Today is Finish Friday. Are you embracing the day? Are you relishing the moments that make up your day? Yesterday on my way to work I heard an older country song titled “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins. Take a moment and listen to the words.
I share this today, not to have you mourn the past but to embrace today. No matter what stage of life you are in, there is beauty and blessings around you to behold. Live in the moment today and don’t let the day pass without thanking God for today. If we are always looking backwards or forwards, we will miss what is around us now. Don’t miss this!
Some of you know that I have been at home having to quarantine. My son tested positive for covid right after Christmas. Eventually the other 3 of us were sick at some time or another. This was not how I planned to end my winter break. Thankfully, our symptoms were relatively mild. Nonetheless, I remained at home for 2 weeks and today I get to go back to work!
This Thankful Thursday I am counting my blessings. I am thankful we are all healthy and back to “normal”. I am thankful for my job and that today I am able to return to work. Despite the circumstances, I am thankful for the opportunity to remain at home. During my time at home I was able to make the most of my time by accomplishing some tasks on my ongoing to-do list as I cared for my family. I even read 2 books which is usually a luxury that I am only able to partake in when out of school for the summer. Needless to say, my time at home was an unexpected and unplanned time of rejuvenation and for that I thank God.
How about you? Have you recently found yourself at work on tasks different than you planned? No matter where we find ourselves, there is work we can do for the glory of God. For that, let us give thanks!
Have you ever thought about what the weather was like the day Jesus and Peter walked on water? Was the wind blowing or was the water smooth as glass like in this photo by Ray White? Was it cloudy, rainy, or was it a clear evening. Was it perfect water walking conditions? What are the perfect water walking conditions?
Today is Water Walking Wednesday. The name of our blog is Water Walkers. Our hashtag is #waterwalkinggirls. Does that mean Julie and I have mastered “walking on water”? NOT AT ALL.
Julie and I have prayerfully chosen all the different parts about our blog over time. Whether intentionally or not on our part, we each have always pushed the other to step out of our comfort zone and “walk on water.” Our blog is a way to share our journey with you.
I realize that I often think the conditions were perfect when I have been brave enough to walk on water. In reality, the environment was usually less than perfect. In fact, that’s part of walking on water…stepping outside of the boat, or your comfort zone, despite the conditions around you.
What is God calling you to today? What is your Creator asking you to do? When you look out of the window, are the conditions calm or stormy? Either way, I pray you will remember the faith of your forefathers and step out in faith, despite the weather around you.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Today’s picture is not beautiful or polished but it is real life. Look closely at the middle of the picture. Can you tell what it is? Yep! It’s my contact stuck to the bathroom drawer.
One morning, while getting ready for work, I dropped my contact. I looked for it directly below me, in the sink, and on the floor to no avail. Since I didn’t have my contact in my eye, my vision was blurred, so after a few minutes of searching I gave up and opened a new pair of contacts. The next morning while getting ready for work I noticed the lost contact when I reached for the drawer handle. Needless to say, by the time I found the contact, it was dried out and unusable.
As we go through our lives, we sometimes wander and get lost. Even as Christians, we may slowly stray further and further from walking our path with Christ at our side. Unlike my contact, it is never too late for you and I. We are never too lost to be found.
This Transformation Tip Tuesday I encourage you to prayerfully consider writing down and/or memorizing a scripture that can be your go-to scripture in times you feel lost. Below are a few to get you thinking.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
And my prayer for you:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
What do others see when they look at you? Do they see Christ? In today’s picture captured by Ray White, the water displays a beautiful reflection of the trees. What or who are you reflecting?
Yesterday many of us spent time in corporate worship with our church family. During that time we sang, read scripture, and listened to the word of God. Hopefully, our worship experience rejuvenated us and prepared us for the week ahead.
Today, on Mindset Monday, it is our opportunity to begin our week reflecting Christ. To do that we must stay connected with Christ and have the courage to show others what we know to be true about our Savior.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
So today, I challenge you to prayerfully seek and reflect the mindset of Christ. When you face difficulty or opposition may you have courage, love and self-discipline.
Dear Heavenly Father, As we begin this work week, help us to draw strength and courage from what we have learned from You. Help us to follow the example Christ gives and reflect Him in our actions and reactions. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
What does Sabbath mean to you? Does it mean the day you go to church? Or does Sabbath mean more?
On this Spiritual Sunday I encourage you to spend some time delving into the Biblical meaning of Sabbath. Did you realize or remember that observing the Sabbath is included in the Ten Commandments? After you have read about Sabbath, spend some time reflecting on how your view of Sabbath is being challenged. Is God encouraging you to change your views or strengthen your observance of Sabbath? What do you do on your Sabbath to rest, rejuvenate, and draw close to God? Share below some of your Sabbath practices.
Everyday the tide rises and falls. The time may vary each day since the ocean tide follows the moon. The waves crash the shore more times than we can count. Depending on the tide and the wind, those waves may look differently. Even with those slight variances, the ocean remains the same. Just like the ocean, our creator, Jesus Christ never changes. We read in Hebrews 13:8 NIV; “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Photo by Ray White
As we gaze at this beautiful image captured by Ray White, we can almost feel the waves ticking our toes. On this Finish Friday let’s not forget how big our God is. Let’s not forget that not matter what changes life brings, God will never waiver. Will you walk confidently along God’s shoreline today with unwavering faith?
Water Walkers 