Positive memories

[revterry]

In a few days I'm going to where I have some very negative memories. MY plan is to dwell on positive memories from the same place. I sure could use some suggestions on how to keep focused on the positive memories.

Rev. Terry

[righter1]

Take something with you that's small to remind yourself of a positive time... a seashell from the beach, a rock you picked up in the mountains, that sort of thing. Put it in your pocket and touch it when you feel the bad memories coming up and make a conscious effort to try to focus on the good memories from that other place.

Try to make good memories while you're at the 'bad' place, if you can.

If you have a cell phone, see if you have a friend from back home that will text message you periodically while you're away just to let you know that they're praying for you.

Just some thoughts... maybe someone else has some others?

[lynnmosher]

Righter1’s suggestions are great. Makes me think that if I were in the same situation, I think I would use pictures of happy memories, taking them out whenever a wave of those negative enemies tried to invade. And since you are a writer, how about writing out a list of all the good memories and use those as a repellant.

I’m sure, as you are a pastor and student of the Bible, you are highly aware of how negative thinking infiltrates our faith, eventually influencing us to speak in opposition to to or denial of what God says. I know that’s not what you desire.

Bringing “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” is sometimes very difficult to do. We may visit those old memories occasionally but when we camp out in their midst, the enemy provides the tent. That’s when we break camp and douse the campfire.

The thing that helps me the most is thinking on how far I’ve come from that campsite. My praise to God for all His mercy, grace, and especially His forgiveness douse those burning memories and allow the flame of passion for Him to shine in their place.

Okay, enough pep talk. Now, it’s up to you where you decide to camp out!

I'll pray for you. Be blessed.

P.S. Oh, is this one of those quandaries you talked about before?

[revterry]

Friend: Thanks for the input! I made a decision that the negatives will not dominate my memories of my first pastorate. There are so many Lifestyle Lessons that I learned in the short time my wife and I were there (11months)
that have enriched my life. One of the negative sites is where I am "camping out" when I get there. Harmony through the loving help of Jesus was recreated a number of years ago with the couple who live at that campsite. When they heard that I wanted to come and write about the positive lessons learned while at their church. Without hesitation they opened their home to me! Paul wrote, "Forgetting (disregarding what is at my back) what is behind, I press on..." I am learning to "let the past be still," to enable me to hear God when he reminds me of all the positive lessons learned during those months .
We serve a great Heavenly Father who loves to recreate relationships. That is such good news!

Rev. Terry

[lynnmosher]

HALLELUJAH!!!

!thumbsup! !thumbsup! !thumbsup!

Have a very blessed time!