I Choose....

I have never kept a New Year's Resolution for more than a week (that's probably a generous estimate.) So I have given up on New Year's Resolutions, because why wait until January 1st or Monday or until I've lost 20 pounds to do the right thing...

Instead, this year, I choose to live this prayer by Max Lucado to the best of my ability. I think I will make a few copies and hang them around the house to remind myself, all day, every day......

I CHOOSE LOVE...

No occasion justifies hatred;

no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.

Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY...

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.

I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...

the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see

people as anything less than human beings,

created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as 

anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE...

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE...

I will over look the inconveniences of the world.

Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll

invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the 

wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment

to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new 

assignments, I will face theme with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS....

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.

Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to

the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS...

I will go without a dollar

before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked 

before I will boast. I will confess before I will

 accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS...

Today I will keep my promises.

My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates

will not question my word. My wife (husband) will not 

question my love. And my children will never fear

that their father (mother) will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS...

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.

If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.

If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.

If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL...

I am a spiritual being....

After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.

I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.

I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.

I will be impassioned only by my faith.

I will be influenced only by God.

I will be taught only by Christ.

I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

To these I commit my day.

If I succeed, I will give thanks

If I fail, I will seek His grace.

And then, when this day is done,

I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

MAX LUCADO

When God Whispers Your Name

Have a blessed and peaceful New Year.