Today is #spiritualsunday. Just as in the picture, we cannot see what is ahead on our individual journey. However, by spending time in the presence of the Lord we may know better what lies ahead on our path and will be filled with joy to spread along the way. Today as you worship, revel in the presence of God. Use your time of worship to renew your joy as we begin a new week on our path.

To color inside the lines takes a slow and steady hand. It takes thought and preparation of what colors to use. As I sat down for my evening cup of coffee last night I colored in this butterfly. I reflected on this past week. I thought about the areas I may have fallen short as a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend. I thought about the times I excelled and checked every item off the to do list. This week we had our final soccer game for our son. Our twins will go to their first Spring Fling on Saturday. Our daughter goes to her first soccer playoff game on Monday. As my emotions are high, there are days I want to stop time and days I just want to rush through another busy week so I can get on to something better. No matter what each of us have going on in our lives this week, I encourage us all to finish strong. God has already gone before us in every task, milestone, and relationship. Let’s grab our cup of coffee and be eager to start our day and finish another Friday strong. Let’s not worry about coloring inside the lines. Life is messy, yet beautiful. Let’s be thankful for the grace that God extends to each of us, regardless of the mess.

“Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Every day should be Thankful Thursday. Often we we allow our surroundings and circumstances to bring us down. This morning as I am making my list of gratitudes I am blessed to be able to sit in God’s courts. I have entered my devotion area with praise. Three of my senses are overwhelmed with the sound of the birds chirping, the smell of the flowers blooming, and the sight of the moon on this crisp morning.

My list of 5 gratitudes

1. The sound of birds chirping

2. A warm cup of black coffee

3. We had a 2020-2021 soccer season

4. Getting ready for Junior Spring Fling

5. My flowers are blooming

What are your 5 gratitudes? I encourage you to use your 5 senses when making your list; skin, nose, ear, eye, and tongue. I pray we all have an attitude of gratitude as we go about our day.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm‬ ‭100:4‬ ‭NIV‬

Deborah and I called our blog Water Walkers because we want to have bold faith, step out of our boat, and walk on water with Jesus. Will we be like David and tell our Lord that we desire to do His will?

I like the message version. He says; “I’m coming to the party you’re throwing me”. life May not always be a party. There are many times we’d rather stay in the comfort of our boat. I encourage each of us to boldly pray;

Lord, I surrender my will today. I desire to do your will. Equip me to step out of my boat. When you call my name, I want to walk on water for your glory.

“So I answered, “I’m coming. I read in your letter what you wrote about me, And I’m coming to the party you’re throwing for me.” That’s when God’s Word entered my life, became part of my very being.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭40:7-8‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Transformation means a thorough change in form or appearance. I planted this Cala Lilly in an area full of tree roots. I had to put a lot of rich soil down to nurture the plant. Over the years I hope to see this flower flourish and multiply. Just like our faith journey, over time being transformed into His image. I like the message version which says we are to become brighter and more beautiful. How can we accomplish this? My tip for you today is to surround yourselves with other Godly men and woman that will help nurture you. Just like the stars shine brighter because they are clustered together. Will you allow the glory of The Lord to shine through you today?

“Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are—face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭MSG‬

Is it hard for you to get back into a weekday routine? For me it is helpful that 7 days a week I have the same mourning routine. I get up and have coffee with Jesus every morning. Some mornings are later than others. Like today, I struggled to get up and going. This routine is vital to my cheerful heart. It boosts my Monday and everyday mindset. This cup of coffee and small routine brings me Joy. I pray we can all find joy in a cheerful heart today. Let’s start our week with a full cup.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