“Reign” It In…

We are living in a new age of “self-expression” and outer actions lacking inner thought. It can be compared to the life of a horse.

We often think of horses when we watch the coveted Kentucky Derby. When the race begins, they run at full speed. However, after crossing the finish line, they have to be slowed down.

When riding a horse, one must pull back on the reigns (leather straps fastened on to a horse’s bridle and used to control the horse) to get it to calm down, slow down or stop. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=reign+it+in+meaning

Many act like an upset horse…raring back, snorting, showing teeth, trying to shake off the rider, running off….actions which resolve nothing.

You may find yourself to be overwhelmed by actions that include:

JUMPING to conclusions

RUNNING our mouths

STRETCHING the truth

BENDING the rules

BREAKING our necks to be liked or to please others

STEPPING on others’ toes

STOMPING on others’ feelings

KICKING someone when they are down

SITTING on the sidelines

BEATING yourself up with negative “self-talk”

THROWING unfair “punches” at others and yourself

SWEATING the small stuff

FALLING short of reaching your goals
SWIMMING in debt and despair

PUSHING aside signals our bodies give us

As a horse needs “reigning in,” so do our emotions. We can redirect our energy and efforts toward more effective actions such as:

REACHING for the stars and our dreams

STEPPING out on faith

SQUASHING out lies and gossip

STANDING on the promises of GOD

WORKING OUT your own soul salvation

TONING your words, emotions and attitude

LEANING on the “everlasting arms”

RUNNING “with endurance the race that is set before us”

LIFTING your spirits and mood

SHAKING OFF criticism and negativity

CHANGING your attitude

BUILDING “your hopes on things eternal”

BOOSTING your energy toward serving others

SHARPENING your saw (by reading and constantly learning)

EXERCISING discipline

INHALING clean air

EXHALING stress, worry and fear

MEDITATING on the Word of God (The Bible)

The Bible says:

James 1:19 (NIV):  19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV):  12 “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”

Hebrews 12:1(NKJV):  “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Memorable Quotes:

“You can lead a human to knowledge, but you can’t make him think.”

“Don’t do something permanently stupid because you are temporarily angry, stressed, scared or tired.”

“Your worst battle is between what you know and what you feel.”

“No matter the situation, never let your emotions overpower your intelligence.”

We often should react like a horse by:  Calming Down, Breathing, “Drinking Water,” Accepting a Rub-Down, Listening to Soothing Words or Eating a Sugar Cube… J