Walking in the Light
During one of our visits to Ohio, my husband and I were invited to an auction for a local Amish school. It was still light outside when we arrived, but by the time we left the auction, night had fallen. Since the Amish have no electrical lights, the yard and driveway were so dark that we couldn’t see where we had parked our car.
“I think we should have brought a flashlight,” I told my husband.
Hanging onto each other for support, we took a few tentative steps down the long driveway. We’d only gone a short ways when a voice from out of the darkness called, “Do you need some help finding your car?”
“Yes, we sure do,” my husband replied.
“I have a flashlight, so I’ll lead the way.” The Amish man who’d spoken, pointed a beam of light down the driveway and walked with us to our car. We thanked him for his kindness and were soon on our way.
As we headed down the road, I thought about how unprepared we had been, going to an event where we knew there would be no street or house lights to guide our way. But the lesson went deeper, as I thought about how, when we travel through life, we can lose our way if we don’t have God’s Word stamped on our hearts. We need to memorize Scripture, and never go anywhere in this dark world without it.
Just as the light was hidden from our view until the Amish man turned on his flashlight, others can’t see Jesus until we walk in the light and let it shine for Him. God gave us the sun, moon, and stars that we may have light. He, being the light Himself, guides and directs those who follow Him, so we won’t stumble, but will show others the way to Jesus, the sweetest, brightest light of all.
If you’re a Christian, how do you show others that you are walking in the light of Jesus?
Heavenly Father:
Fill my heart today with a desire to read, study,
and memorize Your Word. Help me to be a Christian example
so that others may see Your light living in me.
Acts 26:18 is what you are describing.
I have a small group of women in my church that we get together once a week for a short Bible Study and do crafts with. I’m unable to attend now because I have to get up at 4-5 am! But these ladies are so special to me! I know I can call up any one of them for prayer and get it. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
I just got done with a discipleship class with some women from my church. It was so wonderful getting to know them and become friends and be able to rely on one another for prayer and support. Even though it is over I know that we still have the connection to reach out with requests and they will be answered. Loving on children and and showing them Jesus is a way to show Jesus light to others. As well as helping those around us in need.
I so enjoy getting your e-mails, and reading your inspirational messages! I look forward to receiving them and incorporating them into my daily life. Thank you so much!
I feel the same way. I live a couple + hours from the Ohio Amish community so imagine how blessed I’ve felt after just two days being in their presence. I always feel so at peace for a good while after my many visits. They are so kind they really are showing the light!
Imagine how excited I am to see Amanda’s new series set in my beloved Walnut Creek! Her books reflect the peace I feel when I’m among the Amish, especially since I’m homebound right now. Reading her books is like a vacation and the Amish have so much to teach us. I’m always blessed by Wanda’s newsletters too.
I meant Wanda’s new series about Walnut Creek. Sometimes this keyboard forces a word. I just didn’t notice. My apologies to Wanda.
I try to show the light by doing the right thing. Even when you are unaware, people are watching how you live your life to see if it matches what you claim to be.
I try to make my actions be my light. I have many faults, but I would like to think my thoughts and actions show my light to others. I love helping people and would like to think that maybe I was a light to someone.
God is using you. Keep it up. Someday in Heaven you will find out how many people you enfluenced. It will be so exciting.
I try to show show Jesus in my life through my actions and words. I teach children and I try to emulate how He would speak act and love on all His children.
I show Jesus in my life by showing others how much I care about them. I am a member of the knitting ministry of my church. we knit or crochet prayer shawls for people in need of them. We also make preemie hats for babies in the NICU, and hats and scarves for the homeless. I also teach children in the preschool class in my church.
I try to always be kind to others, even when they are not so nice. We never know what people are going through that causes them to be the way they are. The Bible tells us to be kind and tenderhearted. Maybe a kind comment can help them get through their day. I know when I am having a rough day, a kind comment from someone, even a stranger, can help me cope. Brings me to tears every time!
Good for you. It isn’t always easy to say positive things. God is using you. Keep it up.
This is very difficult for me. As an introvert I struggle to reach out to others. Before I retired I tried to set an example of a Christian woman for coworkers.
Someday in heaven you will find out how many people will be there because of your example.
When I had to deal with a bad child custody with my ex husband I didn’t think I would get to see my other 2 sons. I would pray an ask God to help and to try an make this easier. Well God answered my prayers in his time. So when anyone is going through a hard time I tell them to pray an let god know what’s going on. It will help to lift the burden on your shoulders and you will know in god’s time that your prayer was answered.
