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A Shiny Face (No Powder Needed)

Colossians 3:15-16 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

"I know that doggie is a boy, Mommie," Carynne (4) confidently proclaimed.  Lucky for her I am experienced mom and knew not to shoot back with a requiem on the birds and bees. 

Instead I probed, "And how is that, Sweetie?"

"Because of he's (not his) face.  It's a boy one."

A giggle wiggled inside me and threatened my lips.  I let it out as a relieved smile and the reply, "You're right.  His face is very manly."

Today I am reading Psalm 34.  David lifts his praise high and wide.  A heart filled with the gratitude is the hallmark of a Christ-follower.  You might even say it's how we're recognized. 

Praise wells up from a heart that recognizes:
  • The Lord is close (Verse 18)
  • The Lord delivers (Verse 19)
  • The Lord redeems (Verse 22)
My mind fast-forwards from the moment with the pooch to an undetermined point in the future.  Carynne is telling her own children she knows Mimi loves Jesus.

"How, Mommy, how do you know that?"

"Because her face looks like one," she replies.

The heart full of gratitude shines on the face wearing lips of praise.

Jesus, I thank you for little things which otherwise might pass me by.  The coolness of air conditioning on a sweltering day.  The excitement in the eyes of my soon to be kindergartner.  The closeness of family built on goofy park rides and while eating $1 taffy.  An unexpected call from a family member who encourages me.  I'm putting away my powder today to let gratitude shine on my face.

17 comments:

  1. Like Moses'face shone with the glory of the Lord after He came face to face with God, so our faces should shine! And identify us!

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  2. Very cool idea. I wonder if people can see God on my face.... or if I look like a bitter lemon?

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  3. That was so beautiful! It's like a glimpse of heaven isn't it! Here we can shine God's love... just imagine what heaven will be like.

    I got a glimpse of heaven one day. My youngest boys were about 3 and 4 years old. We were shopping and they were riding in a trolley. We passed another mother whose daughter was also riding in a trolly. The three of them just started talking together, sharing everything about their lives... toys, TV, playtimes... everything. Well I got what I needed from the isle and us mothers parted ways. Even as I walked round the supermarket they were still calling out to each other... stuff like "we're in isle 5 now". It was beautiful.

    It made me think, that's what heaven will be like. In heaven there will be no fear of strangers, no holding back. Can you imagine being able to completely trust everyone? How awesome will it be!

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  4. Shanda, Love that insight @ Moses. When we encounter God, it shows.

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  5. Kelly, I'm thinking you're way more lemonade than lemon. :)

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  6. Wondering Sheep, thank you for sharing that sweet story. I love how uninhibited our kids are. Think I'll talk to a random stranger at the grocery today - spread some kindness and love down the aisles. :)

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  7. Hi Shannon - out of the mouth of babes. We could learn a thing or two from our children. Lovely post
    God bless
    Tracy

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  8. Delightful, yet convicting post. I hope it's Christ who makes my face shiny.

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  9. What a blessing to be recognized as one who loves Christ just by the expression on my face! Today's goal will be praise - thank you, Shannon, I enjoyed reading this today!
    Susan

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  10. As worship leaders my husband and I have often had this conversation. We've wanted to tell other worshipers if you love Jesus "tell your face!" A heart in love is visible! Great thoughts today, kids are good for bringing truth to light.

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  11. Tracy, so true. I learn from my kids everyday. :)

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  12. Pamela and Susan, love your hearts and bet they shows on your face. :)

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  13. Beck, love this "if you love Jesus tell your face". Thanks for sharing!

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  14. Starla, so excited that you stopped by today. I am honored. :)

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  15. Such a sweet post, Shannon. "The heart full of gratitude shines on the face wearing lips of praise." Love that!

    Blessings to you!

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  16. Lisa, thank you so much for stopping by. Your smiling face always makes me grateful!

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