FULLY ALIVE!

Your life will be as bright as the noonday sun. Job 11:17

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What’s In Your Suitcase?

For years my work required me to travel. I remember leaving home once at the end of June and not returning until just a couple days shy of a month later.  Now some would say traveling for 30 days is not that much and, indeed, I have enjoyed vacations longer than that, but this particular trip was actually several trips all combined into one long jaunt.  Over the course of the 30 days I had to attend formal events, casual events, active events, business events, inside events, outside events and everything else you could imagine WITHOUT being able to return home between events.  Now add the fact that I traveled via airplane and train and was thus governed by two sets of travel restrictions and regulations relevant to my luggage not to mention the fact that I was a woman traveling alone.  Who wants to try to navigate with a ton of luggage?  Not me!  Two bags max, preferably one!

Bottom line, I had to really think through packing my suitcases.

When I travel by car, I take a lot of stuff.  I can pack outfits in a variety of colors.  I can pack extra shoes and handbags.  I even sometimes take my own pillows.  When I travel by train or air I have to be cognizant of the luggage size and weight restrictions.  I also have to consider rolling that luggage, monitoring that luggage, lifting that luggage, etc.  You want to keep it simple.  You want to keep it light.  You want to keep it at minimum.

But a girl needs a lot of stuff!  You have to be prepared for the what-ifs.  What if I snag my pantyhose?  Got to have extras.  What if my hair flops?  Got to have a curling iron.  What if my shoe strap breaks?  Better have an extra pair.  What if the hotel catches on fire in the middle of the night? Yes, pack pajamas, a robe and slippers! (Yes, I actually think about the hotel catching fire in the middle of the night.)  What if the meeting space is chilly?  Be safe, pack a jacket.  I might get hungry in the middle of the night.  Room service is expensive and hotels don’t always have snack machines any more.  Hmm.  Pack some Nabs.  (Go here if you don’t know what a Nab is:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_Inc.  Smile.)

Through the years I have come to pride myself as somewhat of a packing expert.  I can travel light yet seem to have all that I need.  So once I had the bright idea to “kidnap” my friend for a weekend away.  I picked him up from his office and shared part of my plan with him once he was in the car. “I’ve taken care of everything,” I told him.  “I packed for you.”  He was amazed.  Especially when we got to our destination and he opened that suitcase!

That’s how life is for us.  Our life suitcase is packed each night for the next day.  We go out with a destination in mind carrying a bag with unknown contents.  Sometimes there is tragedy and heartache in that bag.  Other times there might be confusion or anxiety.  And sometimes there’s pure joy.  But we never know.

So as a packing expert I’ve learned to keep certain things ALWAYS packed and at the ready.  My luggage (and I have multiple sets) is never empty.  Certain toiletries, lingerie and first aid items are always packed as is a good book.  Pantyhose, socks and shower shoes are always waiting for me.  When I am ready to go on a trip, I simply add the items unique to the given trip.  That’s a good tip for travelers, and that is a good tip for life.

James 4:14 (NASB) says, “…you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.”  You don’t know what will be in that suitcase when you open it.  Make sure, then, that you have packed and have at the ready your own bag of essentials – prayer, faith, Scripture internalization, songs of praise, self-control, love…

Bon Voyage!


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Under Attack or On the Attack?

A military operation plan, or war plan, is a plan drawn up by commanders of military forces and organizations BEFORE and DURING times of conflict – especially if there is the desire and intent to “win” the war. 

All around us there is a battle taking place, yet we go out day after day, onto the battle field with no war plan and no strategy.  We find, therefore, ourselves under attack – feeling hopeless and helpless, overwhelmed and confused, saddened and depressed.  Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher, Sun Tzu, said, “Those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.”  In short, rather than be under attack, you need to be on the attack to win the war.  How do we do this as Christians?

First, understand the enemy. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV) tells us that “…we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  Next, understand the battle.  Though we have physical bodies, ours is not a physical war.  We are spiritual beings inside a physical body.  The war waged against us is in the spiritual realm, in our minds.  Satan knows that if he captures our minds, he can control us.  It is in our minds where we first begin to feel defeat.  “I am lonely.”  “I am sad.”  “I am depressed.”  “I can’t do that.”  “I am not strong enough.”  “I am not smart enough.”  “I don’t have enough.” Romans 12:2 (NASB) tells us, “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” while II Corinthians 2:5 (NASB) tells us to “take captive every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Thirdly, develop an offensive strategy.  Offensive strategy means that we do not wait for the enemy to attack.  We do not become reactionary.  We are proactive, and we go on the attack before the enemy comes to us.  We also develop an arsenal of offensive weapons (internalizing Scripture, praying and fasting).  It is not a question of whether Satan will attack but when, where and how.

