Freedom From Frenzy: Caution God at Work ...... 9/20/14

I'm mindful that our thoughts affect the words we use, our words in-
fluence our actions, our actions shape our character and our character
determines our destiny.   (See below) 

     Welcome to visitors.  An unusual week, our second largest readership were three hundred and fourteen guests from Germany.   Usually it is the U.K. The U.S. is always first, with 3,342 doing so this week.  Thanks for dropping by!

My Gratitudes: 

1. This evening, I rested. Taking care of ourselves is good. If not careful, we can push harder than what is best for our sanity or serenity.

It's difficult being in touch with our feelings when we are caught up with busyness.  When there are too many distractions competing for attention, our feelings lose, they are neglected.

2.  I'm thankful for making time for self-reflection.  Taking inventory of our lives helps us notice areas needing attention.  Doing so, graciously---not in a critical manner----helps develop our awareness of unwanted behavior.

      There are thoughts renting territory in the property of our mind that have no productive value: anxiety, bitterness, depression, fear, resentment and self-loathing, for example.  This is where having mentors and Balcony or Safe People help.

     These individuals have the emotional and psychological distance that helps us see healthy alternatives to thinking or behavior that weigh us down.  Balcony People have our back. They are not critics, holding us accountable.  Instead, they are the cheerleaders who root for us, providing support when we are vulnerable. They come alongside when we falter. It is good remembering we weren't meant to live in isolation nor get our healing by living in the desert of self-pity and despair.

Caution: God at Work!

     The title just above this sentence is the story of my life.  I'm mindful our thoughts affect the words we use, our words influence our actions, our actions shape our character and our character determines our destiny.

      I've learned it's best having our mind filled with whatever is good, lovely or compassionate:

 ⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.             Philippians 4:8

        Conforming to God's character, is a terrific desire.  He is not an austere, judgmental, unloving God. The God I know is gentle, gracious, patient, kind, empathic, who loves unconditionally, valuing who we are.  Conforming to God's character is impossible by our efforts, alone.  Positive thinking does not cut it.  Growth and healing is possible when relying upon His strength, and experience His grace.

  It's best yielding the areas needing growth---characterologically---to Him.  That's our part, leaving the results in His hands. No one would never make it relying upon their own efforts.

      It is important remembering God chooses which areas He will work on in our lives.  He's not our spiritual bell boy, where we tell Him what to do.  The quote to your right helps me keep perspective.

3. I'm grateful I'm learning the value of  yielding my life to God, being patient while He's working on me, knowing that He's making a formerly scarred acorn into a beautiful oak tree.

     Here's to a fantastic Sunday, I look forward to hearing your gratitudes,