None of us, not a single one of us should take this hour, this day, this year, this life, or the people in it for granted.
Neither should we ever take the fact that we awakened this morning, or that tomorrow is a given to be absolute.
Life doesn’t play that way… and neither should we.
May 27th Marks The Second Anniversary of My Heart Surgery, and on that fated Friday morning, I was given a second chance at life.
'Above all...guard your heart...it is the wellspring of life.' Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Heart disease will kill you if you don't detect it and treat it in time.
That is true - physically and spiritually. It's why the Bible states, 'Above all...guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.'
Wanting to look your best is admirable. It can enhance your sense of self-worth and improve your prospects in life.
But it's not a very gracious act to dwell upon one’s appearance and yet neglect the upkeep of your character. When all is said and done, '...Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)
This is where the Bible comes into play. It's like a mirror; it shows you the condition of your heart at any given moment. So, how's your heart today?
What kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Are you constantly comparing and resenting? Do you get easily upset? When you hear gossip do you silence it or spread it?
Jesus said, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.' (Matthew 5:8 KJV)
In other words, when you start to see things God's way you'll begin to act accordingly. If the water in the well is polluted it will make you sick. Indeed, if you drink enough, it can kill you. What's the point?
Simply this: it's not enough to try to change your bad habits; you've got to go to the heart of your problem - which is the problem of your heart!
The Psalmist realized this so he prayed, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.' (Psalm 51:10 KJV)
If you want God to prosper you, get your heart right.
That’s it. That’s all.
Thank You, Dr. Alexander Delvecchio for your God-given gifts… and thanks to Professor Mark Addis for your wisdom.
Snatch JOY!
One.
18 comments:
Happy anniversary, Lin! I'm so glad you are around. You are a wonderful, thoughtful, brilliant and talented guy!
@Val:
Thanks so much, Valentina. Trust me, my friend, it's a Blessing just to still be here, breathing AIR!
One.
Happy Anniversary my Brother Pen! Celebrate,Enjoy...loved this post, so inspiring and meaningful, just like you!
@ Miz:
Thank YOU, Sista Pen. Just turning my adversity into something Larger... like maybe a Teachable Moment.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend.
One.
Happy anniversary! Terrific post! Your recovery and all your anniversaries are special gifts to us all! Keep on writing and snatch every joy you can, a man I am proud to call friend! Much love and naked hugs!
@ Roger:
Thanks, man. Hopefully there'll be many, MANY more anniversaries down the line.. & that I'll be snatchin much JOY(!) well into the future.
Have a wonderful & naked holiday weekend, my friend.
One.
You s'posed to be here. And I thank God for that. Keep snatching joy cause life is in it!
@A.M.:
“All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring. We must NEVER, ever be boring.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk
One.
This moved me so. There is a specific message in here just for me. Thank you for delivering it.
God is indeed still speaking.
@ Lovebabz:
I believe God is always speaking to us... sometimes in a roar of thunder... sometimes in soft deliberate whispers. Maybe it should be a part of our fate to become better listeners.
*ponder*
SJ, My Friend!
One.
Amen....and Amen.....
I'm sure if it feels like two years have flown by to me, it's moved just as quickly on your end, Lin. I'm grateful for your healing and doubly so for your unselfish spirit. May the time ahead be increasingly fruitful and joy-filled {{hugs}}!
Mel
Amen indeed, Wynn.
One.
@ CG:
MELLLLLLLLLL!!! You've been missed. Thanks so much for the beautiful verbiage & for just gracing my blog w/ the loveliness of your presence.
Hoping all is chill, Blessed, & yes, JOYFUL in CG-ville.
(((Mel)))
One.
L
Happy anniversary and a great entry as usual
@ gayte-keeper:
Thanks mane... I truly appreciate the compliment.
SJ!
One.
This post, these words...
Speechless!
Such an intense read for someone like me who LIVES on every word spoken by OUR Creator. I love all the carefully chosen verses and scriptures used here.
We (as a soceity) do give a lot of care to exterior self and very, very little to the interior.
This peice would make a great read for the Health and Fitness Magazine(s). It surely captured my attention at "What thoughts are you entertaining?"
Last week my Pastor read a profound verse from Haggai and it has become tatooed in my head: 1:7 "give careful thought to your ways."
We can easily get distracted with our thoughts and that is the deciding factor in the path we choose. The evil one is after God's chosen ones and will stop at nothing, pulling out all the tricks and traps to get into that sacred "heart space."
Guard your hearts, people. Like the Bible says and like you've re-written here in the beautiful post,relating to your (GIFTED)life experience...leading by example: Guard your hearts!
Love for a greaat day!
China Doll :-)
@ China Doll:
It's rare that any interior work goes on when we're young, dumb, pure & beautiful. It's usually after all the beautifulness fades that we seek something more of the world, in ourselves & of ourselves in the world.
Biblically speaking, there are so many lessons, clues, hints & allusions to how to live a more fulfilled & spirit-centered existence... we need only to seek The Way.
I plan to spend the rest of my days & this life as a seeker. It's all I know to do.
Thanks so much for rolling thru, my friend.
SJ!
One.
L
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