The Colonel's Motivational Quotes of the Day!

Good morning COL Mikel J. Burroughs and I hope you shined so brightly last night that others will follow and help you continue to RIP Medical Debt.
It is an overcast morning in Northern Virginia. Days like this need light that shines from people.
Every smile, every kind word is a candle that lights up the sad space that seems to surround some people. Never doubt that you can be a light that shines and helps someone out of the darkness.
What can you do today to shine your light? A smile, a helping hand, an invitation to join you or your group?
LTC Stephen F. SPC Douglas Bolton Sgt John H. TSgt Joe C. SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL TSgt David L. SMSgt David A Asbury MSgt David Hoffman SGT (Join to see) LTC David Brown CPL Dave Hoover CMSgt (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan CPT Jack Durish CW5 Jack Cardwell Sgt Randy Wilber SCPO Morris Ramsey SP5 Mark Kuzinski LTC (Join to see)

What better way to hear about letting your light shine and how to do it than Billy Graham. I found an article by him on how to let your light shine. Enjoy some Billy Graham my RP Family.

Taken from billygraham.org

How to Shine Your Light for Christ
By BGEA • July 29, 2015 • Topics: Lifestyle, Relationships

HomeStoriesHow to Shine Your Light for Christ
Man sitting on beach in sun
This article is the final installment of a 6-week Summer Soul Refresher series from BGEA. Catch up on the previous five parts below.
Part 1: 5 Ways to Replenish a Burned-Out Soul
Part 2: How to Dive Into Your Walk with God
Part 3: 9 Ways to Grow in Your Faith
Part 4: ‘A Time to Laugh’: 5 Ways to Add Laughter to Your Life
Part 5: 3 Keys to Sharing Your Faith

Shine
(v): To give off or reflect light
What does it mean to shine?
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. —Philippians 2:14-16, ESV (emphasis added)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is called “the true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Throughout the New Testament, the followers of Jesus are called to be lights in the darkness. So, what does it mean to shine? It means:

Being counter-cultural. We live in a dark world, full of lies, hate and confusion. But God’s Word tells us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). While others are chasing after physical pleasures and selfish gain, we’re commanded to live a different way—to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14).
Putting yourself out there. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16a). He explained that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. A lamp is meant to be placed on a stand to give light to everything around it. Whether you’re timid or outgoing, you’re called to be a light to the people around you. That’s only possible if you’re taking time to interact with people and cultivate relationships. Are you the shy type? Here’s some guidance.
Always pointing back to the light source. When Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” that wasn’t the whole sentence. He went on to give the reason why it’s important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). Our goal should never be to bring recognition to ourselves, but to bring glory to God. There’s a fine line between being a light and putting on a show to get attention. It’s a matter of the heart.
What keeps you from shining?
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? –Matthew 7:3, ESV

It’s easy to see the shine of a new diamond ring from across the room. But over time, that shine can dull as dust collects on it.

In the same way, sin can dull our shine as lights for Jesus Christ. Our lives which once sparkled with the joy of Christ can become clouded with a love for things of this world.

Before you can be a light to others, take a look at your own life. Has sin dulled the evidence of Christ in you? Maybe it’s time to stop, take a moment and ask God to reveal any sins you might be ignoring. If there’s a sin you repeatedly struggle with, write it down and pray over it continually. Ask God for His forgiveness and help in changing your heart. We’ll never be perfect, but we need to address our sin—partly because it impacts others.

So how exactly do you shine?
Do not be conformed to this world … —Romans 12:2a, ESV

“Being a light” sounds great, doesn’t it? But it’s also a little abstract. How exactly do you become this brilliant beacon to people around you? Here are 4 practical tips:

Be careful what you say. The Bible calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Yikes! That’s pretty serious. And that’s how we should take our speech—seriously. Maybe a parent once told you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s not bad advice, even as an adult. Words are powerful and can be used for good or bad. You might even post this verse somewhere as a reminder: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Read How to Tame the Tongue.
Consider your entertainment. Where do you go for fun? What shows or movies do you watch? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same things or listen to the same music if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you be embarrassed? It might sound silly, but asking those questions is a good way to keep yourself in check, whether you’re alone or with others.
Use social media wisely. People are watching what you post, whether they interact with your posts or not. Think about the things you’ve posted recently—articles, comments, photos and so on. Could they be seen as prideful? Self-centered? Rude? What’s your motive? To put others down or make them jealous? Hopefully not. Aim to make informed, respectful posts that represent the One you claim as Lord.
Think of others. Consider other people’s needs and help meet them. Encourage instead of criticize. Be patient. Give others the benefit of the doubt. If you hear gossip, distance yourself from it or change the subject. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that they were made and are loved by God. Above all, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31).

SFC Bernard Walko SPC Robert Pulliam TSgt Carl Johnson TSgt George Rodriguez SGT Thomas Seward PO1 Richard Nyberg SFC Alvin Miller PO3 Aaron Hassay MSgt Steve Sweeney

Good Thursday morning COL Mikel J. Burroughs!!! Well, Mikel, I thought that this one would be a piece of cake and I find it one of the hardest... That said, I have chosen some of yours and some that I researched to yield "shining" thoughts to affect us all...

1) "Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas." Henry Ford

2) "Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate." Thomas Aquinas

3) "Keep shining brightly because your light can be the life giving source that rekindles the fading lights around you." — Caroline Naoroji

4) "We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining - they just shine." Dwight L. Moody

5) "Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines and their families, this Nation, along with our allies around the world, would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly and live so freely." Lane Evans

6) "There is no better test of character than when you're tossed into crisis. That's when we see one's true colors shine through. So I try my best to make my characters personally involved in the plot, in a way that stresses them and tests them." Tess Gerritsen

...and we should all...

"Shine a bright light on everything you do and accomplish each day. It's your way of putting your achievements in the spot light! They deserve the recognition and so do you." — COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs

May your day be full of "shining" possibilities, Mikel!





Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SSG Byron Howard Sr Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Robert Thornton CWO3 Dennis M. LTC Wayne Brandon Sgt Deborah Cornatzer PO3 Bob McCord CW5 Jack Cardwell TSgt Joe C. SFC Stephen Lucas SMSgt Lawrence McCarter Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth SP5 Mark Kuzinski SPC Douglas Bolton SPC Mark Huddleston LTC Stephen F.