Two Grumbles came across my inbox this week.

One from fellow Redbud Writer Kelli Trujillo interviewing author Caryn Rivadeneira on her latest book Grumble Hallelujah, and another from author and fellow A/G pastor’s wife Bonnie Winters.

So if you’ve ever grumbled, this is for you:

“Hi I’m Bonnie and I’m a closet grumbler. Oh, you may not see me doing it because I’ll probably paste on a smile and pretend everything’s ok when I see you. As a pastor’s wife, I’ve had lots of practice at doing that.  But if I let you inside my heart house, you’d probably still see the streamers  hanging on the walls from my latest pity party.

…With His help, I can shrug off all the pity-party trappings and put on the clothes He hands me – a star-studded garment of praise. Praise always lifts my spirits and makes the day look brighter. I find more positive things to say and to think about. Chores that once bogged me down are completed quicker and I have more time for the things I enjoy. Most of all, that joy has a way of spreading to others.

Lord, help me sweep away the confetti fallout and the entangling streamers of grumbling and self-pity. Help me to wear praise and joy just as easily and definitely more often! Amen!”

To read more of Bonnie’s confessions on grumbling or other wonderful posts, click here.

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And now an excerpt from Kelli (her questions in bold) and Caryn (who, btw, is a founding member of Redbud) -
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The reality is that we’re all prone to be grumbly — there’s a bit of Eeyore in all of us! What encouragement or advice can you offer to my readers about ways we can battle our human tendency toward grumbling, whining, and general discontent?

Eeyore as depicted by Disney

Image via Wikipedia

“…To those who feel grumbly or discontent all the time, I’d say, that’s no place to be. Grumbling unchecked can become bitterness in a hurry. Especially if it’s grumbling without the hallelujah.

I believe we DO need to allow ourselves time to grumble, to complain, to shake our fists at God. But if we don’t end those sessions with some kind of hallelujah or some sort of ultimate acknowledgement of our trust in or love for him, we’re on the road to a miserable life.

Good grumbling should lead to greater joy and thankfulness.”

Good stuff, huh? There’s more to the interview, and you can find it by going to Kelli’s blog.