Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Disciplined Life

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Someone gave this book to me as a gift - do you think they were trying to tell me something? :)

What sparked the giving of this gift was that I had mentioned that I had quit smoking and the reason I hadn't picked up the habit again was because it would go against my conscience. I believe, for me, it would be sinful.

There are several passages in Scripture that speak about self-control such as Gal. 5:22-23; 2Tim. 3:1-3; 2Pet. 1:5-7 that made me think about how much the desire to smoke controlled my life. My life revolved around when I was going to get to smoke again. I had NO control over that desire.

Another thing I quit doing almost as soon as I rose out of that watery grave of baptism was cursing like a sailor. I just stopped. All I had to do was read James 1:26 "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." Let's not forget James 3:5-12.

I have something else that's in need of attention in my life - I jokingly call myself a "later tater." But the problem is that I live an undisciplined life and it affects others. I am a waster of the prescious time I have been given by my Lord and a waster of other's time.

So, I just wanted to mention that this book is amazingly painful to read - it's not fun when your faults have a huge spotlight on them. I highly recommend this book. It's a grand total of 127 pages but so full of wonderful information. One of those books you will keep and read again - a reference tool. I've read a lot of "information" books (I'm an information reader) and the authors will waste 300 pages on information that should take only 100 pages. This is NOT one of those books. Every word is worth reading.

5 comments:

Suzy-Q said...

Ouch Annie. You stepped on my toes! I have had this very conviction for a while now. Why can't I manage my time more effectively and get more done and motivate my family to do more? Because I am lazy and choose not to. That is the hard truth to swallow. I make time for what I want to....blogging, watching CSI after the kids go to bed, visiting family, vegging on the couch. I will have to see if I can get my hands on that book. I will put UJ on the case post haste. :o) Thanks for sharing.

It seems funny to me to even imagine you smoking. You don't seem the "type" to me. :o) haha

Anne said...

AuntiJ - The caption at the top is linked to that book at Amazon. I'm warnin' you - it really makes you think about yourself. Well worth it.

Anonymous said...

I don't do anything right in all reality. I tried for awhile to do things right but I failed. I'm lucky to get the toilet paper on the right way.

Anne said...

Dooz - Trying is the best part. :)

I have failed so many times with my "timeliness" issue that I have already set myself up to fail. BUT, I remember doing the same thing with smoking.

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