One of my favorite speakers to listen to whenever I get a chance is Angela Thomas. Not only is she a bundle of joy on the stage, put she’s pure joy whenever we get to hang out. I am so grateful for her kindness, encouragement, and the way she radiates Jesus. (Psst… you can come hang out with us at the Extraordinary Women event in Greenville, South Carolina from March 15-16. Purchase your tickets, here).
Plus, she has a new book that just released. I was given the opportunity to get a copy before it released and just love the story of how “Be the Sunshine!” became a family motto. For anyone looking for more joy or who wants to radiate the light of Christ more, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Be the Sunshine: Spread the Light and Spread the Joy.
In celebration of Angela Thomas‘ new book, we’re giving away three copies. To win, simply tell us one practical way that you’ve learned to Be the Sunshine to others by commenting on this blog post. Winners will be announced on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: Shannon Wexelberg, Kimberly Nyborg, Kristy Ufheil
I use Facebook on a daily basis to post positive uplifting quotes about our walk with God or just some positive fun/inspiring picture to brighten my friends days. I have received a lot of feedback saying that friends look forward to. Y posts and that they find them uplifting.
Maybe if I enter these often I’ll win. Love the title if this book.
I use Facebook as a place to reach all of my friiends and family. In turn they may share what Ive said and more people are hit by the rays of sunshine! I also use texting. Many people don’t have time for a phone call but can easily take a second to read a short text. Love sending something encouraging first thing in the morning so their day will get off on the right foot. No better feeling than spreading sunshine!!
To bless others and to brighten someones day without them know it was you that helped them.
One thing I always try to do is just to look people in the eye and smile at them. It can turn the grumpiest looking person into someone that sees the Sunshine! I have had people thank me just for the smile. My way to be Jesus with skin on.
you are so right!
What a cute cover and love the title!! I encourage other moms through MOPS and Bible study, and inviting friends over for playdates.
I always try to be kind
I find that there are a lot of people, even Christians, who don’t recognize Jesus in their daily lives. His acts, activities, even His gifts to them go unnoticed. I work at a public high school, and i try to remind students, faculty, and even parents that if Jesus were nit acting in their situations and lives, things would be a lot worse! Sometimes just asking, “Do you really think this is the worst day of your life?” Or, “Don’t you see that if Jesus had not changed your plans, the outcome could have been far worse?” Can make enough of a difference to help them see the need to be more joyful in their daily lives.
Love how you are helping others to see things more clearly by giving them a new perspective.
Angela Thomas really tore my heart out at the EWomen Conference in Tulsa! I got to re-tell her “Be the Sunshine” story to our church. When I’m out, I always try to pay attention to people’s expressions and body language and when I feel led, I tell at least one person something nice, such as how much I like their purse, jacket, earrings, haircut, or whatever. They’re usually caught off guard and I love to see them smile!
The conference in Tulsa changed my whole life. It put a mirror up in front of me and see what kind of Christian I really was. I am filled with bitterness over the death of my son and I haven’t been able to let go of that anger and resentment and realize that I don’t have to carry that load. For eleven years I have been going to church and playing the part of going through the motions and I didn’t even know it. The speakers, all of them, at that conference brought something to me that I so needed. I have to learn to let go and let God. Stop putting on the armor of anger and get released from the bondage and “be the sunshine” that God truly wants you to be. That phrase has become the catch phrase and motto between all of the ladies and I that were at the conference. Thank you so much.
By what a hard time I’ve having coming up with one, I don’t think I’m doing a good enough job of being sunshine. I’m going to take this as a challenge today!
I have learned that you treat others as you want to be treated. No matter what is going on in my life there could be someone out there batteling much worse storms. I treat others with kindness and love as God would want me to. It not only fullfills my heart I truly hope I make other people happy just by a smile, hello or a touch.
Deanna
I have discovered the power of a smile! Just to smile. It lets my sweetness and love come out, and it puts people off their guard. Just coming out of the guest room where I was staying with a friend, her teenager was in the hall, and I smiled broadly at her. She did what we all do — she smiled back!.I knew her day was brighter at that moment… and so was mine!
