by Danika Deva

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This is me!  What do you see?  Well, not much because it is framed wrong. As you can see, this one needs to be reframed. 

So it is with our hearts and minds. We can’t move forward in life or business without the proper frame around us.

It doesn’t start with claiming a mantra. It doesn’t start with an up sale. It doesn’t start with empowering ourselves. It starts with HEART. Then it goes to our minds, actions and words.

Let’s Dig a Little Deeper

We all get stuck in our mindset at times. It can be because we are busy, out of focus, impatient, insecure and more. 

You see, once we get our hearts refocused, we can move ahead with everything else in our lives.

And ladies, the benefits are amazing. Peace is a big one.  Peace in circumstances, our relationships, our homes and our businesses. (Isiah 26:3)

Clarity is another benefit, and who doesn’t want that. When we align our hearts with the Father, clarity shows up.

Some of the other benefits that the ladies in the NACWE webinar on Reframing our Mindset in the New Year…or Anytime on January 11, 2022 mentioned are energy, momentum, the ability to see it from an external view outside of it instead of in it, and the ability to recognize lies & traps of the enemy.  Whoa, what a list!

So, if framing our mindset is so beneficial, why do we resist it or not even think about it? Well, there are lots of reasons.

Sometimes it is our own internal conversation of “I don’t feel enough,” or “I can do this on my own.”

It can also be unconscious.  We may not even know we need to reframe our thinking.  We think we “see the pic” as it is supposed to be (think pic above).

Oftentimes, we are in process and learning to go within to see why or we are working on it, but still not framing things right!

We resist change because resources are not available, because we are unfocused, distracted, fearful or just plain confused about what to do.

And yes, sometimes we are just listening to the enemy!  Are you with me? 

“So, what practical steps can we take to shift our mindset

 and propel ourselves forward?”

Setting a routine can also help since routine keeps us moving forward. Along with this, letting your brain in on the plan ahead of time as well helps too.  For example, saying to yourself, “It’s ok that I feel uncomfortable right now.”

We can take every thought captive by focusing on Christ.  Asking ourselves, “What is the truth in this situation?” is a great start. Using this filter helps reframe the negative thoughts that run through our head.  2 Cor. 10:5 states, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” We must focus on “every thought” so we don’t get stuck!

What are some more verses from scripture that tell us to reframe our heart set and mindset? 

Philippians 4:8 “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.”

Give yourself grace and remember what Grandma says, “Practice makes perfect!”

Colossians 3:1-2 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Look at that action word—Set! It’s a choice and plan.

Ephesians 4:23  (CEV) “Let the Spirit change your way of thinking.”   

Take time to ask the Spirit to change.

 

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”  

Renew…renew…renew!

What are some strategies we use to reframe our hearts, minds, 

words, and actions?

Ok, here is a list the ladies in the webinar shared. (Thanks, Ladies!) It’s exciting to see how many we came up with:

1.  Memorization and Meditation 
2.  Commitment to the task
3.  Be STILL before the Lord (Psalm 46:10)
4.  Commanded throughout scripture to meditate on God’s Word (Psalm 119:11)
5.  Invite others to speak into your life-iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17)
6.  Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?”
7.  Music-sing or listen to uplifting music
8.  Stop hitting the replay button
9.  Study the Word –  2 Timothy 2:15
10.  Push the pause button in the busyness of life or the situation (Psalm 37:7) 
11. Take a nature walk!
12. Take everything to God in prayer. Phil 4:6
13. Re-Word our thinking “I get to” vs. “I have to.” “Lay down the shoulda, coulda wouldas.”
14. Post His promises all over!
15. Choose an attitude of gratitude (1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT – O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.)

So, how can we help others reframe their hearts and minds? Is there anything we can do specifically?

Yes, here are a few ways we can help our friends, family members, or business associates adjust their mindset when they are a bit off kilter:

• Speak the truth in love.  Use gentleness to restore or redirect (Eph. 4:15)
• Give His Word, not your opinion or advice
• Pray for them to see the need for an adjustment to their mindset.
• Connect and empathize. We tend to want to make it better by saying things like….”at least…..”.  But we can’t fix it. However, we can say, “This stinks. I’m so glad you shared this with me.”

When someone shares something of base, I often jokingly say, “Where is that found in the Bible? Oh, that’s right! 1 Nowhere 1:1.”  Then they laugh and realize their thoughts aren’t correct against the truth.  As you can see, sometimes the things we believe, think or say to ourselves, are not found in scripture.

And be careful of false framing. It’s when we frame something differently than it is. It’s the equivalent of putting up a picture from the store with the store picture in the frame. It may look good, but it is not your family/pic!

It is important to be real and transparent as it can help others when they are struggling too.

Other things to remember:

• Check in with body signals; they can inform us of our thoughts & emotions and if we are ignoring something or distracted or busy.

• Life & death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21)
• Listen to our talk to self & others & ‘posted’ as well
• Speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Heed the prompting if the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)
• Stay away from taking offense, comparing, or assuming
• Change the channel or shift gears when needed
• Make wise choices! (Matthew 6:33)

So, as you can see, reframing is needed in all of our lives.  Sometimes it is small adjustments and sometimes it is a large move.

Just a little reframing helps us see the real picture.  In this case, it is still me. 

Better yet!  REFRAME with Jesus, every time and then you will know that that is it framed correctly every time!