Do you get negative at Christmas? Do you have a shorter fuse and a longer list of complaints, the closer closer the calendar inches toward December 25?
I do; Without meaning to, I sometimes turn into a Christmas Control Girl. Without even realizing it’s happening, I start obsessing over gift-wrapping and treat-making. I begin ordering people around and stressing us all out. And I tend to overstep with gift-selection, and then I return gifts from my husband that I didn’t pick out.
It’s nothing to celebrate, y’all. That’s for sure. If you’ve had similar Control Girl episodes, I’m sure you can relate. (Not sure whether you qualify? I put together a “Holiday Control Girl Quiz“. You’re welcome.)
As someone who’s negative word count spikes at Christmas, what I want to know is: Why?
Why, Though?
Why do the words coming out of my mouth, suddenly resemble a faucet that’s spouting bitterness? Why are my words biting and manipulative and sharp? What is it, exactly, that I want?
In a word: Control.
Sign up HERE for the Five C Challenge!
Truly, what I want is control! And I often use my words to get it.
In my efforts to make this the “most wonderful time of the year” I inevitably make it the worst for everyone, myself included. That is, unless I do the gritty uphill work of surrendering control to God.
2021 has taught us some more lessons about control and surrender, hasn’t it? But I think there’s more work to do.
Let me rephrase that. I think God has more work to do on us! Our own self-improvement plans will always fall short. But when we cave into God, rather than caving into ourselves, we overcome. So I’m inviting you to join me for the new and updated FIVE C Christmas Challenge.
You can join anytime between now and Christmas (then we’ll close it down for the year). For this five day challenge, your goal will be:
- no criticizing
- no complaining
- no correcting
- no condemning
- no comparing
Control-Craving Words
As you can see, we’ll mostly be eliminating words. But also the attitudes behind our words.
As you know, words are powerful. Solomon, the man who was given God’s wisdom, wrote this:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.” (Prov. 18:21).
Do you want to breathe life (not death) into those you love this Christmas? Do you want to produce good fruit with your words? Do you want to enjoy the sweetness of good relationships? If so, join me for this challenge and we’ll work toward those goals together.
Here’s what the challenge involves:
- Print out the reminder cards (they’ll come in your first email).
- Pray for God’s help each day.
- Invite a friend to pray for you (or join you!)
- Choose “Five C Free” words throughout the challenge
- Report in. Let someone (or me!) know how you’re doing, and what God is showing you.
- New: I created videos! You’ll get them in your emails.
- EXTRA: You can follow on my Instagram or Facebook story– I’ll be sharing some extra encouragement there.
- EXTRA: If God uses this challenge in some amazing way, and you want to share on Facebook or Instagram, please tag me!
- EXTRA: Please add #FiveCChallenge when you share this challenge so I can encourage you!
That’s it. Are you in? Here’s a link. And don’t just go it alone. I suggest you invite a friend or your small group to join you!
