Lent: Day 12 // #nofilter

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{Lent} Day 11:

40 acts // #nofilter // Young children have no filter a lot of the time: they say the first thing that pops into their heads, without worrying about how it will sound first. They also crucially lack the preconceptions, judgements and assumptions that most adults default to. Over time, they’ll learn discernment; but is there something we can learn from them today? Can we, for one day, try to disentangle our discernment from our small-minded, preconceived ideas about people? Today your challenge is to treat people as equals – to assume nothing about their lives, but to show them love and generosity and friendship regardless.

{photo credit: http://simplymejustbe.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/thanks-for-your-friendship.jpg}

This is so true! I love seeing a child's unspoilt innocence in action- the ones who have
not been corrupted by judging others and forming opinions of their peers based on 
shallow things like weight, wealth or possessions. Conversely, it disturbs and pains
me to see children as young as FOUR (I am a Reception Teacher) making harsh 
snap-judgements of their friends based on these irrelevant qualities. What are they 
being exposed to that has already awakened that awareness in them?? Very 
disturbing indeed...

As a side note to this, I have also realised how quickly and easily we can make
judgements of other's lifestyle choices, even on a professional level. God has
specifically been sharing with me a lot about not judging others without even
knowing their situation or their story. What has led them to this point..? How
have they been abandoned/hurt/disappointed/judged/failed to get to this point..?
You can never see the whole person unless you can know their whole journey,
and for that to happen, you have got to get along side them and actually build
a true friendship. So before you make a snap judgment on the way someone
dresses, speaks, carries themself, provides for their family, or reacts to a
comment / criticism, remember: you have not walked in their shoes and
you will never know what they have suffered to become who they are.

Have grace.

Live Free // Go through your possessions and give the stuff you no longer need to your local charity shop. Furniture, gadgets, DVDs, and books; give those things you’re never going to use again #BeFree #LiveFree.

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Hope your Lent efforts are still going strong!

Blessings!

Ronell x

"“When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself.”

{Wayne W. Dyer}

Lent: Day 5 // Attitude of Gratitude

After the first Sunday break yesterday, we are back with the next installation of the Lent challenges!

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{Lent} Day 5:

40 acts // An attitude of gratitude // There’s something rather wonderful about genuine gratitude: it impacts both the person who says thank you and the person who hears it. Try this before you do anything else today: grab a pen and write a thank you note to someone. Thank someone who doesn’t usually get thanked: your bus driver, local postman, that one guy that always puts a fresh pot of coffee on or empties the dishwasher at the office. These people need to be appreciated, and being thankful is a great way to start the week! Show us your thank yous using #40acts.

I decided to write a note to my TA and friend, without whom 
I couldn't do what I do at school. Thanks Loubie Loo! :)

Live Free // Swearing, picking your nose, biting your nails; everyone has a bad habit or two. Try to donate £1 every time you (or someone else :/) catch yourself doing it #BeFree #LiveFree. This one could fit in nicely with the Generosity Jar from day 2!

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Hope your Lent efforts are still going strong!

Blessings!

Ronell x

"15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which 
indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and 
admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns 
and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name 
of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

{Colossians 3:15-17}