I’ve been told grief is like the ocean waves. You will feel good one moment and then a wave will knock you down. Based on my personal experience that is a very good description. In this photo by Ray White, we see a person sitting on the shore of a vast ocean with waves crashing. I wonder what they are doing there and what they are thinking about.

On this Mindset Monday we enter into Thanksgiving week. During holidays grief can reveal our realities and change the perspective of what was once a joyous time, now may be a dreaded time. Grief can be a death but it can also be a lost and broken relationship. It could be that your house used to be filled with noise and chaos and now it feels quiet and lonely.

God has commanded us to be courageous and strong. He tells us not to be discouraged because He is with us wherever we go. In psalms 34:18 NIV we know He is close to us always; “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Whatever this week brings us, may we all feel the love of God. May we all find the joy God desires for us to experience.

Whew! What a week! Have any of you had a particularly busy week? I have! This picture, by Ray White, is a visual image of how I have felt. What emotions does this picture represent for you?

As you walk into this Finish Friday, remember to not let all the busy turmoil around knock you down or carry you out to sea. Instead, focus on the call God has placed on your life. You have a purpose that God prepared in advance for you. Pray about that “good work” and ask God to guide and direct your next steps. Don’t let the waves crashing around you change your focus or deter you. You and God have got this together!

One week from today we traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving. However, since I was married and later my brother was married, our family has adjusted our Thanksgiving (and Christmas) celebration to accommodate both sides of our family. Instead of totally not being able to gather, we choose to gather on another day other than the fourth Thursday of November. We have come to appreciate that it’s not the date that matters but that we are able to gather together and celebrate.

So, this past Sunday we gathered at my parents house and celebrated Thanksgiving together. This beautiful tree was standing in the back yard and some of its colorful foliage had fallen and covered the ground. As I looked at the beautiful tree I thought of all the seasons it had been through and yet was showing it’s glory.

For this thankful Thursday, spend some time reading all of Psalm 107. I am sure I have shared it before, but it warrants reading again. The chapter begins by giving thanks to God and states “His love endures forever.” The writer goes on to share the unfaithfulness of the people and yet how God continues to lead and save them. As you read, examine where you are today in your walk with God. Are there areas that you have strayed from God or are not being obedient? Have you allowed the world to be your guide instead of listening to the voice of God? Although the seasons you have endured, are you still giving God the glory?

After your time of self reflection, remember to :“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This picture, captured by Ray White, blows me away. Look closely at the school of fish that are caught up in the wave. At this moment in time the wave is carrying them and the fish have no control over the direction they are headed.

Just like the school of fish, I sometimes get caught in the worries of life and unintentionally allow the wave of stress to to carry me and guide my direction. I have had a very busy week and it’s only Wednesday. My house is less than pristine, my office desk is covered in papers, and my schedule for the next few days is overbooked. I could very easily get caught in the “stress wave” but today I choose to focus on the presence of God.

Our Sunday School class is currently doing a study by Max Lucado called “Anxious For Nothing.” The study has proven to be insightful and is teaching us to focus on God instead of the problems or stresses around us.

On this Water Walking Wednesday I encourage you to keep Philippians 4:6-7 in the forefront of your mind. When you feel a wave of anxiety or worry, focus on God’s presence. Don’t get caught in the wave of stress. By focusing on Christ you may just find yourself walking on water.

Last Tuesday Julie encouraged us to begin looking back and begin the process of reflecting as well as planning. As she shared, she and I began choosing a word of the year in 2017. That year my word was joy and John 17:13 was the key scripture that helped to guide my selection of the word. My dear friend Dorothy brought me this ornament as a visual reminder of my word of the year and I kept it on my chair side table all year. I was striving to “have the full measure of” His joy within me. As I wrote in the blog in December 2016, often the word I choose as my word of the year is also the area Satan chooses to test me. That means, whatever word we choose for 2022, we need to be intentional about our focus and be alert.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

For Transformation Tip Tuesday, I am also encouraging you to be reflective over the last year and to also look ahead and plan for 2022. Are you going to choose a word as your focus for the new year? Has God given you a new purpose or ministry to nurture? Are you ready to be intentional in God’s direction for you?

Julie and I will continue to share our past words of the year and perhaps you will connect with one of them. If you choose a word for 2022 we would love to hear from you so we may spur one another on in our growth journey.

What is your first thought when you see the ground covered with leaves? Do you dread the thought of needing to rake them up or do you see the beauty at your feet? Does a pile of leaves remind you of work or does it conjure up childhood memories of the fun of jumping in a mountain of leaves?

Each of us has had different experiences to shape our perspectives, but as Christians we all share the Holy Spirit. You and I both have the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our thoughts and perspectives.

On this Mindset Monday I encourage you to read Romans 8:1-17. As you read, examine the perspective and mindset you have as you head into your day. Are you looking at your environment through your human eyes or the lens of Christ? Do you see problems before you or opportunities to minister? Do you see dry, cracked leaves at your feet or beautiful jewel colored carpet?