The best offensive strategy is to be prepared!  You can make up your mind ahead of time how you will react in many situations – what you are going to do and what you are not going to do.  “No matter how they criticize me, I will smile and pray for them.”  “Whether I get the job or not, I will thank the Lord for the opportunity and praise Him.”  “I will be calm and focused during the business meeting.”  “At the family reunion I will focus on the joy of seeing the children and excuse myself from the negative conversations.”  “I will welcome this transfer and look forward to new relationships and adventures.”  “I’m popping in my new CD and singing along during the commute to work.”

When we think about it, little actually catches us by surprise.  We tend to know the who, what, when and where of our stressors and those are often the people, places, times and situations Satan uses to attack our minds.  A good soldier does not find herself in the midst of war wishing she’d brought her gun, worn her helmet or remembered her canteen.  She knows to expect certain encounters and plans likewise for them.

God gives us a plan in Ephesians 6:11-18 (ERV):

“Wear the full armor of God…get God’s full armor…stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One.  Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up…”

See you on the front line!


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Beat Average

Health and wellness retailer GNC Holdings recently launched a new national brand campaign called “Beat Average.” The campaign is designed to open a conversation with health and wellness consumers about their daily personal wellness goals and how GNC can be their ongoing partner and ally in beating average.

The Free Dictionary details numerous definitions for average including “The usual or ordinary kind or quality.”   Hmm.  Not so good.

Jesus calls us to “beat average.”  He calls us to greatness.  He calls us to service. Mark 10:43 (MSG) says, “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.” But how do we serve?      1 Peter 4:11 (NASB) says, “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Too often we are afraid to serve God.  He might call us to the wilds of Africa, the streets of some remote area in Thailand, the jungles of Brazil or, Heaven forbid, some un-air-conditioned place with outside plumbing. And He might call us to have to walk miles in the scorching sun, miss a few showers and eat some unidentifiable food.  Or He might have us trade in household treasures, luxury vehicles and fancy clothes for a mud hut, a pair of walking shoes and only 2 or 3 changes of clothing.  Well, guess what; He might!  Sometimes those are just the kinds of places and kinds of situations He calls us to.

But rarely.

Most often He calls us to small acts of service right in our homes, our churches, our neighborhoods and our work places.  To love a child.  To lend a hand to a struggling mother.  To encourage a jobless father.  To share a kind word with a stranger.  To speak appreciatively to service workers such as policemen and postal workers.  To demonstrate patience with an overworked waitress.  To help your neighbor carry groceries in from the car.

Every act of service demonstrates the love of Christ.  Every act of service is an act of greatness.

Will you beat average this week?  Will you be great?  Will you serve? (Please post a comment sharing your service experiences.)

And don’t forget – serve the Lord with gladness! (Psalm 100:2 NASB)


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It’s All in the Preposition

For a few seasons of my life I served as an English teacher which is probably why I occasionally get fixated on words.  I especially find myself listening intently to what people say (as well as to what they don’t say because both are very enlightening).

I am particularly intrigued when people talk about the blessings of God and what He has done for them.  Indeed, as the author of Lamentations wrote, His mercies are new every morning and great is His faithfulness.  Personally, if I wake up, I count it a good day.  If I am able to get up and ambulate without assistance or much pain, I call it a great day!

I once had a job that necessitated me rising VERY early every morning (somewhere around 3:00 a.m.).  I would leave home about 4:15 a.m. to drive to my office.  I dreaded every morning, so I used to focus on thanking God all along the way.  “Thank you for running water.  Thank you for hot and cold water at my fingertips.  Thank you for inside plumbing.  Thank you for showers and toothbrushes.  Thank you that I have teeth to brush.  Thank you for sight.  Thank you for road signs.  Thank you for letting me learn to read.”  It might sound ridiculous, but I found it particularly strengthening and encouraging and I found that it gave me a different connection with God which was especially comforting as I parked and walked dark streets that were milling with unique characters at 5:00 a.m.!  (I had to go to work.  Why were these people on the street at that time of the morning?!!!)

