Life Observations

I am going to stray from my usual writing style and content to share a few personal insights, so bear with me and give me some feedback, please.

One does not live as long as I have (68+years) without the temptation of thinking maybe some knowledge has been gained from life's experiences. I thought that perhaps some of this wisdom is worth sharing.Here are three things that I believe are essential to know in order to live a life that is worthwhile:

First and foremost, you cannot live your life without a relationship with God. Well, actually, you can do it 'your way', if you want to do it all alone and do it the hard way. Scripture tells us "There is a way that seemeth right to a man/woman, but the end thereof is death."Guidance from God and reliance on Him takes so much pressure off your mind and brings peace. Since the LORD never changes, all His promises are yes and amen for you. He still says "Ask, seek and knock". His Son, Jesus Christ, "Ever lives to make intercession for us." That means God is there 24/7 to help us and Jesus is praying on our behalf to His Father. The Holy Spirit is our Helper to give us discernment and speak to our conscience. Now I do not want you to think that God is at your beck and call. That is not what I am saying at all. When you are seeking help and guidance, His Spirit is the very one who leads you to God's merciful throne. When your relationship is right with God, you are at His service and a very fine place that is to be! (But those adventures in His service are for another blog entry.)

The second piece of advice I believe to be useful and true is that you have to live with a view to tomorrow. You cannot be narrow in your thinking. Decisions today have consequences for the future, so you need to be careful about details like how you spend your time, money and energy. Even your words can come back to haunt you so they need to be deliberately chosen also.

This leads me to the third important thing I want to share and that is to be intentional in how you live your life. There is even a web site, Intentional Living with Dr. Randy Carlson, and radio program by the same name, that covers just that. It is just so basic. You cannot live your life being a victim; blindsided by the events and circumstances that come your way. Everyday, you can choose to do one intentional thing that will make your life and others lives better. You can plan ahead, you can organize, you can make lists or set goals. Whatever you choose to do, change one thing for the better today, and this year. As I have heard so often and told others, "It is insane to believe that doing the same old thing will give different results." You can change outcomes by changing one simple thing. Maybe it is an attitude about someone or something that needs an update. Quit downloading negative thoughts and change to positive ones about your problems or problem people.

What I do know and am certain of, I have learned thoroughly from experience and from scripture. These last four tidbits are for you to take to heart: God is good all the time. Life is hard for a reason. You can never hope to earn your way to heaven, but "We are saved by grace through faith...it is the gift of God lest anyone boast." There is a heaven and a hell and it sure isn't here on earth.

I will conclude with this thought: Life is too precious to be lived by trusting in luck or chance. I pray you will choose life lived in the love of Christ Jesus! Doma