Five years ago our Waterwalkers blog began. Five years ago, Julie and I mustered up enough courage to step out of our boats and walk on water. God has blessed us immeasurably in our obedience and will do the same for you. In what area of your life is God calling you to step out in faith? Is God asking you to leave your comfort zone and stretch? Today listen to this older song by Casting Crowns, “The Voice of Truth.” Listen and be open to hear God’s individual message for you. Listen to God’s voice calling you. God has work that only you can do. Listen, trust and take that first step.

In today’s scripture Peter encourages us in our spiritual growth. Are you making “every effort to add to your faith?” How does that look in your life? Are you growing? Today’s picture is of one of my tomato plants. In order for it to grow and produce fruit I must be sure I nurture it with enough sun, water and nutrient rich soil every day. Today’s transformation tip is to nurture your spiritual growth. Create or sustain a daily habit/routine of reading God’s word, meditating and praying. Perhaps journal your prayers or make notes of inspiration or encouragement God reveals to you. A daily devotion routine will nurture your spiritual growth and “add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

Today is #spiritualsunday. Just as in the picture, we cannot see what is ahead on our individual journey. However, by spending time in the presence of the Lord we may know better what lies ahead on our path and will be filled with joy to spread along the way. Today as you worship, revel in the presence of God. Use your time of worship to renew your joy as we begin a new week on our path.

To color inside the lines takes a slow and steady hand. It takes thought and preparation of what colors to use. As I sat down for my evening cup of coffee last night I colored in this butterfly. I reflected on this past week. I thought about the areas I may have fallen short as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend. I thought about the times I excelled and checked every item off the to do list. This week we had our final soccer game for our son. Our twins will go to their first Spring Fling on Saturday. Our daughter goes to her first soccer playoff game on Monday. As my emotions are high, there are days I want to stop time and days I just want to rush through another busy week so I can get on to something better. No matter what each of us have going on in our lives this week, I encourage us all to finish strong. God has already gone before us in every task, milestone, and relationship. Let’s grab our cup of coffee and be eager to start our day and finish another Friday strong. Let’s not worry about coloring inside the lines. Life is messy, yet beautiful. Let’s be thankful for the grace that God extends to each of us, regardless of the mess.

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Every day should be Thankful Thursday. Often we we allow our surroundings and circumstances to bring us down. This morning as I am making my list of gratitudes I am blessed to be able to sit in God’s courts. I have entered my devotion area with praise. Three of my senses are overwhelmed with the sound of the birds chirping, the smell of the flowers blooming, and the sight of the moon on this crisp morning.

My list of 5 gratitudes

1. The sound of birds chirping

2. A warm cup of black coffee

3. We had a 2020-2021 soccer season

4. Getting ready for Junior Spring Fling

5. My flowers are blooming

What are your 5 gratitudes? I encourage you to use your 5 senses when making your list; skin, nose, ear, eye, and tongue. I pray we all have an attitude of gratitude as we go about our day.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm‬ ‭100:4‬ ‭NIV‬

Deborah and I called our blog Water Walkers because we want to have bold faith, step out of our boat, and walk on water with Jesus. Will we be like David and tell our Lord that we desire to do His will?

I like the message version. He says; “I’m coming to the party you’re throwing me”. life May not always be a party. There are many times we’d rather stay in the comfort of our boat. I encourage each of us to boldly pray;

Lord, I surrender my will today. I desire to do your will. Equip me to step out of my boat. When you call my name, I want to walk on water for your glory.

“So I answered, “I’m coming. I read in your letter what you wrote about me, And I’m coming to the party you’re throwing for me.” That’s when God’s Word entered my life, became part of my very being.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭40:7-8‬ ‭MSG‬‬