Yesterday I had the opportunity to have lunch with a dear friend. As I parked near the restaurant, the town clock struck 1:00. It was still windy and growing colder from the morning storm that had rolled in. As I looked up at the clock, it drew my attention to the angry clouds. It was the perfect day to have a hot meal and warm the soul with good conversation. I was reminded earlier this week how short life is. These verses from Ecclesiastes chapter 3 come to mind.

1 – 8 “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”.

We must always remember to be intentional with our time. God has given us a gift to enjoy life. In verse 13; “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Even in the trials God gives us glimpses of joy to carry us onto the next season of our lives. On this Spiritual Sunday I encourage us all to take time for conversation, hug the ones we love, seek forgiveness, and find true soul rest.

Welcome to See You Saturday!!

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Today is Finish Friday. What does your day hold?Do you know for sure what ups and downs you will face? I feel sure you really don’t know the answers to those questions. Just like the path to the end of this dock, our day may appear to be clearly laid out. However, we may meet an uneven board that causes us to stumble. In this picture taken when it was snowing, we are unable to see beyond the covered portion of the boardwalk. Is that the end of the dock or is this more boardwalk on the other side? Are there houses, trees, or both beyond the dock? Beyond the dock is unclear. For us, beyond our next step is also unclear.

Today as you finish your work week I will share a prayer from Paul to the Philippians.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

May each of us view the day ahead through the lens of love. May we compare our obstacles to our Christ. And may we give all praise and glory to God.

For each day, February 1-14, I placed on the door inside my children’s bedroom, a heart with words of affirmation written on it. A few of the hearts had general affirmations but most were specific and unique to each child. Brainstorming the list and planning this project proved to have a positive affect on me too. I became acutely aware of the power of affirmations. Last night I was the recipient of positive affirmations and it made all the difference in my evening.

After a long day at work and then a weekly service project at church, I went into Walmart for a few necessities. Needless to say, my mood was not that great that I was going into Walmart so late because I know Walmart trips can sometimes become much longer than intended. I was tired, hungry, and ready to get home. I quickly moved through the store and had most of the items I needed but I still had to go to the pharmacy side of the store. As I moved across the back of the store and turned to move towards the pharmacy, a young Walmart associate spoke, “Hey! How are you?” I answered like I usually do in passing conversations, “I am doing well. How are you?” We both kept moving in the same direction as he answered me, “I will be much better when I get off work.” His response encouraged me to continue to engage with him as we both walked towards our destinations. “What time do you get off work?” I asked. “Not until 10”, he answered. We continued our conversation swapping stories of how late he stays up versus how early I wake up. As we walked, we passed a mom and a first grader from the school where I work. They both spoke and just as we were almost out of their sight I said to the boy, “See you tomorrow Buddy!” The young man immediately said, “You must be a teacher!” The mother responded, “She is!” The young associate’s demeanor completely brightened. He began to compliment me and thank me for being a teacher. He went on and on with words of affirmation and encouragement as he shared the impact teachers have had on his life. As we parted ways, we both had a more positive attitude. I finished my shopping and reflected on the impact of his gracious words.

Today is Thankful Thursday. Spend some time today thinking about the words you use and the words you hear. Today, thank others who have influenced you with their words. How can you use your words to impact others today? I am so thankful for those who encourage and lift me up with their words. In turn, I pray I can also use my words to positively affect others.

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I almost fell into the trap. Yesterday, as I scrolled through Facebook, I stopped on pictures someone had posted of all the home improvements she had recently completed. The pictures looked like a shot from an HGTV show. As I read the comments of praise for her creativity and work, I began to feel bad about my lack of such. I began to brainstorm a list of projects I should do to spruce up my house. I began to feel bad that I am not more talented.

Thankfully before I went too far down into the rabbit hole of comparison, the memories of scripture caught me.

“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Here is the Message version of the same scripture.

“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.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:4-5‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Thank you God for bringing to mind this scripture! If I had continued down the path of comparison, not only would I feel bad about myself but I may have then been jealous.

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
‭‭James‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This Water Walking Wednesday, instead of falling into the trap of comparison, let’s be content.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s focus on our blessings and be thankful for our gifts. Let’s start our day by listening to You Say by Lauren Daigle. Let’s believe God at His word about us!

Today is Transformation Tip Tuesday. This morning, as I showered, I randomly thought about orchids. I had no idea why I suddenly thought about my bridal bouquet having an orchid in the center. The thought seemed so out of the blue. Later as I prayed about what to share with you this morning, I began having doubts and allowed insecurities to creep in. What makes me think I have anything worth sharing with you? What qualifies me to share?

As I sat down in the den to write, I realized Satan was egging on my doubt. To combat Satan and to change my thought pattern, I began searching for scriptures that would give me confidence that God could use me. God reminded me that I am His handiwork!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I looked around my den and my eyes were drawn to this beautiful orchid that is a new addition to our home. Orchids, in all shapes and forms, have always been my favorite flower. One of the reasons orchids are my favorite is because each bloom is so intricate and unique. AHA! That’s why God had brought such a random thought of orchids to my mind early this morning. Even before Satan placed doubt in my mind, God placed a symbol of His love in my thoughts. God made each of us in a unique and special way to be a witness of His love and to be a blessing to others. You and I just need to be open to listen and obey. You and I need to be willing to be transformed to do good works prepared for us. My good works may be different than your good works. We are each unique like the blooms of an orchid.

My tip for you today is to open your mind to ways God is transforming you into His likeness. How is God using you today? Don’t be surprised if He reminds you in something as random as an out of the blue thought.

As we start this Mindset Monday, let’s reflect on Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians on Christian living.

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:17-32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Are you being “made new in the attitude of your mind”? Are you putting on your “new self?” Have you let the sun go down on your anger and given the devil a foothold?

Today let’s find ways to use our words to build others up and be helpful. Let’s not grieve the Holy Spirit. Let’s “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave” us.