The company I work for wants us to smile and say hi to every customer so it has been a habit to say hello to everyone I walk by. I am also doing the Francis Chan multiply study between the two I believe I can be sunshine to people
There is always a silver lining. I seem to be able to see that and love sharing it with the people around me. Sometimes they will stop for a moment to realize it and other times it takes awhile … other times they just don’t want to see it but it doesn’t change the fact that God really is in the midst of the situation. All we can to is share and love, the rest is up to God.
I bought a bubble machine and brought it to the park. It is my instant way to share joy. It is like a magnet and all the adorable kids can’t resist them. We are all running and giggling in no time.
I LOVE that and I am inspired to do that too!
When I was young, my parents would sing to me “You are My Sunshine”. Also, in Sunday School, I learned the song “Jesus Wants ME for a Sunbeam”. On days that I’m feeling ‘not so sunny’, I bring these songs to mind and sing them out loud! Sure does help
“With a Smile and a Song” is a song title — and it fits my life! When I sing, it’s from my heart – and I can’t help but smile! Luvvvvvv to sing – the Lord put the gift of music in me and I gotta let it out! Praise and worship, singing lullabies to babies, Christmas carols, ….
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and God’s righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you. Everyday I bless God for the opportunity to cheer and brighten someone’s day according to God’s perfect will for my life. I smile because I have choice, and my choice is the joy of the Lord is my strength and my redeemer. So I choose to let my smile say so. Yes, I do my best to encourage through social networks,but I feel the life you live speaks for itself. Let your light shine, or in this settings of understanding, Let your sunshine shine bright that men may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in Heaven. God bless you!
“Be the Sunshine” has become a motto in my and my life after hearing Angela speak about it the last two years at the EWomen’s Conference in Tulsa. I try to speak positively into people during my work day as a public health nurse daily…I see hurting people every day. Not to mention using it in my personal life as a mom and wife…:)
Being Light is my goal (Matt. 5:16) and one way I attempt that is by participating in a ministry to widows in our church, remembering them with cards on their birthdays, special occasions and gifts on Valentine’s Day and Christmas. We also host an annual luncheon in their honor. Would love to win this book.
Through encouraging others! Whether it be a text, Facebook message, or a handwritten note, daily I try to pick someone who needs a little Son in their life!
When I go to the source whether through prayer, meditating on His Word, or I listening to a song about Him, then I’m compelled to shine!
Besides trying to make sure I think people for what they do, I make it a point to pass on good comments I hear about people. If Person A says something nice to me about Person B, I make a point of letting Person B know it. Sort of gossip turned on its head.
I try to choose my words wisely when I hear others talking negatively…and put a more positive spin on the conversation.
If this were facebook, I would click “LIKE”!
i try to remain thankful, no matter what’s going on or how others are acting or treating me, to just be thankful for every person & every situation and in my thankfulness be able to spread a little sunshine… if i see every person & every situation as blessing – a gift – then the Son shines.
I live in the Pacific Northwest where sunshine is rare! When we do get those moments, sometimes days, people just explode with joy! This post spoke loudly to me that I need to “Be the Sunshine.” When I allow the Lord to be my joy and shine through me, people might think they moved to Southern California!
I love to send encouraging cards and thank you’s for certain things.
I try to extend kindness to all I encounter, a smile, a touch, a card or phone call. I even use FB to post uplifting quotes or scriptures. I try to always consider how I’d like to be treated in a certain situation. Extending grace. God is so good I have to share.
The best way I try to “be the sunshine” is to look people in the eye and have a sincere smile on my face. It is so awesome to watch the effect this has on people. They almost always respond with a smile from their heart.
I’ve started a blog about my new journey with cancer…
and i’ve received positive comments from readers, about how i’ve encouraged them.
God is good!
http://www.highwayc.wordpress.com
That is really cool Nina. My sister has cancer and just witnessing her faith through it is inspiring to me. I’m sure you are blessing many with your blog!
I don’t feel like I’m doing a very good job lately at being sunshine to others but if I had to pick one it would be pointing out something positive that I see in others.
I make sure and let people know how much my life has been blessed by their very presence in my life…that I thank God daily for the gift of their friendship…. God Rocks!
