Optimistic Connections

        We were recently in the USO at the Honolulu Airport waiting for a flight home. On a wall I noticed several artistic placards with the optimistic thoughts below neatly presented:
--   Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
--   Live fully, challenge yourself, be kind & generous, inspire someone, be grateful. Take the road less           traveled – it’s never too late.
--   Dance as though no one is watching, love as though you have never loved before, sing as though no            one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth.
--   Be thankful, believe, live life, cherish love, dare to dream, have faith.
--   May our home know happiness, each room hold laughter, and every window open to possibilities.

    While we were there on Oahu and drove around that “island paradise” (?), I also noticed lots of homeless people in parks & beaches, & along highways living in lean-to’s & small tents kind of like animals. Many of them were native Hawaiians “priced out of paradise.” So, what about “Optimistic Connections” when folks are down & out, or young & just not able to “connect” with anything – love, money, comfort, peace, happiness, success, or direction of any kind? Is there a mindset of victory & hope that makes the wall slogans above more reality, & not just elusive optimism? Enter the Biblical/Christian faith & value system which produces a kind of peace & stability – THAT is the mindset of victory for millions in every place & age.
--   Psalm 94:11 “The Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the           Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
--   Jeremiah 6:16 “Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths,              where the good way is; and walk in it and find rest for your souls.”
--   Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to       give you a future and a hope.”
--   John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should       not perish but have eternal life.”
--   John 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the        Father, but by me.”
--   Philippians 4:13 KJV “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

     While we were in that Airport USO it was inspiring to see those wall placard slogans. But it is God that gives each person the ability to realize those fine goals & ideals. Without His touch & Spirit, we may try in vain. Now Christianity is not necessarily a magic pill to solve all the personal & world problems out there, but those who are open to the Gospel of Christ have the inside track on receiving Divine anointing & blessing. And that leads to the best version of ourselves. That’s been my experience & observation of over 45 years. Choose Jesus & His value system, they are Alive. See also “The Endorsement” & “The Mindset of Victory” links 15 and 103.

For other Gospel-notes:  www.gospelnotes.org                                                             * * F. J. Stone * *
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