Here today as I work on a new blog idea, I look out my window. I have been creating a flower garden for several years now just outside my window to provide inspiration when I get stuck. Writer’s block is not a good thing.
I can look out and see squirrels scurrying about along with a few ground squirrels, Chip and Dale can really move even with those tiny legs!
I also have a large butterfly bush that has a lovely purple bloom on it. It’s still green even though we’ve been having some damaging frosts lately. Wow…what determination!
I’ve greatly enjoyed my little flower garden. I hope to be able to add to it this next year. I’ve realized that when I first began developing it there was a lot more sun but as the nearby trees grew they are now blocking out a lot of direct sunlight. Flowers need that to shine.
Isn’t that just like us?
We need the Son’s direct light to shine on us so we know and understand what it is He’d have us to do. I know for me, without Him in my life I can easily get bogged down by the ugliness of this world.
I find myself wondering what would happen if I stepped into a detox type of season momentarily by disconnecting from most of my social media, turning off the television especially the news and focusing on only positive thankful things for a bit?
Lately, my mental health has taken a hard hit.
I can’t help but wonder if someway, somehow I’ve allowed the enemy to slither in when I give in to grumbling?
I believe when I give into grumbling I am engaging the negative forces which, if taken in large doses, will block the positive ones. It is my decision for I am the one who holds the remote to many issues I face.
It’s embarrassing to admit, but of late I’ve really been doing a lot of grumbling and complaining.
Philippians 2:14 ESV
Do all things without grumbling or questioning,
James 5:9 ESV
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Exodus 16:8 ESV
And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the Lord has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord.”
Exodus 15:24 ESV
And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
Exodus 16:7 ESV
And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against the Lord. For what are we, that you grumble against us?”
Exodus 16:2-3 ESV
And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
What are some negative effects of grumbling and complaining?
A quick google search pops this up:
When you complain, you increase your levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Chronically high levels of cortisol can lead to a variety of health problems, including increased risk of depression, digestive problems, sleep issues, higher blood pressure and even increased risk of heart disease.
Wow….that’s not very good now is it?
What are two ways you are practicing positivity during this season?
Drop your answers in the comments below.
I will…
- Limit my time on social media daily.
- Make sure to get outside for fresh air and Vit-D.
I believe that a lot of our battles in our mind can be overcome with a positive attitude and a grateful heart. For me, that doesn’t come easily due to a trauma-filled past. However, I am learning to adjust my thinking and focus on the positive. I am also learning how to change my patterns of thinking.
I have much to be thankful for instead of grumbling and complaining about.
What are you thankful for?
Prayers your holiday is stress-free, and if not, then that you will be able to distance yourself from the stress drainers…those who like to suck the life right outta ya!
Enjoy your day!
Make wonderful memories!
And be abundantly blessed!
You are worth it!!
Pamela Richards-Woodall 