I Needed That!

This message-Toxic-Week 1-absolutely rocked my world. It was like God told Craig, "Jemma Stemmons needs to hear this. Preach it today." The past few weeks, I've been so wrapped up in frustration, have found myself complaining (and even venting on Facebook & Twitter) and questioning some things. Even my morning runs became a challenge. All of the sudden, God speaks directly to me. So many things became clear. "It really is the thoughts that count." "And as a man thinks in his heart, so he is." I've let negative thoughts and attitudes creep in little by little. I've been grumpy, full of complaints and was throwing a grand pity party instead of focusing on TRUTH. 

These thoughts and influences have pulled me away from what God has called me to do. I lost my FOCUS-My One-Thing. The Lord has made it so, so clear (I'll blog more about this another time) that my primary ministry is my family: He has called me to stay be home, run our household and to homeschool our girls. How can I effectively do these things when negative thoughts are ruling my life? How can I lift up and be a supportive partner to my husband? Kids learn by example. What kind of example am I setting for my girls? How can I go out and be a beacon of light for God in the world?

The bible tells us to guard our thoughts (Proverbs 4:23). When negative thoughts creep in, to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5), to replace these negative thoughts with God's truth (Philippians 4: 7-8) and to renew our minds (Romans 12:2). So with this new week, I've been "detoxing." My FOCUS is back on God. I am praying and digging into God's word with more intensity than ever before. I have a new fire that's burning and I'm full of excitement with what God is going to do through me and our family. I'm even running better than ever. I am so thankful for a loving and gracious God that sets me back on track!


Are you doing what God has called you to do or have you let TOXIC thoughts overcome you? I encourage you to watch/listen to the message and get a new perspective like me. I promise it's worth 38 minutes of your time.