I always enjoy reading your excellent thoughts you share with us. I am fairly well read but a book I'd suggest you add to your reading list (and which also changed my life) would be Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.
Dr. Droz, when my time comes, I hope I am given some credit for listening to the wise. I'll have to rely on listening and reading your news letter. Thanks. ;-)
I seldom take the time to comment on John's excellent writings. But this is Holy Week! I am aligned with Penny below...I am a practicing Roman Catholic. I am not exactly sure what the White Throne Seat means...but the point I have reached at this old age is that we will be asked...about the First Commandment. How much did we love God, and how close we got to Him. It would follow then, that we tried to do the right, charitable thing.
Born poor...ended up what would be considered a success through hard work, like many, many people. All the successes I scored do not matter to our Lord Jesus Christ as much as our love and devotion to Him. Blessed Easter to John and the rest of your goodselves!
E&S: TY for your good thought. IMO loving Jesus involves using the talents and opportunities that he has gifted you. There is a New Testament Bible story saying that.
Thought this might be helpful in understanding the judgement seat of Christ. I'm just thankful to know that as a born-again Christian, I will not have to face the White Throne Judgement Seat! As for as how I live my life, I try to pick up my cross daily and live for Christ. I try to put Him first in everything I do in this life. Notice I said try, because I don't always succeed and I definitely fall short sometimes. I just pray for God to give me opportunities to share His love with others with whatever gifts He has given to me. But mostly I pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit because I know that without the power of the Holy Spirit everything, I do will be of little significance. May God Bless you John all the remaining days of your life so that you can continue to be a light to others.
Finding one's calling and honoring it is bliss. And, yes, lots of resistance. Your readers may enjoy Richard Bolle's book: How to find your mission in life. In the 80's vertually all job seekers read his book: What Color is your Parachute. Worth a person's time that is thinking of a possible new direction.
I’ve watched many documentaries about near death experiences and almost universally the individuals say that prior to entering “Heaven” they underwent a “life review.” Good and bad…for those times they hurt other people they felt the harm they inflicted.
Think about that.
It definitely changes the way you treat other people. It’s very easy to say hurtful things to others, but when you think about it (do unto others) you can figure out a way to say something in a way that isn’t harmful.
Similarly, it’s easy to drive past a homeless person and ignore them, but when you think about what you should do for “the least of my brothers.” It makes you turn the car around so that you can give them a helping hand. And I don’t if they spend it on cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
Rush Limbaugh used to talk about the way some folks were blessed with 'winning life's lottery' when it came to talent. I would not say I'm one of those winners like other famous names, but I do what I can with what I have. No doubt the the namesake of my GelbspanFiles blog, Ross Gelbspan, irrefutably had writing and editing skills which he very effectively used, and the opportunities presented for him gained him widespread publicity which lives on to this day. But as I detail at my blog, the man also had opportunities right up until his death to come clean on the false, defamatory accusations he aimed at skeptic climate scientists. At the end of my February 10, 2024 obituary for him ( https://gelbspanfiles.com/?p=16371 ), I used the chorus line from the Kim Williams / Doug Johnson "Three Wooden Crosses" song most famously sung by C&W singer Randy Travis to illustrate what Gelbspan's problem is forever now - and arguably what the legacy for us all can be, depending on whether we choose to do good with the talents and opportunities we are blessed with ... or not.
John Droz shared a brief outline of the main events in his life and identified two aspects that are most important: TALENTS and OPPORTUNITIES.
Like John Droz, my life has been blessed with the opportunity to know thousands of wonderful people, to enjoy the miracles of nature on this water planet, Earth, and to benefit from the modern world made possible by fossil fuels and their by-products. My parents sacrificed and worked to give their four children an excellent education. That formed the foundation for using the TALENTS I have. Many OPPORTUNITIES came my way throughout my life, and I made good use of most. Sometimes I failed to make the best of an opportunity, and sometimes I neglected to be thankful for an opportunity. A lot of details can be seen on my website: John Shanahan’s Substack - Energy And The Modern World. http://johnshanahan.substack.com
I have two regrets:
1) I didn’t make my best effort on some of the OPPORTUNITIES I had. I could have used my TALENTS better.
2) I didn’t always properly thank people who helped me. I could have done better.
My 85 years of life included having wonderful parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandchildren, and teachers. Learning German and Spanish opened doors to people and places that I would never have gotten to know so well otherwise. Being invited to travel with a Swiss engineer friend who took backpacking vacations around the world took me to places in Latin America and Asia that I would not have experienced in the same way on my own.
John Droz is right. We should use the TALENTS we can develop and take advantage of OPPORTUNITIES that come our way. We can't know what the final judgment will be like, but we should judge ourselves and change course as needed.
