NO COMPLAINING FOR THE AFTERNOON

by DARLA
(JACKSONVILLE,NC)

AFTER I READ "STOP COMPLAINING" I WAS LED TO THE PRAYER REQUESTS WHERE I COULD GET PRAYER FOR ALL THAT I HAD BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT , BUT THEN.. I BEGAN ANSWERING PRAYER REQUESTS OF OTHERS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD SHOWN ME..AND YOU KNOW WHAT! I SPENT THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON, BLESSING OTHER PEOPLE AND NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT ME.CRAZY , THE WAY GOD WORKS WHEN WE ASK FOR HELP.

Lord lead me not to complain

by Kelson
(B.V.I)

I use to complain most at work, it was horrible that i had to rebuke myself on many occasion and not long after i am back into it again. I use to complain because I did not learn how to content with what the Lord has allow me to enjoy.

However, from the moment that I learn how to be content, I always try to gaurd my mind against every negetive thought. By practicing this habit, my complaining is not as bad as it use to be; I can now say that i am getting plenty better.

The truth is complaining make you sin against God.


Comments:


by: Anonymous

I also complain most of the time, be it at work, home, friends, I complain about almost everything. and your blog made me realize that my life isn't that bad at all. in fact, my life is much better than what i thought it is. you're right. I just have to enjoy the things that I have in my hand. The Lord is so good that always he showed me and guide me through the light. praise the Lord! it's not easy but I will try not to complain but instead appreciate the littlest things in my life.

Complaining is bad for health and relationships

by Bushra
(Pakistan)

Complaining is really bad. I am into this bad habit of complaining since a long time back. Today I am 33 years old and this complaining has become extremely worst. The complaining has started affecting my relationships and health. I complain about almost every thing, i.e. my husband, my sister, my environment, my country, my figure, my work place, my mother in law, my father in law.....almost every thing.

I am not happy from my life. I am not happy from any thing. Everybody seems disgusting to me. I don't know how to get rid of this habit of complaining. I want to take things very light but unfortunately I am not taking things easy. I am making life very difficult and miserable for me.

Whenever my husband insults me or tries to find faults in me, I don't tolerate and just start complaining him for his attitude. I complain about my husband a lot and this feeling has started affecting our relationship.

But I want to save my marriage that is leading to divorce. The cause is only that I don't tolerate if some thing from my husband hurts me. My heart is full of negative thoughts for my husband. Whenever I try to feel good about him, some negative thought comes and I am unable to think positive about him. He is rude, arrogant and aggressive. I don't want to leave him and I can't change him. I want to accept him the way he is.

Today I have gone through "How to stop complaining" section of this site and found it helpful. I hope I will gradually take over this habit of complaining with the help of God(Allah Almighty).


Comments:


by: Anonymous

You want to stop complaining...behave as if it's the last day of your life!

Would you honestly spend the last day of your life complaining and finding fault?

I seriously don't think you would.

I suspect that you would spend your day, appreciating how great life is and how much your love your family and friends.

You know...we do not know when your last day is...could be today for all you know.

So start being grateful TODAY for Tomorrow is not promised.

Have FUN!



by: Anonymous

Maybe you should listen to your husband. It wasn't until mine said something about my complaining that I even realized I complained so much. Once he said something I started hearing myself and knew he was right. Even though it hurt my feelings, our relationship will be much better without all the whinning. I am happier too about myself.

More on complaining

by Shirley Peter
(Atkinson, NE, USA)

I thought that this issue was so important and I did not state how I handle negative, complaining people. My other article was only how I dealt with my own tendency at complaining.

It is difficult to be around others that are negative, but I do feel sorry for them because they are missing out on so much joy and good in their lives, in spite of their discomforts and yes, even adversities.

But I never have chastised another for complaining. I usually listen and see if there is something positive I can point out I do. I hope that is not making anyone feel their feelings are unimportant. But I do not want to add to the negative things that are being said.

I do say, sometimes, that we need to pray about those situations, and when it is not the every day nit-picking variety, I do try to give hope and share with them how I have dealt with a similar problem.

I have read that many just want to have someone to listen so maybe that is the best thing to do, without comment. I am uncertain what is best, and what is best for one person is not always good for another.

