Tag Archive | thought life

Your Mindset is Critical!

Apr24

You know that old saying; When it rains, it pours?

This is said to be a proverb meaning that misfortunes or difficult situations tend to follow each other in rapid succession or to arrive all at the same time.

Bad times, like migraines, seem to come together in clusters.

So what in the world can we do to survive these times?

I’ll let you know MY thoughts on the matter, and then, I’d love to hear YOURS!

I was reading a transcript of a conference my husband and I attended back in 2017, and came across the following quote;

“Opposition attaches itself to what you do not remove. Blessings attach themselves to what you respond to in obedience.”

Graham Cooke – Aglow International Global Conference – Richmond, VA – 2017

So what is it exactly, that I should be removing?

I firmly believe that what we allow to roll around in our heads effects the outcome of our daily lives, or at least how we respond to those things.

So. I must DECLARE WAR on the NEGATIVITY that accumulates around me.

I may not be able to erase all of that negativity, but I can surely control how I respond to it!

I can think of several ways to begin this process; but it does begin with a decision.

A quality decision that I will no longer allow the negativity of the world or my own circumstances to weigh me down.

To be certain; This can be, has been, and will be, a daily process. To keep the quality of that decision.

So here are some ideas;

  • Make that decision, old habits die hard, make that decision again!
  • Determine how much news you want to take in. Personally, my news only comes from highly trusted sources – and then only in tiny pieces. Try adding some funny videos instead.
  • Consider who you are hanging around with. – Debbie Downer? Negative Nelly? Long ago, I had to restrict my visits with a really good friend, until she got her negativity under control. Find someone who makes your heart smile.
  • What are you reading? News, news, news? Drama, drama, drama? These things have a different effect on different individuals. Find out for yourself, and if they weigh you down – Quit them! There is so much variety out there! Try something a bit more light hearted.
  • Take some quiet time for yourself – Every Day – three minutes or thirty, whatever you can get away with. Literal quiet, or an activity that calms your heart and mind.
  • Stop complaining! Yes. It is so negative. I remember telling God that if I didn’t complain, I wouldn’t have anything to say. Well then………? I had to tell myself to “Just. Stop. Talking.” Until I got it under control.
  • I find that reading the Holy Bible in my favorite version the ESV, has a super calming effect on my thought life. Life changing actually. Giving my brain positive input instead of negative. I have friends who prefer the poetry route – whatever works for you!

I am positive there are as many ways to come against negativity as there are people.

I would love it if you would share your ideas with me either in the comments or in a message. Whatever works for you.

So back to the quote; “Opposition attaches itself to what you don’t remove, blessings attach to what you respond to in obedience.” (In this case, he is describing obedience to scripture)

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The Holy Bible – English Standard Version – BibleGateway.com

What will you remove?

What will you add in it’s place?

How will you respond?

Your mindset is critical!

Re-blog – Time Management for Bloggers

Feb8

I read a blog post this past week about blogging and time management.

(I’ve included a link below.)

I found it interesting due to the fact that I’ve been studying managing my time for quite a while now.

I have a “Numbers” chart. On it I my blood pressure, blood sugar, number of steps and what I eat. (Well most of it)

I have a “Daily” chart. It is broken up into hour squares so that I can keep track of the things I actually DO every day. Some days are really FULL of progress, and other days, I’m quite humbled by my LACK of doing anything.

I’ve started listing every article or post I’ve read on this page as well. That way, I can reference back to important ideas that I otherwise might have lost. Today’s re-blog is one of those.

Third, there is the regular calendar. You know the one, the one where if it isn’t written down, it’s not going to happen. Yes. That one. It also shows me at a glance which days I have posted a blog post or a YouTube video, complete with titles and tags.

Lastly, I have a chart on my kitchen table, and on my desk, that have time slots allotted for each activity. (You can see it in the photo with yellow high lights) When I feel like I’m putzing a little too much, I can refer to it and get back on track. It has time set up for each activity, kind of like an appointment time. It is not carved in stone, but it can be very helpful on my more ditzy days.

This chart gives me a “way out” when I’m asked to do too much, and it gives me much flexibility because I can shuffle it as needed. I even have time for a daily nap, should I choose to take one.

It may sound like a lot, but once I got into the swing of it, it is very easy to do.

2019-02-05 12.41.17-1

So I want to share with you a post that I found chock full of good ideas and advice, all in one place.

After reading this post, I felt as though I have been doing something right, for quite a little while. I simply need to keep showing up, and doing it.

I know that you will find it useful as well.

Thank you CRISTIAN MIHAI.

Click here to read about Time Management for Bloggers.

 

 

Stories from the 99 County Bible Reading Marathon Muscatine County (1)

Jul7

On day one of our Bible Reading Marathon, June 30, we woke up to rain. Not just a little rain, but a lot of rain. This is never good for the opening day of an outdoor event. But in our house, we say we choose the day, not the weather, and go about our business.

The rain did relent long enough to get our spot in front of the county courthouse set up. The goal was set to read the entire Bible from beginning to end, beginning on June 30, and finishing on July 3. The first reader arrived at the appointed time, and the reading began.

Our first “Group” of readers came from a local church. There were but a half dozen of them, and it was nice to know that they felt it important enough to come and read in the rain.

Galaxy Prime Photos 2016 437  Galaxy Prime Photos 2016 436   Galaxy Prime Photos 2016 438

We did have a canopy, but the rain was coming so hard, that it was leaking on us even under the tent. We used our umbrellas under the tent as needed.  I am fairly certain that from the street, it looks like a circus tent, but the reading went on.

We simply changed our minds from grumbling about the rainy conditions, to thanking God for the rain our farmers need, and also the fact that nearly every where in the Bible that it speaks of water, the Holy Spirit is involved. Rain down Holy Spirit, rain down. (God You Reign!)

 

That first day was really full on sign ups, with only one no show, that was not weather related. (That person ended up coming back more than once after missing the first time slot!)

The rain finally did subside, and although quite chilly, the rest of the day finished with great success.

It was decided that we would not go through the overnight hours, with safety being a large issue. So after the last reader at 10:00, with a little help from a friend, we packed up the truck to return Friday morning at 6:00.

God, You will need to make up for our lost over night hours so we can finish on time.

Stay tuned for story #2, you’ll begin to see why I say our God is Ever Faithful.