Aligning Ourselves with Good Things and Good Thoughts
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”– 2 Corinthians 10:5
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”– Romans 12:2
These verses have been changing my life. Literally. You never realize how important it is to have the right attitude, to think positively until you see someone else talking bad about themselves. Or in my case: seeing how I treat my kids. I want them to be full of life, and full of good things. I don’t want to tear them down.
So, we’re been going through some changes in our house. By the grace of God (and only through Him!), we have quieted our voices, been patient (most of the time), and we’ve been taking the time to stop and really listen to what our kids have to say.
So, every time I feel like I am out of control (which I think was at the root of it all to begin with, and I find could be at the root of a lot of problems), I tell myself I am not going to align myself with the spirit of control, and move on with my day. Amen! And you can do that with anything. But I think it all starts with realizing you have a problem, and wanting to change.
I daily try to renew my mind, to think on good things, heavenly things, and thank Jesus for the ability to change with His help. He is so good!
“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
– Just a little bit of what’s going on in our lives. Hope you all are having a fabulous week and new year!
– Jill
I love this, Jill. You’re so right – attitude is everything. Children can be challenging, but in a blink of an eye they’ll be off to college and we’ll be left thinking about how our words impacted their hearts.
Attitude is everything. I’ve also been working on not being critical or judgemental. Talk about hard stuff!
Some days I can’t wait until they’re in college, but most of the time I don’t even want to think about. But I know it’ll be here before I know it!
Wonderful! Romans 12:2 is one of my favorite verses.
Herb and I have been focusing on the fruits of the Spirit this week – memorizing them and dwelling on them. Of course self “control” being one! Also, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. (YES! I remembered them all! Does that mean I get a gold star?!
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Have a great week!
Ahh, Fruit of the Spirit. Wonderful stuff. I love them, and with help from the Holy Spirit we can walk in those.
Yes, you definitely get a gold star!
Thanks for the good words, Jill! I love that God doesn’t want us to get hung up on our previous thoughts but to take “this” thought captive. So thankful that his mercies are new every morning! (That’s been my “help I’m stressing out” mantra as of late)
So thankful that his mercies are new every morning! — I was just thinking about this last night and how wonderful it is! It’s a brand new day everyday! Hallelujah!
Love this post, Jill! I’ve found that I’m much more successful with my goals if I have relevant Scripture that I can call to mind in my moment of need.
I’ve also been trying to be more patient and attentive with my kids, and I’ve definitely seen a change in Malia (and me) since I spent more time in the Word and less time on the computer. I’m probably going to slow down with the blog a bit, maybe start posting once a week or once every other week. It’s hard, but I know if I can’t do both well, then I’m going to choose my kids a million times over
Yes! I think having scripture back up whatever is going on is key. You can call on that in times of need. I love it!
I’ve been struggling lately with what to do with my blog. I don’t ever want it to feel like a burden, but lately it has been. So, I’m thinking I might do what you are going to do and blog less. Maybe once or twice a week and spend that extra time with my kids. But we’ll see. It drives me kind of crazy when I don’t have any blog posts planned.