It’s relatively easy to be “sunshiney” and friendly with folks we know. Where it can make a difference is with those strangers we often pass without any acknowledgement. Smiling at passers-by, being friendly with overworked clerks at the store, leaving a generous tip and a big thank you to our server in a restaurant, practicing intentional (not random) acts of kindness when it’s not expected, SMILE, SMILE, SMILE!!!!!!
Oh, I just love Angela Thomas too! And the story behind “Be the Sunshine” had me on the floor laughing. She is a joy and a tender spirit. My Grandma is 98 years old and it brings her utter joy when I will just sit and sing her a simple song like “Jesus Loves Me”. While I might feel uncomfortable or silly, especially at some family get-together, I always say “yes” because of the great joy it brings her.
I am a very positive person and I share this positive attitude with all those who I come into contact with. A good mood really is contagious.
I so love the title of this book. I am a very positive person and I share this positive attitude with all those who I come into contact with. A good mood really is contagious.
Every morning I start out with a quiet time, reading God’s Word and praying. This changes my perspective and allows me to be filled to overflowing with His love. When I go to work, I am ready to give away this Sonshine to others. I can’t always speak of Jesus but I can shine His light.
I would look forward to reading Angela’s new book!
I work in an after school program, and in my position I deal with both students and parents. I remind myself each day to “be kinder than you have to be.” It really helps my attitude, which in turn affects everyone I come in contact with.
Sometimes I will put notes under the windshield wipers of people I know, telling them that I’ve noticed something they have done, or telling them that “They can do it!” if they are struggling with an issue. Sometimes I just leave little scriptures appropriate to the moment.
I spread the Sunshine by simply using a person’s name when I say hello and smiling as I greet them.
The most practical way to ” be the sunshine” is to simply smile! To know Jesus means we are loved forever!! So be happy and smile!!
This year I am sending a prayer postcard to each person who sent me a Christmas Card. I draw 2 or 3 cards from my “bag” and pray for the family and then write them a card let them know how I prayed for them.
I lead a group of 30ish school children on Sundays at our church. I have been encouraging the adults that lead with me to be bright, joyful, engaged… And very loving. Especially to those usually dubbed “less loveable”… Just because these kids are attending church does not mean their lives are great or ideal. We try to “be Jesus” each Sundayto these kids. We may be the only love & smiles these kids get in a week!!
This past year has been very difficult for my family. I had the privilege & honor to move in with my parents & take care of them while they were both ill. My Dad recovered fairly quickly but my precious Mom passed away in January. I lived with them for 5 months. My parents have always been incredible & have the greatest love story! They would have celebrated their 67th anniversary April 9. My parents have always Been the Sunshine to everyone they know! I’ve had the greatest blessing of seeing that lived before me as they’ve always treated everyone they’ve encountered with kindness, gentleness, respect, & most of all, LOVE. I’ve learned to really look into people’s eyes when they talk to you & to hold their hand in both of yours so they’ll know I truly care. I truly want to BE THE SUNSHINE!!
What a great Legacy of Love that your parents have given you Lisa.
I love the title, Be the Sunshine! I work at a daycare in the mobile infant room. Some days you can really feel overwhelmed and grumpy but when one of those sweet little faces looks at you with a big toothless, gummy grin it puts a smile on your face! They are my sunshine! They inspire me to be the sunshine for others throughout my day. I find myself smiling more and greeting people and receiving smiles back from others. A smile or kind word is contagious! It spreads joy and makes your dreary mood a sunshiny one! I really enjoyed the Tulsa ewomens conference!! It was the refreshment I needed!!
I just make it a point to make a habit of smiling at people and saying a cheerful hello whenever I pass someone.
To bring sunshine to someone else’s day, I try to remember to wear on my face the joy in my heart. Regardless of the day I might be having, the light of Jesus lives in me and I am supposed to reflect that! It means putting on a smiling countenance, not a downcast expression. I know whenever I encounter a smiling person, whether I know them or not, I’m inclined to smile back. It’s contagious!
I’d love a chance to win this book. Thanks for the offer!
