Choosing yes over no
If you’ve read previous messages on my blog, you may remember meeting my grandson. He doesn’t like being told, “No!” Do any of us? But there are times when we must realize when no means no and choosing yes over no is the better choice.
This week, my grandson and I had another episode. He’s old enough now to resist his nap and chose to delay the inevitable by dallying over his snack. The crafty little fellow nibbled at his food, then crept off to play, thinking I didn’t notice. But like mothers, grandmothers have eyes in the back of their heads and see most everything.
I reminded him, “Finish your snack if you want it or we’ll go on to nap time.”
He’d take a bite or two then creep away to play. I again gave a reminder, followed by, “If you get up again, before you’re finished, you’re going to bed.”
He scurried back to his chair and began to eat. I waited behind him and watched as he began to fidget and stood up to race to another activity. He turned and saw me and his eyes widened in disbelief. She’s watching me, he thought, and pasted a look of innocence on his face and sat, grabbing for his spoon.
I hid my face to keep from laughing as I snatched the squirming bundle of boy and carried him off for his nap. His protests fell on deaf ears as Grandma settled him in his bed for a nap. After a few more groans of, “I’m not ready,” the tired little fellow went to sleep.
Avoiding what’s good for us
How often do we avoid what’s good for us by substituting more harmful behaviors? Some examples might include:
- Being unable to balance our commitments by overloading our schedule with too much on our to-do list (taking on too many responsibilities).
- Struggling with our priorities by procrastinating on tasks we know we must do, putting off important tasks until the last minute, causing stress for ourselves and others.
- Not getting enough sleep because we’re distracted or worried, stressed over our busy schedule, or too much screen time.
- Continuing to eat foods we know aren’t good for us (foods high in fat and sugar, fried foods, fast food, and rich desserts).
- Living a sedentary lifestyle and not choosing to be physically active to keep our heart and mind healthy.
- Allowing distractions or a busy lifestyle to interfere with Bible study and our quiet time with God.
When no means no
How do we say no to things which are harmful to us? We can’t always do it alone. Saying no to our own unhealthy desires or unwise decisions is often a very difficult task. We need our Father’s help.
Saying no to actions that aren’t good or healthy for us takes self-discipline, consistency, and perseverance. But when we make these hard choices, remember–God wants us to be the best we can be–He will help us.
Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Choosing to say YES!
Saying yes to behaviors that are good for us involves being alert to those temptations that would lead us into poor health habits or drag us away from our commitment to serve our Lord. We aren’t alone in the battle to fight temptations.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering. (1 Peter 5:8-9)*
Saying yes to actions which improve our health–physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually will make us healthier, happier, and better able to serve our God. He is still working on us–to help us to be what we can be in Him.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
Just as I help my grandson to recognize good choices from poor ones, our loving Father continues to guide us to a closer relationship with Him. Our part involves commitment, consistency, perseverance, and our continued goal to praise, worship, honor, and serve Him.
Do you have a habit that’s keeping you from a closer relationship with God? Do you need to say NO to these behaviors? Is there an action you should begin–a behavior which brings better health and a closer relationship with our Father–one that deserves a resounding YES!
Please let me know how I may pray for you.
Book Give Aways!
Keeping our body in balance involves both our spiritual involvement with our Father and our care for this amazing body He has given us. A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart, by Jeannie Waters just released last month. This beautifully written devotional book welcomes you to our Father’s table and will inspire you on your journey to a closer relationship with our Lord. Details for give away and how to order are below. A wonderful Christmas gift!
Amazon link for A Place at His Table
This week is the first anniversary for the release of Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle. This individual devotional or group Bible study offers practical advice, achievable goals, and encouragement to guide you on the journey to healthier lifestyle choices.
Amazon link for Honoring God with My Body
I’ll be sharing each of these books this week. If you already follow my blog and make a comment you’ll enter the drawing once. If you haven’t yet followed my blog and you follow and make a comment, you’ll enter the drawing twice. Winners will be contacted on Monday, October 9 by email. Even if you have one or both of these books, consider them as Christmas gifts for friends and loved ones.
