Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a Stanford University Professor of Psychology, published The Willpower Instinct in 2013. She defined willpower as “the ability to choose what matters most, even when it’s difficult or when some part of you wants to choose something else.”

The author wrote identified three practices that help us to STOP bad or sinful habits:

1. I won’t
2. I will
3. I want

The first step is saying, “I won’t.” Prayerfully consider something you need to STOP in your life. Where do you feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction? 

The second step is to say “I will.” Eliminate the negative and embrace the positive. Empty yourself of the harmful and fill yourself with the beneficial.

“I won’t,” and “I will” are bound together by “I want.” We combine our blessed imagination with the Holy Spirit’s power to envision a transformed future. Romans 8:29 states that the final goal of the salvation process is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

God’s will inspires and empowers our will power as we become more like Jesus.

I accidentally joined the Classic Film Lovers Facebook Group. I must have clicked rather than swiped. I now belong to a group of 27,276 devotees of old movies.

I don’t like old movies.

Recent riveting discussion debated the merits of Catherine Deneuve versus Jacqueline Bissett, Cary Grant versus Jack Lemmon, and Westworld (1973) versus Westworld (2016). I have no opinion on any of these matters; but I enjoy the posts.

The passionate opinions of the participants intrigue me. Some people out there really LOVE classic films. They ardently champion various films, actors, and genres.

Yet no one feels a need to denigrate another’s opinion. Whether you’re a Catherine Deneuve or a Jacqueline Bisset fan, it’s all good. Let’s agree Cary Grant and Jack Lemmon both dominated the screen. Westworld (1973) or Westworld (2016)? Enjoy them both!

Compare and contrast the attitudes of my Classic Film Lovers pals to the rest of Facebook. People on social media walk around with two facts and a baseball bat. We defend our opinions with zealous fervor and demonize others’ ideas with spiteful glee.

Steven Covey wrote in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, “Seek first to be understood, then to be understood.” This is a timely principle in a polarizing culture.

Listen and reflect rather than ignore and react. We might learn something along the way.  

I remain a proud member of the Classic Film Lovers Facebook Group. Does anyone know how to stream Doctor Zhivago? Here’s to you, kid!

Cut my hand while rummaging through desk drawers. Blotted the blood with Kleenex and applied a bandage.

Noticed an errant smear of blood on the front of my pants. Skulked to the bathroom while avoiding others. Used a damp towel and Tide stick to remove the stain.

A damp spot the size of a salad plate remained. Used additional towels to vigorously dry the wet fabric, praying no one walked through the door mid-process.

Returned to office.

Noticed a missed drop of blood on my pants . . ..

I occasionally visit the Methodist Center at Century Plaza near Clairmont and I-85. The Global Business Center is located catty-corner from the complex’s entrance. The multi-company building features a large sign advertising: “REAL ESTATE – LAW – ACCOUNTING – SEDATION DENTISTRY.”

The last advertisement always catches my attention. I do not know the specifics of Sedation Dentistry, but it sounds like something worth pursuing. I suspect that a drug-induced torpor might enhance any dental procedure.

I don’t fear dentists exactly, but I highly respect anyone putting pointy objects and whirring drills into my mouth. A six-month cleaning tests my pain tolerance. When the tech says, “This might pinch a bit,” I hear the person say, “Or it might feel like a mule kicked you.”

My current dentist does not provide generalized sedation. I’m tempted to change providers to experience this wonderful practice.  

An anti-drug campaign of the 1980s encouraged teens to “JUST SAY NO!”  Nancy Reagan didn’t realize that NO stood for for Nitrous Oxide.

My message is “DON’T DO DRUGS.”

But.

I don’t think dental sedation counts. As for me and my house, I say NO.  

Many of us made New Year’s resolutions on January 1st. During the holidays, we overindulged in too much of too much. The birth of a New Year inspires plans of diet, exercise, and thriftiness.

Resolutions born at midnight on December 31^st seldom survive the first weeks of January. Habit is a hard master to overthrow. By mid-month, the new and improved model greatly resembles the old and not so improved model!

We can scoff at the idea of spontaneous resolutions leading to lasting change; but we serve a God of fresh starts and second chances. Today can be different from yesterday; and tomorrow can be different from today.

Paul wrote: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Our “re-creation” in Christ is both event and process as we grow into the image of our Savior.

Our January Worship Series at Northside Church is 4 Lifechanging Decisions. We will explore the power of practicing four actions: Start, Stop, Stay, and Go.

Jesus began his ministry preaching the message, “The time has come, the kingdom of God is at hand, repent, and believe in the gospel.” The time has come for repentance rather than resolutions. This year can be new in more than name alone!