This past Tuesday our twins played their last first soccer game as High School Seniors. It was a joyful night for them as players and us as spectators. From the time they started playing at 4 years old, this verse has always come to mind; “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Psalm‬ ‭96:12‬ ‭NIV‬

On this Thankful Thursday whatever our fields may be, whether it is a job or volunteering or taking care of loved ones, may we all be jubilant. What does Jubilant mean? Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph. The word joy is very similar in that it means a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. When I looked up the difference I found that Jubilant is joy without end. Think about that; joy without end! A life with Jesus isn’t promised to be easy but we do have the blessing of experiencing His joy without end.

On this Thankful Thursday I pray we all experience His Joy without end!!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent. Those that are participating will be fasting from today through Holy Thursday, April 14th. Before Jesus began His ministry, he fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and nights (Matt 4:1-11). Lent is a time we can draw closer to Him through our own fasting and suffering. In Matt 4:4 NIV When being tempted by Satan; “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’””

Although you don’t need to practice Lent to be a Water Walker, I wanted to share with you my experience and how it has helped me grow closer to God. There is an urban legend, that if you walk closely behind your Rabbi that you will be covered in the dust from their sandals. I think about the Sandy beach. No matter what I do, I am covered in sand when I return home. There is sand in my hair and in between my toes. As a Water Walker and a Disciple of Jesus, I want to be covered in dust because I am following Jesus so closely.

I will be fasting fried foods. Fried chicken, french fries, and chips are 3 of my weaknesses. Sundays are a time of celebration and a break from the fast.

Will you be participating in the fast? You are welcome to comment what you will be fasting.

As I have shared in the past, I consider Phil 1:6 NIV my life verse; “ Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” When I think if the word Transformation, I think if this verse. Paul uses the word “began”, meaning the work is not finished.

Our Transformation can be dramatic or a subtle change over a lifetime. Opposite of that would be reverting or withering. On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, I encourage us all to keep moving and working towards God’s perfect will for our lives. Even if the subtle change is unseen at this moment, keep going. The following verses tie in with Paul’s words:

“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.”
‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As Walt Disney said; “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.

Will you stay curious after God’s perfect will?