Thanks for this post, Katherine. Your words remind me to reflect on my actions and attitudes as I try to settle into a new norm. Thanks for questions to ask myself and the encouraging Scripture I need. Bless you.
Thank you, Carolyn, your encouragement means so much. I too, need to remember to spend more time in reflection and less focus on how many tasks I can accomplish. Wishing you a blessed week and much joy in service to our Lord.
Nice post and a great reminder. I struggle with saying no to others, but the deeper I go into my heart to find the WHY behind my struggle takes some effort. Am I focused on pleasing man? Am I intent on avoiding guilt? Am I evading the reality that I’m creeping up on the one-year anniversary of my Daddy’s death, so I’m saying yes to everything else just to be distracted from the pain of loss? (Ahhh. There it is, yes?) Sifting through the why – the heart issue – takes some time and work. Discerning the difference between sin and brokenness is a road worth traveling, paved with scripture and the encouraging fellowship of people who just happen to write really good reminder posts.
Thank you for your faithfulness, Katherine.
I’m so grateful you shared your thoughts, Kristy. I know you are in the midst of grief and I pray you will find peace. I understand how staying busy helps us cope with grief. I did the same thing (and still do) in an attempt to manage my pain and sorrow after the death of my loved one three years ago. Of course, it doesn’t take the pain away, but helps manage the sharp and agonizing ache of loss. Thank you for your understanding and encouragement. May God bless you and your service to Him.
Katherine, I love the analogy of your sweet grandson. God sees us as we busy ourselves with our tasks of choice rather than spending time in prayer, Bible study, church assembly, or any other kingdom privilege. I’m guilty of failing to rest in the presence of the Lord. I’m often too task driven. Thanks for sharing.
I think we’re on the same lane of our journey, Lisa. I know I’m too busy and task driven. My quiet time with our Lord is one of the areas that suffers when I take on too many responsibilities. Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Your points are well taken. Even as I’m a month short of 70 years old I continue to struggle with eating choices. In September I walked 152.7 miles as part of a “Step-ember Challenge. That’s 318,265 total steps for the month or 10,609 steps per day average. My weight on September 1 weighed 210.1. My weight this morning was still at 207.4 pounds. While the blood work numbers are good, it’s obvious to me getting enough exercise isn’t the issue. I walk 90 to 120 minutes a day. I love walking, the solitude it provides, and the time it provides for learning, prayer, and reflection. My taste for fine dining and choices of lamb chops, prime rib, surf & turf, and warm ‘a la mode deserts derail success. As I go to buy larger clothes today I am really reflecting on this. My entire social life focuses on good food and plenty of it. I am praying for God to show me and help me admit the habits I have they keep me from a closer relationship with Him. Great article. I love your writing and application.
I feel your pain, Jimmie, because I love good food, too. The key (as we both know) is moderation. It’s not that we need to deprive ourselves of “good” food, but eat more of the healthier foods (fresh fruits and veggies, lean meet, low fat and low sugar, etc.), BUT we need to be aware of what foods are really high in fat and sugar, and eat those sparingly (as an occasional treat rather than daily choices). Keep up the walking–you’re doing great on that and you’re a wonderful role model for regular physical activity. Blessings!
I have much in common with your grandson–still a work in progress. Thanks for another great post, Katherine.
Thank you, Diana. Aren’t we blessed that He is still working on us? Wishing you joy and blessings.
Katherine, I am guilty of starting too many projects ar once, then I have to scramble to tie all the loose ends up. I have made progress in prioritizing but still need help. Balancing no and yes does take work! Congratulations on your book anniversary. Your help in keeping us aligned toward health is so important. I also have enjoyed Jeannie’s new devotional.
Katherine another great blog entry! You hit the nail on the head. Also your analogy with your granson is super! Thanks also for your books! May God continue to bless you and your books!!!!!!
Thank you, Martha. Your encouragement and support mean so much. Hoping you week is going well. Blessings!
I know what you mean by having too many projects at once, Barbara. It seems like when I finish one task, there are two or three more to add on to my schedule. I’m grateful for your support and encouragement. Hope you’re having a great week!
