When I first started renewing my mind, I would sit and soak in the peace and joy it brought because those feelings were so unfamiliar to me.
Instead of just pouring out my problems to God like I’d done in the past, I was discussing my problems with Him.
He was teaching me how to look at life, and that’s what was giving me the peace and joy – because His view of life was so much better than mine.
He was also drawing me near to Him. Sometimes I would picture myself dancing with Jesus. That’s how close I felt to Him in those early days of the renewing of the mind.
Living in Peace
I began the renewing-of-the-mind habit as an improving-my-marriage exercise. I continued the habit because I loved living in peace.
It was strange to know that all I had to do was go to God, carry my thoughts captive to Him, and be able to let go of those negative emotions that used to make me miserable for days at a time.
A Renewing of the Mind Workshop
My dilemma has been how to teach the discipline on a blog. When I started this series, I was thinking it would be just like having a regular Bible study with all of us sitting together in a living room. But I’m beginning to think you might not be able to do that with a blog. At least I don’t know how to do it if you can.
So here’s my new idea. I’ve been taking a writing class by Jeff Goins, and he gives everyone assignments so we can practice what he’s teaching us. I was wondering if that might work for this series.
I could give assignments on Saturday for the whole next week and then do two or three posts a week to either go along with the assignments or encourage you to keep going during the week. If you guys want to comment and even comment to each other you could, or you could just do the assignments on your own without group interaction.
Even though I began this as a new year’s resolution study, the focus will be more on the renewing of the mind since that’s what we need to do if we want to follow through on our resolutions.
I’ll post the first set of assignment tomorrow and then begin posting less frequently next week.
Question: What would help you develop a renewing of the mind habit? Are there any posts you’d like to see, assignments you’d like to see, or anything else I can’t think of?
What class is it? Is it the Tribe Writers one he came out with recently?
You know what would be cool? Just a thought – do an eBook that covers a few different areas with assignments. Then you could distribute that. Just a thought.
That’s a great idea, Loren. I hadn’t thought of that.Thank you! I’m planning to use this material to write a regular Bible study as well – maybe at first for college kids and another for non-college kids. And yes – it’s the Tribe Writers class. So far I’m finding it really helpful and I’m still in the first unit which is on discovering your voice.
I just added a link for the Jeff Goins class – looks like it’s closed right now.
I loved the series on blogging :) and was able to go through some of the assignments. I love reading and growing from your thoughts even though am not able to do the assignments. I like the new idea though! Building on the assignments/sharing encouragement sounds like a great idea.
Thanks, Ngina. I realized I was a little crazy to try to post every day! I’m hoping this will be a good strategy to help those who want to develop the habit without overwhelming either myself or those who aren’t doing the study with too many posts!
I think it sounds great! I’m trying to soak in all I can right now so I’ll take anything I can get from you:)
Ha! That is funny – and nice. :) I’m in a spot where I need a little accountability for my own goals too so I’m looking forward to this – I’m planning to do the assignments, too. Starting Monday!
I’m in two Bible studies so I can’t have a lot of homework. Or promise too much from my end. I only know I enjoy reading your posts and the questions make me ponder. I don’t know if I can teach myself (an old dog) new tricks.
Don’t worry, Karen. I’m not expecting everyone to be involved. I still have people going through the weight loss Bible studies I posted last summer so I’m doing it for those who’d like to develop this habit now, but also as a resource for the future. Have you rested up from all of your festivities over the holidays?
Yes, I’m rested and ready to roll. My new Bible study is seeking the intimacy of God so it will line up with our goals of spending more time with the Lord. I know I need to renew my mind in many areas. saying I cant teach an old dog new tricks is the first excuse we use to avoid change. Shame on me.
That sounds like a great, Bible study – who is it by? From what I read on your blog, Karen, you already have a deep, renewing of the mind relationship with God and His Word. The tools I write about aren’t necessary for the renewing of the mind – they’re just different tools people can use to apply Scripture to their lives and their problems. But it seems to me that you are already applying Scripture to your life and problems. :)