Well, I would love to hear from anyone else that has some thing to share about how to deal with negative people. I am learning also, and believe that this is an excellent way of helping one another. Shirley.

A dear friend asked my wife what happened to my sense of humor.

by DOUG
(SACRAMENTO)

I decided to not complain to her for 30 days. I share life's grievances with the men in my Bible study, but I stopped complaining to my wife.

I think it is starting to work. She seems to be more interested in me. Its only been a week, but this might work after my "30 Day Test."

What I noticed the most, is I hear more complaining than ever, so it makes me doubly determined to find more Silver Linings.

I know I need to stop

by tracy
(spain)

With the negative people around me it is really hard, but I know if I dont want to break down I need to stop and learn to accept things that I can not change the way they are.

This is what I say.

by Tonja Brown
(Washington)

Get over it... or

And somehow you find a way to go on...

Ironic

by david sky
(chicago il)

Never thought I'd see the day that I would read a complaint about people who complain.

People complain because they think that life has singled them out for hard work and hard times. This is a laughable thought-process.

Want to learn how to not complain? 3 steps:
1) play sports

2) stick with an extremely hard workout routine

3) go to military school or join the military

These 3 institutions (military, physical training, sports) create discipline and root out the complaining reflex. People who do complain usually do not last in these institutions; they quit and go away.

Problem solved.

Complaining Co-Workers

by Sylvia
(Manitoba)

I work around alot of negative people. It's not easy to ignore them since I have lunch with them every day. So I'm going to try to find more positive things to do, at least during my lunch hour.

Maybe I'll find some new friends too.


Comments:



by: Anonymous

Even though I'm working on not complaining as much myself, I have the same problem with co-workers. Well, one of them.

Everytime she says something, I immediately either tell her how it's not as bad as it sounds, or turn it into something positive for her.

That usually works :)



by: Shirley

I want to share with you what I did once in a situation such as you are facing. I worked in an office where the people were at odds with one another, behind their backs of course and the moral in that office was very gloomy and negative.
The Holy Spirit seemed to speak to me that he loved them just as much as he did me and that I needed to be a "missionary" to them. Not preach, but, show them how a person can show God's love in a setting such as that.

I started having office birthday parties for each one and before I left there these people were all friends in the office and outside.

Focus on the positive

by Dr Patrick Michaels
(Beverly hills Ca)

It is easy to get caught up in being negative. The 2nd depression will be upon us soon. Too many people for far too long have been living beyond their means and now they are going to be in for a rude awakeing as they lose evrything that they thought they were entitled to.

I have travelled all over the world and found that the happiest people are those who are grateful for what they have not what they need. These people live on less than 1$ a day. I see people in America who live in homes that could house hundreds of people . These people are greedy and want everything for themselves and feel they are entitled to all the worlds riches.

Be happy with what you have not what your neighboor oo friend or that person you saw on tv has. There will always be ups n downs in life make the best of it.


Comments:


by: Red

Being Grateful for People who can give financially.

I see your point about being grateful. That is one thing I am trying to give to God daily. There is changing power in being grateful!!!!

However, I would like to comment on your statement, "I see people in America who live in homes that could house hundreds of people. These people are greedy and want everything for themselves and feel they are entitled to all the worlds riches."

This might be true for some but not all. I live in a nice house and I am not as you portrayed me here. Being rich is not bad. In fact many wealthy people are able to give to organizations that help people in need. Where as they would not have been helped other wise. God allows riches to fall on some people and others poverty. God will hold each of us responsible for how we us our gifts and blessings. Please look at the positive! So many wealthy people are givers.

Having money is not a sin nor should it be shamed. But being wise to what money can do to a person, if they don't stay focused on God, is good to acknowledge.

I am very grateful for the riches God has bestowed upon me.



by: Anonymous

I just want to thank you for opening my eyes and those of others with your thoughts.

It is never as bad as it can be...

by Vanessa
(Crosby, Tx.)

Recall from where you come and look around. History will oftentimes remind us that today we are better off than where we were. Also, I have found that when I think I have it so bad, there is someone I can easily identify that has it much worse--I count my blessings, however little or BIG.

