Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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.

8 comments:

  1. What a beautiful prayer and a wonderful inspiration for this new year! Thank you sharing. I'm copying it down right now!

    Tricia

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  2. This is really a great choice! Thank you for sharing! I will put a copy into my daily prayerbook!
    Be blessed!

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  3. What a great prayer! Thanks for sharing and I think I will have to jot that one down too!

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  4. What a great poem! Thank you for sharing and spreading it's message. I'm printing it out now to read every morning!

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  5. This. . . I love.
    Thanks for the reminder - I need to pull out that book again. ♡
    Happy New Year!!!
    xo, Bren

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  6. Thanks for sharing. A beautiful way to start my day. Love it!

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  7. I have printed this off and intend to read it each morning. Thanks for this. Happy New Year.

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