Sardine, Oyster, & Old Chicken Grease Shakes.

Last night we had a lesson on Philippians 4:8 and learned how important it is to guard what's going into our minds. Kids and adults alike need to understand that what we put in our brain WILL HAVE an ENORMOUS IMPACT on our words, attitudes and actions. And, how we speak & act affects people's view of us. Pretty heavy stuff.

Humans are living illustrations of the GIGO principle. If you put good stuff in (like Braum's ice cream & milk, and Godiva Chocolate Syrup) good stuff comes out. Throw in some nasty stuff like sardines (which are actually good, just not with ice cream), canned oysters (Always nasty. Period. If you like these, get help.) and old chicken grease - even the good is overpowered by the nasty.

So how do we stay filled with good and keep the nasty out? The answer is both strange and profound.

PET RALPH.

That's right. PET RALPH. That, my friends, is the key to guarding your mind and keeping it filled with the good stuff. What is PET RALPH? I'm glad you asked. Using the NLT version of the Bible, Philippians 4:8 lists eight things a God-follower should focus on. Move the order around and use the first letters to make an acrostic, and you end up with PET RALPH.

Pure. Excellent. True. Right. Admirable. Lovely. Praiseworthy. Honorable.

Think on these things, and use them as a filter to quickly reject anything that doesn't meet God's standard. The person God transforms you into will be some pretty amazing skin to live in.

So, do future you a favor. PET RALPH.