Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Being Intentional With Our Thoughts

Sometimes I'm not very good at putting my thoughts to words in a cohesive, readabable format. I get writer's block with the very first sentence. This usually happens when I'm writing about something that's more on the serious side and less on the humorous. But I decided I'm not going to let that discourage me from sharing a couple verses that have really helped me lately and have given me a peaceful feeling that only the Lord can give.

With our study on marriage in Sunday school winding down and the past LNO sessions (which I've shared about in previous posts) I've attended, I feel like I've learned a lot about not only being a wife and mother, but also being a child of God.

My thinking needs to be intentional.

Being intentional with your thinking has a big impact on your mood, your tone, and the way you view life in general. Last Sunday, one of my Sunday school teachers asked, "What do you think about in your free time, the few times in the day when you can just sit and think, like when you're driving, waiting in line somewhere, showering, etc.?"

She asked us if we thought about negative things, such as what you should have said to that certain someone who made you angry, or things you wish you were better at, or items you wished you owned, or people that irritate you?

Or do you think of the positives, the blessings in your life, the people who love you for who you are, the things you are good at, etc?

It seems that a lot of times our brain naturally goes to the negative. But the Word of God actually tells us to do just the opposite. The Lord wants us to be happy, to succeed, to find the joy in our lives that He's provided.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
-Philippians 4:8


And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:7


I know I don't have as much scripture memorized and hidden in my heart as I should, but being able to think and repeat these verses to myself during the day has made an impact in my life the past week or two.

The Lord wants only great things for us. We just have to trust in Him.


And that's basically it.

Like I said, I knew this post wouldn't really flow. I knew it would start off kind of weird and end abruptly. But that's okay.

And because it's late and Matt keeps asking when I'll be finished with the computer, I'll leave it at that.

Have a great tomorrow, ya'll!

22 comments:

Amber said...

I totally understand girl! It is so hard sometimes to get our minds right and just be where God wants us to be.

Thanks so much for this post. I feel like it is such a blessing to be connected to fellow Christians through blogging.

Kristy said...

Good stuff.
I am feeling just a tad negative lately, so I am working on it. =)


And about MASH... my kids at school completely think that they invented it. It cracks me up.

Tonight's dumb facebook quiz was about who is your perfect match. Mine said someone born between April 21 and May 21. Well Big J's birthday is May 24. So I guess I'll have to kick him out?? Ha!

=)

Bridget said...

Thanks Hollie! This is so true and your wrote it perfect. I often have so much I want to share but don't know how to put in into words so it comes across like I want it to...Plus I don't have enough time either I have a husband or a bunch of kids who demand my attention 24/7:)

Jamie Lynn said...

I had to memorize Philippians 4:8 once for VBS & I loved it..
I have never really look @ 7 but I like it too:)

petrii said...

Hollie,
I definitely need these verses right now, in fact they were in my Bible study last night. Thank you for reminding me that my thoughts need to be intentional and on the right things.

Have a Blessed day,
Dawn

Rebecca Jo said...

I think that was very well said!

Kerri said...

Great, half full post! I love those verses...

Bran ♥ said...

Thanks for posting this Hollie. It was EXACTLY what I needed to read in the midst of everything I've been going through the past couple weeks.

Life Is Crazy Beautiful said...

Amen, sister! There is so much going on in the world today that's negative, it can be hard to focus on the positive. There's a lot of blogging going on right now about "thoughts", and that is probably why. Thanks being willing to share to edify! (P.S. If you haven't alread, check out Jennifer Rothschild's newest study - Me Myself & Lies)

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

I know what you mean about the writing when it comes to the serious stuff.

I've always liked those two verses, but I struggle with that first one myself. There is a fine line I miss sometimes between forcing yourself to be happy, which doesn't work, and just trying to focus as possible on your blessings, which usually does.

Pamela said...

i got the point you were trying to make! Thank you for your posts like this. They make my day better! :) Love u.

Perfectly Imperfect said...

I got your point =) I have a hard time not focusing on the negative a lot of times just because at times there seems to be just so much of it. But I needed this reminder. thanks..

Mrs. Classic said...

I love it! Thanks for sharing. This has really been on my heart lately and it is a great reminder.

RCaitlin said...

I definitely get what your talking about. Oddly enough I generally only think of positive things when I have spare time...I guess I'm in the minority haha.

JAMIE said...

Thanks. I really needed to be lifted up today! :)

Trina said...

I struggle with the same thing blogwise and thought wise. I think you did a fine job of blogging this. I know that alot of times I want to blog about something serious and feel like it won't flow, I compare myself to others too often, thinking it won't be as good as so and so would write it. But if the Lord has laid something on my heart to share, I should do it. I'm proud of you :)

As far as thoughts, I do tend to focus on the negative, or things I screwed up on that day, or how someone mad me mad, etc. Thanks for this reminder!

Heather said...

This one of my favorite posts that you have done. I think you did a great job on it and we could meditate on these verses. Thanks for sharing your heart and getting us to think on the positive!

Becky said...

Beautifully written Hollie. I am thrilled that God has answered our prayers by bringing the things we are learning to our minds throughout the week AND helping us to apply them. I am praying for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing this post. I think God gave you just the right words you needed. It is so true. I think all of us need to spend more time focusing our energy on the positive things, the blessings we've been given.

alyssa said...

very well said!!

Suz said...

This is an excellent reminder!

April said...

Boy did I need to hear that! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this post :)