Mom vs. the Dot: Making it COUNT!

 Earlier this month, I came across a story I knew I had to share with you:  "There is a church in England that has no lights.  Many people who visit the church are shocked that the architect left out something as important as overhead lighting.  But the architect had a plan.  The various families who regularly attend the church are given their own pew, as well as a lamp and a book.  When a family comes to church, their lamp is lit.  If they are not in church, the pew is dark. (Here are a few pics of St. Peter's Chapel in Bradwell, England, to give you an idea of what the church might look like.  I researched online and could not find the specific church mentioned in the article.) What difference can one darkened pew make?  Not much, you might think.  But what if several pews were lacking lamps?  Then the whole church would be affected.  It's obvious.  If all are present and in their pews, the church is al...

The Bible speaks to Christ-followers in Matthew 5:14-16 about lighting up the world: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Do you remember singing "Hide it under a bushel.  No!  I'm gonna let it shine..." as a child?  Holding one pretend candle finger up for all to see? I think I've heard this passage a million times in my life as a Christian - in Sunday School, VBS, and at church camp.   But this week it took on a new...light in my way of thinking. My husband was working with the kids to carve our jack-o-lantern last night.  He carefully carved a nice-sized lid, then scooped out the slimy innards with the children.  After shaping the facial fea...