Stop complaining

by Anonymous

Go on a mission trip. It doesn't need to be AFRICA, but if you could, that would be good.

Just look around your community and I am sure you will find people much worse off than you. Volunteer in places where there are people in need.

I volunteer at a battered womens shelter and I preach at the jail and believe me, seeing the conditions of some of these people stopped me from being a complainer.

I am just thankful for having a mind and a will to serve God. Not everybody has, and it has caused great turmoil in their lives.

Getting it Right with God

by Dianne Lewis
(Douglas, GA, United States)

I sometimes complain but here lately, I am realizing that when you complain you block the blessing of God to flow in your life.

Realize that today, this day God has allowed you to awake one more time. It is a day that He has made and you should rejoice and be glad in it. And for those around you who complain, you might have to let them know this.


Comments:


Food for Thought
by: cgeewriter

Paul learned about contentment. It's taken me nearly a lifetime to figure it out. Hope you're younger than I am, Dianne, because the sooner we have an attitude of gratitude for each day God has given us, the sooner we are able to be perfected in our relationship with the Father. Being in His presence is the joy that Paul felt regardless of his circumstances.
Your words are few, but true. cg

Newsletter Kudo

by Maureen Ngubane

Hi Karen,

I really thank God for sending people like you in my life. It was a wonderful time to read your email and when I went through the website, my spiritual life was lifted.

Sometimes in our Christian life there are ups and downs and this complaining issue reached me at the right time. God has got good timing, He knows what we need.

Just to cut a long story short. my husband and I are in full time ministry, but it took me years to accept that I used to say " this is your calling" not mine.

My life was full of complaints, if it's Him why he did call us to work cross cultural bla..bla.. I was totally against His will in many ways.

But thank goodness He dealt with my life. To me it was fine enough to be Christian, we are saved and we are sharing the gospel with people. I didn't see the need of being full time in this proclamation.

Thanks a million by doing this, you're reviving many souls.

May God bless you,

Maureen Ngubane


Comments:


by: Karen

Maureen, thank you very much for your kind words. It is a real pleasure to be doing something with my life that I truly love. All the best to you and your husband in your ministry.

Blessings,

Karen




by: Shirley Peter
I SECOND THAT!

I agree, Marueen, that Karen is doing a wonderful service to allow us this chance to have our say, and also learn from one another. Thanks for your contribution. Shirley.

Shut Up & Start Praying!

by Pam
(Bronx, NY)

I repeat "The Lord is my Shepard", just those words only! I repeat it until I am re-convinced that He is the All & All, can do all things but fail, and that the battle is His not ours. If I don't believe, then it means He shed His blood for me (us) in vain and we all know that's not the case! DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY!

THIS HAD ME LAUGHING

by DARLA SALINAS
(JACKSONVILLE,NC)

I LOVED YOUR INSIGHT ON COMPLAINING, I WAS LAUGHING THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH. IT WAS NOT JUDGEMENTAL, BUT RATHER A FUN'LOVING, AND COMICAL TRUTH. PRAISE TO GOD FOR YOUR WORDS.

I HAVE READ THIS TO EVERYONE I KNOW, AND THEY SAW THEMSELVES AS I DID IN A NON CONDEMNING WAY, GOD REALLY SPOKE THROUGH YOU.

LET US BE USED FOR GOD GLORY. GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALLOWING GOD TO USE YOU.

DARLA

How I Stopped Complaining Part 1

by Lynn Mosher,
(Louisville, KY)

First of all, what’s my beef? Is it:

…that my husband leaves his socks on the floor, the cabinets doors open, leaves the lights on, forgets to carry out the garbage?

…or that my children won’t clean up their rooms, won’t make the right choices, leave God out of their schedule?

…or that my server brought my salad after my entrée, didn’t fill my water glass, brought me someone else’s meal, or ignored me altogether?

…or that the person in line in front of me at the express-lane checkout has more than the required items?

…or that the person in front of me on the expressway is going too slow in the fast lane?

…or that I was ignored for a promotion at work?

…or that someone else stole the recognition for my idea?

