Sticky Note Thoughts are my random personal thoughts and revelations that I’ve captured on waaaay too many sticky notes scattered around my home. I’ve decided it’s time to share them with the world! 🙂
I hope that you find them to be a quick source of insight; that you’ll find them encouraging, challenging, funny, uplifting, etc. –just what you need at the moment you read it.
What’s a sticky note thought that you’ve recently had? Please share it!
Background image by Boykung|freedigitalphotos
As a trustee at my church, I sometimes go to unlock the property so that a contractor can get in and make repairs. Recently, a contractor lost his keys to his truck and got frustrated that he couldn’t find them. He retraced his steps over and over, trying to see where he had set them down while he had done his work. Finally his frustration came to its tipping point because of fear of not finding the keys. What came out of his mouth shocked me. No, he didn’t start cussing. He started calling himself a loser, a dummy, and an idiot. The negative self-talk that came out of his mouth grieved me. What must this 50-year-old man have been told about himself growing up that he would say those things to himself? It’s sad that someone thinks of himself in that way. How could he have gotten so comfortable with thinking and speaking negative words to himself that he would say those thoughts out loud in front of a stranger?
Ever found yourself thinking and saying negative things about yourself, even jokingly calling yourself a loser in some way? Watch this video then read Romans 8:31 (below) to focus on God’s love for you.
Romans 8:31-39 (The Message Bible)
“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”
In case you’re wondering, the contractor found his keys…they had fallen under the rear bumper of his truck. They were right there all along.
Under what circumstances do you find typically negative self talk coming out of your mouth?
Is fear the trigger?
Half of August is officially over. Time for an update on this month’s “F-word” — FOCUS.
I’ve developed the habit going to my special chair every morning soon after I awaken to sit and read a devotional and my Bible. I recently finished Encouragement for Today by Renee Swope and the Proverbs 31 Ministry Team (I highly recommend it). Some word or phrase will usually jump out at me while I’m reading and I’ll spend time finding other scripture passages that broaden my understanding. I feel my best when my day starts focused on the Word. And so I should; after all, the Word is Jesus, right?
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Â ~ John 1:1
During these first two weeks of August, there have been days when I’ve seen all the benefits that come from being focused. My To Do List gets whittled down quickly, I’m less stressed, and feel better about myself and what I’m accomplishing. Taking steps toward my goals is getting easier. I feel less burdened and more joyful throughout the day.
There have also been a few days when I’ve gone to bed feeling like I haven’t focused on anything at all–work–family–marriage–my health (exercise)—ANYTHING. It seems as if my To Do List has gone virtually unchecked. I’ll ask myself, “What did I do with my time today???!!!” I shouldn’t beat myself up about it. Those are the moments when I should shift my focus back to Jesus’ love for me.
I prod myself to ask Him to be my time and task manager for the next day— to guide my decision-making so I can do what HE needs me to do in my marriage, family, work, etc.  Those days that I make that request are always more productive. 🙂
Here’s what I’ve learned: DISTRACTIONS are the enemy of focus.
When I purposely ignore the distractions and keep my eyes on Jesus, when I look to Him to show me the way throughout my day, I am more productive, less stressed, and live with a more hope-filled focus.
Thanks to all of you who let me know last month that you’re taking this F-Word challenge with me. Let’s see how things improve the rest of this month as we focus and allow Jesus to be at the center of what we do each day.
Here are a few affirmations crafted from passages from the Message Bible about focus that I hope will help you direct your attention to the One who is ultimately able and willing to help you in every situation you’re facing every day.
- “Give me an uncluttered and focused heart so that I can obey what you tell me and live by Your directions and counsel.” ~ 1 Chronicles 21:19
- “I shift my focus  from what I do to what Jesus has already done for me.” ~ Romans 3:31
- “I quit focusing on the handicap/challenge/trouble and begin appreciating and using Your gift of grace.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:6-8
Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for you because God’s Word is Truth. Speak this Word to yourself throughout the day. Personalize it by putting your name in it!
“My son, do not lose sight of these—
keep sound wisdom and discretion; and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.”
Proverbs 3:21, 22 (ESV)
I’m learning how to celebrate the little things in life.
I’m learning how to pause and enjoy the moment of an accomplishment.
The accomplishment I’m celebrating today is, drum roll please… having posted 200 times on this blog site! Woo Hoo!
Thank you for being here. I’m thankful for all your comments, votes, prayers, and suggestions over the past two years. I hope you have enjoyed reading my thoughts, gotten encouraged, gleaned much from the Word of God, and seen how life can be positively transformed when you’re focused on Jesus.
Over the next 200+ posts, I pray that you’ll continue to be inspired to live life with a hope-filled focus. Tell a friend to join you here so you can share encouragement with one another.
How do you take time to celebrate the small successes of life?
Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for you because God’s Word is Truth. Speak this Word to yourself throughout the day. Personalize it by putting your name in it!
“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding…Â All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Â ~ Colossians 1:9-10
Did today have a good start for you? I hope so.
If it did not, do not fret or be stressed. Put your trust for the rest of the day in the One whose truth can change your facts, making this day, and every day, blessed.
“Father, You are our refuge and  fortress; our safe place. Thank you for Your Word, the Bible, and that every solution we need in life can be found in it. Help us to have faith in Your Word as it works in our lives. You have made the way for us to be empowered in every area of our lives through Jesus. Help us to look to Him in every situation without being distracted by our circumstances. Thank you for always loving us and being with us. Help us to accept Your love and receive all that Jesus has accomplished for us on the cross. We plead the blood of Jesus over ourselves and our family. Thank you that your grace overflows to us. Help us to believe BIG today and to live with a hope-filled focus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”Â
Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for you because God’s Word is Truth. Speak this Word to yourself throughout the day. Personalize it by putting your name in it!
“Those who trust in, lean on, and confidently hope in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides and stands fast forever.” ~Psalm 125:1
I came across this collection of stories on Facebook. I thought I’d share the stories today to encourage  you.
For more encouragement, feel free to connect with me on Facebook through my Page.
