that you enjoy. Eat balanced meals with plenty of fresh food. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Sleep rebuilds your body and clears your mind. Managing stress also keeps your body in top shape.

The true magic happens when your spirit, mind, and body work as one. They do not just add up; they multiply each other's strengths. When all three are alert, they create a powerful feedback loop. Your strong body feeds your clear mind. A clear mind helps you connect with your purpose. This connection then boosts your physical energy. This integrated system lets you accomplish more than you can imagine.

Pushing one part of yourself too hard can lead to burnout. If you only focus on work (mind) and forget your body or spirit, you will tire out. A balanced approach prevents this. It builds sustainable strength. When all parts are cared for, you can keep going strong. This avoids hitting a wall.

When your spirit, mind, and body are fully alert, you gain an amazing ability. You can push past what you thought was possible. This state allows you to see challenges differently. It makes you feel ready for anything. You will feel empowered to take bigger steps.

It's easy to aim low when you feel limited. But with your full self engaged, you can dream bigger. Set goals that excite your spirit. Use your sharp mind to plan them out. Fuel your body to give you the energy to chase them. This whole-self approach makes ambitious goals feel real. You’ll believe you can reach them.

Life always brings challenges. When you're truly alert, obstacles do not stop you. Your spirit provides inner strength. Your mind finds creative solutions. Your body gives you the energy to keep pushing. This makes you incredibly tough. You bounce back faster from setbacks. You face problems with calm confidence.

The idea of holistic alertness is not new. Many successful people use these principles. Their lives show what happens when you unite your whole self. From top athletes to business leaders, they all tap into this power. They accomplish more than others expect. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:23  "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Being fully alert in spirit, mind, and body opens up new worlds. It lets you tap into your true power. When these three parts work in harmony, you are truly unstoppable. You will find capabilities within yourself you never knew existed.

Remember, you are capable of so much more than you often believe. Your potential is not fixed. It expands when you nourish all parts of yourself. Start today by making small choices. Choose to strengthen your spirit, sharpen your mind, and energize your body. Begin cultivating your own integrated alertness. What amazing things will you accomplish next?

Resources:

Quote from grateful.org

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

Coping with Perimenopause: Symptoms and Natural Relief

Perimenopause is no walk in the park—it’s more like wandering into an unpredictable storm without an umbrella, unsure whether you’ll be caught in a drizzle or a downpour. When my OB-GYN decided it was time to take me off hormonal birth control, I thought I was ready for whatever came next. At first, my body went silent. No menstrual period for 200 days. I began to wonder if this was it—if I had finally crossed that invisible bridge into menopause. Then, without warning, it hit. A period arrived on the very day my husband and I left for a weekend getaway we had been looking forward to for months. The timing could not have been worse. The bleeding was heavy, the cramps relentless, and the fatigue wrapped around me like a weighted blanket I couldn’t shake off. It lasted 11 long, draining days. Later, I learned this had a name—“flooding”—and it sounded just as brutal as it felt.

"From Matthew Chapter 9: 20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” 22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment."

In my desperate research, I stumbled across articles and personal accounts suggesting that Shepherd’s Purse or Yarrow tinctures might help manage heavy bleeding. I tucked that information away, hoping I wouldn’t need it anytime soon. After that episode, I went another 50 days before my next period. This one arrived quietly, lighter, and far less dramatic. My energy stayed steady, and I felt more like myself again. Still, I’ve learned that perimenopause has a knack for keeping me on edge—never quite knowing if the next cycle will be a ripple or another tidal wave.

Some days, I can laugh about it—the unpredictability, the absurd timing, the fact that my uterus seems to have a twisted sense of humor. Other days, I just remind myself that my body is working through an important transition, even if it’s messy and inconvenient. Perimenopause may not come with a user manual, but I’m slowly learning how to navigate it with patience, a bit of humor, and the comfort of knowing I’m not alone in the journey.

Resources:

Matthew Chapter 9: 20-22

Perimenopause graphic

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Related Blog Posts:

How to Support a Friend Going through Menopause

Why Am I Always Tired?

Every Moment is Unique: Embrace the Now with Wonder

There’s something sacred about the now.

It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand. It simply arrives, quiet and unnoticed, like a single snowflake landing on your sleeve. It is the way the morning light stretches across the kitchen floor. The giggle that slips out in the middle of a serious conversation. The way your coffee tastes a little different today—richer, somehow. Moments like these may seem ordinary, but they’re not. Each one is a once-in-a-
lifetime guest passing through the hallway of your life.

You’ll never meet this exact second again.

The sky will never paint the same combination of clouds in quite the same way. Your thoughts, your heartbeat, the breath you just took—it’s all new, all now, all yours. The moment you’re living in is a gift hand-delivered by time itself, wrapped in mystery, and sealed with grace.

Yet, how often do we rush past these moments, distracted by the noise of what’s next? We trade the present for the illusion of control, for a schedule, for a someday that never quite looks like we imagined. But the secret is this: the magic you’re searching for is not over there. It’s here—in this flicker of life unfolding before you.