…or that my mother-in-law hates everything I do?

…or that my best friend stabbed me in the back?

…or that those in the government would…whatever?

…or that I suffer a never-ending illness or maybe it’s just some little ache or pain?

…or…or…oh, the endless list of or’s!

Second, do we complain out loud or silently under our breath?

The list above is not from personal experience. Well, maybe some of it is, but what I have learned is that if that other person I complain about, or to, were Jesus? Then what would I do? Yell at Him while shaking my finger in His face? I don’t think so.

I learned a long time ago that complaining never did anything for me except put me in a rotten mood. On the other hand, there are those rare occasions when a few well-placed words will right a legitimate wrong. However, that is not what we are talking about here.

If I pitch my tent on some complaint, it only reinforces negative feelings within me and affects my relationship with another person adversely. Not only that, negativity destroys other areas of my life and separates me from my fellowship with the Lord.


Comments:



by: Sally
All The Cool, Free Love From Above

God has blessed us with human birth, firstly, so we have many MANY more options, mind you, the birds and bees know exactly where to go without asking for directions.You know the prayer that goes, God grant me the serenity....and the wisdom to know the difference..?? At age 10, to me, this prayer made little sense, but 24 years later.WOW!There are so many people and things we have absolutely no control over and just simply will, may or just never change! The sooner we put ALL our trust in the Lord, the best will it be! Maybe I'm crazy but all the diamonds and pearls in the galaxy ain't worth 1/1000th when compared to all the cool, free love I get from (above) knowing my God!!! Good luck and blessings to all.



by: Anonymous
Wonderful!

A few years ago I toured a plantation in Virginia. The tour guide explained that the owners were very prosperous, yet the average American today lives in significantly more luxury than this family did 200 years ago. We have so much to be thankful for. Thank you for reminding me!



by: Shirley Peter
I love your article on complaining. I think that my title comment says it all. You are so right! Shirley.

Now my 10 yr old complains

by TJ
(Woodbridge)

I complain alot and now my 10 yr old is complaining and it is annoying when she does it. See I have just complained. I need to be a better example because she never thinks anything is good enough and thinks that everything should be better. I think it may end up leaving her very disappointed in life if she continues on. I can't blame her for what she is doing because I have been showing her how to do it all this time.

Complain/Remain or Praise/Raise

by Shelia
(North Carolina)

I find if I hit the floor in the morning and I begin saying I praise you Lord for this wonderful day it is so much better. Then I go to shower and I pray and sing while I shower.

I go to the kitchen make coffee and begin my morning Bible study and prayer. Be sure to start you morning thanking the Lord for all His blessings and Praise Him because of who HE is.

I try to encourage someone else everyday and that helps you as well. Thank Him even in the bad times.

How to Stop Complaining

by Brandalyn Charvis
(Longview, Texas United States)

When I truly think about some of the things that I complain about, I see that they are really petty. I feel like a child, and as if I really don't have to complain about such small issues.

This complaining is mostly toward my husband. I mean it could be about how fast or slow he is driving, or why didn't he do something around the house when I know he has had a hard day at work.

What has helped me the most is that whatever I do to him I do to God. That has really kept me on my toes and also think before I speak and the way I say certain things to him. Because it's not what you say it's how you say it.

I want to please God so I must start in my own home by honoring, respecting, and letting my husband lead as God has commanded. I am 25, and I am learning a great deal about marriage and this may be one the most difficult parts for me.

I think about when God sees us He must see Jesus because the Bible says no one comes to the Father but by the Son. You must accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior before you can even enter into the kingdom of heaven. God is HOLY!

I am a servant to the Lord first, then to my husband, and I will not complain but I will lift him up even when he fails. If I continue to complain I am giving the enemy a place in our marriage, then next our finances, then our children and so on and so on. So I must maximize this part to please the Lord.

Thank you so much for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to share with you my victory on complaining.

