“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split” Matt‬ ‭27:51‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The veil being torn symbolizes you and I having a direct connection with Jesus. In this song, “I Say Yes” by Kim Walker-Smith she sings about having an encounter with God. Some of the lyrics sing; “I want an encounter, a real encounter. I say yes to your love. I say yes to your freedom. I say yes to your heart and all of your healing. Your ways are higher. Lord, I surrender. I come to you just as I am”.

I encourage you to listen and worship to the song; https://youtu.be/nPVTbKo-LTI

This is a picture of a cross mounted above our church doors. It is one of many crosses throughout the church. A cross like this one symbolizes that Jesus is alive. All barriers, including the veil have been broken.

As we go to our places of worship, let’s go seeking an encounter. Surrender anything that would compromise that encounter as you enter into His presence.

Yesterday I came across this tree with huge leaves. It was a large, healthy, strong tree. Then I began to think about how old the tree may be and all it has withstood. As we finish this week, let’s all commit to being “planted in the house of the Lord” so we can flourish. I encourage you to read all of Psalms 92 this morning and pray about what you can do to ensure you continue to grow healthy and strong. Let’s Finish Friday by flourishing.

P.S. What kind of tree is this?

Today is Thankful Thursday. Be intentional today about thanking God for “every good and perfect gift “. This beautiful sunset was a blessing to me last night. I snapped many pictures and this was one of the last. As I watched the sun set, I gave thanks to God for being a Master Artist. Look today for all the beauty around you. No matter what we face today, we have much to be thankful. Tell the Maker how thankful you are for new mercies.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.””
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Summertime in the south brings nearly daily storms. It’s not a question of if there will be a storm but what time of day the storm will occur. Likewise, storms occur in life at a moments notice. Storms vary from short to seemingly never ending. How do you handle the storms of life? Do you worry, stress, or become consumed by the storm? Or do you hunker down in prayer and devotion, trusting that God has already overcome the world?

On this Water Walking Wednesday I encourage you to examine your responses to storms. Does life’s thunder and lightning scare you? Are you leaning on Christ for strength and courage? Are you stepping out in the rain and allowing God to guide your steps? As storms approach today, hold on to this Biblical promise.

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:15-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Each Tuesday Julie and I give you tips on transformation. Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts and tips? What do you do to transform and renew your mind? How are you offering yourself as a living sacrifice for God? Today I encourage you to read Romans 12 and then comment below some of the ways you ensure you are not conforming “to the pattern of this world.”

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I planted this knockout rose bush in an effort of keeping our Lab puppy from bothering the plants in our flower bed. Mistakenly, I thought the thorns would deter him. However, one day he proudly brought the entire bush in the house clasped in his mouth. I rescued the bush and immediately planted it in the flower pot above in hopes that the blooms would open and that the plant would survive. My husband was doubtful that the blooms would ever open, but as proof in the picture above, the rose has blossomed and is thriving in its current environment.

How about you? On this Mindset Monday take a moment to access yourself. Is your spiritual life thriving in your environment? Are you firmly rooted in Christ? If not, what do you need to do to ensure your roots are deep and strong enough to withstand any storms ahead? How is your Christ-centered mindset helping you start your week? I encourage you to start with thankfulness. Thankfulness for your biggest and smallest blessings will put life into perspective and focus your Christ-centered mindset. Being rooted in Christ, you too will thrive and bloom in the days ahead.

I love food! In fact, as a society, we love food more than we should. On this spiritual Sunday I am praying for the Holy Spirit to fill us with an endless hunger and thirst for righteousness. May we seek and desire God’s presence more than earthly food and drink. As you worship today, what hunger or thirst are you asking God to fill? Are you seeking God’s endless supply of food and drink or are you more focused on fleshly desires? Take some time today to read the entire Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. May God speak to each of us individually in ways we each need.