Love this! And yes, I could see the corners of your mouth turning up, then jaws clenching, as you worked to suppress laughter at your little guy’s antics. A great mix of humor and heartfelt passion for God in your post ma’am. Knowing when “yes or no” is the right choice for you is often determined through prayer and discernment of the Spirit’s leading, isn’t it?
You’re absolutely right, my friend. Prayer, meditation, studying Scripture, engaging in worship, seeking wisdom and guidance in discernment–all these actions guide us in determining God’s will for us. And it’s not something we do once and never need to ask God again. We need this quiet time with God, in Bible study, in thinking and reflecting and praying for His guidance as a regular part of our daily lives. Wishing you a week of hope, joy, and peace, J.D. and family.
Could your grandson and I be somehow related? I can see myself in him. Thanks Katherine, great admonishment and great encouragement.
You gifted me with laughter, Sylvia. I often wonder if my grandchildren inherited some of their not so good habits from me. I’m thankful God doesn’t give up on us and is always just a prayer away. Peace and blessings.
Overloading our schedules–that’s a good look in the mirror for me! Thanks for your encouragement to say yes to the good, Katherine. God bless!
I think many of us see that burden of overload when we look in the mirror. I hope we can pray and encourage each other to seek wisdom and discernment as to what we should say “no” to. Wishing you joy and blessings, Nancy.
Toddlers are delightful, aren’t they? The description of your grandson’s antics nailed it. How many times have I seen something similar play out in my own life?
I’m experiencing a weariness in my soul that I need to pray about.
My grandchildren delight me and I know you understand how much I appreciate God’s gift of them to be a part of my life. Just prayed for you, Candyce, that God will be with you during this time and bring you peace and comfort. Blessings, my friend.
I laughed out loud picturing your grandson’s surprise. Great post!
My grandson makes me laugh, Debbie. He’s such a happy little boy (most of the time). God is so good to grant us the gift of grandchildren. Thank you for your kind encouragement.
A very powerful, well written post full of wisdom. Thank you, Katherine. God bless you.
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Rachael, I’m grateful. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. Happy Fall!
Such a good reminder that our Lord is always there to guide and help us choose what’s best. May we each become better listeners and followers! Thanks for a cute story and a thoughtful insight, Katherine.
Kathy, your response touches on traits I need to work on–being a better listener and follower. It continues to amaze me, the valuable lessons we learn from others, especially God’s little one. They may be small in size, but those little bodies are full of blessings. Joy and blessings!
In an extremely busy time recently, I neglected what was good for me —especially adequate rest and exercise. Your story painted the perfect picture, Katherine, to show me how those choices affected me. Thank you for your post and for sharing my book.
Thinking of you, and praying for you, Jeannie, in this busy time of publication and book release. A Place at His Table shares a beautiful message of God’s love. Your book will bless many. Thank you for listening to God’s call to write.
It is so easy to fall into the busyness trap and neglect the things we aught to do. I know I’m guilty of this at time too so thanks for your wonderful reminder Katherine.
It’s good to know I’m not alone in this, Yvonne. Praying for you (and all of us who sometimes take on too much)–that we listen for our Father’s guidance and obey Him as He directs our pathway. Thank you and may God bless you and your ministry.
You’ve given so much wisdom here, Katherine. Thank you for the gentle nudge to think and pray more before I say either “yes” or “no.”
I need to think and pray more, too, Annie. Wishing you blessings, my friend, and much joy on your journey with our Lord.
I do take on too many responsibilities, and I do procrastinate. I needed to read this, thank you!
Although, I’m not typically a procrastinator, I do take on too many tasks and get overloaded. Of course, the bigger problem is that I don’t consult with our Father before I say yes to too many projects. Praying for all of us that are “too” busy–that we can listen to our Father and accept His guidance. Blessings!
Great words of wisdom, Katherine, and a timely reminder as I struggle with over-commitment. Thank you for this post.
From the responses I’ve received, it’s clear that so many of us are struggling with overloaded schedules and too many commitments. Praying for us! Thank you, Kim. for all you do in service to our Lord.
Katherine, I loved reading about your grandson. So cute! And I found myself more than once in your harmful behaviors list. I’m thankful God is still working on me!
Yes! We are so blessed that our loving Father never gives up on us and is only a prayer away whenever we need His guidance. He’s still working on me, too!