Today we are celebrating Independence Day for the USA. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. Many seasons have come and gone since then. In verse 5 from Ecclesiastes we see that there is a time for war and a time for peace. We must also honor and remember those that have fought and continue to fight for that peace and our freedom.

On this Mindset Monday I want to look at Verse 5. There is a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them. Each of us are in different or similar seasons in our lives. We are all moving different or similar stones. When you look at this beautiful image from our friend Ray, what stones do you see? Maybe for you the stones have been gathered for love and celebration. Maybe they have been scattered from grief and mourning. Maybe they represent joys or sorrows.

Now look at the image closer. They are stacked from largest to smallest. To scatter them, it would be easier to move the smaller stone first. Are you trying to move a stone that is burdened by the weight of other stones? God knows what stones you are carrying. I encourage us all this week to surrender our stones to God. Ask God to help us scatter and gather the stones He has for us to move, one stone at a time. In the process, let’s not forget to celebrate the joys!

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

On Friday afternoon my friend, daughter, and I walked South Pawleys Island beach and creek. We found a few starfish in the water. After leaving, I wanted to know more about the starfish. I was happy to know that they regenerate their own arms because as you see, one of the arms is broken. They can only live in saltwater. What impressed me the most is that their vascular system is water. Gives a new meaning to living water. As you can see in this video they are very peaceful creatures.

Starfish also symbolize love, regeneration, and renewal. On this Spiritual Sunday I am reminded of the living water that lives in us. In John 4:14 NIV we read; “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.””

With God’s living water we are transformed by His love. We are daily regenerated and renewed by His grace. As we go to our places of worship and throughout our week let’s remember the simplicity of the starfish and God’s living water. In a world full of chaos and busy schedules we can stay connected and be refreshed through our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Join me in prayer!

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your unconditional love and unending grace. Thank you for your living water that flows through us. Thank you for your beautiful creation to remind us that you are a God who cares about the details. In our coming and going today and throughout the week, may we stay connected. Each and every day we have the blessing to be renewed as we connect with you. May your blessings, love, and grace flow through us so we shine your glory for others to see. In the name of Jesus Amen.

Click here to watch today’s “See You Saturday” video.

Today is Finish Friday and at my house it is currently raining. I realize perhaps rain will throw off the schedules some may have today. Perhaps the rain will deter an event from happening or change the plans for the day. However for me, the sound of the rain gently falling is comforting this morning. As some of you know, I have an affinity for anything to do with water.

This morning as you finish the work week, I encourage you to look closely at today’s picture. Look at how vibrant the colors are of this branch. Notice the drops of water on the tips of some of the leaves. Imagine how life-giving the rain was for this plant.

Now reflect on God’s presence in your life. How has God sprinkled life-giving rain on the “mown field” of your life this week? How has God’s showers watered your earth?

Take a moment to read all of Psalm 72. As you prepare for your day ahead may the rain that falls around you be a Godwink. May the puddles that form remind you of the blessings God will shower on you today and give thanks.

“Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72:18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Monday I encouraged you to commit your works to God and allow Your Maker to help you focus or straighten your goal. Tuesday I reminded you to “keep moving forward” and not let the grass die below your feet. Yesterday I shared some perspectives about your mission field. Today, on Thankful Thursday, I want you to take time to revel in all God has done for you. Please allow me to guide you through a time of reflection and praise.

1) Stop now and read all of Psalm 66.

2) Spend some time reflecting on God’s love, mercy and grace. Make note of the hand of God working in your life. Journal or jot down a list for you to visually see God’s presence in your life.

3) Give God praise and thanksgiving. Have a time of worship. Click here to listen to “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton. Give God all your honor and praise for all that has been done on your behalf.

As you finish this short time of reflection and praise, carry the visual of this beautiful picture captured by Ray White of crosses in your mind with you and let the chorus of today’s song play in your mind…

On a cross, in a grave with a stone rolled away, all my debt it was paid. Look what you’ve done.

May today truly be a Thankful Thursday.

Last Wednesday Julie shared thoughts from a recent sermon given by our pastor, Charles Wilbanks. The title of the sermon was “For the Transformation of the World.” Pastor Charles reminded us that our mission as a church is to “make disciples for the transformation of the world.”

Your first reaction to that statement may be wow, what a overwhelming and daunting task! However, Pastor Charles reminded us we can transform the world, one person at a time.

In Matthew, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He charged them when the Great Commission:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As Christians and disciples of Christ, you and I are also charged with the same Great Commission. Looking out at the vast world, our charge is hefty, but not impossible. When we normally refer to someone as a missionary, we automatically think of someone who is serving across the world. Not everyone is called to travel far and wide to make disciples. Your mission field may not be overseas. Your mission field may be the field you cross every day!

In the same sermon preached by Charles Wilbanks, he asked “How do you live out the Good News?” On this Water Walking Wednesday, I ask you the same question. How are you living out the Good News? How are you sharing Jesus with those you come in contact with daily? Are you sharing with those around you all Christ has done for you?

On this Water Walking Wednesday, take some time to intentionally reflect on what Christ has done for you. Look not only for the big, obvious blessings, but also the small blessings. Look for those times Jesus was a Way Maker, making a way in impossible situations. Look for God winks and confirmations that God has sent your way. Look for miracles that have occurred in and for you. Make a list so the presence of God in your life is fresh on your mind. Then step out into the world today and walk on water. Be ready to share with someone in the field you cross some of the things Christ has done for you. Pastor Charles said, “By doing so, we can transform the world, one person at a time!”

Last week our family traveled to the upstate for my son to participate in a travel baseball tournament. He is expected to arrive at the field an hour before the game. During that hour I usually seek out a place to walk and pray before the game. Friday we played at a high school and behind the bleachers of the baseball field was the football practice field which was a great place for me to walk.

I made several laps before my attention was drawn to several places that had spots of dead grass. It was obvious that the grass had withered and died due to an object sitting on it for too long. God reminded me of the importance of moving.

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday let’s remember to continue to move so we can continue to grow. Julie and I often share part of a Walt Disney quote, “Keep moving forward.” Below is the entire quote.

“Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward opening up new doors and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Walt Disney

As a Christian, are you growing? Are you moving forward and opening new doors? Are you striving each day to become more like Christ? That is our goal. We are to learn from mistakes, keep moving forward, and change as we grow more like Christ. What are some ways to grow as a Christian?

1) Create a daily routine/habit of spending time with God. During this time read the Bible and devotions. Pray. Be still and quiet as you listen to God.

2) Memorize scripture. During your devotion time, journal or write down quotes and scripture that stand out to you. Place your favorite ones on sticky notes or index cards so you can refer back to them throughout your day. Memorize scriptures that give you strength and comfort.

3) Read spiritual growth books. Check with your pastor, ask a Christian friend or even do a Google search on possible Christian growth and development topics/books.

4) Participate in a Sunday School class or Bible study. Sharing in a study with fellow Christians will not only help you but you can also help others grow. We all have different experiences and by sharing our Christian walk we can grow together.

5) Create the habit of attending weekly worship services. Worshipping with other believers will help you learn and grow. Joining in song will give you encouragement and hope. The sermon will give you new insights and direction.

This Transformation Tips Tuesday, examine your Christian growth. Most of all, keep moving forward! Don’t just sit still and do nothing. By sitting still the grass will die under your feet and you will become stagnant. Instead, move, grow, and become more like Christ.