Kindle The Flame

From November, 2004: Last night as I lie awake, I asked God to let me know if I am following him the way he wants me to. I sometimes worry I overload many of you with words that intrude into your privacy and personal domain. Sometimes Satan tries to make me feel inadequate and unworthy to send these things out like I do…but then, God answers me this morning with a brief email from a stranger who let me know without doubt that she is appreciative of reminders to feel thankful and blessed because of the overwhelming stresses of her life presently. I hope somehow that my words can help her fuel her faith in Christ, and bring encouragement to persevere. We all burn down many times in our lives, and it is often just one person who can come along at the right moment to breathe warmth and energy back into what so often feels like dying embers. Given the chance, those embers will find enough spark to kindle new flames and hope in life. Many thanks to those of you who continue to encourage my light to shine….love and hugs, Annette

Kindle the Flame

When life begins, so does the flame,

The spark is lit when we are given our name.

Our light shines steady as we continue to grow,

Then bit by bit we learn to intensify the glow.

We enter adulthood and the fire burns strong,

We search for the path to where we belong.

Sometimes we lose our way and the flame may dim,

But we continue to push on and overcome the grim.

Sometimes we are content with a slow steady burn,

Sometimes there are changes for which we yearn.

There times it seems our light grows cold,

There are times we seem quite lost and old.

These are the times we need to find a friend,

Someone who knows how to find the light still within.

Someone who will not judge us nor find blame,

A special friend who knows how to rekindle the flame.

For how can a fire burn without fuel?

How can one survive all that seems cold and cruel?

It takes someone who has already conquered the game,

Someone who can breathe new life into a burned out flame.

So as we go about our day to day,

Ask God if He will point out the way,

To the one who feels their light is becoming just a tiny flicker,

Feed them with encouragement until their light grows thicker.

Then step aside and give space to the lovely renewed light,

Watch it grow strong and become again bright.

Foster the freedom to go light the way,

For it too will give another nurture one day.

We all need someone to call out our names,

Someone we can trust to rekindle our flames.

Thanks to those who have helped me with mine,

Now let us all go out and let our lights shine!

Annette Monts Falls Words given November 7, 2004

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot e hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it’s stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 14-16