Light of Christ

As my mind reflects on this year, my heart and soul overflow with deep gratitude for my many blessings. I know Heavenly Father's love surrounds us always and forever. In the hardest times, His love is nearer with angles, miracles, and tender mercies. Words cannot express my gracious heart for His mercy and love.

The symbols of Christmas lights have brought on new meaning this year. . .

Twinkling lights shining on trees and homes represent the Light of the World- my Savior and Redeemer. The Bible Dictionary describes the Light of Christ as, "enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, enabling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ. . . it is the means by which Christ is able to be 'in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things.' It 'giveth life to all things.'" Intwined in my eating disorder, this magical light was lost in Lucifer's darkness. My spirit was captive to his deceits of despair and hopelessness.

Through journey to mend my bucket and fill it with life's pixie dust, my spirit is enlightened to a new perspective of God's plan of happiness. What brightness of hope is found in sparkling smiles, tickling tummies, glimpses of growth, and most of all twinkling eyes. Dr. Julie and I often talk about the change of eyes in an eating disorder. I feel there is a change both inwardly and outwardly in my eyes - a brightness of hope and love for the past, present and future.

I have begun to understand the power of pain in lighting my way to heaven. Heavenly Father blesses me with hardships to mold and shape me. They truly magnify my spirit with His grace, beauty and love. Hardships are the silver linings of life, radiating the worth of my soul as a daughter of a King.