I Choose Today

I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Ask Why

I am a project manager by trade. One of my favorite things to do when faced with an unknown challenge is to find the root cause.  Then I can strategize and make a plan to solve the problem. Project management methodology has several ways to find the root cause, but my favorite is the 5 Whys. The 5 Whys involves repeatedly asking ‘why’ when faced with a problem, aiming to uncover the root cause by moving beyond surface-level symptoms. This method not only applies in professional settings but also holds significance in our personal interactions. Let’s face it, we tend to judge the symptom rather than finding out the root cause of the symptom. For example, serval weeks ago, I told you about a gentleman I met who found himself addicted to drugs and living on the street. When we encounter people who are living that reality, we tend to judge them instead of getting to know the why: the root of their pain. God knew the root cause of people’s problems; the reason for their despair, hopelessness, animosity: sin and the separation from God because of the sin. But God had compassion on His creation, so He had a

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that we have nothing to fear

The other day I was visiting a man in the hospital. I did not know him, but he wanted to talk. I asked him how he was and if he had any special scripture I could read to him. He said, “Yes, I love Psalm 27:1-4.” The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one think I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. I knew this man loved the Lord and even though he was sick, he encouraged me to keep going. My focus is JESUS. My life is HIS. I pray that today as you go about your day if you allow your focus to be on Him you have nothing to fear. Remember to smile and

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I Choose Today to be Seen

A few weeks ago I wrote about loosing my cool with a customer service representative. I wrote about how God can use my mistakes to teach me. Well, I had the opportunity last week to put my new lesson learned into practice. I was coming home from a trip and had a carryon that was my personal item. The airline decided my bag was too big (even though it wasn’t on my first flight), and I would need to pay almost $100. I was frustrated as I getting onto the plane. The flight attendant approached me and ask me what was wrong. After the initial frustration, I found myself faced with a choice during the flight; to take out my frustration on the staff of the airline, or be kind to the flight attendant. I choose the latter. During the flight, the flight attendant told me I could probably get my money back if I email the airline. She asked for my email so she could give me the information. I handed her one of my “I Choose Today” business cards with my email on it. She walked away. She came back a time later and asked me what “I

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I Choose Today to Embrace

You ever wonder why you go through hard things? Do you ever ask God what He would allow it? Have you ever asked God why? I know I have. In a recent conversation, I connected with a young woman navigating a challenging phase. She was grappling with the prospect of lifelong medication due to a medical issue. Seeking support, she reached out to me, because she knew I’ve also navigated a similar path in my own life. About eight years ago, I was told I would need to be on a medication for the rest of my life. I went through an emotional rollercoaster that entailed feelings of failure because I wasn’t in control of my health; and grief because I was loosing my independence from medication and treatment. I felt less-than. I cried, was embarrassed, and felt shame. However, these were all lies that had infiltrated my mind, my thoughts, my heart. In reality, the medicine was the miracle! I had no control over my condition, but I could accept the miracle of medicine to live a healthy life. God taught me that and I learned to walk in the freedom of that truth! If I hadn’t walked through

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to be happy

Good morning my friend, Today I choose to be Happy and reflect the joy of happiness to others. A number of years ago I remember hearing people say’ “Be Happy!” and then they would spell out H-A-P-P-Y! Saying “be happy” does not  bring happiness, but it might for the moment. Joyce and I had a wonderful opportunity to go on a cruise with Phil Robertson and the rest of his family a number of years ago. For those who know his sidekick, Uncle Si, you know that when he comes out to meet everyone or is on TV, he will carry a glass of ice tea and say “happy, happy, happy ”  and everyone laughs. But, happiness comes from having joy in your heart. Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice!” Romans 12:12 “Rejoicing in the hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”  The Bible says one way to have a joy is helping others. This is Paul’s thinking – joy is given to us by serving and helping others. Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

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