I live in a part of the country that experiences changes in the weather to indicate the different seasons of the year. Although we usually don’t have snow, we know it’s winter around here when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. We know it’s summer when the gnats are trying to fly into our eyes, ears and noses, the temperature is hovering around 95 degrees and we are sweating like crazy. In this part of the south we don’t perspire, we sweat and, trust me, there IS a big difference. Just ask anyone who has moved away and then comes back to visit. Most have forgotten what it feels like not to have a dry thread on you when you haven’t done anything more than walk to the car in the summer heat. I’ve always said I really couldn’t imagine living in an area where the temps never fall below a balmy 78 degrees or rise above a frigid 55 degrees (although as I journey through my midlife, the frigid place is beginning to sound a little bit appealing). Seasons are all about change and that is something most people are able to deal with. Well, that is when you are speaking in reference to the weather.
Right now, I am having to deal with seasons of change in my life that are, in some ways, a joy to experience and in other ways, not so hot (no pun intended). I have reached that all important milestone in life when my youngest child will be graduating from college in the next couple of weeks and leaving the nest. Am I sad? Not at all! On the contrary, I am excited…..but I have to be careful not to show too much excitement because it hurts my son’s feelings. He thinks I am thrilled to get rid of him, which could not be further from the truth. I am proud of his accomplishments and excited as he enters this new season of his own life……and to be truthful, pretty excited about the new season of life I will be entering, as well. Whoo-hoo!!! No more tuition, apartment rent, or fraternity dues to pay! No more phone calls for “supplemental funds”! I can see the promised land! So much for not showing too much excitement………..
As thrilled as I am for this change in my life, I am also dealing with a change in the life of my church that is absolutely tearing me to pieces. One of my pastors and our director of music are both leaving to accept positions in a church out of state. I attend a unique church that was formed from the merger of two churches in our community. We are nondenominational and very evangelistic. Our music ministry is amazing and reaches so many young people in our town. Loosing these two church leaders will affect us very strongly. Yet, I know that these two men are led of God to leave…..their season here has passed. I told a friend, I am happy to see them go and devastated to see them leave! This type of season is not what I enjoy experiencing, yet I know that just as every season brings with it hope for the future, I must believe that this season in my church will bring hope of a bright future, also. I don’t see it right now, but my faith says that as sure as the gnats will return here to announce summertime, there will be “joy in the morning” in the days to come for my church. God will open a door for someone to fill the void that will be left by the absence of these two fine men. I just feel blessed to have been able to “live through the season” with them as they served their Lord.
Living through the season is all we can hope to accomplish in life, isn’t it? “To everything there is a season” and we can hope for nothing more than to experience it fully. God has great plans for us, if we allow Him to use the seasons of our lives to nurture and mold us into the children He desires us to be. Seasons are about change, and change is not always so easy to take, but just as the weather changes with every season, our lives can be transformed with every life season we pass through. It’s all about the faith we have in the Creator of everything to be totally in charge of our seasons.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Angels On Earth
The Bible speaks of angels dwelling among us. Scripture teaches that when we help or serve our fellowman, we could actually be "entertaining angels unaware". The thought of having an angel in your physical presence is a little bit daunting..well, that is until you have a grandchild. Then there is NO doubt that angels do actually live right here with us. Grandchildren aren't called grand for nothing!
I have one grandchild, a girl, whose name is Emma Kate. She turned 4 years old this past December. Here's a pictures of her in her Georgia Bulldog cheer leading uniform. Prior to the picture being taken, she probably yelled, "Go-o-o-o-o-o Dawgs! Sic 'em! Woof, woof, woof, woof"! She is one loyal Bulldawg fan (yes, I spelled that correctly.....I am from the South, you know) and to say she is my heart would be putting it mildly! She called me on the phone yesterday to let me know she was on her way to the beach. Her mama, my oldest child and my only daughter, is a school teacher in a suburb of Atlanta. Their school system is on spring break this week, so she and a couple of her close friends decided to take their kids and head for Florida. Emma Kate felt that she needed to call me so I wouldn't wonder where she was. There is nothing that brings a smile to my face quicker than hearing that little voice. "Lilla," she says (that's what she calls me), "I am on the way to the beach. I'll call you when we get there and I'll send you pictures". That was about the extent of our conversation.....oh, except for the fact that her friend, who is also four, wanted to get on the phone and let me know that she was on her way to the beach, as well! Aren't they just the cutest things?
