I had a wonderful time this week vacationing in Bryson City NC with family. Each morning I was blessed to sit with God and look at this beautiful view. We all need time for rest and a break from schedules & to do lists. Although the next few days will be busy preparing and celebrating Jesus’s birth, it will be a good busy.

In both ragged schedules and time of rest, we depend on God to help get us from point A to point B. We must never forget to look to God first. The one who created the mountains can also move mountains. The one who moves mountains also wants to sit and rest with us. Nothing is too big or too small for our God.

On this Christmas Eve remember it doesn’t have to be perfect. Jesus was born in a stable and the three wiseman brought gifts that were not wrapped. Remember to live in the PRESENT 🎁 #livefortoday on this Finish Friday.

As we move closer to 2022, I ask that you share our blog with someone in need. Someone who needs to finish strong and start fresh.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

I took this picture while sitting on the porch of a cabin. I was noticing the great view in front of me and as I looked up I saw a cross. I was reminded of the great things the Lord has done for me. We read in 1 Sam 12:24; “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

The view in front of us may not always be great but we must make a choice to continually serve Him. We may not always have all our loved ones surrounding us but we must continue to be faithful in our journey.

I am thankful for the opportunity to spend quiet time with family. I get sad knowing that my Dad is not here with us physically but I know he would be so happy we are all gathering together in this beautiful place. I am thankful for my mom as she has come so far in her grieving journey and that she continues to honor my Dad’s legacy.

Will you take a moment today to consider the great things the Lord has done for you?

A good friendship, family, tribe, and or a furry friend often makes us better. A Water Walker is often never solo. Just like the Disciples had each other through both strong and wavering faith, we too have someone or someone’s to walk this life with. Although I don’t know the man and his dog in this photo, I can imagine the kind of bond they share.

My family helps me to love deeper and longer. My friendships help me to walk taller and smarter. My tribe helps me to endure and keep moving forward. My furry friends teach me unconditional love and intentionality. In Proverbs 27:17 NIV we read; As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

We all learn and grow from our relationships. That is what Jesus wants from us, a relationship. Just like Jesus reaching a hand out for Peter, we too need to keep reaching; “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”” Matt 14:31 NIV

On this Water Walking Wednesday I encourage us all to nurture our relationships by encouraging and loving one another. Don’t forget to reach a hand out. It could be a text, a phone call, a visit, or a card that is needed.

Do you have a furry friend? We would love for you to share a photo!

In 2020 my word of the year was gifts. I had chosen this word knowing it would take of different meanings throughout the year. In my initial blog post in 2020 I referenced 1 Peter 4:10 NIV; “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Just as Jesus was a gift disguised in swaddling clothes, our gifts sometimes get disguised. I encourage us all to take inventory of our gifts. I believe over the years as we grow in our walk with Christ, our gifts grow and change as well.

I also had a necklace made that year. One side inscribed “Gifts” and the other side inscribed 2 Cor 9:15 NIV; “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” This was meant to be a reminder to always be thankful for the incredible gift of God’s Grace through His son Christ Jesus.

Whether it is gifts of service or gifts of grace, it is a good word to carry and reflect on throughout the year. We are getting closer to 2022. Will you be picking a word or mantra for the year? We would love to know what you have chosen. Please feel free to let us know in comments.

On this Mindset Monday let’s choose to focus on our blessings. Whether blessings are big or small, they should be celebrated. As we read in Eph 1:3 NIV, we are being blessed in heavenly realms; “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Even when we can’t physically see a blessing, God is blessing us.

Feel free to share with us a blessing you will focus on today. For Deborah and I, we are now on our two week Christmas Break from work. Today I am choosing to celebrate rest.

Do you ever look at the rays of Sun shining through the clouds and see God’s glory? Look at this photo taken by Ray White. It looks like the clouds are reach out, inviting us to see the glory of the sun. In these verses from 2 Thes‬ ‭2:13-14‬ ‭NIV, God chose us to share in His glory; “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ‬‬

Just like God chose Mary to carry baby Jesus, He chooses us to carry Him daily. In this song, Breath of Heaven by Mat and Savanna Shaw we hear Mary’s cry for God to be forever near her;

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy
Breath of heaven

As we go to our places of worship, let’s ask God to pour His holiness over us. Let’s Thank Him for choosing us to carry Him daily.

The ornament in the picture has always been one of my favorites and now my daughter Briley also loves it. This ornament is a Hallmark ornament my mama gave me years ago, and Briley and I always find a prominent place to hang it into be tree so we can be sure to enjoy it. To me, this ornament is simple, intricate and thought provoking. To me, this ornament represents pureness.

As we begin this Finish Friday, I encourage you to join me in praying Psalms 51:10:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” ‭NIV‬‬

May you and I both have a “gentle peace” enter our heart as we approach the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ!