I feel like I’ve written several blog posts in my head over the last few weeks but didn’t find the time to sit down and physically write until now! There was a time in my life I would journal every night. I watched my journaling dwindle from daily entries to weekly, then monthly, then several months at a time. I’d backtrack using my calendar as a reminder of what we did from one week to the next. I picked up this habit from my aunt many, many years ago. She used to write down just a little bit about the day on her calendar that hung in the kitchen and I started doing it. It has always helped me remember when I last had lunch with a friend, last visited family, when certain meetings or events took place.
I’m so thankful for my journals. There’s a season of my life I’ve gone back and read about and can see how miserable I was in my late 20’s. Then the season of meeting Wyatt, having my boys and the life we built. What a tremendous change in my faith and overall happiness. Those pages are filled with all the things we did; details I would have surely forgotten. Little things like trips to the store, the park, how I was managing work stress, how we spent our weekends, funny things the boys said, etc.
I’ve been writing for so many years. Every time I had something on my mind, something I was wrestling with, I would write it out. I’ve penned letters I never intended to send but found therapy in just writing out what I would say in the moment. This has been a great exercise when emotions can elbow rational thoughts out of the way and make you say things you regret later. I’ve coached my team to do this without ever sending that e-mail. Write it out, say what you want to say, then save the draft and revisit it in the morning. Chances are it never gets sent. With a clear mind an argument never starts and letting go of whatever got you all stirred up in the first place is usually the best action plan.
Over the last 22 months, I’ve been writing in my Bible. I’d never underlined and written in the margins of my Bible before. I underline in books and would underline and write in my Jesus Calling (daily devotional) over the last several years, just not in the Bible, which was silly. I’ve found writing in my Bible has enhanced my daily conversation with God, underlining the scripture that spoke to me that day, making a point to show God “this one, this scripture, this one is powerful and I see how it relates to my life, I get it!”.
I’ve been doing that with Killing Kryptonite by John Bevere. I will not be lending this copy out with all my personal notes and comments so you’ll have to buy this one for yourself. The book has offered a powerful transformation of my mind. Additionally, I’ve been listening to Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Christian neuroscientist. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, SO THAT you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Nothing has transformed my mind more than being a part of Sonflower Ministries. I’m still on a spiritual high from this weekend up in the north Georgia mountains. Powerful testimonies, letting go of toxic thoughts, replacing them with scripture and inspiration, making new friends, it was just amazing. This was my 2nd time serving and I had the opportunity to speak briefly on perseverance . . . my perseverance. I continue to say suffering is suffering is suffering and whether it’s physical pain or emotional pain, we all bleed the same. Financial struggles, stressful jobs, addiction, abuse, divorce, grief, overwhelming responsibilities, shame you can’t let go of, all of it requires perseverance and my belief in Jesus is HOW I persevere every day. It’s through my faith that I battle for control of my mind. The enemy places thoughts there, lies and deception, and he works hard every day to bring me down. The enemy may have power, but we have power AND authority from God. Satan has zero authority over your life. God has made us in His image as beautiful, intelligent beings connected to Him through our soul (our mind, will and emotions).
My prayer for you today is that you find the power through God’s word to transform your mind and take your thoughts captive 2 COR 10:5. Dr. Caroline Leaf says “whatever you are thinking about the most will grow”. Let your thoughts dwell on God’s word to grow a relationship with Him! YOU are in control of your thoughts so take them captive and transform your mind.