Mindful Monday: Making Time

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

I feel like I've had enough on my plate lately that I haven't had room for blogging.  But, I've also said many times here that I must make time to be thankful.  So, let's start the week out with another thankful list.

potential for change
sound advice
helpful input
handfuls of wild blackberries
cooler weather
the sound of treetops rustling in the breeze
the smell of a farm (ummm yeah, never thought I would be thankful for/miss that smell)
hills and valleys loaded with trees
vibrant bouquets at farmer's market
a friendly conversation
new books to read
time to play with a few recipes
a thoughtful phone call
abundant provision
laughter
a playful twinkle of the eye
learning life lessons
hopeful expectation
curiosity
clear communication
feeling an inner peace or stillness
support in decision making
fun dishes
sharing recipes
fresh air and sunshine

Food for Thought: "Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't." -Steve Maraboli

Mindful Monday: Day to Day Perspective

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

I've been out in the fresh air and sunshine and away from the computer.  And you know what?  It feels great.  Anyway, I'm just dropping in for a quick thankful list.  Here goes:

open communication
farmer's market
bursts of color
freckles
sunshine
a cool breeze
those little cotton seed things that float down from the trees
fireworks
time with friends
thoughtful provision
going the extra mile
abundance
new insights and perspectives
lessons to learn
hope that doesn't disappoint
fresh air
dancing sunbeams
clouds of all shapes and sizes
shade
open fields
fans
cold water
matching socks
hand sanitizer inside an impressively clean outhouse
flip-flops
piano music
reading a magazine outside
soap that bubbles nicely
structure
leaves rustling in the wind

Food for Thought: "You can not find peace by avoiding life." -Virginia Woolf

Mindful Monday: A Slice of Daily Bread

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. -Psalm 34:8

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. -Proverbs 16:3

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. -Proverbs 4:23

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. -Matthew 5:6

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. -Psalm 90:14

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith....let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. -Hebrews 10:22-23

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1

But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. -Romans 8:24-25


Food for Thought: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Mindful Monday: Choosing Thanks

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

To be honest I'm not in a very thankful mood right now.  Hopefully by the time I finish this list my attitude will  have changed for the better.

fresh air
sunshine
new books
a neighborhood with a trail to walk on
decreased humidity
pleasant conversation
thoughtfulness of a neighbor
the fragrance of peonies wafting though the air
my dad (Happy Father's Day again)
reconnecting with friends
a new mixer
kneading bread dough by hand
freshly baked bread
pink and purple tinted clouds
the outline of the moon
learning opportunities
color
quiet morning space
potential change
patience
grace
hope

Food for Thought: "When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears." -Anthony Robbins 

Mindful Monday: Daily Bread

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. -Psalm 84:11

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. -Proverbs 21:5

I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' -Lamentations 3:24

Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. -Psalm 34:8

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. -Isaiah 26:3

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. -Psalm 19:1

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. -Psalm 51:10

Food for Thought: "Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees." -Victor Hugo

Mindful Monday: Thankfully Busy

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

The weekend was jam packed and this week promises to be just as crazy.  I'm not sure I'll get to any new recipes in the next few days, but one can always make time to give thanks.

a full schedule
farmer's market in the early morning sunshine
tart rhubarb
crisp, juicy watermelon
a day without rain
helping hands
strength and energy for moving boxes, furniture, etc
an abundance of items to move in the first place
leaders and directors
organizers
teamwork
motivation
the old loft bed my dad made for me
a new bed (with no more ladder climbing each night)
handmade quilts
vacuum cleaners
a field of bright yellow dandelions
blowing fluffy, white dandelions
walks in the sunshine
a phone call with a friend
laughter
fragrant lilac bushes
kitchens with windows
busy productiveness
churning clouds
crackling lightening
rumbling thunder
beams of sunlight
multiple shades of blue in the sky

Food for Thought: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6

Mindful Monday: A Trip to Alvina's

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Last week I visited my great-aunt, Alvina, and she showed me all around her farm.  She reminisced about all her years there and told stories of longstanding traditions.  Of course I couldn't help but take a few pictures as we wandered around outside.

I was eager to see how asparagus grows and she kindly saved some for me to cut.