I wonder if God smiles every time we "check in" with Him? Those times when we pray just to let Him know that we are fine.....not asking for a thing, but just taking a few minutes to say hello. The bigger question is, do we ever do this or is our prayer life all about going over our list of requests? Scripture does say that we should make every request known to God.....we receive not, because we ask not....but you know, I think we have taken this attitude of prayer a bit to the extreme. Even as parents and grandparents, we grow tired of having our children or grandchildren contact us only when they need or want something. Do we love them any less? No, but just think how much deeper and richer the relationship is when we talk with each other just because we want to and there is no other motive at all. That's such a sweet expression of our love! Don't you think our heavenly Father feels the same way?
I can't wait to see those pictures Emma Kate is going to send! I know they will show her having a great time on the beach! I'm so glad she wants me to be a part of this trip....even if I'm not there physically, I can share in the fun through the pictures. I hope that I realize, even if I don't see my Lord physically, He is with me and wants me to share with Him every aspect of my daily life. I'm sure that if I will just remember to "say hello", it will make Him smile. After all, I do believe He also thinks His creations are grand!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
It's Been Awhile.....
Looking at the date on my last post, you would think I had dropped off the planet! I have developed a habit of writing only when I feel led......not a good practice for writers, so I am told. TRUE writers develop their skills by writing on a daily basis....as in physical exercise, "if you don't use it, you loose it".......well, I hope I haven't "lost it", but the daily thing is just something I am going to have to work on. I've never perceived myself as a "writer"......I am more like a person who just likes to share her thoughts. Being that I haven't posted since January, you can see I'm not a very deep thinker........
My friend and inspiration for blogging, Bill, gave me a whole stack of small notepads to carry around with me so I would be able to jot thoughts and ideas down when they hit me. He said that would make it easier to "revisit" things I might want to write about. Great idea.....I just need to work on remembering to write my thoughts down as soon as they hit me. I think my writing skills could best be defined under the category of lazy. I always intend to go back and write about that idea or story I came up with, but we all know where the road paved with good intentions leads!
So......I'm back at it! I want to appoliize to those of you who check my blog regularly and found that it was frozen in time. How awful of me......I fuss all the time about churches with the same problem! "If you aren't moving forward, then you are probably dead", I say. Fine example I've set! I am alive! I am picking my "blogging self" up and taking another run at this thing! My goodness, as much as I love to talk, you would think this would be as second nature as breathing for me! God gave me the ability to put my thoughts down and so, I am going to dive headfirst into His word so I can remind myself of the thoughts He shared with us, His children. Reading the Bible always inspires me and motivates me to share those tidbits of my faith that I believe my readers can identify with. Maybe my problem is not "writer's block", but more like "lack of reading and studying the Holy Word syndrome". Yep, I think that's it......and it is a very fixable problem. The level of my blogging inspiration is in direct proportion to my level of study in His word. So, as Steven Curtis Chapman's song says, "I'm diving in, I'm going deep!"
As I reread the paragraph above, it hit me....God has been blogging for years! I will, too.........
My friend and inspiration for blogging, Bill, gave me a whole stack of small notepads to carry around with me so I would be able to jot thoughts and ideas down when they hit me. He said that would make it easier to "revisit" things I might want to write about. Great idea.....I just need to work on remembering to write my thoughts down as soon as they hit me. I think my writing skills could best be defined under the category of lazy. I always intend to go back and write about that idea or story I came up with, but we all know where the road paved with good intentions leads!
So......I'm back at it! I want to appoliize to those of you who check my blog regularly and found that it was frozen in time. How awful of me......I fuss all the time about churches with the same problem! "If you aren't moving forward, then you are probably dead", I say. Fine example I've set! I am alive! I am picking my "blogging self" up and taking another run at this thing! My goodness, as much as I love to talk, you would think this would be as second nature as breathing for me! God gave me the ability to put my thoughts down and so, I am going to dive headfirst into His word so I can remind myself of the thoughts He shared with us, His children. Reading the Bible always inspires me and motivates me to share those tidbits of my faith that I believe my readers can identify with. Maybe my problem is not "writer's block", but more like "lack of reading and studying the Holy Word syndrome". Yep, I think that's it......and it is a very fixable problem. The level of my blogging inspiration is in direct proportion to my level of study in His word. So, as Steven Curtis Chapman's song says, "I'm diving in, I'm going deep!"
