“Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”” Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Tuesday, November 1st is All Saints Day. However, we had All Saints Celebration at our church yesterday. On All Saints day we recognize the saints who have passed away during the year. Sadly, we lost 9 members of our church family this past year. As we recognized the lives of these precious individuals I reflected on my time on earth and the importance of making the most of every moment.

On this Mindset Monday let’s meditate on today’s scripture which features the Great Commission. Jesus calls us to spread the Good News and make disciples. How are you doing with your calling?

Last week Julie reminded us that God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. Although we may feel unworthy, God will equip us with all we need to fulfill the Great Commission. We simply must remember to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us.

As you pray about God’s calling on your life, Click here to listen to “The Commission” by Cain. As this song was sung during worship yesterday, God reminded me of the importance and value of each moment. This Mindset Monday allow the words of the song and your reflection on the saints that have gone before you to shape your resolve to share the Good News and make disciples.

“But don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Let’s call today Sacred Sunday and let’s examine what sacred means. Mirriam-Webster defines sacred as; 1) dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity 2) entitled to reverence or respect 3) of or relating to religion 4) highly valued and important.

Depending on our background, today’s photos are some examples of what we may consider sacred; the cross, marriage and the United States flag. Today I challenge you to consider the sacredness of scripture.

Scripture meets all the definitions of the word sacred. Scripture is our way to learn, grow, and spread the message of God. Scripture is our window into the beginning of our Christian heritage. Scripture gives us stories of hope to guide our steps.

This Sacred Sunday, intently listen to the scripture shared in worship. Allow God to breath love, hope, and understanding into you as you listen. Allow the scripture to set the tone for your day and guide your week. Thank Your Creator for scripture and acknowledge it’s sacredness.

In closing, take some time to meditate on the scripture shared above. Ponder the ways God has guided you over the years with Scripture. Or perhaps you are new to the Christian faith. How has scripture opened your eyes to the love of Christ? Allow God to use the scripture you read or hear today to mold and shape you into a vessel of the Holy Spirit.

“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What is your It? Join Me as I share on See You Saturday! I love that called has called me to be a wife and a mom.

I encourage you to listen to, Nobody by Casting Crowns.

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Including today, there are only nine Fridays till Christmas. If you are like me, you’re already watching the Christmas Hallmark movies. Today I am excited to share a new Christmas song with you. Oh What King by Katy Nichole. Some of the lyrics sing; “Whom am I that you would choose me (Mary), just a lowly girl from a simple family. Who am I that the Ángels speak my name, called to be the mother of the one who comes to serve”.

If you read my post from Wednesday I talked about how God chooses each of us to be His Disciple regardless of our sin. Can you imagine being Mary and being chosen to carry the savior of the world? Imagine how she felt when just a simple girl was approached by an Angel and called by name; “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

On this Finish Friday, let’s finish the week with confidence because God has chosen each of us. He chose you for your spouse, your children, your friends, your church, your job, your community, and more. Stand tall knowing whose you are.

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”” Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am calling today Trust Thursday. Even Jesus had a moment in the Garden of Gethsemane when he was broken before God and having to put His trust in the plan. If you take a moment to look at this picture, what do you see? There are many broken sea shells that have washed ashore after a big storm. Do you feel broken and washed up today?

Thankfully we live on this side of the cross and we know that God brought good from Jesus’s death and resurrection. Our brokenness was mended on the cross with Jesus that day. Our job is to put our trust in God, even when we feel broken and washed up. We can sit in anguish or we can kneel in prayer. Let’s take a moment to visualize ourselves in the garden with Jesus. Whatever is going on in our lives, we can thank and trust God because He will bring good out of every story. Let’s pray!

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your son, Jesus Christ whose blood was shed for me. Thank you for daily mending my brokenness. If it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. In the name of Jesus Amen.

“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When I read these verses and surrounding verses from Paul, I am energized in my faith. I am convicted to ask myself the questions; am I making the most of every opportunity? Or am I letting sin get in the way? Last Wednesday Deborah asked the question; have you seized an opportunity to share Christ with others? I would like to expand on that. I know for myself, I sometimes let my sin get in the way from sharing Christ. I think, who am I to share when I have sinned?

Our Choir Director sang a song Sunday called, Just as I am. In that song the broken are mended, the wounded are healed, the desperate are rescued, the empty are filled, and the guilty are pardoned. God called each of us to be a disciple no matter our sin and where we are in our Christian walk. By being transparent with our sins, we can help the lost to see that we are all in need of a savior. How will you make the most of every opportunity today?

Take a moment to worship and be inspired! I have included a version of Sunday’s song, just as I am. I have also included a song that has helped me to be a disciple and share Christ with others.

Just As I Am (I am Broken) by Travis Cottrell

I Can’t Believe by Elevation Worship

“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

Doesn’t this picture by Ray White fill you with hope for tomorrow? I chose this picture because of the beautiful reflection. As we move through the last quarter of 2022, I wanted to reflect on my word, prayer, scripture, and mantra. I hope to get us all reflecting on the words we have selected. Have you been taking the time to reflect on it throughout the year? Or maybe you’ve never chosen one. It is never too late to start.

My word has been Serenity which means the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. I pulled this from Serenity Prayer; God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. My scripture verse is listed above, from Romans 15:13. My mantra has been; Live for Today. You can read my 2022 Word of the Year blog post by clicking the link.

2022 has been a challenging year for me and my family. I will say that I have reflected a lot on my selection through each trial. It has given me the comfort, peace, and hope that I needed. Have I thought about my word for 2023 yet? No, but will plan to start praying, thinking, and planning soon. I hope you will join Deborah and I this year in selecting a word and/or mantra for 2023!

Feel free to share with us how your word and/or mantra has been going for 2022.