Thoughts on Our Thinking

While texting with a client recently, we "talked" about how our thoughts effect our actions. She had been struggling with negative thoughts about herself. Believing that she was stupid, ugly and without hope had led her down some unhealthy paths. She had acted on those false beliefs and thus,  negatively impacted her most important relationships.

Philippians 4:8 speaks to what we should think on. "Finally, brother, 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." (NIV)

I wonder how we would be impacted if we actually put those commands into practice. How would it effect our relationships if instead of thinking false things, we thought true things? How would our talk be changed if we thought on noble things instead of crass things? How would we treat others if we thought of right things instead of wrong things? Pure things instead of impure things? Lovely things insted of ugly things? Admirable things instead of dishonorable things? Excellent and praiseworthy things instead of poor and unworthy things?

Changing your negative thoughts to "God-thoughts" is a huge first step to changing bad habits and unhealthy relationship patterns. What will you decide to think on today?

Shannon Shertzer, MS, NCC

Changes

Sometimes it seems like I blink and another season has rolled around. Summer is here and all the heat, humidity, vacations, outdoor activities, and fun that comes with it. I love the changes of the seasons and the diversity that each one brings. Our lives change also--sometimes the changes are anticipated and looked forward to and other times we reluctantly accept them. However, no matter where we are in our lives,  God is constant and we can rejoice in the fact that though everything and everyone around us changes, God does not. As I personally am experiencing some reluctant changes in my life right now, this is a wonderful promise to me.
"Great is Thy Faithfulness"
Great is Thy faithfulness, oh God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

~ Mary Lehman

Rewards and Family Fun

Strengthening Families Program 10-14 gives two additional tips for effective parenting:

4. Give a reward.

When a child demonstrates good behavior, especially when it is in a new area of his life, reward him with a special privilege and one-on-one time with a parent. If he has been treating his sibling much better this week than last, take him out for a walk to the corner store for an ice cream.

5. Plan time for family fun.

Family memories are made when you do special things with the kids, whether roasting hot dogs in the back yard or hiking in a park by a stream. The good feelings they experience are part of their history, which can keep them strong during difficulties. Let your child help you with making plans for trips, picking what activities you might do.

In addition to strengthening your relationship with your child, your demonstration of love to your child helps her to knowand appreciate God's love in a fuller way.

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11.

~ Ginger Holler