Some of you know that I have been at home having to quarantine. My son tested positive for covid right after Christmas. Eventually the other 3 of us were sick at some time or another. This was not how I planned to end my winter break. Thankfully, our symptoms were relatively mild. Nonetheless, I remained at home for 2 weeks and today I get to go back to work!

This Thankful Thursday I am counting my blessings. I am thankful we are all healthy and back to “normal”. I am thankful for my job and that today I am able to return to work. Despite the circumstances, I am thankful for the opportunity to remain at home. During my time at home I was able to make the most of my time by accomplishing some tasks on my ongoing to-do list as I cared for my family. I even read 2 books which is usually a luxury that I am only able to partake in when out of school for the summer. Needless to say, my time at home was an unexpected and unplanned time of rejuvenation and for that I thank God.

How about you? Have you recently found yourself at work on tasks different than you planned? No matter where we find ourselves, there is work we can do for the glory of God. For that, let us give thanks!

Have you ever thought about what the weather was like the day Jesus and Peter walked on water? Was the wind blowing or was the water smooth as glass like in this photo by Ray White? Was it cloudy, rainy, or was it a clear evening. Was it perfect water walking conditions? What are the perfect water walking conditions?

Today is Water Walking Wednesday. The name of our blog is Water Walkers. Our hashtag is #waterwalkinggirls. Does that mean Julie and I have mastered “walking on water”? NOT AT ALL.

Julie and I have prayerfully chosen all the different parts about our blog over time. Whether intentionally or not on our part, we each have always pushed the other to step out of our comfort zone and “walk on water.” Our blog is a way to share our journey with you.

I realize that I often think the conditions were perfect when I have been brave enough to walk on water. In reality, the environment was usually less than perfect. In fact, that’s part of walking on water…stepping outside of the boat, or your comfort zone, despite the conditions around you.

What is God calling you to today? What is your Creator asking you to do? When you look out of the window, are the conditions calm or stormy? Either way, I pray you will remember the faith of your forefathers and step out in faith, despite the weather around you.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s picture is not beautiful or polished but it is real life. Look closely at the middle of the picture. Can you tell what it is? Yep! It’s my contact stuck to the bathroom drawer.

One morning, while getting ready for work, I dropped my contact. I looked for it directly below me, in the sink, and on the floor to no avail. Since I didn’t have my contact in my eye, my vision was blurred, so after a few minutes of searching I gave up and opened a new pair of contacts. The next morning while getting ready for work I noticed the lost contact when I reached for the drawer handle. Needless to say, by the time I found the contact, it was dried out and unusable.

As we go through our lives, we sometimes wander and get lost. Even as Christians, we may slowly stray further and further from walking our path with Christ at our side. Unlike my contact, it is never too late for you and I. We are never too lost to be found.

This Transformation Tip Tuesday I encourage you to prayerfully consider writing down and/or memorizing a scripture that can be your go-to scripture in times you feel lost. Below are a few to get you thinking.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And my prayer for you:

“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

What do others see when they look at you? Do they see Christ? In today’s picture captured by Ray White, the water displays a beautiful reflection of the trees. What or who are you reflecting?

Yesterday many of us spent time in corporate worship with our church family. During that time we sang, read scripture, and listened to the word of God. Hopefully, our worship experience rejuvenated us and prepared us for the week ahead.

Today, on Mindset Monday, it is our opportunity to begin our week reflecting Christ. To do that we must stay connected with Christ and have the courage to show others what we know to be true about our Savior.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So today, I challenge you to prayerfully seek and reflect the mindset of Christ. When you face difficulty or opposition may you have courage, love and self-discipline.

Dear Heavenly Father, As we begin this work week, help us to draw strength and courage from what we have learned from You. Help us to follow the example Christ gives and reflect Him in our actions and reactions. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

What does Sabbath mean to you? Does it mean the day you go to church? Or does Sabbath mean more?

On this Spiritual Sunday I encourage you to spend some time delving into the Biblical meaning of Sabbath. Did you realize or remember that observing the Sabbath is included in the Ten Commandments? After you have read about Sabbath, spend some time reflecting on how your view of Sabbath is being challenged. Is God encouraging you to change your views or strengthen your observance of Sabbath? What do you do on your Sabbath to rest, rejuvenate, and draw close to God? Share below some of your Sabbath practices.

Happy New Year’s Eve! Today is the last Finish Friday of the year and the last day of 2021. Let’s finish strong!

Over the last few weeks Julie and I have shared the words God laid on our hearts to shape our last few years. Just to recap, my past words of the year have been joy, hospitality, intention, impact and transform. After much prayer, the word God has given me for 2022 is SIMPLE.

Simple: adjective (1) easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty (2) plain, basic, or uncomplicated in form, nature, or design without much decoration or ornamentation

Recently, God has laid on my heart the need for simplicity in many areas of life and the beauty of keeping life simple.

The scripture that is guiding my word of the year is Matthew 5:16 because I think sometimes I overcomplicate my daily Christian walk when it really is very simple. Read the verse with its surrounding verses.

““You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In keeping with my word, I think sharing my faith is also simple; be a light. Therefore, my mantra for 2022 is “BE A LIGHT.”

I took today’s picture a week ago on Christmas Eve when myself and some neighbors placed luminaries to line the loop we live on. The lights weren’t glamorous or extravagant. The lights were simple: a bag, some sand, and a candle. Yet the street looked peaceful and serene. Simple.

Has God given you a word to shape 2022? Is there a phrase or mantra that keeps coming to mind? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or send us a message so we can share this journey together!

To close today, listen to this song from 2020 Be A Light as you prayerfully consider what word or mantra God is laying on your heart for 2022. For me it is SIMPLE.

Take a moment to look at these lights from Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens. This particular area of the garden was like walking in a forest of lights. As I stood in the middle of the lights and looked up, I felt warm and safe being surrounded by the many strands. Being in the lights reminded me of the wonderful friends that surround me and for that I am so thankful.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I have friends from many different parts of my life; church, baseball, college, work, etc. Each group of friends has different dynamics but they have one thing in common; their love and support of me. Each group of friends encourages me and stretches me to be even better.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Thankful Thursday, I encourage you to imagine you are walking through the forest of lights. Stop and look up. Marvel at the lights that surround you. Pause here a moment and ponder what friends you have that are also surrounding you. Do you have various groups of friends? Or do you have one faithful friend who is by your side? Take time today to praise God and give thanks for your friends. take time today to express your love and thankfulness to your friends. Make a phone call, send a text or write a note expressing your appreciation. Today is the last Thankful Thursday of 2021. Go show some thankfulness!