But back to my point. (I really do have one!).  We cannot dispute that God has blessed us.  If He doesn’t do one more thing for us, we really can have no complaint.  What I find intriguing is how often people talk about what God has done for them as opposed to what He has done in them.  Both words are prepositions but what a difference.

In Ezekiel 36 we read that God will give us a new heart and put a new spirit in us while removing our heart of stone. Ephesians 4 says that we receive a new nature to be like God, truly righteous and holy and II Corinthians says the Lord makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.  This is what God does in us, and this is the testimony we must share – to encourage fellow believers and to draw non-believers to Him.

In I Samuel 16:7 (NASB) we are reminded that man looks at the for – “the outward appearance,” but the Lord looks at the in – “the heart.” Today as you think of your relationship with Him, what will you look at?


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Sponge or Rock?

In the wake of the trend toward more natural and organic lifestyles that will reduce toxic exposure and increase overall health, more people are using natural sponges for bathing.  In addition to just being super chic looking on the bathroom counter, sea sponges are a renewable natural resource.  They are also hypoallergenic, toxin-free, natural exfoliators!  As if all of that wasn’t good enough news, sea sponges are also super durable because they are resistant to abrasion.

When you buy a loofah sponge in the store, likely it feels as hard as a rock.  Despite this appearance and even this texture, it’s still a sponge, and there is tremendous difference between a sponge and a rock.

If you place a rock in water, it gets wet.  That’s pretty much it.  Surface appearance might change, but the interior remains unchanged and the rock remains hard.  Place a sponge in water, and almost immediately a change is noticed.  The sponge absorbs the water into its every pore allowing the water to change it.  The rock resists the water; the sponge receives it.

In Acts 22 Paul shares his account of his conversion and how he was confirmed in the change that he made from persecutor of Christians to follower of Christ.  Paul calls those who would know God’s will and also God’s power to baptism to receive Christ and to become personally acquainted with Him.  Paul calls us to be sponges – to receive Christ, to let Him soak into our very pores and change us.

It’s not our nature to be sponges; we are more prone to be rocks with hardened hearts. Disappointments, sickness, death, job loss, financial struggle, contrary teenagers, broken relationships, missed promotions, joyless days…  The world screams to us, “Harden your heart!”

Tony Reinke says, “A hard heart is an obstinate and calloused heart blind to the precious value of the gospel and Christ” (Romans 11:8).  Rock or sponge?  Resist or receive?  Embrace and trust Christ or reject Him?  Despite the situation the choice is yours.

Are you operating as a rock or a sponge?  “Hard hearts,” says Max Lucado, “never heal.  Spongy ones do.”  Soak up the promises of God and let Him change not just your situation but your heart!


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It’s All Under Control

The Bible tells us (at least six times) that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly places (Acts 2:33 and 5:31, Colossians 3:1, Ephesians 1:20, Hebrews 1:3, Romans 8:34).  Don’t you just love that about the Scriptures – how the truth can be cross-referenced again and again?

I love, too, just the image of this – that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, the Father.  He’s not standing.  He’s not pacing.  He is seated – above all rule and authority, above all power and dominion.  Everything is under Jesus’ feet!  He is seated at the right hand of God.

And what does this mean?  He has it all under control!  He’s not worried.  He’s not caught off guard.  He’s not panicky.  He’s not engaged in a wild texting frenzy.  He’s not scrolling through his phone contacts trying to figure out who to call.  He’s not without a plan.  He’s in control.

And there is still more! We are ascended and seated with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

So on this Monday morning as you return to work or school, as you go to that doctor’s appointment, as you walk into that meeting, as you make (or answer) that phone call…, just remember that your Lord and Savior, Jesus, is seated in Heaven and you along with Him and that He has it all under control!


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Redefining Ourselves (Part 2)

There is a joke/urban legend (often touted as truth) that has circulated the Internet for years.  While there are many versions, the story found on Snopes basically goes like this:

“An award should go to the airline gate agent who was both smart and funny when making her point with an irate passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo. A crowded flight had been canceled.  A single agent was working feverishly to rebook a long line of inconvenienced travelers. 

Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way from the rear of the line to the desk.  He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, “I HAVE to be on this flight and my seat HAS to be FIRST CLASS!”

The agent replied, “I’m sorry sir.  I’ll try to help you as soon as I finish with these folks; I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.”  The passenger was unimpressed and not to be calmed.  He asked loudly so that all around could hear, “Do you have any idea who I am?!”

