This is huge! In Iraq, I see many Soldiers who have issues that occur back home. They simply can not stop what they are doing and jump on a plane to go fix what ever crisis has hit them and/or their family. But they still have control of so many things–in a time when everything seems uncontrollable. Thank you for these thoughts.

"We can control your attitude, our thoughts, our words, our emotions, and our behavior."

You can't control my attitude, unless you're my wife.
:)

I'm on prescription meds for face pain, and my girlies are all home sick from school. BUT I'm going to choose joy. And do something to encourage someone in a worse situation than me.

Things I can't control are knocking me for a loop right now, so I guess I'll focus on my attitude–which I can control. Thanks for the reminder.

One of the most important decisions I've made in my life was 20 years ago, when I decided I would be happy, regardless of circumstances. That decision has paid dividends over and over in my life, taking the power away from circumstances to control my sense of joy and well-being. That decision has been an anchor in my soul. Thank you for your subtle but significant reminder that the decision is ours.

I love the picture of you and your darling lady! And I enjoyed reading this post. Thanks for the encouraging word!

This reminds me of what I was reading last night in Boundaries by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. That boundaries are what we can control about OURSELVES, not what we can control about other people. Like we can say, "No I don't want to do that" or say, "If you keep talking to me like that, I will walk away." Its what we do, not what we make others do. I think this is very powerful.

Great post, Michael. Today, I can control my choices and that's all that I need to do for right now. Love the new blog format. Very nice!

Trish
http://www.trishlawrence.com/blog
@trishlawrence

Very honest and very true. I don't think God wants to hear us whine any more than our friends, family and neighbours do, so it's better to put things into perspective and ask God to help us change ourselves and our attitude.

The last fruit of the spirit listed in self-control (Gal. 5:22, 23).

One area I am taking control of is letting go. We like to control what happens to us, when and how. So, the first thing I want to work on is surrendering to God's timing and not my own. My path may look common place to others, but to God it's the perfect place to be: with Him.

If only it was true, Michael, if only! But you and I both know full well that no one has 100% self-control, no one has 100% self-determination. We are — whether we admit it or not — subject to our environment, subject to chemical imbalances in our biological make up, subject to the whims of those around us, subject to so many other things.

Yes, we may well have more control than we often think. But 100%? Dream on.

I can control how many words I write, how much effort I put into editing my work, my research, everything that involves the keyboard and what little talent I own.

Medical intervention is the only way to go however deciding to choose positive mindsets is still necessary. But the driving force behind the depression is being rendered impotent now. A great relief, I am in the process of getting the balance right with medication and I know that soon 'I wont know myself'. 57 years of this and I feel I have been cheated of life. Check out http://www.beyondblue.org.au if anyone reading this is interested or suspect either they or a friend may be suffering from this terrible condition. There is information and a quick self test available on the site. Get help, you don't have to suffer anymore.

Don't know if you see comments to old post but just read this via re-post tweet. Too many people don't take control where they have it but settle for less or blame something else. One added note: One has diminishing control over actions, thoughts, and emotions. Try this: move your fingers (total control of action), think of the only the color green for 10 seconds (almost total control, may have thought "frog" or "money."), now get mad! (Not much control here, but if you change your actions and thoughts, usually your emotions will follow.) As always, thanks for great information and insight.

There must be a connection in what the Bible says about worry and being in control. Worry adds nothing to our lives and worrying will cause us to lose control. Intentional action, on the other hand, has potential to add great value to our lives and the lives of others. Looking out for ol #1 is a saying worth consideration everyday.

I heartily agree, Michael.

I habitually try to control what I eat and how active I am (for burning calories). Unfortunately, I can be influenced toward lesser choices in those two areas.

My most constant 'controlling'-self thoughts are around how to use my time. What to do first, next, when to stop or delay.

Love the clarity of this.

I chose to take control of my life and make a difference in the lives of others on January 24th, 2010. That was a defining day in my life when I answered ’His calling’ on my life. Christ revealed my life’s purpose; to use my spiritual gifts to passionately serve and help others. I accepted without hesitation  and now allow my Lord to direct my steps. Praise be to God!