Thanks for stopping by! We continue in Jennifer Rothschild's book Self Talk, Soul Talk. Lelia is hosting this study as part of her "Yes to God" series. Today's chapter is entitled, "Speaking Truth to Your Issues." What issues? I don't have issues; do you have issues? Yeah, right. As surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, we all have issues. And since issues breed issues, I think of a sea of rabbits stretched out across a large field. It may have started with only two rabbits, but boy, have they multiplied! That's what my "thought closet" can look like on any given day. Jennifer's advice for dealing with issues echoes the Truth of God's Word. She encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions. As Jennifer writes, "My intention is to have self-control, but the reality is that I often don't. I have learned over the years to rely instead on the Spirit's control in my life - God's Spirit" (p. 52). YEAH, BABY!
One of my greatest battles is with self-reliance. I was thrilled Jennifer took this chapter to remind us that changing our thought life is not a do-it-yourself project. Nothing that needs to change in me is a do-it-yourself project. I can repeat affirmations 'til the cows come home, but only the Holy Spirit can create lasting change in me.
I was also taken by Jennifer's story of the little girl playing "I Spy" with her father. Out of the mouth of this babe came, "I spy something good." Dad was left to guess what she might be looking at. Jennifer immediately followed this story by referencing Paul's instructions to the Philippians to fix their minds on certain things.
Today, I choose to look at the landscape of my life and play "I Spy" to guess the answers to Paul's exhortation. Feel free to play along! Looking at your world, how would you answer:
- I spy something noble.
- I spy something right.
- I spy something pure.
- I spy something lovely.
- I spy something admirable.
- I spy something excellent.
- I spy something praiseworthy.
Let's spend some time thinking on these things!
May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.
The last Word:Finally, brothers, 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 about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Phillipians 4: 8, 9, NIV.
19 comments:
You bless me more and more. I love you sweet friend.
Think right, and peace comes in... like a sentinel. Your post is so timely. This verse tells us why this world is in dire need of peace. We're not thinking the right thoughts! Thank you, Gail, for sharing your beautiful thoughts.
I'm currently re-reading Elizabeth George's book "Loving God with all your Heart." In one of the first chapters, she talks about training our minds to think upon the list you so eloquently described. One of the most compelling chapters talks about thinking upon things that are "true." It was so common sense, yet took my reading her thoughts to have it make sense.
How my mind wanders down the bunny trails (i.e. when my son doesn't call in time, I'm sure he's in a ditch somewhere, planning his funeral, etc.)? The apostle Paul, along with Elizabeth says, (loose translation), "if it ain't true, push it out of your mind." Another words, stick with the facts!
Reading your post made me think about that again!
Training my mind to think with the mind of Christ has been a lifelong pursuit. Still working on it. I imagine I always will be...
working on it!
Have a great week. As always,
peace for the journey~elaine
Do you know what, Gail..when ever you leave me a comment, that's how you make me feel..like I've expressed something that is "true, noble, right, pure,lovely, admirable..."--a drop of heavenly dew...thank you so much for this spray of His truth..
Love, Sita
Girl...right now---you wouldn't believe me...but when I read this--I picture YOU sitting on the floor of my Mamo's living room with me, Wanda, and a cousin or two playing I Spy. That was the "funnest"---"coolest" thing when the weather did not permit us to play outside! WE loved I Spy.
Funny. I have never thought of it in a spiritual context before. THis was a GREAT post!
Gail, This was beautiful. I loved reading...
Thank you for visiting my blog and your sweet words an sympathy.
You have blessed me today!
Hugs!
I loved your words: “Nothing that needs to change in me is a do-it-yourself project. I can repeat affirmations 'til the cows come home, but only the Holy Spirit can create lasting change in me.”
I remain amazed at the works of the Spirit. Thank you for sharing such beautiful thoughts.
I love your I-spy game, Gail. Really made me look around and praise Him. (I also loved the image of that field of bunnies--made me smile:)
this book is helping to solidify the good stuff.
honored to walk with you in it!
Liked your idea of playing the I spy game! I'm sure I will think of that every time my little ones bring it up from now on. Thanks for sharing and I oh so appreciate your final verse - it's on my fridge!!
Blessings,
Jill
Oh I like this post. I will have to come back tomorrow and write out my thoughts...I LOVE that scripture.
I loved your eye spy game. It's one you can stop and really think about it.
I also related to the do it yourself project, I've had to learn to let go of that myself.
I'm still rolling this chapter around in my head I'm hoping to post in a day or so.
Carol
Gail, what a fun, thought provoking, and truthful post. I will join you in the I Spy game!
Gail,
I'm new to the study. I so enjoyed the spiritual I spy game. I really needed that today. In the midst of the chaos that is our family right now I need to look to those things that are praiseworthy and lovely etc. Thanks for the wonderful perspective
Very creative, Momito!
I love the idea of taking each of these positives and playing "I spy" with them!
I think that I am going to have to take a trait a day, and see what I can see... keep a list and see what I come up with at the end!
God bless,
Heather
Hi Gail,
I can relate to things you said in each paragraph you wrote. I smiled when I read about the multiplying rabbits. I sometimes act on impulse, and then regret my lack of self control. I like your reminder that nothing that needs to change in us is a do it yourself project. I love the way you applied the I Spy game to the Bible verse, one of my favorites.
Thanks for your comment on my post, too.
Sue
I have read some of Jennifer Rothchild 's blog. She is a great encourager.
The I spy thing is very good. i must write it down somewhere.
Love the I spy game of yours.
I've long had Phil. 4:4-7 written on my heart and have desired to add vs 8. I still plan to but other scriptures have popped up. I plan to memorize by first memorizing the acrostic--t.n.r.p.l.a.e.p for all the things to think on.
thanks for your visit and comment
Gail, Jennifer Rothschild and her Dr. Phil here. Just love your reflections and attitude as your write. We are all praying God will continue to use this book study to impact your lives -- you're reflections certainly encourage us. With love Jennifer and Phil
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