Yesterday I took advantage of the plentiful rain Tropical Storm Elsa provided and transferred grass to some needed areas so that I could make a new flower bed. I now have a blank canvas to plant. It’s a reminder of how God’s mercies are new every morning, making room each day for new landscaping.

“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.” Lam‬ ‭3:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today I plan to finish strong with some raking, planting, and pine straw. In this song; Look What You’ve Done by Tasha Layton some of the lyrics sing, “Standing in your presence Lord, I can feel you digging all my roots up. I feel you healing all my wounds up”. On this Finish Friday, let’s ask for God’s help in digging up our old ugly roots and ask God to heal us with His compassion that never fails.

This beautiful image of three roses, one perfectly centered and in full bloom between two closed rose buds reminded me of Jesus alive between two sinners on the cross. Although that day on the cross was so horrific, something very beautiful came from it, Jesus’s unconditional love for us.

We read in Hebrews 12:2 that the Joy was set before Him. On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for the sacrificial love also known as Agape love that Christ Jesus showed us by dying on the cross for you and I.

How can we in turn love Jesus with Agape love? One way is sacrificing our time to sit with Him in prayer and devotion. The dishes can wait, the yard can wait, whatever it is on your to do list can wait. I encourage each of us to not give our leftovers but rather, Agape love each and every day.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Monday I had plans for my daughter, Kendal and I to make the 4 hour trip to visit my Mom. We were packed and ready to get on the road Monday morning when plans changed. After deciding to stay home, we made plans to spend a few hours at south Pawleys beach, creekside. I prefer the creek because it is a lot calmer and quieter.

It’s not always easy to change plans. If we are listening, often God is speaking to us. It was a beautiful day and we now had no plans. Why not let God lead me to quiet waters? Life is busy but business can get in the way of hearing God and heeding to His will. Sometimes being a Water Walker means we need to slow down and listen.

The verb definition of heed is to pay attention, to take notice. Is your calendar busy? Are you making time to be still in God’s presence so that you can hear Him and heed to His will? Next time there is a change in plans, ask God to lead you.

We have a Crape Myrtle tree in our front yard. Recently I realized this is a popular tree in my neighborhood. Some are short shrubs, while some are tall trees with lots of blooms, or very little blooms. Our tree has very little blooms. If you walk around the back of the tree and look up, you will find beautiful flowers.

Like these Crape Myrtle’s, we tend to compare ourselves to others. God made us each unique. On this Transformation Tips Tuesday, we need to accept how God made us. The way we are shaped, if we are tall or short, and the gifts God gave us. Each of us are fearfully and wonderfully made. If you tend to struggle with acceptance, remember to look up. Through God’s help you will find beauty.

Like this salted peanut butter and chocolate snack, life is both sweet and salty. As I was eating it Saturday, I noticed the message on the wrapper for the first time. The brand is Perfect and the massage says; “Have a Perfect Day”.

Is life sweet or salty for you today? If your answer is sweet, make sure to take time to thank God for your blessings. If your answer is salty, ask God to help keep your chin up with a positive attitude.

Our Christian walk isn’t promised to be perfect everyday, however we are blessed to have a path that leads us to a brighter tomorrow. We might as well enjoy a little chocolate along the way! Let’s go forward with a positive Mindset Monday that God has perfected just for us.

Today on this Spiritual Sunday, we celebrate our independence. On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The document written by Thomas Jefferson went through an editing process. There were 86 changes made to the original writing. We started celebrating this day annually after the first public reading where bells were rung and music was played.

As we go to our places of worship and throughout our day, let’s rejoice because this is the day the Lord has made. We have the freedom to ring bells and play music for God everyday. We get to live out our edited lives, blessed that through God’s Grace we can keep writing our story. Thank you to our men and women who have served and continue to serve our country so that we can live in freedom.

I took this picture yesterday on my run. It is the flag pole that was donated to Herbert Memorial Untied Methodist Church in Memory of JL Plexico. Both the American flag and the Christian flag are flying.

Look closely at the picture. I made a mess with glue. This wasn’t the first time I made a mess, nor will it be the last. I could have been discouraged and quit when the glue spilled, but instead I kept working and finished the project I was working on. Have you made mistakes this week? Have you stumbled? Take comfort in the promise that your Heavenly Father is holding your hand and will keep you from completely falling. Trust God and keep working hard. I like the words in the Message version of this scripture:

“Stalwart walks in step with God; his path blazed by God, he’s happy. If he stumbles, he’s not down for long; God has a grip on his hand.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:23-24‬ ‭MSG

If you stumble today imagine God’s grip on your hand, get back up, and finish this Friday strong.

P.S. I am not allowed to use glue at my house because I am notorious for making glue messes. 😂