Monday, September 10, 2007

More than positive Thinking

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cooling down day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, the grass has slowed down growing and the air in the morning, is somewhat cooler. I really think fall is coming!

I haven't walked in the Park since Friday, when I was dismayed to see only one baby gator, and no Mama! But then a tall man came up and could see over the nest, and he counted eight or more babies around back. Soon they came swimming around to be with the one in front and Mama came around front also, covered with mud, so I think she had been taking a mud bath in the back of the nest. I walked on to the tower and there is always a nice breeze blowing from the lake, so I enjoyed cooling off a bit. I watched a little green heron intently looking for a fish and noticed some of the maple leaves are starting to turn color already. God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

More than Positive Thinking

"As he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

What we think about determines what we do. Even more important, the Scriptures tell us that what we think about shapes our attitudes and how we live our lives.

The Greek city of Philippi was one of the places where the apostle Paul had a fruitful ministry. Paul wrote to the Philippians:

"Whatsoever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8 NKJV

It's interesting to note Paul wrote this immediately after addressing three other concerns in Philippians, chapter 4. First, he told two women who were having an argument to become of "the same mind in the Lord." Paul wanted them to be at peace with each other and to rejoice together in the Lord.

Second, Paul told them to be gentle with all men. That's descriptive of having peace with those who don't know the Lord. And third, Paul advised them not to be anxious or worried about anything, but to turn all their troubles over to the Lord. He wanted them to have total peace of mind and heart.

As we look for the good in others , and meditate on the unending goodness of our Creator, we find the path toward peace with others and the peace that passes all understanding in whatever situation we find ourselves.

Thinking right is more than positive thinking-it is living a life that is filled with God's goodness, wisdom, and mercy!

The soul is tinged with the color and complexion of its thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis