"Guarded Words?” Blog #162
What good words do I tell myself this morning when I wake up?
Is my day unfolding with powerful affirmations inside myself?
Do I lash out at others, or hold my temper, guarding my words carefully?
I write my Blog today at the the beginning of Lent. Today is Ash Wednesday. Now for the
next 40 days and 40 nights a disciplined man named Jesus went out into the desert and
fasted, prayed and learned about HIMSELF overcoming darkness. HE knew what was
ahead of HIM. Having to prepare himself, while suffering before death, HE could not use
any of HIS divine powers. So the 40 days were critical to Jesus discipline. For what was in
store for him was horrifying, to say the least.
All through the years, I have felt it was “just enough” if I gave up candy and sweets. After
all, there has to be something fun to eat, to look forward to each day - right? Well, I am
realizing that type of sacrifice for me is just not enough IF I really want to grow internally,
learn about myself and understand the importance of discipline. I understand things
between our Lord and our self is private. I only share this one time on my Blog to help
anyone out there who may want to see my sample routine. So starting this Lent I give up
things that are comforting habits each day.
What have I decided to give up?
Well, I love to wake up and have a warm blueberry muffin or toast or cranberry muffin or
bagel or donut to go with a large hot green tea with steamed oat milk. I will try to replace
this for the next 40 days with water. I will drink plain, purified water. I will also Fast on
Wednesday and on Friday.* (the exception b/c of my age - I will add fruit juices . Also add
a grapefruit, orange and an apple later in the day). I will limit my watch of television, being
on my phone, computer to I hour a day. I will pray in the morning and pray in the evening
before I go to bed to guard my words. I will take good care of my body, walking outside
exercise and affirmations daily. Now I understand 40 days and 40 nights is a long time
when it comes to radical change, so I will update on my Blog Weekly with complete
honesty.
I want to share the definition of ACCOUNTABILITY.
“ACCOUNTABILITY IS THE PROCESS OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY BEHAVIOR & FOR
THE IMPACT OF THAT BEHAVIOR ON SELF AND OTHERS. MAKING A COMMITMENT TO TELL
THE TRUTH ABOUT MYSELF TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY. THIS REQUIRES I SUPPLY THE FACTS
ABOUT WHAT I HAVE DONE, THOUGHT AND FELT IN ANY GIVEN SITUATION. I TAKE
RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY WORDS AND THE IMPACT ON OTHERS. I MAKE AMENDS, CORRECT
A WRONG AND TREAT MYSELF AND OTHERS WITH INTEGRITY, UNDERSTANDING AND
FORGIVENESS.”
It’s important to realize that “No man or no woman, knows how bad he or she is until one
has tried very hard to be good. A person does not know strength of evil temptation
inside the body until one tries very hard to fight it! Yet, when the body is weak and wants to
give in, Jesus knows what it takes to supply us in EVERY struggle. So how can we find out
how strong we are against the darkness until we really try?
I want to understand, know and feel more discipline in my own life, starting today. Then
God-willing, at the end of forty days and forty nights I can truly say I learned so much more
about myself without giving myself excuses not to try. How else can I ever have the
courage of my convictions unless I put myself to the TEST?
Once I put my words out there, into the atmosphere, everyone can read what I have
promised myself I will do. These words are important. My words are guarded and guided
and given to me to share today with the awareness anyone can have discipline over self.
It is just a matter of making the decision to do it and start today. Next week I will share my
struggling truth about fasting and giving up, what I am used to indulging on a Daily Basis
and how this affects my relationship with others.
Stay tuned ….each day with be interesting to say the least……
I pass the challenge on, what are YOU ready to give-up for Lent?
NOW LISTEN TO SONG FOR TODAY - CLICK PLAY BUTTON IN VIDEO BELOW