Spirituality

Crisis Response

Recently someone asked if a little chaos was good for us. Perhaps a better question might be, is stress good or not? Like with most things, there is no “one size fits all” answer.

A bit of stress keeps us on our A game. Deadlines and pressure can produce order when managed properly. If you manage others, you must know how much stress your people can handle.

But what about when a crisis occurs? My mind becomes hyper-focused when the shit hits the fan. It’s like the world slows down while my thoughts become crystal clear and orderly. This is a benefit of growing up in an unpredictable environment. I learned to think on the fly, to seek safety when panic happened. This trait has never left me.

Our minds are incredible machines. But just like any machine, we must take care of it. Eat well, exercise, get plenty of sleep and be judicious about what you read or watch on television. Even our choices in music affects us.

Hopefully the stresses are minimal in your life. Taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually will allow you to handle whatever life throws your way. Trust the process…

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Spirituality

The Supernatural

Last night I went to see the movie “Young Washington.” During the battle with the French, Washington was shot multiple times, but the bullets didn’t penetrate his skin. The only way to describe this is the supernatural met the natural world. Washington had protection from God.

How many times has God protected you? In my own experience the number is unknown. In addition to the times God protected me from my own stupidity, He kept me safe from things unknown to me. Perhaps God allowed me to get caught up in traffic which saved me from a wreck. I don’t know.

One day everything will make sense. Many of the things we question will be made clear in eternity. Until then, I encourage you to continue asking God for protection for you and your loved ones. He can provide…

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Spirituality

Our Constitutional Republic

At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked what form of government had been created. “It’s a republic, if you can keep it,” replied Franklin. This was a stark reminder for future generations that to survive it would require civic virtue, active participation and vigilance of the people.

For 250 years, the United States has survived world wars, a depression, corrupt politicians at every level, protests and violence. It has not been easy, but nothing worthwhile is.

I’m hopeful for another 250 years. We can do it if the people are willing. I’m willing…

Happy Independence Day, America!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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Spirituality

A House Divided

Abraham Lincoln was giving a speech in 1858 after winning his Senate seat. Lincoln famously said, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” But Lincoln wasn’t the first person to say it. Old Honest Abe was quoting Jesus.

Jesus was healing people and casting out demons. Some of the scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of getting his powers from dark forces, specifically Beelzebul. Jesus simply answered their false accusations by asking, “why would Satan work against himself? That a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

If you pay any attention to news media you would think Americans are at each other’s throats. We’re not. Well, some are but they are the minority. Most of us respect the right of others to believe differently. It isn’t a threat.

At the same time, hanging out with only the people who are like-minded is living in an echo chamber. And it’s dangerous. You can become arrogant in your thinking.

We are more than our politics. Way more. Everyone has goals, dreams and desires for their lives. And everyone has struggles. People show up to help when disasters occur. Perhaps this is why they are called acts of God. This is when we see the good in others, which reflects the goodness of our Creator.

We are better together…

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Spirituality

When An Atheist Makes An Introduction

In 2025, a longtime client of mine referred me to an acquaintance of his. My client said, “he’s a Bible thumper like you (referring to me).” The introduction was made, and I immediately liked Brian, the referral. He’s a good, good-hearted man who, like me, believes in and worships Jesus.

Much good has come from the introduction. Yes, Brian became a client, but the relationship is much more than that. When we meet for coffee, we have meaningful conversations and I leave the meeting after learning from Brian.

God uses all of us to accomplish His purpose in this world. All of us includes believers and nonbelievers alike. God continues working on my atheist client, and He never gives up like humans do.

Never underestimate the power of our Creator. He is good all the time…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Make Algae Great Again

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was constructed in 1923. It sits prominently between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, and is managed by the National Park Service. It’s a beautiful, peaceful site.

In 2012, the pool was found to be leaking about 25-30 million gallons of water annually. A reconstruction project was considered successful, yet soon after the project was completed an algae bloom appeared. Where were the people who were recently singing to the algae in 2012?

Yes, you read the previous line correctly. There was a group of protesters at the Reflecting Pool singing to the algae and yelling, “grow algae, grow!” They were celebrating the failed restoration. Why anyone would celebrate this is beyond my understanding.

My hope is to lift others up, that they will see their own inner beauty and potential. Tearing others down or celebrating a failure is for the weak.

Be strong…

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Spirituality

Mid-Year Review

We are halfway through 2026. Can you believe it? It is my hope that your year has produced some memorable moments and successes thus far. But you aren’t finished.

When you look back at the first half of this year, i want to encourage you to focus on the good. Be honest with yourself. Don’t gloss over the things you could have done differently or better. And don’t beat yourself up. This is how we learn. And remember, no one gets it right all the time.

If you have experienced loss, take some time to reflect on the impact that person(s) had on you.

Our lives are like a drop in the ocean when compared to eternity. Use your time to make a difference in this world. Leave your mark imprinted on the minds and hearts of everyone you meet…

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Spirituality

Communication Breakdown

Abraham Lincoln died at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865. Telegraph operators immediately began sending news of his death to major cities, and by the afternoon church bells were ringing while newspapers printed special editions. Getting the message to several western states took a week.

Today, we can call anyone, almost anywhere with ease. We are living in the most connected world in history. But are we really connected?

Multiple surveys show that half of adults in America are feeling isolated and alone. The longer term effects of this are depression, anxiety, heart disease and an earlier mortality. But it can be reversed. There is no need to create an AI bot.

Joining a community group, volunteering, or engaging in conversations with friends and family is a great place to begin. Not only will your quality of life improve, but so will your overall health. Take the first step toward a healthier and more fulfilling life.

I can only imagine how many times the telegraph operators had to confirm the message that the president was dead. It must have been chaotic, not to mention the emotion the sender must have felt. We live in a faster time. Remember to slow down a little and get connected…

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Spirituality

Problems? No Problems

Have you ever been around someone who constantly focuses on problems rather than solutions? They are energy draining. Every solution you offer is met with, “the problem with that is…” Ugh!

Life will throw some stuff at you. Difficult days are part of the mix but so are the days when everything goes right. Enjoy the easy days! Be grateful for them. But there’s a better way to view those times when life is most difficult than wishing they would pass. Instead, look forward to them. Let me explain.

When life is easy, we aren’t growing. Our strength and resilience are built in the fire. We see how strong we really are when we are being tested. I know many people who have gotten through very difficult situations. They are to be admired because they kept going through the darkness. Eventually, they found the light.

And speaking of the light in the darkness, it’s always there. It may be a pin dot of light, but it’s there. Keep your eyes on the light when darkness appears in your life. It gives you renewed strength, focus and hope. Stay focused…

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Spirituality

Nothing But Net

When you nail a beautiful basketball shot and it slides through the net without touching the rim, the shooter says, “nothing but net!” But today I want to focus on a different kind of net, the safety net.

Many people say they don’t like change. Routines and predictability reign supreme in their lives. It’s like having their own built-in safety net. The truth is, all of us are living life without a net.

God shaped us with unique talents to accomplish His will on this side of eternity. He never said it would be easy or without risks. He did promise He could take any bad situation and bring good from it.

When you decide to pursue your calling, get ready to grow. You can’t avoid it. Stay committed and remain hopeful no matter how hard it gets. If you are pursuing God’s calling on your life, no force can stop you…

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