Today is not only Mindset Monday but it is also Memorial Day. Let us begin our week by remembering the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us to have eternal life in Heaven with Him. Let us give God our praise.

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭103:1-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let us also remember all the men and women who have given their lives in service to the United States of America for you and I to have the freedom to praise God freely. Let us remember the sacrifices their families gave and the loss they suffered. Today, talk with others about those sacrifices. May our Monday Mindset be to remember and never forget the sacrifices others have made on our behalf; Jesus Christ and Our United States Military.

At first glance, what did you think today’s picture was capturing? Now look closely and try to determine what it may be. What is your interpretation?

When I was a little girl I was intrigued by the “Word” described in John 1:1-18. Take a moment to read those verses.

In a child’s mind the verses can be very confusing and hard to understand. I remember questioning my dad and pushing for clarification. Rarely did he ever flat out tell me his interpretation of verses, but instead he pushed me to look closely and decide for myself.

Today is Spiritual Sunday. Today is all about being filled up and rejuvenated spiritually before facing the week ahead. Today as you listen to scripture, music, a sermon or even a Sunday School lesson, I encourage you to look closely. Dig a little deeper for a better understanding. Challenge yourself and your perception. Doing so may give you a new insight and better understanding of the Word that is referenced in John 1. Look closely and you may see the inner pieces of a beautiful flower and not even realize it as in today’s picture.

Don’t laugh. This picture was taken of my nails within the last week. I had begun to take off the color and failed to finish. This picture is a visual representation of the busy schedule I have had recently and a reminder to slow down and reflect.

This Finish Friday as I reflect on my week, I am thankful for the guidance of God through the many tasks I met each day. As I look back further than this week, I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God. I can now see clearly what I once found puzzling. I can see God’s hand guiding me every step of the way, even when I didn’t realize it at the time. God’s grace and mercy have continually taught me how “to put on a new self.” God has done and continues to do so much for me!

I encourage you to begin your Finish Friday by spending some time reflecting.

Read Ephesians 4: 17-32. Remember where you began your Christian walk and how far you have come. Praise God for bringing you so far and give thanks for how far you will continue to go.

Click here to listen to the song, “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton and give God the glory for what’s been done for you in the name of Jesus Christ.

On this Thankful Thursday, let’s give thanks for the wings that gives us refuge. Some days feel like we face one attack after another. Nothing goes right and the devil would like nothing better than for us to throw our hands up in defeat. However, we know better!

We have a Heavenly Father who covers us with His feathers. He protects us from the arrows that attack us and He gives us shelter from the storm.

Today, recognize and be aware of the feathers that cover you. Take time to thank God for His refuge and when you see a bird today, consider it a reminder of His love and protection.

Spend some time in worship and praise. Read all of Psalm 91. Click here to listen to “Your Wings” by Lauren Daigle.

Water walking Wednesday is a day to ponder your faith, courage and even your obedience. Water walking requires you to step out of your boat of comfort and walk, even when you may not be able to see what’s ahead clearly.

How can we do that? We must stay focused on the light of Christ ahead of us. Jesus is a beacon, shining His light to guide and direct our path, just as a lighthouse does for boaters.

Are you focused on the light of Christ to guide your steps? Have you taken a step onto the water in faith? Are you being obedient to the call of Christ? Look towards the Lighthouse of Christ and allow Him to show you the way. He won’t let you sink. After all, He is the light of the world!

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Click here to read an article about 5 Interesting Facts About Lighthouses.

Several years ago, while teaching phonics in my kindergarten class, I placed some red letter words in a pocket chart for my class to practice. With this particular phonics program, sight words were printed in red to signify them as words we just have to remember by sight. I asked my class, “Why do you think these words are red?” Immediately one of my students answered, “That means that Jesus said them.” Needless to say I was caught off guard but also so pleased that this student had knowledge of Jesus!

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday I encourage you to open your Bible and read some of the words in red. Read any of them and let the words of Christ speak to you today. May you remember that the words in red were written for you. Click here to listen to the song “Written For Me” by Matthew West and let the words in red transform your day and life.

For anyone that has anything to do with the world of education, you know that we have arrived at the time of the year that is the final countdown. Students have only 14 more days of school! Along with the final countdown comes many deadlines and a long to-do list. Anxiety likes to creep in and cause even more stress and confusion.

On this Mindset Monday, as I look ahead at the busy week before me, I am choosing to take a deep breath, not be anxious, and “present my requests to God.” I will give thanks for the busy season and for the blessings that make my schedule busy. Then I will soak in “the peace of God.”

Do you also, have a busy week ahead. Choose to have the mindset of greeting one day at a time, tackle each task with prayer and petition, and bask in the serenity of God’s peace.