Today is Transformation Tip Tuesday. This morning, as I showered, I randomly thought about orchids. I had no idea why I suddenly thought about my bridal bouquet having an orchid in the center. The thought seemed so out of the blue. Later as I prayed about what to share with you this morning, I began having doubts and allowed insecurities to creep in. What makes me think I have anything worth sharing with you? What qualifies me to share?

As I sat down in the den to write, I realized Satan was egging on my doubt. To combat Satan and to change my thought pattern, I began searching for scriptures that would give me confidence that God could use me. God reminded me that I am His handiwork!

“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

I looked around my den and my eyes were drawn to this beautiful orchid that is a new addition to our home. Orchids, in all shapes and forms, have always been my favorite flower. One of the reasons orchids are my favorite is because each bloom is so intricate and unique. AHA! That’s why God had brought such a random thought of orchids to my mind early this morning. Even before Satan placed doubt in my mind, God placed a symbol of His love in my thoughts. God made each of us in a unique and special way to be a witness of His love and to be a blessing to others. You and I just need to be open to listen and obey. You and I need to be willing to be transformed to do good works prepared for us. My good works may be different than your good works. We are each unique like the blooms of an orchid.

My tip for you today is to open your mind to ways God is transforming you into His likeness. How is God using you today? Don’t be surprised if He reminds you in something as random as an out of the blue thought.

As we start this Mindset Monday, let’s reflect on Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians on Christian living.

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:17-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Are you being “made new in the attitude of your mind”? Are you putting on your “new self?” Have you let the sun go down on your anger and given the devil a foothold?

Today let’s find ways to use our words to build others up and be helpful. Let’s not grieve the Holy Spirit. Let’s “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave” us.

A wind vane or weather vane is often an architectural ornament but it’s purpose is to show the direction of the wind. Wind vanes are believed to be the earliest instrument used in predicting weather.

Where do you look to find the direction of the wind in your life? On this Spiritual Sunday I challenge you to Google “scripture about wind.” Spend some time reading the various scriptures and meditate on Who the wind often represents in the Bible. Then listen to this song, Fresh Wind by Hillsong Worship. Be prayerfully and intentionally mindful of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life as you move through today. When you feel the gentle breeze of today, may you thank God for all the blessings, guidance and direction you receive. You only need to be open to listen and move with the wind.

We have implemented something New!! Click the video link to join us on Saturdays! Welcome to See You Saturday

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I wanted you to read theses verses above from Paul first. I love how the message version makes it so simple. I encourage you to read it a second time and really meditate on it.

Now look at the photo below by Ray White. I see an overgrown forest with a clear path. I also see how worry and fear can be overgrown around us but with Christ at the center, our path is clear. This doesn’t mean we won’t have road blocks or detours but we know we can let our petitions and praises shape our worries into prayers.

On this Finish Friday is worry the center of your life? Or is Christ at the center? Let’s go into our weekend with a fresh renewing of God’s peace. It is time to clear the forest!

This past Tuesday our twins played their last first soccer game as High School Seniors. It was a joyful night for them as players and us as spectators. From the time they started playing at 4 years old, this verse has always come to mind; “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Psalm‬ ‭96:12‬ ‭NIV‬

On this Thankful Thursday whatever our fields may be, whether it is a job or volunteering or taking care of loved ones, may we all be jubilant. What does Jubilant mean? Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph. The word joy is very similar in that it means a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. When I looked up the difference I found that Jubilant is joy without end. Think about that; joy without end! A life with Jesus isn’t promised to be easy but we do have the blessing of experiencing His joy without end.

On this Thankful Thursday I pray we all experience His Joy without end!!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent. Those that are participating will be fasting from today through Holy Thursday, April 14th. Before Jesus began His ministry, he fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and nights (Matt 4:1-11). Lent is a time we can draw closer to Him through our own fasting and suffering. In Matt 4:4 NIV When being tempted by Satan; “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’””

Although you don’t need to practice Lent to be a Water Walker, I wanted to share with you my experience and how it has helped me grow closer to God. There is an urban legend, that if you walk closely behind your Rabbi that you will be covered in the dust from their sandals. I think about the Sandy beach. No matter what I do, I am covered in sand when I return home. There is sand in my hair and in between my toes. As a Water Walker and a Disciple of Jesus, I want to be covered in dust because I am following Jesus so closely.

I will be fasting fried foods. Fried chicken, french fries, and chips are 3 of my weaknesses. Sundays are a time of celebration and a break from the fast.

Will you be participating in the fast? You are welcome to comment what you will be fasting.