Skip to main content

Mind Over Madder


This morning, I read a devotional reading with the title "Mind Over Madder". It was written by Chuck Swindoll, who I believe has a lot of wisdom and a great way of putting things. It caught my attention because the subject matter is something that hits close to home. Emotions. Particularly Anger.

When I have taken those fun (and not so fun) personality tests, my "Emotional" side always wins out. If I had MY way, I would make all of my decisions based on emotions...it is what comes natural to me. But when I do this, I often find myself in a huge mess. Especially when it comes to angry emotions. I have made a fool of myself more times than I care to admit when it comes to anger. Anger flares in me quickly, and I give in to it's strong pull for me to say things or act in certain ways. I know that this part of me does not please God. It certainly does not please the people in my life who are subjects of my anger, and honestly, I cannot stand it myself. God has talked to me about this on more than one occasion, but the most recent one was serious and He certainly got my attention. Since that situation occurred, now almost a year ago, I have worked diligently and faithfully on getting rid of anger...or at least inappropriate behavior as a result of becoming angry. It has been a long hard road, and God is not finished with me by any means, but He has done a great deal of work, with my cooperation. I can honestly say that I have not raised my voice in anger for 11 months and 14 days. The words that I have used to express my anger have not been hurtful, with very few exceptions. And I am practicing stop and think before I speak.

So, when I read this particular devotional, I was able to evaluate the changes in me in the last year. Gratefully, there is change, for the better. I am now free of the simmering anger that once had a hold of me, replacing it with love, grace, healthy boundaries, healthier relationships, and more trust in God. But I have also learned not to allow my emotions to run my life. My mind is in charge of my emotions which prompts me to make better choices, choices that honor God and others.

Today I am grateful for a loving God and a strong mind.
I am grateful for the situations that God has brought into my life to help me grow up, as painful as they have sometimes been.
And I am grateful for the wise people that God has put in my life as I have traveled this journey to healing.

"There is more happiness in giving than in receiving."
Acts, 20:35

Comments

pam said…
celebrating with you
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Laura said…
I hear you, Liz! I struggle with letting my emotions rule too. I'm proud of you for the victory you have gained over this! I know how hard it is to think before you speak.

The Holy Spirit can do anything when we cooperate!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Dementia Nurse said…
Hey, Liz! Stop by my place when you get a chance - I have something for you.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I Close My Eyes

Well, I did it. I took the writer's challenge at a blog that I have been lurking around for some time. I found this blog through Laura at Wellblog 's place and have been enthralled ever since. I have dabbled in poetry on and off. Written some invitations, cards, and even a few song lyrics (for fun) but have been hesitant to post any. (roaring lion? see below post ) With the encouragement of a friend, I decided to take the challenge on L.L.Barkat's blog, in a lesson on seeing. I chose a subject that is cherished, a memory that was real and something close to my heart. The beach. Many, many days were spent at the beach in the 12 years I lived on the Southern Virginia coast. The memories are real, and when.......... I close my eyes and I can still see the beach. The endless spans of water Sometimes blue, green, or gray. It moves Gently and Violently Bubbles rise and falling forward. On and on. I close my eyes and I can still hear the crash Of tidal movement As earth slowly spi...
10 comments
Read more

Friday Fill Ins

1. I'm PMS-ing , I'm excited , I am feeling out of balance . 2. Why do I have short legs and not tall, thin ones ? 3. How does this surrender stuff really work , anyway? 4. Every morning, I put make-up on my face . 5. I consider myself lucky because I have God in my life . 6. One day we’ll see Jesus face to face! 7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to meeting Lelia and Kelley in person , tomorrow my plans include Step Study Class, shopping with my daughter, worship service , and dinner with friends (and maybe seeing Lelia and Kelley again) and Sunday, I want to work in my yard a little bit! For More Fun Friday Fill Ins click here!
11 comments
Read more

A Promise is a Promise (Grand Canyon)

Many years ago, I am guessing about 19 of them, our family visited the Grand Canyon for one day, on the way home from a trip to California to visit family.  Our eldest son was around 11, our middle one around 9, and our baby was a little over a year old.  Our boys wanted desperately to hike into the canyon, but our oldest one especially so.  He pleaded and my husband and I held firm our "No" as our youngest was too young and we were not outfitted for such an adventure.  I promised that we would return one day. A few months later we moved to the East Coast of Virginia.  Not planned when we stood at the edge of the canyon and that promise was made. And the many times we planned vacation time to the beach, our son reminded me of that promise to go the the Grand Canyon. Time flew quickly and years later we had not returned to the Grand Canyon.  But, we did move to Texas and as we looked at spending time as a family, our oldest son brought this promise bac...
Post a Comment
Read more