A few weeks ago I was asked if I wouldn't mind writing an article for my "EW" family. "You must be joking" was my first thought. I'm certainly no writer and what could I possibly write about that would be of interest. Mmmm, maybe I could write about some of my adventures of the past 30 years of being a Truck Driver. No, I thought, no one would believe that stuff and would say I was just making it all up.
Well, a couple of weeks past and for some reason I couldn't seem to forget about this request. After talking with my best consultants, "Munchkin" and "Trucker Doc", I was inspired to at least give it a try. So, boys and girls, here it is like it or not.
I promise to keep this as short and to the point as I possibly can and hope that you might find something here that will lead you to a brighter spirit, relieve some stress, improve your outlook of the future, and maybe open a door to a truly "Happy New Year."
As many of you may not know I believe that I have a strong faith in God and even though I almost never feel worthy of his grace and countless blessings that he has bestowed upon me I do feel that I have a close relationship with our Lord Jesus.
Before you say, oh no, another bible thumper that wants to use every opportunity to preach the word, just let me say that I am not a preacher and I'm not here to preach. I am a sinner just like everyone else. However, recognizing the fact that it's a blessing in itself that I have this opportunity to share with all of you the peace, patience, joy, happiness, and understanding that my faith gives me, I'm sure you all will understand and hopefully appreciate why I would want to write about this topic.
As a matter of fact, witnessing, or talking to others about your faith is one of the most important things you can do on a quest to find real peace and true happiness. It reaffirms and strengthens your faith, it makes you feel good, it keeps you thinking and feeling positive instead of negative, and most importantly it's very pleasing to God and you will be rewarded for it.
As we all know almost all things are easier said than done. This article may sound like an over simplification of what I think is one path leading to the road to peace and happiness but be assured I'm not saying that it's simple or easy. Just like learning to play a musical instrument or learning to speak another language, things that are worth learning and all things that are lasting take study and practice! You have to learn and then practice many times a day, everyday.
Obviously if we want to learn something we do it by reading, watching, and listening. Then if we want to become proficient at what we are learning we practice it as often as possible.
The concept is simple but the rest is a conscious and dedicated effort. I am attesting to the fact that the return is more than well worth the time and effort spent.
There are an infinite number of books, teachers, preachers, and speakers that you can use to renew your spirit and strengthen your faith. Find those that you enjoy reading or listening to their message. Whether it be in church or in the library, on television or radio, seek out the ones that are speaking to you and watch and listen. Make and take the time to read and listen. Then put it into practice in your daily life.
I'm not saying that all books and all speakers are enjoyable or that you will find yourself agreeing with everything you read or hear. God knows that's impossible. However, I am sure that there are many out there that you will be able to relate to and with. There are many out there that can and will move your spirit, motivate you to action, and show you the way to find that real peace and true happiness that eludes so many.
I'm also not saying that real peace and true happiness means that you will no longer face and have to deal with many serious problems in your life.
What it does mean is that you will have the strength and patience to deal with and change the things you can, accept the things you cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference.
So boys and girls what I am saying here is that you only need to make the decision that you do want to find real peace and true happiness. Then read, watch, and listen to those that have it and can show you how to find it, and then practice what you have learned religiously!! Maybe just a little pun intended there.
Last but certainly not least don't forget to ask for patience, understanding, strength, wisdom, joy, peace, and happiness in your prayers after you've given thanks for all that God has done and all that he will do for you in the future.
After all, who wouldn't want or couldn't use more peace and happiness in their lives.
Well, a couple of weeks past and for some reason I couldn't seem to forget about this request. After talking with my best consultants, "Munchkin" and "Trucker Doc", I was inspired to at least give it a try. So, boys and girls, here it is like it or not.
I promise to keep this as short and to the point as I possibly can and hope that you might find something here that will lead you to a brighter spirit, relieve some stress, improve your outlook of the future, and maybe open a door to a truly "Happy New Year."
As many of you may not know I believe that I have a strong faith in God and even though I almost never feel worthy of his grace and countless blessings that he has bestowed upon me I do feel that I have a close relationship with our Lord Jesus.
Before you say, oh no, another bible thumper that wants to use every opportunity to preach the word, just let me say that I am not a preacher and I'm not here to preach. I am a sinner just like everyone else. However, recognizing the fact that it's a blessing in itself that I have this opportunity to share with all of you the peace, patience, joy, happiness, and understanding that my faith gives me, I'm sure you all will understand and hopefully appreciate why I would want to write about this topic.
As a matter of fact, witnessing, or talking to others about your faith is one of the most important things you can do on a quest to find real peace and true happiness. It reaffirms and strengthens your faith, it makes you feel good, it keeps you thinking and feeling positive instead of negative, and most importantly it's very pleasing to God and you will be rewarded for it.
As we all know almost all things are easier said than done. This article may sound like an over simplification of what I think is one path leading to the road to peace and happiness but be assured I'm not saying that it's simple or easy. Just like learning to play a musical instrument or learning to speak another language, things that are worth learning and all things that are lasting take study and practice! You have to learn and then practice many times a day, everyday.
Obviously if we want to learn something we do it by reading, watching, and listening. Then if we want to become proficient at what we are learning we practice it as often as possible.
The concept is simple but the rest is a conscious and dedicated effort. I am attesting to the fact that the return is more than well worth the time and effort spent.
There are an infinite number of books, teachers, preachers, and speakers that you can use to renew your spirit and strengthen your faith. Find those that you enjoy reading or listening to their message. Whether it be in church or in the library, on television or radio, seek out the ones that are speaking to you and watch and listen. Make and take the time to read and listen. Then put it into practice in your daily life.
I'm not saying that all books and all speakers are enjoyable or that you will find yourself agreeing with everything you read or hear. God knows that's impossible. However, I am sure that there are many out there that you will be able to relate to and with. There are many out there that can and will move your spirit, motivate you to action, and show you the way to find that real peace and true happiness that eludes so many.
I'm also not saying that real peace and true happiness means that you will no longer face and have to deal with many serious problems in your life.
What it does mean is that you will have the strength and patience to deal with and change the things you can, accept the things you cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference.
So boys and girls what I am saying here is that you only need to make the decision that you do want to find real peace and true happiness. Then read, watch, and listen to those that have it and can show you how to find it, and then practice what you have learned religiously!! Maybe just a little pun intended there.
Last but certainly not least don't forget to ask for patience, understanding, strength, wisdom, joy, peace, and happiness in your prayers after you've given thanks for all that God has done and all that he will do for you in the future.
After all, who wouldn't want or couldn't use more peace and happiness in their lives.