I "keep a record of wrongs (of a sort)" to later write about in the notes section of my iPhone. There's also a large section of my brain reserved for complaints. Talking (negatively), (at length) about situations that don't meet my idea of sensible is my modus operandi. Here are eight gripy titles  in which I could "bring it"...

To the People Who Don't Follow Shopping Cart Courtesy Rules in Walmart 

Why Does Jason Get the Car With Seat Warmers?

Death to Algebra (but revive cursive writing)  

How I Really Feel About the Standoff in Oregon 

When Did I Become a Fuddy Duddy?

Your Two Ingredient Queso Fails- Ok, so...What's Next?

When Being A Control Freak Or Flippant Do-Nothing Mom Seem to be the Only Two Choices

Why I Used to Hate Valentine's Day

I could easily write an eight-hundred word post to go with each title...but I won't. In fact, I'm devoted to making sure this post is seven-hundred words or less. I'm trading my bellyaching for a more light-hearted, sunny disposition. I'd love to say I thought of it myself. I wish I had a cute little inspirational illustration describing how I became joyful. I don't. 

  

As I sat myself in my closet this morning (my make shift prayer room), I wrote three words in my prayer journal. 

Do everything without ...

That's all she wrote.

I didn't remind God about my "leftover from yesterday" worries and frustrations. I hate leftovers. I wonder how God feels about them. I decided that today I would follow the words from my favorite chapter in the good book. Philippians 2 says:

Do everything without grumbling and complaining. 

Do everything without grumbling and complaining so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation". Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:14-16

Refraining from grumbling is an act of obedience. God told us to do it. 

Not verbally "letting off steam" is an act of trust.  There's a "SO THAT" following our instruction to not complain. A no grumbling zone is a better place to demonstrate trust that God is transforming us ("so that you may become blameless and pure").  

Sure God can handle our idle protesting, but even in its most harmless form, it doesn't show a lot of confidence in, or gratitude for the One who's present and working in a situation where there are aggravating Wal Mart shoppers and in the real injustice in life. 

I'm thinking shining stars are more attractive than the melancholy. 

We tend to be a petty people. Virtuous speech is like wearing high heels. Both make us look good, but it's only a matter of time before they come off.  In our comfort zone we're in bare feet and unbridled speech.  We can tell how we really feel. 

A whole-hearted attempt to cease arguing and complaining is a worthy act of worship. Of course I'll stink at it... As probably will some of you who choose on a fine Friday (or a somber Saturday) to attempt less eye-rolling and whining. (I hope my family members and close friends don't remind me how terrible I am at this). We're not without help as we hold on firmly to the word of life. 

You can turn off the sun, but I'm still gonna shine. -Jason Mraz

P.S. Ironically I learned a new word today. Nugatory (adj.)-of no real value; trifling; worthless 

-Making our words worth something. It just might be great new style of worship. 

Here are a few verses to "hold firmly" to:

Ephesians 4:29 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Colossians 4:6 ESV 

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Ephesians 5:4 ESV

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Psalm 141:3 ESV 

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Matthew 12:36 ESV 

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak...
Proverbs 12:25 ESV 

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

James 3:9-10 ESV 

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
2 Timothy 2:16 ESV 

But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness...

-Making our words worth something. It just might be great new style of worship

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