PERSONAL NOTE: I had this little mini-series tucked into my MARCH folder from last year, and so I’m pulling it out and dusting it off to present here as I edit them. I hope to share a final printable copy when it’s all completed. I may be able to complete 15 days (or steps), but it could end up much less. Not sure how frequently they will get posted here, but hopefully all completed before the end of spring. Ha! ha!
Spring Cleaning for Your Soul
“For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;”
- Song of Solomon 2:11,12 KJV
Ahh, spring. It's a time of rebirth, renewal... a fresh start and a return to life.
Much like the plants that have shed their outer layers to reveal new growth living beneath the surface, spring can be a time to cleanse our minds and hearts of outdated habits, attitudes, and beliefs that no longer serve us.
In doing so, we can clear the path to developing new, smarter ways of being that are more in support of who we are and what we value most.
Do you feel like spring is the perfect opportunity to relieve yourself of inner burdens that weigh you down? Would you like to use this joyful time of renewal to bring renewed faith and life to your world-weary soul?
With each year that passes, nature undergoes a miraculous process of metamorphosis...
Why not make this the spring that you emerge your true spirit like a butterfly from its protective cocoon... transformed, transcended, and ready to fly free?
Introduction: Quick Overview of this Challenge
I’m so happy for you to join this series of internal makeover exercises to help you blossom, inside and out.
For each session of our 15-Day Challenge, we will engage in a daily reflection or set of thoughts to ponder. Next, we’ll embark in a journaling exercise to apply those good thoughts to our individual life and circumstances. And finally, we'll set an intention to focus on for the coming months, that will gradually become effective habits.
Day 1: Freshen Up Your Perspective
Spring is a time of cleansing. Our earth does a natural self-cleaning of renewal and rebirth. The trees that shed their dying leaves in the fall now use that energy to burst forth new growth.
The brown, dead grass that covered the ground in the wintertime makes way for fresh green shoots sprouting up from the soil. God’s creation is pretty amazing. Each passing year, nature takes its course and does a miraculous makeover.
Stepping out into the warm sunlight and soft, gentle breeze, each passing day, you discover more wondrous beauty in the rebirth of your surroundings!
In the same way that life naturally refreshes and renews itself at this time of year, you can make spring a time to clear out old, pessimistic ways of thinking that do not serve you well.
What types of negative and self-defeating perceptions may be stopping you from being the happy, joyous person that God wants you to be?
As we embark on your very first reflection of spring cleaning for the soul, let's think about the self talk that clouds your judgment as you go about your daily life.
Do you have a little voice inside of your head that accompanies you on your various activities of the day?
Is that little voice positive or negative? Do your thoughts strongly depend on how you're feeling, and what's going on?
Since we're going to be doing some freshening up, let's take a closer look at what your self-talk is saying to you.
If the voice in your head has become doubtful and discouraging, how can you freshen up your perspective to match the inspirational renewal of the spring season?
Journal Exercise: Put a Fresh Spin on Your Self Talk.
Today's journal exercise is designed to help you become more intimately acquainted with the inner thoughts that accompany you on your daily activities and outings.
Let's start with your morning routine…
The kick-start to your day sets the tone and mood for the rest of your waking hours
What is the very first thought that pops into your mind when you first wake up?
Is it, "I’ve been blessed with another day…I can't wait to start my morning?"
Or... "Ugh, I can’t believe it’s time to face another day!” "What's the point of all this? No one appreciates me anyway."
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If your answer is more along the negative side, then there's a legitimate need for change.
What can you do to make some positive changes?
- Seek God’s help from His Word!
- Ask for wisdom (*Read James 1:5)
- Switch out the negative with some positive habits and thoughts.
What are some positive things you can say in the morning to get your day off to a great start?
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What things do you dread most in the day (at home or work)? Can you think of any solutions to improve the situation? (Perhaps you need to plan ahead more so that you’re not overwhelmed. Or, maybe you need to learn to say “no” when already overtaxed? Sometimes we put off solving an issue because we don’t want to face conflict. Seek counseling from your Pastor if necessary.)
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Bible Verses to Reflect Upon:
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
– Psalm 5:3 (KJV)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
“But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.” - Psalm 59:16 (KJV)
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” - Psalm 143:8 (KJV)
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” - Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” - Philippians 4:8 KJV
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2 KJV
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