Although I’m not really a morning person, I LOVE mornings at home because I get to spend them with my husband and my puppies over a cup of coffee and some time of quiet reading, praying together, and just catching up with each other while we’re both clear-minded (before the busyness of the day sets in.)
I know we are super fortunate to get to spend down time together in the mornings since neither of us have to be at work until a little later than most folks. (You have no idea how thankful I am for this, for multiple reasons!!!)
Anyway, he is currently reading a book called ALL IN by Mark Batterson that our preacher actually just finished a series on. We always share the highlights of whatever we just read with each other, and he shared something with me a few days ago that has really just stuck with me and made me think so much! I’m absolutely in love with it!
It’s called Lion Chaser’s Manifesto and it’s originally from a book Batterson wrote before he wrote ALL IN called In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day. He also used it as part of a commencement speech at Southeastern University in 2012, then used it again in ALL IN. If I’d ever written anything this brilliant, I’d be using it at every turn! Here’s what it says:
Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death.
Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions.
Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention.
Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God.
Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution.
Stop repeating the past and start creating the future.
Stop playing it safe and start taking risks.
Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey.
Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can.
Live like today is the first day and last day of your life.
Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshiping what’s right with God.
Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating.
Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks.
Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself.
Don’t let fear dictate your decisions.
Take a flying leap of faith. Chase the lion!
Talk about such an encouragement, and such a challenge!!! I started picking out my favorite lines from this then realized I love every single word.
This manifesto also reminded me of something that Arco Avenue instagrammed a few months back that has stuck with me as well, and it seems to fit the theme and the message!
To me, this fits perfectly with the line that says, “Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself.”
Ah, I just love it all!
Is there any certain part of this manifesto that really sticks out to you? Or have you been particularly inspired by something you’ve read lately? I’d love to hear!
Thanks for stopping by today!!! Hope it’s a great one! Carpe Diem!
