Where Are Your Thoughts Dwelling
This week, a lot of my thoughts and attention have been centered on Google and AI. Google is changing the way it gives “search information” to people and has recently started incorporating AI. For websites, especially smaller ones like mine, this could be potentially disastrous. I’ve seen several blogs that have said they have taken a huge hit in traffic loss and are going to have to shut their blogs down.
Google rolled out a new update in March, and a lot of websites lost over 70% of their traffic. Traffic equals money either through affiliate links or advertisements. I am so thankful that my website hasn’t been hit with any traffic issues, but that didn’t stop my thoughts from becoming, “What if?
I think the Lord knew I was struggling because I listened to a sermon and a faith based interview this week, and both of them had a similar message. Basically, they were asking where your thoughts were dwelling.
Philippians 4:7-9 (NASB19915)
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
There are many different Bible versions, and I usually use the NIV for the daily verses I share with you. But today, I used the New American Standard Bible 1995 because it used the term “dwell on these things.”
In his letter to the church of Philippi, Paul instructed them on how to guard their hearts and minds. He reminded them to dwell (or think—the way it is used in most versions) on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, any excellence, and worthy of praise.
My mind had not been dwelling on anything that was worthy of praise; it was dwelling on the worst-case scenarios. According to dictionary.com, here is the meaning of dwell.
DWELL, dwelt [dwelt] or dwelled, dwell·ing. to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside. to live or continue in a given condition or state: to dwell in happiness.
My home is a dwelling, and it is a place where I can escape the troubles of the world. I find peace and comfort there. I enjoy dwelling here, and it gives me lots of joy and happiness.
Anytime we are directed to do something that will fill us with joy, peace, and happiness, you can bet that the devil is trying to throw a wrench into the process. You might start out by being excited your children are coming to visit. If you aren’t careful, you might find yourself worrying about the traffic. Was there a wreck on the interstate, or did they take a wrong turn?
Before you know it, you’ve been robbed of all joy, peace, and happiness. Instead, you are worrying and fretting while watching the clock as the minutes tick away.
I have very intentionally been trying to wrangle my wayward thoughts and replace them with praise. It isn’t as hard as it sounds; you simply have to find a silver lining in the situation.
Instead of worrying about Google and AI, which I can’t do anything about, I’m turning those issues over to the Lord. I can’t fix them, but the Lord can. There are some things I can fix, so I’m working on those and doing my part. I’m praising the Lord for giving me this platform and for allowing me to meet all of you, a community of like-minded women.
I’ve set my Sunday post aside to honor the Lord. There are no links or ads running on the page. I’m not trying to monetize His day, and this is a way to show Him my appreciation. I don’t know if this is why my website is still doing well, but I like to think that it is the reason.
We can all honor the Lord by reining in our thoughts and dwelling on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, any excellence, and worthy of praise.
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Thank you for always lifting us up! I have followed you for the last few years. Your blog is always positive and inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you for reminding me to give my troubles to the Lord and rejoice in all that HE has given me.
Great reminder going to a tent revival next week in Bristol VA our pastor will be preaching
Thank you for your witness thru this blog. May God continue to bless.
Great reminder❤🙏 thank you
This spoke straight to my heart, thank you!
I think your post is excellent!
Thank you for your wonderful post today – great meaning
Isaiah 41:10 is my scripture for the week. Courage and strength comes from Him. I’m writing my testimony and know with all my heart He will give me what I need to write it. Looking forward to seeing what Gods plan is for both of us. ❤️
Yes, and yes. Dwell on the Lord, let our minds be on Him. Have a blessed day, Tania.
Wonderful reminder! Yes, our thoughts matter! May the Lord continue to help us to make Jesus our focus, the Bible our guidebook and by God’s grace, we will find that our mind and strength are renewed!
Thank you for this post! It is such a wonderful reminder to enjoy each minute, trust in the Lord and not worry about the what ifs. I don’t comment on your blog too often but I love your blog and your Sunday messages especially, thank you for all you do!
I truly enjoy your blog & fashion insights! BUT my favorite part of your blog is the Sunday devotion. Thank You✝️
Those verses from Philippians are some of my favorite verses from the Bible. Our culture seems to push us toward negative and harmful thinking, but that is not what God wants us to do. Plus it is so much more pleasant to think on that which is good! Thank you for the message today!
