How do you spell “relief”? Too often it is spelled as “h-e-a-r-t–-h-a-r-d-e-n-i-n-g.” When we humans are in the midst of troubles we tend to cry out to God and allow Him to soften our heart. However, when relief comes and the difficulties depart, it’s easy to harden our heart, to restart our dependence on self, and to realign with our pride.

Real repentance is relief that lasts. It doesn’t vanish behind pride, self-sufficiency, and hardness of heart.

Life’s an amazing mystery. Here we are! I wrote this and now you’re reading and perceiving it. Something is flowing from one life to another, from my heart to yours. I choose to impart kindness, not anger; peace, not hostility; hope, not despair. What are you imparting to others?

Life should be treasured. Savor and appreciate the gift of every moment! To disrespect the gift of human life and make it disposable (to carelessly treat your life and/or any other human life between conception and death) is to totally miss the point of our existence.

I think, (I ponder, I perceive and receive glorious things that are beyond material existence — love, joy, peace, hope, faith, forgiveness, gratitude, and so much more), therefore I am (blessed to be alive). How about you?

The human body is an amazing organic machine. The immense complexities of human anatomy that all have to work together in perfect harmony to keep you alive and functioning well are mind boggling. (Take a look through a book on human anatomy.) But the mind itself, the awareness that is able to perceive and be conscious of the immense complexities of human anatomy including the complexities of the brain, is the most mysterious and glorious part of human existence.

What is this consciousness that humans call me, myself, and I? It is the invisible reality of the nonphysical you. You are more than an incredibly crafted material organism. You are a spirit. You have a soul. You are literally from beyond this physical world. Your intelligence isn’t artificial. It’s real. Think, ponder, and let your genuine intelligence go beyond information sorting. Let it keep you overflowing with wonder, awe, and great gratitude!