From
the Garden
By Lucinda Hale
Words are like seeds. As
children we are unable
to protect ourselves from
the seeds that are planted in the fresh soil of our
spirits. Some have families that are intentional about the
tender little beings that were placed in their care. They
sow positive, encouraging and loving seeds into their
hearts and minds.
Others endure less than ideal situations, ones where
self-doubts are fed by negative and hurtful speech. The
majority of us land somewhere in the middle. All develop an internal dialogue which continually runs through
our minds. In many ways it will direct our beliefs, behaviors and actions.
If you were blessed by the first scenario, be thankful
and pass it on. If you fall into the latter categories, don’t
despair. Jesus overcame the world and this mindset is no
exception. Pay close attention when you are quiet. What
tape is running in the background of your mind?
Identify the root cause, bring it into the light. Drag it
kicking and screaming if necessary! Replace the lies
readily accepted by the child’s mind with God’s truth.
Never be berated with failures from the past. Ask
God for forgiveness, accept it, and proclaim His goodness and faithfulness to you. Record a new tape, one
that fits your new life. Mine, for example, say, “I have the
mind of Christ. I am loved and cherished by the King.”
Every day is an adventure to be experienced. He will
never leave me or forsake me and He works all things
together for my good. I don’t have to be perfect or in
control because I trust totally in Him. He directs my
path so I need not fear. I am free to love because He first
loved me.
The mind is a battlefield though most of us do not
recognize we are waging war every day. I am a fan of Zig
Ziglar. He has a saying “Don’t get cooked in the squat.”
The short version of the point he is making is this:
32
Taking in good information without action is like a
biscuit cooking at too high heat. It cooks before it
rises to the height intended by the cook. In scripture
we read Faith without works is dead.
Here are some simple action steps to help make
a lasting positive step into the New Year. I challenge
you to try them. Write your own “new tape,” an adult
one chosen out of God’s truth about you. Read it to
yourself until you have it burned into your memory.
Don’t dwell on lies; feed on God’s word. Take
captive every thought and make them submit to
Christ. Reject negative thoughts and listen to your
own voice speak the truth about yourself. Repeat as
necessary. Remember you reap what YOU sow. Sow
seeds of life into your spirit and into the spirit of
others. The benefits will astound you!
About the author:
Lucinda Hale is an avid gardener
and co-owner of A to Z Cleaning
Services in Ellijay, Georgia
JOE HALE
Classic Collectibles
OLD WORLD SPORTING
COLLECTIBLES
[email protected]
706 692-2233