This was my Jesus Calling devotion today . . .such a good reminder and reflection for me. I wanted to share . . . .I pray that you will continue to bless my life and so many others. Tania, you are such a bonus on so many levels and I look forward to connecting with you throug you blog every day!!! THANK YOU . . with the greatest appreciation, Vickiy
You spend too much time and mental energy thinking about trivial things—surface matters that have no value in My kingdom. . . .When you seek Me, you enjoy the company of the only perfect Person who ever existed.
Quotation Mark
from Jesus Always
page 161
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
—Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Don’t waste time thinking about trivialities. Instead, fix your thoughts on Me and receive My Peace.
Thank you for sharing. This is a wonderful reminder of what to think about.
Amen! Dwelling on what is pure and lovely, finding the silver lining, and there always is one, brings peace and joy!
Thank you for your post today.
For such a time is this—your words are perfect timing for what we are experiencing in our Country and World these days! I have to remind myself daily that God is in all and above all! When I take my eyes off of Him and His promises, I find myself becoming discouraged. Thanks for sharing from your heart each Sunday, Tania—-it truly is a blessing!
Thanks, Cathy. I try to remember that anything that is happening is still under His domain, and He is in control.
Praying your site remains safe from any hacks or anything that would be disastrous and costly to you! AI is a scary reality and your post was such a great reminder to put my trust and focus on God and dwell on Him and seek wisdom to make wise choices!
Love your blog, Tania!
What a wonderful post! It is so easy to get lost in the negative especially with all that is going on in the world today. Thanks for reminding us to focus on God and all He provides for us. Thank you for al your posys but especially for the Sunday ones.
Great wisdom for one of my favorite passages. Thank you!
Thank you for the beautiful message today. May God keep you in His grace and peace always, Tania. You are a bright blessing to all of us on the blog!
Well spoken. ❤️🙏
I’ve been trying to do the same thing lately. God’s word is truth and we need to filter our thoughts and actions through His word. Thanks for your post.
Thank you for your words and thoughts.
Blessings,
Sue
Our sermon today was about distractions. Your post is very timely for me.
i absolutely love your thoughts for today! I, too, enjoy dwelling in my home and feel at peace when I’m at home. I truly enjoy the beauty of all God’s creations that live & grow in, at, and near my home! I agree with you about how we sometimes do not fully enjoy what we have because we are worried about things that “might” happen, and I realize I need to focus on being present in the “now” and just “be quiet and listen” – and enjoy the moment! Thank you for this message today!!! Many blessings to you as you continue your blog!!!
I needed to read this today. Thank you for being transparent.
Thank you – just what I needed today!
Thank you for the reminder of giving everything to God. He is all knowing and if we just give it to Him and stop worrying about things we can not control it would be must easier to praise Him. Thank you:)
Great devotional! Yes! Let’s fix our eyes on Him and trust Him and guard our hearts and minds. Thanks Tania! God bless you and your blog, for His glory!
Amen, Tania. Your Christian witness is why I keep following your blog instead of other fashion blogs. I only have a limited amount of time and I had to make choices. Keep the faith.
I am so glad my blog made the cut!
Good word today.
Thank you for those beautiful thoughts.
Thank you so much. We know this but sure can use the reminder.
Wonderful reminder Tanya 🙂
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I enjoyed this post. Thanks for posting. And I like that set the Lord’s day aside for praising him. In this busy world now people seem to forget that Sunday is a rest , peace and honoring our Savior.
❤️❤️❤️
A few years ago my husband and I decided to stop watching the news every day because it caused us to “dwell” on all the negative things happening in the world. We can’t do anything about them. But what we can do is dwell on what God wants us to do in our lives. We are so much happier now! Thanks Tania for what you do. You are a blessing. God will take care of you.
Tania, you honor the Lord in all that you do , share and post! That is why I am following you! I do not think that you need to worry because you have such a following of people who are here for the very same reason!
Continue what you do , the Lord is shining on you!
Kathy
Your spiritual insight is so helpful to me. I grew calmer just reading this day’s blog.
To dwell. Yes, Paul indeed knew. We know where to dwell; what to think on. Discipline. It’s easy to go down the road of what if’s away from our dwelling place of good thoughts when we focus on external things. Keep honoring God with your blog and don’t worry about the traffic!
You are my daily devotional Today! Thankyou. I can relate to it.
Amen!!! So good to hear this isn’t affecting you! Thank you for the reminder that I need to control my thoughts with the Holy Spirit rather than allow them to run freely!
My absolute favorite verse, and I cling to the beauty & try to dwell in the peace it offers. Thank you for posting it as I know our culture is thirsty for & in need of reminders of His goodness. 🥰
I am certain God honors those who honor Him – He is no doubt protecting your blog. 😇
Thank you for being a blessing to me!