Thanks Margaret for your writing and the way you inspire. To me the way to bring sunshine to someone’s life is to serve them. Whether it’s giving away food, visiting a friend in a nursing home, painting a picture for someone, helping someone pack, etc. Thanks!
Celebrating life events with others- making a big deal of them; planning a surprise; showing them they’re special and thought of!
By being increasingly patient. It is amazing the blessing a little patience can be!
What a blessing!!
To encourage during the week, daily via texting I send out scriptures, quotes, mini devotions!!
I also keep a blog for things on my mind and book reviews!! =)
This looks great…love the cover!
Tina
I belong to a prayer group at my church and we pray daily for people who have asked us to pray for them. I also ask others how I might specifically pray for them, i.e. what are their needs? This brings joy and comfort to those who know we are praying for them.
I was in a bad accident in 2007 & wasn’t expected to live & even if I did, since I was in a coma for 2 months, I wasn’t expected to walk or talk. So When I sing, it’s from my heart – and I can’t help but smile! Luvvvvvv to sing – the Lord put the gift of music in me and I gotta let it out! Praise and worship is my way to let my sunshine out!
I’ll be honest….to “be the sunshine” is difficult for me! By nature I’m an introverted pessimist. I see the light at the end of the tunnel as an oncoming train and I’m often too shy to warn others! But I’ve learned that anyone can show the love of Jesus and really let the Son shine through them. Jesus is my sunshine – He’s my Lord that created me and loves me despite all my failings and my tendency to let my own selfish personality rule (which is bad no matter what kind of personality you have!). I praise God for that. And He is teaching me slowly how to be the sunshine in my own way.
For example, a woman in our congregation is currently going through a divorce. She is a young mother and provider to her family. This has been such a blow to her family structure because she had the ideal of a Christian family – devoted parents, God-fearing children, and even her husband in pursuit of the ministry. But he left it all – her, the children, and the church – for a woman he had been seeing for quite some time. My heart broke for her and the children. In their sadness, I wept for them and the pain and the shaken faith his leaving had caused. Around the same time, I came across the song “Broken Praise” by Todd Smith. The song chronicles the story of Job – and surely some of the feelings he felt during his trial. This song spoke to me deeply and reminded me of the young woman and what she might feel – having served the Lord and being blindsided with the divorce. So, I bought the song and burned it to a CD. I put it in a blank CD case and left it in her church mailbox. I don’t know if she ever received it (although it was gone after that day), if she even listened to it, or if it even mattered to her. But being the sunshine doesn’t mean we always get to see where are rays go. It just means we have to shine and know that God will direct them somewhere
That was a wonderful way to follow God’s nudging! Years ago I lost twins in a miscarriage and was having a really hard time with that. Someone anonymously left a book (Silent September by Joyce Landorf-I wish I could find more copies now) in my church mailbox. It was such a blessing then and many other times for myself and for others that I shared it with over these years. You may not know until eternity how you made a difference, but I’m sure that God used you in a special way in her life.
When I’m out shopping or taking a walk or such I try, though don’t always succeed, to greet every one with at least a smile. I know when someone does the same for me, it can make a difference! It’s so simple and easy but it gets me out of myself.
I think some Christians have an attitude so I make sure I am always smiling and friendly to people I meet. I believe the right attitude can change others.
A simple smile or a “you look really nice today”. You might be the only person in their life to exhibit that.
I like to send text messages with scriptures that speak to me and that I think it will lift up a friend’s heart. Usually from a devotional I read during the day or a bible study I am going through.
I make it a point to call my friends on their birthdays. I always maintain a diary with the birthdays just to make them special on their birthday. I send a thoughtful and meaning SMS to every monday to help them start the week with joy.
Sharing what I know with others.
I love to send notes of encouragement in the snail mail. People do not expect that anymore. It gives them something to hold onto through difficult times.
I work with abused and neglected kids. As you can imagine there are some ruff days. The bring light to work, I send out works of encouragement through emails, texts, gifts, and even a big hug. There are many ways to shine in a world of darkness! Would. Love to read this book an then share it with others. Bring love, hope, faith, and a glimpse of Gods graces to all that are in need!
I meet one time a week at a local nursing home. Me and my 3 kids visit them read Scripture, sing songs and pray.
