When we go to the beach, we always find our way to my favorite book store. It is a small shop called The Hidden Lantern. The furniture is comfortable and an art gallery is next door. A great coffee shop is close by too, the perfect combination. The shelves are filled with lots of interesting books and I could spend hours in this small shop. So many pages to turn, so much to learn and ideas to dream. I found a bookmark from that favorite shop recently and the logo caught my idea. It had a simple lantern at the top of course. Contained light, but is light meant to be hidden?

Our oldest daughter has been in Atlanta this week. She is with a group of friends at the huge event called Passion 2020. The ministry exists to encourage this next generation to live for what matters -Jesus. The lineup of godly speakers was amazing and I can only imagine the music! I pray that the words she heard sink deep into her heart and cause her to fall even more in love with Jesus. I pray as she comes home, goes back to school and then prepares for college, that her love for Him continues to grow. I pray that this light, a flame of love that has burned bright, will become even more intense. That His light in her will not be hidden, but shine and impact many. Love has a way of doing that. To remain hidden is perfect for a well known bookstore, but not for the light of Christ.

One of the speakers at Passion, Tim Tebow said, “Could you imagine if 65,000 people said we’re going to count the cost, it doesn’t matter, because we are all in.” This many high school seniors and college kids could make an impact on this world. Homes, schools, churches, cities, states and countries will benefit from this light. I am excited to cheer them on and support in any way we can. I pray that our home is a place for them to learn and grow even brighter with their love for Jesus. We have a lot of love to give.

Just this morning I was in my closet when I heard a bird hitting the window. The light was on and he kept banging his beak against the glass. As soon as I turned the light off, he flew away. Made me think that even birds are drawn to light.

One of my prayers this year is that we are all drawn more to the light Christ offers than the artificial light the world gives. A great way to begin each day is in the Word of God. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105). I have found this to be a wonderful source of light and I know you will too. Lets lead this generation coming up by setting an example by being known for actually living what the Bible says. Get in the Word yourself and discover who He is and the love He has for you. It will make 2020 a year to remember. The love you find in the pages of scripture will give you what no other source can. You were created by the God who inspired each and every word. He knows how you were made and what will satisfy you. You need the words He has given you.

Start the new year off with the best resolution you will ever make. Love is waiting on each and every page. You won’t have to keep flying to any other source of light once you are filled by love Himself.

“The only possible way to have full understanding of the teachings of Jesus is through the light of the Spirit of God shining inside us.” -Oswald Chambers

*This picture was taken by our daughter. She has a way of capturing light.