Thanks, Dianne!
Amen! Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us!
Lovely post today! AI is happening. And so far what I’ve seen is threatening to the truths and goodness of what I typically use online services for.
This is a great Sunday post
Such a wonderful post for encouragement as you share your vulnerability that I (and all of us) can identify with! Praise God we have HIS peace through all of the changes around us that have the potential to unsettle us! 🌸✝️🌸
Beautiful. Thank you for the blessed words to remember when our mind starts “running away from home”.
I love your Sunday posts. And you are absolutely correct, you can’t control the outside world but you can control your own peace and relationship with the Lord. I love how you said you are giving it to the Lord. For the past 30ish years when I have to give my troubles to the Lord, I have always said “It’s in your hands God”. Thank you…for being you 😊
Thank you for always giving God the honor and glory for his Blessings!
Thank you Tania!
That is a very good Sunday post for me. It’s too easy to worry about things we have no control over. Trying to find silver lining in any situation is a good idea. Thinking on positive and not the negative has helped me quite a bit. Thank you.
Amen!
I enjoy your Sunday posts as much as I love your weekly posts. Thank you for your reminder to fill our thoughts with good and worthy things.
I really look forward to your Sunday posts! Have a blessed week!
I really look forward to your Sunday posts! Thank you for the reminder to keep things in perspective.
Thanks Tania! Extremely good to read your positivity on a dreary Sunday morning with bad weather in the forecast again and lots of bad news on the TV. You’re right. Our homes “ our safe places” are invaded by negativity and things that bring us down instead of lift us up as we desire, so your bible verse is a welcome reminder to fight back with God’s love and positive thoughts. I battle anxiety and depression and have for years and all the negative stuff fuels it. I love to read your daily posts especially to get the uplifting messages and your smile! Thank you for making a difference.
Shirley, a gratitude journal might be a great thing for you to do each day. Just adding one thing each day can make a huge difference in your attitude.
Thank you for sharing your faith Tania. Your Sunday posts always speak to my heart.
Your Sunday posts are the ones I read first because of the messages you share. God has got this, just like everything else.
Your blog today is the reason why I enjoy your blog
Very true words and thoughts I need to dwell on. Amen! And thank you!
Love this!
Absolutely Beautiful!!! thank you, Tania!!! Happy Sunday🙏❤🙏
Thank you for sharing this today. I really needed this. Lately, I have, at times, been “dwelling” on things I cannot change and that is a sad place to be. Your devotion helped me to understand that today. As a believer we know this is not where we should be but our humanness brings us to that place. Only turning to God can change our attitude and look for the “silver lining” or joy I every situation.
Have a blessed day
Denise, there is always a silver lining, but it might be hard to find at first. Think of it like the rainbow that only appears AFTER the rain.
Your weekly inspirational messages are so powerful, and helpful. Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me of this. I tend to dwell on the state of the US and I can’t change a thing. Only God can.
Tania,
I pray that the Lord protect and grow your platform, because you are honoring him. Thank you for your Sunday posts. They are a part of my Sunday morning devotional I look forward to reading them each Sunday morning.
Thanks, Patricia.
I praise God for finding you, during the Pandemic, when I was missing my social connections on a daily basis. Through Pinterest, you arrived in my inbox every morning, sharing your life with me. Sunday worships were online for me, so were you my new friend. God Bless you, from California.
Thank you Tania! Very well said.
Glory to God in the highest! And peace to His people on earth.
Have a blessed Sunday.
In God we Trust! We stand with you Tania our blogger friend! Let’s all unite in prayer over this matter Amen! Great is our Lord and of Great Power!
Thank you and Amen, Amen.
yes, Tania,
I can understand the dwelling concept. I’ve been having trouble with downward spiraling thoughts this week too. Today I eill
Turn my eyes upon Jesus…look full in His wonderful face
And the things of this world will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and Grace
from Helen H. Lemmel
the song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Thank you, Tania !
I really enjoyed your post today and appreciate that there were no ads or even beautiful pictures of clothing.
Thank you.
Wonderful message Tania. God always gives us a path if we just wait and listen. Have a blessed day and thank you for what you do.
Amen!
AI is super scary to me! Not sure anything positive will come from that in the future. You have certainly been a blessing to me, may God continue to bless you & your family! Great is thy Faithfulness!
Very nice. Well said.
