We live in an extremely fast paced world and often do not give ourselves permission for rejuvenation. Jesus recognized the need for his disciples. Too much noise, too much traffic, and too many people. So he said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." This isn't the first occurrence in the Bible acknowledging and meeting the physical needs of someone. Elijah had run away from Jezebel and in his exhaustion and discouragement asked God to take his life. He then fell asleep. He was awakened by an angel who urged him to eat a meal already prepared for him! He slept again; once again he was awakened and instructed, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you."

Are you feeling that your journey is too much for you? God knows it is. He provided for Elijah's needs, stating that nourishment was necessary for Elijah's long journey. We are physical as well as spiritual beings. In your efforts to be "Super Christians" are you forgetting the importance of your physical needs being met? Nourishment, rest and quiet are three mentioned here. Your list may be different. Ponder what your list would be. Without attention and time given to these, our spirituality becomes a chore, even non-existent...leading to discouragement. Again, Jesus said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mk.6:31

Monster thoughts

Who would let a monster in their home? We have locks, deadbolts, security systems of various types. Some even have 'safe rooms' especially built in their homes for extraordinary protection. These various things provide for physical safety.

But what about the mind? What is in place in the average person to protect the mind? Aside from clinical depression, what is much of depression caused by? This is where what I call "monster thoughts" come in. Seemingly fleeting thoughts, in reality, have incredible power to direct the course of life. For example, you may tell yourself, "I have no value." This can have the power to strip away motivation to function, even bringing about loss of interest to accomplish goals and eventualy finding life to be too cumbersome. My six year-old granddaughter told me, "Grandma, puppies don't like me." The truth; she was trying to get my dog to come to her as he sat contentedly on my lap. He's a rescue that is extremely attached to me. There is nothing wrong with my granddaughter. She was facing a "monster thought" which needed to be combated with truth.

Truth is what is needed to combat "monster thoughts". Most of us are familiar with the Bible verse that says, "The truth shall set you free." The truth may be opposite to the "monster
thoughts", and thus present a formidable enemy to them. What about thoughts that rule with unrelenting accusations that are "true" such as, "You're fat" and in reality you struggle with your obesity? This monster thought does not have the right or power to rule. Your intrinsic value is NOT based on your external appearance. It says in the Bible that God "looks on the heart". HE is the one who has the power to create new hearts in us even when our hearts need to be changed. When we deal with the truth of our real condition THEN the opportunity is present to receive help to change and crush "monster thoughts". What are you thinking right now? Monster thoughts that will destroy you or truth that provides a path for growth and strength to meet the challenges.

Do you need a mind gym?

The new year rumbled in; no stopping that train. Did those days come with attached resolutions? Maybe a gym membership to train toward an in shape or toned body. How about a polished financial plan to gain control of your finances? Have you conjured up a determination to complete your education or install order/organization in your life? You may have enlisted the help of an athletic trainer or a coach. Good move.

An all important key to success in any resolution is to enlist and engage your mind. Without your mind actively involved, the challenges and obstacles that pop up can overcome any great plan. As you read this blog are you finding your mind trying to skip off to familiar pathways? You can read an entire page and not remember what you have just read! Where is NY Mind Fitness Gym? Have you ever heard of Diamond Mind Gym? Probably not. Yet, your mind NEEDS training! You attempt NOT to think of that bag of jellied donuts...and your mouth waters at the THOUGHT. Yes, the thought. Your mind is your enemy. IT needs retraining. How??

There is a verse that says, "...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."(2 Cor. 10:5) Captive. Someone in captivity is constrained to do whatever the captor wills. The captor is the controller. Yet as stated above, when you attempt NOT to think of something, that is exactly what you think of. Taking your thoughts captive is only the first exercisea in retraining your mind.

Retraining the mind requires replacing old thoughts with new ideations. Philippians 4:8 says "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lo ely, whatever I'd admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." THIS is mind training or mind workouts, if you will. You can establish your own mind gym! You do not have to be overcome. You can overcome as you use the practical mind training tools that God provided. Happy mind training!