“Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.” Numbers‬ ‭15:40‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Last weekend we had the joy of visiting our son, Trevor at Clemson. On one of the days there, we went to the Botanical Gardens. I never knew that succulents could grow through the dirt in rock. This beautiful rock wall pictured here had many beautifully, thriving succulents. Not surprised in that succulents are a very easy plant to take care of. As long as you are mindful to water them when the soil gets dry, they will grow and multiply.

How about our daily Christian walk? Are we mindful to nuture our faith so that we can grow and multiply? Are we mindful of following the commandments so that we can be consecrated to God? Do we listen or ignore the nudges from the Holy Spirit?

My sister sent me a quote this past week from Oswald Chambers; “Never disregard a conviction that the Holy Spirit brings to you. If it is important enough for the Spirit of God to bring it to your mind, it is the very thing He is detecting on you. You were looking for some big thing to give up, while God is telling you of some tiny thing must go.”

I am calling today “Mindful Monday”. Let’s give God our full attention so that we are conscious of every moment. I encourage you to listen to the song, Let My Life be Worship by Jenn Johnson.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s fine, I’m fine…. Everything is fine.

When people ask how we are doing, we often respond with a short reply like, I am fine. Whether we are feeling joyful, sad, or overwhelmed, rarely do we reply in reflection of our true feelings. In honesty, there are days I would like a shirt that reads; It’s fine, I’m fine, everything is fine. Let me ask, how are you? I encourage you to respond by going to God in prayer, with a true reflection of your feelings.

I am changing today to “Suit up Sunday”. As we go to our places of worship, let’s suit up in God’s word. In the late middle ages, a suit of armor consisted of bronze, iron, or steel plates. I want us to see our reflection as a child of God suited up in full armor. We can start our week with an, “I’m ready” versus “I’m fine”.

I encourage you to get filled up with song, Who I Am by Ben Fuller. Some of the lyrics sing, “I’m a child of the most high God and the most high God’s for me.” Will you be ready for your week, knowing that the most high God is for you?

Click here to watch today’s “See You Saturday” video as I talk about God showing off! Like, subscribe, and share the video to help grow WaterWalkers.

Click here to listen to the song “Fighting For Me”.

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians‬ ‭3:16-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s make today “Fill Up Friday” and instead of just making it through the day, let’s use it as a day to go to our source of strength and fill up so we can finish the week strong. The picture is a sign found on a gas pump. As you can read, it is not a usual pump, but a prepay pump. Apparently, the sign has been removed at some point and customers were unable to buy gas. I imagine that would be very frustrating.

Sometimes I find myself turning to the wrong sources to fill me up. When I turn to earthly glory, praise, or satisfaction to fill me up, I eventually become frustrated when it doesn’t last. What about you? What other sources do you turn to fill you up?

Today let’s turn to Jesus, our ultimate source, to fill up. After all, He has prepaid the ultimate price of love for you and I. May each of us fully acknowledge His sacrifice of love and allow the deep and wide love of Christ to fill us up to the “full measure of God,”

As you begin to fill up this morning, Click here to listen to “Fill My Cup Lord” by Andrew Ripp.

“This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do you tremble at the presence of God? Are you in awe of the masterpieces God creates? Do you marvel at the daily miracles God performs?

Today is Thankful Thursday and I encourage you to be cognizant of God’s presence around you. Today’s picture was taken Monday evening. If you recall from Tuesday’s post, I had spent Monday being still and in prayer on the veranda of the hotel at the beach. I had a relaxing and God focused afternoon. Afterwards I headed out to Walmart to buy a few things and then to grab a bite to eat. As usual, I was on the go from one place to the other. As I got out at the restaurant I was stopped in my tracks when my eyes were drawn to the sky. I was in awe of the beauty and artistry before me. I immediately praised God and proceeded to take out my phone and capture today’s picture. As I reflected, I realized that so often I rush through life without an awareness of the beauty around me. Monday I was more in tune but I should always tremble at the feet of God. Read the Message version of today’s scripture.

“God’s Message: “Heaven’s my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me? What holiday spot reserve for me? I made all this! I own all this!” God’s Decree. “But there is something I’m looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

God is looking for us to have a reverent response. God is looking for us to tremble with awe and thanksgiving.

On this Thankful Thursday let’s be aware and in awe. Let’s tremble at the glory and majesty of our Lord. Click here and listen to the song “Tremble” by Lauren Daigle. May the song play on repeat in our minds today as we freely give God praise and Glory at His presence around us.

“Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.””
‭‭John‬ ‭20:29‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Yesterday morning I left Myrtle Beach and headed to work on a path I wasn’t very familiar with, so I entered my destination into my gps for directions. As I traveled in the dark, I followed the voice of Siri as she directed my path. When I was nearly at work it occurred to me that I had complete trust that the gps would lead me the right direction. Wow! What blind faith and trust I had put in my cell phone. I began to feel convicted as I realized I don’t always put that much blind faith and trust in my Lord and Savior.

On this Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to examine your faith. Do you trust and obey blindly? Do you ask God for proof or answers before stepping out in faith? Walking on water requires faith, trust, and obedience. Examine yourself and your faith journey. Are you allowing God to lead you with no questions asked?

““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:8-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday I had the opportunity to accompany my husband as he attended a conference for his work. While he was in meetings I took advantage of some time alone to rest and rejuvenate. The last few weeks have been jam packed with activities with some extra stresses added in to the mix. The strain of the busy-ness has left me feeling drained and depleted. A day away was just what I needed.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I am reminded of a Mark Batterson quote;

“Change of pace + change of place=change of perspective”.

When at the beach I usually choose to have my toes in the sand. However yesterday I chose to sit on the covered veranda at the hotel. The above pictures show two different places I enjoyed sitting. As the ocean breeze blew, the sound of the crashing waves coupled with the smell of salt slowly eased the tensions of the past weeks. I spent my alone time praying and talking with God about all the things on my mind and allowed God to change my perspective. The few hours on the veranda reminded me of how important it is for each of us to be intentional with changing our pace and place sometimes so that God can mold our perspective.

In honor of transformation tips Tuesday I encourage you to plan a time apart with God and in a different location. You may not be able to go to the beach but perhaps sit on a porch, in the yard, or even in a different place than your usual devotion spot. Just making a few adjustments may give you a different view. Allow God to mold your thoughts and change your perspective.