At all times, on all occasions give thanks. Easier said than done, right? In Eph 5:20 NIV we read; “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We may not always express our thankfulness but we can still live with the posture of a grateful heart.

This picture reminds me of Thanksgiving. How many of you sit gathered around the table expressing what your thankful for on Thanksgiving? It was a family tradition in my house growing up. We have exactly 4 weeks till we celebrate Thanksgiving. Over these next few weeks, I encourage us all to start thinking and writing down what we are thankful for. It may be an abundant list collected over the last year or it may be a dwindled list gleaning from the previous years.

For today I encourage us all to go about our day with the posture of a grateful heart! To be intentional about finding Joy and gratitude in the everyday grand and mundane tasks.

I have had the joy of looking through my Dads photo CD’s in hunt for the perfect Senior yearbook Ad photos. Although Dad held the camera at most family gatherings and events, I wanted to be sure to use one that he snapped from his viewpoint.

Oh boy did I find some good ones! The picture below is a Key West Sunset. In the verse from Psalms 65:8 we see God’s fingerprints all over His creation; “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.”

A Water Walker is someone that should have their viewpoint seeing God in the everyday moments. Often we snap pictures of the good moments. Those are the moments we sing songs of joy over. A Water Walker learns and relearns just like a child snap pictures and see God in the bad too. It doesn’t mean we will always sing songs of joy. Eventually we overcome and look back on the little God Winks that brought us joy.

On this Water Walking Wednesday what will be your viewpoint? Will you sing songs of joy today?

This picture was taken by a 12-year-old at church Sunday. A tree can be a symbol of hope. Not only is this Pine tree made by God but it also designed to transform over the years to become big and strong. On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I want us to reflect on four key words from this verse in Romans.

Hope: A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Joy: A feeling of great pleasure.

Peace: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.

Trust: Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.

I encourage us all to pick a word to focus on today. When we start to feel discouraged, sad, or worried may this verse transform our feelings to bring us joy, to place our trust in God so that we can experience peace and hope.

What do you see when you look at this photo? Could it be grass? Or a plant? whatever it may be, it was created and prepared by God. We too were each created and prepared by God.

On this Mindset Monday let’s not focus on our short comings but rather God’s Grace. He has created and prepared us for this very minute, day, week, month, and year. Just like a plant or the grass, we all have a purpose. Some days our purpose may seem clear, other days we wonder if we are following after God’s will. Like we read in Romans 8:28 NIV; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

What will you choose to focus on today? I choose God’s Grace.

Last Monday Deborah talked Sunday’s laity service. One of the scriptures referenced that day was from Matt 20:27-28; “and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” Serving is always a humbling act of worship. Depending on the type of service it might be seen or unseen. I was blessed to be one of the speakers. Each of us talked about how often we get more out of serving than the participants through our preparation and devotion.

Last Thursday I had the blessing of delivering Back Pack Buddy meals to Kensington Elementary. This is a ministry that Herbert Church and many other local churches provides to our schools for our children in need. Each child gets two meals a week to take home. There are many people who donate money, provide food, pack bags, and deliver. I had planned to be at the school before the parents arrived to drop off their children. I wanted to be first. Well my morning got away from me and I ended up in the middle of a busy drop off carpool lane. By the time I dropped off the bags, parked my car, walked the bags inside, I was last. As I was leaving the school I was blessed with this beautiful sky. Had I been first, I would have missed this. God always amazes me in the different ways he offers a blessing. Often we are too busy to stop and take notice.

On this Spiritual Sunday, I encourage us all to ask God how He wants you us to serve. Take time to listen to God. Also let’s pray about how we will respond when asked to serve. Remember that serving is a way we can worship God, humbly serve others, and receive a blessing. I also encourage us all to be intentional and open to the blessings God offers.

I am blessed to be looking at the ocean as I write this morning. I am able to see the majesty of God’s creation. I can hear the crash of the waves and smell the salt air. God is amazing. Think about just those things. I am in awe of the mechanics of a sunrise. I am blown away by the science of waves and tides. Then throw in the fact that the water is salty. God’s creation is remarkable!

On this Finish Friday, take time to read all of Psalm 96. Today focus on the beauty and awesomeness of God’s creation around you and give God praise. When we spend time focusing on the blessings around us, the worries of today seem to melt away and seem more manageable. Finish this Friday, in awe of God and rejoice. We would love for your to comment below and share God’s glory that is around you today.

Life is so busy. Our schedules are full. We run from one event to another and sometimes miss things right before us. This Thankful Thursday I am thankful for the opportunity to slow down, step back from the busy grind and be still. While I am still, I pray I will be intentional about noticing the presence of God.

Look closely at this picture. I snapped this picture as I was on an evening walk and noticed movement ahead of me. Do you see the deer? Zoom in close so you are able to spot it.

As we rush through life we often fail to be still and notice. Let’s take a moment now and be still. Close your eyes and be aware of your surroundings. What do you hear? What can you touch? What do you smell? Now open your eyes. What do you see? What do you notice? List or name to yourself all that is around you and give thanks.

I pray that today, amidst the busy schedule, you are able to be still and notice God around you. Throughout your day, intentionally slow down, and thank God.