Hey, Sweet Things! God prompted me to throw a Monday challenge out on Twitter early this morning and on my way to work it occurred to me that I should extend it to my dear fellow Siestas. Here’s the challenge: to go through this entire day (starting now, in case it’s a little late) until shutting our eyes on our pillows tonight without a single criticism or complaint. Consider it a deliberate exercise in Philippians 2:14-15. What prompted the challenge was my own feeling that I could get cranky today if I let myself. (I didn’t have room to explain it on Twitter.) I’ve told you before about my sleep issue (it runs in my family of origin and, no, I don’t drink caffeine later in the day) and a lot of days I just shrug it off but somehow, when Monday morning follows a short Sunday night, I feel fussier about it. This morning I could see the handwriting on the wall. I made up my mind to choose joy in the power of Jesus’ Name. While turning those pedals on my exercise bike, I told the Lord out loud that I wanted to make it all day long without voicing one single complaint. I could not believe how quickly my mood improved and I feel as happy as one who’s had 10 solid hours of sleep.
Now, let me quickly say this. I’m not a fan of living in denial. Some complaints are legitimate and NEED VOICING! I already had one of those this morning on a good friend’s behalf who is in rough situation. So, what do you do then? Voice it to God! Lord have mercy, don’t think I’m posing as some huge example here this morning. I’m just asking you if you want to join me in being very deliberate about our mouths and our attitudes today. If you have a valid complaint, take it to God and, if possible, say it to Him out loud. It increases the sense that you really did get it off your chest. Sometimes a silent prayer doesn’t carry the same power as one spoken with passion and holy intent. Make some declarations today so even your enemy knows you mean business.
What do we do if we get to noon having already blown it? START OVER!!! How many times we have to start over helps us see how habitual our complaints may be. We may have no idea that some of the people around us think we’re habitual complainers and perpetual nay sayers. We are also part of a culture that shouts from every corner of social media, “If you think it, say it!” and the discipline of self-restraint is circling the drain. Lastly, it just doesn’t help. Murmuring and complaining and dwelling on how much something or someone annoys us only adds to the bad mood.
Think up, Siestas! Let’s choose joy! And let’s choose it out loud. No time to proof this post and write it well. Lots of work to do but I’m doing it with joy. I’m crazy about you guys and think of you every day.
Jesus loves you. This I know.
What a great challenge – and take some inventory of my attitude!!! Will joyfully join you because one of the verses He has given me(I think it’s for life) is Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is good for building others up according to their needs so that is may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
On it!
Ooops! I guess this means I need to get on Twitter! Wish I had gotten this earlier in the day, but I am going to turn it around right now!
Thanks, Beth, for the reminder! I need this one everyday. I’m the one woman Moses would have kicked out of the marching Israelites, because I can find something to complain about when everything is wonderful! I would have gotten sick and tired of manna, and let everyone know about it!
Somehow I’ve been humbled in the last month to know that my dear friend, Lisa, is lying on her deathbed, waiting to meet the Lord Jesus. Having kissed her and held her hand and said “see you soon — we’ll dance!” makes me slower to complain about my petty grievances. Her sweet, loving, hurting family have reason to complain — I don’t. I’m also humbled to think of my sweet friend, Pat, lying in a hospital bed very, very sick — a woman who has struggled with health problems all her life, and NEVER complained! These women are inspirations to me. Lord, help me hold my tongue!
And just a little word about sleep from one who struggled for 10 years with apnea, and praise God, now it’s gone ….. the two things that made all the difference for me were losing 10-15 pounds (you don’t need to do that), and I stopped eating sugar! I was amazed how my body reacted with sound sleep! Just a thought …..
Grateful in Kansas,
Pat
Thanks Beth! I sure needed that encouragement today, especially. I’ve already blown it once and had to start over at 10:30 a.m.
Take care, all of you there in Houston!
Carol
Amen! Yes, count me in!
