So here we go! The conclusion to our discussion based on 2 Timothy 1:7. If this is your first time to our blog and you’re scratching your head, “Conclusion? I just got here!” Feel free to backtrack to {part 1: POWER}, and then hit {part 2: LOVE}. But if you are the rebellious type and you don’t like me telling you what to do, that’s totally fine. No problem, friend, read on. I promise, I won’t try and make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a conversation mid-way through.
2 Timothy 1:7, sing it with me:
In this post I’m tackling the third gift… A SOUND MIND.
Do any of you feel like you have anything BUT a Sound Mind?? (Ladies, maybe just once a month? No? Then I shall study your ways.)
Do you ever feel like you are out of control? You put the “Cra” in Crazy? I’ve heard some mom’s refer to it as “baby brain”—forgetful, irrational, crying about nothing, and yelling about everything! Sure, let’s blame it on the innocent. (I couldn’t blame crazy brain on them before they entered this world, maybe I should suck-it-up and not do it now.) All joking aside, there is some truth to it. You add together aging, along with a few bundles of joy, countless sleepless nights, years of aspartame, and you’re bound to feel like your brain isn’t quite firing on all cylinders. They say with more grays comes wisdom, but I see it as growing wise to the fact that you’re losing it! Did I just use shampoo or was that the conditioner… darn it, maybe I should just start all over?!
My Mom: “If I tell you the same story over and over, will you just stop me?” She’s been telling us that recently over and over. Just kidding, Momma! You’re all good!
{*Sidenote: The mind is a powerful gift God has given us, and I might be having fun poking at the reality of what aging naturally does to us, but I’m in no way speaking about mental illness, etc. Just want to make that clear.}
So, what does He mean by “sound mind” anyway?
A sound mind means a disciplined and self-controlled mind. In other words, God did not have it purposed that defeat should be the norm of your Christian walk. We should be disciplined Christians rather than slaves to our emotions. Now, living with a sound mind will not happen in our strength or by believing we’ve got the right mojo to make it happen, rather, we have been gifted with this mind. Now choosing to live using this gift… that’s up to us.
Our mind must be engaged, fixed and focused, and at all times seeking to align ourselves to the gospel of Jesus Christ. John MacArthur said that we’ve been given a sound mind to “focus and apply every part of our lives according to His will.”
Wired by the Creator God, Himself, we at times drip, trickle, slop, and spill out with emotions; but emotional living is not how we are to live. We sometimes make decisions out of fear and anxiety when we’re operating in self-preservation mode or when we “feel” good or bad—that’s not the voice that should control our next step.
We all experience fluctuating feelings, but if you haven’t focused and applied your life, circumstances, dreams and fears to what is said in His Word revealed by His Spirit, then you are not going to make sound, disciplined decision. “You’re not using your noggin’!” as my Dad would affectionately say, while (lightly) knuckling my head.
Are you weak, tired, drained, empty, lost or disengaged? How are you responding based on how you feel? This is an opportunity to take Him at His Word whether you “feel” like it or not—to make a CHOICE (like I talked about in {part 2}) to live in
HIS POWER,
HIS LOVE,
AND HIS SOUND MIND.
Q: So if having a sound mind means that we are to be disciplined, controlled, and sound in our decisions, how does fear steal our discipline? How does anxiety and insecurity rob our minds?
A: Anxiety leads you to make rash decisions. Fear makes you explain away what He’s called you to, due to fear of actually having to do it, fear of the unknown, fear of what others might say, or fear of failure. Fear leads us to unbelief and distrust in His Words and His commands. Instead, we set our path based on how we feel.
For those of you that like to talk to yourself, here’s a great passage just for you!
(High-five, peeps, we’re NOT crazy, after all!)
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psalm 42:5)
Sometimes we just need to give ourselves a little stern talking to by addressing our very souls! And that’s why I love this verse so much! It’s saying, “Insert your name here, why are you down? Why are you distraught? Why are you fearful… worried… anxious?” This is where the pep talk comes into play: “Stop it! HOPE IN GOD!”
We need to hear truth whether it’s from one another or from ourselves—CONSTANTLY!
May today we converse with our ever-present God, asking Him to continue to teach us how to live aligning our minds to His Will and asking for peace to reign when we feel crazy, anxious, or tempted to make our own happy. May we choose to live based on TRUTH rather than feelings.
Sooo… speaking of putting Truth in our ears, hearts, and minds, it’s time to explain our GIVEAWAYS! I chose these specifically because you’ll be able to use them as pep talks for your soul! Here’s what’s up for the taking.
