Thinking Upon What is Lovely

This week's message, delivered by Charlie Dodrill at Platt Park Church was of course as touching as every other message we receive. I especially took solace in the message as it spoke to me about worry and conflict that I put upon myself; unnecessary stress was lifted off of my shoulders this Sunday.

Thinking Upon What is Lovely. 

A practice which I need to be reminded of often. Charlie's message reveals that "we become what we behold."

I have recently been conflicted by some of the commonplace concepts in my life--my posture on friendship, on family, on finances, and on my role in this life. I think these points of contention will appear and reappear throughout my life as people change and come and go from our lives, as our finances conform to our needs, and as my priorities evolve as we all grow older.

Regardless of my place in life, I should strive to always be Thinking Upon What is Lovely! The notion is to turn our thoughts from what is ugly into seeking the good and beauty in everything and everybody.

In theory, whatever you speak to will rise up!

I must ask myself:

Is this this thought...

1. True
2. Noble
3. Right
4. Pure
5. Lovely
6. Excellent
7. Worthy of Praise

I wondered how many thoughts come and go from my mind on a daily basis that answer "no" to all seven of those points. I feel challenged to more actively look for the good in things and in people by asking myself if they are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, and praise worthy. Not only that, but to also turn my mind from the clutter that creates the anxiety that weighs heavily on my shoulders. 

I have recently been struggling with many enemies in my life, like jealousy, distraction, dissatisfaction, resentment...all feelings and thoughts that should be discarded as unworthy of my time and energy. 

Thank you Charlie, for your message, and above all, thank you God for placing these reminders in my life so that I might follow a path free of worry and anxiety.