Reshaping It All: Chapter 9

Hi Friends! Ashleigh here.

Today we start chapter 9 from Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness. We’re also still talking about the previous chapters — so keep those comments coming.

In this chapter, Candace talks about submitting our hearts to our heads. She writes:

Thinking is a choice we make minute by minute, day by day. In order to stay in the right frame of mind, so that we are equipped to overcome the enemy, we’re instructed to train our thoughts. I train my body, and in the same way I’ve had to retrain my thoughts.

The topic of retraining our thoughts is an issue my moms’ group at church is also discussing as we read the book, Who Switched Off My Brain: Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions. As a result, I’ve become increasingly aware of how my thoughts impact and ultimately direct my actions. Just last night, I woke up at 3 a.m. convicted of negative thoughts I’d entertained and allowed to influence my words. I love how Candace goes on to say:

By thinking about things that are good, forming positive opinions of people, and keeping a good attitude when things start to look bleak, I keep my thoughts in check. Getting anxious or negative, and then letting my thoughts like that fester, will lead to stress. Cast your cares on God the minute you feel them enter your mind. Look for the positive side of things when you can. And talk people up instead of cutting them down. When you are at your lowest, remember that you are always one thought away from happiness.

What great reminders! Now let’s hear from Darlene on submitting our thoughts.

Throughout the book, we learn that in order to be self-disciplined, our hearts must yield to our minds. But in order to equip our minds for the job, we need to keep that mind in the best shape we can. We do this by listening to the good, and tuning out the bad messages in life. Once our minds are equipped, they can lead the body.

I love how Candace describes it on page 110:

The way that we guide is by training ourselves to yield to a spirit-focused mind, a mind that is daily renewed through scripture, meditation and prayer with our Lord. When I lead my body to spiritual food, the desires of the world fade away.”

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:103-105, NIV).

Enjoy the journey, and until next time, live well!!

Blessings,
Darlene Schacht
www.timewarpwife.com

What did you take away from this chapter? Here are a few questions to start our discussion.

1. How do you keep your thoughts in check? Are there any Scripture verses of which you remind yourself?
2. What are ways you’ve fed your flesh and how can you change?
3. Do you have a favorite thought from the chapter?