I definitely need to dwell on more positive things. Too much energy spent on what ifs. Good posit.
Proverbs 23:7 confirms your devotion. I memorized it years ago. My paraphrase, “As a woman thinks in her heart, so is she.” It very true that our thoughts rule our hearts. Thank you for honoring the Lord’s day, our Sabbath.
This is a fabulous verse to memorize!
I like the way you put things into perspective. I know I’m guilty of dwelling on things I have no control over or things where my mind should never go. I’m definitely a work in progress though. I try also to go to praise instead of worry.
It is so hard to just give things to God and not dwell on them, but all he asks us to do is not worry and be still so He can work things out for our good. Thank you, Lord! To God be the glory! Thank you for this message today!
This post really related to me. Last Thursday I had surgery and had to report at 530 am. My daughter was picking me up at 5 am. She likes to sleep in her own bed and didn’t want to spend the night. I was worried because there storm predicted for that time. I asked my friends to pray for her safety. I thought what if we’re delayed and they cancel my surgery. Then when I gave it to God and put my trust in him I wasn’t worried. As it turned out the weather was clear and we made it early. Surgery went well and the storm came on Friday morning around 3. I was awake and thanked God that he changed the weather. We have to be like a child and trust our Heavenly Father. I hope your blog doesn’t suffer. I would suggest other search engines than Google. Google is my default browser because it works better with an android. I do most of my searches on Duckduckgo.
Thank you for sharing. I have found myself dwelling on situations beyond my control. Yours is a gentle reminder that as long as I have faith and trust God, which I do, he has control of my life. Tania, have a blessed day. Thank you for all you share with us.
Good morning Tania! The Lord used you to speak to my anxious mind this morning. Thank you for sharing your struggle to “dwell” & pointing me to His words. You are like the Chick-Fil-A of bloggers 😉. They are closed on Sunday & God provides well! You honor the Lord & bless us-sometimes with a deal & a new outfit (or mascara) & sometimes with just a laugh! Either way, I am always smiling when I read your blog-my smile may not pay the bills, but know there’s a 50 something “gurl” in NC being blessed by you! Now let me, grab my favorite Loft dress (you helped me order) & get ready for church!!! Big Hug!!!
I have never thought about being a Chick-Fil-A of bloggers. That made me laugh!!! Also, believe it or not, just you reading my blog DOES help pay the bills. I know the ads are annoying (they annoy me too), but they pay a huge chunk of the bills my blog incurs.
Your paragraph about how the devil enters in and tries to destroy joy is so true. I never really thought about the fretting / worrying about things out of our control in that way, but you are so correct.
Thank you and may you have a blessed day and week ahead
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful.
I wish I had seen this post yesterday! My granddaughter went to her prom last night and it was held in a less than desirable area of the city and I worried all day if she would be safe. I finally shut off the negative and focused on how much fun she would have.
The power of positive thinking…..
Great points Tania, thanks for sharing these uplifting thoughts!
Thank you! I needed this encouragement from the Lord through you. Have a very blessed day!
I really needed to hear this today! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been dwelling on a situation and it has caused me to go down a “rabbit hole” of worst case scenarios. God is in control.
Good morning,
This post has come at a time when I needed it so much. Thank you… the clarity it has given me makes issues I am facing so much easier. “Dwelling” where I should be, and relying on this guidance, is the path for me.
Thank you!🙏🏻 😊
I love the term dwelling. It really hits “home.” Lol! And, we all know that home is where the heart is.
Thank you for this post! It’s so easy to get into those dark dwelling places! I was there recently and even though I tried to focus on the Lord it seemed I couldn’t shake the dread, but after much praying that dread did leave. Things always work out they way they should because God has got us in the palm of his hand.
Thank you for your thoughts! Your authenticity is an inspiration to me. He is able!
I understand your concern as my husband and I ran a business for 30 years and sought the Lord daily in that regard. He never failed us. Not through the trials of 2008, not through COVID or anything else. And, it truly is keeping our eyes and hearts on Him that resolves all the concerns for His glory!
Keeping Him in focus,
Joanne
I love your testimony! The Lord is faithful, but we also have to do our part.
I tend to be a worrier, thanks for this reminder.🤗
Tania .. I think God spoke to me this morning through you and your post. My husband has been ill and I was googling symptoms which led my thoughts to worst case scenarios. I stopped myself, said ‘faith over fear’ and saw your post. Wow it was just what I needed. Thank you for all your fashion tips, your heartwarming and thoughtful Sunday posts, and for being His messenger. 🙏💕😇
Frani, I’m sure all of us have done the same thing. I know someone who refuses to check “Dr. Google,” and instead has his wife look. He knows that if he looks, he will have the worst case scenario.
