For each day, February 1-14, I placed on the door inside my children’s bedroom, a heart with words of affirmation written on it. A few of the hearts had general affirmations but most were specific and unique to each child. Brainstorming the list and planning this project proved to have a positive affect on me too. I became acutely aware of the power of affirmations. Last night I was the recipient of positive affirmations and it made all the difference in my evening.

After a long day at work and then a weekly service project at church, I went into Walmart for a few necessities. Needless to say, my mood was not that great that I was going into Walmart so late because I know Walmart trips can sometimes become much longer than intended. I was tired, hungry, and ready to get home. I quickly moved through the store and had most of the items I needed but I still had to go to the pharmacy side of the store. As I moved across the back of the store and turned to move towards the pharmacy, a young Walmart associate spoke, “Hey! How are you?” I answered like I usually do in passing conversations, “I am doing well. How are you?” We both kept moving in the same direction as he answered me, “I will be much better when I get off work.” His response encouraged me to continue to engage with him as we both walked towards our destinations. “What time do you get off work?” I asked. “Not until 10”, he answered. We continued our conversation swapping stories of how late he stays up versus how early I wake up. As we walked, we passed a mom and a first grader from the school where I work. They both spoke and just as we were almost out of their sight I said to the boy, “See you tomorrow Buddy!” The young man immediately said, “You must be a teacher!” The mother responded, “She is!” The young associate’s demeanor completely brightened. He began to compliment me and thank me for being a teacher. He went on and on with words of affirmation and encouragement as he shared the impact teachers have had on his life. As we parted ways, we both had a more positive attitude. I finished my shopping and reflected on the impact of his gracious words.

Today is Thankful Thursday. Spend some time today thinking about the words you use and the words you hear. Today, thank others who have influenced you with their words. How can you use your words to impact others today? I am so thankful for those who encourage and lift me up with their words. In turn, I pray I can also use my words to positively affect others.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I almost fell into the trap. Yesterday, as I scrolled through Facebook, I stopped on pictures someone had posted of all the home improvements she had recently completed. The pictures looked like a shot from an HGTV show. As I read the comments of praise for her creativity and work, I began to feel bad about my lack of such. I began to brainstorm a list of projects I should do to spruce up my house. I began to feel bad that I am not more talented.

Thankfully before I went too far down into the rabbit hole of comparison, the memories of scripture caught me.

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Here is the Message version of the same scripture.

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4-5‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Thank you God for bringing to mind this scripture! If I had continued down the path of comparison, not only would I feel bad about myself but I may have then been jealous.

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This Water Walking Wednesday, instead of falling into the trap of comparison, let’s be content.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s focus on our blessings and be thankful for our gifts. Let’s start our day by listening to You Say by Lauren Daigle. Let’s believe God at His word about us!

Today is Transformation Tip Tuesday. This morning, as I showered, I randomly thought about orchids. I had no idea why I suddenly thought about my bridal bouquet having an orchid in the center. The thought seemed so out of the blue. Later as I prayed about what to share with you this morning, I began having doubts and allowed insecurities to creep in. What makes me think I have anything worth sharing with you? What qualifies me to share?

As I sat down in the den to write, I realized Satan was egging on my doubt. To combat Satan and to change my thought pattern, I began searching for scriptures that would give me confidence that God could use me. God reminded me that I am His handiwork!

“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

I looked around my den and my eyes were drawn to this beautiful orchid that is a new addition to our home. Orchids, in all shapes and forms, have always been my favorite flower. One of the reasons orchids are my favorite is because each bloom is so intricate and unique. AHA! That’s why God had brought such a random thought of orchids to my mind early this morning. Even before Satan placed doubt in my mind, God placed a symbol of His love in my thoughts. God made each of us in a unique and special way to be a witness of His love and to be a blessing to others. You and I just need to be open to listen and obey. You and I need to be willing to be transformed to do good works prepared for us. My good works may be different than your good works. We are each unique like the blooms of an orchid.

My tip for you today is to open your mind to ways God is transforming you into His likeness. How is God using you today? Don’t be surprised if He reminds you in something as random as an out of the blue thought.

As we start this Mindset Monday, let’s reflect on Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians on Christian living.

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:17-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Are you being “made new in the attitude of your mind”? Are you putting on your “new self?” Have you let the sun go down on your anger and given the devil a foothold?

Today let’s find ways to use our words to build others up and be helpful. Let’s not grieve the Holy Spirit. Let’s “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave” us.

A wind vane or weather vane is often an architectural ornament but it’s purpose is to show the direction of the wind. Wind vanes are believed to be the earliest instrument used in predicting weather.

Where do you look to find the direction of the wind in your life? On this Spiritual Sunday I challenge you to Google “scripture about wind.” Spend some time reading the various scriptures and meditate on Who the wind often represents in the Bible. Then listen to this song, Fresh Wind by Hillsong Worship. Be prayerfully and intentionally mindful of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life as you move through today. When you feel the gentle breeze of today, may you thank God for all the blessings, guidance and direction you receive. You only need to be open to listen and move with the wind.

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“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I wanted you to read theses verses above from Paul first. I love how the message version makes it so simple. I encourage you to read it a second time and really meditate on it.

Now look at the photo below by Ray White. I see an overgrown forest with a clear path. I also see how worry and fear can be overgrown around us but with Christ at the center, our path is clear. This doesn’t mean we won’t have road blocks or detours but we know we can let our petitions and praises shape our worries into prayers.

On this Finish Friday is worry the center of your life? Or is Christ at the center? Let’s go into our weekend with a fresh renewing of God’s peace. It is time to clear the forest!