Originally published Monday, 15 August 2016.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
The summer is just about over. Moms are getting ready to put their kids back into school (that may be you this week or next week), many women are getting ready to start up a new fall semester of college, while others can sense that some form of a new season is beginning. So, how about you? What do you have going on right now? Are you about to go into a new season? If so, how are you preparing for it?
I believe that the best way to enter into a new season is to renew your mind. Trust me. This works! I know from experience. It’s vital for your sanity! LOL!
But seriously, renewing your mind is going to be the key to preparing yourself for your new season. If things are hectic or out of sorts, you are going to have to consciously and purposefully calm yourself down and refocus or regroup for a moment. You may even have to stop yourself and whisper these gentle words, “Slow down.” And don’t forget to add your name (i.e. “Slow down, __________”).
Telling yourself these words will help you to pause, reconsider what you’re doing (or attempting to do), and hone in on what’s most important at the time. For instance, in the midst of your hustle or daily grind, don’t forget to slow down enough to love those around you. This will take renewing the mind. Believe it or not, this can be tough when you’re concentrating on what you know needs to get done in preparation for your new season.
However, within that new season are people. And if you don’t remember that, you’re going to make some unnecessary mistakes and maybe even have some regrets. So slow down enough to not only do for others, but also love them while you’re at it.
This simple exercise and application of love will help you to not only refocus on what’s actually most important, but it will also help you to keep a clear head and practice self-control while you do what you do. Keep in mind, it’s hard to be salt and light inside your house and beyond, if you’re too frazzled and out of control. So again, renewing your mind in this way will be vital as you prepare to take on your new season.
Personally, my kids are about to start back up in school, football season has begun (which I have two kids in football…just imagine the run around), and I have my debut book coming out September 1st. My schedule is hectic! But one day, as I was preparing for this new season, the Holy Spirit quickened me and reminded me that I was going to have to renew my mind. Once I got that fresh revelation, that knowledge calmed me down. Proverbs 19:2 says, “Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good; haste makes mistakes.”
Immediately, that renewed mindset made me rethink everything. It made me settle down, realize some things, and say to myself, “Yes, I’m entering into a new season. But slow down, Courtnaye. God is in control. Let Him take the wheel. Relax. Get things done, but not in haste. And YES, it will be hot for the football games, but the word says in Philippians 2:14, ‘Do all things without murmuring and complaining.’ Help me, Lord.” Do you see how my attitude (mindset) had to change? Do you see that once the Holy Spirit whispered wisdom to me, the next step was to renew my mind?
Let me ask you a few questions. In your own life, what needs to be readjusted for this new season? What things need to be removed from your schedule? What things need to be genuinely added to your schedule? And what negative thoughts need a pink slip?
Prepare yourself, now. It will save you many headaches later. I believe that word or revelation wasn’t just for me. The Lord wanted me to share it with you as well, because He knows that many women are entering into a new season right now. He knows what we go through when seasons change. So He’s preparing us.
I’ll leave you with this passage from God’s word in Philippians 4:4-8, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Renew your mind, sis. Prepare for your new season.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
Don’t forget my NEW book is scheduled to release September 1st!!!! It’s entitled, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” I’m pumped and I want you to GRAB it! PRE-BUY it today @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/identified! And share, share, share (tell other women too!). Thanks sis!
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel here @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
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