Saturday, July 3, 2010

Applied Thinking

I am currently reading The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry. This excites me because it has been on my "want to read" list for a very long time. I've noticed that I have slipped into some negative patterns of thinking and am not effectively taking every thought captive for Christ. How perfect to read this book at this time; Tommy Newberry's book's theme is Philippians 4:8.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are TRUE, whatever things are NOBLE, whatever things are JUST, whatever things are PURE, whatever things are LOVELY, whatever things are OF GOOD REPORT, if there is any VIRTUE and if there is anything PRAISEWORHTY- meditate on these things." (NKJV)

As a communications major in college, I remember well the importance of "language and thought" (thanks Doc!). Our thoughts are powerful forces, exhibited in the way we talk and the way we live. If we can control (or bridle) our thoughts (Paul calls this "taking them captive"), we effect not only the way we respond to the world around us, but what is happening to us. In one way, it's like changing our lenses and putting on the proverbial rose-colored glasses. . . things look better to us. . .

And right about here I completely lose my train of thought.

SO... the gist of the first two chapters is that we ought to ask ourselves 4:8 questions in the morning and in the evening, "redirecting your thoughts onto what is worthwhile, constructive, and joy producing" (pg 33). I'm all about growing JOY.

Here are The 4:8 Principle questions that I am asking myself daily:
1)What are 5 things I am grateful for right now?
2) What are 5 of my strengths or positive traits?
3) What are 5 of my best achievements so far?
4) Who are the 5 people who love me the most?
5) What are 5 things I am looking forward to in the next 5 days?

And so you know that I'm really trying to do this... I'll give you some of my answers tonight.

Grateful for:
159) Cool summer breeze
160) Sound of locusts
161) Chubby baby legs
162) A haircut
163) Farmer's market veggies

Strengths or positive traits:
164) Desire to learn, grow and change
165) Encouraging words
Um... that's about it...

Looking forward to:
166) Watching the kids watching fireworks
167) Sitting with my husband during fireworks
168) Pool party with friends
169) Pavlovas (remind me of Australia)
170) Tomatoes from our garden

1 comment:

Debbie Millman said...

5 things i am grateful for right now: my church, good friends, Culver's, my juice plus, MY BIBLE, my family. (okay, that's 6).

5 things i am looking forward to this week: turning 44 on thursday, going to josh's league championship game on tuesday, doing the work God has given me to do with people, catching up w people i care about on the phone, fellowship w nc missionaries who are here all week.

5 positive traits: patient, passionate, spiritual, healthy, funny.


there's my 2 cents for today:)