M. Waters
Oooh pick me! I love Angela too! Can’t wait to read the new release
Something I’ve learned about being the sunshine: People are desperate to be seen. Especially those who work in service industries (waiters, grocery store workers, mail deliverers). I try to always make eye contact and smile. If there’s the opportunity, I ask about their day and tell them I hope they have a good rest of the day. It’s amazing how their countenance brightens when somebody takes time to SEE them!
I have seen Angela Thomas two times at E-Women. She is a wonderful speaker and her book Be the Sunshine would be an amazing book to read. I learned that no matter how bad things are We as Christian can Be rhe Sunshine in this world. She taught in her message that Jesus is the sunshone in our lifes. I would love a copy of this book formy personal library an to share with others.
I try to practice random acts of kindness daily.
Always extend grace. Listen without judging, speak with kindness and smile!
Oh my, my motto is to always try to shine brightly. Matthew 5:16 is the encouragement to let my light so shine before men that they would see my good works and glorify my Father in heaven…however, at a women’s conference, checking out of our hotel, I sure wasn’t! I was certainly convicted that I wasn’t shining very brightly for Him at all. I did repent and allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to my heart and assure me that I was forgiven. Whew, I hate when I slip like that don’t you!
The single most practical way of being the sunshine to others is simply to be FULLY PRESENT. The sun is best felt when it’s out in the fullness of the open sky: not hiding behind the clouds, not consumed or scattered by shadows in the way that dilute or filter it’s rich warmth, and is best felt by individuals who are able to enjoy it’s full presence in their lives. This is much the same way people should be fully present to be the sunshine to others: not hiding behind technology, not being shadowed by multi-tasking, and not hiding behind glorified busyness. We can reflect the light and the warmth of the Son when we, too, are fully present to those in our lives and communities. Step back. Focus. And be fully present. In this way, we are the Sonshine to others, and show them true light and warmth as it radiates much like the sun.
I try not to take life tooooooo seriously, especially myself, and I laugh ALOT everyday! I try to find good in everyone and I am always looking for ways to encourage those around me.
Oh how I would LOVE a copy of “Be the Sunshine”. To radiate the Love of Jesus Christ to others is my desire too. It is my daily prayer to Be A Blessing. As Christians we are to be His Light in this dark world, and live extraordinary lives be daring to leave our comfort zones and reach out to others. Often we get so discouraged before we even get started by thinking I don’t have the money or the time to do something Wonderful. Really it only takes the willingness to “Go the Extra Mile”. Here’s my Sunshine Story.
Creating a Uniquely Wonderful Ripple Effect begins with simple obedience, and a simple task.
GOD is not necessarily asking us to add something new to an already full plate, but to utilize what He has already provided to start your very own Ripple Effect.
So what would it look like to “Go the Extra Mile” in my own life?
Well, I’m already on the road taking Carissa to Kids Choir, so how about a little detour to pick up her best friend, Angeleena so that she can join Carissa? After doing this a few times these past few weeks I realized that. . . get this… it is exactly {one mile} from our place to Angeleena’s place! Our LORD really knows how to drive His point home!
Carissa’s dear friend is now joining us for church on Sundays as well as going with Carissa to the Awana’s Club. That’s not all! Carissa’s friend Angeleena told her cousins, and now the cousins are coming too! We have a Minivan Ministry.
It is such a blessing to see how GOD is changing lives when we are willing to “Go the Extra Mile”
♥ Anissa
I’ve learned to “be the sunshine” by providing a kind and encouraging word, a “seasoned” word to those I encounter during the day.
Last year at the Women of Joy concert in Orlando,Fl I first heard Angela Thomas telling her story of Be the Sunshine. First of all a woman at church gave me a her tickets to go I had never been to something like that before. I will tell you I have 4 kids all under the ages of 8 and so when I went and heard her I was at a bum part of my life she gave me back joy to where when I went back home I made the theme in our nursery at church Be the sunshine with a big sunshine greeting the kids. And its still up its such a joyful way to spread the good news and to remind others to keep in check. I love Angela Thomas for her sunshine attitude . Never stop being the sunshine!!!!!