I do Prison ministry and show the women that Jesus loves them know matter what they have done. And also do something called Emmaus that last 3 days in a church and the women who come in have been broken we show each of them that what ever is said in the church stays there.
Wow.What a great work you are doing. That can’t always easy. God is using you in such a powerful way.
I try to be kind, especially when someone may not be so nice. The Bible tells us to be kind and tenderhearted. We don’t know what is going on in their life to cause their response. When someone is unexpectedly kind to me, it always brings me to tears!
Kindness and a smile are great ways we can all use. To brighten someone’s day. Don’t stop.
I love reading your books. I have learned so much from them about the Amish community! I live in NW PA where there are many Amish and I just love learning about their culture, faith and lives.
I work at a K-8 school. Everyday I am reminded how difficult life can be for adults and children. I try to show my light by being a safe place for my students. They each now that I will listen and love them unconditionally.
God is using you in a great way. Keep it up.
God is using you and your gifts.That is a great testimony.
I do my best to show the light by showing love. Showing love to all people we come into contact with on the daily. Show love to the person who just cut you off or show love to the food worker when it’s taking too long. Show love to strangers in the store. Paying for someone’s food and saving God bless to them. Being kind and not ugly. Telling people that Jesus loves them and died for them is also showing love. Being the light is being like Jesus.
I’m going to share how a friend recently helped me. I’m in my mid thirties and I recently had to have a total right knee replacement. This is a grueling surgery with a year recovery. (Im only 3 weeks into recovery). During my first week of recovery a friend I’ve had for 19 years showed up to help care for me & my two younger kids ( I have four kids 19-17-11-5). She cooked she helped me get my PT done she helped me clean my room. That was not an easy task as depression has made me a hoarder. Well I was ready to let go- 9 bags of stuff I deemed trashed & 2 bags of of donations. She really was the hands & feet of Jesus for me. She also stopped by a week later with a dozen yellow roses for me! My kitchen is yellow!
It is so good to be blessed with good friends.
If I keep my focus on the Lord, he will give opportunities to show kindness and love, without even knowing others are being blessed. The Love walk can sometimes be hard, but with the Lord, He gives a light that other may see him, and not me.
Wanda,
This was such an inspiring journal entry. I keep a magnet on my refrigerator that says “Let your light shine in all that I say and do.” I believe we need that reminder in our daily lives to let God’s love and light shine through our own deeds.
I try to be an example for my family of what ut is to live a christian life.
Thank you for the words on “what are you doing to show others that you have a love for the Lord.” I have been in a small group of wonderful Christian women for the past year who are digging deep into scripture and preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming for His people. We know it is near. I want to be ready.
Recently our power went out and we found ourselves in our very dark home. Being older, we had trouble locating flashlights and candles. We learned a lesson and bought emergency lights that come on if the power goes out. What a shame it would be if we let the power go out on our walk with Jesus. I try to share my light with kind deeds to others. During the recent extreme heat we have invited friends and/or neighbors in to share our wonderful air conditioning – and foodl
I teach a Bible study to a couple of ladies at our church and we have such a good time together studying God’s word. Even though I am the teacher, I still learn right along with them. If you stay in God’s word, you will always be learning and I’m so thankful for that!
I am part of a bible study group, which we have about anywhere from 10 to 25 ladies . The most important thing I have learned is that we need to listen to the whispers we might hear that it is GOD telling us that everything will be alright, to pray, and to be their for one another. I especially needed this when my mom, recently passed away- but I know that she is watching over us siblings and that I will see her again. The best thing I can do is to show others my faith, to assist when needed, and to know that I am not alone.
I always try to keep a smile on my face that can be felt coming from my heart. Do onto others as you would have them do unto you. I want the love of God to flow through me to uplift others. Be kind and full of love and concern for others
I enjoy getting you emails and the inspirational messages you send. I try to show people in my actions what god means to me. I tell my son and grandson to pray for guidance when they need help at work. It’s so important to teach children that God is always there if we just ask him he will help us though anything.
Great story and message! I try to show the light of Jesus by being kind and giving grace even when I don’t feel someone may deserve it. I remind myself that we all are created by god and he loves us all the same regardless of our wrongs or rights. Give grace freely as Jesus does for us. Lend your smile when someone has lost there’s.