God Bless

Complaining can ruin your life

by Lashelle Frye
(Folskton Ga)

Stop....and think what can i do to make people wamt to be around me again. What can i start doing to show people i wont complain any more. complaing can some time come from people who down there self.Some time we do not when we complain but it can really irritate some one else. That may add up as a lostof friends and you beocome lonly and your addiction gets worse. Changing the habit of whining can be the best start towards your new way of living. Paitents is the key a postive mind is the door and sucsess is on the other side. be blessed

Listen and be Supportive

I'm compassionate and understanding and listen to people who need to complain or talk about something. I offer support, assistance, or alternative ways to look at things where I can but try not to overwhelm them with input that might affect them in ways I don't understand. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to or to talk through things with. Someone who can be non-judgmental. Often this will be a stranger. I just try to walk in their shoes and understand what they are going through, putting my own personal opinions or whatever aside. Being judgmental is not helpful for people to be able to work things out successfully. And it is not kind. Sometimes some kindness and understanding is all another person needs.

If someone seems hostile or aggressive in nature, however, I can only spend so much time with them. Otherwise, giving freely and generously of my time is what I do to try to help them through whatever is bothersome.

Why my huband complains about everything?

by Alena
(Blountville, TN USA)

Well I have been trying to be a Christian woman and be positive for my kids and my husband. It tends to turn into mayhem when my hubby complains about everything. If its not his job, its the house, its the neighbors around us, its the cars that we have to keep up. Its the money we don't have to buy stuff to keep up with the (Jones')I have tried all things from arguing (hows that workin for me!) its not!. To ignoring. To trying to find out why he's complaining and hating his life so much! To Rebuking him out loud and in quiet. I'm a stay at home mom and I admit my faults were just as bad as his. But God told me to be happy in him. And that if we wake up praising his sweet name. And give him the Glory. How can we go wrong. Even when its the hardest thing ever to walk away from the mayhem. I know God is going to be there. Do I fight this battle everyday? Yes! Do I get frustrated? Yes. I deal with my complaining husband everyday and still praise Jesus! That is how I get thru it. With out God I have no hope. I know God has a plan for my complaining husband and God will fix it. Until that day. I can choose to fix me and stay in the Lord and praise is sweet sweet name.

Stop talking and write it down

by isobel
(south africa)

I tell people who are complaining :
1. Think the "complaint through"
2. Consider what the solution is
3. Submit the request for the solution to Father God
4. Go onto doing what you are capable of doing and wait for the answer.

It has worked for me - with a business that was going under; a child who was on drugs; a property that would not sell; depression and burnout - all at the same time! The change came when the grumbling stopped. It sounds harsh - but complain for 40 years, or 11 days - as you prefer - the circumstances will change when you do.


Comments:



by: Anonymous
very inspiring advice to become more positive.

Very inspiring. I tend to be a worrier so I will try to follow your advice in order to become more positive. Sincerely, Helene.



by: Toni
Stop talking and write it down.

Wonderful advice! These are good and effective steps and the best of them is seeking God's help. Going directly to the Father with any and all issues, is the very best a Christian can do and as the author wrote, then go about your business and do the best you can...

Good writing!

Toni

A Note of Thanks and Clarification

by Shirley Peter
(Atkinson NE, USA)

I just sent an email to this site explaining that I see a definite difference between complaining and sharing. After coming on here to see if others had made any comments, I would like to add to my email that I sent.

First I want to thank you all for your comments. We learn from others sharing in what they think about what we've said.

To the lady that said she was a good listener, I believe that I am also and I was only stating what I felt about complaint in general and how I dealt with it in my life. But I would not start in telling someone that is complaining to stop.

We are called to help our fellow Christian sisters and brothers when we see that they have somehow transgressed God's word. But I have never found that to be helpful, so instead I myself listen even if it is not something I want to hear to much in my life.

And I would try to help anyone that was looking for a better way, and that was simply what I was sharing here. Why I stopped complaining and how. If it helps someone else I will be thankful as I do want to be a blessing to others.

To the one that thought she was complaining. I personally know her and know that she is sharing not complaining, at least to me. She struggles with chronic pain and that is a difficult thing to deal with, but she continues to be faithful and a blessing to others, so Cathy, this did not mean you.

For the other lady that said she was trying to stop complaining, I commend you for realizing that it will be a blessing to yourself as you learn to be thankful instead. I spent many years, even as a Christian being an "Israelite", and was very unhappy. I am sure I didn't make others happy either.