Just finished reading your article on the after life and how we’re going to answer the “Big Guy! As a matter of an interesting coincidence, today is my Birthday (71) and, I am currently reading Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander a world renowned neurosurgeon who himself had an NDE( Near Death Experience). I am halfway through the book and find it fascinating from his perspective. He leaned scientific rather than
Spiritual before his NDE. As for myself I have not always lived and exemplary life, especially in my youth. Since then I’ve have tried my best to follow Jesus’s teachings and the 10 commandments. I hope and pray that I have more of the Good Side than the Bad Side on my ledger when it’s my time.Working hard on it every day!
Where does one begin when it seems so many are lost and caught up in the things of the world? His message is simple, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" we are called to share His Gospel message. How does one do that without knowing and understanding the Handbook? "Sanctify them in the Truth, Your word is Truth" Be,,,in the Word 🙏
I think the phrase "for others" should be attached to your talents and opportunities statement. You obviously agree based on what you have done and are doing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not an empathetic soul by any means, but I've found most of the enjoyment I get from the activities I enjoy comes with a positive impact on others. Sailor, fireman, paramedic, deputy sheriff, woodworker, baker...all so much fun, all to some benefit of others.
I never had a goal to retire "early", though I did at 43, and decades later am now raising heritage breeds and conducting research of my own. I think I'm working harder than ever and having more fun than ever in the exchange.
Professor Jiang Xueqin, the viral 'prophet' predicting the world's fate from a Beijing classroom.
Professor Jiang explains why, rich children succeed and why poor children fail.
There’s always exceptions to this rule but there’s overwhelming evidence to support Professor Jiang’s explanation why rich children succeed vs poor children fail.
Good one! This reflection really cuts to the heart of the matter.
LD: Thank you. Pass it on!
I think you'll find it worth your while.
I always enjoy reading your excellent thoughts you share with us. I am fairly well read but a book I'd suggest you add to your reading list (and which also changed my life) would be Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.
Terry: TY for the suggestion. It's been several years since I've had the time to read any book...
Shining a little light in this world is probably all you can do, and it's good enough.
DD: Good perspective.
Dr. Droz, when my time comes, I hope I am given some credit for listening to the wise. I'll have to rely on listening and reading your news letter. Thanks. ;-)
Paul Kennedy
Paul: TY for your support!
I seldom take the time to comment on John's excellent writings. But this is Holy Week! I am aligned with Penny below...I am a practicing Roman Catholic. I am not exactly sure what the White Throne Seat means...but the point I have reached at this old age is that we will be asked...about the First Commandment. How much did we love God, and how close we got to Him. It would follow then, that we tried to do the right, charitable thing.
Born poor...ended up what would be considered a success through hard work, like many, many people. All the successes I scored do not matter to our Lord Jesus Christ as much as our love and devotion to Him. Blessed Easter to John and the rest of your goodselves!
E&S: TY for your good thought. IMO loving Jesus involves using the talents and opportunities that he has gifted you. There is a New Testament Bible story saying that.
https://www.gotquestions.org/judgment-seat-Christ.html
Thought this might be helpful in understanding the judgement seat of Christ. I'm just thankful to know that as a born-again Christian, I will not have to face the White Throne Judgement Seat! As for as how I live my life, I try to pick up my cross daily and live for Christ. I try to put Him first in everything I do in this life. Notice I said try, because I don't always succeed and I definitely fall short sometimes. I just pray for God to give me opportunities to share His love with others with whatever gifts He has given to me. But mostly I pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit because I know that without the power of the Holy Spirit everything, I do will be of little significance. May God Bless you John all the remaining days of your life so that you can continue to be a light to others.
Penny: Thank you for the good wishes.
Finding one's calling and honoring it is bliss. And, yes, lots of resistance. Your readers may enjoy Richard Bolle's book: How to find your mission in life. In the 80's vertually all job seekers read his book: What Color is your Parachute. Worth a person's time that is thinking of a possible new direction.
Marty: TY for the suggestion.
Thanks for sharing!
Bryan: You're welcome.
I’ve watched many documentaries about near death experiences and almost universally the individuals say that prior to entering “Heaven” they underwent a “life review.” Good and bad…for those times they hurt other people they felt the harm they inflicted.
Think about that.
It definitely changes the way you treat other people. It’s very easy to say hurtful things to others, but when you think about it (do unto others) you can figure out a way to say something in a way that isn’t harmful.
Similarly, it’s easy to drive past a homeless person and ignore them, but when you think about what you should do for “the least of my brothers.” It makes you turn the car around so that you can give them a helping hand. And I don’t if they spend it on cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
Ray: Good thoughts.
"𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑑𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 / 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑑𝑜 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠?"
