Manage your mind...

I went to my tuesday morning study today ( Mom's group ) and the title of the teaching today was Manage Your Mind. I thought it was pretty cool to see what we were learning about was so closely related to what I just started to blog on.

Guarding your thought life - where you allow your mind to go, and guarding what you allow into your mind - via what we see, hear, read etc., was a big part of what the message was on.  Many emotions that we struggle with were highlighted, such as guilt, shame, and others, but fear seemed to be a biggie.  After the teaching we discussed the topic at our tables, and there many shared that fear is a big issue for them also.  So... I guess it feels sort of good that I am not alone in this emotion that I am plagued with from time to time. But it also saddens me that the struggle is so common and far reaching.

A quote was shared today that really impacted me.
I thought I would share it with all of you:


"Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts inspire your words.
Be careful of your words, for your words precede your actions.
Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits.
Be careful of your habits, for your habits build your character.
Be careful of your character, for your character decides your destiny."

- author unkown


A good reminder for us all to really take seriously the thoughts that can spin around in our heads, and to begin managing our minds, rather than just letting them go wherever they may.

The verses that were included in the teaching today happen to be favorites of mine...

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.          Philippians 4:8-9


It helps me during the times of my highest anxiety to remember that what I am focusing on more than likely isn't true / right / honorable / or any of the other virtues listed.  And if I remind myself of the things that are ( true, right honorable....), then peace finally comes.  I wish I could say that I recite that scripture every time I go to fear, or struggle with anxiety, but I don't.  In part, because I am not even aware of how often my mind is in that dark place.  In writing this blog and expressing those emotions, I am hoping to become more aware. Becoming more aware, I believe is a big step in moving forward to deal with many of those fears once and for all.

I hope you are starting to take a look at the hold fear has on your life as you journey with me. I would love to hear about what you are facing, if you are willing to share. Tips, victories, scripture that has helped...all are welcome here as well.  For today I am doing my best to manage my mind and  keep Phillip. 4:8-9 at the forefront, I hope that you will too.