Pure Thoughts 2012

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, 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."

I've been going through a season where positive thoughts and words have been rare. For an encourager, this has been a very trying time. I read through some of my journal entries from the last few months and can see myself slipping into this--for lack of a better word--depression.

It's kind of scary how it sneaks up, taking root in little things here and there until it becomes this big UGLY in your life.An unkind word here, a judmental thought there. Those things add up and eventually push a person into isolation. I wrote about that feeling in my journal, too. Isolation.

All alone, or the feeling thereof, is the most vulnerable position to be in for an attack from the Enemy. You have no protection, no support, no guide. It's easier to look at your situation and feel sorry for yourself when you are alone. There is no one there to help you refocus back to the One who holds all power when you lose sight!

So, that is where I found myself. Sinking deeper and deeper into this. On one end, I was starting to see my position and become aware of the dilemma. I was beginning to grasp the weight of what was going on. On the other, I felt trapped already, so deep in and unsure how to find freedom.

How DO you break the negative thinking? I began asking the Lord to help me. Praying for guidance and looking for answers. Examples.

Job...Job faced the worst of the worst in losing everything he had--and then sitting day after day to hear his friends throw negative remarks at him. Wow, if anyone could be justified in thinking poorly after all that, it's Job. But, no. Job provides a prime example of positive thinking in a bad situation. I am so glad God shared his example with us! Rather than look in on myself, I need to look out to God in all things, for He is TRUE, HONEST, JUST, PURE, LOVELY, GOOD, VIRTUOUS, and PRAISE-WORTHY. And in Him, all things are complete.

Gos has used this truth to help me. He's healing me. I'm not out of this season, but I am seeing the fruits of a new season dawning and am grateful for it!

This year, my words will be "pure thoughts" as I seek to set my mind on Him and my focus on His will.

God bless you.

Apologizing in advance for grainy pictures! They were taken from my cell phone at 2.1 megapixels, and the lighting in my home is horrible.

So tonight I found this incredible candle at Walmart. It's called a "Wonderful Wick"--a knock-off version of the very wonderful (and very expensive) Woodwick candles. I grabbed the last apple spice scent they had (for anyone who knows me, apple scents are my favorite!)

While my candle was burning away, I spent the next hour cooking up breakfast for the rest of the week. Doing so saves me having to get up even earlier (or doing without when I wake up late). I made biscutis and gravy, froze up some breakfast burritos, and made this breakfast pie:

It looks better in real life. Phone cameras don't do the colors justice. Sausage, egg, cheese, and onions with a biscuit crust. YUM-O!

I love to decorate for fall--even moreso than Christmas! (I actually sold my Christmas tree this year and don't know if I'll pull out the decor for the holidays). I did go all out for fall, though, even if no one sees it in person but me, Stella, and the landlord.

Coffee table centerpiece:

My ol' dining table centerpiece is ready for Autumn:

Entertainment Center:

One end table (with my new digital photo frame thanks to Heather!):

I have leaves EVERYWHERE. Hanging over curtains, across the top of bookshelves, on tables...I just love the colors! Oranges, yellows, reds, golds, browns...*taking in a deep breath*

Fall is my all-time favorite season, and I enjoy bringing a piece of it inside so I can enjoy it as long as possible. The crisp, cool air just does something for me. It's not an extreme--not hot nor cold--but just right. I feel closer to God when I look out and see His fingerprints painted across the trees, His footprints across the dew-stained grasses, His glory displayed in every inch of creation. I feel that way every day when I walk outside, regardless of the time of year, but Autumn's colors are so vibrant that details lost on me throughout the year are brought back to mind.

Like the intricate, complex food-making system contained within each tiny, incredibly beautiful leaf. I cannot see how anyone could look at a leaf and still say there is no God! That did NOT just happen one day out of the blue. God intended the leaf to serve as a food source for the tree and He designed it to be most effective.

But now I am rambling, it's too late (or early) for me to be up, so I must call it a night.

Courageous

Call me crazy, but I saw this movie THREE times in theaters in less than a week.

Call me crazy, but I think it is the best film I have ever seen. I now have an ultimate favorite.

Call me crazy, but regardless, I will stand behind the message of this film.

Our country is turning its back on God and our fathers are turning their backs on their families.

I pray that this movie will be an eye-opener and a catalyst for change in our families. I pray that fathers are convicted to the point of doing something about it.

Here's a video that shares the heart of Courageous. It's not the actual trailer. You'll have to go to youtube for that. Or my friend, Heather's blog--> http://www.mrssouthernbride.com/

I love my grandpa very much. He stood in place of the father who walked out of my life when I was really young. He's not always been the nicest, the funnest, or the most loving, but he's been someone. He stepped up and took responsibility for my sister and I when no other man was willing to. When he didn't have to. By doing that, he gave us more than we had.

I hope this film will knock on the doors of the heart of fathers who have walked out--to move them to become the men they are called to be. I also pray that it will encourage, strengthen, and teach "good-enough" dads like my Papaw.

A powerful movie. A powerful message.

Warning: it's an emotional rollercoaster so be prepared.