““Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a musty cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This picture of my dog Abby was taken Monday evening. I chuckle every time I look at it. She had followed me around all evening and was ready for me to sit down so she could lay on my lap. As you can see, she was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. Since the picture was taken I have been pondering how sometimes we also walk around with our eyes squinted in life. Therefore let’s call today Wide Open Eyes Wednesday.

Do you sometimes find yourself rushing through life, from one task to the other, not really paying attention to all that’s around you? Are you in tune to the wonder and beauty of each moment? Are your eyes squinted as you focus on accomplishment each item in your to do list?

Today be intentional to keep your eyes wide open. As you approach each task, look around at the “wonder and belief” around you. Take deep breath’s throughout the day and soak in the light of life all around. Don’t “pull the blinds on your windows.” Instead, keep your eyes wide open and allow your body to be filled up with His light!

“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s featured photo, taken by Ray White, is an enigma. Ray found this object washed up on the beach shore. What exactly is it? Where has it been? What has it been through to bring it to this place? I bet if it could talk, it would have a story to tell!

Sunday in his sermon, our pastor Charles Wilbanks, reminded us that when we go through difficulties we have the opportunity to testify to others. Let’s call today Testify Tuesday. Today’s scripture is an example of just that. The demon possessed man had lived a life of torture and exile until the day he had a face-to-face encounter with Christ and was healed. Jesus told him “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” Jesus commanded him to testify to others.

Likewise, Julie shared with us last week the difficult journey she has been traveling the last 3 years with her health. All the while she was walking those difficult steps, Jesus was walking beside her, giving her strength, guidance and direction. Julie is using this area of trouble to testify of God’s love, grace, and mercy.

What about you? What season of difficulty have you had to walk? What area of your life has been challenging? How has God shown off in your journey?

Like the unknown object in today’s photo, you have a story to tell. Spend time today praying about how God has prepared you to be a vessel of His message. Then go out and testify and “tell how much God has done for you.”

Click here to listen to “My Testimony” by Elevation Worship.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”. Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s picture inspires me to ponder the hard work necessary to accomplish a goal. Today’s picture represents lots of planning and attention. Do you have a goal you are working towards? Are you focused on God as you work? Are you committed to the hard work ahead?

This Mindset Monday, allow today’s scripture to guide your focus. Making a plan and focusing your attention is half the battle. Spend some time this morning prioritizing your steps and focusing your attention. Then step into your Monday with the mindset needed to win the day!

“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Today is one of those days that the temperature is predicted to fall as the day progresses. Today is one of those days that reminds me of the changing of seasons and the passage of time. Today is also Spiritual Sunday and as I think of time ticking on, I am reminded of God’s steady presence in my life.

Days like today put me in a mood of reflection. I encourage you to do the same as you worship today. How have you felt God’s presence over time? When did God show off? What situations did God use to strengthen your relationship with Him?

Click here and listen to “God of All My Days” by Casting Crowns. Allow the lyrics to guide your thoughts this Spiritual Sunday and may you be reminded of the ever present God in your life.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭17‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am fascinated with shadows. Often when I am on a walk, I am drawn to the shadows cast on the ground around me. This week, while walking with my walking partner at dusk, the above shadow caught my attention. It seemed like we were enveloped in the shadow of limbs. I was reminded of God’s love that surrounds and encompasses us at all times. What a safe feeling!

On this Faithful Friday, spend some time reflecting on the above scriptures. Allow God to remind you of times when the shadow of the Almighty gave you the strength, courage and protection you needed. Allow the promise of God’s shadow to comfort you and strengthen your faithfulness.

“He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”” Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭MSG‬‬

It’s Water Walking Wednesday! Seven years ago this month, Julie and I began our journey together as bloggers. Even today, saying I am a blogger sounds surreal to me. I always knew I would become a teacher, a wife and a mother. But never did I imagine blogging would become almost second nature to me. In fact, for years Julie even posted for me! I would spend a week writing, email it to her, and she would post.

We began our Water Walkers blog as an assignment in an online class we took about sharing your faith through social media. I remember how nervous and hesitant I was before each post was published. What would people think? Was I doing God’s will? Would anyone read the blog?

Now, writing for the blog has become second nature. God is always faithful to inspire, guide and direct my words. Towards the end of each year God always leads Julie and I in next steps to stretch us and grow our blog. My prayer is that we never forget how it felt to jump out of the boat like Peter. I pray we always listen when Christ directs us to “come ahead.” May we always keep our eyes on Christ instead of “the waves churning” beneath our feet.

How about you? When have you jumped out of the boat and walked on water? Is God calling out to you now, “Come ahead”? Today, may each of us have discernment and courage to jump!

Click here to read my post from 7 years ago!