Tag Archives: thinking

The Power of a Thought

There was an old commercial jingle that tuned, “You are what you eat, ya Ding Dong!”  Of course, Hostess was promoting their Ding Dong Cakes

Whether or not you’re actually a ding dong for eating one, that’s for you to decide.  The Bible does tell us though that our mind is powerful and there is a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy that you become what you think to be.

If you think you will fail, you probably will.  If you think you’ll succeed, most likely you will succeed.

Your mind is powerful.  That is why Paul gives advice to the Philippians that is still relevant to us today:

Finally, brothers, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:8-9

How much negative thought do you allow in your life?  I’m afraid it’s more than necessary, because in Christ we are so much more!  This poem helps me to focus on the positive aspect of my thoughts:

Thinking
by Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you like to win, but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you will lose, you are lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.
For many a race is lost
Before even a step is run,
And many a coward fails
Before even his work is begun.
Think big and your deed will grow,
Think small and you will fall behind.
Think that you can and you will-
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You have got to think high to rise.
You have got to be sure of yourself
Before you win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

Question: How do your thoughts compare to those Paul directs to the Philippians?  Click here to comment.

#6 in 2011: Let Grace Take the Cake

Some junior high students were seen throwing cupcakes down the church hallway.  You would not believe the janitor’s response when he saw this happening.  This is the sixth most popular post in 2011.

 

Let Grace Take the Cake

I got word that some cupcakes were being throw up the hallways after CHAOS last week.  At first I thought, “I cannot believe our volunteers would do such a thing!”  Then I was told that it wasn’t the volunteers that were throwing cupcakes, it was a group of students.  I should have figured.

So I sought out a janitor and I said, “Hey, Mike!  I heard you saw some students throwing cupcakes down the hall, is that right?”

Mike almost interrupted me with his reply, “Ya know, Ben, there were some guys throwing cupcakes but it’s no big deal.  See, I know things like this will happen.  We just don’t want it to get out of hand.  These students just need to be loved on and when their behavior get out of line then we just gotta redirect it.  If things didn’t get a little rowdy at times I would wonder if you were even doing your job.”

Wow.  That was refreshing to hear.  And I couldn’t have said it better myself.

After that conversation, I walked away thinking two things:

[Read the entire article.]

#10 in 2011: History Makers, not Angels

We’re starting the tradition here to recap the top posts of the year as we set our sights to the new year.  Not only does this give me freedom to give family the priority, it gives you a chance to go back and see what we talked about, perhaps catch something you missed.  I welcome you to continue the conversation with each post.

#10, here we go!

 

History Makers, not Angels

The attendant at the gas station today had a tattoo on her arm and I asked her what it was.  She showed me and responded, “It’s a quote: Well behaved women seldom make history.”  I actually chuckled right when she finished sharing that with me.  I mean, there’s a little truth in every bit of kidding, right?

[Read the entire article.]

Quitter [Book Review]

Quitter
By Jon Acuff
5 stars

Acuff’s tag line for his book “Quitter” reads: Closing the gap between your day job and your dream job.  I’m pretty excited about my day job and enjoy what I do yet felt compelled to read this book simply from following Jon’s blogs over the last four years.  He loves God, his writing is enjoyable, and he’s lived the day-job-to-dream-job experience.

Typically, I read through books in two or three sittings.  Not this one.  Each chapter is jammed with incredible candor, insight, and stories about the struggle Jon had on his day-job-to-dream-job journey.  After reading each chapter, I was compelled to sit and think about the implications of what I read.  The book brings fantastic perspective to the reality of having a day job, working on your dream, waiting for your time, learning to be successful, and then finally stepping away from the day job.

Here are some tweet-sized quotes from the book:

People position adulthood like it’s the end of your life, not the beginning. You’ve had your fun. Now it’s time to grow up.

Discipline begets discipline.

Anyone can dream; it’s the doing that is such a hassle.

Procrastinating perfectionism tends to cripple our ability to finish.

You might be too bored to work on your dream, but just don’t buy into the lie that you are too busy.

Superman needed Clark Kent. Go be real. Go be connected instead of being a nonstop Superman.

Focus on your passion first. Your passion will fuel your plan.

Competition is a great motivator but a horrible measurement.

Don’t accept the lie that work has to be miserable and dreams are for other people. They are for everyone.

No matter where you’re at in life, 17 or 70, I recommend this book.  The real life stories and applications from this book are worth the conversations with your spouse, friends, or family.

Question: Have you read Quitter? What are your thoughts? Click here to comment.

The #1 Rule of Cool

The #1 rule of being cool is to seem unfazed.  To never admit that something scares you, impresses you, or excites you.

Somebody once told me that it’s like walking through life with your hands up, guarding your head, and blocking your face.  You protect yourself from all of the unexpected miseries or hurts that might show up.

But I try to walk through life with my arms out and open.

Yea, that means catching all of those miseries or hurts.  But it also means that when something beautiful or amazing falls out of the sky then I’m there to catch it.

Question: When was a time you played it cool? Click here to comment.