Beauty in your life- change your thoughts for a positive outlook
What is your favorite restaurant?
What is my favorite restaurant? My favorite places to eat are Milagros, it’s a Mexican restaurant. They do not skimp on their ingredients when they cook and their service is amazing. The other one is called Garage Grill, it’s a race car-themed restaurant that serves American food.
From time to time I look for new recipes for my husband and I. I try to make good meals, and sometimes I like to change things up a bit. Sometimes it’s hard because I get in the habit of making certain meals over and over mostly because I’m in a hurry and want something I can fix quick. But it’s good for us to change meals for a broader, more balanced diet. This is why I purposefully change my meal plan.
Some habits are not only good… some habits are essential such as eating, reading the Bible, exercising, sleeping, and praying. However, there are some habits that need to change from time to time.
Good habits need to be changed up from time to time… this can make the habits even stronger.
Sheep are creatures of habit. If left to themselves, they will walk the same path and graze the same land until it is desolate and grads will grow these again. A Shepherd must keep a careful watch on the sheep and the land so that both are kept healthy. When the land is no longer providing enough for the sheep and the land itself cannot handle any more grazing then the sheep must move on to another area to graze. This new path is best for them and the land.
It is very interesting how the Lord has chosen sheep in Psalm 23 as a parallel to us as His children. Sheep are so set in their ways, that unless they are led on to new paths, they will ruin the land. We as God’s children are often very stiff-necked and stubborn people desirous of staying right where we are spiritually. It a vital as God Children to follow the good shepherd wherever He may lead.
To understand the need to follow the good Shepherd we must understand:
A 5-year-old thinks he knows best when insisting they need candy or cookies right before dinner. A teenager thinks they know best when insisting on driving their friends to school or a party or wanting to stay out until 3 AM. A young adult thinks they know best when insisting on speeding through a snowstorm to get to work on time. We insist we know what’s best for us even though there are disastrous results may be self-evident.
When we think we know what’s best for us and the Good Shepherd is leading us we need to willingly follow.
Jesus the Good Shepherd comes gently and says 7 things in the gospel of John to tells us who He is;
1. The Bread Of Life
“And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty“ – John 6:35.
2. The Light Of The World
“Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life“ – John 8:12.
3. The Door
“I am the door; by me if anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go on and go out, and will find pasture” -John 10 9.
4. The Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own” – John 10:11,14.
5. The Resurrection and The Life
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?“ -John 11:25-26.
6. The Way, The Truth, The Life
“I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father, but by me“ – John 14:6.
7. The True Vine
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” – John 15: 1-2.
When a child is at a party or other fun event and their parents want to leave the child throws a temper tantrum. It reveals their selfishness and refusal “to come” when asked.
The difficult point is that many people don’t want to come. In other words, many don’t want to follow. Many do not want to be led in the paths of righteousness, because they think their way is better.
We don’t want to:
Most of us know the examples are biblical commands or truths taught in scripture. It is our selfishness and pride and reveals our refusal to come to Jesus.
When I go on vacation and can’t take my dog. I get someone to take care of her. I explain her food and medicine schedule. And to take her for short walks (she is 15 years old). and to give her extra love. I pay $25 a day for someone to do this.
Jesus never made light of the cost involved in following Him. In fact, He made it painfully clear that it was a rugged life of rigid self-denial (Luke 9:23).
Here are a few ways to follow the shepherd
1. Love God. Instead of loving myself most, I am willing to live Jesus best and others more than myself (Matthew 22:37-39).
2. God focused. Fearing or respecting God above all others. Instead of following the crowd, I am willing to be singled out set apart from thr gang (Proverbs 8:13; Ecclesiastes 12:13).
3. Others Minded. Instead of insisting on my rights, I am willing to forego them in favor of others. (Philippians 2:3).
4 Servants heart. Instead of being the boss, I am willing to be at the bottom and help others when I can ( Mark 10:45).
5. Thankful. Instead of finding fault with life and always asking “Why,” I am willing to accept the circumstances of life with an attitude of gratitude (Psalm 107:1).
