“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45
Don’t store up evil in your heart. Approach life with a spirit of goodness and kindness. Pretty simple.
Be a good man.
Gratitude Journal - March 26, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the fact that we are still able to get vinyl records. There is something special about Pink Floyd or Rush on a turntable versus on your iPhone. The sound is just different, more authentic, better and worse all at the same time. For this, I am grateful.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Mindfulness Journal - March 25, 2021 This morning, after a long night at the fire station, I took some time to meditate as soon as I got home. The house was quiet and peaceful, and I was able to focus on my breath. I’m amazed each day as to how time seems to warp while concentrating on this action. Some days, 10 or 15 minutes seem to go on forever. Other days, the time flies by quickly. Today was a short day; it was over before I knew it. I still ended up relaxed and feeling good.
Gratitude Journal - March 25, 2021 Today, I am grateful for my health and the health of my family. Our health is not something any of us should take for granted. Keep on top of your health - both physical and mental - and make sure your family members do as well. Once health is lost, it isn’t easy to regain. My family has been lucky to have good health and minimal sickness. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - March 24, 2021 I actually started today’s meditation earlier in the day, but due to lack planning, kids, and schedules I was unable to complete it the first time. On a second attempt later in the evening I was able to get through it and the meditation went very well. I need to get back to my morning schedule where I know I will be uninterrupted.
“The blameless spend their days under the Lord ’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.” Psalms 37:18-19
Gratitude Journal - March 24, 2021 Today, I am grateful for my sump pump. On rainy days like today, hearing that pump run every once in a while gives me confidence that my basement is staying dry. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - March 23, 2021 While this is my first journal post on mindfulness, I’ve been reasonably consistent in my practice for the past several months. I’m looking at this as an opportunity to record my mindfulness journey and let others know about the process and what it can do for you. For transparency, I’m using the Headspace app routinely to guide me through my daily meditation (though I have tried Calm as well), and I enjoy the process very much.
On day seven of the Pro course in Headspace, I am working on getting more comfortable with silence. The guidance and prompts are getting fewer and further between as we progress. Today was a challenge. I found my mind wandering away frequently, lost in random thoughts (one of which was to start this journal), and generally having difficulty focusing on my breath. This isn’t bad nor good. I’ve learned to accept these days for what they are. I try to learn from the wandering of my mind rather than fight with it. Mindfulness and meditation is a daily process that has different results each time.
““Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”” Luke 5:31-32
Gratitude Journal - March 23, 2021 Today, I am grateful for our collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenges or setbacks in life. Adaptability gives us the chance to improve our current situation, remove obstacles from our lives, and change our direction. There is always an opportunity to adapt to the new reality. For this, I am grateful.
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:15-17
Gratitude Journal - March 22, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the green plants poking up through the ground after a long, cold winter. Seeing things go from stark and cold to green and warm is my favorite indicator of seasonal change. It also signifies a sort of renewal that is both physical and spiritual. For this, I am grateful.
““Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”” Matthew 22:36-40
Gratitude Journal - March 21, 2021 Today, I am grateful for my family. Love and support are the common themes that bind us together. While we each have our unique interests, we are always there for each other in all we do. For this, I am grateful.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms 23:3
Gratitude Journal - March 20, 2021 Today, I am grateful for people who approach life with a positive attitude. Being positive in the face of adversity is not always easy. Knowing people who are always able to smile in the face of defeat and laugh at complex challenges helps make my day better. For this, I am grateful.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalms 23:1
Gratitude Journal - March 19, 2021 Today, I am grateful for mobile banking. The fact that I can check my balance, dispute a charge, transfer money to my son, and make a deposit all from my phone is something I would have never dreamed of when I was young. The convenience and ease of these services make these routine tasks so much simpler. For this, I am grateful.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19
