I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Exercise What Matters

Have you ever had a situation where you know the thing you should do but don’t do it? You even have all you need to do this thing, but the tools sit unused? For example, I know I need to build my strength by working out my muscles. My dietician and my daughter have told me for a while now that I need to incorporate strength training into my workout routine. I have everything I need – weights, resistance bands, and the time – but for some reason I don’t make or take the time to actually incorporate strength training into my routine. I know it is what is best for me. It will make my quality of life better for the long run, but yet I am not utilizing these tools and knowledge in a way that will make a difference. We all have areas where we know what we should do, but following through is a struggle. Whether it’s exercise, prayer, or forgiveness, the tension between intention and action is real. Even Paul wrestled with this. He said in Romans 7:15, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do

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I Choose Today to Be Deeply Formed by God

Recently, I learned about a wonderful tool to get closer to the Lord. It is called Contemplative Prayer. We are called to a deeper faith—a life shaped by contemplative prayer, self-examination, and transformation through God. It’s not just about doing the right things; it’s about being molded by God’s presence so that we can love as He loves, extend grace and mercy like He does, and walk fully in the purpose He has called us to embrace. Throughout Scripture, we see God use seasons of stillness and waiting to prepare His people. David, Moses, and Joseph all experienced times of solitude and transformation before stepping into the roles God had for them (1 Samuel 13:14, 16:13). David was known as a man after God’s own heart even before he became king. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness tending sheep before leading the Israelites out of slavery. Joseph endured 13 years in difficult circumstances, growing through prayer and self-examination, before he was elevated to save nations from famine. These seasons weren’t wasted—they were essential in forming their hearts to align with God’s purpose. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Contemplative prayer is about

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I Choose Today to Talk About Everything

Not too long ago, some friends and I were sitting around talking when the topic of prayer came up. What do you pray for? How do you pray? Who do you pray for? What do you say? Then, how do you listen? There were some interesting conversations that came from these prompting questions. Over the next couple of blogs, we will discover what God’s Word says about these questions. And we will dive into how God speaks to us in response. The first of which is: what do you pray for? So, what do you pray for? Do you only pray when your circumstances in life are overwhelming, hard, and/or challenging all the solutions you come up with? Or perhaps it is when an emergency or illness arises, and there is no earthly way the issue can be solved and needs heavenly intervention. What about simple things like where to invest or spend your money? What about which job you should take or if you should change jobs? How about what you should say to your spouse, kids, or co-worker in response to a situation, whether good or bad? How about praying for how you should spend your day? All

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I Choose Today to Invite Jesus into My Day

“I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.” This morning, I felt the Lord prompting me to get up and spend some time with Him. It has been a beautiful thing. I feel like I get my coffee and have coffee with Him. It reminds me of the verse in Rev 3 where it says “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal (coffee) together as friends.” (Verse 20). So, this morning I sat down with my coffee and recited that verse and invited Him into my time so I can spend time with Him “as friends.” Isn’t that amazing that the God of the universe wants to have coffee with me, spend time with me, be friends with me? In my minds eye, I sit relaxed and listen to Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him, sometimes just sit with Him. In my minds eye, when I meditate on this verse, is when I have guests over for

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I Choose Today to Reflect

The beginning of a new year sparks excitement – fresh opportunities, challenges, adventures, and resolutions waiting to unfold. You might be thinking, “I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions; I always end up breaking them.” That sentiment resonates with me too. Until last year, I shared the same perspective on resolutions; they felt like setting myself up for failure amid life’s inevitable challenges. Then, a challenge from a church member, to fall deeper in love with God, altered my mindset. I resolved to deepen my connection with God, a resolution that changed my world. My journey led me to fall even deeper in love with God’s Word – a craving that drove me to explore its depths. I discovered that His Word is His breath, His very essence. My understanding of God’s nature deepened, revealing His genuine love, mercy, grace, and being the ultimate source of hope. Most profoundly, I developed a deeper personal relationship with God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The joy of knowing they delight in me transformed my perspective. Words can’t capture the impact of this resolution on my life. As I gear up for 2024, my resolutions include fervent prayer, living

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