Live, really live!

I have embarked on yet another detox/de-clutter journey!

Dr. Caroline Leaf's 21daybraindetox.com
I am on day three and left my work until the end of the day.  I had all kind of excuses; I'm too tired, I have a cold, you deserve a break, I doubt this will work for me anyway...etc.

See why I need a brain detox!  Oh my goodness!
I am thankful as I went through my Day 3 assignment that she wrote, "You may start feeling demotivated."  Well, praise be!  It's actually got a scientific reason. The chemicals in the brain that were awakened during the first 2 days, have subsided and so I have lost the "high" so to speak.  I was thankful for the reassurance.  And then the fun began. 

Long story short, these are the two passages that I was led to:

Fit every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. MSG -- 2 Cor 10:4-5 (Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. NIV)
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

 Prov 4:20-23 MSG 
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
    tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
    Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
    body and soul, they’re bursting with health.

 Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
    that’s where life starts.

I have an urge emphasize every word in these texts!  It's powerful stuff.   

Concentrate

Message in plain view

Learn it by heart!

Divine weapons to help

Keep vigilant and take (my active role)

Life starts.

Live, really live!  Life begins. Health is bursting. 

This happens when we listen to His word. Learn it. Memorize it. Redirect our thoughts and stick scripture in place of the negativity. Just flat out take control of that mind inside of that thick skull!  Ha!  (Speaking to myself there...) 

It takes work and concentration. A new pattern is being formed. 

Keep His word in plain view. Try to adhere note cards of verses up where you spend a lot of time. I have even been known to attach cards to my steering wheel. 

It takes an active role. It takes work. But it looks clear from above Scripture that it is worth it!

Clutter Free...in more ways than one! Brain clutter...who'd of thunk.

Speaking of clutter:  

I have signed up for an email from Kathi Lipp, Clutter Free. http://www.kathilipp.com/clutter-free I receive a motivational email every day.  Yesterday, I had about 20 minutes before I had to head out the door.  I sat down to frankly waste away the time and there it was staring at me.  The word...CHALLENGE.  You may not know this about me, but the thought of someone challenging me gets me motivated.  

Challenge.: Discard 30 items.

30 items in less than 20 minutes...I can do this.

I headed for my scarf drawers. Then to the plastic bag of stocking caps, gloves, and mittens I had put away over 2 years ago "in case I might need them someday". I even had 1 brown leather glove I had held onto just in case I found it's twin!  Oh boy!   

Challenge met and exceeded.  52 items!  

684 items to date

1316 to go for 2015

I have enjoyed keeping track of this as this was the challenge from the above mentioned book I read.  

I encourage you to do whatever you think you can handle but make it part of your routine.  

Pick up every item you have and ask yourself, "Does this spark joy?"  

Concentrate on what to keep instead of what to throw. 

What makes you happy when you touch it?

In the end, when our spaces become more tranquil (and perhaps our minds), I believe we will be able to 

Live, really live! 

Blessings,

Amy

P.S.  I distributed the large quantity of super balls and gave as Easter gifts!  Repurpose!