‭‭Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

We all have the opportunity to cry out to God. In turn, we know from Romans 8:26-27, God sees and hears each of us even when we don’t know what to say. This week we are sharing on getting unstuck. 

It is said that comparison is a thief to joy. It is easy to get stuck in comparing our lives with others. The truth is that God made each of us unique. He also gave us free will which includes freedom over our thoughts. Are you feeling stuck? I pray that you can find joy and peace through the scripture verses below. 

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV — For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭MSG — 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.‬‬

How will you use your God opportunities to move forward? God wants to pull you out of feeling stuck. God wants you to trust Him. He loves you. He sees you. He hears you. He wants you to experience the peace and joy that only He can offer. 

Let’s pray David’s prayer through Psalm 86.

@biblegateway @youversion

We hope you will continue to join us daily to read and hear God’s word. You can subscribe to our daily blog at waterwalkers29.com.

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God’s Word is for everyone! This week we will share on getting unstuck. Today, join us in meditating on God’s word. Below are the scriptures that will be featured in this week’s message. 

Psalm 40:1-3

Romans 8:26-27

Psalm 139:13

2 Corinthians 10:5

Galations 6:4-5

Matthew 14:29

Luke 10:38-40

Numbers 13:30

Luke 22:42

Let’s pray David’s prayer through Psalm 86.

@biblegateway @youversion

We hope you will join us daily to read and hear God’s word. You can subscribe to our daily blog at waterwalkers29.com.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭86‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Everyone was created for worship! This week we will share on getting unstuck. We hope you will join us daily to read and hear God’s word. You can subscribe to our daily blog at waterwalkers29.com.

Today, join us in worshiping with What a God by SEU Worship. The lyrics sing, “If the highest place I reached is at Your feet, then I’ve done it all. If the best thing that I’ve seen is Your glory, then I’ve seen it all. Your love has saved my life. Forever satisfied. God, You are my everything.”

Let’s pray David’s prayer through Psalm 86.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV — Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

How has your thinking been stretched or impacted as we have shared this week some of our views on meal planning? Does the thought of planning meals ahead seem overwhelming to you? As with any decision, prior to making any decisions, we encourage you to pray and surrender your plans to God. Allow God to guide and direct your next steps. After all, He is the master of creating the most spectacular banquet table. Are you a regular guest at His table? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Visit our Steps To Peace page on our Water Walkers site to learn more about how to invite Christ into your life.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, I surrender to You my habits for meal planning. I trust that You will lead the way. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Make sure to check out our recipe page, At The Table.

‭‭Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Jesus said, I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Last week we shared about the habit of exercise. This week we are sharing some of our food habits. A habit is a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior.

Even in our food habits, there are opportunities to remain in God and bear fruit. By preparing meals for family and friends, we are building healthy relationships. By packing lunches for kids in need, we are serving our community. By sharing recipes with Water Walkers, we are creating a legacy. By coming to God’s table, we are remaining in God. 

As I’ve gotten older, I have been more focused on looking at food as a way to fuel my body. As a result I have incorporated healthier meals. We all know it is generally more expensive to eat healthy. Like Deborah creating her shopping list based on what she has in her pantry, I try to plan meals that use some of the same ingredients within a week. I also like to use leftovers to make a second meal. For instance I will use leftovers from tacos to make stuffed peppers another night.

What is your habit for meal planning? Do you consider food nourishment to fuel your body for God’s glory? Let’s take a moment to sit and remain in God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I commit to You my habit of meal planning. Guide and direct my thoughts and actions so that I may glorify You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Make sure to check out our recipe page, At The Table.

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Last week Deborah and I shared about the habit of exercise. This week we are sharing some of our food habits. A habit is a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior.

While Deborah plans two weeks of meals at a time, I tend to plan four meals at a time. Recently I’ve been more focused on being consistent with the time of day that we eat. Our daughter, Kendal, works nights as a nurse. We have been eating between 5:30 to 6:00pm so that Kendal can eat dinner with us and be fueled for work. There is nothing like family time at the table. When our son, Trevor is home from college we especially enjoy meals together around the table.

I have recently discovered sheet pan meals as an easy way to cook efficiently. The idea is that you have meat, a variety of veggies, and diced potatoes. We have enjoyed doing chicken, veggies, and russet potatoes diced up on two sheet pans with olive oil and seasoning. We have also enjoyed doing steak, veggies, and sweet potatoes diced up with olive oil and seasoning. Generally these cook at 400-425 for 45 minutes to an hour. 

What is your habit for meal planning? Do you consider food nourishment to fuel your body for God’s glory? Let’s pause, taste and see that God is good. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I commit to You my habit of meal planning. Guide and direct my thoughts and actions so that I may glorify You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Make sure to check out our recipe page, At The Table.

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

Romans 12:1-2 NIV — Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Last week Julie and I shared about the habit of exercise. This week we are sharing some of our food habits. A habit is a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior.

We live in a fast paced world filled with many options when it comes to food. The world pulls us to embrace fatty, processed foods. Yesterday I shared that I am in the habit of planning meals a week at a time. Today I challenge you to not conform to the world, but to step out of your comfort zone and meal plan. Here is what I do:

1. “Shop” my pantry — I take an inventory of what I have in my pantry, fridge, and freezer that could be used for next week’s meals.
2. Make a list of the dates/days for the next two week period.
3. Look at my calendar and note on the meal plan any days you know you may be eating out or ordering carry out. For example, I do not cook on Fridays. That rule was established early in our marriage and is a story for another day. Also, note any days you may have a late day at work or an evening activity so that your food prep for those days is minimal.
4. Begin filling in meals by each day. I have a note pad with me to make a grocery list as I add meals to the plan. 
5. Grocery shop. Since my husband appreciates the money we save with meal planning, grocery shopping has become a shared experience with us. Every two weeks we have an outing together to shop at Aldi and sometimes we also go to Sam’s Club.
6. Sometimes the hardest part of my meal planning is deciding what to cook. Therefore, I use a notebook to record my meal plans so I can look back at meals we have had and enjoyed. I also have taken the time to make a list of all the recipes I tend to use. As a result, I have a bank of ideas to refer to if needed.

The habit of meal planning takes time and effort. Are you willing to step out of your boat of comfort and take the risk of walking on water to meal plan? Email us at waterwalkers29@gmail.com if you would like more information or if you have questions.

Let’s pray. Dear God, guide and direct my thoughts as I plan meals for my family. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Make sure to check out our recipe page, At The Table.