Shine BLOG

FOCUS ON GOD'S WORD When we let our minds wander, we often default into negative thinking. One way to override the habit and voice that negative thinking generates is to reprogram what the negative voice is saying. Instead of listening to ourselves talk, we need to talk to ourselves. What should we say? We can choose to focus our attention by telling ourselves the truth of God’s Word. Jesus assures His disciples in John 17:17 that God’s “word is truth” (NIV). You may ask, “Ho

LOST IN TRANSLATION? How do I know which Bible translation is best? There are many different translations available for Bible reading. A quick overview will help you decide which translation is right for you. The differences lie in how each has translated the Hebrew and the Greek languages into English. FORMAL EQUIVALENCE OR WORD-FOR-WORD: These are the translations that seek to stay as close to the “form” of the Hebrew and Greek, rendering a more literal translation. These i

What a woman! Such character! What is our chance of attaining such excellence? During moments of cynicism, the mere thought of achieving such nobility eluded me. I scoffed at even the possibility as I struggled to navigate the nuances of surviving in this world. Who “laughs without fear of the future?” Maybe other women, but not me. I am simply a woman of color, an introvert, and a single mother with limited resources, few connections, and no real safety nets. I had embraced

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" -Psalm 150:6 Nicole was born with a brain malformation that impacted her motor skills and cognitive development. As a toddler, she struggled to lift her arms off the sides of her body. The only way we got her to raise her arms in therapy was to tell her to “praise the Lord” and she slowly but surely started lifting her arms higher and higher. Today she has no restrictions in her arms! Psalms 134:2 says, “Lift

Our praise is a powerful instrument and a mighty weapon. It is multifaceted and is a key reason why we were created. In Heaven, we will be in the pure presence and glory of our Creator. We will be surrounded by the angels and elders praising Him as we join in the eternal song. There will be perfect peace and joy in Heaven. Here on earth, we must lift praise up to see Heaven come down. Praising God doubles as protection around our minds when we lose sight of God’s love and wil