21 Day Challenge

I've been reading this really awesome book:

 

And its been one of the most convicting books I've read. I like marriage books ( especially wanting to go into marriage counseling.) I generally read through a lot of these books and they act as a refresher from what I've learned from previous books/pre-marital counseling/ college. But not this book.

This book strikes at the core of not just working towards being a better partner in marriage, but how we interact with others and with God. Each chapter I read, I've been taking a while to just let it soak in, and Let me tell you, God has really been using this book to change me. 

In just the second chapter, she talks about a story where a pastor encouraged his congregation to go on a "21-day challenge" of not grumbling, complaining or saying anything negative. He then handed out wrist bands for the members to wear, and each time they said a complainative word, they would switch the bracelet to the other hand. It allowed for the members to realize just how much negative comes out of their mouth.

She produces several biblical support to back up the notion that God desires for us to be positive in our outlook and in our lives. She highlights that  what we allow out of mouths really are from our hearts. 

"But the words you speak come from the heart--that's what defiles you."

Mathew 15:18

And encourages the reader to essentially do Philippians 4:8

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

 The church congregation actually took a poll on how long it took the congregation to average member to complete the challenge. It takes an average of 4 to 8 months to go a consecutive 21 days without grumbling or complaining! When the pastor was interviewed at the end of the first 21 days, he told the local newspaper that he himself has only been able to go a consecutive 6 hours before having to switch the bracelet.

Hopefully it doesn't take me that long! 

1st day update

Pro: I bought a cute bracelet to wear that will match everything! woot!

Ouch: Within the first hour I switched it over 3 times. I notice my complaining is  more of the joking 'haha, look how funny this bad situation is.." but it still was complaining, just a more sophisticated version. I wonder if the lovely girl I grabbed coffee with noticed me switching my bracelet over with every conversation shift. It probably looked like a nervous habit....Oy vey. 

This will be a very very good lesson.