I'm not talking about your house.  I'm talking about YOU - the spirit inside, your soul, your mind.  Where have you been lately?  Think about that for a minute.

Have you been dwelling in fears, cares and worries?  Is your mind constantly going over and over the daily troubles of life?  I picture it like a little hamster in a wheel in my head....just running and running and running, but going nowhere.

What good has it done you to fret?  Does it change anything?  Jesus said: 

"And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?"

But, what can we do?  This gravitational pull toward worry seems so overwhelming, so all-consuming.  Paul has the answer: 

"Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."

The word "let" in that passage means intend or cause.  You see, you DO have control over those thoughts.  You must FIGHT them.  BANISH them from your mind and REPLACE them with thoughts such as those listed by Paul.  It is very easy to just sink into despair - that takes no effort whatsoever.  Swimming to the surface and breaking free...that is going to take some effort on your part.

Here are a few ideas to keep your mind focused on the good:

• Always keep the Christian station on in your car.   Or pop in your favorite Christian music artist and sing along.
• Be in the Word every day.  It's so easy to let days slip by, especially at a busy time of year like Christmas.  But, make bible study a habit like brushing your teeth.
• Go before the Lord each morning in praise and thanksgiving.  Ask Him to keep you alert to those anxious thoughts that try to creep in and stop them in their tracks.
• My personal favorite:  When do those anxious thoughts hit the hardest?  Middle of the night.  A long time ago, I bought myself an audio bible.  Every night, I pop a disc into my player and go to sleep listening to the sweet Word of God.   If I wake up in the middle of the night - I hit the "start" button again and focus on the Word.  I have a pillow speaker, so it doesn't wake up my husband.  I can't recommend this highly enough.   The Lord has taught me so much in those midnight sessions.

Remember, we are at war.  You can't let your guard down for a minute.  The enemy is crouching at the door, ready to steal, kill and destroy.  But, stand fast.  Run to our Dwelling Place - the Lord of Hosts and let Him encircle you in His strong tower.

I pray these words allow the peace and joy of Christmas to flow into your hearts and minds.  May His Spirit dwell richly within you all.

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Posted by Titus2woman

Such WONDERFUL advice~I need to print it out and remind myself every day~though it should be second nature, right? How easily I can become distracted....

I LOVE LLL but have never heard of or seen that stool~what a WONDERFUL thing to have and pass along!!!!! (((((HUGS))))) sandi

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Posted by happytobehome

Where can I find one of these?

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Posted by NewHarvest

Radio Shack has them.

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Posted by rosehillranch

Such a wonderful testimony! And one of my favorite Scriptures! Thank you. Love, Jeani

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Posted by mistresninos

No, it's not a shameless plug. I greatly appreciate your comments and letting me know you had written something encouraging here. I will post later at my blog which I hope will explain where I'm coming from. :-)

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Posted by Jedi4sweet

I love the way you think & couldn't agree with you more!! ;- D
These are wonderful tips you've given here!! = )

Merry Christmas Lisa!! ; )

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Posted by Anonymous

Thank you for such a wonderful encouraging post. I had been sinking down into despair but your post has helped to send me back in the right direction. Thank you.

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Posted by strivingforproverbs31

Thankyou for the great reminders to focus on what is really important. Such wisdom!

I've tagged you for "seven sevens" so check out my blog!

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Posted by TamInAz

An excellent reminder for all of us :)

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

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Posted by mammakatzz

You are aways good at saying things like this to help people find the right direction in thier life.I am so thankful you are here and a part of my life. thank you for this daily reminder. I hope to see you soon.
Love,
Kathy

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Posted by RainyDayMichele

Thank you for the reminders. :o) Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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