Water walking Wednesday is a day to ponder your faith, courage and even your obedience. Water walking requires you to step out of your boat of comfort and walk, even when you may not be able to see what’s ahead clearly.

How can we do that? We must stay focused on the light of Christ ahead of us. Jesus is a beacon, shining His light to guide and direct our path, just as a lighthouse does for boaters.

Are you focused on the light of Christ to guide your steps? Have you taken a step onto the water in faith? Are you being obedient to the call of Christ? Look towards the Lighthouse of Christ and allow Him to show you the way. He won’t let you sink. After all, He is the light of the world!

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Click here to read an article about 5 Interesting Facts About Lighthouses.

Several years ago, while teaching phonics in my kindergarten class, I placed some red letter words in a pocket chart for my class to practice. With this particular phonics program, sight words were printed in red to signify them as words we just have to remember by sight. I asked my class, “Why do you think these words are red?” Immediately one of my students answered, “That means that Jesus said them.” Needless to say I was caught off guard but also so pleased that this student had knowledge of Jesus!

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I encourage you to open your Bible and read some of the words in red. Read any of them and let the words of Christ speak to you today. May you remember that the words in red were written for you. Click here to listen to the song “Written For Me” by Matthew West and let the words in red transform your day and life.

For anyone that has anything to do with the world of education, you know that we have arrived at the time of the year that is the final countdown. Students have only 14 more days of school! Along with the final countdown comes many deadlines and a long to-do list. Anxiety likes to creep in and cause even more stress and confusion.

On this Mindset Monday, as I look ahead at the busy week before me, I am choosing to take a deep breath, not be anxious, and “present my requests to God.” I will give thanks for the busy season and for the blessings that make my schedule busy. Then I will soak in “the peace of God.”

Do you also, have a busy week ahead. Choose to have the mindset of greeting one day at a time, tackle each task with prayer and petition, and bask in the serenity of God’s peace.

A few weeks ago I shared a picture of the hydrangea bloom on the left. Since then I have transplanted the hydrangea from the small pot it came in to a larger planter on my front porch. Eventually, I may plant it in my yard.

Notice the difference in the bloom color. I know that the bloom color of hydrangeas are affected by the minerals in the soil in which they planted. Therefore, if I do transplant it to the yard, the bloom color will likely change again. Nevertheless, as long as it has healthy roots, it will continue to grow and bloom.

On this Spiritual Sunday I encourage you to examine your bloom color. What is the soil like around you right now? Is the soil affecting your blooming? Does your bloom point others to Christ? Do others know you are a “new creation” because of your belief in Jesus? Has your bloom color changed? Sometimes a different bloom color is new, interesting and exciting. New color is good, as long as you are still rooted in Your savior, Jesus Christ.

Today is Finish Friday! What is your state of mind today? Are you full of energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead? Or are you weary and tired? I fall into the second category. I am exhausted. However this morning in my devotion and prayer time God reminded me of the simple truth of this scripture.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As I reflected, I realized that the circumstances that led to my exhaustion are all blessings. How about you? If you are feeling weary and worn today reflect on the causes for your exhaustion. Are they blessings? Or perhaps it is something that you need to step away from. That too, can be a blessing.

On this Finish Friday I encourage you to focus on your blessings instead of your weariness. Your change in focus will give you a new energy and help you Finish Friday strong!

Look very closely at the picture and you will see a praying mantis. Of course that is not the scientific name but that is how we know them. Praying mantis received their name due to their bent, prominent front legs that look like they are praying. What a way to be named!

Likewise, others observe you and I and make opinions and judgements that “name us.” What do others see in you when you are in a difficult situation or even in despair? Do they see you full of worry and anxiety? Or do others see you in a posture of prayer? When you are in a battle, do you fight with a spirit of praise as you allow God to fight for you?

On this Thankful Thursday, let’s prayerfully consider our battle stance. Let’s praise God for mercy and goodness. Let’s give God the glory for the good He will bring from our despair. Let’s be sure that when others see us in a battle, they will see God’s glory by our words and actions.

Click here to listen to “Surrounded” by Micheal W. Smith. Allow the words to sink in. Find strength and comfort in the promise that no matter what battle you face, you are surrounded by God.

Can you “hear” the picture? Can you imagine the sound of the waves crashing on the sand? While the ocean often has a peaceful and calming affect on us, it isn’t quiet.

The lyrics of the song “So Will I” by Hillsong United recently reminded me that we are not meant to be quiet in our praise to God.

“If the stars were made to worship, so will I. If the mountains bow in reverence, so will I. If the oceans roar Your greatness, so will I.”

I have realized that when I am in my normal routines and usual daily grind, I am more comfortable with vocalizing praise to God. However, when I am pushed outside of my comfort zone and around people I may not know very well, I am not as automatic or vocal with praising God.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, let’s be intentional about stepping out of the comfort of our boats and be deliberate about praising God. Let’s not hold back. Let’s roar like the ocean!

To get you started I encourage you to read all of Psalm 145. This chapter is all about David praising God. Next, listen to the song “So Will I” by Clicking here . Lastly, make a gratitude list of at least 5 things you are grateful for today. Name specific and unique to you blessings. After your time of devotion, prayer, and reflection, start your day ready to roar your praise to God!