She taught me all about growing asparagus and even let me use her special asparagus knife, marked with yellow tape in case she drops it.

Alvina advises storing the spears in water until ready to use.  I happened to use a blue glass (Alvina has a collection of blues dishes as well) and decided it looked more like a bouquet than a vegetable.

The flowers I grew up calling Johnny Jump-Ups were scattered all over the woods.

A cluster of uncurling ferns lined one edge of the house.  The sunlight streaming through the leaves captured my attention.

I'll tell you more about this during our Flashback Friday's but she also shared her mother's (my great grandmother's) handwritten recipe notepad with me.  I was able to photograph every page and am quite eager to look over the recipes.  Most were for food, but this one give instructions on making soap from lye, rainwater, borax and grease.  I'm so thankful we can still read the writing on most pages. What a treasure!

Food for Thought: "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." -Lamentations 3:24

Mindful Monday: Weekend and Thanks

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

The weekend was filled with celebrating my grandma's 80th birthday.  Her older sister drove up form Ohio to visit.  Saturday was the official party and they spent Sunday at our house.  There's a lot to learn from older generations.  I bet you didn't know you can get a free colonoscopy if you make it to 100 years. Motivation at it's finest, eh?

But let's not get into anymore exciting details from the weekend.  We'll just go with another thankful list.

thunderstorms
lightening
growing up close to my grandma and other relatives
celebration of life
new growth
flowering trees
bright green of newly opened leaves on trees
sunshine
a warm breeze
the fragrance of spring in the air
challenges that help you grow
mistakes that point you in the right direction
patience
chances to learn
reminders
the patter of rain on the windows
fresh air
sinks with garbage disposals
watermelon
differences that balance each other out
opportunity for growth
perspective

Food for Thought: The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. -Proverbs 20:5

Mindful Monday: Mother's Day Flowers

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Words can't express how amazing my mom is.  Her selfless examples of unconditional love never cease to amaze me.  I'm truly blessed to have her for a mom and a friend.

Yesterday we went on a walk and found some wildflowers.  My mom happened to have her point and shoot with so we took a few pictures.  The Dutchman's Breeches were a favorite of her mother, making them a perfect find for Mother's Day.  See how they look like little pairs of pants hung out to dry?

The ferns were just starting to uncurl.

We saw several other varieties of white flowers along with plenty of green leaves poking up.  

I love you mom!

Food for Thought: "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -Abraham Lincoln 

Mindful Monday: Watch

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over you in your journey through this vast wilderness. -Deuteronomy 2:7

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. -Deuteronomy 4:9

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit. -Job 10:12

You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. -Psalm 59:9-10

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. -Psalm 63:6

He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber. -Psalm 121:3

The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand. -Psalm 121:5

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the doors of my lips. -Psalm 141:3

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. -Matthew 7:15

Therefore, keep watch because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. -Matthew 24:42

'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. ' -Matthew 26:41

Then he said to them "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." -Luke 12:15

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Preserve them, because if you do, you will save both yourselves and your hearers. -1 Timothy 4:16

Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words: patience, peace, hope, trust, free, self-control, joy, wait, truth, love, wisdom, mind, gentle, grace, receive

Food for Thought: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.-Colossians 4:2

Mindful Monday: What's Next?

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

So, I've been thinking about this a lot over the past month and I still don't have it figured out.  I'm not really sure where I'm going with this whole blogging thing.  I started this blogging adventure just over a year ago and have learned a lot along the way.  There are days I love it to pieces, but there are also times I think, why am I doing this?  With warm weather pulling me outside plus already being in the kitchen all day at work, I'm not sure how much time I want to devote to the posts here.

There's no doubt I'll still be trying all sorts of crazy recipes on my own time.  Some things, however, are not worth the time and effort to test, photograph, type up and edit.  I still want to share what inspires me along with a few odd kitchen adventures.   Because you know I'll still have plenty of those.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is the same thing that applies to the rest of life- balance.  Balance involves change and a shifting of one side to the other.  Rather than a precisely perfect point, balance hovers and includes flexibility and give and take.

