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Jan 1, 2011

The power of choice

A year ago, I made a New Years resolution that changed my life. Making one goal for the year worked so well for me that I plan to follow the same format this year. After several weeks of careful consideration, the perfect idea finally came tonight: I resolve to choose wisely.

I believe in the God-given gift of agency. I am free to act for myself, to decide how to live my life. But I also believe that I must exercise my agency to choose God's way. There are plenty of opportunities to choose less worthy things. In fact, it's often a struggle to choose among many good things.

So this year I am going to focus more fully on choosing the better part. A few references come to mind.

First, a scripture: "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Second, a quote from one of my favorite talks from LDS General Conference: "Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism." (Richard C. Edgley)

Finally, this talk by Dallin H. Oaks has become a guiding force in my life. I hope that this small excerpt can become a litmus test for all that I choose to do and say and feel and become: "We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."

...

This year, among many other things, I plan to choose to have peace in my relationships; choose to spend my time in the way that will benefit my family the most; choose carefully how media will influence my home; choose contentment over fear, worry, peer pressure, and discouragement; choose to read the scriptures; choose to build my marriage; choose to spend time with my children; and choose
to serve.

I won't always make the right choices, but I know that as I choose wisely, I will be blessed.

7 comments:

granny said...

Good choice! Love it.

Melanie said...

Love, love love this! Love this!

Colleen said...

Another wonderful "theme" for the year! It's one we could all choose! :)

The Wizzle said...

That is a great resolution. I love Elder Oakes's talk so much, one of my favorites! I hope you as successful this year. <3

Heidi said...

You have made some really good goals, and you see them through! I hope to do the same.

Admin said...

I love your resolution! And you inspired me to make one new years resolution this year too. Thank you for the great example you are! :)

The Cluff Family said...

Hi there! I found your blog from my friend Amanda Pettit Segeberg's post about one resolution. I was interested in the idea, and wanted to see what you had chosen for this year. As I scanned through a few of your other recent posts, I realized that you live in Colorado Springs - me too! And then, I noticed you had a ward split in April; we must be in the same stake! We are in the Broadmoor Ward. I have a few questions for you about your resolution, and how you know Amand. Would you like to email me? Thanks! rebecca.cluff@gmail.com.

pass it on!

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