CHRIST HAS CHANGED MY LIFE

Christ has truly changed my life in these ways:

My personal life -- Most important, I have complete peace. I still have many concerns, but they are totally about the welfare of others, not myself. I know where I will be after leaving this earth! This is peace beyond all understanding as Jesus said.

An even more happy marriage. Anita and I have been married for over sixty years. Not every day or everything has been happy between us, or we wouldn’t be human. Generally though we can look back on a happy time together over these years. Now we are even happier as everything I do or say now is done with her welfare in mind. Yes, my temper does flare at times, but only very briefly. I now realize that I am not always right and that she is intelligent and often knows better than I. Before I do anything that involves her, I inquire as to what she would prefer, and I listen carefully. Often we do what she wants, and not what I first thought would be a good idea. She of course gives me the same consideration.

With constant help from the Holy Spirit I continue to spend much time and resources trying to bring others to Jesus Christ. This is central in my mind much of the time. I also do what I can to counsel others in their faith and personal problems, calling on the Lord for my knowledge, and praying for them. My main concern here is that I am not doing all that I could. Also we think much more deeply about the needs of the less fortunate and use some of our God-given resources to help them. We know that everything we have came from God’s Grace.

I still enjoy earthly things that I already have, such as a Lowrey organ, our automobiles, and our home, but have zero interest in acquiring anything more except to replace what breaks or wears out. I have all the clothes, gadgets, and accessories I want, and I know that I do not need anything more. Occasionally though, I admit that some little thing that fills a special need will be bought. I have no envy of anyone with a fancier car or a more splendid home. We could have had anything we wanted, but are content with the home of 30 years. For autos, my main concern is that they are reliable. Unless something major goes wrong we will not replace either of our six-year old cars, ever.

My main recreation is reading, writing about faith and other things, and trying to keep reasonably fit by exercising, swimming and walking. Although I am physically able to play golf, a sport that formerly took a lot of time; I have little desire to play. I played tennis for thirty years but no longer want to. Television holds little or no interest for me, but I do watch a small number of programs. It is fun for me to play our Lowrey organ and I recorded many songs and gave them to others. In spite of these changes in tastes, life holds much enjoyment for me. My wife and our family are a great joy. Interacting with others about their faith and interests holds a keen interest.