As I reread the paragraph above, it hit me....God has been blogging for years! I will, too.........
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Lip Service
Little House on the Prairie was one of my favorite television shows. The characters of Charles and Caroline Ingalls portrayed a loving couple and parents who nurtured their children in positive and encouraging ways. Then there was the character of Mrs. Oleson………who spent all her time and energy finding ways to make her family appear superior to everyone else. Now if you had asked this character why she focused all her efforts on such an endeavor, she would have denied that she did this at all. She would have said that she only strived to do what was in the best interest of her family…..but if you watched the show, you know that wasn’t the case at all. It was a total obsession for Mrs. Oleson and demanded all her time and energy. It took first place in her life over everything else. The consequence of this was that her choice actually alienated her from everyone, including the family she claimed to be helping.
It appears to me that we sometimes make decisions that we don’t realize will have consequences. I am not talking about the obvious…..drive too fast, you might get a speeding ticket, stick your hand in an open flame and you will probably get burned…..I am talking about the choices we make which could affect our relationships. Most of the time the people who are affected are those that we love and take for granted. These decisions, even though they are not wrong or evil, can affect that person in a way that makes them feel less important or overlooked. Decisions concerning our jobs, our friends, our hobbies or our family. When we put anything ahead of the ones we love and expect them to understand time after time, we put that relationship in jeopardy. We may tell that person they are number one with us…….and in our minds we may believe that as well……but our actions say something totally different. The words we say are just lip service.
Today’s church understands this probably better than anyone in the world. Congregations say they love the Church, they will support Her programs and promise to serve Her with their time, talents, money and by lifting Her up in prayer. Yet, the Church is struggling due to lack of support and participation. She has been promised all that She needs, but it was just lip service. The members are giving all their attention and time to other things or other people…..The Church has lost its priority in their lives. The consequence? The relationship between the Bride of Christ and people suffers…..sometimes to the point that people no longer participate in the church at all. Yet, in the mind of many of the church members, they believe they are still putting the Church of our Lord and Savior first in their life…….but their actions say it just isn’t so. It’s all just lip service.
What is first in your life? Do you know…..wait now, don’t say what you think is first….look at what you spend the most time doing or who you spend the most time with. Who or what is the person or thing that takes the most of your time, your attention and your thoughts? That is what is first in your life. It’s easy to pinpoint and there is no excuse necessary…..it is a choice. Just remember….it will have a consequence. Maybe good, or maybe not…..but it definitely will have a consequence. What promises have you made that you are not keeping because of the choices you have made? Were they promises that are affecting others or just yourself? Are you choosing to fulfill these promises or make excuses for why you can’t fulfill them? As we begin a new year, look at the choices you have made……truly look, not at what you say you do, but at what you actually spend the most time doing….and see what kind of choices you have made. If you don’t like what you see, then make a promise to yourself to change the choice…..correct the error…..and improve your relationships. Don’t start the New Year with lip service. Make a change for the better!
It appears to me that we sometimes make decisions that we don’t realize will have consequences. I am not talking about the obvious…..drive too fast, you might get a speeding ticket, stick your hand in an open flame and you will probably get burned…..I am talking about the choices we make which could affect our relationships. Most of the time the people who are affected are those that we love and take for granted. These decisions, even though they are not wrong or evil, can affect that person in a way that makes them feel less important or overlooked. Decisions concerning our jobs, our friends, our hobbies or our family. When we put anything ahead of the ones we love and expect them to understand time after time, we put that relationship in jeopardy. We may tell that person they are number one with us…….and in our minds we may believe that as well……but our actions say something totally different. The words we say are just lip service.
Today’s church understands this probably better than anyone in the world. Congregations say they love the Church, they will support Her programs and promise to serve Her with their time, talents, money and by lifting Her up in prayer. Yet, the Church is struggling due to lack of support and participation. She has been promised all that She needs, but it was just lip service. The members are giving all their attention and time to other things or other people…..The Church has lost its priority in their lives. The consequence? The relationship between the Bride of Christ and people suffers…..sometimes to the point that people no longer participate in the church at all. Yet, in the mind of many of the church members, they believe they are still putting the Church of our Lord and Savior first in their life…….but their actions say it just isn’t so. It’s all just lip service.
