*image found on facebook

Happy Monday!

Usually on Mondays I like to write something encouraging for the week ahead. I found this picture on my Facebook news feed and the ideas started flying for my blog.

Instead of just going the next 24 hours consciously aware that I’m about to make a 24 hour commitment not to complain, I will document how this challenge will play out! (This will be posted tomorrow, so make sure you come back to see how I do!)

Do you think it’s possible to go 24 hours without complaining on a Monday? 🙂 It’s a Scary challenge!!!

I promise you that I will be honest and if I do slip up, I will let you know.

To prepare my heart for this challenge I will mediate on these words from Philippians 2:14, 15 NIV
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky..”

When we complain we are immediately expressing that we are ungrateful. I know how frustrated I get when I hear my children complain about silly stuff like being bored when they have everything a child could want and more, or complaining because they wanted their bowl of cereal in the blue bowl, not the white bowl. I can only imagine how God must feel when I, myself, complain about the silly things in my life.

When we remember that the world doesn’t just revolve around us, we quickly realize how blessed we are. If you have a warm meal and a hot shower you are blessed beyond your means.

Don’t complain about the mess your kids made in the kitchen, or the 4 hours you are about to spend washing dirty laundry, be thankful you have children.
Don’t complain about your coworkers or your boss, be thankful you are employed and have stability at your work place.
Don’t complain about your circumstances that you can’t change, instead allow this to be a growing season for your character.
Don’t complain about your weight, be thankful for your health and if you are unhappy, change your eating habits.

I once heard when you complain you remain. Why? Because you are allowing your thoughts to stay focused on the negatives and not the positives!

When negative complaints come sneaking up in my heart and traveling up to my mouth I will say these words out loud
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 ESV

So do think you can handle this challenge I present to you on this fabulous Monday?

Do you think I will make it the whole 24 hours or are you betting I slip?
Where is your faith my friend?? 😉
Only time will tell!

If you are taking this challenge please comment below. Or check in with me on Facebook! I could use some encouragement myself! http://www.facebook.com/leighleighspeaks
Or tweet me @ash_leighharris

WE CAN DO THIS!

8:40AM let the games begin!

Big HUGS
-Leigh Leigh