Grew up with my grandmother making “Sunshine Boxes”….She would cover them in wrapping paper. If someone was sick or a shut-in she would leave a Sunshine Box on their front porch. My husband and I were the recipients of many of the boxes. Would love to read this book and get her ideas on being that sunshine in my life.
I would be excited to win this book. I enjoy listening to and reading Angela’s books. I belong to a Single Moms group here in Dallas, Texas. This would be a blessing for one of them. We are always looking for resources to encourage and empower them. Thank you for taking my request into consideration. Have a great day in the Lord and God bless.
When I was in college, I participated in a poetry reading. One of my poems was about learning to accept myself even though I didn’t think I was as pretty or sophisticated as other girls. After the reading, a professor whom I’d heard of but didn’t know personally came up to me and said, “Don’t ever think you have nothing to offer. You have such a sweet, friendly spirit. Every time I pass you on campus, you look me in the eye, smile, and say hello, even though you don’t know me. That is truly a beautiful thing to do.”
I have remembered this for 20 years, and I still try to just be a friendly face to everyone I meet. I may never know if I am bringing sunshine into someone’s life by doing that, but they will know, and God will know. Not everything we do for Him has to be on a grand scale.
I spread sunshine to my family and friends by being an encourager instead of a complainer. I have learned to look for the positive in situations and focus on that instead of the negative.
It is my prayer that be being the leader of our women’s mentoring ministry that I spread a little bit of sunshine to ladies by encouraging, praying with and for, and being accountable to one another. As women in a crazy world we need each other and the more “Sonshine” we can spread the sweeter this life will be!!
Like Angela, I have taken a lost dream and turned it into an opportunity to glorify God. I started attending Freedom Ministries @ Thomas Road Baptist Church to expand my support system after a life trauma. God used this experience to open up a door for me to become a facilitator for that support group. I am so blessed to pass along “the Sonshine” God shined into my life onto the women in this group!! He is an AWESOME God!
After attending a Bible Study and hearing Angela’s story. I opened up my heart to God to trust him more. This happen one month after I lost my dear mom to cancer. I had just closed everyone. But today I beam with Sunshine in my life. I started a home group for our MOMS group at my home two days a week, so I could share the word of God with other ladies. Reading my Bible every morning gives me the strength I need to shine on the day. Thank you Angela Thomas for the strength and courage to continue walking in Gods faith. It wasn’t easy after losing my mother, I just kept asking why. I have my answers now.
I try to always greet people with a smile and eye contact – especially at work where everyone gets overwhelmed and busy – I try to always say “thank you” to the woman that empties my trash at work, to the person in the drive thru window, etc…… one smile and a hello can make a huge difference in someone’s day
I try to be encouraging to people. I try to talk and listen to others as I would want them to do to me. I am there for others when they need it. When I read the title to your book….my mind wandered back to when we did your study and you said that you yelled “Be the Sunshine” to your child on a soccer field(if I remember right). I certainly enjoyed your studies and would enjoy your book as well!
I’ve been given the gift of encourgement. I believe that we should build one another up. As a past Manager responsible for teams of people, it was important to focus on the strengths and how they benefit that person and others. People are so hard on themselves. Whenever I read a facebook comment where a person is having a bad day or a negative comment I try and leave a comment to build them up and tell them how special they are. We must encourage one another, build each other up, help put a smile on someone elses face, share something funny, pass on the gift of encouragment and remind them that God has bigger plans that what we have for ourselves. Sheree
I try to encourage those around me and sincerely compliment them. Through the Bible study I’m involved in right now, I’m striving to control my feelings so that my reactions are more Christ-like and show His light to the world.
i work at my local food bank and we serve many folks and to smile and greet them and also learn their names bring a surprise and usually a hug from them i dream is to start a bible study with some of these ladies most have no transportation and no social life so that is my dream and goal would love to share the book with them much love sandy
I loved hearing both of you speak at the E-Women’s conference in Tulsa this year! Be The Sunshine was one of my favorite stories and I think about it every day, trying to stay positive!
