Doug Smith, his wife Debbie and their two daughters Jessica and Jenna, reside in Mission Viejo, CA.

Doug Smith

Have you ever reached a goal in life and then asked yourself, "Is this all there is?"

One of my greatest goals was to play football at Ohio State University. I received scholarship offers to play at several schools but not OSU. I wound up at Bowling Green University -- Just a couple of hours away from my hometown of Columbus.

Although my goal of playing for the Buckeyes was dashed, I still set my sight on becoming an NFL professional. In 1978 I was told by several scouts that I would be drafted, but the call never came. I was determined to make it, and against great odds, I eventually earned a spot with the LA Rams as a free agent.

The future seemed bright until four games into my second year I injured my knee. I had major surgery and wondered if my career would be cut short.

At that point I realized that the things we work so hard for in life can be gone in seconds! Life itself can be gone in seconds. Then what?

I believe that no matter what your goal is in life, you will never find true peace and happiness until you discover the joy of knowing God through a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.

After I asked Jesus to come into my life, I still struggled with old habits. My life didn't change until I seriously considered the things in God's Word, the Bible. It contains my "game plan" for life. Over a period of time, with God's help and the help of some Christian friends, I began to see a gradual change in my life.

Let me leave you with this. I've been a pro football player for many years and have been selected to play in several pro bowls, but I can honestly say that nothing compared to the joy of knowing that I'll spend eternity in heaven when I die. Not only that, I have lasting peace and happiness in my life.

Whether you think it's possible or not, God loves you , He knows your gifts and talents, and He wants you to succeed. My hope is that you'll ask Him to be a part of your life today.

If you would like to know more about Jesus and what He can do for you, just click the button on the left side of your screen to change your life.