SPARKLE

Sparkle is the theme of our 2016 Fall/Winter series with Beloved. When our events coordinator brought the idea to my mind I loved it immediately. The idea behind 'Sparkle' is directly connected to the upcoming Fall and Winter seasons we're entering into. During these seasons, our days become cooler and a bit shorter at first, and before we know it we're in the deep of winter where the days are cold and dark.We do get a bit of daylight, but even then the chances of the sun shining for us are slim to none. These are the dark days that we know are coming every year. They are never a surprise to us, but we expect and even prepare for them. We wear different clothes, made of heavier materials to withstand the change in temperature. We wear shoes that offer more warmth and coverage for our feet, so our little toes don't freeze up on us. We most likely make sure we have a good winter coat for added comfort and protection from the unforgiving cold winter winds. We cover our head with hoods and hats, and we cover our necks with scarves and our hands with gloves. We even eat different foods?! We eat more 'comfort foods' that warm us up from the inside. The point of this is that when the cold, dark seasons come, we're prepped and ready.

But what about when we go through cold and dark seasons in our lives? Not in the changing of the seasons by Mother Nature. I'm talking about when we go through those rough and tough days. The ones where the days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, and before you know it, you're in a whole season of cold and darkness. Life happens. Things happen. Some of them are brought on by our own un-wise decisions, and some are brought on by others, and we find ourselves innocent bystanders. But the fact is that situations and circumstances can and will take us through dark seasons in our lives.

When those dark seasons of life are upon us, it is then that we need to make sure we've taken the proper steps to ensure we don't freeze to death?! We need to cover ourselves in prayer and in His Word. and Just like when winter comes and we put n heavier clothes, we need to dig in deeper into His Word. His Word is a lamp for your feet and a light for your path - Psalm 119:105. Darkness has never been an issue for the Lord, and it's not an issue for you either, so long as you put on the necessary layers to keep yourself covered, warm, and still functional. The Armor of God includes proper footwear to keep your footing stable and steady. The darkness can not overcome you when you are properly protected against it! Make sure you're eating heartier meals! Something that'll stick and hold you over a while. Take in the Word however and whenever you can. Read the Bible, read inspirational books, watch sermons, listen to podcasts, talk about Him with friends and family. Get Him in in larger portions?! Don't let those dark seasons freeze you?! Don't let them trap you inside in the dark, away from the support and love made available to you through Jesus Christ.

This is where 'Sparkle' comes in, lovelies! The idea of 'Sparkle' is to remind you of the Light you have inside of you?! This Light we each carry inside of us was given to us by our Savior when we accepted Him into our hearts. And it goes with us throughout our days. This Light gives out a warm glow that attracts anyone around it. This light covers us, and protects us during those dark seasons of our lives. Not only does it give us the hope we need to anchor us down when the cold winds are coming against us, but it serves as a beacon of light and hope for those around us who may be going through a dark season as well?! They need to see that they aren't alone, the same as you do. This is why it's so important for us to get out during our dark seasons, and shine the gift of the Light within us. Show the world that darkness is a non-factor for the one who created Light?!

Here's a great reminder the Lord gives us in His word to encourage us during dark times. John 8:12 - I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. He said you will NEVER walk in darkness. The devil is a great illusionist?! He's putting on a big theatrical performance to make it seem like you you're surrounded by darkness with no way out?! He is a liar. The darkness is in fact surrounded by the Light, for there is nothing out of His control or reach. He's with you, and lights the path in front of you with each step you take. So get out, sweethearts, and shine your lights brightly. Claim back everything taken from you, and walk in the light of victory, and love, and life! Shine as a beacon of hope for those around you. For if we all become beacons of light, then there is no darkness, now is there?! So, let's get out and Sparkle, shall we?!