Good times are different for everyone. I love Disney World. Joe and I went to Disney World four times. I hope to go back soon. Fishing, golf, going to a cabin? Some people even enjoy weeding their garden! Sometimes, I get more enjoyment thinking about an endeavor than actually doing it. Other times, thinking about it makes the endeavor seem wearisome and I procrastinate, when I actually do it, it is enjoyable! Then there is "getting away," I actually do get away, but sometimes I am exhausted when I get home. Having fun takes a lot of energy.

Joe and I put 150,000 miles on our backends, owning two motorcycles to do it. The last motorcycle we purchased, and was a white Goldwing 1500, we had it converted into a trike. This made our ride in conquering the hills of Seattle sooo much easier. Stability is a very good word. Our trike is going up for sale. Our friend Tony is selling it for us. It's sad. I am so thankful Joe asked Tony to sell our bike before he went to Heaven. Sigh again.

My life is in transition. I have to keep reminding myself that how I feel in any particular moment can be impacted by other things that are well hidden inside of me. Sometimes I feel like I am moving ahead, but not sure where I am going. I become distracted and impatient at times, I then catch myself walking down a path which will eventually lead me into frustration.

A lack of sleep can bring on negative thoughts and depression. A lack of sleep can also impact your memory. (I am so thankful for sunny days). Another thought; the color yellow is a happy color, it reminds me of sunshine.

In spite of myself, when I pray, God brings me back every time to a better way of thinking.

The Bible says, "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.

The other day I started thinking about a situation which really caused me grief. I chewed on it and actually lost sleep over it. I learned a great lesson. After praying for clarity, I found out the "rest of the story." It changed the whole picture. Here is the lesson: Just because you have a thought, it doesn't mean that your thought is complete. It is as you see it, and that is as far as it goes. God's perspective is "all knowing." He sees the beginning from the end. If I could see everything, past, present and future, if I knew God's Kingdom agenda, I would be a lot further ahead. I am so limited with out His input. I pray everyday asking Him to interject His point of view into my thoughts. This really helps me. His thoughts bring me peace, clarity, and direction.

James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and without reproach; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Your feelings will not dictate the total truth of a matter. Wow, that statement just came into my brain and took me by surprise! Now to unpack it:

Making a decision when your emotions are in a rage can cause you problems in the future and distort your thinking about what is really going on. It also can set your situation on fire creating a lot of backlash and damage. It is best at times to step away and calm your emotions. It is also wise to pray about it.

You have a choice how you are going to think. You can say no or yes. Some good questions to ponder could be: How do I want to live? What are the long-term ramifications of the action I intend to take? Spend now and pay later can be a noose around your neck. How will the long term impact of your action affect you emotionally and physically?

Holding on to a grudge, hate, or bitterness can make you sick and impact your personality. It will turn you into a smelly weed, impacting your life spiritually. You pray to be blessed, and then in the same breath you curse others and God. Wake up and THINK!

James 3: 9-11 With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Can both freshwater and saltwater flow from the same spring?

Your mind may be under attack, make sure you recognize where the attack is coming from. Be very careful, and wise where you choose to park your suitcase.

This is the season of weeds and beautiful flowers. Flowers and weeds don't do well when they try to dwell in the same space. It takes active persistence to manage a garden. It's like that with life.

Blessings, Julie