15 Things You Should Give Up In Order To Be Happy (this is a link, you can click it after you read my blog!)
I’m not normally one for “internet psychology” but when I saw this post on facebook I was intrigued.
Interesting, right? Since I’ve committed to this year of “abandonment” and given up some big stuff to be here, I was especially interested to see what this writer had to say.
So I clicked on the link.
I found a list of fifteen ideas that kinda made me laugh, because while I’m sure this person was never a World Racer, they sure hit the nail on the head describing this journey!
I want to adapt them a little bit and share them with you. These are truths that the Lord has been working out in me over this past year and things that I am praying He cements in me over the next three months. Maybe not the secrets to happiness but definitely the stones that pave the way to deep joy in Jesus. I think it’s important not only to give up things but to know what you’re gaining in the process…so here’s my attempt to share with you what I’ve learned throughout this year via a random internet blogger.
1.GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO ALWAYS BE RIGHT….to make space in your life to prefer and honor others.
2. GIVE UP YOUR NEED FOR CONTROL…to learn absolute dependence on the Lord and the secret of contentment.
3. GIVE UP ON BLAME…to walk in some freedom and forgiveness! Take heart – your faith has made you whole! (Matt 9:22)
4. GIVE UP YOUR SELF-DEFEATING SELF-TALK…to begin speaking out words of LIFE over yourself and others that actually shift some things.
5. GIVE UP YOUR LIMITING BELIEFS…and know that you are LOVED and KNOWN by the God who makes the impossible possible (Luke 1:37) and because Jesus said we would do even greater things. (John 14:12)
6. GIVE UP COMPLAINING…to choose JOY in every circumstance; in the leaky tent and unbearable heat and dirty diapers and limited budget and -1 degree F prayer walks. CHOOSE JOY.
7. GIVE UP THE LUXURY OF CRITICISM….to take the plank out of your own eye before you call out someone else’s speck. And then speak boldly and declare the truth about yourself and that someone else.
8. GIVE UP YOUR NEED TO IMPRESS OTHERS…to serve the Lord your God with your whole heart and being.
9. GIVE UP YOUR RESISTANCE TO CHANGE…because change is BEAUTIFUL and needed and so much more rewarding than we can imagine.
10. GIVE UP LABELS…and starting calling one another by TRUTH – beloved, free, forgiven, healed, whole, worthy, called. We are all He says we are.
11. GIVE UP ON YOUR FEARS… and accept His perfect LOVE. Because perfect love casts out fear and we are full, up to the brim, with His perfect love.
12. GIVE UP YOUR EXCUSES….and recognize that you were made to do something about the injustices you see. God is faithful to equip those He calls if we will just take a step in faith.
13. GIVE UP THE PAST….because it doesn’t define you. It’s a part of your story, but it’s not THE story of your life. Your heavenly Father desires to write you a new testimony!
14. GIVE UP ATTACHMENT…it’s not a part of you. You have the freedom and authority to cut the soul ties that are holding you back!
15. GIVE UP LIVING YOUR LIFE TO OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPECTATIONS…and live out the incredible story the Creator desires for you!
This month I have the privilege of serving at Casa Jackson, a malnutrition rehabilitation center just outside of Anitgua in San Felipe, Guatemala. Jesus is too good to me. This is what my days look like:
My sweet Emanuel – God with us.
Pray for sweet Diego; he has horrible acid reflux and was taken to the hospital this week. We miss him!
Jess and I with our little guys…love these sweet kiddos!
Hiked a volcano with these fierce women. Check out this view!!