•••
TWO GIFTS for TWO WINNERS:
#1: The Great Exchange is a band that I think is fantastic! I would love to give 
away their CD, “We Are The Branches”. I do happen to know the lead singer, Tyler Greene, he’s our worship leader at Lifepoint Church. Not trying to brag or anything, but after you hear him and hear his heart, you’ll see why I sound like I’m bragging. We are a blessed community! The lyrics on this album are full of the Word and the Word never disappoints or returns void. Check out these dudes: http://www.thegreatexchangeband.com/
#2: Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, is a devotional 
that Holly and I received from a gal in a church we spoke at in Illinois last year (you know who you are). What a treasure this book has been to me in my personal time with the Lord! If you haven’t heard of it, it’s written as if Jesus was speaking to you. He is a personal God, and this is such a sweet reminder of that intimacy that He longs to have with us. Again, Word-based. There’s a theme here, isn’t there? I’d love to give one away!
AND THAT’S NOT ALL! Along with #1 and #2 the winners will receive a bag of coffee from my favorite roastery: Heroes Coffee! Woah, now I’ve got your attention! “Wake Up. Do Good. Repeat.” That’s their 
slogan! Heroes Coffee Company is a gourmet wholesale roaster in Springfield, Missouri. I didn’t like coffee until I had their coffee! Plus, the owners happen to be friends and neighbors of mine! (If you’re a weirdo and don’t like coffee—been there—it’ll still be a sweet gift to a coffee-lover you know!) Why coffee? Just helps to be awake when we are living out this POWER, LOVE, AND SOUND MIND!
THIS IS HOW YOU ENTER:
1. Subscribe to our blog, would you? We’re a big fan of God’s Word and we believe in sharing the gospel, and this is one way we do it. We strive to share a little something every three weeks or so. We’ll try not to annoy you.
2. Share this blog post. I know this particular post is the conclusion, but I believe the Lord will use it however He so chooses. Pray as you share…
3. After you’ve shared it, leave a comment below that you’ve shared it and which prize that you would like to win:
#1 The Great Exchange CD along with Heroes Coffee or
#2 Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, along with Heroes Coffee!
(It’ll be fair and square… picked by a random drawing.)
I’ll announce the winners of GIFT #1 & GIFT #2 on Thursday 5/23! You’ve got a week: Ready, set, GO!
Dancing On My Ashes 
This was such a powerful word! I was going to share it even before I saw I could win something but now I’m even more excited! I would love the coffee and Jesus Calling! That would be AWESOME!
Heather, YOU… ((Yes! YOU)) are an amazing young woman. Thank you for your continued testimony of your love for Jesus…
You are so uplifting in your writing, singing and friendship. (My heart and face are smiling right now!!)
I would like #2… only because I have #1!! 🙂
Please continue writing, I learn so much when I read you…. J
Jana, you have blessed this heart! Thank you, my dear friend. I love that He has spoken to you using these simple words! He is our treasure… worth seeking in life, in His Word, and in our every day moments. xoxo
Good stuff! I’m thinking #1 😉
Thanks for your posts! Great thoughts!
Subscribed and shared on Facebook!
Thanks so much, Christy! Also, think about which one you are hoping to win: #1 or #2 😉 Thanks again, sister!
Loved this blog post. You guys are awesome! I’ve shared it, too! If I win, I’d love #1. Thanks friends!
AWESOME!
Great series of blog posts. It was worthwhile and full of good stuff even for guys. 😉
Thanks, Jason! It’s GREAT to hear from a guy. You wanna enter this thing? Odds are looking good (haha)!
Hey friend! Thanks for letting God speak through you on a topic that is very, very near to my heart. Well said! I follow your blog & I also shared this post on my blog’s FB page with a prayer that it will encourage someone. I love “Jesus Calling”! It’s been a great resource to help keep me on track in my new baby phase of short quiet times. I would love to hear this CD, though!
Thanks for your comment and for entering, Kelly! I adore you! If you win the cd I think you’re gonna LOVE IT! 🙂
Thanks for this awesome blog article! I really enjoyed reading it! I’ve subscribed and shared 🙂 if I win I would love to have #2. Thanks!!
YAY! Thanks, Melissa.
Great post! I hadn’t seen your blog before, but very timely post for me! (Isn’t that always how God works?) 🙂 I would love either prize if I won…but I suppose if I have to choose, #1!
That is ALWAYS how God works! haha! Thanks for following us and staying connected! We’ll see who wins on Thursday 😉
Shared on Facebook though am unsure how to subscribe (or maybe I just did ha) so I can continue reading your wonderful material. I would love the music by Tyler! I miss their sound since I’ve moved away. Miss Lane’s sermons too and the love and warmth of the Lifepoint community.
We miss you too, Krista! Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment… and entering our giveaway! If you have any question on whether on not you are “following” our blog, I think there’s a button at the top of the page that you press to “follow” then it’ll just ask for your email, etc. I’m thankful for the “world wide web” for keeping us connected (haha)! -xoxo
Thanks Heather I found thr follow box and entered! For some reason it wasnt appearing on my kindle before. I too am thankful for the world wide web 🙂
Great post! I would love to win anything, equally! They all sound amazing. Shared on Twitter!
Thanks for entering!
