It is with good reason that Paul says, "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. Or to put it differently; surround yourself, fill your life, and take pleasure in things that are good. Your mind can only process one thought at a time. When your mind is filled back-to-back with good thoughts, it leaves no room for bad, negative, harmful, thoughts.
In most cases, we can filter what we see and hear by what we allow ourselves to be exposed to. Jesus said, "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness" Luke 11:34-35.
The things we see and hear shape our thoughts, and our thoughts determine our attitudes and actions. By thinking of things that are praiseworthy and good, we glorify God through our thoughts and bring peace to our hearts. Why not make a list of a dozen things that you value, are grateful for and enjoy. Then imagine if there were an absence of any one of these things in your life, or if you were to experience the exact opposite.
Here are the things I treasure and appreciate, in no particular order:
Close relationships
Creativity
Laughter
Children
Music
Peace
Wide open spaces
Spring, and the sound of rain
Stillness
Colour
Love
The hope of eternal life
Please use the 'comment tab' below to share the things in life that are special to you.