Why Sonbeams

Why Sonbeams and Shadows? Lets take Sunbeams first. Sitting in the full strength and power of the sun could last for hours; until a cloud comes by. Sunbeams however are different. They are brief and pierce through something. I have seen them pierce through clouds, trees branches, and a water fountain in a pond. What a blessed experience when one is the recipient enjoying a sunbeam wrapping across one’s shoulders and down. It seems to engulf one’s entire body, wrap itself around one, and warm every inch of one’s being to the depths of one’s soul. I love sunbeams!

For my blog, I needed a name and I wanted something to express the idea that these writings would be like a sunbeam. They would be quick, warming, and comforting to the heart and soul. That is how I feel at times, when reading my Bible and it hits me. We all know. Those moments, when reading a Bible verse, when one seems to shout inside, “Wow, I have never seen that before. I need to share that with someone.” However, I had to alter the name as sunbeam references the actual, physical sun. So, the name became Sonbeams to reference our Lord and Saviour and how he has warmed my soul and the souls of so many I know. Sometimes, a physical sunbeam may not come for a few days while it is raining; but, rest assured God will send a sunbeam. These writings, I pray, will reflect wonderful, brief, warming thoughts that will cut through and pierce the heart and warm one’s soul. I plan to use these piercing, warming sonbeams to help me grow into a better Christian and prayerfully they will do the same for others. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The clincher that sold me on the title of “Sonbeams” was an experience I had with a small bird warmed by God’s sunbeam. My finches love to sit in sunbeams and warm themselves on a cold morning. But one chilly, winter morning I was feeding finches in my aviary and one small Zebra Finch hen was not feeling well. She was sitting on the cold, damp ground. Picking her up and holding her close, I breathed my warm breath on her hoping to heat her up a bit. Holding her for a few minutes seemed to perk her up a little; but, she was still too physically weak to put back into the big aviary. I decided to put her into a small aviary adjoining her normal, big one. She hopped up onto a perch and cozied into a morning sunbeam. What a delight! She was snug enjoying God’s blessed, simple sunbeam. I was glad I put her into an area where she could feel God’s morning sunbeam. I knew she would find more comfort in his warmth than any warmth I could give. I thought of all the wonderful things God has for us in his Word to encourage us and lift us up each day. God’s Word is what we need each day. It can pierce the soul and warm us up just like my Zebra Finch on the cold, damp ground who needed the warmth of a literal, morning sunbeam; we need to open the Bible, read it, sit back, and bask in the warmth and comfort of God’s Sonbeam. Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Kimberly Howell

I was born in 1967 and I have been living in sunny Whakatane, New Zealand since Christmas 2010. My husband pastors a church and it has been a delight living in New Zealand. We both are originally from Maryland, USA. I have been amazed at the beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife, especially the birds in New Zealand. Many of the native birds visit our modest yard on a daily basis. I was blessed at one time to have several aviaries with finches. In 2021, I had surgery to remove my appendix which was filled with cancer and then breast cancer surgery and radiation. It was an interesting year. Prior to my surgeries, my husband had two back surgeries. I'm glad God knows best even if I do not understand all he is doing. In 2022, for 6 months, I traveled to the US to put my youngest daughter into college in Arizona. People I met, during this trip, spiritually lifted me up in ways they will never understand. I'm glad God is in control of everything. Resting, gardening, and reading my Bible are cherished pastimes. It gets my mind off everything. We all need those places we can go and get our minds off everything. A place that is encouraging and comforting and at the same time give a little pricking of the heart to keep us trying our best to serve the Lord. I hope this Blog will be such a place for you. A place to find encouragement and comfort along with a few smiles.

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4 thoughts on “Why Sonbeams

  1. Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” This verse just saved me at the exact time I needed it most. Thank you Sis Kim for the encouragement and for the timely reminder . Indeed, God deals with His children in any form.

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