There is a lot of anxiety, fear, emotions, and excitement built up on the first day of school. Parents, students, teachers, and administrators are all feeling different things. Yesterday I had a headache at work so I resorted to a pack of M & M’s, my favorite vending machine snack. In this picture we have a ruler, pen, and an empty pack of candy. Maybe this image will help you remember on Water Walking Wednesday to stay planted in God’s word.

Much Love, no matter what fears we are facing today we can stay planted in God’s love; “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Much Grace, no matter if we feel we don’t measure up we can stay planted in God’s Grace; “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalms‬ ‭90:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God’s Promises, no matter what happens or doesn’t happen today we can rest assured that God holds the pen. We can stay planted in knowing that He is writing our stories; “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.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I pray everyone has a great first day, first week, first month, and a great year! Go walk on water!!

If you followed Track in the 2020 Olympics, you heard several times about how USA medalists Sydney McLaughlin and Dalila Muhammad are a perfect example of iron sharpening iron. In Proverbs 27:17 NIV we read; “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

On this Transformation Tips Tuesday are you surrounding yourself with others that lift you up and sharpen you? My husband Hollie and I have started riding bikes a few evenings a week. Neither of us plan on striving for the Olympics but we do strive to stay active and healthy all while enjoying each others company.

Will you get active today? Will you lift someone up by asking them to join you in a walk or run or bike ride? We also read in Ecc 4:9 NIV; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:”

On this Mindset Monday, let’s pause and think about the power of our words. My mantra for the year is to be a fruit bearer. When I read Proverbs 18:21 in the message it tells me our words can either be poison or fruit; “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.”

Words can be spoken over ourselves and to others. Will you be a fruit bearer today and give life or will you cut yourself and others down. Like these vibrant green trees, let’s choose to be full of energy and enthusiasm with life giving words.

Take a moment to listen to this song; I Speak Jesus by Here be Lions & Darlene Zschech

This road of life we are traveling changes with the different seasons. In Mark 6:31 NIV, the disciples were so busy they didn’t have time to eat; “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”” You may be in the trenches with little ones. You may be working endless hours. You may be caring for the elderly. You may be running after grandchildren. You may be in sorrow. No matter where we all are in our journey, we must remember to have moments where we go away with God through stillness, prayer, and devotion so that we can find soul rest.

On this Spiritual Sunday, I pray we can go to our places of worship and get renewed for the week ahead. Will you take time each day to find a quiet place? In this song, “I’m Desperate For You” by Red Rock Worship some of the lyrics sing, “In the presence of the Prince of Peace”. I am reminded of the peace that only God can provide. I pray we all experience His peace today and throughout our week.

Friend: a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.

As we begin this Finish Friday, I encourage you to think about your circle or circles of friends. Who is helping you keep warm? Who is making you stronger? Last night I had the pleasure of having dinner with and then seeing the play “Steel Magnolias” with dear friends. As I sat side by side with friends I consider family, I praised God for the blessing of our friendship. Although I am tired this morning from our late night, I am strengthened from the blessing and grateful to recognize how quick things can change.

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
‭‭James‬ ‭4:13-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today as you finish this week, consider your friends who strengthen you and give thanks. Be sure to tell them and show them how valuable their friendship is to you. If they fall down, pick them up and keep them warm!

Today is Thankful Thursdayand I am thankful for God winks. Although it has been an emotionally difficult week, for the last two days God has surprised me with God winks, just when I needed them, to remind me of His love for me. The first God wink came Tuesday while I was walking, praying and listening to music. I usually listen to Contemporary Christian music but this particular evening I was listening to older music. As I was praying about all the sadness that has touched our lives this week, the song “Smile” by Nat King Cole came on. As I listened to the words, I too had to smile. The lyrics begin with, “Smile, though your heart is aching. Smile, even though it’s breaking. When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by. If you smile through your fear and sorrows, smile and maybe tomorrow, you see the sun shining through for you.”

The next God wink came yesterday while driving home with Briley. Our hearts were again heavy and the song “Smile” by Sidewalk Prophets came on. The lyrics hit me like a brick wall as I knew God wanted me to hear this reminder of His love. One of the lines in the song especially struck a cord with me, “There’s always a reason to always choose joy.” Julie often reminds us to choose joy on our journey and this week I have had to dig deep to remember to smile even when I am hurting. God spoke to me directly through these songs and for that I am so thankful. On this thankful Thursday I encourage you to open your eyes and ears and be willing to receive any God winks sent your way. Just like this piece of a rainbow in the picture, your God wink may appear in the faintest hues out of the blue or like a brick wall in the lyrics of a song. Just be open and be thankful. God loves us and reminds us in the simplest ways. Listen to the songs God sent my way this week and may you too find a reason to smile.

“Smile” by Nat King Cole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXuB6md9zPk

“Smile” by Sidewalk Prophets https://youtu.be/mjurY5mR2hs

The bloom on this tree caught my eye as I passed it. I had to stop and take a picture because I was intrigued by the beautiful contrast in colors which makes it unique. However, as I drew close to the bloom, I noticed it didn’t have much scent if any at all. As I study today’s scripture I am challenged.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus was a “fragrant offering” on our behalf. Am I the same for Him? Do I omit the smell of love and sacrifice in the name of Jesus? Am I looking the part like the beautiful flower, but not omitting a fragrance of love? How about you? Today let’s all strive to grow and be more like Jesus. Listen to the song “Less Like Me” by Zach Williams as you pray about being a more fragrant offering for Christ.