Beth, I just signed up a few days ago to receive the LPM Blog via e-mail. Thank you for this challenge. My afternoon will be much different than my morning because of the words God gave you and YOU taking the time to share them with us. I wonder how many “GOOD” things I have missed by not getting the blog, but I will press on forward and I accept this challenge in the precious name of Jesus. I love you and all of mey new Siestas and I would like to request ALL of your prayers for me while I deal with a situation in which I feel like I do not have the strength to overcome. I give it to God. Thank You Beth and thank you Siestas (in advance) for your faithfulness and your prayers.
I’m praying for you, Dawn, that through through the Holy Spirit and in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, our loving God will be your comfort and strength.
I know exactly what you mean about “missing out” on blessings. Check out Joel 2:25. I claimed that verse after coming back to Jesus after several years of backsliding. He truly has repaid the years the locusts ate.
Welcome, Siesta!
Thank you for the challenge. I choose joy! I really needed this today!
This couldn’t have come at a better time! A wonderful reminder to have my thoughts and actions in accordance to GOD’s perfect will for me!
Love to you!
Well, it’s 2:32 and I’ve not really talked to anyone since I dropped the kids off at school so I don’t have much to repent for thankfully :-). I might want to continue this challenge tomorrow since I go back to work!
Amen!!!! I’m feeling a little cranky myself with a lack of sleep with a 4 month old and two other young children in the house. I was ready to have a full-blown self pity fit this weekend when my Compassion International newsletter arrived in the mail showing children living close to a dump, scavenging food for their families and trying to find recyclables to sell in order to survive. And I could just hear God hollering in my ear, “A LITTLE perspective would be in order Christelle….”
I accept the challenge. My husband’s grandfather is moving in with us today and I’ve been filled with anxiety and doubt. Even questions of whether we should have offered (as aweful as that sounds). I’ve been trying to stay positive, but thanks for the push!
Lindsay, it doesn’t sound awful, but I hope you and your husband will be really blessed by what you’re doing.
Beth, please help me understand. I want to be this type of woman. But how do you balance this with not being a doormat? I am about to get married and I want to be a woman that delights my husband and is not constantly upset or has her feeilngs hurt. I do not know how to balance this. I want to be patient, easy going, and easy to be around. As I work with the Lord to renew my mind, what do I do when I feel my feelings hurt? It feels like if I bottle them up they will never go away, so I end up spilling them and then I feel stupid and embarrassed afterwards. I want to be a WOMAN OF GRACE. How can I do this and have a back bone. To boil it down, How do you balance this in order to be a JOY to those around you? Do you understand my struggle?
Erin, I have found in marriage that it’s not about being something fake and plastering a smile on when it hurts, but living daily with integrity. We haven’t been married even one decade yet, but I am amazed by how God has woven my husband and me together. I am so crazy for my man, but no one can make me crazier than my man. I am working to define myself in Christ (some days are better than others) and seek God’s call on my life. The more I take my praise and complaints to God about my husband, the more I find myself seeking to honor him. I really am a lousy wife in and of myself, but when I am prayerfully seeking God, the Holy Spirit really does cause me to do and say things I would never do on my own. I’m praying for you as you prepare your heart and strive to become the Godly wife you are called to be. How I wish I would have worked at this before our vows!
I’m in:) for tomorrow too since I got a late start
My husband came home for a minute, and I had to Start Over!!! Haha!!! But I did catch myself!! Soooo starting over!!! 🙂
Thanks for giving us this challenge today, Beth. I really needed it in my life today!
OUCH!! I needed that, Beth.
Hilda in Pearland
so of course you know the song, “it is well.” well, it was on the other day and God pointed out to me that a lot of times, in life, i am able (by His strength) to say “it is well” regarding the really, really big things that come up. as far as the little things though, well that’s another story. He convicted me that i need to be able to sing with my mouth and in my heart “it is well” regarding the little things in life – every day life/situations/drama. so true – isn’t it?
my sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and i bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul!
it is well, it is well
with my soul, with my soul
it is well, it is well, with my soul…
as a side note, i’d appreciate your prayers tonight. i am a week overdue to have my second baby girl and i’m being induced <3 thanks siestas!
