Filling my mind with truth.

I feel like it's so important to fill our mind with God's Word and good books that grow us and stretch us in our walk with the Lord. These days there are so many ways for unbiblical thinking to creep into our minds - through fear of the future brought on by the news, or articles shared on Facebook, to our own thoughts of failure or discontentment. 

I have struggled through postpartum depression since Ezra was born, after never dealing with it after any of my other babes were born. It has been a dark journey that I didn't even realize I was on for awhile...meaning, I didn't know why I felt like I was literally going pyscho and I didn't know how to verbalize it to anyone. I am doing much better now and only have rough days once in awhile. I hope to share more about it another time, but for now, one huge thing I've learned is that I must make it a priority to fill my mind with TRUTH in order to fight the dark thoughts and feelings. 

Philippians 4:8

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

2 Corinthians 10:5

Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

For the last year or so I've enjoyed using the Overdrive app to listen to audiobooks on my phone. With Overdrive you use your library card to link your account to your local library. It's pretty cool! I have listened to tons of great books!

Lately I've been listening to podcasts as well. I wanted to share my two favorites: 

Cultivating the Lovely with MacKenzie Monroe and At Home with Sally - Sally Clarkson and Kristen Kill. These two podcasts have blessed my heart and soul in an incredible way the last few weeks. MacKenzie is a mom of 4 little ones and I can relate to so much of what she talks about. Sally and Kristen are more like mentors and they love the Lord so much. I have the podcast app on my phone and listen to them through that, but you can also listen to them from your computer. I recommend starting at the first episode and listening to them in order. 

I'm sure the question is brewing in your minds - How in the world does a busy mama like me fit in listening to audiobooks or podcasts? These are times that work for me:

- During my workouts

- Anytime I'm alone in the car running errands (or when I have just my youngest little ones who don't yet beg to listen to their own audiobook. ha!)

- During rest time when I'm doing computer work

- After the babes are in bed while I'm doing dishes, folding clothes or doing other chores. I know this wouldn't work for everyone, but Jacob is gone most evenings so I can just stick in my earbuds and listen. The chores seem to get done so much faster when I'm listening to something too!

One more way I'm filling my mind with truth is through this scripture writing plan. I followed it everyday in January and really loved it. If I don't get it done during my morning time with Jesus, I leave my bible out and do it later in the day. The passages take 10 minutes or less to write out. I love that when I slow down and write out God's Word, I find blessings that I might not have gotten by just reading. You can get print your own plan (it's free!) at Sweet Blessings. 

Think on TRUTH today!

xoxo,