Preparing our minds

I have put off writing a "real" post because it seems that the more I soak in The Word, I am led to other passages that reveal so much more. I have been enjoying wonderful times of discovery and reflection on my swing. It seems that as I began to dig into one passage, I unearthed several lessons that will take some time to unravel.
I guess I have been feeling overwhelmed because I feel like my eyes are being opened to a new way of seeing things. It's like when I have been in a dark room for a while and try to walk out into the bright sunshine. I feel like I have to cup my hands around my eyes and focus on just that small view. Then as my eyes adjust to the light, widen my view until I can take it all in.
My "cupped hands" view revealed 1 Peter 1:13, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." These words struck me because I am all about action. I want to jump in and help wherever I can. But, I don't always take the time to prepare my mind for the actions of my hands. That has caused me to make mistakes, to judge, to cause pain and to be hurt. So, how do I prepare my mind for action?

• Get into The Word - Deuteronomy 11:18a "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds;"
• Praise God - Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
• Use my mind to think about things from all angles, not just my own viewpoint - Philippians 4:5 "Let your gentleness be evident to all."
• Pray - give to God ALL that is on my mind and ask Him to put into my mind the thoughts He desires for me - Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And,the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
• Protect my mind from negative thoughts and Satan's lies - Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."

Ah, I feel like I can see a bit more clearly now. Time to allow more light into my field of vision. My next post will begin to dissect the "whatever" verse.