Half-way through my 21 days of no sugar in January I realized that I didn't have a problem with just saying no to sugar, I had a problem saying no to everything. So I had the grand idea of taking the first 21 days of each month of 2010 and saying no to something.
January was sugar, February was spending, March was fast-food, and for April? April will be exercising self-control in criticizing and/or nagging my husband. (Needless to say this is his favorite idea so far.) When pondering about why I decided this would be a good one, I came to the realization that this, for me, was just as much about self-control as any of the previous themes. When Brian (he's a great blogger by the way, hit the link and it will take you to his site) does something that annoys me or I feel needs to be addressed, I want to tell him then and in whatever way I want to say it - instead of thinking it through, choosing the right words, the right tone of voice, or choosing not to say it at all. And it usually results in an argument. It's all about self-control. So this month, I am exercising control over my tongue.
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it." James 4:1
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Proverbs 10:19
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1
"Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife." Proverbs 21:19
"be self-controlled..." 1 Peter 1:13b
I'm joining you!!! But I'm adding the spin you taught me long ago... I will praise him more often, too!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Melanie! And thanks for reminding me of that most important addition. Write me again in a few days and tell me how you're doing with it. I just said my 2nd criticism in 5 days... much better than before, but don't want to do it again.
ReplyDeleteI love the addition of the biblical reasons to follow through with this most important way for us to be the wives God called us to be. I completed this task last month and my relationship with my husband has improved dramatically. I continue to work at it as I find we get along better when I am less critical. For the month of April I have committed to no Mocha's...wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteAly, you were definitely the one who inspired this latest theme - so neat to hear you can see a difference even now that your fast is over. And what's cool is that these are all verses I have read since deciding what the fast for April would be. Good luck with mochas! Let me know how it goes!
ReplyDelete...Battleing the adiction of ciggeretes has been extremely tough. When I think of quiting but can't it makes me think that I can't have self control in any area of my life. Please pray for me. Thanks for showing me that it's possible!
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog Maureen!
-Colin
I can only imagine how hard it is to stop smoking, Colin... why don't you take the first 21 days of May and say no to it - and then see if you can go longer. Even if you can't go longer - you could do 21 days in June too. Not smoking 21 days out of the month is better than nothing!
ReplyDelete