What you think about you bring about?

The mind is an amazing thing. The way it thinks, and processes what it believes. It seems that when I look around and listen I am hearing what seems like a common thread. Most people who are generally happy, and people who are successful too, think of themselves as lucky, blessed, or in some way favored. And people who, well, aren't happy or successful, believe they are either unlucky or the world is out to get them. I have seen people in dire straits smile and look to the future with hope, while people who have so much to be grateful for, think it is the end of the world when the smallest thing goes wrong. The people who are generally happy consider themselves successful at something. They keep that in mind. Look at the motivational or inspirational speakers. What are they saying? The Scriptures even speak of fixing our minds on whatever is "good, and holy and pure...". I know that when I spend time with positive people, time goes by so fast and on the other hand, when I spend time with negitive people, I am exhausted and can't wait to get away. Even our health is affected by the way we think. Gosh, that is another matter in itself. As for me I think I will remember all the good things in my life, the kind people, their love for me, the difficult things I have accomplished, and the scary things I didn't allow to stand in the way of my dreams. I believe that is LIVING!

The other night I was watching the movie Kingdom of Heaven and there was a part of the movie I just couldn't shake. It was a scene after the epic battle where Orlando Bloom and the people he was leading surrendered Jerusalem, a man approached Orlando Bloom and said something to the effect that he (Bloom) could not have done so much good if God had not been with him.
It made me think of some hard times I have had, then I started thinking that there have been good things too. Which led me to think that God must surely be with me too. That makes me smile.

MORE THAN JUST A FULL MOON

If you have ever worked with the public, been with the public or just been around people, you may have noticed behaviors that just defy any sane or reasonable explanation. It has come to my attention that more and more often I am being challenged to deal with behavior that seems less and less normal. Has something happened to our society? Or have I just begun to smell the coffee?

Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.1
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/numbers.cfm

I guess that was an eye opener. So the next time you have just driven in traffic, stood in a line at the market, or been to airport, and witnessed something that seems a little off, just remember those numbers, one in four...I know I will try.

Problems and Prayer

If my problems have brought me to prayer, then they have served a purpose.
p.161 Courage to Change

UNDERLYING CAUSES OR JUST LAME EXCUSES...Today I attended WOW, Women of the Word). It is the first time I have been to a women's Bible study for a couple of years. Some of the questions were have you ever been judged by another Christian, how did you feel, what would you consider essential doctrines or beliefs, and what in your opinion, constitutes essential behavior. I had done my homework so I already had my answers before we all met. I found it was really interesting when we went around the tables and shared answers. For the first time ever I understood why some folks don't want any part of this church thing. To listen to this group, it sounded like any other group of people, non Christian. Though the standards were different like not cussing, watching certain shows or movies, getting drunk, etc....I'm not sure if I was trying to hear justification and self-righteousness in their voices or condemnation, but it felt weird, maybe I am out of the groove. In the Al-Anon rooms, there is so much self examination and honesty about oneself, acceptance of others and acceptance of myself, I was honestly taken back. For me the rules need to be few and simple. God wants us to love Him with all that we are, and second for us to love one another as ourselves. First priority= a relationship with God. I have found that that takes such focus I have little time or energy to notice what others are doing. Second priority= love your neighbor as yourself, if I can Corinthian's love them, I will be patient, not easily angered, nor self-seeking, or rude, keeping no record of wrongs, and never giving up on hope on them. The ONLY way I can love like this is cultivating the first, most important relationship, the loving God with all that I am relationship. That kind of Christianity can produce kingdom changing fruit. If fruit is produced because of these types of relationships the many other dos and don'ts of the Bible won't become church dividing issues.

What is Good.

It is good to be getting back into the swing of things. We attended church tonight. Still so many of the same faces at Canyon Ridge. They are my friends, even though I may not know them well or speak with them often. We are connected in some way. That is good. I had my hair shaped up this afternoon with the same gal who used to cut my hair a few years back. That was good. When I returned home, Lindsey, who I used to babysit for stopped by to pick up some Mary Kay products, it's always a pleasure to visit with her. That was good. Ran into K-Mart by our old house and saw Kaelyn's AWANA teacher, Valerie, from five years ago, so warm toward us. That was good. Called Jody about getting together for coffee and a visit with her and Evan next week. Just hearing the voice of a long time friend has shared so many heartfelt things,priceless. That was good. I participated in an Al-Anon meeting this morning, and will chair next week's meeting with deep appreciation for all who regularly attend, their courage, strength, and hope. I am forever in debt to this organization for the lessons I have learned. That is good. Carol, my friend who lived across the street from me when I was eight years old stopped in yesterday and stayed the night, great catching up time. That was good. My mom and sis popped in for a short visit yesterday, always with a little something. I feel their love. That was good. Plenty of things in my life may not be as I would make them, but The One who is not restricted by human limitations, has a plan with all this and sees the big picture... and that is good.

Love

The man I love is beautiful, generous, gifted, and so loved yet doesn't even know it.