Tag: Surrender

Choosing to Accept Restrictions

Often, the secret to success with any endeavor is learning the basics of a needed task. Trust the tried-and-true process. I believe this can apply to almost any skill. I remember my dad teaching me to wash a car: always start at the top… Continue Reading “Choosing to Accept Restrictions”

Choosing to Recognize My Adulterous Heart

The first time I remember contemplating the word “adultery,” I wondered why it was called that. My conclusion, as a child, was that it was a word to describe the many things that adults do. Though I did not understand it, at the time,… Continue Reading “Choosing to Recognize My Adulterous Heart”

Choosing to Empty Myself

It’s a simple but often maligned and misunderstood word. To be considered humble is a compliment for some and an insult for others. It’s frequently associated with being soft spoken, self-deprecating, and wallowing in low self-esteem. While many people consider it a virtue of… Continue Reading “Choosing to Empty Myself”

Choosing to Give Up!

I chaperoned a field trip for my daughter’s elementary school class years ago. We went to San Antonio, Texas and toured the Alamo Mission. Having lived in Texas for several years by that time, the history of the place was already familiar. As part… Continue Reading “Choosing to Give Up!”

Choosing to Begin Small

How many plans have been started with grand vision and then abandoned because of how insignificant and underwhelming the idea later felt? My visionary follow-through often struggles. Emotions of discouragement settle in when the glorious things I imagine don’t swiftly materialize.  Not seeing an… Continue Reading “Choosing to Begin Small”

Choosing to Care About Someone Else’s Stuff

A few years back, some friends asked if I would keep their car while they spent a few months working in Asia. I could use it as a second vehicle as long as I took care of it. It ended up being a great… Continue Reading “Choosing to Care About Someone Else’s Stuff”

Choosing to Surrender

I chaperoned a field trip for my daughter’s elementary school class years ago. We went to San Antonio, Texas and toured the Alamo Mission. Having lived in Texas for several years by that time, the history of the place was already familiar. As part… Continue Reading “Choosing to Surrender”

Choosing to NOT “Fix It” Myself

“I will kill as many of them as I can.” A man in his early 20’s from Prizren, Kosovo said this to me quietly through clenched teeth. Not knowing how to respond, I silently reflected on the story he had just told me. It… Continue Reading “Choosing to NOT “Fix It” Myself”

Choosing Humility

It’s a simple but often maligned and misunderstood word. To be considered humble is a compliment for some and an insult for others. It’s frequently associated with being soft spoken, self-deprecating, and wallowing in low self-esteem. While most people consider it a virtue of… Continue Reading “Choosing Humility”

Choosing to Soften My Heart

“I love you with all my heart.” I’ve heard this phrase a few times in my life, and it always brings a smile to my face. It’s a stereotypical expression that usually comes from someone trying to express deep feelings but hasn’t come up… Continue Reading “Choosing to Soften My Heart”