But now I am trying to always look at my cup as filling up, look at what is right in my life and have a thankful heart.

I really thank you Karen for giving us a voice. I am going to urge others to participate as I believe this is good for our souls, and our walk with the Lord. God bless. Shirley

Stop Complaining

by Patty Price
(Savannah TN)

Go out and buy a large box of rubber bands and, keep them in a place easy to access often. Every time you start a negative conversation or complain about something, add a rubber band to your wrist. If you have a softball sized pile at the end of the day, you may be a complainer. This exercise actually makes you actively admit your complaints and also see the volume of them. Just think of the people around you that have had to listen to the whining and still say I love you at the end of the day. Pray for them and pray for help from the Lord.

Princess April Ann

by April Ann Cruz
(Daly City, CA)

I sometimes complain too much about things to my mom and I pray to God I would start accepting who I am for now on!


Comments:



by: Denise
See Yourself...

April, we all complain too much at times, no matter how old we are. I challenge you look at yourself through your Father God's eyes. See yourself as His daughter. You are beautiful to Him. You are tallented and smart to Him. Remember that He knows what potential lies within you; He put it there!

Ask Him to show you what you need to know about you! If He says make some changes, make them. Always, accept the good stuff He teaches you about you!

Here is an example: You are a child of God, a princess! How can you fail?



by: thelma

Hello, April ann...
read psalms 139...as the Lord tells us here that you are wonderfully made, and that He has a plan and a purpose for you....God doesn't make mistakes.

we are all made for the glory of God...accept who you are, and that you are a special person to the Lord, and pray that He will fulfill your purpose upon the earth.
God bless
thelma


by: Shirley Peter
God hears you.

Hi April.
God hears you. He also knows when you are hurting so you can go to Him and talk to Him about all things that are troubling to you. God bless you. Shirley.

Gratitude List

First things first. So I googled "complaining"
Awareness...gotta be aware of what you are doing before you can change anything.

Stop for a moment and look around at what is good. It could be just about anything. Presently I am looking out the window and instead of complaining how cold it is I am looking at how beautiful the clouds are. With the rain will come green grass and flowers etc. The weather warrants a nice hot cup of cocoa. Yum

Let go of what's bothering you and do what's in front of you. So I don't like to file papers....so instead of feeling frustrated I will let go of that emotion and relax into resolve and just do it.

I feel better now.

And it if appears again I pray God will let me know I am murmuring again. Just trust that God is the boss and everything is just the way he wants it.



Comments:



by: Katherine
Gratitude is the best

Nothing motivates our prayers like the sense of gratitude for God's blessings. The sense of peace, the sense of His presence -- these are the things you have emphasized. It is way too easy to get focused on the annoying things. Thank you for this reminder.

Complaining Husband and Kids

by Kary
(Butte, Montana)

My family used to be the absolute worst at complaining. It didn't matter that there were also positive things happening. So I made a family rule that if somebody complains, they also have to say something positive about how to deal with the problem.

If they don't have something positive for that problem, they have to say something else that's positive. It's helped to make things seem a little more even.

stop whining

by Tyra
(ocala fl)

1) put a dollar in the complaint jar
2) pinch yourself in the same spot every time you complain (see just how sore it gets)
3)help out a homeless person every time you complain
4)say something good that you're happy about
5) think of all the people who would love to have that complaint
6)watch a feed the children infomercial

How I Stopped Complaining Part 2

by Lynn Mosher
(Louisville, KY)

So, what are my responses?

I’ve learned that thankfulness and praise are the best replacements for any complaint. I turn each negative into a positive. For instance, if my husband does something that irritates me, I thank the Lord I have a husband and one that loves the Lord, isn’t an alcoholic, doesn’t fool around, or whatever.

If I am not grateful, what kind of abundance is stored in my heart? For out of the abundance…well, you know the rest.

I have learned to praise God no matter what. When my day is darkened with a multitude of problems that need to “take a ticket, take a seat,” and the songs of my heart begin to stick in my throat, do I still sing to Him anyway? You bet!

When my eyes spill over with the tears of heartache, do I still look to Him and praise Him? Absolutely!