What if we slowed down enough to notice?

"Every moment is unique, offering its own way to connect to what is deepest within us, to the wonder and mystery of being fully alive.  -- Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee"

To notice the warmth of a loved one’s hug or the weight of the silence between words. To let ourselves smile at the sound of birdsong or feel the softness of a breeze across our cheek. These aren’t small things. They’re the very threads that stitch our stories together.

Each moment is a brushstroke in a masterpiece. Some bold and bright, some quiet and gentle—but all essential.

So, hold this one close. Let it teach you something. Let it soften your heart, inspire a prayer, or spark a laugh. Let it remind you that life is not lived in highlights or headlines—it’s lived in moments just like this.

Because every moment is unique. And so are you.

Resources:

grateful.org - quote

ChatGPT - keywords and image for James 4:14

Living in a State of Wonder: What If We Saw the World Differently?

Have you ever paused long enough to be amazed by something ordinary?

"When we enter a state of wonder, an opening is created; a possibility arises for us to view the world differently and to come to a different understanding.  --Rachel Macy Stafford"

Maybe it was the way sunlight danced on your kitchen floor, or how a child asked a question that made you stop and really think. These moments — often overlooked — invite us into something quietly powerful: a state of wonder.

But what exactly is wonder? Is it reserved for poets and philosophers? Or is it something we all carry, just beneath the surface of our everyday lives?

What If Nothing Was Ordinary?

It’s easy to fall into routines and assume we already know what we’re looking at. The tree outside your window? Just a tree. The people you pass on the street? Just strangers.

But what if we slowed down and asked, What am I not seeing here?
What if that tree has been silently standing through decades of storms, growing ring by ring while we rushed by?
What if that stranger holds a story that would move us to tears?

Wonder asks us to look again.

Curiosity: The Gateway to Awe

Children live in a natural state of wonder because they’re constantly seeing the world for the first time. But somewhere along the way, we trade curiosity for certainty. We assume we know. And when we already “know,” we stop looking deeper.

To recapture wonder, maybe we need to admit how much we don’t know — and be okay with that.
Maybe wonder isn’t about having all the answers but about loving the questions.

What if we treated each day as if it were a discovery waiting to happen?

Wonder Changes Us

There’s something softening about living with wide eyes and an open heart. Wonder humbles us. It reminds us that life is more intricate, beautiful, and interconnected than we often realize.

It’s not about ignoring hard realities or floating off into daydreams. It’s about letting beauty and mystery speak — even in the midst of chaos.

For added inspiration, check out the article titled Now I See Things Differently.

A Small Invitation

Today, take a moment to look at something familiar as if you’re seeing it for the first time.
Ask a question you normally wouldn’t.
Slow down. Listen. Marvel.

The world is full of things worth wondering about — if only we’re willing to see.

Resources:

grateful.org - quote

ChatGPT - Scripture Image and Keywords (labels)

The Power of Self-Care and Rest Essentials with Living on the Butter Side

Self-care and rest are essential because they help you recharge, stay healthy, and show up as your best self. When you take time to pause, relax, and do things that bring you joy, you’re not being selfish—you’re making sure your body, mind, and spirit are cared for. Rest helps reduce stress, improves your focus, and boosts your mood. In short, you can’t pour from an empty cup—taking care of you means you’ll have more to give to others, too!

Mark 6:31: Jesus himself sought quiet places for rest and reflection, demonstrating the importance of intentional breaks for renewal. 

I have linked below previous blog posts related to self-care and rest.  I have also linked a post related to small business as I want to share information about a small business owner who approached about sharing her products and social media information with my blog readers.  Thank you, Tiombe, for reaching out to me about this opportunity.  

I checked out Tiombe's Instagram Living on the Butter Side  and I like what she is sharing.  I personally do not use TikTok but Tiombe is also on TikTok .  Finally, she has an Etsy Shop with some really cute products that I might consider purchasing in the future. If you are interested in note cards, journals, and other self-care related products, I encourage you to check out Tiombe 's Etsy.

At the end of the day, no one can truly take care of you the way you can. Others may offer support, but only you know what your mind, body, and soul truly need. If you neglect yourself, it eventually catches up—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Choosing to care for yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a responsibility. You owe it to yourself to slow down, listen to what you need, and give yourself the same kindness and attention you so freely give to others. Because if you don’t make your well-being a priority, no one else can do it for you.

Related Blog Posts:

The Power of Rest: Why Its Not a Waste of Time

Self-Care Vs. Slacking - How to Tell the Difference

Prioritize Your Well-Being - The Unexpected Benefits of Self-Care

Rest - You Need it to Restore Your Life and Well-Being

Why Small Businesses Are the Heartbeat of Our Community

Resources:

ChatGPT - keywords used for labels

Mark 6:31 Quoted Verse

Unsplash - Self Care Image