Stinkin’ Thinkin’
July 24, 2019 by Aubrey Spencer
Filed under Daily Devotions, Family
By Aubrey Spencer –
Not long ago, I introduced my son Oliver to one of the great joys from my childhood—Zig Ziglar. If you don’t know of him, he’s a motivational speaker who (years ago) created music for kids with positive messages. His songs were all about succeeding in life, making good choices, having great attitudes, being a winner, etc. I loved my Zig Ziglar tape! I honestly think it’s part of the reason I turned out to be such a crazy optimist. Even as a kid, I loved being positive, and Zig Ziglar knew just how to “pump me up” with inspiration. Our family listened to his tape, See You at The Top, over and over in the car when we took road trips. I knew every line of every song. Songs like, “Don’t Kick the Cat,” “Goodbye, Mr. Mediocrity,” “Don’t Be Flaky Like the Biscuit,” “Stop the Stinkin’ Thinkin’,” and “Dr. M.Y. Self.” Makes you want to borrow my tape, doesn’t it?
So, the other day, when we were on a small road trip, we gave Oliver his first Zig Ziglar experience. It was great! My first time to really pass something from my childhood on to my child. Something with meaning, hope, optimism, and worth. And, you know what? I’m pretty sure he liked it. I suspect he’ll be singing the words before long, just like his mommy!
The motivational blast from the past got me thinking—it’s really important to me to begin, even this early on in his life, to fill Oliver’s mind with good things. I want him to be positive even when times are tough. We all go through times like that at some point. Times when discouragement sets in. Times when people let you down. Times when the future is uncertain and the present is unbearable. Times when it would be easy, even understandable, to fill our minds with bitterness and negative thinking. But, instead of getting bogged down with the injustices of life, I choose to fill my mind with Christ. With His love. With His promises. And, with His power. As I heard one time, we need to focus less on the mountain and more on the Mountain Mover! Jesus is able. I’m going to fill my mind with that thought. And, if that doesn’t stop stinkin’ thinkin’, I don’t know what will!
PRAYER: Father, help me to focus on You and the things that draw me closer to You. Fill my mind completely with Your goodness and with the hope I have in You.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).
Aubrey Spencer is a minister’s wife and stay-at-home mom to two little miracles, Oliver and Ava. She has a passion for writing and entertaining but realizes her greatest ministry at the moment is to raise her children to be people after God’s own heart. She loves to see how God shows up in everyday situations. Read more of her writings at http://ministrymama.blogspot.com.
How tremendously encouraging a reminder this is, Aubrey! You’ve got me thinking more concretely about how I can boost my loved ones when they struggle. And I read Zig’s book years ago, but never knew he made a kids’ tape! I’ll be looking for it.
Robin, thank you for the comments! I am so grateful to my parents for exposing me to a world of positive thinking and optimism, and I am excited to pass that along to my own children now. The Zig Ziglar tape is almost impossible to find, so if you are ever serious about wanting a copy, let me know. My husband had a local radio station put the tape onto a cd for us.
Praise Jesus!!! I have a friend who has been looking for this tape for his kids for years without success. It would be giant if I could procure a copy for him. And I would love it for my 8 year old son as well! Thank you so much!!!
I too used to play this for my kids and we all sang along with the snappy tunes, but I am not able to find that tape, or even on line? Can you point me in the right direction? Good luck with your Oliver, and great idea to start him early. I now have 5 grandchildren I would love to play these for along with worship songs of Veggie Tales! Connie
Thank you Cornelia for the comment! I have been asked many times for where to find the tape, and I can’t find it anywhere. My husband had our tape put onto a cd a few years back. I would be more than happy to send you a copy if you would like to email me your info.
Aubrey,
I was wondering if I might be able to have a copy of this cd also. Today Mr. Ziglar pasted away and I remember the amazing songs my mom played for me as a child. Please let me know if this is something you could do.
I have been looking gor this tape for years. My tape broke in the 90s and have been looking every since. Can you get a copy for me and let me know the cost and shipping. My daughter, now 40, loved it and would like it for her children. We use to listen to it all the time.
Thank you.
Sharon
I have been looking for this tape for years. My tape broke in the 90s and have been looking every since. Can you get a copy for me and let me know the cost and shipping. My daughter, now 40, loved it and would like it for her children.
Thank you.
Sharon
so great to hear that someone has the zig zigler childrens songs. My sisters and i have been looking for them for years now. Could you please let us know where we could find/buy these great songs!!! Would love for our children to have great road trip songs like we did so many years ago! Look forward to hearing from you! Thanks for your post!
Thank you, Heather! I haven’t been able to find the tape anywhere to purchase. My husband had our tape copy put onto a cd. I would be more than happy to send you a copy if you would like. Just let me know where to send it.
Aubrey- I would love to have a copy of the Zig Ziglar children’s tape. How could I get a copy?
Hi Aubrey,
I have been searching all over for the tape you are speaking of- my father and I listened to it every morning when I was growing up and it would mean the world to me if I could get a copy. Is there any way I can purchase one of your CDs? The happiness it would bring my father and myself is priceless.
Hi Aubrey,
Do you have zig Zigler’s Motivational Songs. I have looked everywhere, including the Zig Ziglar corporation and can’t find the songs from the Zig Ziglar singers.
Thanks