A Bright Light

 

While in Las Vegas a few weeks ago I had an interesting encounter. At the end of a long day of therapy, I walked out into the evening heat. I was looking forward to a quick meal and a visit with my husband. A man I'd never met was waiting for AAA to help him with a flat tire. He and the doctor were standing in the parking lot visiting. The doctor introduced us and then went on his way. 

While I waited for my husband and he on AAA, we had a brief chat. I'd never met the man who was also a patient at the clinic. He seemed very nice, and we visited for a few minutes. 

He stopped talking and fixed an intent gaze on me. I couldn't imagine what he was thinking. Then he said something surprising. 

"You're a bright light," he stated while lifting his lips in a whimsical smile.

I didn't know how to respond. A momentary silence settled between us. Finally, I responded, "I'll accept that. Thank you."

His smile grew even warmer.

Just then, my husband arrived, and I said farewell. I never saw him again, but his words have stayed with me. 

A Bright Light.

I can't know for certain what he meant, but wouldn't it be wonderful if I was a bright light in this dark world? A scripture comes to mind, one I've heard many times through the years.

Matthew 5:14 - 16

"You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket, instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father."

I know that I am not always a shining light, in fact, I can sometimes be more of a candle snuffer. But I want to be a light. I want others to know the same Heavenly Father I do.

We all can be a light that reveals the love and hope of our Lord, which is needed especially in these dark and uncertain times. For no matter what evil may befalls us, it is not greater than God nor more powerful than Him. Our Father holds us in His hand, forever loved and protected.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon

A Love Letter

While I was chatting with my publisher a few weeks ago, I referred to my new book as a love letter to my readers. I didn't think before I spoke - the words just popped out. David White, who has been working with me, asked what I meant by that?

I had to think for a few moments because I wasn't sure. It was more of a feeling. 

As is often the case feelings come from a very real place in our soul. There was something to what I had said. One Hundred Valleys is a love letter to readers for a couple of reasons. First, because I owed my readers a new historical. Through my career, I've written primarily historical novels, but a few years ago I took a slight turn. I reworked three of my early books and wrote two contemporaries. I decided that my dedicated followers had waited long enough for a new historical novel. It was time to think about my core group of readers. Their support and loyalty is one of the reason I'm still writing. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you all. And for that reason, One Hundred Valleys is for you.

And something else in the book that reminds me it is a love letter. The character Margaret, who is a mentor and friend to Emmalin, says this while the two talk about the many hardships and even tragedies that have befallen Emmalin. 

Margaret says, "God didn't promise to protect us from all harm, but he did promise to walk with us as we struggle in the hard times and to help lead us through life. When it feels the darkest is when His light shines its brightest. And He uses every bit of the good and bad to mold us into people who will honor Him."

These words, though spoken by a character in a book, have spoken to me through the years. And they've helped me to trust and to be grateful even while struggling through the hardest times.

These are dark days in our world. The multitudes live in fear and uncertainty, wondering what will become of their livelihoods. Will they even lose their life? And what will become of their loved ones? Will they be safe? Sometimes all I have to do is think about my precious family and what they are facing and tears come. My son and his family live in France and I'm afraid for them. And then the Lord reminds me who He is. 

When I write I always pray that I will  honor God in my work and that the words on the page will be more than just words, but that they will breathe life into a readers darkest places ... where they will teach, uplift and encourage those who travel through a world of uncertainty. And sometimes that reader is me. I have to chuckle because God is a marvelous Father.

Today and in the weeks to come, I encourage you to remember who our Father is. He is the creator of all the earth, the creator of the heavens. He loves us and scripture states clearly that he knows and has experienced our pain. He hasn't forgotten us. He knows the beginning and the end. And His love letter to us is His Holy Word.

If your Bible has been collecting dust on a shelf, pick up and open the pages. Ask God where you should begin. I suggest the book of John. Read it, take The Father's truth into your soul. He offers love and hope to our hurting world.

I've heard many times that the Lord God will not give us more than we can handle. But of course life dumps hardships on us that are too difficult to manage. That is when we lift our burdens up to The Father and he carries them for us. He will encourage and repair broken hearts. Trust Him. He is in this with us.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Hidden in the Crevice of a Rock

Recently during a Bible study Exodus 33:19-23 came up for discussion. Most likely we've all heard or read about this encounter Moses had with God. This time, while reading through the verses, God revealed something new to me, something He knew I needed to see. When I contemplate what happened between these two I'm so deeply touched that tears of thankfulness and love overtake me.

When Moses met with God he asked to see his glory. God's response reveals the Lord's tenderness and offers a picture of our God we rarely see. Scripture says, "The Lord replied, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.' The Lord continued, 'Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will removed my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.'"

As I contemplate God's tenderness toward Moses I am bathed in the warmth of true love. I can envision God gently setting Moses in the crevice of a rock and then with a father's compassion He covers Moses with his hand, making certain he is safe. Moses sees God only from behind as He passes by, and yet he is transformed.

This encounter gives us a glimpse of what is to come. Our Heavenly Father cares for us with a love we cannot comprehend. One day we will see Him face to face and we will fully experience His radiance. He loves us with the same intensity that He felt for Moses. He is with us every moment, placing his hand of protection upon us. His love will never diminish.

We're always and forever His.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie