I write from the premise: The past is not a prophet; at best, it is only a teacher. So, what has the past taught us?

Richard has a question for you to consider.

Let's get ready for the new year.

The answers you give to this question will put you on the right path in the new year.

How can a question written thousands of years ago have an impact on our lives in 2026?​
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You need to answer this question. Or at least give it a lot of thought.

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That is, if you want to improve your life experience.

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So where did this question come from, and who asked it in the first place?

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I read this question in reading the first book in the Bible. It is in Genesis 3:9.

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It's the first recorded question written in the Bible. God asked this question of Adam and Eve.

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​So, what is the question? ​
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“Where are you?”

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​The query was soul-searching. It definitely was not geographical.

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People do stupid things when they do not know where they are at in the present moment.
Adam and Eve hid behind a tree. Hence the ‘tree hugger’ movement had begun!

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There are three options when we hear this question.

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1. We ignore the question by getting busy doing the trivial.

Like hiding behind trees or whatever. Are you avoiding charting your course in life?

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2. Object that anyone would ask us such a personal question. We shoot the messenger rather than consider the question.

The quick and easy answer is to blame the person or circumstance. Rather than look in the mirror and take responsibility for where in life you find yourself. Yes, the question is personal. However, today is the day for change.

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3. Hopefully we're open-minded enough to ponder where we are in the reality as it is now in their life.

I believe you're at the age in life now to set aside the black-and-white answers of the past. To consider changing the trajectory of your life. And it begins today, not next week or some undefined moment in the future; why not now?
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Where Are You?

As we enter this new year, make it your quest to locate where you are in these categories.

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​Where am I?

I'll help you with the answers.

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1. Spiritually. Is my relationship with God on the right track?

Only you can answer this question.

Are you drifting? Are you engaged in building a more profound relationship with the Lord?

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2. Physically. Am I doing enough to keep me healthy?

Click on this simple test that reveals how you're aging. Sit-to-stand.​

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3. Financially. Remember it's not how much money you have; it's how you handle the money you have.

4. Socially. Don't be a hermit; get out, meet people, and go places.

As we age, we lose relationships. Family members and friends die or move away. It happens. Please do not wait for others to contact you; most likely they're busy. Today, get on the phone, text message, or e-mail a friend from the past and invite them to your favorite coffee shop. And, yes, you pay the bill.

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5. Morally. Kill all your hidden agendas. Be honest, be sincere, and be kind.

Let the past fall into the dustpan of history. Yes, learn from the past, but don't camp there. Move on to a brighter day.

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I wrote the God Quiz back in February of 2021. The Three-Question Quiz to Keep You Winning as a Christian. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Read more of the essential life lessons from an experienced octogenarian in Armstrong’s Timeless Views here. It’s free.

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I'll look forward to your response to this issue of my newsletter at

rich@richard-armstrong.com.