ANTs

Growing up in Arizona, we always had issues with ants getting into our house and cupboards. My brothers would make dares to see how long one of their crazy friends would stand on ant hills. Ant bites are not fun, they itch forever and sting. Last year, a friend of mine introduced me to a different kind of ANTs – Automatic Negative Thoughts. Boy oh boy, do I struggle with these. At times my mind can go to the dark side and imagine all the things that could potentially go wrong. I will prepare myself and get sharp words in the cue of what I will say when a specific scenario arises. The sting and constant “itch” of these ANTs are just as bad as those from real ants.

I do not believe we were created to think negatively; nor prepare harsh words for the next time they may be warranted. God made us with love and to be in community with each other. I find when I prepare my feelings and words that I do not leave margin for what He has planned. We get so wrapped up in our own minds that we sometimes forget to stop and ask, “God – what would YOU like me to say in this situation”. My goal this week is to stop trying to prep and trust that God will prepare and give me the words to say in the moment of the unknown. I want to think the best of humanity and stop preparing for the worst.

This week we started Bob Goff’s Everybody Always and it has been a challenge to wrap my head around the title. We are not called to love some people sometimes, but instead, to love everybody all the time. I am not sure if this is humanly possible, but I do think by giving it a shot we only stand to bring extra joy into our lives and cut out some of the ANTs.

Resources/Inspiration:

Bible Study: Join us as we study Bob Goff’s Everybody Always. Videos, homework and discussion are posted weekly in our Facebook Group: Bible Study with Cari & Nancy. Books can be viewed and purchased by clicking here.

Verse: Philippians 4:8 (EASY): “Now my friends, I want to say this to you. Fill your minds with thoughts about good things. Think about things that are true, clean, right and lovely. Always think about things which people know are very good.”

Book: Trustworthy by Lysa TerKeurst. She is also doing an on-line Bible study that is wonderful! Feel free to click here to learn more.

Item of the Week:

Do you know someone hurting or in need of reassurance? Send a card letting them know you are rooting for them! This beautiful card of support reads, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do” and is blank on the inside for you to pour out your love. (Free shipping to the San Diego area).