Change means to make someone or something different; to alter or modify. We have all experienced change over the last year. A lot of it has been unwanted change. We don’t always get to understand why things happen the way they do. Charles Swindoll wrote; “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react”. God has Plans for each of us. The caterpillar pictured here will one day be a Tussock moth. We too are being transformed with each new change. My tip for us this Tuesday is to pause before we react. Take time to say a breath prayer. Let’s not let Satan win!! Keep the hope in knowing God has a plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I encourage us all to listen to this song, “Not Today” by Hillsong; https://youtu.be/0F_nN1nyyqY

A staircase can be used for both ascending and descending. Moving downward tends to be less daunting. It is Mindset Monday, we can perceive the week ahead with an “I can” or “I can’t” attitude. What will you choose? The Bible says we can do ALL THINGS with God’s strength. Just like this staircase has a hand railing, God is holding our hand every step of the way. When in doubt this week, whisper “all things”. I encourage us all to write it on a post-it note and place it somewhere that can be seen throughout our day.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Palm trees are known to have a strong root system. They are very elastic and can bend easily. Some spiritual attributes include, freedom, righteousness, reward, resurrection, and victory.

As we go to our places of worship today and throughout the week, let’s take in the word of God so that it can be planted in our hearts, souls, and minds. Think of spiritual Sunday as an opportunity to water and nurture our root system so that we may flourish. When our days don’t go as planned or trouble comes our way we can bend easily without breaking.

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭92:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Five years ago our Waterwalkers blog began. Five years ago, Julie and I mustered up enough courage to step out of our boats and walk on water. God has blessed us immeasurably in our obedience and will do the same for you. In what area of your life is God calling you to step out in faith? Is God asking you to leave your comfort zone and stretch? Today listen to this older song by Casting Crowns, “The Voice of Truth.” Listen and be open to hear God’s individual message for you. Listen to God’s voice calling you. God has work that only you can do. Listen, trust and take that first step.

In today’s scripture Peter encourages us in our spiritual growth. Are you making “every effort to add to your faith?” How does that look in your life? Are you growing? Today’s picture is of one of my tomato plants. In order for it to grow and produce fruit I must be sure I nurture it with enough sun, water and nutrient rich soil every day. Today’s transformation tip is to nurture your spiritual growth. Create or sustain a daily habit/routine of reading God’s word, meditating and praying. Perhaps journal your prayers or make notes of inspiration or encouragement God reveals to you. A daily devotion routine will nurture your spiritual growth and “add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”