The Choices I Make

We are always in conflict with ourselves. After doing a lot of thinking in the night as to the things that we be doing, sometimes, it doesn't get followed as intended to. These lapses are conflicts within ourselves that we had to overcome. In Stephen Covey's "The 8th Habit," he talked about the need for strengthening our spiritual intelligence. With the mindset of reporting to our Maker on a regular basis, it sets as a guide as to how we deal with others and recognize when we sin.

Over the weekend, I finally got hold of an old book that was given to me in one of my speaking engagements. It is Max Lucado's "Grace for the Moment." I have so much books that I haven't read yet. At first, I will feel bad but realized that the right time just usually comes. Perhaps with God's intervention too.

The first part of the book tackled the choices Max Lucado makes daily in his dealings, to constantly remind him. In this blog post, I'll do the same and pattern much of it to Lucado's Each Day.

The Choices I Make

I'm rushing this morning to get ready for the day. There'll be decisions to make and deadlines to be met. I control my own choices, decisions, and will let the following constantly remind me of what humility, courage, and wisdom is all about in everything I do.

I Choose Love
No occassion justifies hatred and bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I Choose Joy
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to serve God.

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

I Choose Patience
I will overlook the inconvenience of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him/her to do so. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I Choose Kindness
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich and powerful, 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 peso than take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I 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 family will not question my love. My family will never fear that I 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 and taught only by God.

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 God's grace.