Never missing a beat, the gate agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone:

 “May I have your attention please.” Her voice bellowed throughout the terminal.  “We have a passenger here at the gate who does not know who he is.  If anyone can help him find his identify, please come to Gate 12.”

Understandably, his fellow passengers erupted into laughter and the man was outraged and embarrassed.

It’s important to know:

  • who you are.
  • who people think you are.
  • Whose you are!

Look at Luke 9:18-20 (NET)

18 Once when Jesus was praying by himself, and his disciples were nearby, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They answered, “John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others that one of the prophets of long ago has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

Jesus’ question and Peter’s answer are both important.  Jesus knew who He was, but He is questioning His disciples to see if they fully understand who He is.  And Peter answered correctly!  How did Peter know when others had so many different responses – John the Baptist, Elijah, a prophet?  Peter had walked with Jesus, and every day Jesus showed Peter who He was.

Who do people say that you are?  And, what makes them respond as they do?  What are you telling people every day?  I had a colleague that used to remind me every morning that I might be the only Jesus that someone would see.  I’m afraid that some days I showed them “temple-cleansing Jesus” (Matthew 21).  What qualities and characteristics should we show?  There are many.  Search the Scriptures and ask God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24) to see what message you are sending.  Love?  Patience?  Gentleness?  Self-Control?  Humility?  Faithfulness?  Something else? 

And “if there be any hurtful way” in you, ask the Lord to help you redefine yourself as you remember that our most powerful testimony and witness is who we are every day.


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Redefining Ourselves

I absolutely love how people are defined in the Scriptures.  Rarely (if ever) does a name just appear.  Typically there is some definition such as “daughter of” or “brother of.”  Even Jesus is announced as the Son of God.  Take a look at 1Timothy 1:1-2 (NASB):

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope,

2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Immediately the reader knows that Paul is an apostle (believer, advocate, supporter, disciple) of Jesus.  The reader also knows that God is our Savior, Jesus is our hope and our Lord and Timothy is a true child of the faith.  Yes, all that in less than 50 words!

In this crazy world it is important to know who you are.  The world is forever trying to define us and typically chooses to do so by standards such as our social station, our geographic location, our function in life, our size or shape or color, our political affiliation…

What do you say when someone asks you, “Who are you?”  Do you respond, “I’m a mom.”  “I’m a doctor.” “I’m a Girl Raised in the South.” “I’m a divorcee.”  “I’m so and so’s daughter.”

Let’s go back to Paul.  He announces himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus.  Understand that Paul could have written, “Paul, a tent maker according to his vocation…” Or perhaps he might have chosen, “Paul, a Roman Citizen according to his citizenry…”  There were many accurate and true monikers that Paul could have assigned himself.  Fourteen of the 27 books of the New Testament have been attributed to Paul.  Surely he could have written, “Paul, a great author…” or  “Paul, a teacher…”  Approximately half of the book of Acts is about Paul’s life and works.  Wouldn’t you think he would want you to know that?

That’s typically how we operate – introduce ourselves by the important titles, the impressive titles, the titles that mean the most to us.  I think the latter is what Paul did!  And I, for one, confess that my first thoughts do not always parallel Paul’s.  In absolute honesty, to introduce myself as a disciple of Christ or a child of Christ – well, those descriptions aren’t even in the pool of descriptors from which I typically fish.

If I believe the Bible.  If I have, as Galatians 2:20 (NASB) says, “been crucified with Christ,” then also according to that same Scripture, “…it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”  If these things are true, then who am I?

Debbie, an apostle of Christ Jesus…

Who are you?


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Surviving (Part 3)

 “The only difference,” said American Novelist Ellen Glasgow, “between a rut and a grave is their dimensions.”   Yet, when in a rut, we are often hesitant to change – even if our very survival depends on it.

In our last post we talked about changing our thinking because change always begins first in our minds.  Our thinking dictates our feelings which drive our actions.  But once we have made a shift in our thinking, we have to get our actions in gear – we have to change our behavior.  But how?

American pastor and Bible teacher, Warren Wiersbe, says we must “remind ourselves that God can change things.”  He says “outlook,” but I say “uplook” determines the outcome.  Focusing on our situation almost insures failure.  Focusing on God and what is possible through Him insures success.  So, what are the behaviors we should change?  Well, let’s consider the behaviors we typify during stressful times:

  • Blame
  • Worry
  • Devising our own plan and feeling we have to “go it alone”
  • Talking to any and everyone except God
  • Seeking advice from self-help books and other sources such as TV Talk Shows
  • Losing it

And let’s consider Jesus’ example in Matthew 26:36-44 (NASB)

6 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.

