Sorry it's been a while on these post. It's hard for me to find some time to sit and really ponder on what I need to write about. I'm reading this book "Live, Love, and Learn." It's all the devotional messages from Time Out for Women. I want to share one with you today. It's titled "Decide Once" by Don H. Staheli.
"I have developed a practical approach to hair dryer preservation. In a household with four daughters and a wife, each of whom has thick hair, such imaginative strategies for living are important. Especially if some economic benefit can be realized in the process.
For years we went through hair dryers almost as fast as the cans of spray. I tried to fix them when they broke, but the little busted pieces, essential to the operation of the appliance, were expensive to replace and impossible to rebuild (I think they are built by robots anyway. nobody has fingers small enough and eyesight so clear as to actually put together the innards of one of these hot-air machines). So, it was off to the discount store to find another 1500 watt beauty.
Finally, one day, I figured it out. There was a common symptom in the early demise of the hair dryers. The heating element rarely seemed to run out of heat. The blower itself looked okay. But the on/off switch--yes the vulnerable switch--was the scene of manipulated mayhem. 'On' when the drying started. 'Off' to wind a curl or comb a snarl. 'On' for more drying and shaping--slow speed for styling, high speed for quicker drying, slow again, then off: a thumb-generated endurance test to which the machine just wasn't equal. No matter the cost of the unit, the switch was often the first thing to go.
The solution was simple. Just turn it on and leave it on. Only move the switch once! Plug it in for power when you want it to blow and unplug it when you're through. Admittedly, this was somewhat impractical for certain hair-dos, but for many needs it was perfect--and with far less thumbing of the on/off button, it lasted much longer.
A lot of decisions in life can be like that. There is no need to go back and forth or up and down about many things. You just make the decision once and let it go at that. For instance, I feel sorry for those who agonize each Sunday morning over whether or no to go to church that day. Or for those who struggle to obey the Word of Wisdom. Imagine having this argument with yourself, over and over: 'Should I drink a beer of should I not? Maybe this time, but not again. Well, perhaps I will. After all, this is a special occasion. No, I really shouldn't drink at all. I guess . . .'
No! Just make up your mind that you are going to do what's best and stick with it. Your decision switch will last a lot longer that way. Of course, there are times when we choose to deviate from our usual way of behaving because circumstances require a different approach (not with drinking!). But most of the time we need to make up our minds only once, and that decision can then be applied over and over again, generally leading us to do what is right and saving ourselves needless anxiety and turmoil.
Perhaps that is what the Lord meant us to understand when he gave us this principle: 'But in case no additional light is given, the first decision shall stand' (Doctrine and Covenants 102:22)."
I have learned that when I make a decision and stick to it, life becomes a lot easier, especially when raising children. I hope these words of advice help you make decisions and stick to them, to not only become a better individual, but to better you're life and really enjoy everything you have to offer and that has been given to you.
I know it can be hard to make decisions, especially when you're unsure, but I know when you go to the Lord and tell him what's going on and what you feel like you should do, He will help you know without a doubt that your decision is the right one or the wrong one. He is always there to help, you must allow Him inside to help. He is knocking, but are you willing to open the door?
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