BECOMING A BETTER ME...part #4

I went through a time in my life when I was VERY depressed. I thought about ending it because no one would miss me anyway and there was no reason for me to be here. When our thoughts are down, everything else goes down with them. My thoughts were negative, my words were negative and I was far from happy. I thought horrible things about myself to such an extent that I accepted things I shouldn't have accepted and dealt with people in a very negative manner. I kept thinking, "When ________ happens then I'll be happy." I married the wrong person, lost an unhealthy amount of weight, lost my home and marriage, dated the wrong people and went through a lot of therapy.

The turn around for me started when I realized there was nowhere to go, but up. Then I participated in an amazing weekend with BEGINNING EXPERIENCE. It changed my life.

Things did not change overnight, but after that weekend I felt like I was starting over. I had to stop waiting for something to make me happy and do it for myself. I had to choose to think differently. I now separate my life and personality, into two parts; before that weekend and after that weekend.

One of the greatest epiphanies that I had was that there is nothing I can "do," to deserve what God has already given by His grace and mercy, as a free gift. All I have can do is accept it.

Joyce says to:

(1) SET YOUR MIND AND KEEP IT SET.

"......determine decisively what you will think, what you believe, and what you will or will not do and set it in such a way that you cannot be easily swayed or persuaded otherwise. This does not mean to be narrow minded and stubborn, but open to learning, growing and changing. Recognizing your weak areas and knowing what kinds of situations are challenging to you in life is wise."

(2) RENEW YOUR MIND.

is "...like refurbishing an old house. It doesn't happen quickly; it takes time and energy and effort and there is always something that needs attention. When you fall into old patterns don't feel badly just start thinking rightly again. This continual, ongoing process of renewing the mind extends to every aspect of your thinking: finances, health, family, time management, recreation, job, future, kids...etc. Do not feel condemned if you are struggling with your thought life or if you face struggles in the days to come. Condemnation only weakens you and it never helps you make progress. Celebrate every victory so that you don't feel overwhelmed by what still remains to be conquered. God is very patient and long-suffering. He is understanding and will never give up on you."

(3) PROTECT YOUR MIND.

"Concentrate on the thing at hand rather than allowing your thoughts to wander all over the place. God has a good plan for us, but we must walk the path that leads us to it. Get rid of the thoughts that are negative and standing in your way as you seek to move forward. This is the time to set your mind and keep it set in the new direction because you don't want to remain in bondage to the old and miss the good new thing God has for you. Habitually doing right will produce a life worth living. It may not be easy, but it will be worth the effort. Don't get discouraged if at first you feel you are making little or no progress in forming new habits. It takes time, but wouldn't you rather spend your time going forward then backward."

I haven't arrived yet, but I'm not where I used to be and I am making progress! God is so good!