Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Choices (Part 1 of 2)


Determine in Your Heart


The year was 1990. I was pregnant (again….) and Katie, our fifth child, was nearing 4 years old. I remember sitting on the porch swing, praying (agonizing, really) and reading my Bible. And I distinctly remember making a choice. Right then, I determined in my heart that I was going to enjoy this pregnancy. I even took that thought a step further. I was determined to enjoy this child.


I can be quite a self-willed, self-directed person. And I’m not condoning that sort of behavior. In fact, I believe the Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us to do this, if we allow him. I am suggesting that sometimes we have to make a decision in our hearts to force ourselves to choose the right thing, or the right way. It almost has to be a gritting-your-teeth, digging-in-your-feet determination. And sometimes, that determination or choice has to be made over and over again, many times in the same day or even the same hour!


Whatever you may be struggling with today, consider making a determination in your heart to choose God’s very best for you. Don’t allow your old thought patterns to pull and weigh you down. Make the choice to reach out and accept the grace and power that is there for us all. Determine in your heart that you’ll make the best of any situation you’re in.


Oh, and on the pregnancy, it wasn’t such a bad one, but the baby that was born, Kody (now 15 years old) was an extremely difficult baby. It’s sure a good thing I determined to enjoy him! Even through the difficulties of an extra-cranky baby, I often reflected back to that choice I made on the porch swing.


I really did enjoy him. And I still do!

6 comments:

  1. Good reminder. Sometimes I complain about my role as a mother and really do want to make a choice to look at the best. After all, they adore me. I don't deserve their love but you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll run all the way to the bank with it.

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  2. great post. thanks for helping me realize i am the determining factor in my happiness.

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  3. Yay! I got to hear this story directly from you just the other day! :) Great post.

    Those 'old thought patterns' are quite the opponent for me, but I'm getting better! :)

    And Kody is a great kid, though I'm sure you don't miss the screaming and crying! :)

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  4. Kody is only a cranky baby every once and a while now. ;)

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  5. You girls that know Kody are funny!

    Dreams---most everything is a choice, isn't it? Sounds so easy...

    Cindy - you're my faithful reader--Thanks!

    And send me your e-mail soon!
    mine is: manymeadows@yahoo.com

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