1 James 3-15

I was struck by my preacher's message today (Jim Gallagher) about how we are lured away from blessings of abundant life just as fish are lured away from their life by actual lures.  He said that the fisherman doesn't have the fish's best interest at heart but has an idea of batter and oil.  How like it is for us as being tempted by desires already in us (1:14).  We have the idea that sin is bad only because God said so instead of it being bad because sin is bad. That is-bad for us. We covet and are drawn away but the enticing lures rarely, if ever, last.  We demonstrating character can be used by God for his glory and our well-being.

Today you can choose integrity and authenticity

You can only really control yourself!  No matter how others act you can choose peace to deal with them.  You may not get what you think you want but you will know that you chose fairness and honesty without creating more separation in your relationship.  If you feel good about your part in the dealing of the conflict, then you really do "win"...  and guess what, this applies to your dealings with your kids too!

Mindfulness can be practiced by Christians as well as buddhists

The Psalms talk about resting in Christ and taking every thought captive to Christ so it, too, is focused on our thoughts.  Cognitive psychologists have long known that our thoughts can lead to our feelings so all of this is good clinical advice whether we are talking about self- growth, relationship growth or parenting.  Mindful practice that I gravitate to is taking time to practice just being present in one’s surroundings-just noting such like I try to do when walking Rudy and Buttons.  I will never be the same after walking them at night and hearing the night sounds after walking them night after night engrossed in thoughs of the next day.  So much more pleasant listening and feeling the night air.   While many thoughts may race through the brain, the mindful person may choose to not follow them but focus on God's creation and the beauty around them which delight (or don't) the senses. This is a form of discipline best practiced when calm so that it will be available during a "crisis" such as when a family member is on  your last nerve!! Resting without grasping what seems good is how we learn to walk with God in the tough times as well as the glad times.  We need compassion for ourselves as well as compassion for others too!!