the 8 day challenge

I have been reading The 4:8 Principle by Tommy Newberry and so far, it has been life changing! My friend, Holly, said she was doing the 8 day challenge and so I am joining her in it, starting tomorrow. In the grand scheme of life, 8 days isn't long AT ALL, but I'll bet this challenge turns out to be harder than I anticipate...

Here's what it is......

You will receive a short email prompt from me each morning, containing inspiration, encouragement and the 4:8 Challenge of the Day. Your objective will be to THINK, SPEAK, AND ACT all day long in a manner consistent with Philippians 4:8. The challenge will be to keep your mind as well as your mouth preoccupied with what is beautiful, excellent, true, just, and worthy of praise.

Throughout the 8-Day Challenge, you can expect to see the people and situations in your life differently because, as Thoreau wrote, "we find only the world we look for." During this brief eight day period, you will be looking for, and consequently finding, fresh value in your relationships and circumstances and especially, new virtue within yourself. After all, it's so easy to get consumed with your obstacles that you forget about your goals. It is so easy to entertain hostile thoughts about the future and end up missing the gift of the present.

Here Are The 4 Ground Rules

Avoid any and all negative energy for eight days. During this 8-day challenge you'll be asked to steer clear of specific thoughts, words and deeds that violate the 4:8 principle. You'll also be encouraged to increase other thoughts, words, and behaviors that are in harmony with Philippians 4:8.

First, let's identify some of what you should INCREASE during the challenge:

Prayer and forgiveness beyond the norm for you
Verbally encouraging your spouse, friends and family
Thinking and reviewing your goals
Smiling and laughing
Dwelling on the character of God
Reviewing your blessings, especially the little ones
Defending a victim of gossip
Predicting a positive outcome aloud

Now, let's pinpoint the most negative behaviors that you MUST temporarily SUSPEND during the challenge:

All forms of whining and complaining
Talking about fatigue, boredom or aches and pains
Gossip-based conversations
Condemning language of any kind
Exasperating body language
Criticism of spouse, kids, coworkers and even politicians
Worrisome thoughts or words
Nursing old wounds
Can you think of anything else that should be avoided?

I am ready for the challenge!!!!!

Are YOU in?!?!