Photo taken by my brother, Gary Stephens ~ Colorado Springs, CO
If ever there were a picture of something excellent and praiseworthy, it is majestic mountains. There is nothing much more beautiful than snow-covered hills against a brilliant blue sky. In Colorado, where I lived for several years, scenes like the one above were commonplace. God’s glory was daily on display. It wasn’t hard to find excellence.
Although I understand the principle of keeping my mind fixed on things praiseworthy and excellent, I struggle by straying into:
frustration
distractions
bitterness
worry
doubt
fear
and the list goes on.
Do any of you struggle, too?
God offers a better way, though. What He proposes is not positive thinking, but instead excellent thinking. When we focus on the glorious aspects about God and His creation, then add to that all the many blessings and promises He bestows, our minds need not fixate earthbound. As the mountains tower above the valleys below, we can choose to place our thoughts on things heavenward. We don’t have to get stuck in the boggy mire of problems and distractions below; we can look to the One who made heaven and earth. We can think on things excellent and worthy of praise.
Instead of letting my imagination get away with me
I will think on ~
In order to prevent despondency
I will think on ~
In place of feeling resentful
I will think on ~
Rather than dwell on all of my problems
I will think on ~
So as not to worry unnecessarily
I will think on ~
To avoid negativity
I will think on ~
To eschew pride
I will think on ~
To resist ingratitude,
I will think on ~
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Now, that is something to think about!
Sue Nash/ 2013
Heavenly Raindrops 
Great words to ponder today! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Oh, thanks. As much of a reminder for me as for others! Blessings.
Amen and Amen!!! My preacher friend (Bro. Greg Hazelrig) posted about thoughts today too and I almost did too!! Neat how God does that through all of us these days!!!! Thanks for sharing. Have a blessed day!
Amen. Blessings back your way. Sue
Sue, I loved today’s post! I love the mountains and always think on “higher” things when I am in them!
Sent from my iPad
Absolutely. I am more of a beach person since I was raised in Florida, but the mountains really do cause us to lift up our eyes unto Him. Thanks and glad it was a blessing!
Sue, I’ve been reading your posts, but with young grandchildren underfoot for a week I haven’t had time to comment. The message of today’s post is one God has been bringing to my attention for three weeks now. I know when I faithfully obey this teaching, it always makes a difference in my outlook and attitude; problem is – I often struggle to focus on those more excellent things. Guess that’s why God keeps pointing me back to this scripture.
By the way, re: yesterday’s post, Lead Me Beside Still Waters is the title of my next book, the southern novel I’m working on now. 🙂
Thanks, Teri. I posted this as much for me as for others. I struggle,too! How awesome about your new book title. Sounds wonderful!
Going to reblog this on nightlightblogdotcom. LOVE Garden of the God. Is that Pikes Peak in the background? Lived in Colorado off and on for about 47 years. It’s a terrible place to be “from”. Wish I as still there sometimes.
Sorry, s/b “Garden of the Gods”.
Yes, this photo shows Pikes Peak, I believe. My brother took the photo. Colorado is so beautiful. We lived in the Denver area, but my husband was born in Durango, one of my favorite parts of the state. We ‘have’ to go back to CO every year to visit family. Ha! We love going! Thanks for sharing.
Reblogged this on nightlightblogdotcom and commented:
Great “heavenly rains drops” from a lovely sister in Christ. Enjoy.
“heavenly rain drops”! Just washed my hands and now I can’t do a thing with my fingers! 🙂
Thanks so very much for the reblog. I am enjoying your site, http://nightlightblogdotcom.wordpress.com/
Blessings back. Sue
You’re welcome. And thank you for posting such godly wisdom.
🙂
I really like your suggestions and how you arranged it. So difficult to do at times, depending on the circumstances, but something I desire.
Very difficult. I used a good deal of soul searching to match each ‘thing to think on’ with a companion negative one. That way I can remember to put it into practice easier. In fact, needed it today!!
I think it can sometimes help to consider the negative or antithetical view in order to gain a greater perspective and understanding. I really appreciate the time you took to ‘think on’ those things and put them down. Blessings to you!!
Thanks, Rene. I really liked your recent post on Sweet Capture Photography, Curves Ahead.
http://sweetcapturephotography.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/curves-ahead/
Blessings, Sue
Thank you, Sue!!
It is a tall order, especially when “life’s circumstances” get in the way. I find it easier now that I am retired to keep my mind fixed on Him! During my working years, job frustrations, relationships frustrations, etc; were always “pulling me down”. A great scripture reference and one I meditate on often. Thanks for reminding us of what’s important in our daily life.
Yes, it is very difficult. That is why I wrote it as much to myself as others. Thanks and glad it was a blessing.
Loved the contrast between “think on these” and what those thoughts replace. Nicely done.
\o/
Thanks so much. I did much soul searching so as not to just throw something out there that wasn’t actually applicable to the verse. Blessings
You did a great job! 🙂
May the Lord bless you richly this day!
\o/
🙂
Loved the scripture and your thoughtful words. Great and comforting reminders : )
Thanks. Enjoy your poetry over at Because of Christ Inspirational Poetry. Blessings
http://becauseofchristinspirationalpoetry.wordpress.com/
All glory to God! SO glad you’re enjoying my poetry : )
Priceless ! Pure counsel for the heart, mind, spirit and body! Thank you dear~ Debbie
You are welcome, Debbie. Glad it was a blessing. BTW, I don’t know if you got my message in reply to your question about me doing a testimony, but was wondering if you have the link to the website Thanks