Chosen

Am I one of the "Chosen Ones?" Perhaps.

Sometimes it definitely appears that way. Yesterday, for example I experienced a phenomenon that can only be described as having an invisible [Super Hero] forcefield shield of protection all around myself and my vehicle on the freeway in the middle of a 5 car pile up that occurred all around me.

I was surrounded by screeching brakes, clouds of smoke from all the burning rubber of the tires, visuals of cars in both peripheral side and rearview mirrors literally within inches of slamming into my car. It all appeared to be happening in slow motion as I was a paralyzed proverbial "deer in headlights" frozen in a state of shock. By the grace of God via my Guardian Angel I was able to keep moving forward while everyone else behind me was rendered to pulling off to the emergency shoulder on both sides of the freeway to assess and address the damage done.

This was by no means my first "By the Grace of God" moment where my life was spared for the clear intention of living out my purpose here on Earth for at least one more day.

Do I believe in a pre-selected chosen few similar to the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses?

Not necessarily.

John 3:16-17 reminds me that God's intention is not to condemn the world; but rather that EVERYONE who BELIEVES in HIM will not perish, but instead have everlasting life.

Having said (written) all that... do I believe I am chosen and created for this purpose driven life to share that truth with you? ABSOLUTELY! 100% with every hair on my head [Luke 12:7] that my GOD has counted.

Moving onto our next topic for today: INSANITY. The definition of insanity according to Albert Einstein is "Doing the same over and over again, expecting different results." I have caught myself frustrated in this trap more times than I care to admit. But sometimes, taking actions on "autopilot" or doing the same consistent routines day after day leads me to some positive results, such as driving my car to the local community pool for a morning swim workout before work, or attending weekly community meetings* where I can be in Unity and of Service, which in turn helps me as well.

MINDFULNESS tells me to be curious (without judgement) about people, places, things, and experiences. It helps guard my [Proverbs 4:23] heart and [Philippians 4] peace. It also helps me recognize when I am engaging in the "insanity" of trying to fix something/someone or do something the same way repeatedly that is not yielding different or desired results. It is then that my mindfulness practice teaches me to PAUSE. BREATHE DEEPLY. Take a step back from the situation at hand, and try a different solution for the problem.

Looking to you for validation via social media may be one of those things I need to re-examine. Asking for your community engagement on the Grateful Gwen Channel or on "Nora's ARK" located in the Forum section of this website may be my will and not God's Will. I must consider that possibility moving forward.

Maybe, the community God wants me to engage with is the IRL ones at the local pool, the workplace, with family, and in the weekly small group meetings* instead of here online with you.

So far this month I have enjoyed face-to-face conversations meeting with these friendly folks as part of my morning swim workout routine:

Norma, Grace, Matt, Emile, Nate, Chester, Anthony, Niesha, Smith, Gabriel, and Mike.

Yes, it requires stepping out of my comfort zone, as an introvert, to introduce myself to each of these fine people and strike up a conversation speaking light and life as the artist Toby Mac preached about in a song titled Speak Life.

But if that is what God is calling me to do, then my response is [Isaiah 6:8] "Send me."

Any suggestions, questions, comments, inquiries for me? Please Advise. Please Ask. Please Encourage. All appropriate community engagement is welcome here with loving open arms!

Until next time, Take Care... Life is full of choices. Make it a great day or not. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

Grateful Gwen

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