 There is no recipe for a perfectly balanced life.  Neither life nor balance are perfect.  Like I keep saying, I'm not sure what that will look like here.  But when time spent behind the computer screen gets in the way of life, something is off balance.  It will take me a while to readjust and find a new balance.  I tend to stick to habit and pattern and am slow to change.  Perhaps this will be a good chance to challenge perfectionistic thinking and practice flexibility.

Will I stop blogging?  No.  Will I stop playing around in the kitchen?  Definitely not!  I've always loved that.  What will likely happen is a little less structure and a little more flexibility.  How's that for vague?  I'll try not to get too random on you though.  Hmmm, I don't really know what else to say.  I guess we'll just leave it at that and see what happens. Thanks for hanging on through whatever adventure is next.

Food for Thought: "It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things." -Donald Miller

Mindful Monday: Receive

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. -Proverbs 8:35

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. -Proverbs 28:27

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. -Matthew 7:8

Freely you have received; freely give. -Matthew 10:8

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. -Mark 10:15

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. -Mark 11:24

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. -James 4:3

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. -John 1:11-12

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. -John 1:16

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear. -Romans 8:15

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. -1 Corinthians 2:12

The God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any troubles with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. -2 Corinthians 1:3-4

For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. -2 Corinthians 5:10

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. -Ephesians 4:1

So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him. -Colossians 2:6

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,  so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. -Hebrews 4:16

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. -Hebrews 6:15


Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth, self-control, love, wisdom, mind, gentle, grace


Food for Thought:  You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. -Revelation 4:11

Mindful Monday: Seasons

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

In general I like the beginning of a season, but by the end I'm ready for the next season to begin.  I grumble about the long winter but then wish it weren't so hot and humid in the summer (but seriously, stop with the snow, it's mid April).  Being indecisive, I can never pick a favorite season, but I often joke that my pessimist's favorite season is "the opposite of whatever season we're in now."

I was pondering the other day if I do the same thing with the seasons of life.  Am I always wishing I were just one stage ahead in life or am I content and enjoying life just where it is?  Sometimes I think I'm 'tired' of a stage of life and see 20/20 only in hindsight.  Spring, summer, fall and winter come again each year, but I can't go back and repeat a stage of life.  Rather than rush to the next season or hurry up and wait, I can enjoy life right where it's at.

Whether it's everyday life of the weather itself, I need to learn to slow down and smell the flowers, take time to crunch through the leaves, splash in a puddle or catch a snowflake on my tongue (I mean...nose and eyelashes...or do I?).  Instead of feeling like I have a million things to do and not enough time, I can choose to enjoy the task for what it is.  Rather than think, 'I'll be happy when x, y and z are all lined up,' I'll remember that colors are just as bright outside the lines.

I really do enjoy aspects of each season, and I'm glad I live in a region with 4 seasons.  However, I can't say I'd complain if Spring came in full force.  Then again, I guess this weather will give me a chance to be content and enjoy conditions just as they are; an attitude I'd be wise to apply to the rest of life as well.

Food for thought: "The earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mindful Monday: Grace

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. -John 1:16

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1:14

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. -John 1:17

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. -Acts 20:24

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. -Romans 3:23-24

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. -Romans 5:1-2

And if by grace, then it can not be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. -Romans 11:6

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. -1 Corinthians 15:10

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. -2 Corinthians 8:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved. -Ephesians 2:4-5

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. -Ephesians 2:8-9

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. -Ephesians 4:7

Let us then approach the throne of God's grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. -Hebrews 4:16

Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth, self-control, love, wisdom, mind, gentle

Food for Thought: "Your worst days are never so bad that you're beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of God's grace." -Jerry Bridges 

Mindful Monday: Thoughts from Easter

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Each time you see or hear something familiar there is a chance to to gain new perspective and insight.  This weekend several things stuck out to me regarding Easter.  Though I've heard them all before, I hadn't really stopped to reflect or ponder their significance.  Below is the shortened version of a few things that made my wheels start turning.  I'd like to spend more personal time digging deeper and applying these thoughts to my my own life.

1. Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, yet he still chose him as a disciple.  I have to wonder how this influenced their interactions.  If I knew someone would ultimately betray me I would always keep them at an arms length.  Yet I suspect Jesus showed Judas just as much love and respect as he did to the other disciples.

