SO this is the very first year (of all the years I have been a Christian) that I have decided to actively DO something for Lent. It took me a long while to decide of something I wanted to give up. finding something to give back has always seemed like more of a reward than a sacrifice. And although I can always think of ways to find time/activities to grow closer to God, I always seem to veer off in the opposite direction busying myself with something else God has called me to do.
While struggling to find a specific something for Lent I came across this in my devotional:
“Rest in my radiant presence. the world around you seems to spin faster and faster, till everything is blue, yet there is a cushion of calm at the center of your life, where you live in union with Me. return to the soothing Center as often as you can, for this is where you are energized: filled with My Love, Joy and Peace.
The world is a needy place’ do not go there for sustenance. instead, come to Me. Learn to depend on Me alone, and your weakness will become saturated with My Power. When you find your completeness in Me, you can help other people without using them to meet your own needs. Live in the Light of My Presence, and your light will shine brightly into the lives of others.”
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
1 John 4:12
12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
SO, i have a stack of books here that cover a multitude of issues. I have started reading all of them, but throughout the process have forgotten them. @ the end of each day I will share with you a piece of information or knowledge that I have learned from one of my many literary conquests. ALSO, I want ot let all of you know what I have decided to do for Lent.
Gossip.
I barely get any time to myself in the evening, certaintly dont get any time during the day… but in the end I hvae decided to not Gossip. Irealize that some “gossip” simply can not be avoided, but in general I want to STOP talking about friends when they arent around, even if its good news or GOOD things being talked about……. this devotional above reminded me of how much I rely on other people around me to complete me or bring me happiness. I get stuck feeling like I have to have a million “so called” friends around me rather than a few “true” friends in order for me to feel accomplished or completed. THEN diving into such large groups of people I get caught up in the “Did you hear what so and so decided to do today?” “did you hear where so and so is living now?” “oh yeah so and so quit that job.” I understand that generally I do not like sitting around and talking negative about someone I care about, or even someone I dislike. It makes me feel sick and disgusted with myself and I do try not to do it. However, Im the one that gets excited about good news like a pregnancy or engagement and will run and tell everyone before Ive been told it’s ok to do so because I just cant hold it in! SO, during this lent season I will atttempt to not talk about anyone wihtout their permission or presence in the conversation. Even now Im wondering if this feat is even possible… but with God I do believe it is. I share this with you because as my friends and family I NEED your help to get through this. Dont ask me about someone else and what’s going on with them, if you want to know…go ask them yourself. if you hear me talking about someone dont be afraid to point it out and help me recognize that I have messed up. Encourage me and support me in this adventure.
Thank You.
How cool! I didn’t even know you had a blog the way this comes up on FB makes it look like a link to someone else’s thing but I thought it sounded like you so I clicked to be sure and sure enough- you have a blog too! Awesome! I love the thoughts you shared with us- and the verses- keep em coming!