When we grumble about the circumstances in life and then pray. We have to remember God hears us. He hears everything we say. We have to ask ourselves if God is pleased with our complaining.
God calls us to be led by Him in the paths of righteousness. I ask myself often am I following Him, or am I dragging my heels or complaining. Am I following Him with expectation and anticipation?
Who am I, who is God, do I follow God’s path, new habits.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
The way I see myself in 10 years is not something I often think about. I see myself visiting my children more. My main goal is run the race that is set before me. God gives us a purpose in life. I want more to knowledge the God purpose for my life is what matters and in 10 years I will still be fighting the good fight.
Hope is in short supply in today’s trouble-filled world. Never has there been so much fear of crime and terrorism as there is today. Drug addiction continues its devastating course as people from to escape their reality. And massive debt threatens our country. Morals and personal values have plummeted.
But above the gloom of a problem-ridden world that stands the immutable promise of that Crist will come again. The promise for the world.
Few people realize that everything that is happening today the Bible warned us about. It is the promise that links the future to the present in a solid reality of hope.
There is no fancy or wild imagination or dream that has to take place. The God of heaven has foretold it. Christ Jesus is coming to inaugurate a series of steps that will transform the world into a heavenly paradise filled with happy gloried souls.
From the birth of Jesus and His second coming along with prophecies and Jesus’s earthly ministry and His post-ascension message, and the Book of Revelation the promise is stated more than 300 times. If you believe the Bible, you cannot deny the fact the Christ is coming,
Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
He also gave us the Psalms to pray over every problem we have during our time on this earth.
A kingdom is not just a state of mind, it is not the universal church or a healthful condition of the world. A longtime denotes a political entity ruled over by a king, that is not of this world.
The problems in the world cannot be fixed by any human being. Every human resource we can come up with will always be inadequate to transform it into “peace in earth and good will toward man.”
The Bible tells us “though the wicked js shown favor, me does not learn righteousness… for when the earth experience the judgment of the inhabitants then the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26: 9-10).
The only true, trustworthy hope of the world is Christ as judge. The conqueror and King. 1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us to “Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
I came across an article a few days ago. It sheds some light on the effects of chronic stress and how it changes our brains. I thought I would share.
Stress is a familiar and unavoidable part of daily life. It comes in many forms from juggling family, work, commitments if you’re going to school.and in dealing with issues like health money, and relationships.
There is a thing called “bad stress” it’s for your mind and body. It can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, and chest pain. It can also produce mood problems such as anxiety or sadness. It can lead to problems such as outbursts of anger or overeating.
What people might not know is that stress can also have a serious impact on our brains. When we are faced with stress, our brains go through a series of reactions -some good and some bad which are designed to mobilize and protect itself from potential threats.
Sometimes stress can sharpen the mind and improve the ability to remember details about what is happening. But it can also have negative effects on the brain, such as contributing to mental illness and actually shrinking the volume of the brain.
While we sometimes assume that facing stressful challenges makes us stronger, there is evidence that suggests that prolonged stress can have serious adverse effects on your brain health. It can increase out susceptibility to mental illness, alter brain structure, destroy neurons, shrink brain volume, and impact learning and cognition. By understanding more about how stress affects the brain, we can take steps to manage stress in our lives abs help prevent or even maybe undo some of the damage.
Scientists have found that chronic stress plays a major role in the onset of many psychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder).
Stress indicates that chronic stress results in long-term changes in the brain. These changes might help explain why those who experience chronic stress are also prone to mood and anxiety disorders later in life.
Stress night plays a role in the development of mental disorders such as depression and various emotional disorders.
In a study, researchers have performed a series of experiments looking at the impact of chronic stress on the brain. They found that chronic stress creates more of what’s called “myelin-producing cells but fewer neutrons than normal. This disruption interferes with the timing and balance of communication. They also found that stress can also have negative effects on the brain’s hippocampus (which is located deep in the brain hidden in the temporal lobe).