I try to be kind to all I meet. I also have discussions
about my beliefs and how it helps me through
life, the good and bad parts of living…
Thanks, Cindi
I look forward to your posts. Always have such interestering things in them. Love the recipes also. And needless to say I so much enjoy your books. I have read most of them. Will keep reading them as much as I can. Love the way you always have such a pleasant expression on your face. Makes me feel happy.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your motivational messages and newsletters. They inspire me to be a better person. I always feel God’s love through the messages, newsletters, and your books.
I had a magnet that said Jesus is the light. In today time we need him
I’m so thankful for your encouraging thoughts. I try my best to live a life where others can see Jesus through me. I feel that the only bible some people read is the life of a Christian. My Lord is always there to help me through each moment of life and my goal in life is to show others that we are never alone. If we have the Lord in our life. He is our help our anchor our strength in whatever situation we may have to face
The Amish appear to be very generous and thoughtful people. Thanks for the uplifting journal entry.
Love all your books and heart. It’s hard waiting on new books. Please pray for our family. My daughter passed away on 6/14/2021 unexpectedly.
I am a lifelong Catholic and I too attend Bible study. Although since the pandemic we have been having it through Zoom. That is okay, but I do so like the interactions of friends personally. I will be so very happy when we can be together once again. I need that contact. I am thankful for my Church and those who attend weekly services. I have raised 4 children to adults, and now haw have 4 grandchildren. They are my heart. I have always loved your books Wanda, and read them as quickly as I can get them. Thank you for being you and for sharing your life with us.! God’s blessings on you and your friends and families.
I show others I am walking in the light of Jesus by forgiving someone when they have acted mean and don’t deserve to be forgive.
I am in a management position where I work with many different people.
There is one gentleman that I have been gently talking to for about 8 years about the Word of God and I feel in my heart that he has yet to be saved. He has started a family and I feel like he needs to let his kids grow up in church but that hasn’t happened yet. Please pray that I (or someone else) can find a way to open his eyes about God and what it means to be saved and teach his little children to follow Gods Word throughout their lives.
Some people need more time than others, but I don’t want it to be too late.
Keep praying for him. God hears your prayers. We can only plants the seeds of God’s Word. God will provide the situation or right person. Don’t give up.
This entry brought tears to my eyes. It is so easy to stray in this world. I have one of my inspirational quote books at my desk (I work remotely). I often turn to it during the day for strength and guidance.
Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your words with us.
I try to show the light everyday by being myself and showing God in everything I do daily. I hope everyone can see that I have God in my life.
That is one thing I like about the Amish. They are all willing to help and be a light. We were just in Holmes County last week and a Non-Amish barn burned. The Amish all came to build a new one.
Neighbors helping neighbors.
I try to shine my light by being kind to others. Whether it’s paying someone a compliment, holding open a door or even something as simple as a smile can make a person’s day! Kindness doesn’t cost a thing and can make your light shine a little brighter!
I love what you said about how we can lose our way if we don’t stamp the word of God on our hearts! When talking with friends I try to give scripture to them in words that they can easily understand and apply to the situation. And always reassuring them of Gods mercy and love for them as an individual.
I love your books and monthly news letters. Thank you for sharing. And I really enjoy the Amish
I try to always be kind & friendly to everyone. Even days when I’m down or having a bad one. Sometimes it takes only a smile
I always try to be the kind of person that smiles when hardships arise. And I thank and pray to God. People see our actions even when we think they are not looking. At work coworkers and customers knew I was Christian by the way I behaved and talked. They sometimes came and asked if I could share their struggles with my church for prayer. It’s always nice to have people say.. “You are different in a good way. “
I try to share Jesus at every opportunity. We have customers that come in asking us to pray for them. It is amazing how many times we have been able to pray right there in the office and no one else has come in and no phone calls until they leave. We are so blessed to have our own business where we can help others as we do our job. I have been trying to memorize more scripture and refresh my memory on scriptures I learned years ago. It gets harder and harder, but I know I must not give up.
Thank you for the reminder that we must be light to those who do not know Him.
Each day, I do one small act of kindness for others that I meet to remind each one of the love of Jesus. It can be a silent prayer for a need, a smile or card, a phone call just to say hello, or a short visit to share friendship. This are the things that I admire about the Amish; they care for others and are there to help in need.
Thank you, Wanda, for your encouraging books!
