Mind Matters

I've been thinking a lot about thinking.

The thoughts in your head are more important that you realize.

I was unaware that I was causing a lot of my own major problems by the thoughts I was thinking until very recently. I didn't even realize that I was changing my own mood, not anyone else, but me. How would you like to be in a place of constant peace and contented happiness? Is it possible? Well, I haven't experienced total peace and contentedness, myself, but I have visited. It is actually a choice. One over which we actually have control. To be in a satisfying mood is our own decision. But it depends on what you are thinking about.

Your thoughts affect your mood, which affect your actions, and communication, which affect everyone around you. And when you are raising and nurturing your children, your thinking impacts them very deeply. They even pick up on your type of thinking and start thinking that way, too.

The key to "happiness" is thankfulness. I can be glad for my situation knowing that it could be worse and thankful that it's not. No matter what situation you are in, there can always be something to find within it that can make you happy. And saying things that are true and positive aloud is a really good way to make it more true, focus on it, and spread that attitude of gratitude around you.

My kids have picked up some bad habits and thought patterns from me, my husband, and others that have influence in their lives. But they also have to make up their own minds about everything, and develop good thought patterns of their own. I can be a big factor in that by being a great example to them with my own healthy thinking.

My son, in particular, has a big problem with something we call "Stinkin' thinkin'." When you say things aloud like, "I can't do it!", "It's too hard!", "I'll never figure it out!" etc, they can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

When you can learn to say, "this is challenging, but let's see if I can do it!" or ask for help before saying "I just can't", it helps eliminate those type of words.

I don't know about you, but I am finding myself feeling overwhelmed by parenthood all the time.
I have lousy feelings, which I sometimes express aloud. I complain, I get exhausted, my feelings get hurt, I think I have failed my kids, etc. But, I know my God will redeem my mistakes. I know that He holds them in his hands. He knew I was imperfect and, even, inadequate, before He assigned me the task of being a parental steward of the children he created within me. So He's got them covered. Even if I royally fail them, He could miraculously have them turn out great. But I do have a job. So I submit myself to His guidance and let go of the worry and stress. I do what I know I should do, try to avoid the stuff that's probably bad for them, and ask forgiveness for the areas in which I have failed, and mercy and grace to cover over all of that. And I ultimately just LOVE them. I have to keep His perspective in my mind, and not let my thoughts get overwhelmed by all the gross thoughts of failure and 'can'ts'. I need to renew my mind daily with truths of peace, understanding and the big picture.

When I am overwhelmed, I realize that it is my thoughts that are overwhelming me. As Joyce Meyer said: "What you think, if you think it often enough, is eventually going to come out of your mouth."

So, Think about Positive Truth, and let yourself throw out the thoughts that are so negative. Model it for your kids, and don't let the "stinkin' thinkin' " into your mind.