Imaging studies have indicated that stress can disrupt the body’s serotonin and dopamine systems which may play a part in mental disorders such a depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and mood disorders, etc…
An important part of the brain known aw gray matter is responsible for higher-order thinking such as decision-making and problem-solving. But the brain also has what matter which is made up of axons that connect with other regions of the brain to communicate information.
When chronic stress leads to an overproduction of “myelin” it doesn’t just result in short-term change in the balance between white and gray matter. It can also lead to lasting changes in the brain’s structure.
It’s important to remember that not all stress affects the brain and neutrons in the same way. Good stress (the type that helps us perform) helps us wire the brain in a positive way and leads too stronger brain networks and greater resilience.
However chronic stress can lead to an array of problems. Where good stress contributes to greater resilience, chronic stress is more likely to increase our susceptibility to mental issues later on.
Stress kills brain cells. In addition to changing the structure of the brain, the hormones that our bodies release when we are stressed cab destroy the neurons in our brain, particularly those that have been newly formed.
Stress doesn’t just affect the development of brain cells, it can also shrink it’s overall brain volume. Even it were healthy, stress can lead to shrinkage in the brain and is associated with regulating emotions, metabolism and memory.
When we are constantly exposed to high levels of cortisol, there’s a rick we might experience shrinkage in brain volume in our hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Studies have shown that in people with memory and thinking problems there is higher cortisol levels and lose greater brain volume.
People often associate adverse outcomes with sudden, intense stress created by life-altering events such as natural disasters, car accidents, or death of a loved one research suggests everyday stress that we all face over time, can contribute to a wide range of mental disorders.
Chronic, everyday stress seems to have little impact on brain volume on it’s own but may make people more vulnerable to brain shrinkage when faced the intense traumatic stressors.
Exposure to prolonged stress can make it more challenging for people to meet the demands of future stressors.
If you’ve ever experienced a stressful event and found that your memory for the details to be a bit fuzzy, it’s because sometimes stress can make events difficult to remember. We see this when a crime has occurred and the witnesses are confused about the details they have seen.
But, not all stress is created equal. Feeling a bit nervous before you give a presentation at work may help you perform better. But you much stress or stress that happens when you are trying to learn something can be harmful.
Knowing how stress affects our bodies can help us manage them. Knowledge is power.
What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?
What are 5 everyday things I do to bring me happiness. Praying and worshipping God, Going for coffee with friends. Playing with my dog. Talking to my kids everyday. Having talks with my husband.
Describe something you learned in high school.
I wasn’t very good at math or science in high school, but I did succeed in English and literature class. I picked up some pretty good skills.
Writing skills not only include the physical act of writing. I learned skill like research, planning and outlining, editing, revising, spelling, grammar, and organization and critical components of the writing process.
Since becoming a Christian in 2008. I’ve heard many lies about God: “God isn’t real, we are gods, all gods are the same, Jesus is only a prophet.” among many others. Despite the world’s desire to deny God, He is real. And one day the world will be forced to acknowledge that truth.
Believers need to recognize lies about God and how to combat those lies. And that all lies originate from satan.
Lies:
1. God doesn’t exist
“The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good” – Psalm 53:1
Society tells us God doesn’t exist. If He doesn’t exist, then we don’t have to obey the Word of God, and there is no such thing as sin. Society will have us believe that murder, rape, and other crimes don’t have any consequences. If this is so, why are our big cities falling apart because of crime and sin.
When people challenge me to prove God exists. I counter the demand by asking to prove He doesn’t. They can’t or they point to all the evil in the world as proof that God isn’t real.
