The Light at the End of the Tunnel

We all have dark days. Some times we feel like we can't get through them. Then we see the light. In hindsight things aren't as bad as we thought. Or maybe they are bad, but because we see the light at the end of the tunnel, we keep pushing through.

Where does that phrase come from, "the light at the end of the tunnel?" It's literal meaning is something which makes you believe that a difficult or unpleasant situation will end. But I know differently. Jesus called himself "the light of the world." When I'm in a dark situation, I know I have the LIGHT at the end of the tunnel. Jesus, the LIGHT, is there guiding me to the end of a bad situation.

Just because Jesus is in my life, doesn't mean that bad things don't happen because the world is dark. Sometimes I'm in the dark, while others I have tunnel vision. But I know, that there is the LIGHT at the end of the tunnel, guiding me, waiting for me, bringing me out of the dark and into the light.

Have you seen the LIGHT?

John 8:12 -- When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

John 9:5 -- [Jesus said,] "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

John 12:35-36 -- Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light."

Thankful Thursday - 6/4

1. I'm thankful that school is almost done. I am exhausted and ready to sleep in, pack NO lunches and lay by the pool - on red alert as I watch my children swim. No relaxing at the pool, but at least I can tan while I watch my kids. (I wear SPF 50, so I don't actually tan...just turn off-white instead of stark white).

2. I'm thankful for my bloggy friend Lea! Lea (from the Potting Shed) sent me the most adorable book mark, custom made by her. I will try to post a picture next Wednesday. Be on the look out. Thanks, Lea!

3. I'm thankful for my bloggy friend Sharon (from Joy in the Truth). Sharon had some connections regarding the Writers' Conference I'm going to this Summer, and has set me up with another Christian lady there. I was hoping to meet Sharon personally, but I don't think its going to work out this trip. Nonetheless, she's looking out for me. Thanks, Sharon!

4. I'm thankful my in-laws are doing better physically, and am looking forward to visiting them later this summer. I'm sure I post about it when go.

5. Thankful I'm reading the Bible again! I finished Numbers, and started Deuteronomy. I'm also doing a study in Proverbs. So thankful for a God who is patient with me and forgives my flaws.

What are you thankful for this week?

Book Review - What's Age Got to Do With it?

One of the things I love about the Thomas Nelson Blogger Review Program, is the chance to read books for free that I wouldn't normally buy. My book expenses tend to go toward Christian inspirational and Bible study.

I'm not a fan of Oprah or Dr. Phil. Truth is, it annoys me when people quote either of them as THE authority. I tend to look to the Bible as the source for my source of authority. So I requested Robin McGraw (Dr. Phil's wife) book with a chip on my shoulder. I thought I wouldn't like it. I was wrong.

Robin McGraw's book was a fun read! She writes in a easy to understand style about fitness, nutrition, skin care, menopause, hair, make up and fashion. Her chapter on hair care was filled with stories of her hair cut and color mistakes, stories that made me laugh at loud as I could relate in a "been there, done that" sense. But then she shared real insights from both her own experience and experts, not only in the hair category, but in nearly every category in the book.

While I would have expected her chapter on fitness to include stories about her gym and personal trainer, she shared real tips that every person can use, regardless of financial status. While she was very honest about the fact that she enjoys that options now, she related to the time in her life where she used a foot stool in her kitchen to step up and down on to burn calories when she couldn't afford a gym membership.

Her make-up chapter shared not only the expensive name brand products she uses every day, but tips on how apply your products, no matter what brands you use. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn we use the same brand mascara, Maybelline Great Lash.

The chapter I was waiting for however, was the faith chapter. After all, this is a book published by Thomas Nelson, the leading Christian publisher in the world. Like the other chapters, Robin shared of her experiences this time in her faith walk. I enjoyed learning that she is a Christian who loves the Lord. However, in her other chapters she was quick to offer tips ("Robin's Rx") on what you can do to improve in the topic area, and information from experts. In the faith chapter, she only shared her own experience.

I think she missed a great chance to offer non-Christians reading her book help in finding their faith, like the help she offered them in other areas of life not nearly as important. This extra step could have taken her book from a good read to great one.

I thought I wouldn't like a book by celebrity Dr. Phil's wife that I got for free from Thomas Nelson Publishing. I was wrong. And remember when I said this wasn't a book I'd normally buy? I was wrong about that too.

You can purchase "What's Age Got To Do With It?" By Robin McGraw from Thomas Nelson or any other book retailer.

Arms Open Wide

I woke up the moment I heard little feet hit the floor. The fast pace told me she was upset. I sat up in bed and threw my arm open wide as my five year old ran into the room and into my arms. "I had a bad dream!" she exclaimed. I just held her, repeating "Mama's here, Mama's here." Then after her breathing slowed, I asked, "Would you like to sleep in here tonight?"

After I got her comfy on the floor, she quickly went back to sleep, but I lay there awake. I thought of my own childhood. My mom was usually intoxicated. I remember shaking her and shaking her trying to wake her up. She was never alert & waiting for me, often didn't even know where I was.

I thought of other children who don't have a parent to run to in the night to calm their fears. Children who's biggest nightmares are when they are awake, and sleep is the only peace they get. I prayed for them, my heart heavy.

I'm so thankful for a Heavenly Father who is always awake, always alert, and always with his arms open wide, waiting for me to run into them. Whether you're living in a nightmare or experiencing sweet dreams, God knows exactly where you are and he's there waiting for you too, arms open wide.

Psalm 91:9-12 -- If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.