Just Swinging and Thinking...

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…Philippians 4:8.

A couple of nights ago, my daughter-in-law sent me a picture of their two sons playing!

It was another typical evening at home…except that Graham was wearing his Halloween costume from last year!

He was dressed as Sulley from Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University…which of course, made me smile!

Yesterday, my son sent me another picture of Graham!

Surprisingly, Graham was wearing the Sulley costume again!

And even more surprising…Graham was sitting in the baby swing, which had been brought out of storage and set up as this family eagerly anticipates the arrival of Graham and Emmett’s new sibling!

When I asked my son about the picture, he said that Graham had told him that he was just swinging and thinking…

Priceless!

But as I gazed at this picture…and thought about Graham’s words…I realize that there is probably a lot on this little boy’s mind!

Graham has known for months that he will be getting a new baby brother…or as he has prayed for…a new baby sister!

The nursery has been painted and decorated for this little one’s arrival!

Baby items are filling different rooms in their home as they are set up and put in place!

Bags are packed as both mommy and daddy prepare for their stay in the hospital!

Graham’s mommy’s tummy has grown (and of course, she looks absolutely beautiful)!

So, this little boy definitely has a lot on his mind!

And he has questions!

These are just a few of the questions that Graham has asked his mommy the last few weeks!

Where does the baby come from?

Will it hurt when the baby comes?

Does God know if it is a boy or girl? 

Do you have a name for him or her?

So, as I picture this darling little boy swinging and thinking…I think of all questions he might be pondering…as well as…possibly contemplating the changes that are about to take place in their home and lives!

And though all of these thoughts are wonderful things to think about…it’s a lot for a little guy to comprehend!!

God also tells us to think about things….

God’s word states… Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…Philippians 4:8.

Just as Graham’s little mind is filled with the marvelous things that are taking place in his family’s lives…God desires each of us to focus on things that are good as well!

We need to fill our minds with things that true…noble…right…pure…lovely…admirable…anything that is excellent or praiseworthy…

Unfortunately, there are many things in this world that we could fill our thoughts/minds with…things that are not true…not noble…not right…not pure, lovely or admirable…things that are not excellent or praiseworthy…things that do not glorify God!

So, when our thoughts/minds begins to turn to things that are not pleasing…God’s word encourages us to bring those thoughts captive to him! 

Scripture tells us that…We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ…2 Corinthians 10:5.

This is something that I need to remind myself to do daily!

When negative thoughts began to invade my mind… when I begin to dwell on past hurts…when my thoughts are just downright ugly…I need to immediately bring those thoughts to the Lord and ask him to help me fill my mind with Christ-like thoughts!

Only God can help me turn away from walking down that negative path that leads to destruction!

So daily, I must pray and ask God to help me be more like Him…to be Lord over my thoughts!

As I have stated before…I’m a work in progress!  But hopefully, I am growing closer to the Lord each day and my mind will continued to be filled with thoughts that are pleasing to Him!

Today…my thoughts might be similar to Graham’s thoughts…thinking of what lies ahead…

Today…my thoughts are filled with joy and excitement as I anticipate that arrival of Graham and Emmett’s baby brother or baby sister.

I am looking forward to meeting this little one…maybe another grandson…or possibly, my first granddaughter!

Our hearts are filled with joy as we eagerly anticipate this little one’s arrival!

So today, my thoughts are filled with happy thoughts!

Dear Heavenly Father…it’s so easy to allow negativity into our lives…and then dwell upon it!  Lord, help us to bring all of thoughts captive to you!  Help us to focus on what is excellent and praiseworthy!  May our thoughts be pleasing to you…and always glorify your Holy, Holy Name!