Friday, April 16, 2010

More than Positive Thinking

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Looks like more clouds today, but we did not get any rain yesterday to settle the pollen, so maybe today we will get a few sprinkles, One can only hope! I don't believe I have ever before seen so many yellow cars and the windowsills on my house are layered with yellow pollen dust. More people are complaining of allergies this year, also. Well, hopefully, it will pass soon.

Surprise! I am much earlier this morning, in case you hadn't noticed! I rolled out of bed an hour early, drank some water, and decided to get at the prayers and devotions early. Good to see the sun rise.

Yesterday, I went to the park briefly, but did not walk. the street had been blown clear of the pollen and leaves, so it looked good. The anhinga that usually is perched on the downed maple tree was in place, drying his wings and squirrels were happily dashing across the street from one acorn to another.

I saw the tail of a peacock on the way in..the rest of him was hidden by a tree. God is good!

From Quiet Moments With God:

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 mimistry. The Greeks were great thinkers. They loved a good debate, a lively conversation about philosophy, or a rousing time of oratory that might trigger the imagination. Paul wrote to the Philippians.

Whatever 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