Questions About What We Do

 

"Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life and, yet, less attached to it"

-- Rem Dass

What does it mean when he tells you ‘Things were good while they lasted’?

If he hasn’t already broken it off… guess what? Hint, hint…

Life is never boring, but some people choose to be bored. — Wayne Dyer. What do you make of this statement?

Life is all about making choices and decisions. Your life is what you make of it, not what someone else does. So, if you think life is boring, whose fault is that? It isn’t a trick question, and this isn’t rocket science.

Reader Comment: At this point in my life I am cautiously optimistic about making choices… I like your answer, and best wishes! 

What does it mean to “listen to advice but follow your heart”?

One who follows their heart says they’re happy, even if they missed the boat by not acting on sage advice. People who listen to and act on sage advice are probably successful, and they also claim to be happy. If it were me, I’d really listen to the advice and see if it parallels my heart. There is much to be said for good advice. Not so much is you miss the boat. Either way, you should always strive to be happy. Failure is simply a great way to learn. In this case, you might learn to listen.

"Listen to advice, but follow your heart."

-- Conway Twitty

What is your long-term wishlist? When did you create the wish list?

I’m 67, so my “long-term wish list” is a bit truncated. Actually, I don’t wish for much. I’m my mother’s only caregiver, so a vacation might be nice, but COVID put a wrench in that idea. I wake up each morning, thank God for another glorious day in paradise, and wish to remain happy through the day. Long-term, that would be it. I wish to be happy, daily.

Do you call yourself “I”, “we”, or “you” in your head or something else?

“I” all the time. If it is good enough for God, who am I to argue?

What’s been on your to-do list forever?

Taking college-level general math, and then college-level algebra, all so I can get my Associate’s Degree which, now, will do me little good other than to say I have it. I have done very well in the world without it, and it doesn’t keep me from playing in the theoretical physics sandbox.

“Sometimes our stop-doing list needs to be bigger than our to-do list.”

-- Patti Digh

What is a quote to describe Romeo's state of mind when we first meet him?

Suicide, just waiting for a venue.

What is meant by 'do you feel lucky'?

Most people who rely on luck usually lose, if not now, then later. If there is no skill involved, simply luck, then I would take the question to be asking if I feel like losing. Or, more to the point, do I feel stupid.  Logic would demand that I walk away.

What is meant by 'you never know if a shoe will fit until you try it'?

You don’t know if you’ll like it, or can do it, if you never try it. Personally, I cringe when I have to try shoes on at a bowling alley. I finally bought my own shoes and a bowling ball. Just saying.

"How to Tell If Shoes Fit: Walking around the shoe store is not going to tell you any more than test-driving a car around a showroom. And those little mirrors? That's so you can tell how your cat is going to like your shoes. The real way to tell how shoes fit is how badly you want them."

-- Mimi Pond

How do you cheat and win?

You don’t. Cheating is a “win/lose” situation. You “get” the prize, you don’t really win it. You also lose your soul by cheating. You damn yourself to repeating this life, again, until you learn the lessons you’re here to learn.

What is the only thing in life you will ever need?

Other than the basics, companionship or happiness. The right companion can multiply happiness, but happiness can win over the right companion. A toss-up.

Do I pursue my dreams or give up and play video games?

The pursuit of dreams can be everlasting and fulfilling in ways video games simply try to replicate. Games are a pastime and, before you know it, your time has passed. Make the most out of your life and live it to the fullest. Strive to be happy always!

“Don't live the same day over and over again and call that a life. Life is about evolving mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.”

-- Germany Kent

What is the only idea you will ever need?

I keep on repeating it. Be happy always! It is a concept worth pursuing.

How do I tell my mom that I want to start dating?

“Mom, I want to start dating.”

Is owning a crystal ball good luck?

True natural crystals have many properties, but I think true “good luck” is not one of them. Whatever truly good “luck” we perceive in this life is due to the good choices and decisions we make ourselves.

“If a crystal ball gives God any advantage, then you've got a stupid God.”

-- Gregory A. Boyd

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as a chaplain at the regional medical center.