Choices

We all make choices in our lives. We are all different and like different things like food for instance. There are many things my husband doesn't like to eat that I do. I sometimes make myself the things he doesn't like for lunch or when he is on a business trip. If I am having company, I will make two things, one of which he likes. 

We all make choices of where we want to live. We came to Florida to help my parents. It took awhile to get adjusted as Florida is like a different world than living up North. I have been here 10 years and I would like to stay. I could have a better quality of life in Arizona because of my inability to function well in the humidity. Florida is where my daughters are. Florida is where most of my friends are. My husband would have to give up taking our sailboat out into the Gulf of Mexico. We are used to eating fresher food that did not have to be shipped to Florida and we love having access to the beaches and amusements. Some how though other people think that they live in the best place in the world and want us to move there. I understand how they feel as I once was reluctant to move to Florida and took the snow and sleet and cold rain in stride. Now that I am out of that weather, I don't miss it at all.

I have made the choice in my life to be a Christian. My view as my decision to be Christian is I am to share the good news about Jesus! As an ambassador for Christ I am to live my beliefs. I am to love my enemies and pray for everyone. I also know that God draws us to him and his son via the Holy Spirit. We are to strengthen one another, sings his praises and do good works to and give the glory to God. We also are to invite Jesus into our hearts and follow the path he provides for us. I believe I am to share with others, as in do unto others as they would do unto you, but I don't think that is in the Bible. I do that whether you believe the way I do and are a Christian or not.  There is no questionaire to fill out when you enter my home. I am hospitable to all. I feel that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink when it comes to preaching to others. I don't feel it my mission to point out others sins. If they do go to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, they will remember them on their own. If God moves my heart to talk to someone I will. I do not believe that Christianity is like a game and you rack up more points in Heaven the more souls you lead to Jesus. Again God draws people to him and if we wants me to say something he will let me know at that time I need to say it. Some people are blind and deaf to the spiritual world that you might see and as I might see. You can say some words and plant seeds. It is up to others to seek and find. I believe there are many paths. We all sin and fall short of the Glory of God.

I tried to commit suicide many times in 1978. That is one of the worst things you can do. I cannot judge others. God sent me back and I have a memory of him telling me the last time I almost died from an accidental overdose , that the next time he wouldn't send me back to my life. He said I had people counting on me and more for me to do. I have received already almost 30 extra years.

My whole understanding is that we are on earth with free will. We can chose God or we can decide not to. Satan creates havoc in our lives and lies to us in thoughts to get us to think that God is punishing us and hates us for our sin. Many hurting people believe they are suffering because God wants them too. That is sad. I think God brings good out of bad. I would not have the compassionate nature I have if I wasn't hurt so much in my life. Knowing what pain feels like, I have no desire to cause anyone else pain.

It is my understanding that the spiritual war is in the mind. The battle is spiritual and the goal is for Satan to convince people to hate God and blame God and not know that God loves us all, sins and warts and all and wants a relationship with us. We sin because we have a sin nature. We also sin because of temptation. We are accountable to God and ourselves. I believe Jesus died so I could have eternal life and will step forward on Judgement Day to say when I am accused, that I  chose  him as my savior and  I accept the gift that he paid my ransom  when he died on the cross. In doing so I  am forgiven of all my sins (past, present and future) and receive the gift of eternal life with him. What keeps me from sinning is the scripture, Grieve not the Holy Spirit. I know I am forgiven but we all make mistakes and it upsets me to think that when I do wrong I grieve the Holy Spirit, my lifeline and comforter.

I hope you will not judge me for my choices if you do not believe the way I do. I am open to discussion of my views. I have strong faith and a good heart. I am far from dumb, but this isn't about intelligence or my reasoning abilities. This is a matter of the heart. I tired to kill myself by my own hand. I have been granted extra years. Many events in my life others may chalk up to coincidence but I believe since there are no logical expanations that it is evidence of my spiritual beliefs and the love that the Lord has for me. I hope you can understand that this a choice I made that is a good one for me. I hope you know that I can care and be friends with others and respect their choices.   All my best to you,  Heather