What is first in your life? Do you know…..wait now, don’t say what you think is first….look at what you spend the most time doing or who you spend the most time with. Who or what is the person or thing that takes the most of your time, your attention and your thoughts? That is what is first in your life. It’s easy to pinpoint and there is no excuse necessary…..it is a choice. Just remember….it will have a consequence. Maybe good, or maybe not…..but it definitely will have a consequence. What promises have you made that you are not keeping because of the choices you have made? Were they promises that are affecting others or just yourself? Are you choosing to fulfill these promises or make excuses for why you can’t fulfill them? As we begin a new year, look at the choices you have made……truly look, not at what you say you do, but at what you actually spend the most time doing….and see what kind of choices you have made. If you don’t like what you see, then make a promise to yourself to change the choice…..correct the error…..and improve your relationships. Don’t start the New Year with lip service. Make a change for the better!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Our Legacy
Although I am not a Facebook junkie, I do check it almost everyday. I found myself tonight looking at photos posted on the site of a friend I lost to cancer this past March. She was a beautiful lady….both inside and out. She made an impact on my life in so many ways…….some more apparent to me now than ever before. Her spirit, her faith, her love and her smile were infectious. Everywhere she went, she drew others in…she was such a people person. But the most important part of her was that when you were with her, you caught a glimpse of what Jesus looks like. He was Lord of her life and she loved sharing her faith with everyone…. I was fortunate enough to be one of those people.
My friend felt she was being led to start a Bible Study group in her home about five or six years ago. She and I did not attend the same church, but we did know each other and we also had several friends in common. At some point during the first year or so of the Bible Study, one of these friends invited me to attend the study with her. That was the beginning of what turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The bonds of friendship that were formed in that group were amazing and the depth of spiritual nourishment we received enabled us to grow in our personal relationships with God. All because of one lady and her willingness to serve the God she loved so much. Though my friend is no longer with us, the group continues to meet together to pray and study God’s word. What a legacy she left!
To say I miss my friend would be putting it mildly. Every few days something reminds me of her, whether it was something she taught, an example she set or that wonderful laugh and smile of hers….even though physically she is not here, her spirit still lives with me. I feel like David did when his and Bathsheba’s baby died. Like David, when my friend was battling cancer, I prayed and prayed that God would physically heal her. For whatever reason, that did not happen, but I live with the faith that I will see her again in our heavenly home. I know she’s there walking with and talking every breath to the One who is Lord of her life. She’s happier than ever and, I’m sure, she’s standing on the “heavenly sideline” cheering on all of us who are left here. It is amazing what one person can accomplish when they open up their hearts and minds to the possibilities of God. My friend did just that, and you and I can do it, too. Will we?
My friend felt she was being led to start a Bible Study group in her home about five or six years ago. She and I did not attend the same church, but we did know each other and we also had several friends in common. At some point during the first year or so of the Bible Study, one of these friends invited me to attend the study with her. That was the beginning of what turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The bonds of friendship that were formed in that group were amazing and the depth of spiritual nourishment we received enabled us to grow in our personal relationships with God. All because of one lady and her willingness to serve the God she loved so much. Though my friend is no longer with us, the group continues to meet together to pray and study God’s word. What a legacy she left!
To say I miss my friend would be putting it mildly. Every few days something reminds me of her, whether it was something she taught, an example she set or that wonderful laugh and smile of hers….even though physically she is not here, her spirit still lives with me. I feel like David did when his and Bathsheba’s baby died. Like David, when my friend was battling cancer, I prayed and prayed that God would physically heal her. For whatever reason, that did not happen, but I live with the faith that I will see her again in our heavenly home. I know she’s there walking with and talking every breath to the One who is Lord of her life. She’s happier than ever and, I’m sure, she’s standing on the “heavenly sideline” cheering on all of us who are left here. It is amazing what one person can accomplish when they open up their hearts and minds to the possibilities of God. My friend did just that, and you and I can do it, too. Will we?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving, 2010 is now over……and I am still full from all the food I consumed! I live in the South, so as in almost all the holidays we celebrate, food plays a major part in our Thanksgiving celebration. We always cook much more than we could ever eat, we go to all lengths to make the “family favorites” from years past, and we decorate the table in all the harvest colors. Every cook has her “speciality” dish that she is expected to bring. Southerners know that certain dishes will grace all Thanksgiving tables……turkey and cornbread dressing (NOT stuffing…..what the heck is that?), a baked ham, something with sweet potatoes in it, pies, cakes and if you are really fortunate, turnip greens (my mama’s are the best!). We sit around the table with our family and friends, break bread together and give thanks for our many blessings. Actually, with my family it’s more like grazing all day on all that food until we reach the point where we can no longer move, and then everyone leaves. Physically, we are miserable, but happy in every other aspect.