What do we “see” and what do we learn from these verses?  Jesus was grieved and distressed – to the point of death.  (Can you relate?) No worry, no flipping out, no consulting the TV gurus or the self-help books.  Note five specific actions:

  1. He called upon faithful, believing friends asking them to pray with and for.

Jesus had 12 disciples.  Even if we exclude Judas, who was about to betray Him, there were 11 remaining close companions.  Note, though, that He took only three beyond a certain point.  It is not always about the quantity of friends but rather the quality.  Who are the 2-3 that you can call upon to pray with and for you?

  1. He fell on His face.

In our culture kneeling is commonly accepted as an expression of reverence and is a familiar posture of prayer.  The very image of Christ throwing Himself on His face is powerful showing Him as a suppliant in the face of His distress and in a position of needing to hear from His Father.

  1. He went a little beyond them – separated Himself from them to seek His Father’s will.

Sometimes we need to separate from even our friends and when we need to earnestly seek God may be one of those times.  In solitude, alone with God, there are postures we may assume, petitions we may make, attention we may devote and fervor we may display much more freely than when in the presence of others.

  1. He was persistent and specific in His prayer praying not just once but three times.

Jesus’ prayer was short and specific and He prayed it multiple times.  Do not come to Jesus with shopping lists or Christmas lists.  Come with clear, specific and, when necessary, persistent prayer.

  1. His prayer shifted from Him to His Father.

Note the shift in Jesus’ first, second and third prayer from asking to have the cup removed to asking that the Father’s will be done.  Too often we want to tell God what needs to be done – and when and how.  He is the Almighty, and He is Omniscient.  Whatever is happening in your life is no surprise to Him.  Likewise, He already knows and has a plan for resolving it.  Seek His will through this and all situations.

Remember it is not your outlook but your uplook that will determine your outcome.  In these short verses find guidance for your seasons of high stress.


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Surviving (Part 2)

Children’s author, Judith Viorst, spins the tale of a day that many of us have had in her book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  Nothing goes right for Alexander.  From the time he opens his eyes to face the day until he crawls back into bed and closes them that night, it’s all terrible, horrible, no good, very bad.  Page after page we read about Alexander, waking with gum stuck in his hair, tripping over a skateboard, getting smushed in the middle seat of the car and facing a dessertless lunch sack among other letdowns and annoyances. At one point in the story, Alexander thinks that change is needed, and he resolves to move to Australia!  (Hmm, no dessert?  I’d be thinking about moving, too!)

Well, I don’t know if Australia is necessarily the answer, but to survive times of crises change is often just what we need – and just what we fear the most.  What is the change that YOU need to make?  In our last blog post we offered some possibilities – job, friends, behavior, thinking.  You might think of others, but I’ll suggest you begin with the last two in this list – your thinking and then your behavior.

God’s best for our lives begins with right thoughts, His thoughts.  But Isaiah 55:8-9 (ASV) clearly tells us that our thoughts are not the Lord’s and neither are our ways; both His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.  So how do we change our thinking?  Look to the Scriptures for guidance:

  • “…taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:5(b)(NIV)
  • “…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. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

It is possible to change and to control our thoughts.  As soon as a negative thought – one that does not align with God – comes into mind we must intentionally and purposefully “capture” it and replace it with “God-thinking.”  It is not enough to just tell our negative thoughts to “Stop!”  We have to replace them with right thoughts, God thoughts.  Consider these examples:

 

Our Thinking

“God-Thinking”

I can’t do it.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)

It’s impossible.

“…Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26 NASB)

I can’t go on.

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  (II Corinthians 12:9(a)  NASB)

I don’t know which way to go.

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP)

I’m afraid.

“God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” (II Timothy 1:7  NCV)

I’m not smart enough.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NASB)

I’m so alone.

“After all, he has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5(b)  CEB)

 

These are but examples. ANY negative thought that you have can be exchanged for “God-thinking” if you are intentional and purposeful in doing so.  Negative thoughts breed negative attitudes which breed negative behaviors.  And so a cycle begins and continues.  Break the cycle by taking captive your negative thoughts.

Next blog entry – changing your behavior!