2. God doesn’t get involved in Human affairs
Some people believe in God, but they’ve bought into the lie that God doesn’t get involved on human affairs. They say God exists, but He doesn’t care who we marry, where we live, or whether we attend church. We have free will, but Satan wants us to live a life that separates us from God. So of course he would start the lie that God doesn’t care about the details of our lives. The lie that we aren’t supposed to get involved in politics is flowing through church’s everywhere. God does care about the details of our lives. He cares and leads us by His Holy Spirit.
3. We can’t approach God anytime we want
“For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will see His face” Psalm 11:7
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus provided a model that still works today:
“Our Father in heaven, Who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be don’t on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” – Matthew 6: 9-13.
This prayer reminds us that His name is sacred and holy. Just as we would never approach a respected boss, or important figures disrespectfully, we must not approach God disrespectfully either. He is not the big man upstairs. Nor is he our buddy. He is God and He deserves to be revered with the honor due to His name.
4. There is no one true God, only a higher power.
“The God who made the world and all things in it, He being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands” – Acts 17:24.
Some people call the higher power the generic creator. Some say it’s the universe, energy, or a force. A relationship is never with the universe. These people will never love God because there’s nothing or no one to love. The universe just is. This lie removes the possibility of the deepest, most meaningful relationship one will ever know or have. This lie leaves us unfulfilled and searching for something more. It’s true there is a Creator, but He has a name and has made Himself known. Knowing and loving God has been one of the highlights in my life. I wouldn’t trade my relationship with God for anything.
5. We serve the same God
“Who is like you, Lord among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” -Exodus 15:11.
The lie that we all serve the same God: Christians, Muslims. Jews, Hindus, Buddhists Our God is the same. If this is true, then there is no distinction between Christians and Muslims, Jews etc… But there are many situations: Jesus being fully God and fully man is the greatest distinction. God revealed Himself through Jesus. (Hebrews 1). A true God created us. This God isn’t dead, lying in a tomb. He is alive and He loves us.
6. We are “Gods”
“But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and everlasting King. At His wrath, the earth quakes. and the nations cannot endure His indignation” – Jeremiah 10:10.
This lie says we are gods. And we don’t have to revere God. This lie says we are divine, forge our own paths and are equal to god (if there is one). This lie allows us to walk arrogantly, and pridefully, believing we are better than others. Believing this lie had resulted in people thinking they are superior to others. We are not gods or goddesses. We are human beings. Who Jesus died for so one day we can be holy enough to walk with God.
7. God didn’t create the world
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” – Genesis 1:1.
Another lie that culture tells us about God is that He didn’t create the world. There is a Big Bang theory that is taught to our children in. public schools and colleges. The Big Bang theory as though it’s a fact. It is not, its a theory. Don’t be misled.
8. The Bible isn’t the inspired Word of God
“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” -2 Timothy 3:16-17.
People have denied God’s voice and instruction since the beginning of time. People refuse to believe God provides a divinely inspired book full of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for His people. If the Bible is a lie some people want to live believe it is, then they don’t have to obey or apply it to their lives. God didn’t make robots. He gave us free will. We are free go make our own decisions and choices. However, we aren’t free to choose the consequences of those decisions. The Bible is the Word of God, and He will hold us accountable for not applying it to our lives.
9. Jesus isn’t God nor the Son of God
“I and the Father are one” – John 10:30
From the day Jesus sold the earth until now, people have debated Jesus’s divinity. He’s not just another prophet. Jesus called God His Father. The religious elite’s hair stood up at Jesus’s words because those words meant Jesus was making Himself equal to God (John 5:18). Jesus is the only way to God. Without Jesus, we cannot know God the Father (John 14:6-7). Jesus is fully God and fully man, and He deserves to be revered and loved accordingly.
10. Marriage is man-made
“For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Messiah and of the assembly” – Ephesians 5:31-32.
God created the institution of marriage. Society wants us to believe that marriage in unimportant, unnecessary, and trivial. Marriage is none of those things. Marriage is as relevant and necessary now as when God presented Eve to Adam. Divorce rates and our version to marriage of a man and woman don’t change God’s design. God created marriage to be beautiful, to be the vehicle through which children are born and raised to know, honor and serve God. Marriage is a physical representation of Christ‘s marriage to the church and should be respected as such.