I am one of those people who just cannot get into Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It really bothers me that retailers have totally forgotten the holiday of Thanksgiving. We go directly from the 4th of July to Christmas…..I’m not exaggerating here. I was in a store that was completely decorated for Christmas the 1st week in September! We’re sold out on the idea of exchanging gifts and we’ve swept under the rug the opportunity of giving thanks to the One who made and gave it all to us. Did you realize this was happening? To me, it’s almost as if as quiet as a little mouse, someone came in and stole the one holiday in our year totally dedicated to giving thanks, and substituted it with a commercial driven time of celebration we call Christmas. And then, of course concerning Christmas, there’s that notion the holiday has nothing to do with Christ. It all just breaks my heart.
Psalms 118:1 says, “Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good….”. God wishes for us, His people, to acknowledge His goodness…..to lift up our thanks for all that He has done. God tells us many times in His word that He is a jealous God……not jealous in man’s terms of greed and envy…..but wanting, desiring our praise, our love and our devotion above all else. We should look for every opportunity to give thanks for the blessings we have received, most of which were undeserved. If we REALLY want to get honest about it, we should thank God every single day that we don’t get what we DESERVE. Based on this one fact, it is evident that God IS good!
I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was a good one and that you took the time to be thankful for your many blessings. Blessings may mean one thing to one person and something totally different to someone else, but this one thing holds true…..all blessings are from God the Father and we should always appreciate the fact that He loves us so much. Thanksgiving blessings to you all!
I am one of those people who just cannot get into Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It really bothers me that retailers have totally forgotten the holiday of Thanksgiving. We go directly from the 4th of July to Christmas…..I’m not exaggerating here. I was in a store that was completely decorated for Christmas the 1st week in September! We’re sold out on the idea of exchanging gifts and we’ve swept under the rug the opportunity of giving thanks to the One who made and gave it all to us. Did you realize this was happening? To me, it’s almost as if as quiet as a little mouse, someone came in and stole the one holiday in our year totally dedicated to giving thanks, and substituted it with a commercial driven time of celebration we call Christmas. And then, of course concerning Christmas, there’s that notion the holiday has nothing to do with Christ. It all just breaks my heart.
Psalms 118:1 says, “Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good….”. God wishes for us, His people, to acknowledge His goodness…..to lift up our thanks for all that He has done. God tells us many times in His word that He is a jealous God……not jealous in man’s terms of greed and envy…..but wanting, desiring our praise, our love and our devotion above all else. We should look for every opportunity to give thanks for the blessings we have received, most of which were undeserved. If we REALLY want to get honest about it, we should thank God every single day that we don’t get what we DESERVE. Based on this one fact, it is evident that God IS good!
I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was a good one and that you took the time to be thankful for your many blessings. Blessings may mean one thing to one person and something totally different to someone else, but this one thing holds true…..all blessings are from God the Father and we should always appreciate the fact that He loves us so much. Thanksgiving blessings to you all!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
What Was I Thinking?
I've taken on one of the hardest tasks in my life......trying to be aware of my thought processes! Now....I did not say CONTROLLING my thought processes.....first things, first for Pete's sake! What I am trying to do is become aware of, not only my thoughts, but the tone of my thoughts. You know......we all have tendencies to lean towards a certain frame of mind.....I'm just trying to figure out, based on my thoughts, which way I am leaning.
Did I come up with this idea on my own? No way.....if there is one thing about my thoughts I do know, it is that they aren't that deep! There's lots of information out there concerning the power of our thoughts.......the oldest (and I believe the ones that are reliable) are mentioned in the Bible. I've just reached the point in my life where I realize that lots of the things that "upset my apple cart" on a regular basis are things that I create....attitudes, expectations, annoyances.....and if I would stop to think about my thinking, I could avoid so many stressful and upsetting situations. Is that easy? No, it is not.