Well said, Tania! Love your blog!
I look forward to your posts. I found I wasn’t receiving them…??? For some reason they were going directly to my Trash?? But I found them and have been moving them back to my in box.
My mind goes off on what ifs too…rein them constantly.
Have a blessed day 💕
Lorie, that happens occasionally. Moving them to your inbox tells your email provider that they are something you want to read.
My only recommendation is to find a service that can help you with web protection/management. I know your first thought is how much is this going to cost? I don’t know because I don’t see the back end of your site (and frankly, I don’t want to snoop).
Nice post! Thank you!
Thank you for your Sunday posts. This one is particularly on point in today’s world. May we all let our thoughts dwell on good things and praise the Lord for His blessings.
Another great devotional. Thanks for posting these.
Love love love this post.
I KNOW this is why your website is still in tack. God is blessing you through your Sunday posts, and will continue to do so because your thoughts and dwelling are in the right place. Keep on posting this for the Lord and giving Him praise for each little victory!! Have a blessed Sunday
Joyce, I like to think that is why I’ve flourished. He gave me this blog for a reason, and I hope it is helping women all over the world.
Amen! You are so right Tania; the Deceiver uses negative distractions to shift our attention from
what is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute. We are so vulnerable to deception and depression when we take our eyes the Savior. 🙏
I appreciate your honoring our Lord’s day! I am also concerned about Google and AI! Our lives are all wrapped up in our phones. I try to focus on our Lord! Thank you for stepping out in faith!
I think most of your followers will find you, no matter what. I know I will!
Tania by putting God first of course that ione reason why your site is doing well. Thank you for your Words and scripturestoday with my brain cancer diagnosis Ithis certainly needed this one . I pray you have a great Sunday
Anita, I’ll say a prayer for you. Every cancer battle is challenging, to our bodies and mind. I will pray for your healing and strength, and keeping the Lord close will give you peace.
Good morning, Tania. I needed this message today. My thoughts have been all over the place lately too. I need to rein them in & lay them at His feet. The devil knows our weaknesses & areas we doubt & lack & thrills to work on us. But He created us as His, He has overcome, He loves & protects us. These are what I’m clinging to this morning. Thank you for being open with all of us, for sharing your heart, for your encouragement daily. I know He is using you. Jer. 29:11
I so appreciate your thoughts and comments on this. As an artist, I have faced similar struggles -AI generated art is becoming a real threat to artists as it can use bits and pieces of art from all over to make a picture and do it cheaply. I’ve had to do the same things you talked about here: keep my eyes on the Lord and praise Him in all things.
I always look forward to the scripture you post each day and enjoy your Sunday post very much. I do believe He blesses you for honoring Him!
Thank you!
Cecilia
Cecilia, it is terrible how AI is allowed to scrape people’s original work without permission or giving credit. If I did that, Google would take down my website for copyright infrigement.
I needed to be reminded of these thoughts this week. Our minds need to stay on our Father and trusting in Him!
Thanks for sharing😊
Thank you for bringing us back to what’s important. Have a blessed day!
Tania I so enjoy your posts, both for the fashion advice and the spiritual praise. Thank you and bless you!
Lauren D
I needed this message today.
Tania,
These scriptures in Phillipians are some of my favorites!!! Thank you so much for your faith filled Sunday posts. I admire you so much for taking this stand. The message you brought today on your blog blessed my heart ❤️
Such a good word for all of us, for every day! Thank you. Years ago, when I faced a crisis, a friend gave me another good verse to steer me away from worry and fix my thoughts on God: Psalm 112:7 — …”He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.”
That’s a great verse! I have one that speaks about worry robbing today of it’s joy.
Amen!
Beautiful post! Your Sunday posts are my favorite! I am trying very hard to keep my thoughts on God’s blessings.
I would be lost if something happened to your blog. I start my day with you.
I love your fashion and skincare. I check all the Amazon links. I love your humor and inspirational verses. I would like to think if we lived closer we would be friends. I will also pray that nothing happens to all your hard work.
Debbie, the blog wouldn’t go away, I would still have my email list that sends out my daily emails.
A very good reminder and so true. The devil is constantly looking for ways to devour us. If he can capture our thoughts and our minds, then the flesh is sure to follow!
Exactly! Where the mind goes…