Many years ago I was watching an episode of Oprah where she told everyone to keep a daily inventory of the thoughts that floated through our minds. I thought cool! I've got this! So I took inventory. It wasn't "cool!" It was a labyrinth of cobwebs constructed by personal accusations, toxic thoughts, stress, and self defeat. Although I was generally a very optimistic, faith-filled gal, I had just gone through a painful betrayal in my marriage that had me saying things like, "I'm so stupid!" ...feeling stupid for allowing myself to be fooled - not seeing the signs. My outward portrayal of hope and resilience was not in line with my thoughts. Can you relate? And so began the long journey - and process - of truly renewing my mind. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Because our thoughts can change our DNA! Let's take a look at what God has to say about our minds and how science backs up what scripture says!

Neuroscientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf, explains:

“What’s in a thought? More than you probably know. Every thought has a corresponding electrochemical reaction in your brain. When you think, chemicals course through your body in magnificently complex electrochemical feedback loops. These chemicals produce electromagnetic waves which, if you could hear them, would sound like the most exquisite orchestral symphony.”
Body, soul and spirit are linked. When we have a thought it will result in a physical reaction in the body – for better or for worse.
87% - 95% of illnesses come from our brain (our stinking thinking!) You can see why it’s important to fill our minds with grace, love, beauty, peace and joy.
Every thought builds a nerve cell - scientists call these the “magic trees of the mind.” We have 100 trillion magic trees in our minds! They create loops of thought. This is why rehearsing old traumas can be just as harmful to us emotionally as the day it occurred.

Did you know that the brain doesn't know the difference between an actual memory and an imaginary one! So, if you can't come up with a "good memory" to draw on for healing and peace, you can actually ask God for one! It will release the same happy chemicals! Wow! This is something I use in my coaching methodology!
Scientific evidence shows that prayer and meditating on God’s Word releases these “happy chemicals!” This is just another reason why meditating on God's Word is SO powerful. Why do we want “happy chemicals”??? We can rewire our minds! When we think about pleasant things, our bodies release happy chemicals like endorphins and dopamine which actually melt toxic nerve cells!
Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in your brain that is responsible for influencing a number of behaviors, including pleasure, cognition and motivation. The feelings associated with increased dopamine levels can also be euphoric, creating a desire to release dopamine naturally in the body. You can release dopamine in your brain through a number of methods from the foods you eat, to the exercise you perform. Remember, they MELT toxic nerve cells!
This is why prayer and meditating on God’s word (Hebrews 4:12, Proverbs 23:7, Proverbs 16:24) are so good for you! Here are some other things that can release "happy chemicals" like dopamine and endorphins:
- laughing
- touch
- sex
- games that are competitive
- visualizing a happy scene
- healthy food
- dark chocolate
- exercise
- deep breathing
- massage
- watching a beautiful sunset

YOUR TURN!
Take some time to reflect on some of the items above and see which ones really speak to you, chemically. This week, incorporate these things into your daily/weekly routine and see how your life will begin to transform for the better!! It's scientifically proven - and encouraged in scripture!

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

[This Week's Prayer]
Father God, thank you for the power of my brain! I praise you because you are so amazing that you created me with the innate ability to heal and thrive! Through you all things are possible, I am able, I am wise and have wisdom to accomplish what you have set before me! I will slow down and tend to the "magic trees" of my mind. I bind up in the name of Jesus thoughts that do not represent your heart for me. I plead the blood of Jesus Christ over my mind and ask that your thoughts of God will penetrate every cell and membrane. My mind will be aligned with your word, Father God, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Amen!

Kelly Roberson
Certified Life Coach
BGEA Crisis-Trained Chaplain

A few years ago, I was commissioned to transform two white kitchen columns in a beautiful lake home in North Carolina. As was my usual custom, I prayed and asked God to guide my hands and inspire my work. I was especially nervous because this was being filmed for a special segment on a local interior design television show.

Drawing upon my previous training and practice, I moved forward to lay down the first brush stroke with anticipation of something beautiful. My purpose when creating art is to partner with God to fill the earth with creative things that glorify Him. In essence, to leave a lasting aroma of His love and joy that flows from the piece long after I'm gone. What was truly shocking to me was just how beautiful it turned out.

I say this not to crow about me, but to illustrate that there was something truly "divine" going on - and it was fun! I stepped back and remember saying, "Wow, there you go again, God. I'm just not that good...!?" My heart was full; my client was delighted! In fact, she broke out the champagne and we celebrated! Joy and love were in the air.

Partner With Him In The Creative Flow

I'm not limiting this to just painting. All artisans... writers, inventors, painters, innovators, thought leaders, musicians, engineers, and problem solvers... I would argue that we are all artisans.

Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Genesis 1:27, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Exodus 31:3-6, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you."

God absolutely wants to shape things on the earth through us. We are his hands and feet to get stuff done - to partner with him in his purposes! Isn't it so COOL to know that he actually downloaded wisdom into the "gifted artisans" to build the tabernacle?! I can't read this section of the Bible enough!! I love to pray and ask God to download ideas into my heart, and you can too! God has been co-creating with his people since the beginning of time! God is the idea generator and the beginning of all things. We were created in his image and out of Him we create. Wow! We actually get to fill our realm of influence with His creativity - to shape the atmosphere for his glory!

So What Can You Do?

Get Training: First, get practical. If you have a special interest, take a class, read a book, and begin to hone your skills. Practice.
Prepare The Atmosphere: Ask God to download into your heart all manner of wisdom for the project. Ask him for innovation, ideas, and wisdom. Pray over your space and invite the Holy Spirit! Ask him to flow through you. Listen to your favorite worship music and get ready to receive all that he has for you. He is the originator of all things.
Receive from God & Speak Life Over Your Project: Prepare to receive from the Lord! He is such a good and loving Father! Scripture tells us he will not give his children a stone when they ask for bread. It is his heart to flow through you to minister his love to others. Prepare to receive his love as you simply can't give away what is not in your heart. Guard your heart and forgive offenses: Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

[This Week's Prayer]

Holy Spirit, come. I invite your amazing presence into my life this week! I ask that you would fill me with the Spirit of God: in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. I want to partner with you so that this world would be filled with the things that you want on display for your glory. So that people will be drawn to you and come to know you as their King! That the atmosphere would be changed as I lean into your creative problem solving. I anticipate abundance, innovation, and joy to flow through me and follow me this week! In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Be Inspired!
Kelly Roberson
Find out more OR to receive my FREE "Weekly Prayer and Coaching" post, click here: http://kellyroberson.net/contact/