Negative Thoughts? Blast 'em with a Word!

Research indicates that we can't think and talk at the same time. Apparently, it is physiologically impossible because the thinking and speaking processes originate from the area part in the brain.

I don't know a lot about the research--couldn't find too much about it on the internet (I did find an insanely interesting article about the brain called "Brains are Applesauce"), but all you need to do is try it for yourself.

I went to a training where the instructor demonstrated the process with a very simple exercise. He told us to count to 100 in our heads when he raised his right hand and to say our ABC's, out loud, when he raised his left . He raised his right hand and then in the middle of counting, he raised his left.

Needless to say, the ABC's took over.

Everything starts with at thought. Unfortunately, some studies indicate that up to 77 percent of our thoughts are negative.

Are we doomed?

Not at all.

If all it takes, physiologically, to interrupt the thought process is a spoken word, we've got this! Three things that help me:

1. Recognize a negative thought. Sound silly? Bad thoughts can creep in, just like that. They are insidious. I have to make a seriously concious effort to realize what's going on in my head. And check it. As Joyce Meyer says "think about what you are thinking about". Recognize what's going on in that mind of yours and take charge!
   


2. Be prepared. As I said, negative thoughts will creep in. All the time! Have positive affirmations ready and waiting. Use props--write 'em out, carry a book in your purse--whatever you have to do, just be ready to stomp them out with a word.
   


3. Focus on the good. Every situation, no matter how ominous it appears to be, has a silver lining. Find it and shout it out! This is easier in some instances than others. It doesn't matter. Just do it.

No need to allow your thoughts keep you down any longer! Stay Real.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Today one of my Sunday School students told me that whether you're the student or the teacher, you are still the student.

In class today I had to tell him (for the 700th time) to stop texting and pay attention to the lesson, to which he replied something like "well, you have your phone".

I explained to him, very patiently, that I am the teacher. What I say goes in the classroom and, when he becomes the teacher, he can run his class any way he sees fit. (In a very Christian manner.)

He mumbled something unintelligible under his breath. I asked 'if he would like to be the teacher'. He gave a big NO and made the above statement.

I couldn't be mad at him. And, of course I know that we should all be learning every day of our lives, but, this comes from a young man that has come a long way. His background is not privleged--it can pretty much be described as disadvantaged. He's attended church and Sunday school for the past five years, on his own. I am proud of him!

He reminded me of "Sista Know-it-All" who once told me that she grew up with a preacher father, so there was nothing new the preacher could teach her. Or "Brotha Can't-Tell-Me-Nothin" who mocked Joel Osteen's preaching style, even as he chased down all the PYTs in the congregation.

They could learn a thing or two from him! My preacher said in his sermon today that if you are coming to church and leaving the same way you came, we haven't done our job. I agree!

Today, the teacher became the student. Thanks, J!

Giving is Living

Just in case you've ever had any doubt:

People are COMPLETELY AWESOME!!

The picture to the left is what was collected for the Githen's Center (my son's school) outside of Walmart this weekend (yes, we sat outside and begged).

But that's not all. That jar was filled FIVE times over!!! We had to empty it FIVE times!!! That is very encouraging. Especially with the state of the economy being what it is.

More over, I've increased my Bike-a-Thon goal by %100 this year and I am more than halfway there, with donations coming in everyday.

Thank you for your support. I love you all!

I Am Favored

'For in Him I live and I move and, I have my being.'

For I am His child.

Acts 17:28

When Crying Isn't Enough

No matter

how trendy the clothes,
ornate the trinket or
meticulous the makeup;
Sometimes you have to cry.

No matter

how discerning the eye,
determined the decision or
where you place your faith;
Sometimes you gotta cry.

No matter

how entertaining the dialog,
how hauntingly beautiful the lyric or
valuable the content;
Sometimes you need to cry.

No matter

how sustaining the rays of the sun,
magnetic the pull of the moon or
brilliant and numerous the stars;
Sometimes you want to cry.

No matter

how exquisite the bone structure,
precisely cut the coif or
chiseled the abs;
Sometimes you have to cry.

No matter

how immaculate the home,
lush the lawn or
new smelling the car;
Sometimes you need to cry.

No matter

how crystal the vision,
strong the spine or
clean the bill of health;
Sometimes you want to cry.

No matter

how well intentioned your loved ones,
comforting the kindness of strangers or
how well you turn the other cheek;
Sometimes you have to cry.

No matter

how attentive the gaze,
profound the words or
fulfilling the touch;
Sometimes you want to cry.

The Only Thing that Matters.

The enormity of The Miracle.
The awesomeness of The Sacrifice.
The grace and mercy of His Love.

Sometimes you can't cry enough.