When chaos invades my world, do I still claim His peace and praise Him? Yes, indeedy! For “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.” (Psalm 34:1 TLB) Amen!

David wrote, “Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.” (Psalm 42:5 AMP)

James said to count it all joy. Defined, that means to lead, rule, consider, command with authority, or think it all joy when surrounded with trials and adversities. Therefore, I will command my rejoicing.

I can command my negative thoughts because the Word says I can by “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5 KJV)

If I constantly boo-hoo my circumstances more than praising God, I magnify my circumstances above God’s character and power. David said, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 69:30 NKJV)

We are all so much more fortunate and blessed than two-thirds of the world, and yet, we whine when our new shoes pinch our feet!

I leave you with Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil. 4:8 NLT)

When life is negative, the brightest place is on your knees.

by Michele Daniels
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

I complain a lot...in fact I was complaining just this morning...

After I had put my 14 month old daughter down for a nap I went to check my e-mail and I found this waiting for me. I know God had this in place for just such a moment as this morning. I have learned recently that when I consider life has gotten too much to bear (I say "when I consider" because I make mountains out of mole hills all the time) the brightest spot to be found is the distance between my knees and the ground.

It is the hardest habit to break that of complaining...I think because it creeps up on you that most of the time you are totally unaware you are even doing it. It is like this black cloud, so heavy and thick, blankets you and before you know it it has molded itself to become who you are.

To break this habit involves PRACTICE!!! You have to remember that you are not going to get it right the first time...the saying "practice makes perfect" is so true. You also need a lot of prayer. Time with God softens and heals. He is working within your life even when you think you are handling it all on your own.

I find when I am consumed by negativity I have to remove myself from what is causing it...that means telling a person I have to "step out for a moment," it isn't easy because they generally want to know what is bothering me but it is vital....like breathing is in order to live. Or it may mean turning the t.v. off. It can also mean returning that Library book that has you so bothered.

At first these are not easy to do. I mean who wants to walk out on a person when they are complaining? As a friend or family member you want to be there to help, offer advice, perhaps give suggestions...but if you are not healthy, I mean if you are getting so frustrated how are you going to be in a position to help anyone. If you approach a person or situation all "grumpy" no one is going to feel better and COMPLAINING will still be shadowing you.

Remember, the best example is your example...it's you! If you don't want negative, complainers following you then don't stand at the front of the line.

Why and How I Stopped Complaining

by Shirley Peter
(Atkinson, Nebraska)

To start with, I realized that I don't like to be around someone who is whining and complaining all the time. I also felt that I was pretty much a drag myself when I complain.

Well, that is one reason why, but the second biggest reason I stopped complaining is I got deep into the Bible and I saw what God's opinion was of the Israelites when they complained.

I might think that they were really jerks, and such ungrateful people if God hadn't allowed me to see that I was the same when I complained about things. It is saying to God that I don't like what He is allowing in my life, that I don't trust Him, and that I think I am worthy of better.

I can just see Him shaking His head at the last one as He has stated that no one is worthy and it is only because of His grace and great love that I live, breath, and have what I do have.

How I stopped was by looking instead for the lesson He might be giving me in each situation, being thankful for the good things and even in the hard things.

I know that He has promised to be with me and work all things for my good as I work to His purposes and remain obedient to His Word.

I found that I feel so much better also when I look for the good instead of grousing about what is or isn't happening in my life. And I like feeling good.

I don't when I am dissatisfied and complaining, and besides I want others to find me a blessing to be around, not a bore.

So that's my story, and I am sticking to it with God's help.

changing to see the positive side of events

by THEOMARAKIT
(TANZANIA, EAST AFRICA)

For some time now I have been trying to see how best I can develop my self in all fronts. Reading qualitative books & articles that can help change the personal charater trait in me. Thus I have came to see that positiven affirmation, does some part, avoiding those people who complain unnecessarily & thinking positive. Only appreciating the positive side of things, making sue that the rest will not bother & disturb me. Making a concious effort to see God's hand in my life & thanking him for every situation.
Gradually, I am seeing a new padigm shift & eventaully , I hope I will be there. To God be the Glory.