2. I've been having a hard time lately making my quite time a priority.  I use the excuse of being too tired or not having 'enough' time.  At the Good Friday service I couldn't help but notice the words Jesus spoke to the disciples in the garden.

"Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. 'Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?' he asked Peter. 'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' " (Matthew 26:40-41) 

 I am no different. How many times have I struggled to stay awake during a service?  How many times do I fall asleep praying or stay in bed just a few more minutes instead of making morning quiet time a priority?

3. It's hard to comprehend the extreme physical pain Christ went through during the crucifixion.  While this bodily torment was excruciating, the mental and spiritual anguish he went through as he took on the guilt, shame and punishment of all mankind was even more intense.  Even more intense. (plus it happened at the same time as the physical torture)

Food for Thought: "If the cross was the end of the story, we would have no hope. But the cross isn't the end. Jesus didn't escape from death; he conquered it and opened the way to heaven for all who will dare to believe. The truth of this moment, if we let it sweep over us, is stunning." -Steven James

Mindful Monday: From Microwaves to Lava Lamps

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

I've been thinking about a lot of deeper stuff lately, but not necessarily stuff I want to fully hash out here.  At least not yet.  I guess we'll just go with random bits and pieces.

1. Watch carefully when you start using a new microwave.  I had the times for everything from hot chocolate to frozen broccoli perfected on our old microwave.  New microwaves mean figuring out new times.

2.  On the plus side, the popcorn button actually works just right for popcorn.  As an added bonus the word "enjoy" flashes across the top rather than "end" if you use the popcorn button.  I'm not sure if that's ridiculous, clever or completely unimportant.

3. Life doesn't always take the path you imagine.  It's not necessarily better or worse than what you once envisioned, just different.  Kind of like, "hmmmm, that's interesting, I wonder what's next?"

4. Do you ever take several hours to do something that should take less than 20 minutes because you're obsessing over details?  Arrrg, I hate when I do that.

5. I knew that cream of tartar is added to egg whites to increase stability and volume, but I didn't know that cream of tartar is a byproduct of making wine.  The fine white powder is deposited on the inside of wine barrels.  It helps prevent sugar syrups from crystallizing and is thus added to candy and frosting for a creamier consistency.

6.  I keep going to look something up on my computer, then remembering I lost it all.  Back up your files in multiple places.  This public service announcement has been brought to you by a remorseful procrastinator.

7. Turtle beans.  Did you know that black beans are also called turtle beans? Clearly you needed to know this on a Monday.

8. I got two somewhat contradictory messages from two similar sources this week.  It forced me to stop and really think about which one was right.  Were my motives for agreeing based on what I wanted to hear or what I knew was right?  Could they both be right?  There's a fine line between helpful compromise and dangerous compromise.

9. Lava lamps and bubble lights. You just never know what will bounce across my mind at any given second.  Thanks to the Internet my curiosity on how things work is quickly quenched.

Food for Thought: "Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating  desire which transcends everything." -Napoleon Hill

Mindful Monday: African Tea Time

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend an international tea.  We sipped a variety of teas and coffees while nibbling on sweets from around the globe such as African mandazi and Turkish delight.  Each table was decorated with a variety of teapots and teacups.  Naturally, I gravitated towards the table with a blue theme.

While enjoying our beverages and treats we were both encouraged and challenged by speakers from other countries.  Many cultures use the tea hour as a time to slow down.  As one speaker pointed out, we Americans schedule ourselves down to every minute.  I'll leave by 3:15 have 20 minutes to run into the store, 5 minutes to drive downtown, 7 more to drive by the ATM, then 12 minutes to get gas before I  have to meet so-and-so.  Sound familiar?  When every last minute is crammed full, we need to reevaluate our use of time.

Mindful Monday: The Mind Itself

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

It's time to take a look at some verses relating to the mind itself.

God is not a human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? -Numbers 23:19

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds. -Deuteronomy 11:18

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? -Psalm 8:3-4

Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. -Psalm 26:2

A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised. -Proverbs 12:8

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. -Isaiah 26:3

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. -Lamentations 3:21-23

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. -John 15:18

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. -Romans 8:5-6

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:2

No eye has seen, no ear has hear, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. -1 Corinthians 2:9

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpents cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. -2 Corinthians 11:3

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. -Colossians 3:2

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. -1 Peter 4:7

Still hungry? Check out similar posts on these words patience, peace, hope, trust, free, joy, wait, truth, self-control, love, wisdom

Food for Thought: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. -Mark 12:30

Mindful Monday: The Mouse and the Shovel

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

Random things from the weekend, plus a few other items that jumped into my train of thought.

