TODAY’S LAUGH: A friend complained about her brother the other day.
“He’s miserable every moment, complaining about what ‘coulda, shoulda been’ and dreading what might come next–all at the same time! He’s just like that old TV show – ‘I Led Three Lives’!”
Now you have to be pretty old to remember that TV classic of Cold War paranoia. I do. Herb Philbrick lived the life of an advertising exec, a spy and a counter-spy all at the same time. Hence, the “three lives.”
The TV show is long gone, but some of us live as three people every day — our past self, our present self and our future self. And like my friend’s brother, all of them are miserable.
Living three lives is exhausting!
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: How many lives are you living right now? We have only this moment – this ONE moment. (And I’m glad because that’s about all I have energy for.) The past is past and we have no guarantee of tomorrow.
This one present moment is where we really live. This one moment where we can choose our attitude and our focus.
In this present moment, is there anything good, delightful, or worthy of praise? What’s joyful, uplifting, hopeful or inspiring? What’s right with your life, right now, right here?
Let the past be gone. Let the future unfold as it will. Focus on this present moment and make it the best it can be.
Breathe. Be thankful. Be blessed one day–one moment–at a time.
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BIRTHDAY BOOK GIVEAWAY: To celebrate my birthday, and to thank you for making my life a party, I’m giving away a book a week the next six weeks (my own books and some other favorites).
Enter via the “CONTACT MARY” link with “FREE BOOK” in the subject line. Enter every day if you wish (one entry per day per person please). The week’s winner will be drawn on Monday night and announced in the Tuesday blog. (Deadline for entering for each week will be Monday, 8:00 pm CDT.)
Thank you for this reminder. I guess the problem I suffer from is when something happens that brings the past forward; a past I want to leave IN the past (Satan does that to us, and we need to be aware)…. but I need only to be concerned about the here and now. And the “here and now” is giving me a NEW niece or nephew, for this child has been prayed for, for over 10 years. This is my “good” right now =)
MP)
(And this is very, very good!
I’m afraid I’m not quite old enough to remember this TV program. That feels great because I usually do remember the older ones.
These are my 3 lives which is a little different take on it.
1. My life without Jesus -
This was a one way ticket I’d rather not get on the ride for its destination. Death does not become me.
2. My life when I accepted Jesus as my Lord & Savior.
This was a magnificent day. I was filled with the Holy Spirit and had eternal life given to me by Christ Jesus’ sacrifice. My name was written in the book of life and a seal was placed on me. I am not my own, I belong to another. WOW! Can it get any better than this? YES IT CAN!!!
3. My life until Jesus comes to take me home to Heaven to live with Him forever.
This is the time I’m becoming transformed to the image of my Savior and “my light” is shining brighter as I conform to His will. God wants me to share the good news with those he brings into my path (Divine Appts.). Exciting stuff for now with better stuff to come later on when I’m no longer earth bound.
Thanks Mary for helping me stop and think about my life so far and the life to come. I always look forward to Tues. when I receive your emails. I know they’ll be good! Love ya, Susan B.
MP)
(Thanks for this SB – Well said!
From Iris: “You are so right, Mary. We sometimes dwell way too often on the past and are worried about the future.
MP)
I take every moment I have as a blessing – and maybe even can brighten someone else’s day…
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
BTW – I started reading your book my mom sent from Germany – I love it!
(You’ve brightened MY day!