Spirituality

Never Go To A Fat Cardiologist

“Practice what you preach” sometimes turns into “do as I say, not as I do.” Inconsistent parenting is a prime example of this. Children notice everything, and they carry this into adulthood.

We are keen observers of human behavior, with biases, and our biases might prevent us from seeing things clearly. Speaking of biases, everyone has them. Looking at situations from a 360 degree perspective allows for open-minded thinking. Seeing things through the eyes of others gives greater possibilities than just holding on tightly to our own perspective.

People are facing struggles today like never before. Mental health is the worst it has ever been, especially among the young. We live in the most connected world that has ever existed, yet many people feel isolated and alone. Take the time to listen, really listen when you are with someone. You both will benefit.

The world is changing rapidly. The A. I. train has left the station. We are in the infancy of this technology which may be used for much good, while it also possesses the temptation for some to use it for evil. But I believe goodness wins, and you won’t convince me otherwise.

That’s my bias of believing in mankind…

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Spirituality

The Ground Zero Cross

The extreme heat from the twin towers fires caused two steel beams to be melted together to form a cross. It was found among the debris and called the Ground Zero Cross. The cross went into the 9/11 Museum.

A group known as American Atheists sued to have the cross removed, stating it promoted Christianity while excluding non-religious victims and rescuers. I’m not sure why something people don’t believe in brings out so much hatred. Having a cross in a museum excludes no one.

When something, anything, offends you, you can just keep walking. There are occasional calls to cancel Netflix because some object to content on the streaming platform. Here’s a simple solution: don’t watch it. You have a choice.

The lawsuit was thrown out by a federal judge in 2013. Of course the decision was appealed. But the U. S. Court of Appeals upheld the decision. The cross remains on permanent display in the museum. Go see it, or don’t. You have a choice…

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Spirituality

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is here. In the United States it has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month. But shouldn’t we be concerned about mental health every day?

Mental health was already fragile when the pandemic hit. Isolating people from each other by closing schools, gyms, churches and restaurants was not a good idea. Human connection is vital for good health, physical and mental. We are wired by our Creator to be in community.

About 50,000 people take their own lives every year. Usually there are warning signs, but not always. If you have a concern about one of your friends or family members, take the time to talk with them. Listen to them. Yes, it might make you uncomfortable, but get over it. Someone might truly need you to be with them and listen.

People are holding on to things we don’t know about. They keep them inside in dark places. Help them bring their darkness into the light.

Your kindness and willingness might be someone’s last, best hope…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Search for Peace

Some people thrive in chaos. They love to stir things up. When things are calm, it’s almost like peace makes them uncomfortable.

Peace and contentment go together. Contentment gets a bad rap. If you are considered to be a contented person, people start to believe you are devoid of ambition. This may be true for some, but not for me.

My life is full. I’m still enjoying a career I love, and I have a few other things that not only keep me busy, but they bring fulfillment. Yet, if I never accomplish anything else, I’m at peace with it.

You create your own environment. Keep the chaotic people away. If someone doesn’t bring peace into my life, they will never be part of my inner sphere.

I encourage you to do the same. Peace is priceless…

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Spirituality

Hitting the Snooze Button

This morning I was in a very deep sleep when my alarm went off. The snooze button looked very inviting in the moment, but I have things to do. So, here I am.

Our brains are remarkable beyond words. They know us better than Artificial Intelligence ever can. If you want to nerd out sometime, start studying the brain.

Here’s an interesting bit about the brain: Old memories we need to heal from are brought to the surface when we are ready to heal from them. Our brains know we can handle reliving the trauma. But we have a choice in the matter. We can either face it and work through it, or we can stuff it down. This is akin to hitting our internal snooze.

The memory will return. It always does, so face it. Face it until you make it…

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Spirituality

Just For Today

Every day we have an opportunity to not only make a difference, but we can make a change in our lives. We might want to eat better, get some exercise or begin writing the book we have been thinking about. Why not begin today??

None of us are getting younger. We have a limited amount of time on this side of eternity. God wants us to use it. He gave us special talents to use which will bring glory to Him. You know in your heart that what I’m saying is true.

Since childhood, you knew you were here for something great. You would set the world on fire. No one could stop you. Then life happened. You got knocked down and knocked around. It is time to pick yourself up and get back in the game of life.

There’s no one stopping you from pursuing greatness. Keep God in your plans. He can remove every obstacle placed in your way. Start today…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Your Flight Is Now Boarding…

The airlines have an agreement with me that they sometimes break. When I buy a ticket they agree to honor the ticket with a flight to where I’m going. My part of the agreement is to show up on time. Sometimes I break my agreement, too!

But what about people? There are many people who are going here and there in their lives while not having a destination in mind. They are drifting at light speed. Every new shiny toy catches their attention, at least for a short time.

You must have a dream to propel yourself to greatness. Dreams are powerful. But they are only passing thoughts unless we take action. Putting your dreams in motion ignites something inside of you, an unstoppable force.

If you have lost sight of your purpose, take some time to recapture it. You have greatness inside of you. Feel it in your spirit. Then take action.

The flight of your dreams is taking off. It’s time to board the plane…

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Uncategorized, Spirituality

From Dead to Alive

David Berkowitz was a serial killer, an arsonist and a Satan worshipper. You may remember him as “Son of Sam.” In the 1970’s, this one man shut down New York City’s nightlife for over a year.

Berkowitz was filled with demons. In the courtroom he bit law enforcement officers assigned to him and Berkowitz tried to jump out of a window. He was crazed to say the least.

Berkowitz was sentenced to hundreds of years in prison. But something supernatural happened there. Another inmate gave Berkowitz a Bible. Berkowitz placed the Bible under his pillow and forgot about it. Until…

One night, at 3:00 am, Berkowitz woke up in a start. The side of his head felt like it was on fire. He jumped out of his cot, pulled the Bible out and it opened to a Scripture that told him God can forgive and redeem the most evil among us (my paraphrase). David Berkowitz, Son of Sam, was reborn. He bawled his eyes out for hours, asking a God he didn’t know to forgive him.

Today, Berkowitz leads a Christian outreach from the confines of prison. His conversion has lasted and it is real. He has been brought to life by the living God.

God can do anything. Always remember this…

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Spirituality

What’s In A Name?

Our foundations are in our family and our name. We are born into a legacy that existed before us, and it will continue after we are gone. What we choose to do with it is up to us.

God thought of us individually before the world was formed. He decided the era we would be born in. Many times I have been grateful to be alive during the time of indoor plumbing and air conditioning (I live in Texas. It gets hot!).

The family I was born into was a mess. There was insecurity, fear, and sometimes, violence. My brain was in a constant state of “fight or flight.” Fortunately, I have been able to reprogram my mind, but it took time and effort. Not everyone takes the steps to heal.

The legacy I am creating with my children is healthier than that which I experienced. For this, I am forever grateful to God for guiding my steps. He is good.

Be proud of your name. God didn’t make a mistake. If your family was a train wreck like mine, you can change, if you’re willing.

Be willing…

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