Give This Up For Lent

     Our society wears Busyness as a badge of honor, but that was never God’s intent. When you find yourself feeling like you have to “keep up,” STOP and slow down. Release any distractions (i.e., television, social media, comparison, etc.) and Be Present. Take a bath, meditate for five minutes, journal, or sit outside and let the sun shine on your face. Be mindful of ways to rest and recharge, and “Be still and know”.

   Treat others the way you want to be treated. Stay away from gossip and slander, and find compassion and empathy. Jesus laid down His life for us. Think about how you can put others before yourself.

     Let go of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. Give them up to the Lord. He will take care of you. Pour gratitude and thankfulness into your soul, for you were fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. 

     Look for ways to turn negative thoughts into positive and hopeful ones. When you’re having a bad day, think, “What is going right–right NOW?” Instead of discouraging and polluting words, find hope and positivity. 

     Acknowledge draining emotions such as comparison, anger, judgement, bitterness, and resentment, but then release them and replace them with forgiveness. Forgive yourself and others. Your heart and soul will thank you.