By smiling and telling everyone to have a blessed day. Even when people are rude and grumpy, if you will give them a kind smile and tell them to be blessed it will make a difference. I did this at an outlet store one day and the clerk was astonished. She said no one had ever said that to her before, thanked me and told me it made her day. I pray that she passed it on.
Be The Sunshine…Oh how I long to be just a glimmer of His light, do you see it? I enjoy the discovery of my surroundings, God’s beauty in this world. I enjoy people and to acknowledge them as we pass by…with eye contact, with a smile, with a nod, with a simple, “Hello”. Simply and yet often silently to say, “I notice you and you matter”. I want to Be His Sunshine…
I love to send handwritten notes of encouragement to my friends.
I love Angela Thomas and I know that this book is going to be awesome…my budget doesn’t really allow for me to buy books at the moment, so I sure hope I win one, I have wanted one since I saw it posted on my facebook
thank you for the opportunity!
ok…I know I probably don’t do it 100% of the time, but I work in a hospital…and those people come in sick and feeling bad…and I just try to love on them…with kindness and compassion. I also probably drive my friends crazy with my postings of God is love on facebook
but I have had the opportunity to witness to someone who didn’t know God far away…someone I would have never met in person…they died recently and I can only hope she accepted Christ…I had to do it in a letter. Blessings to you…
I have 5 children (ages 11-2) and my older boys have started noticing that some of their friends don’t like playing (or associating) with younger children. They have always included their siblings (at no credit to me..we homeschool and live in close quarters- it’s learn to love or be miserable around here) and have taken on a special mission to befriend younger kids. The sunshine in those little ones’ faces when they run up to “the big boys” is almost tangible. My sons have shown me what a little awareness and intentionality can do change your corner of the world.
I love Angela Thomas! My Bible study group has done several of her studies. I am excited that I will get to hear her in person at a Women of Joy conference in April! “You Are My Sunshine” has always been a special song/saying between my youngest daughter and me so “Be the Sunshine” certainly caught my attention. I try to brighten people’s day by just a smile, a thank you, an encouraging word, a card — it means a lot to me so I try to give that back any way I can.
I answered the call to be a Small Group leader at my church – FIRST TIME!! It is for Single moms of Boys!!! XO
Through kindness and mercy toward others, especially when they are not kind or merciful to me.
I try to always be nice to cashiers. They usually get the brunt of the customer service issues when it usually has nothing to do with them.
All of us Ladies at Christ Community Church absolutely love and are thankful for the gift of Angela Thomas! In trials and heartache as well as in good, she radiates Joy and that spreads on to those she is around(even if it is only via DVD)! Our ladies group made t-shirts last year ” Be the Sonshine” and the scripture verse from Isaiah 60:1 that reads ” Get up and shine, because your light has come, and the glory of the Lord shines on you”! I want to always shine for the Glory of our Lord and I think it is so awesome that we get to shine together!!
Little bit of background first, I am the proud Mee-Maw of a 5-yr old, Austin Miller. Ted (my husband) and I were blessed by God by raising Austin since he was 18 mos. old. Ted and I didn’t think we would be raising another child but God had other plans for us. Austin is our sunshine and everyday we certainly try to be his Sonshine and always reflect the love of Jesus. Austin is not just our sunshine but everypne’s sunshine he encounters. Last week, myself and Austin had our date night (typically Tuesdays, $ 1.99 Happy Meals) and sitting at a booth in McDonalds was a gentleman (displaced) sipping on a cup of coffee. All his possessions in a duffel bag next to him, picking change out of a sock. I brought the man to Austin’s attention and began to tell him what it meant to be displaced or homeless. Austin (the sunshine) said to me lets buy him dinner, since he’s not eating a Cheeseburger. We did just that and had a nice meal with Steve. Austin asked him why he didn’t have a home but did he know Jesus has a home for him in heaven. I was one proud Mee-Maw and I saw that my life, Austin’s life and Steve’s life was transformed by an act of kindness and light. Be the Sunshine is really transforming the lives of others through RACK (Random Acts of Kindness). Be blessed and be the Sunshine in a dark world. Thank you for hearing my little story of sunshine.
