God Rules

When I started 1ThinkMeThought—now One Thought with Donna—my goal was not to make it strictly about God. At least, not in a way where I was going to be preachy or tell you what you can and cannot do. That wouldn’t be God; it would be me. I can’t officially tell you what will get you into hell—I believe it will be your mind. I do know that should you choose to know the mind of God, you will live a life of greater peace and so much more.

God gives us a list of “don’ts”—the 10 Commandments, for starters. There are many more "do not’s" listed in the Bible that most people will not even consider addressing. He doesn't tell you not to do it, just suggest that you shouldn’t. Consequences…always consequences.

Those consequences don't come from God, although we like to think God is the author of punishment. He is not. We are the ones who punish ourselves and others, sometimes rightfully so. This is how we raise our children: when they do something wrong, there are consequences enforced by parents or society. The last thing you should do is simply tell a child “Don’t do it." It's like putting up a sign that says, “Do not step on the grass” and expecting children to listen. Some adults will step on it too—and then wonder why the owner yelled at them! Go figure.

Rethinking the Rules

Take the 9th Commandment: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. I used to think this was just about lying about your neighbor. It is, but then it isn’t. It specifically addresses giving false testimony in a court of law or legal setting. We call it perjury, for which a heavy penalty is imposed.

Then there is the command about lying in everyday life—and more.

Revelation 21:8 — "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

You hear more about the “all liars” part coming from the pulpit, as if the rest are exempt. In Biblical writing, truth is tied directly to God. Deliberate, constant lying is seen as a way of living opposed to God’s nature. All the other sins listed share that same demise. We openly condemn murderers, whoremongers, witchcraft, and abuse. But the liar? They often get a pass if it's just a "white lie." Yet they lose a person’s trust and their own integrity. Do they go to the lake of fire? Can you escape the second death?

Living From the Center

I am creating a life in which God would be the center and not the head like most people think. The head leads without input; it jumps without thinking. And we shouldn't follow the tail either—the end of the line; where we stop thinking for ourselves and follow a leader.

No stay in the center. Where two or more are gathered, God is in the midst. He leads you from the center of your life: your heart.

The center is the key place to draw wisdom, love, creativity, and life itself. Our very breath comes from the center. The blood of life flows from the center. Everything draws from the center—without which, there is no life.

1ThinkMeThought is about bringing imagination to life, just like God did in creating the world. I am creating my life as I desire it to be as God inspires and guide. I am sharing this new chapter with you, learning daily. Every day is more complete than the day before—more alive, more challenging, filled with both setbacks and wins.

We are created individuals by design. We are different, yet alike. Each of us possesses abilities like no one else, coming together to build businesses, schools, highways, and communities. Unique in our gifts, joined together in Christ. How blessed is that?

No matter what you do, God belongs on center stage. You can draw from His thoughts within you and build your life to the fullest. Inspiration comes from within, not from outside sources. Outside sources are never complete—God is complete within you.

This is the year of alignment. It is going to be phenomenal. It has already begun. Amen.

(Note: I'm currently expanding on these thoughts and diving deeper into the Scriptures for Book 3—stay tuned for updates!)