As long as we live on the earth, we will hear lies about God. Some of the lies are close to the truth, and some people are fooled by them. But it is imperative that believers know the truth, and learn to “put on the full armor of God” so they can “stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11).
“I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God.”
My Pastor is going through the Psalms with the church. There is such valuable knowledge we can gain from the Psalms. Everything in this book teaches how to pray as we go through the trials of life.
Psalm 23 begins with the declaration “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” These opening words set the tone for the entire Psalm, painting a vivid picture of God as our caring and attentive Shepherd. But what does this metaphor reveal about our relationship with God?
How can we incorporate it’s timeless wisdom into our lives and have a deeper relationship with God?
In Psalm 23 there is a profound meaning that we can find comfort, guidance, and renewed faith in our Shepherd, the Lord. In every season of life. Knowing we can trust in His care, and that He leads us beside still waters and into paths of righteousness.
Describe one positive change you have made in your life.
One positive change that has changed my life drastically was to change my perspective. I used a technique called “Cognitive reframing.” It is used to shift your mindset so you are able to look at a situation, person of relationship differently.
The essential idea behind reframing is that the frame through which a person views a situation determines their point of view. When the frame (perspective) is shifted, the meaning changes and thinking and behavior often change along with it.
No matter how advanced in the world we become. Any generation that neglects spiritual and moral life is going to disintegrate. Every generation needs regeneration. Life isn’t made to be lived according to man’s ways, but God’s way.
If you’re paying attention we are disintegrating at an alarming rate.
The Bible teaches that every person has a soul -the part of us that lives forever. If a person commits suicide that doesn’t end it. What ends is the life of the body, but the soul lives on forever.
Matthew 10;28 tells us,
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul, Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (NIV).
Some people turn to drugs and alcohol to escape. Millions of people are depressed and discouraged that life will not turn out the way they had hoped.
While no one can prove God’s existence, it doesn’t mean that He doesn’t exist. God reveals Himself to man in creation, and in conscience. And those who trust in Him find their needs met according to His Word.
Those who are avid Bible readers can see the prophecies in the Bible are happening before their very eyes.
Our minds are a chaotic space for thoughts of all kinds. One day our thoughts can be joyful, and excited for what’s to come, other days our heads are filled with thoughts of negativity, fear, and what ifs.
An unsettled mind means an unsettled spirit. Our minds like to play tricks on us, leading us to think our thoughts really don’t matter. We think if we keep our thoughts to ourselves, then how much damage can they be doing? God talks about how our thoughts have a strong impact on our emotions and our actions.
Proverbs 4:23 says
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our thoughts are the starting point of our actions, perspectives, emotions, and more. Everything you do flows from the heart, and that can either benefit you or hinder you and the relationships you have.
Coach’s tell their players how important their mindsets are during practices and playing the game. The majority of how they play is mental. If the players don’t learn the power of positive thinking, they probably won’t play well.
When we take control of our thoughts, it settles our spirit and enables us to do more than we ever thought possible. This type of mentality can be applied to many areas of your life. If you’re upset about a certain situation or outcome consider how your thoughts are affecting you. Are they making the situation worse? Are they leading you down a path of sadness, anger, or insecurity?
Paul wrote to the Philippians 4:8 saying,
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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 of such things.”
I love this verse because it reminds me of what a godly mindset should be. When my mind starts to go down the wrong path I think of this verse. Are my thoughts excellent or praiseworthy?
The power of your thoughts can change your entire demeanor. If we think of the above verse in times of negativity or insecurity give it to God. We have to settle our minds and go to God for guidance and peace. When we seek God He gives us what we ask of Him. Take control of your mind, for everything you do flows from it.
“Thoughts become words, Words become actions, Actions become habits, Habits become character, Character becomes your destiny.”
From Pity to Praise