A biblical principle I got from Finding Nemo

The Gang

marlin and Dory

Marlin and Nemo

Peach

Squirt

Pearl

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Think Positive?

Fish-Friendly Shark Pledge: I am a nice shark. Not a mindless eatin' machine. If I want to change this image, I must first change myself. Fish are friends. Not food.

The first time I watched this scene from the movie, I was reminded of Philippians 4:8 which says

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)

⁸Finally, 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.

Am I commanded to just think positively? to be optimistic? Hmmm. I think that's too general and broad to help me with my thought life. Through Bruce(the shark from Finding Nemo) I realized that the first step to control my thought life is by stuffing my mind with God's Word. That I believe is crucial, if my mind is without the Word of God how will I expect it to glorify Christ? Philippians 4:8 is a great start. It teaches me the specific things I must dwell on to.

Bible Memorization is an excellent way to refocus my thoughts on the right things. Dallas Willard said that "Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation.." Why? because we are transformed by the renewing of our mind(Romans 12:2).

I read in Elisabeth Elliot’s book Passion and Purity that Jim Elliot used to write Scripture verses on little note cards so he could use his time wisely by memorizing Scripture while waiting in line for lunch at his school’s cafeteria. I WAS SO IMPRESSED, and he inspired me to do the same. I keep a stash of index cards held together by metal ring binder I bought from the bookstore. On them, I write notable verse and passages to keep me company while Im traveling to and fro the church, I recite them whenever Im left with nothing to do. I know I'm not an expert when it comes to memorization but this is an important spiritual discipline that I dare not miss in this early stage of my Christian life.

How does one actually do it? Here's a helpful link:

An Approach to extended Memorization of Scripture

and another one

go straight to chapter 8: How to Wield the Word in the fight for Joy of When I dont desire God

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Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)

²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.