I Choose Today

I Choose Today...

I Choose Today my Abba Father

The churches in our area have partnered up with the county to host guests who need a warm, safe bed during these cold winter nights. On one such night when it was our churches opportunity to host, my husband and I were able to be hands and feet. During dinner, we had the opportunity to hear some of their stories. One gentleman was regaling us with stories of his youth; how he was a sports phenom of his day. He was making the papers, setting new sports records, had college offers which would set him up for life. During the course of the evening we spent with him, he kept talking about he had life by the tail when he was young. When asked what changed the trajectory of his life, he said drugs. But then, through further conversation, he tearfully explained his reason for his pain; what hurt he was trying to cover through the escape of drugs. He explained, with all of his games he had in high school, all the accolades he received from everyone at school, in the community, with college coaches, there was something missing; someone missing. You see, his dad never came to one

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I Choose Today to choose my words

Remember the childhood saying, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me’? Contrary to this phrase, we know that words have a profound impact, often causing deeper and longer-lasting hurt than physical pain. This truth is the reason why we need to use our words wisely when speaking to our loved ones, friends, and fellow believers. But it is especially important when we are engaging with non-believers. Paul talks about this in his letter to the Colossians’ church when he said, “Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders [unbelievers]. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭MSG‬‬ (emphasis mine) Paul urges gracious speech, aiming to encourage and bring out the best in others—a stark contrast to our human instincts. When faced with unkindness or attacks on our beliefs, our natural response is defensiveness. I confess, I’ve been guilty of this too! Yet, responding in kind doesn’t contribute to the kingdom of God; it may even harm our testimony. So how are

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I Choose Today to share hope in trauma…

He makes ALL things new and fresh! If you have been through something traumatic, then you have experienced trauma. Trauma is not normal. Trauma is not to be minimized or marginalized. Trauma is not meant to be compared. The other day, I was asked to lead a group of moms in our church’s MOPS ministry. The topic was anxiety and depression. One of the discussion questions asked, ‘Have you ever lost something you had been anxious about losing?’ and ‘Was it easier or harder than you had anticipated?’ My answer to these questions was ‘yes’ to both. Yes, I have lost something, and yes, it was harder than anticipated. These questions had me asking the Lord for wisdom on what to share with these young ladies. But I felt the Holy Spirit encouraging me to talk about my traumatic experience of losing my son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); a mother’s worst nightmare. But when I talked about my worst anxiety coming true, I also talked about how God was (is) present to help in healing and walking me through the trauma. I talked about even when your anxiety is realized, God is there to: – take your hand

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