I am a list person! I get more done with a list. My 7-year-old granddaughter also likes lists. The apple does not fall far from the tree. There is just something satisfying putting that line across an item done!

When I was taking some quiet time with God the other day, I read the verse from Philippians 4:8. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things”

What a fabulous thinking check list! Are my thoughts:

- True

- Noble,

- Right

- Pure

- Lovely

- Admirable

- Excellent

- Praiseworthy

What a great list to think about as we have conversations. I had been sitting with a friend the other day and, I confess, had lost sight of my list, ending up having to apologize for something I said. How we think drives how we speak.

Our thoughts also indicate whether we will be hopeful or despairing, whether our lives will be fruitful or barren, whether we will be controlled by the flesh or the Spirit, whether or not we are being renewed by God, whether or not we will be alert and ready for what comes in an evil day.

So much is said by the state of our thoughts. I wish I would get it right all the time, but I am moving in the right direction. Having my thinking list clearly marked helps me.

This week, I had some challenges I had to face. I felt hurt and sad. Having the list does not exempt us from those feelings but it helps us keep moving toward the right goal. It focuses us

Dear Father,

Thank you for this thinking list. Forgive me when I fall short. I ask that Your Spirit would tap me on the shoulder when I am not thinking as I ought. Give me courage to be honest with myself and careful to guard my mind as to the thoughts I allow to dwell there. Thank You for your mercy to me. Help me be merciful to others not only in my actions, but my thoughts.

In Jesus Name,

Amen