1. You never know when a snow shovel in the back of your trunk will come in handy.  Let's say you decide to go to an outdoor ice rink but when you get to where you think the rink is located all you see is a snowy field.  If you do a little digging you might find an ice rink covered in 4-6 inches of snow too stiff to skate through.  But if you have a snow shovel in your trunk, you can shovel off a small loop to skate laps on.

2. By the time you finish the loop, you may or may not continue with your intent to shovel out the center.  Suddenly it looks like a rather large area to shovel while wearing skates.  However, a few laps around the loop will make you wish for a larger path.  Or maybe a snowplow instead of a shovel.  Better yet, a Zamboni.
p.s. Zamboni rates right up there on my list of cool-sounding words.
p.p.s. Just like Kleenex is a brand name for facial tissue, Zamboni is a brand of ice resurfacers.  I didn't know that, but maybe you did.

3. The saying, 'once in a blue moon' actually has nothing to do with the moon appearing blue.  Bummer.  When two full moons occur during the same month the second is called a blue moon.  This actually happens once every two to three years.  The next blue moon will occur on July 31st, 2015.

4. Back to the ice skates I mentioned earlier.  In the figure skating world you buy your boots and blades separately.  This pair has been disassembled for roughly 10 years, or whenever I last upgraded.  I didn't want to use my 'new' skates on an outdoor rink, so my dad helped me remount the blades to the boots.  There's a reason you don't do that at home.  It' called center of balance.  Oh well, they still work much better for stroking laps than as closet floor decorations.

5. The gin part of cotton gin comes from the word engine.

6. If you have a dream that you're all cozy and tucked under the blankets but then a mouse crawls across the comforter and scampers across your head, you just might wake up.  And if you wake up, you wonder if you woke up from a bad dream about a mouse or because there actually is a mouse lurking near your pillow.  It can take some convincing to fall back asleep.  Maybe I need a snow shovel under my bed.

Food for Thought: "The secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is." -Ann Voskamp

Mindful Monday: Untangling Thoughts

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.

It's been a while since I've really thought out loud here.  Monday's and Thursday's posts have been full of verses, thankful lists or random facts, but nothing in depth or too thought provoking.  I was pondering just why that is and came to a few conclusions.  During those glorious warmer months I went on long walks most days.  A few hours each day of fresh air, sunshine and nature gave me plenty of time to unwind and digest my thoughts.  During the winter I'm wrapped up in my cocoon of a blanket wishing I had an excuse to just hibernate until spring.  My thoughts stay wrapped up too, and I take less time to untangle them.  My mind could use a good spring cleaning.  Come to think of it so could my room, but that's another story.

Perhaps my avoidance is related to contentment.  Some of the thoughts I've delayed untangling relate to issues I keep hoping will untangle themselves given enough time.  But isn't that part of the problem?  If this, when that, as soon as ____, then, yes surely then I'll get to that.  But what about now?  What if "then" is just an unreachable, ever-increasing ideal that never materializes?  I must learn to be content with the now, to enjoy the moment whatever it may bring or not bring.  Because dwelling too much on the  maybe's, what if's, or what could have been's, results in missing the fullness of the present.

And that reminds me why I often avoid untangling my thoughts, it's messy and confusing.  It takes time, patience and thought.  What's that? You say thought is required to think things out, who would've thought?  Surface level is easy, or at least cleaner and faster.  It's much safer to tell you there are 11-1/2 bananas sitting on my counter than to hash out my perspective on a topic I'm not too sure of.  That being said, this is not always the place to share those thoughts.  However, I do need to be more mindful by untangling them in one way or another.  Okay, now that I've untangled some thoughts about thoughts, I think I'll wrap it up here before I tie my tongue in knots.

Food for Thought: "Life is so urgent it necessitates living slow." -Ann Voskamp