Wow! What a week this has been for me. I seem to have had one stress after another thrown my way. I have to say, I almost let it all get the best of me. However, this morning as I took my shower, put on my makeup and prayed about my writing today, God gave me an “aha” moment. Last week, in contrast to this week, was a “spiritually strong” week for me. I felt physically and emotionally strong in my walk with Christ. So naturally Satan didn’t like that so he did all he could to deter and overwhelm me. I let my guard down and failed to protect myself. So today I am praying Ephesians 6:10-18. Just as the trees in today’s picture cover the road, so does the armor of God cover and protect us. We just have to be alert to Satan’s schemes. This Finish Friday I encourage you to read the two following versions about the armor of God and finish strong by equipping yourself to fight off the schemes of the devil!

https://www.bible.com/111/eph.6.10-18.niv

https://www.bible.com/97/eph.6.10-18.msg

Meet Abby. She is our 2 year old Yorkshire terrier who is full of energy and love. This picture was taken yesterday when I walked back in the house after being gone for only 15 minutes at most. Yet Abby was just as excited to see me as if I had been gone all day long. Abby is always thankful to see me. I am thankful for this reminder from Abby that we too are called to rejoice. Rejoice: feel or show great joy or delight. Read the Message version of Psalm 97:11-12;

“Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. So, God’s people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!”

What a beautiful image! We have light-seeds and joy-seeds planted in us! For that we should be ever praising God! On this Thankful Thursday spend some time examining your thanksgiving and praise. Are you tending to and nurturing your light and joy seeds? Are you praising God? Let’s all take a lesson from Abby. Let’s rejoice! Let’s display our thanksgiving with joy and delight!

Every work day I cross this bridge and look out at the river. This beautiful view on my journey to work is always a reminder of God’s promises. Last year Ephesians 3:20-21 became a daily guide for strength and courage for me as God led me into uncharted waters. I like the Message version of this same scripture:

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20-21‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Where are you on your journey today? Is God leading you down an unfamiliar road? Are you being challenged to step out and try something new? Have the courage today to take the first step and hold on to Ephesians 3:20-21. Trust that God will do “immeasurably more than you ask or imagine.”

Today is Transformation Tip Tuesday. The top picture was taken earlier in spring as my mini garden had just begun to grow. The bottom picture is my first tomato that is turning red. I was so excited to see it Sunday evening! As I reflect on my new interest in gardening, I realize how amazing vegetable growing is as a plant first begins as a tiny seed. As we become Christians, we also need to be nurtured in order to grow and transform into a healthy witness for Christ. My transformation tip is for you to examine your spiritual growth. What are you doing to allow God to grow you? Your Maker wants to do a new thing in your life. Are you nurturing your growth? Are you planted in healthy soil and being fed and watered? What can you do today to allow God to make a way in your wilderness?

Today is Mindset Monday. The picture I chose today represents to me so many things. I use this shelf to display various seasonal decorations as well as items that represent how blessed I am by God. The sign in the middle, “It’s so good to be home” keeps me mindful of the year long house journey we had and the many blessings that God sent our way along the journey. I want this shelf to always remind me of how good God is and never take my blessings for granted. Today is Memorial Day and we remember all who gave their lives fighting for our freedom. Let’s begin our week with a focus on our blessings. May we use a lens of gratitude this week as we face trials or bumps in the road. Let’s never forget that no matter what, God is good!

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:16-18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today is Spiritual Sunday and the start of a new week. As you drive down the road of life, are you allowing God to lead you? Or are you making choices and decisions without Him? As you worship today, let go of control and let God lead. His destination leads to joy and eternal pleasure!

Have you done a heart and mind check lately? In order to finish Friday strong we may need to evaluate what we are letting in. This could be through yes’s. Remember not everything is our assignment. This could be what we take in through social media or television. We need to remember who we are and who we belong to. We are all children of God.

I had the privilege of seeing this bird take a bath in this fountain. This bird seemed carefree and to be having fun. Let’s remember to have fun because it’s Friday and we need to finish strong. Let’s remember to guard our hearts and minds today for only what God wants us to take in. In Proverbs 4:23 NIV we read, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Even in stressful situations we can stay calm knowing God is with us! Equanimity means mental calmness, especially in a difficult situation.