a choice: now or later

As I've been pressing through to be bold and not cower away from my current life's issues, I read two quotes that really helped me:

"We can take ten years to learn one year's lesson, or we can take one year to learn ten years' lessons. This all depends on the attitude of the individual believer during testing. We can either walk forward through the valleys, in faith and confidence and with a glad heart, or we can be dragged through it heels first. If we choose this latter course, it is not likely that we will ever walk in the fullness of all that God intends for us... for anything that is not of God in me keeps my relationship with Him from flourishing, and that relationshipis all that matters to me in life. No price is too high. I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord, that He shall deliver me from the power of sin and flesh."

- Anne Murchison, Praise and Worship in earth as it is in heaven, 1981 (by the way, I HIGHLY recommend this book for every believer since our first ministry is unto the Lord, then the Body, then the lost. This book was very insightful, refreshing, and biblical :)

"Lord, today is truth day. No more lies, even to myself. I'm not listening to the junk the enemy throws at me like 'I have to be perfect,' 'I have to succeed and have everything go my way in order to be happy.' Every time I think this stuff, I will let go of it and think about the truth instead. Like the factthat you work 'all things together for good.' That I should 'do all things without complaining or whining.' That I should only think about the good stuff, not the bad stuff. That I want to die to myself and not worry about what other people think of me. Today I'm turning my back on my pride. It's not what makes me powerful. I'd rather be wrong and let others be right than have to win. Today I will tell the truth even if it doesn't feel very good. I believe that my value is not in how well I do stuff or how good I look but in just being your kid. I won't base my happiness on what happens to me.

Today I tear out the old tape that used to play lies over and over in my head, and in its place I'm going to play the truth of Scripture. Today I trust you in everything. I find the good in everything. And I hope in all things. I know that whatever happens to me is just a tool to draw me closer to you. I know that you have 'plans to prosper me and not to harm me,' no matter how impossible that seems. I'm going to care more about others than myself, but I won't try to take care of everyone, becaue I know I have to leave that to you. I won't think of my past as if it predicts my future. I will make decisions based on facts, not just feelings. Today I will stop telling myself lies and start telling myself the truth- and the truth is that each day is a big present from you... I will live life full on, just like you said. Thank you for your Word that teaches me how to live holy and honestly... Amen."

- Hayley DiMarco & Justin Lookadoo, The Dirt on Breaking Up, 2004
(hahaha, I know, I'm totally quoting from a book for teenage dating! but, this prayer hit the spot and was completely where my heart was today. This book was actually very insightful and helpful - even to a 26 year old! :)