I enjoy reading your journal entries and then thinking of ways that I can help others.
I remember a song from childhood. Let your little light shine for the world to see. We sometimes forget to “suit up” when going out into the world. Armed with God’s presence we can shine.
Thank you for your insight and prospective on life.
I love to help people in my Community, your journal entries are very inspiring.
I am kind to everyone and treat people the way I want to be treated.I send short letters and tell family and friends how important they are in my life and how much I love them.
That is so good of you to do that. People love to receive physical letters. Keep up your good work.
I too believe how we live our life shows God’s light. I recently had a friend say that she knew I was a Christian by how I lived. I thank God, as He is the one showing me the light.
I have been reading your books for a while now. I really enjoy them and the messages you seems to be able to send out through them. I send my books on to ladies in our church and they send them off farther. I will continue to read them as long i can afford them. Thank You so much for your messages
I am 84 years old and read every day up until about 12;00 PM
Your books are always inspiring
I show by teaching. I work with kids with special needs and help other classmates learn about the difference between everyone and God loves us equally. I love to share my time and talents with everyone, usually they just need someone to talk to without judging. Thank you for inspiring me and all the wonderful stories you have written
This journal entry is yet another reminder that we may be someone’s only chance to “meet” Jesus..in how we live our lives and interact with others. Thank you.
God can and does use everyone. Someday we will be surprised in Heaven to hear how God used us for His Glory. His ways are always good. Pray without ceasing He hears every pray. Be patient His timing is perfect. Thank you for all your comments. I love to read them. They inspire me and others too.
My passion these days is to make lap quilts for individuals in our church congregation who are in need of comfort for a variety of reasons. I use my scraps and leftovers from making quilts for LWR also. All is very rewarding and means so much to these individuals.
Wanda I just wanted to let you know that I love all of your books. I continue to read your novels as you write new ones. I have done this for many years! You have a such a passion when writing! You bless so many with your books! I love to gift others, friends from church as well as friends everywhere. It might be with a kind word, something when shopping and finding a gift that a certain person would be blessed by, an act of service or whatever it might be. I always look in gift shops to see if your books, bookmarks, etc are sold! I feel I have been blessed to be a blessing!
You touch so many with your stories.
My husband is a truck driver .I travel with him .We listen to your audio books.
You shine a light in your stories for us to see God!!
I love to gift others with baked items. I also work at an elementary school & love getting to know the students.
Love your books and newsletters! I am a retired grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of one.
I try to show love and comfort to others.
Marilyn
I try to show understanding to others.
Joan
I try to always be a good listening and give comfort.
Marion
I like to read your journal entries! They bring inspiration and you are
are a true example of a Christian, thank you for Sharing and inspiring!
God Bless you! Tammy
So, true! We often lose our way and sometimes it’s others who help us find our way back. This is my first time reading your website and I love it. I would love to show Jesus through the short stories I write.
I love this entry! It is so very true, where we cannot see is when your faith guides us! I hope snd pray that everyday my light brightens more and more! I try to let my light shine through my actions. Like they say actions speak louder than words…and I pray my actions show my love for God!!
Smile and help wherever I can to let the love of Jesus shine through me.
I try to treat others right and show Jesus through my kindness and the way I dress.
This is such an important lesson in today’s world. I always try to give a smile to others hoping this will put s smile on their heart. Being kind and welcoming could be just the light someone needs to help them see their way back onto the path of Jesus.
Jesus will always lead the way for us. I try to witness to people EVERY chance I get. Thank you for the good work you do and your wonderful books.
Thank you for this journal entry. It reminded me that my job is to be a representative of Him wherever I go. My actions should always reflect well on Him, because when I act in ways contrary to His guidance and teachings, I turn off the very people who most need His presence in their lives. I wish that I was better at being the kind of person that draws others to Him, but things like this remind me to keep at it and keep improving every day.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. As I write this(very early in the morning) I have the windows open and am listening to the birds talking outside. This is probably my favorite time of day because it’s so peaceful and quiet and I can really listen to what God is saying to me.
Thank you for your books. There are times that I can hear God talking to me through them.
Thank you.
I try to be kind to everyone. As I get older I realize that not everything that I think needs to be said, and most often just needs to be prayed about. It’s a skill that I put in much use in my worklife in a retail setting when faith in God couldn’t necessarily be openly discussed.
