““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday I had the opportunity to accompany my husband as he attended a conference for his work. While he was in meetings I took advantage of some time alone to rest and rejuvenate. The last few weeks have been jam packed with activities with some extra stresses added in to the mix. The strain of the busy-ness has left me feeling drained and depleted. A day away was just what I needed.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I am reminded of a Mark Batterson quote;

“Change of pace + change of place=change of perspective”.

When at the beach I usually choose to have my toes in the sand. However yesterday I chose to sit on the covered veranda at the hotel. The above pictures show two different places I enjoyed sitting. As the ocean breeze blew, the sound of the crashing waves coupled with the smell of salt slowly eased the tensions of the past weeks. I spent my alone time praying and talking with God about all the things on my mind and allowed God to change my perspective. The few hours on the veranda reminded me of how important it is for each of us to be intentional with changing our pace and place sometimes so that God can mold our perspective.

In honor of transformation tips Tuesday I encourage you to plan a time apart with God and in a different location. You may not be able to go to the beach but perhaps sit on a porch, in the yard, or even in a different place than your usual devotion spot. Just making a few adjustments may give you a different view. Allow God to mold your thoughts and change your perspective.

“She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, “You’re the God who sees me! “Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!”” Genesis‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭MSG‬‬

What do you see when you look out your window? What is in your line of vision? Yesterday, I saw this tree outside my car window and I was intrigued. Look at all of the crooks and turns in the limbs. I wonder what caused the limbs to change direction? I wonder what helped to shape the tree.

Today’s scripture is about Hagar. If you are unfamiliar with her story, take a moment to read Genesis 16 and read it through Hagar’s eyes. Think of how she must have felt. Think of how her life suddenly and drastically changed direction.

Just like Hagar and even like the pictured tree, we may have a change in direction that may or may not be our choice. Like Hagar, our life may take unexpected turns that leaves us feeling lost and deserted. However, we have a God who sees us when the world throws us for a loop.

On this Mindset Monday may each of us focus on the God that sees us. Take some time to listen to the song, “The God Who Sees” by Nicole Mullen. Click here and listen to all the examples in the Bible of God “seeing” the ones whose lives took unexpected turns that left them feeling alone. As you go about your day, notice how God sees you when the world forces a turn in your direction. Look for God around the bend!

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How was your last week? Was it smooth sailing or was it rough and choppy? Do you have a clear vision for your week ahead or do you feel off kilter and out of focus like today’s picture?

Today is Spiritual Sunday. I encourage you not only to go to worship but to also be an active participant. Start right now by reflecting on today’s featured scriptures. Believe these promises and tuck them away in your heart so that when you face hard pressed and crushing moments you will not lose heart or focus. Let’s use the crushing to remind us that God is building inside of us to prepare us for eternal glory. Let’s allow God to use our momentary troubles to prepare us to be His vessel. Let’s not focus on the blurry vision ahead of us, but on what is unseen.

Click here and listen to the song “New Wine” by Hillsong Worship to begin your Spiritual Sunday. Listen to the words and allow God to speak to you about the hard and pressing moments you have experienced. Let God whisper in your ear words of love and strength. You are a vessel of God and you are heading for eternal glory.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23-27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A few weeks ago while returning to my friend’s house after an evening walk, we happened upon the insect in the picture. I am not an entomologist so I am not sure of the correct name for this insect. In my opinion it’s a huge grasshopper and I usually try to avoid them. However, I was stopped in my tracks at the sight and had to snap this picture. As I look closely at the image, I am intrigued by the details God has given to such a creature. Isn’t God amazing?

Often in life, we rush from one task to another and we lose our focus on God. When we lose our focus we also lose our perspective. Today’s verses reminds us to stay focused. Now read The Message version of the same verses.

“Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23-27‬ ‭MSG‬‬

On this Focus Friday morning, let’s slow down and check our gaze. Are we looking straight ahead? Are we looking for God’s guidance and blessings as we travel throughout our day or are we focused on “sideshow distractions?” Today let’s keep our eyes straight ahead and when we do find ourselves distracted, may each of us look for signs of God. After all, God made grasshoppers and painted them with beautiful hues. Think of how much more careful attention to detail God had when he created you and I!

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I wonder what this person is thinking. I wonder if this person is pondering or reflecting about situations that only involves self or more focused on others. Where would your thoughts carry you if you were on this beach scene?

On this Thoughtful Thursday, let’s focus on the Golden Rule. Let’s reflect on our daily routines and ponder ways we can treat others the ways we like to be treated. Let’s be intentionally thoughtful in the ways we speak and treat others.

Are there areas in your daily life where you may not be following the “Golden Rule? Are there people that you need to treat more like you want to be treated? Allow God to guide your thoughts and actions today as you strive to act and react more like Christ.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday I shared this same scripture and talked about the cloud of witnesses that surrounds us. Today, I want to focus on “the sin that so easily entangles us.”

We all sin. We are human so it is inevitable. If you are like me you have that one thing that is always an area of failure. Although I know better and God convicts me over and over, I still trip and fall. Today’s photo captured by Ray White is an example of how humans have to have warnings and lessons repeated over and over.

How about you? Do you have that one issue that you always revert back to and fall into the trap of sin? Do you have sin that entangles you?

On this Water Walking Wednesday, my prayer for you and I is that we step out of the boat and lay that sin down once and for all. May we let go and let God have that one area of our life that we keep holding on to or picking back up. May we heed the warning signs that are flashing before us once and for all.

Click here and listen to Lauren Daigle‘s song titled “Once and For All.” May God give you and me the strength and courage to lay that one area down, once and for all.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Notice the various cloud formations in the two pictures above. The pictures were captured about the same time but one view was straight in front of me while the other view was to my left. I was intrigued by the various formations so I did some research. Did you know that the temperature of the air around the clouds affects their shape. Click here to read some more detailed facts about cloud formations.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I encourage you to reflect on your environment and how it affects you. Who and what do you choose to surround you? Do you rely on a cloud of witnesses to guide, direct, and shape you? Then ponder how you are included in a cloud of witnesses and are an influence on others. You have been given the opportunity to help transform those around you. How are you using your opportunity? Are you being a Christian influence?

Click here and listen to this old but goodie song from Mark Shultz called “Cloud of Witnesses”. Allow the words of today’s scripture and song to be a reminder that we are shaped by the cloud of witnesses that surrounds us and we are included in that cloud to influence others. May each of us realize the magnitude of this charge and may it transform our words and actions.