Bright Night 2023

I’m blown away again!

Last year was the inaugural year for an event called Bright Night. Bright Night is the brainchild of a precious young lady who was homeschooled for her entire life, until it was time to enter high school. When Gracie entered the ninth grade, she was given the choice to continue being homeschooled or attend a public school. She chose to be engulfed in an atmosphere that was unfamiliar to her normal routine. Gracie immersed herself in various clubs and activities in high school and enjoyed her new-found daily life, yet looked back in the end at how her freshman year did have obstacles. She desired to encourage upcoming freshman girls as to how to navigate through their high school years. Bright Night was conceived, and we just completed our second year of encouragement.

The speakers of encouragement were Jessi Rae Varnum, Candy Mayor, Sandee Systma, Rebecca Rothman, and me. Why am I always amazed at how God orchestrates our words to flow together beautifully? He’s God! He’s so good! We may have had the platform to speak, but there were many others who caught the eyes of the ninth-grade girls: The generosity of Jennifer Morgan for hosting the event at her home. The great life lessons taught via games presented by Gracie’s mom, Deanna Garner. The “big sisters”/upperclassmen who were there to help the night happen from prep work to clean up. The volunteers who worked behind the scenes. The sponsors who donated gifts, money, and food for Bright Night. All these individuals did not go unnoticed. It was a team effort from a group who support Miss Gracie Garner’s brainchild, and all have a heart for Jesus.

When I woke up this morning, my mind raced with words I should have said or wanted to say. Maybe it was the sun’s heat lingering in the air into the evening creating me to perspire profusely or the thoughts rummaging in my head with passion for these impressionable girls, that caused me to omit some words I really wanted to say. So…if any of you girls are reading this, here’s a super quick recap of some tie-in phrases I wanted to revisit and impress upon you:

The CHOICES you make have consequences…good and/or bad…and affect your life not just for the current.
The CHOICES we make throughout our lives, at any age and any stage, affect others around us.
How you react to situations speaks volumes.
Forgiveness is freeing.
Having Jesus as your personal Savior is the greatest CHOICE you can make.
When Jesus, who died on the cross for you, becomes your personal Savior, you have found the key that unlocks it all. He’s right in front of you.
The key chain that I gave you has words of affirmation on it. Look at it and speak those words into your life. Look at it and remember that wonderful evening full of encouragement. When you hold it in your hand, “get a grip” and know that God’s got a grip on you when you are His.
CHOOSE wisely in life and stay on The Right Road.

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26

He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Thank you, Gracie, for including me in this beautiful event. I wish it was offered to ALL high schoolers. (Think BIG, girl!)

I pray blessings over each young lady who attended. May you ponder on the words shared and love displayed by others. You are loved. You are worthy. You are amazing!

Blessings to you and yours,

Stephanie