Last Tuesday Julie encouraged us to begin looking back and begin the process of reflecting as well as planning. As she shared, she and I began choosing a word of the year in 2017. That year my word was joy and John 17:13 was the key scripture that helped to guide my selection of the word. My dear friend Dorothy brought me this ornament as a visual reminder of my word of the year and I kept it on my chair side table all year. I was striving to “have the full measure of” His joy within me. As I wrote in the blog in December 2016, often the word I choose as my word of the year is also the area Satan chooses to test me. That means, whatever word we choose for 2022, we need to be intentional about our focus and be alert.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

For Transformation Tip Tuesday, I am also encouraging you to be reflective over the last year and to also look ahead and plan for 2022. Are you going to choose a word as your focus for the new year? Has God given you a new purpose or ministry to nurture? Are you ready to be intentional in God’s direction for you?

Julie and I will continue to share our past words of the year and perhaps you will connect with one of them. If you choose a word for 2022 we would love to hear from you so we may spur one another on in our growth journey.

What is your first thought when you see the ground covered with leaves? Do you dread the thought of needing to rake them up or do you see the beauty at your feet? Does a pile of leaves remind you of work or does it conjure up childhood memories of the fun of jumping in a mountain of leaves?

Each of us has had different experiences to shape our perspectives, but as Christians we all share the Holy Spirit. You and I both have the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our thoughts and perspectives.

On this Mindset Monday I encourage you to read Romans 8:1-17. As you read, examine the perspective and mindset you have as you head into your day. Are you looking at your environment through your human eyes or the lens of Christ? Do you see problems before you or opportunities to minister? Do you see dry, cracked leaves at your feet or beautiful jewel colored carpet?

Ray White practiced much patience and perseverance to capture this beautiful image. I love butterflies because they epitomize transformation. This beautiful butterfly was once a caterpillar. Once this life form crawled on the ground and now it flies in the sky and has a new perspective.

Each time we gather to worship, we too have the opportunity to be “transformed into His image.”As Christians, you and I have the opportunity to be more like Christ! We too, can have our perspectives changed, if we are willing to yield to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Are you growing in your faith? Are you open to being transformed and changing? Do you need to submit to the Holy Spirit so you can fly high?

As you start this Spiritual Sunday, I encourage you to read 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. Are your eyes veiled or unveiled? Are you “being transformed into His image”?

May each of us enter worship this Spiritual Sunday with unveiled eyes, open to being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. May we each become beautiful butterflies who fly high.

I have good news for us all on this Finish Friday. We don’t have to rely on our own strength. We can look to the Lord and seek His strength. How do we seek His strength and face always? This means in the good, the bad, and the ugly too. Gratitude and praise as we reach up and look towards the heavens.

In this song, Gratitude by Brandon Lake he sings; “You’ve got a lion in those lungs, get up and praise the Lord”. When we feel like a lamb, remember that with God’s strength we are like roaring lions. He is our great shepherd leading us and never leaving us.

Whatever is ahead of us today, let’s whisper a breathe prayer and ask God to go before us. Ask Him to cover us in His grace and favor. Before we take the next breathe boldly say, “Get behind thee Satan”. As we inhale and exhale throughout our day, remember to sing His praises.

I am so thankful for those that have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. It is similar to the sacrificial love we experience with God and one of His greatest commandments; “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John‬ ‭15:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I encourage us all to be intentional with the love we extend to others. Lets look for opportunities to share God’s love today. Please feel free to comment and share with us the Veterans in your life.

Yesterday I had to get through something that I had been anxious about. The weeks leading up I spent a lot of time in prayer. I also had a community of family and friends praying with me. When the moment finally arrived, I played some Christian songs to help my anxiousness. The song that spoke to me was “Prince of Peace” by Hillsong. Seven simple words were the calm in the storm I had built up in my mind; “And in your light I found rest”.

His word is truly the light that guides us. Even when life seems chaotic and uncertain; “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When anxiousness steels our rest, we can take a walk with God; “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm‬ ‭23:1-4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On this Water Walking Wednesday is there something you are anxious about? Friends, God is always walking with us. When he calls us out beyond our comfort zones. When He calls us to be brave in anxious circumstances. When we walk with God we allow Him to be the protector of our hearts and minds; “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians‬ ‭4:7‬NIV

I encourage us all to worship in song and may we all take a walk with the Prince of Peace today; Prince of Peace by Hillsong United

We have 53 days till the new year. Every year Deborah and I pick a word of the year. I have been practicing this since 2017. I usually select a mantra to continually reflect on throughout the year as well. Over the next couple months we will reflect on those words. It is so important to journal and write down key verses, blessings, disappointments, and especially your word of the year. Looking back and reflecting on previous years as I am making visions for the new year is one of my favorite things to do.

In 2017 my word was flexibility because I struggled with joy. If my to do list didn’t get done or if plans changed I would get so upset. I made a mantra that would help me remember to be flexible. It was to “Dance through life, seek joy in His presence”. The Scripture this came from was from Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

I chose to reflect on this in my Transformation Tips Tuesday devotion because I think Deborah and I can both say our words transform us. As we start to reflect and make visions, I encourage you to listen to this song; “Make Room” by Community Music In the lyrics they sing, “Make room for you to do whatever you want to do”. Will we choose to make room for God today and tomorrow as we surrender our plans over to God?