PINIMAGEWith Christmas upon us, I have been thinking about my usual approach to Christmas shopping for those on my list. I am a “type A” kind a girl and so I am always over thinking what I should get for each person. It’s like everything in the universe depends on me making the right choice for them…the perfect gift. .jpg "4240686102_7840656fb4_o")
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I know I’m confessing here and I hate to admit it, but there’s more. When I’m pulling something off the shelf at a store…I usually bypass the first several items and go for one in the back…one that’s been untouched – to ensure I’m getting the best possible version of that product. I think to myself, People handle the items at the front…no reason I should take any chances on something being messed up…I’ll just go for the back. Okay, now, some of you must admit you do the same! I call it “Quality Control”.
Have you ever taken an item to the register and found a hole or snag so you went back to get another? No one wants to purchase something sub-par when they have the option to have the item without any flaws.
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PINIMAGEThink about all of the retailers and the companies that make the items we buy. Ideally, they want us to buy their products, so they put forth their very best. I imagine a “quality control” conveyor belt. I wonder what it must be like to have that type of job. You stand there looking for something that seems out of sorts, anything that doesn’t represent the company’s standards, and you pull it from the belt. End of story.
God began to speak to my heart about the care I took in purchases. I put so much emphasis on quality control. But, there was a much more important area in my life that needed Quality Control – My thought life.
When it comes to the millions of thoughts that overwhelm my mind each day, sometimes I’ll let just any ole junk in. Then I suffer from feeling defeated, discouraged, disillusioned, guilty, worried. You name it.
The other day I began to imagine how much better my outlook would be if I refused to allow the wrong thoughts to enter my mind. Just toss them off the belt. Practice Quality Control.
I am reminded the verse, Philippians 4:8. It says,
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
What are you thinking about today? Have you allowed junk to fill your mind? Maybe it’s time for you do some quality control?
I’ve decided to be more proactive in establishing a healthy thought life.
As described in Philippians I want to think on things that are…
- true (Have I been believing lies?)
- honorable (Are my thoughts pleasing to God?)
- right (Have I been banking on only half the story?)
- pure (Am I thinking the proper thoughts about those around me?)
- lovely (Have I been counting my blessings?)
- admirable (Am I thinking of ways to make a difference?)
- excellent and praise worthy (Am I putting others before myself?)
Once I began to discard the negative thoughts in my mind, I was able turn my attention to thoughts that bring life, joy, hope and peace. Now that’s a great gift to give your self this time of year!
As you go throughout this day, be aware of the thoughts coming down the conveyor belt of your mind. It may be time for some Quality Control!
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My Cup of Tea
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This time of year, I love to wear scarves! I wear them often. I love tons of colors and I find that they offer a pop of color to an otherwise boring outfit. When it comes to scarves, I try not to get too matchy-matchy. I just pick a color that I like and around my neck it goes. Over the years I’ve acquired quite a collection. Since the weather outside is frightful (kinda), I am giving one of my scarves away. Just comment on today’s blog to be entered to win.
And the winner is… Joanie Fauth, chosen by random generator. Congratulations. Please contact us with your mailing information. I’ll get your scarf right out to you!.jpg "Install 9 Random Drawing")
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Jennie Mason - Thanks, Tammy, for your insightfulness – we should all strive to think thoughts that are excellent and worthy of praise. Have a blessed day!
Pamala McMorrow - I love reading your blogs and I also love scarves. I also wanted to let you know that I found jeggings at Walmart in black and navy for only 12.88, AND they are just as nice as the pricier ones at the more expensive stores. Check them out. God Bless.
Beth Perez - Much needed! Thanks, Tammy! And I love scarves too!
Jenny Pyryt - This one was just what I have been needing lately. The verse really spoke to me. I read it a few times to let it really sink in.
Cheryl Newmarker-Lloyd - This is the first time I’ve read your “Tammy On Tuesday”. It brought a smile to my face, as it sounded so much like my inner voice, lol. I LOVE THAT VERSE! Controlling our thoughts is VERY important, 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” Our inner voice has A HUGE influence on our lives.
Joanie Fauth - I have been striving lately to have pure thoughts. So often, I look fine on the outside, but in my mind there is a war going on. Thank you for sharing this!
Todd Nelson - Great “Tammy on Tuesday” now that’s a scripture we all need to practice!!
Can I have one of Marks scarfs!
Mark Lashey - 🙂
Dawn Wolf - Tammy, what a great check up for our thoughts. I love that scripture.
Love the scarves!!
April McCabe - I look forward to reading your blog each week to see what GOD has in store for me to “hear”…it’s amazing how each thing you have talked about so far I am dealing with or have just gone through. Still learning! Thanks for being an open vessel! Love you guys!
Kelley Murphy - Hi, Tammy,
Thank you for this word. This time of year is so hectic and it’s so easy to become distracted and lose our focus. Needed this reminder today keep my mind protected! Hope you and your beautiful family have a very Merry Christmas!
Sheri - I think this might have been for me this morning. I couldn’t sleep last night because of all the “junk” that was in my mind!
Laurie Sadler - Wow!!! Talk about food for thought (no pun intended). Sometimes my conveyor belt starts running too fast and I have to slow it down. I not only find myself thinking on the wrong things but having so many thoughts at once that I can’t hear God. Sometimes I have to completely stop that conveyor belt and do what it says in Ps. 46:10 Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Sue Sweeney - Hi Tammy! Yes,
I find that if my thoughts start to go downhill, I just pray and ask the Lord to cleanse my mind. So often, when your mind gets on the wrong “train” of thought, it’s not long and before it can get out of control. Satan loves to play on your mind. Thanks for that scripture – reminding us on what thoughts to think on. Love you and your weekly encouragements and insights.
Barbara Harrington - Tammy You are so right on it this morning:) I also need to take a look at my conveyor belt Thank you for your words today 🙂 God Bless you and your family
Candie Baldridge - Funny you brought the thought thing up. I find I have (for the lack of a better phrase), stinkin thinkin. It is amazing how it just pops in my head without warning and before I know it, I’ve been entertaining the thought when I should have just thrown it to the side. Thank you for mentioning that scripture and breaking it down. It’s just what I needed.
As far as the scarves. I LOVE how they look but when I go to the store to buy one, I can never make a decision. I was given a scarf and it’s beautiful but another thing is, I never know the little ways in which to tie/wear it. I know it sounds silly to be overwhelmed by a peice of yarn or cloth but….I’m admitting it…LOL