With Gods help I completed the Myrtle Beach Marathon. The transformation process over the last 14 months since I committed to a marathon has been the joy in the journey. I’ve had some set backs during my training but I was determined to finish the race set before me. One of the most popular running scriptures quoted comes from Heb 12:1 NIV;

“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,”

If you read a farther down in verse 3, this is a Marathon verse; “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” It was somewhere around mile 21 that I started to really grow weary and loose heart. I had ran the first 13 miles no problem and began to walk/run at mile 14. One of my walks was with a woman named Allison from NC. I believe God used my time with her to renew my strength and finish my race. She had previously finished the Run for God program just like me. She shared with me the scripture verse written on her hand from Isa 40:31 NIV;

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The time spent with her was a soar on eagle wings movement. Yes I could have shaved time off my marathon by not walking with her, but God was continuing my transformation process with good fellowship. I think that God gives up eagle wings moments to carry us through. ‬‬We never know when we are a soar on eagle wings moment for someone else. On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I encourage us all to keep moving forward with perseverance. Don’t forget what Jesus did on the cross for us. Be intentional with soar on eagle wings moments. Most important, find Joy in the Journey!

In the verses below from Phil 2:5-11‬ ‭NIV we learn what it means to be like Jesus; humble and kind.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”‬‬

Like the picture of the vines growing on the wooden fence, Jesus is the one true vine who lived and died for us on the wooden cross. On this Mindset Monday let’s remember to humble our minds and exalt Jesus on high. Let’s remember to put others before ourselves and to always be kind.

Take a moment to listen to this song Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to have lunch with a dear friend. As I parked near the restaurant, the town clock struck 1:00. It was still windy and growing colder from the morning storm that had rolled in. As I looked up at the clock, it drew my attention to the angry clouds. It was the perfect day to have a hot meal and warm the soul with good conversation. I was reminded earlier this week how short life is. These verses from Ecclesiastes chapter 3 come to mind.

1 – 8 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace”.

We must always remember to be intentional with our time. God has given us a gift to enjoy life. In verse 13; “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Even in the trials God gives us glimpses of joy to carry us onto the next season of our lives. On this Spiritual Sunday I encourage us all to take time for conversation, hug the ones we love, seek forgiveness, and find true soul rest.

Welcome to See You Saturday!!

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Today is Finish Friday. What does your day hold?Do you know for sure what ups and downs you will face? I feel sure you really don’t know the answers to those questions. Just like the path to the end of this dock, our day may appear to be clearly laid out. However, we may meet an uneven board that causes us to stumble. In this picture taken when it was snowing, we are unable to see beyond the covered portion of the boardwalk. Is that the end of the dock or is this more boardwalk on the other side? Are there houses, trees, or both beyond the dock? Beyond the dock is unclear. For us, beyond our next step is also unclear.

Today as you finish your work week I will share a prayer from Paul to the Philippians.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

May each of us view the day ahead through the lens of love. May we compare our obstacles to our Christ. And may we give all praise and glory to God.

For each day, February 1-14, I placed on the door inside my children’s bedroom, a heart with words of affirmation written on it. A few of the hearts had general affirmations but most were specific and unique to each child. Brainstorming the list and planning this project proved to have a positive affect on me too. I became acutely aware of the power of affirmations. Last night I was the recipient of positive affirmations and it made all the difference in my evening.

After a long day at work and then a weekly service project at church, I went into Walmart for a few necessities. Needless to say, my mood was not that great that I was going into Walmart so late because I know Walmart trips can sometimes become much longer than intended. I was tired, hungry, and ready to get home. I quickly moved through the store and had most of the items I needed but I still had to go to the pharmacy side of the store. As I moved across the back of the store and turned to move towards the pharmacy, a young Walmart associate spoke, “Hey! How are you?” I answered like I usually do in passing conversations, “I am doing well. How are you?” We both kept moving in the same direction as he answered me, “I will be much better when I get off work.” His response encouraged me to continue to engage with him as we both walked towards our destinations. “What time do you get off work?” I asked. “Not until 10”, he answered. We continued our conversation swapping stories of how late he stays up versus how early I wake up. As we walked, we passed a mom and a first grader from the school where I work. They both spoke and just as we were almost out of their sight I said to the boy, “See you tomorrow Buddy!” The young man immediately said, “You must be a teacher!” The mother responded, “She is!” The young associate’s demeanor completely brightened. He began to compliment me and thank me for being a teacher. He went on and on with words of affirmation and encouragement as he shared the impact teachers have had on his life. As we parted ways, we both had a more positive attitude. I finished my shopping and reflected on the impact of his gracious words.

Today is Thankful Thursday. Spend some time today thinking about the words you use and the words you hear. Today, thank others who have influenced you with their words. How can you use your words to impact others today? I am so thankful for those who encourage and lift me up with their words. In turn, I pray I can also use my words to positively affect others.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I almost fell into the trap. Yesterday, as I scrolled through Facebook, I stopped on pictures someone had posted of all the home improvements she had recently completed. The pictures looked like a shot from an HGTV show. As I read the comments of praise for her creativity and work, I began to feel bad about my lack of such. I began to brainstorm a list of projects I should do to spruce up my house. I began to feel bad that I am not more talented.

Thankfully before I went too far down into the rabbit hole of comparison, the memories of scripture caught me.

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Here is the Message version of the same scripture.

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4-5‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Thank you God for bringing to mind this scripture! If I had continued down the path of comparison, not only would I feel bad about myself but I may have then been jealous.

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This Water Walking Wednesday, instead of falling into the trap of comparison, let’s be content.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s focus on our blessings and be thankful for our gifts. Let’s start our day by listening to You Say by Lauren Daigle. Let’s believe God at His word about us!