A Beautiful Mind.

Just over a year ago we said our farewells to Laura's dad as he passed into the presence of God, whom he loved and served since embracing Christ as a boy in Washington, Illinois. Gene was such a giant of a man.  Perhaps the most difficult sojourn Laura and I have made over our 43 year marriage was watching Gene "lose himself" to dementia over the last 5 years of his life. 
 
This "passage" moved me to learn more about the brain, how it functions, and why; more about the relationship of the material, the organ we call our brain, and the immaterial--our minds.  I offer this comment with great conviction: the cause/effect relationship between the way we think and the outcomes we achieve is immutable, can be scientifically documented and is the result of loving-intelliegent design. 
 
A "mind," even a poorly developed one, is a powerful force. God blessed us all with beautiful minds; having been fashioned in His image gives us access to resources beyond the natural, built right into our DNA. 

Our minds are, of course, the most unique aspect of our beings. So, what are you doing with yours? It's the first day of the rest of our lives, December 29, 2015, a wonderful portal from which to look back at what was, then gaze into the new year at what might be.
 
Here's a perpetual list I believe can keep our "life-compass" oriented, True North.  Quite frankly, much of the time this is a three-steps-forward-two-steps-back process; carry on--ONE step at a time IS progress!

For a better 2016 (and long-term, a more productive life)... 

• Go to and get out of bed earlier. Be active, body and mind, with the extra morning time.

• Give up painful thinking. Don't throw others "under the bus." Refuse to think like a victim. Seek balance in your life.
• Look for the best in people. Find ways to add value to other peoples lives.
• Give generously to a cause you feel great passion for. Volunteer and serve in some fashion, some place.
• Don't be a cynic. Refuse to associate with negative people.
• Spend time in dialogue with people who don't think like you. Make the effort to grow your intellect and expand your perspective.
• Transform obstacles into opportunities. Begin something that makes you feel challenged.
• Mentor someone younger and/or less experienced. Find someone to mentor you, then be accountable to that person.
• Read, or listen to, good books that make you feel enriched. Journal: keep it simple and short; then watch that discipline begin to expand.

Finally, and most significantly... 

"Love justice, do mercy and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6.8

For me, it starts by asking God (again) to empower me to resolve and retool the way I think and as result, the way I experience life...

"Father in heaven give me clarity to know myself... give me desire to reflect Christ... give me discipline to lean into You... give me focus to remain on task... give me wisdom to make 'best decisions' and think like You. Through Christ, let it be."
 
May this be your most beautiful year yet.



bN tGit