Praying, Amy. Isn’t February a great month for a birthday?
I am in! Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in WORD or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God the Father through Him! Thank you for this challenge.
Oh and I was just joyful when I cleaned the bathroom!!! Thank You Jesus for giving me Your Joy!!
Today was a wonderful day! It was the first day since my mom’s diagnosis of cancer in November that we spent together and it seemed like old times, before cancer plagued our family. Thank you Jesus for today!!!!!!
Yes, I choose JOY!
This is so timely, Beth. For my second verse to memorize I chose Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear”. Then, just before opening your post I came upon a book by Will Bowen called “A complaint free world”. I think God is teaching me something and I am excited! Thank you for the challenge.
So here in BC it is only noon.
This morning I went out with a gal-pal and delivered 150 flyers for my fund raiser sale on the 19th, to support women to attend a Beth conference in March.
Wished I had seen this post before I came home and looked at my emails -Oh Well … like Beth says, start now!
Jesus reign-in this tongue! May God be glorified from now on! Grumpies you are on notice!!!!
Thanks Beth for re-directing our eyes where they belong – on our Savior and LORD!!
A day of no complaint and no criticism; that’s going to be tough but I will try it. Actually, half the day is over so maybe it won’t be so hard after all.
Beth you do not mess around with your challenges. My memory verse this time is James 1:5. I had to say it alot this morning and realized the situation I was upset about got less and less as the morning went on. Most of our complaints are so pitiful poor God for having to listen to us. The larger ones well more prayer time asking for wisdom to turn them into positive answers to prayer…..Hope you have a good week.
A great way to come off the weekend…count me in Beth! Many blessings. Tina
I’m in! Thanks for the challenge!
I’m in too! It’s already 3:30pm here but its never too late 🙂 I need more encouragement in this area…I see it rubbing off on my kids…Ouch. Thanks mamma
A close friend gave me DAILY STEPS FOR GOD CHICKS–A 90 DAY DEVOTIONAL FOR REAL WOMEN by Holly Wagner. A photocopy of page 149 hangs on my fridge. “When Jesus entered a situation, He brought hope and encouragement. When people were freaking out and afraid, when they were at the end of their rope, His words brought encouragement. Ours should do the same. Encouraging words are gifts. Make it a point to be encouraging to the people in your world. If you find it hard, you are just out of practice. Why do we find it easier to point out the weakness we see in someone rather than finding ways we can be her cheerleader? How can we so easily point out some area someone can improve in and find it hard to tell her where she is doing a great job? Develop the reputation of being the most encouraging person on the block! Daily Step: Go on a criticism fast today…even if you have a legitimate criticism or even if you feel like you criticism is ‘constructive,’ don’t share it. Just for today, only let encouraging words come out of your mouth.”
I’m in, too! It’s a discipline I try to practice every day, but you are so right. Some days are harder than others. I especially feel the crunch when I ran out of weekend way too fast, and my mind starts spinning with my Monday to do list. I just have to remind myself, “Praise God, I can do a to do list!” I know people who can’t. They have a legitimate complaint. I don’t.
I JUST saw this post, boy did I need to read it and be challenged!!! I just made a comment to my mom,with whom I am vacationing with, about not wanting for her to tell me to avoid certain foods that may irritate my colon! I NEED to choose joy and shut my mouth. Thanks Beth for the challenge even though half the day is gone!!! I can only do this with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Beth, I just read this and needed it this morning!!! Man, I blew it already early in the day, but I willing to take the challenge now!
This is a bit….challenging. I didn’t even make it through reading the post before my mind started whirring onto some petty little complainy thing. I suppose this challenge is very specifically for me. My memory verse pertains to my thoughts and my words, so I think God just might be trying to teach me something.
Good luck siestas! The world will be better (if not a bit quieter) for this exercise in restraint.
Excellent challenge…I am in.
I’ve got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart, Where?…down in my heart.
