THOUGHTS INTO CAPTIVITY

“You sound real good.” These same words that I spoke of in the last post confronted me two weeks later by my “old” college roomie, Jerry Isaacson. “This is the best I’ve heard you in a long time” My response this week was 180 different from two weeks ago with Mark. “ Thanks Jerry, I’m doing well.”


This response came after two weeks of diligent mental work, bringing my thoughts into captivity. Changing the way I thought – of how much I’ve lost this past year to all that I have - was not an easy task..We’re creatures of habit. Habits are hard to break. But break my “loss focus” must or self pity and depression would have been full throttle.

I’m not speaking of denial. I’m well aware of the loss of my Nampa band of brothers and scores of friends. Significant loss of money in the real estate arena. The many losses from Parkinson’s –balance, memory, driving, etc. and the 4-wheeler accident. If these losses became my focus, and at times they did, self pity and depression were a step away.

I’m finding that as I’m more consistent with bringing those thoughts into captivity and replacing them with gratitude for all I do have, life has a brighter aura and I function better. More at peace. More productive. “We become like the books we read and the people with whom w associate. As I spend time with positive people and fill my mind with positive, healthy books; as I train my self to to see life from God’s perspective, there is more hope, more joy, more contentment and more purpose for living.

That is not just good psychology, but it is based on Scripture like Phillipians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 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

Praising and thanking God are great antidoes for what is ailling you and a great precursor to strong mental health.

Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

This sets us up for an indepth examination of James chapter1. “Rejoice when the going is rough.” YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING

As A Man Thinks

A fresh look at “as a man thinks in his heart so is he.”


Wake up call yesterday.. Chatted with my good friend Mark Wheeler in Idaho. One thing he said clobbered me between the eyes and he didn’t even realize it I’m sure. He said, “you sound real good.”

My initial reaction was an inner voice saying, “but, you don’t know how much I’ve lost through Parkinsons , the four wheeler accident and relationally – can’t drive anymore, can’t do … any more, etc. My litany of loss.

I could have said all that truthfully, but I’m confident that God used Mark’s statement and my initial response to get my attention of stinkin thinkin. Like looking into those big distorted mirrors that give you a crazy picure of yourself. A totally distorted picture of self.

God semed to be saying to me, “What is your focus, all you have lost or is it all you have gained? All you can’t do or all you can do? Remember, My son, I am God – sovereign over all - yet I’m your loving heavenly Papa who is working everything to your good.”

I don’t see all the value of what I’m going through. What is my gain, Papa?

“I’m slowing you down so that you can enjoy people and life in general more. I’m showing you the importance of inter-dependent relationships. And there is much more that you’ll discover as time goes on.”

Gain through loss.

Thanks God for the effective GC (God connection) time. I’ve switched my focus and that gives me hope. Thanks Mark for our friendship Time to do some ground-tilling.

“As a man thinks in his heart so is he.”