“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

Typically parents try to help their children achieve success in all areas of their lives.  My parents were no different.  They always tried to help me succeed even when it wasn’t obvious to me they were trying to help me succeed! 

One of the things my parents wisely taught me to help me succeed was to fill my mind with good things.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard my parents say, “Trash in…trash out.”  It didn’t take me long to understand what that meant to my life in a very practical way.  I began to analyze my life: What music was I listening to throughout the day?  What words were my friends saying that influenced my talk?  What negative things were going into my brain that changed the way I thought and acted?

Turns out my parents’ advice was God’s advice all along!  And you know, this advice is still key to my mental and spiritual focus as an adult.  When I let my guard down and begin to think about things that don’t make the “excellent or praiseworthy” list, my mind changes, and so do my actions.  I need to focus more on good things. 

Lee Langdon