I try to use Facebook as an encourager to other. Pray for those in need who post it and pass on all the bits I see! I also have adopted “be the sunshine” as our family motto. I am a teacher and I truly try to reach those that need some sunshine in their dreary world.
I try to personally pray with those who have expressed a need. Beyond that, I like to quietly activate a prayer circle around them.
Small acts of kindness. My favorite? Anonymously leaving homecrafted appreciation cardss in my fellow teachers’ inboxes at work.
How did I miss the news of this releasing??? I love Angela’s writings!
Practical ways to be the sunshine?
(1) Smile!
(2) Share…your time, energy, resources. It doesn’t have to be big, just give!
(3) See. People need to know they’re not forgotten. Acknowledge and pour into them!
I keep a praise and worship song running through my mind and spirit all day. This helps me feel connected to Jesus all day. It also helps me smile when I don’t feel like it, take a moment to be kind when I am in a hurry, and bite back a snarky comment that I really would like to say. I am so thankful for the gift of music and the way it lifts my spirits. It truly helps me spread sunshine instead of my own little cloud of gloom like Eeyore!
By sending unexpected encouraging texts!
Smile! Smile! Smile! It can brighten the most gloomy day for someone
For years I have sent cards via snail mail as encouragement to others. Recently, I discovered, I can do the same thing via text messages. When God lays someone on my heart and I feel they need some encouraging words instantaneously, I send a text. I still love sending cards, though, and keep a stash on hand. Love Angela Thomas and look forward to reading this book. Just completed her Brave Bible study and it was a wonderful encouragement to me and the group of ladies I have a Bible study with.
By smiling and choosing joy every day in every situation. God doesn’t want to see grouchy, complaining, mean-spirited Christians and neither does anyone else! Even when our circumstances are gloomy or not what we would like them to be, we need to walk in God’s blessing and remember that joy in the Lord is a choice we must make daily. It should not be affected by our circumstances.
The most practical way I’ve found to be the sunshine to folks is to cook for them! If I can’t have people over, I deliver them a meal. As an empty nester, I have time, and so many people are just busier than they can stand to be. It’s a great ministry opportunity.
I make it a point to smile to everyone I see!!
Being the sunshine to others is remaining faithful and hopeful in the midst of difficult health issues.
Thank you and God Bless!
By loving on my neighbors with gifts from my garden & homemade fudge.
I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be big things, but small things can have a huge impact. Sharing a smile, holding a door, stopping to really see and notice and listen to the people God puts in your path, returning someone’s shopping cart for them, etc. My husband and I have a favorite diner. On his days off, we love to catch up in a corner booth there over a late breakfast. At this time of day, there are a lot of elderly patrons. He loves to look for someone who seems like they could use a boost and anonymously pick up their check. He also likes to leave generous tips for the waitresses, sometimes with an encouraging note. I would love to read “Be the Sunshine” for more great ideas and meditations on this subject!
I try to keep my eyes open to opportunities God might put in my path to be the sunshine to someone – a smile, a cheerful hello, a hug, or a bigger gesture if God lays it on my heart that that’s what needs to be done. I haven’t always done real well at being mindful of those around me, and I’m praying that God will open my eyes to the needs that are out there, crying to be met.
One of my favorite ways to spread sunshine is to invite new women from our church to have a cup of coffee. Being intentional and giving a bit of time allows women to feel connected and cared for.
I recently began speaking to people at church that I don’t know. I can’t believe the difference it has made in my own life. Older members have told me how much it means to them that younger people at church speak to them and smile. It is such a blessing to be able to bless others.
I spread the sunshine by bringing a smile or sweet words to others as the HS prompts me. I try to be aware of others throughout my day and its my “challenge” to bring a smile into their day. Oftentimes a person will come to mind & as God has place them in my thoughts I make it a point to connect by phone, text, fb or email. It’s always special for me to know someone has thought of me, in the same way I hope that I can bring sunshine to someone else’s day… And God’s prompting is always perfect timing!
I smile at everyone and keep my eyes open so I can help people when they need assistance – it may be something small like holding the door, or helping someone that has dropped their things all over the floor. I try to be positive and lend an ear when someone needs to vent and give lots of hugs. I hope the light of Christ shines through me.