I believe the world is saturated with the well-being of our physical bodies. Everywhere you look there are exercise programs and diet information. We understand the concept that we need to monitor and control our consumption of food. We know the importance of a regular exercise routine. The results of these could mean a better and possibly longer life. Why not look at the mental aspects? Don't we also want a happier and more content life? That could be the result of a focused thought process. If we are willing to adjust our lifestyles to include improvements in our diet or physical activity......we are even willing to pay money for these changes.....then why not consider making mental lifestyle changes? Maybe because to make a change, we first have to focus on the problem that needs changing and when it comes to our own thoughts, we have a hard time identifying the problem. How do you recognize a mental problem area that doesn't appear bad on the surface, but is, in fact, causing quite a deal of unhappiness or stress in your life? Mindsets aren't created overnight. So, they won't be identified and changed that quickly either.
I know that in my own life the ONLY way I will be able to make an adjustment in my thinking is through prayer. I have made the promise to stop every time I have a negative thought and THINK about what has just gone through my mind. Most importantly, I have also resolved that I WILL NOT MAKE EXCUSES for the thought.....I will just stop the process and ask God to help me. Nothing less and nothing more, at this point. I know that if I truly want to improve my thought processes, then I need to fill my mind with what is pure and true....so......my "mental exercise" will be to sing a praise to God. Nothing long.....sometimes nothing more than "Jesus loves me, this I know"! I just want to interrupt that negative thought and fill my mind with something positive. What could be more positive than praising the Lord? I am praying and am confident that, based on God's word, I will become a "new person" because of my willingness to let God fill my thoughts. Before long, positive, pure and true thoughts will become who I am, and not something I have to work at.
Romans 8:6 says, "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace". Life and peace.......isn't that what everyone wants? Join me......start today by monitoring who you are in your thoughts. It won't be easy, but it will mean an awareness like you have never experienced before. I THINK that will be the beginning of something really good!
Did I come up with this idea on my own? No way.....if there is one thing about my thoughts I do know, it is that they aren't that deep! There's lots of information out there concerning the power of our thoughts.......the oldest (and I believe the ones that are reliable) are mentioned in the Bible. I've just reached the point in my life where I realize that lots of the things that "upset my apple cart" on a regular basis are things that I create....attitudes, expectations, annoyances.....and if I would stop to think about my thinking, I could avoid so many stressful and upsetting situations. Is that easy? No, it is not.
I believe the world is saturated with the well-being of our physical bodies. Everywhere you look there are exercise programs and diet information. We understand the concept that we need to monitor and control our consumption of food. We know the importance of a regular exercise routine. The results of these could mean a better and possibly longer life. Why not look at the mental aspects? Don't we also want a happier and more content life? That could be the result of a focused thought process. If we are willing to adjust our lifestyles to include improvements in our diet or physical activity......we are even willing to pay money for these changes.....then why not consider making mental lifestyle changes? Maybe because to make a change, we first have to focus on the problem that needs changing and when it comes to our own thoughts, we have a hard time identifying the problem. How do you recognize a mental problem area that doesn't appear bad on the surface, but is, in fact, causing quite a deal of unhappiness or stress in your life? Mindsets aren't created overnight. So, they won't be identified and changed that quickly either.
I know that in my own life the ONLY way I will be able to make an adjustment in my thinking is through prayer. I have made the promise to stop every time I have a negative thought and THINK about what has just gone through my mind. Most importantly, I have also resolved that I WILL NOT MAKE EXCUSES for the thought.....I will just stop the process and ask God to help me. Nothing less and nothing more, at this point. I know that if I truly want to improve my thought processes, then I need to fill my mind with what is pure and true....so......my "mental exercise" will be to sing a praise to God. Nothing long.....sometimes nothing more than "Jesus loves me, this I know"! I just want to interrupt that negative thought and fill my mind with something positive. What could be more positive than praising the Lord? I am praying and am confident that, based on God's word, I will become a "new person" because of my willingness to let God fill my thoughts. Before long, positive, pure and true thoughts will become who I am, and not something I have to work at.
Romans 8:6 says, "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace". Life and peace.......isn't that what everyone wants? Join me......start today by monitoring who you are in your thoughts. It won't be easy, but it will mean an awareness like you have never experienced before. I THINK that will be the beginning of something really good!
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