Think On Purpose

"Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become  habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become."                                             Margaret Thatcher in the movie, “The Iron Lady”

Do you ever think about what you are thinking about? Sounds confusing, I know!  Often during the day I will catch my mind wandering to some random thought. A single little thought that seems harmless. That one thought will then ever so subtly take over my mind, and then 30 minutes later I am dwelling on some negative thought and feeling sad, angry, or completely confused. What I have been learning lately is that a lot of times my negative feelings come from negative thoughts. Negative thoughts that I didn't even realize I was entertaining in my mind!

The title of my blog is "Think Happy Thoughts Today", (partially because I am a fan of the movie Hook) mainly because I am realizing, more and more, the power of my thought life. I believe that most of what we feel comes from our thoughts. I catch myself saying, "I cant help the way I feel!". I am beginning to see that I can help the way I feel. We cannot control most things in this world, and there is bad news all around us every day. However, the good news is we can control our thoughts and attitudes! Our thoughts are directly linked to our feelings. Thoughts come first and then flood in the feelings. So be careful what you let wander into your brain!

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Phil. 4:8

Our thoughts not only control our emotions, but they are the starting point to all of our actions. As the quote from the Margret Thatcher's character in "The Iron Lady" says, "What we think we become." Now that can be a scary thought! :) So, my goal is to take control of my thoughts and to think positive thoughts on purpose. To be intentional about my thoughts and not let them run wild in my mind. My hope is that you will be encouraged to do the same!

"...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5