Love the blog! Liked and shared. #2
Thanks, Mendy! We’ll announce the winners on Thursday… stay tuned!
Hi Heather,
I figured out how to follow your blog and I sent this post to my step mother, and my best friend of over 15 years. I would prefer #2. I get to listen to Tyler’s gift from God ever Sunday. The only problem with coffee (though I could give it as a gift) is I don’t have a grinder! AH! Behind the times, I guess. Love you,
Angel
Thank you, Angel! If you win, I can get the coffee ground for you (haha)!
Hello! I absolutely loved this discussion. I had been putting it off reading it honestly. I thought, oh I’ll get around to it….darn worldly mind! 😉 when fear, anxiety, and worry is something I’ve literally struggled with my entire life. So God bless you! Thank you thank you! 🙂 I am going to work my hardest with God’s strength to fear not! And be free in Him! It’s going to be hard, but I can do it! Sorry for the lengthy comment. I just wanted you both to know how amazing God’s timing is and how much you’ve blessed me. Say hello to Hannah for me! I miss her!! Oh, and that cute whittle baby she’s got! 🙂 thanks ladies! Oh, and um, it’s so sweet if you to do a giveaway! I would love ANY of them! Umm…the book #2 really spoke to me! And……..I love coffee. Hehe #3.
I’m not opposed to lengthy comments, Amber! 🙂 Love what God is speaking over your life! I’m learning and growing in this area and I can say HE IS SO GOOD and PATIENT with us! He never stops working and pruning and transforming us to look more and more like His Son! Keep on shining for Him!
Oh, and I liked and shared on Facebook!
Wow! What great words for my soul! I am always blessed by the Word that you share. Thank you so much for being so willing to be used by Him. Your love for our Jesus is encouraging to me every time I hear you speak. I love reading your blogs and I share them on FB. I will continue to share and repost your articles, many need to hear what God is saying thru you. Keep on my friend! You are furthering His kingdom is GREAT ways!! 🙂 thanks. I’d love #2
Your words are very kind and I’m praising our God for using me at all! All these sweet notes are empowering to me… makes me praise Him for the evidence of His Spirit alive and working! To Him be ALL GLORY! Thank you for taking time to comment and enter!
Wow! What an amazing Word! Thank you so much for being willing to be used by God to speak truth into so many lives! Your love for our Jesus is contagious. I can’t tell you what a blessing you are to my life in seeing your love for your Savior! I am blessed to know you. Keep on sharing my friend, you are touching so many lives by being willing to serve Him. I love reading your blog and share your posts on FB happily!! If my name is chosen, I’d love to have Jesus Calling.
wow Heather. It continues to amaze me how God uses others to help each and every one of us in our own way. I have subscribed and shared your link so that it could help someone else in need. Thank you for continuously showing us how Great Our God Is.
Thank you, Jennifer! We are one body with many parts! Love to you, friend! Do you want to enter the giveaway?? You might win? 😉
You are blessed with such a wonderful gift of writing. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for taking time to leave a comment, Stephanie! Hugs to you!
I love reading all of your posts! Your sweet personality shines through so much. You have such a gift and sweet spirit. I would like the coffee please…I already have the cd and love it!
Thanks
I just wanted to say thank you for your kind kind words! God is good to use a mess like me (haha)! Love to you, friend! Glad you entered the giveaway!
This blog was so timely for me as it has been a topic me and my best friend have been encouraging and discussing together quite often in the last month! I shared on twitter and had to tag her ofcourse 🙂 (and i subscribed btw!) I’d love gift #2!
Sweet, Jessica, glad it spoke to you! Fear is going to be something we fight for the rest of our lives, but He’s given us EVERYTHING we need to survive and to thrive in this world! Thankful for His power, love, and sound mind that have been bestowed on us! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering, sister!
What an amazing blog! Thank you so much for sharing with all of us. Really hit home 🙂
Oops I left what I want in FB post. Lol
#1 or #3 🙂
Wow it’s too late in evening I guess! #1, then #2
Thank you so much, Mandy! We’ll reveal the drawing tomorrow morning!
Heather,
You have blessed me so much through this blog and I have LOVED this series. I am singing the song with you over and over again. Such a great song and WORD to be reminded of. I learned this same song with actions back in the late 80s while I was a counselor at a kids church camp. I haven’t sung it for years! Great memories that I think now I need to teach my own kiddos! I laughed out loud at the putting the Cra in Crazy! I seriously know about that! Thanks for showing me these “gifts” that God has given us. I’m especially needy of the sound mind today. Love you! So so super blessed by your words, your friendship and your life.
Julie
Ps…I of course love a giveaway so have shared, followed and am happy with any prizes. 🙂
That’s awesome, Julie! I love that you know the song too! Haha!
Great words of encouragement to my soul. Thanks Heather. I’m expecting this song to show up on an impromptu Sunday morning. A little break out session.
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