GIGO

Just the other day, while I was in the grocery store, I overheard a brief conversation between two people. It went like this: "Hey, how are you doing today?" Immediately the friend responded, "OH! Not well, I am just beside myself!" Then, without another word, both people put their arms over each other's shoulders, bowed their heads and prayed.

The expression, "I am just beside myself", was understood by another as a need. I never did discover why the person was experiencing a challenge. I guess I was more impressed by the pause for prayer at the produce. It's understood that in this life, each of us have difficult moments. We ALL experience setbacks and find it necessary to hurdle obstacles. None of us are exempt. In fact, if we were to REALLY take some time to chat with people, (Try it on the next  person you see after reading this), we would be overwhelmed by their challenge(s) and stories! 

As challenging as each of our negative experiences are, we shouldn't make the mistake of allowing them to DEFINE us. Allowing our thoughts to be harnessed by negative experiences/moments, fertilizes seeds of discontent. Next, sprouts emerge and the tendrils crawl into the cracks in our facade. It's easy and very human to dwell on being "beside oneself".. Soon we are held bondage by our own negativity. Our hearts will swell on what we dwell!. 

I especially appreciate the acronym  GIGO = Garbage In, Garbage Out! I've changed it a bit and believe (logically) the reverse is also true: God In, God Out.  YOU choose the content of YOUR heart. Don't be in agreement with the enemy.  There are forces that are at war with your spirit. Remember that on ANY given moment we have the God-given choice to: Bow our chin to our chest (prayer) and put negative spirits to rest! (You are welcomed to use that expression if you wish.) We are NEVER alone; "beside ourselves".  

A positive attitude puts us in agreement with God. We are Never alone. God and thee are a majority! (Use that one too!) When you agree with God, all things are possible.

Today, if you begin to feel "beside yourself', cast down those negative thoughts. Start dwelling on the fact that the Creator of the Universe, the Almighty God, has offered to carry your problems! Accept that today "no weapon formed against you shall prosper..." Isa. 54:17 LET GOD fight your battles. When you meet a caring friend ANYWHERE and they ask, "How's it going?" Smile and share your life. Tell them, "God is beside me, in me and works through me! I am NOT beside myself!" BUT, never pass by an opportunity to ask for prayer. Feel comfortable in pausing for payer, even in the produce. God has a supernatural blessing to offer in your life, my life AND the life of our friend(s). ~Pray /\