Tag: Temptation

Choosing to Trust When I Can’t See

I was five years old when I had my tonsils removed. Medical concerns and procedures were different back then. They had me spend the night before surgery in the hospital. I remember my initial impression was that of getting to do a sleep over… Continue Reading “Choosing to Trust When I Can’t See”

Choosing to Be Combative

Though I could be quiet and reserved as a child, I had a belligerent side as well. I got into quite a few fights—the kind that included punching, slapping, kicking and bloody noses. Before you form a mental picture of me as a delinquent… Continue Reading “Choosing to Be Combative”

Choosing to Remember God’s Track Record

“He will order His angels to protect you.”  These words from Psalm 91 should be a great comfort for those who are putting their trust in God. It says in verse 6, “Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that… Continue Reading “Choosing to Remember God’s Track Record”

Choosing to Go Slow

There’s something gratifying about finding a way to make a long journey shorter. I look to my GPS for help these days. But even as a kid, I was always looking for a short cut. When I was 12, my friends showed me a… Continue Reading “Choosing to Go Slow”

Choosing to Resist

In every house I’ve lived, sooner or later, we have to deal with pests. We’ve battled everything from snakes to bats, all looking to make a home with us. But of course, the most common little irritating critter has been the mouse. Unfortunately for… Continue Reading “Choosing to Resist”

Choosing a Resilient Identity

No matter how hard I try, why are some things so difficult to resist? Overeating? Harsh responses to those who correct me? Anxiety about the future? I know how I should respond, what I’m supposed to do, and what I ought to feel. But… Continue Reading “Choosing a Resilient Identity”

Choosing More than Appearances

Who wouldn’t want to be Bilbo the Hobbit upon finding a magic ring? Oh, the mischievous things that could be done! In addition, there would be the unique comfort that comes with the ability to turn invisible, hiding from the prying eyes of goblins,… Continue Reading “Choosing More than Appearances”

Choosing Authenticity All the Time

No matter how hard I try, why are some things so difficult to resist? Overeating? Harsh responses to those who correct me? Anxiety about the future? I know how I should respond, what I’m supposed to do, and what I ought to feel. But… Continue Reading “Choosing Authenticity All the Time”

Choosing What I Practice

It was my high school Spanish teacher who challenged an old axiom I had heard all my life. “Practice makes perfect.” This little phrase had been a mantra that I had assumed must be in the Bible somewhere because I heard it so much.… Continue Reading “Choosing What I Practice”

Choosing to say, “NO!”

In every house I’ve lived, sooner or later, we have to deal with pests. We’ve battled everything from snakes to bats, all looking to make a home with us. But of course, the most common little irritating critter has been the mouse. Unfortunately for… Continue Reading “Choosing to say, “NO!””