I learned at a women’s conference this weekend that over ten thousand thoughts pass through one’s mind in a day’s time. After my daughter had just attended a rodeo and told me about the calf roping I considered all the crazy notions that are let loose out of the gates of my mind.
Like untamed calves, they travel wildly about neuron to neuron looking for a wrinkle in my gray matter to settle down, tuck their knees in and chew unwelcome cud. These what if worries must be wrangled and not allowed a place of rest.
The Holy Spirit races after impetuous whims with precision. Quickened, I am able to lasso them in by the horns with the skill of an expert herdsman. Imaginations that seek to exalt themselves above truth must be cast down into the dirt.
Following the taut rope in attack mode, I heave it onto its side as it lies helpless and debilitated. Dust flies in the air as it is brought captive to the obedience of Christ. Rope is pulled from my teeth and legs are tied.
Victory is won as I throw my hands in the air in praise! The arena of my mind is clear and able to entertain whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise…I think on these things (Phi 4:8).
Like untamed calves, they travel wildly about neuron to neuron looking for a wrinkle in my gray matter to settle down, tuck their knees in and chew unwelcome cud. These what if worries must be wrangled and not allowed a place of rest.
The Holy Spirit races after impetuous whims with precision. Quickened, I am able to lasso them in by the horns with the skill of an expert herdsman. Imaginations that seek to exalt themselves above truth must be cast down into the dirt.
Following the taut rope in attack mode, I heave it onto its side as it lies helpless and debilitated. Dust flies in the air as it is brought captive to the obedience of Christ. Rope is pulled from my teeth and legs are tied.
Victory is won as I throw my hands in the air in praise! The arena of my mind is clear and able to entertain whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise…I think on these things (Phi 4:8).
18 kind thoughts:
What an acutely vivid portrait of taking thoughts captive. Fantastic!
Love this! Will you do one on bull riding next? That's my secret obsession. (Well, not so secret anymore!)
Lauren, do you know I actually thought about you when I wrote this? The only way I watch bull riding is with my head turned away. It's hard enough seeing that calf being hurled on its side!
Very poetic Angie. I like it. I think I would rather be the cowboy than this calf. Sometimes when we get to the end of our rope we need a good yank to pull us back. I know I do from time to time. Great post.
Loved this picture you painted. I can just see the lasso being thrown out to capture those thoughts!
This is a great analogy.
Wow you have such a beautiful way of writing, Angie. I love to neuron analogy =) I have had to study NeuroChemistry pretty much in detail in college, I just loved that subject.
Like the bull trained to run after the waving cloth, our minds are trained by this world to run after the negatives that keep waving in our life....
Sid
I like Laure's word "vivid." It is that. And it reminds me of the active role I must take in the transforming and renewing of my mind. Nice post, Angie.
The battle always begins in the mind doesn't it? Thank you ALL for your kind comments.
Angie, I don't think I'll ever forget this: The Holy Spirit races after impetuous whims with precision."
You have a sharp way of looking at the world, and I learn something each time I visit.
Oh Bonnie, such a compliment coming from you. I have great respect for you. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you. This is something I aspire to but seldom ever reach.
I very much like the image of the cowboy and the animals.
Great thoughts my friend. I like how you said, "The arena of my mind is clear and able to entertain whatsoever things are true." That's where God's taking me right now. Clearing out the old, making way for the new. Praise Him!
Great story mom!!!!!
Ah, our thoughts...we can take something small and suddenly it can become so big and such a problem in our life. Thank you for this post. Phil. 4:8 is such a great verse to keep us focused!
Hi Angie, thanks for visiting my blog. You are beautiful and your blog is really special too.I 'll be visiting you too.
Excellent ~ isn't it wonderful how everything is life can be an illustration for truth and insight. I love the verse too, that says "taking all my thoughts captive"!!
You have such an inspiring post. If we were going to be in this church longer, I think I might have to invite you to come an speak at one of our retreats!!
Love and Hugs
Wanda
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