Blessings
Boy, did I need to read this today!
I am IN!! There are a couple of our elderly sisters who seem to LIVE this challenge. One in particular brings me delight – she meets everything with ENTHUSIASM!!! Her name is Sister Mary Joy and she is has lived into her name – JOY!
I am surrounded by so many living examples of the beauty that can come from living in Christ & for Christ.
Needed this today!! Thank you for your faithful encouragement (Heb. 3:13). Praying God’s blessings to you today!
I’m taking the challenge a bit late in the day (4:04 pm est)…I’ll be up until at least 11:00 tonight so plenty of time left to be free of complaints. I choose joy too Beth!
I’m just now seeing this (4 pm) but I’m in for the rest of today AND tomorrow!!! Yep, major complainer here and I justify by only complaining to my husband. HA! As if that makes it okay??? No way!!!
Thank you for this challenge!!!
His,
Shari
What a great idea! I will definitely take the challenge!
God is so funny! I just got the weirdest phone call from someone at church. My husband is a youth pastor, and the phone call was one of those that can leave you thinking, “are you kidding me? This came from a Christian? Lord help us!” So, I called my husband immediately to “tell him” about it. But really I think I was calling to complain. The phone went straight to voicemail so I hung up and called right back. Voicemail again. I thought, “oh well, I’ll just tell him later when he gets home.” The next thing I did was turn on my computer and read this post! I mean, I could only start laughing! Ok, God, I won’t complain to my husband…I’ll just pray instead for the sweet lady who probably meant well even though her call may not have appeared that way. 🙂 I’m glad I read someone’s earlier comment who said her memory verse is Psalm 142:2 “I pour out my complaint before Him; before Him I tell my trouble.” I love God. Sometimes He has to discipline us harshly, but sometimes His way of discipline is just so sweet and fun as He gently reprimands our foolish hearts!
This challenge just gave me a much needed spiritual woopin’! Now, off to try it for the rest of this day and maybe tomorrow 🙂
The house is chaotic, 4 children, sicknesses, husband away and I choose joy today too!!!!! Thank you Lord.
What an awesome challenge – especially for women 😉 Oh that we would live each day deliberately and bring glory to our heavenly Father through our choices and attitudes! Love you Beth!
♥♥ Sherry ♥♥
Just a funny little thing I do ALL the time and it came to mind as I read your post this morning. I ask Jesus to multiply my sleep when I know I havn’t had my eyes closed for as many hours as I need to function in a way that will honor him. Seems to work. Enjoy today!
I know it’s late afternoon, but I’m taking the challenge. This goes along with another challenge given by my pastor yesterday. He spoke on selfishness and challenged everyone for one week to to make a concerted effort to focus on others and their needs(spouse, friend, co-worker, strangers, etc) and not just on our own. Put others before ourselves. Remember it’s not all about you.
i have let my mouth habitually run with complaints in the past few months…and i wonder why i’m so cranky all the time! why do we despise discipline so much, when we know how good it is for us?!
thank you. i needed to read this post today. at this exact moment.
It’s almost 4:30 pm and I wish I’d read this earlier in the day. I’ve failed in that assignment at least twice today, knowing at the time that I should have kept my mouth shut. The good news is that in the past I would be thinking how hopeless I am, and how weary God must be of me—but now I know that He still forgives me and, wonder of wonders, still loves me. I accept the challenge for the rest of this day and tomorrow, too. We have Bible study at our house tonight, and I have to open it with prayer, and I was already feeling unworthy to do that. Thank you for the wake-up call! (I’m not worthy, but He surely is!)
I can shout an amen to this one! I’m on board!
And bless your heart, Beth, for spinning the wheels on the bike even after a poor night’s sleep. You are more disciplined than I. 🙂
Even though I’m joining this challenge later in the day, here’s to an afternoon and evening of JOY and GRATITUDE!
Thanks, Beth. I’m trying to figure out my new iPhone today (so I can to the LPM app of course) and that can try one’s good humor — the Lord and I have already talked about it!