Rush Limbaugh used to talk about the way some folks were blessed with 'winning life's lottery' when it came to talent. I would not say I'm one of those winners like other famous names, but I do what I can with what I have. No doubt the the namesake of my GelbspanFiles blog, Ross Gelbspan, irrefutably had writing and editing skills which he very effectively used, and the opportunities presented for him gained him widespread publicity which lives on to this day. But as I detail at my blog, the man also had opportunities right up until his death to come clean on the false, defamatory accusations he aimed at skeptic climate scientists. At the end of my February 10, 2024 obituary for him ( https://gelbspanfiles.com/?p=16371 ), I used the chorus line from the Kim Williams / Doug Johnson "Three Wooden Crosses" song most famously sung by C&W singer Randy Travis to illustrate what Gelbspan's problem is forever now - and arguably what the legacy for us all can be, depending on whether we choose to do good with the talents and opportunities we are blessed with ... or not.
"𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 --- 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑜."
Russell: TY for sharing.
John Droz shared a brief outline of the main events in his life and identified two aspects that are most important: TALENTS and OPPORTUNITIES.
Like John Droz, my life has been blessed with the opportunity to know thousands of wonderful people, to enjoy the miracles of nature on this water planet, Earth, and to benefit from the modern world made possible by fossil fuels and their by-products. My parents sacrificed and worked to give their four children an excellent education. That formed the foundation for using the TALENTS I have. Many OPPORTUNITIES came my way throughout my life, and I made good use of most. Sometimes I failed to make the best of an opportunity, and sometimes I neglected to be thankful for an opportunity. A lot of details can be seen on my website: John Shanahan’s Substack - Energy And The Modern World. http://johnshanahan.substack.com
I have two regrets:
1) I didn’t make my best effort on some of the OPPORTUNITIES I had. I could have used my TALENTS better.
2) I didn’t always properly thank people who helped me. I could have done better.
My 85 years of life included having wonderful parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandchildren, and teachers. Learning German and Spanish opened doors to people and places that I would never have gotten to know so well otherwise. Being invited to travel with a Swiss engineer friend who took backpacking vacations around the world took me to places in Latin America and Asia that I would not have experienced in the same way on my own.
John Droz is right. We should use the TALENTS we can develop and take advantage of OPPORTUNITIES that come our way. We can't know what the final judgment will be like, but we should judge ourselves and change course as needed.
John: Thank you for sharing your experiences, and your support.
Hey John,
Just finished reading your article on the after life and how we’re going to answer the “Big Guy! As a matter of an interesting coincidence, today is my Birthday (71) and, I am currently reading Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander a world renowned neurosurgeon who himself had an NDE( Near Death Experience). I am halfway through the book and find it fascinating from his perspective. He leaned scientific rather than
Spiritual before his NDE. As for myself I have not always lived and exemplary life, especially in my youth. Since then I’ve have tried my best to follow Jesus’s teachings and the 10 commandments. I hope and pray that I have more of the Good Side than the Bad Side on my ledger when it’s my time.Working hard on it every day!
No one will ever have enough of the Good Side of their ledger.
Video that walks you through the thoughts on that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ0__WKpf2s
Ty,
I’ll check it out!’
Mark: Happy birthday! Sounds like an interesting book. It sounds to me like you are on the right path...
Ty John,
Keep the Great Articles coming!!!
Where does one begin when it seems so many are lost and caught up in the things of the world? His message is simple, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" we are called to share His Gospel message. How does one do that without knowing and understanding the Handbook? "Sanctify them in the Truth, Your word is Truth" Be,,,in the Word 🙏
Mpup: No matter how many others are off base, ultimately we are only accountable for our own actions — or lack thereof.
I think the phrase "for others" should be attached to your talents and opportunities statement. You obviously agree based on what you have done and are doing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not an empathetic soul by any means, but I've found most of the enjoyment I get from the activities I enjoy comes with a positive impact on others. Sailor, fireman, paramedic, deputy sheriff, woodworker, baker...all so much fun, all to some benefit of others.
I never had a goal to retire "early", though I did at 43, and decades later am now raising heritage breeds and conducting research of my own. I think I'm working harder than ever and having more fun than ever in the exchange.
Identology: Yes that is a good point. TY.
Professor Jiang Xueqin, the viral 'prophet' predicting the world's fate from a Beijing classroom.
Professor Jiang explains why, rich children succeed and why poor children fail.
There’s always exceptions to this rule but there’s overwhelming evidence to support Professor Jiang’s explanation why rich children succeed vs poor children fail.
Success in life and a bank balance are like love and a diamond ring. Are they related?
AJR: This is not about our degree of "success" IN life, but rather our degree of success OF life.