How often the mind vacillates and before we know it we find ourselves either patting our own backs or resorting to self-deprication.
As I approach 40 I find myself struggling more and more with vanity; not so much in comparison to others but in comparison to what I 'used' to be. Youth is slipping from my grasp and the feeling leaves me dizzy with doubts about ever facet of my life.
On days when I manage to tick off several things on the 'To Do' list, I feel accomplished, add to that a workout and some healthy meals - empowered, throw in some time alone with my Father and I am really walking tall.
Not that it is a bad day when that happens but I find myself vacillating between two extremes. One the one hand, pushing myself to standards I can no longer keep and the other taking credit for what I have managed to do.
What I need, balance!
Stubborn pride compels me to excel - vanity to regain my youth - pride to be accomplished.
So maybe I need to learn to abide. To stop right here in this moment and enjoy my laugh lines for what they are - the trade mark of a lot of joy. Rest in the moments when I can hold my loved ones instead of fold some laundry or answer an email.
He says take my yoke and find rest for my soul. (Matt. 11:29) If I abide in Him and He in me then all that is within me makes me beautiful, accomplished, and empowered. Wow! Nothing I did, but all within me because of Him.
There's my balance, I have been weighed and measured and Christ cleared the scale. Amen!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Mediocre Minds
Goal 2 - Change my mind.
I have this problem, my mind...it thinks up all kinds of things that are just plain, no good! It tells me lies about how I look, how I feel, what I deserve, how I should be treated and what I didn't accomplish for the day, month, year. When I move past something it is always there to remind me.
The mind can be an incredible thing, but let's face it - the battle starts here, before I ever open my mouth.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that you may be able to determine that which God's will is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
It may seem simple, or black and white to some, but changing the mind takes as much "decision" as dwelling. So I choose to change.
When I hear negative self-talk I will remind myself I am part of a royal priesthood. (1 Peter) Created by God's hand himself! (Psalm 139)
When I feel hurt/anger towards another person I will focus instead on why THEY are hurting and what I can do to help. The second greatest command is to love one another.
When I become overwhelmed with what needs to be done and what I have not completed I will remind myself that I was created with eternity in my heart and that this is my temporary home.
I will change my mind and it will change me.
Albert Einstein said "Great spirits have always found opposition from mediocre minds".
All you naysayers - Change your mind!
I have this problem, my mind...it thinks up all kinds of things that are just plain, no good! It tells me lies about how I look, how I feel, what I deserve, how I should be treated and what I didn't accomplish for the day, month, year. When I move past something it is always there to remind me.
The mind can be an incredible thing, but let's face it - the battle starts here, before I ever open my mouth.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that you may be able to determine that which God's will is, that which is good, acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
It may seem simple, or black and white to some, but changing the mind takes as much "decision" as dwelling. So I choose to change.
When I hear negative self-talk I will remind myself I am part of a royal priesthood. (1 Peter) Created by God's hand himself! (Psalm 139)
When I feel hurt/anger towards another person I will focus instead on why THEY are hurting and what I can do to help. The second greatest command is to love one another.
When I become overwhelmed with what needs to be done and what I have not completed I will remind myself that I was created with eternity in my heart and that this is my temporary home.
I will change my mind and it will change me.
Albert Einstein said "Great spirits have always found opposition from mediocre minds".
All you naysayers - Change your mind!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The day after Day 1
Each year millions of people, including myself, enter the new year with high hopes and a resolution or two.
How many time have I started this journey? How many times have you?
For me they are generally the same resolution, sprinkled with a few attempts at being a better consumer, volunteer - you get the picture.
This year is slightly different though, no resolutions that I will eventually quit or forget about. Instead, I'm setting some goals for my 40th year of pre-eternal life.
Care to share my journey?
Zig Ziglar says 'If you are aiming at nothing you will hit it every time'.
Well, I am a dang good shot - so maybe this is my year!
Goal 1 - Make a list of goals for the year
How many time have I started this journey? How many times have you?
For me they are generally the same resolution, sprinkled with a few attempts at being a better consumer, volunteer - you get the picture.
This year is slightly different though, no resolutions that I will eventually quit or forget about. Instead, I'm setting some goals for my 40th year of pre-eternal life.
Care to share my journey?
Zig Ziglar says 'If you are aiming at nothing you will hit it every time'.
Well, I am a dang good shot - so maybe this is my year!
Goal 1 - Make a list of goals for the year
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