What are your core beliefs?

One of my favorite books is The Shack by William P Young. If you haven't read it...you should! Keep in mind it is fiction and not theological doctrine...wouldn't want you to go getting your doctrinal panties in a wad. :)    One of my favorite parts in the book is when God is talking to Mack about his core beliefs. This is something I talk about when counseling...a lot! Our beliefs effect our thoughts about specific events which effects our emotional responses. For example, if you are struggling with the emotion response of fear, look back at the event that you think caused the fear and figure out how you have perceived the event and then look at the belief behind the perception...then you will find the root of the problem and begin the path to change and healing.  Clear as mud right?! Maybe this qoute from The Shack will clear it up: "Paradigms power perception and perceptions power emotions. Most emotions are responses to perception--what you think is true about a given situation. If your perception is false, then your emotional response to it will be false too. So check your perceptions, and beyond that check the truthfulness of your paradigms--what you believe. Just because you believe something firmly doesn't make it true. Be willing to reexamine what you believe. The more you live in truth, the more your emotions will help you see clearly. But even then, you don't want to trust them more than me [God]."  Knowing what your paradigms, or core beliefs, are is key. It is so important to know what you believe, in every area of life (especially about God) and why you believe it.  If you don't your emotions and perceptions will begin shaking you to your core until you figure it out.  Ask your family and friends what their core beliefs are if you don't know where to start. If nothing else, it will encourage some great conversation with your family!  Life's to short to stay in the shallow end! :)