I read your journal entry and read it again. Life has been difficult lately and I thought about how I’m stumbling around in the darkness trying to move my mother into assisted living. She isn’t thrilled as I don’t think anyone wants to give up their independence but it’s what is best for her. Her medical needs are far greater than I can do on my own. Your entry was just the light I needed to remind myself that I am not alone, that Jesus is and will always be the bright light we all need in times of
trouble. Thank you for posting . It made a huge difference in my day?
I love receiving your emails. I’ve seen a lot of emails/posts about friendship today. I’m lucky to have long-time friends.
I try to check in on those who have no family whether by phone or visiting.
I Try to let people know they are loved and Jesus loves us all I always try to help other people when I can I would love to be entered in your contest for your print book you are giving away in the newsletter! Love all your books! Wanda Blessings to you and your family!
you have inspired me to become a more compassionate person from your writings
Jesus Christ is my Light in this world and He gives me courage, strength and hope when sometimes the world zaps mine. Through my daily prayers, I remind Him that I need Him every day to watch over me but to also show me how I can serve someone else each day, either by a text, a visit, an email or phone call. If I listen, He will tell me who needs me today and when I do act on these promptings, I am rewarded by those I serve. Often times in trying to lift someone else’s spirit, mine is lifted too. I walk through this life trying to serve and some days I am successful and other days, not so much. I strive to remember that Jesus loves all of His children even when they don’t love Him back or don’t understand about Him. My part is to share my knowledge with those I meet and love.
Love this thought! There is a lot of “darkness “ all around us and thank goodness for the light we receive from the scriptures! Thanks so much for this thought!
I am truly blessed every day. Either by having a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, and so many other blessings that we see, hear, or use daily. I am blessed to have a God who walks with me through life. A God who guides me and lights the way to go. Because of what God has done for me I use my blessings to bless others who come in my path, not because it is the right thing to do but because I am just so thankful. Have a blessed day!
Friends are a blessing. Whether they are ones that are following the Lord for good fellowship or the ones that haven’t given themselves to the Lord, that you can witness to by your actions. I can tell that you are one of those that follow this path.
I love reading ur journals, Living strong in Gods way is beautiful, Always do good and it will come back to you when you need it most, journal was very moving.
What a great question and reminder to shine the light of Jesus. We are involved in a ministry that sends a comic story bible to prisoners. We also try to hand out tracts at times. I’m not in the public alot, but when I am I hope a smile and kindness shines through, although I know I should do more at times.
Our example shows we follow Jesus: our language, behavior, entertainment choices etc.
Gratefulness is definitely the cornerstone for an individual’s faith walk, beginning with Jesus Christ’s ultimate gift of salvation. Thank you,, Wanda, for your wonderful books that share your love for the Amish. They are a wonderful read!
I try to show Jesus through my life everyday. In my church I have started a clothing giveaway every other Saturday it doesn’t feel like a chore but such a blessing for everyone. I’m touched when I see people coming And telling me how much this ministry touched their lives.
I try to be a good Christian, but often fail to shine for others. I’m shy and have trouble sharing my faith with others. I sometimes break out in tears when I tell someone I’ll pray for them and tear up during any prayer. I know it just shows’ how sensitive I am, but I get embarrassed. I often practice a prayer before it’s time to actually say it out loud.
Hi Wanda,
I so enjoy reading your newsletters and reading your Journal.
I’m inspired by you and I always try to put others before myself.
You’re friendship over the years has meant so much to me.
I really enjoy reading your books. I just started reading Return to the Big Valley. All your books are so interesting.
I became a lay minister in the United Methodist church and enjoy helping out in my local church. I also have a card ministry, I send cards through the mail to friends and family when they are ill, sad, or just need a pick me up. I send 20 or more cards a month(someone needs to keep the post office in business).
Enjoy all your books but my favorite was
Quilting Series!
I have always enjoyed helping others. I feel that is what God wants me to do. I also am the Mission & Service Coordinator at my church. I am always looking for ways to help others in my community. Even though COVID-19 has put a damper on helping others, I am looking forward to helping others in the community soon.
Hi Wanda,
Your books are such a blessing. I love your writing style and love that you can’t predict the plot because it keeps the reader in suspense and you can’t put the book down. I love laughing, crying, and pondering things as I read your books. The Bible verses are a comfort and help encourage me on life’s journey. Thank you so much for using your God given talents in writing and in encouraging others. You are an amazing gifted writer that has truly blessed me as one of your readers.