I believe in restoration and redemption. All of us, every single one of us has made mistakes. How we deal with others’ mistakes says a lot about us. Are we quick to judge and condemn? The people we love the most will let us down. Human beings, people, are flawed. We have to find a way to love them, even when we don’t like them.

Forgive others. Forgive yourself…#heart #purpose #drive #desire #inspiration #connection #restoration #redemption #encouragement #love

Yes, it’s true. I’m walking out onto the proverbial thin ice to explore prayer. Prayer is kinda messy. I’m certainly no expert, nor am I a novice. But rather than making it more complicated, I want to break it down to what I’ll call the simplicity of praying.

First, to pray means you believe in a Deity who can respond. Second, when we pray, all through the Bible it tells us to “pray expectantly.” David wrote about “laying out his expectations to you” (God) in Psalms, while James wrote about expectant prayer quite emphatically. Believe you have received it, whatever it is, thanking God in advance. This works. It’s not always immediate, but it works.

Finally, pray with gratitude, even when it feels like you’re going through hell. We can find something to be grateful for in all of life’s ugliness.

The prayer God answers immediately? Two audacious words: “Use me.” Be ready if you pray that one! It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s only for the brave…#heart #prayer #purpose #drive #desire #inspiration #encouragement

Lock in with a laser beam focus what you want from life. Be specific. If you think and speak in generalities, you will land among the crowd of ambiguity. Your inner peace and joy will be situational, not sustained. Progressing towards your specific, well-defined ambitions will keep you focused, even when setbacks occur. Set your mind to a success mode. Kick doubt to the curb. Keep going…#heart #drive #desire #inspiration #encouragement

All of us have one voice. Nowadays it seems we compete to see whose voice is loudest; noticed more. We yell at each other about politics, religion, sports and other subjects which none of us has much impact. We leave the conversation frustrated or temporarily vindicated. Our self-righteousness has been fed.

Why don’t we use our one voice to speak up and speak out against injustices in our world. One voice might not have huge impact against such travesties, but joined together with other like-minded voices we can collectively make an impact. We work together rather than against each other. Something to consider…#heart #purpose #voices #drive #desire #inspiration #encouragement #connection #love

Only thirty seconds long, but you will learn the “secret” to manifesting the life you desire…#heart #purpose #vision #drive #desire #inspiration #connection #encouragement

We are halfway through 2019, so let’s pause for a moment and reflect. How are you doing with your resolutions? What has the year brought you that was unexpected? A new job, disease, divorce, or new and exciting opportunities? Whatever has happened in your life, there is a beautiful lesson here.

We aren’t in control. This statement, which is true, is both humbling and frustrating. If we were in control, only good things would happen to us. We do not have the ability to know how each day will turn out, let alone the year. We can control one thing, and that one thing is our attitude.

What is your attitude going into each day? Grateful? Fearful? Somewhere in between? I leave you with this: approach every day with a spirit of courage. Remember that God is in control, and He didn’t create us to live any other way…#heart #courage #purpose #drive #desire #inspiration #connection #fearless #encouragement #love

There is an old saying you have probably heard, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It turns out it’s true! Just a few of the benefits of a good laugh are:

1). It’s good for your heart.

2). Laughter releases endorphins, a natural analgesic.

3). It gives you an overall sense of well-being.

There are other ways laughter benefits us. I believe a societal purpose is accomplished as well. It’s difficult to be divided when we share a laugh with someone. Have you ever taken your seat at a comedy show, looked to your neighbors on each side and asked about their politics? Of course not. You’re there for a shared experience. It might come as a surprise to you, but Republicans, Democrats, atheists, Jews and Christians laugh the same way. Something to consider…#heart #purpose #drive #desire #laughter #connection #inspiration #encouragement #love

Freedom came at a great cost. Almost 7,000 people were killed during the war, and it’s estimated 17,000 more died from diseases related to battle. The United States Of America was born, and the world was forever changed.

Freedom says you have the choice to kneel when our National Anthem is played. You can criticize politicians without fear of being arrested or worse. Let’s take the focus off the individuals seeking attention, and remember what our country stands for; who we are. We are The United States Of America, with our failings and flaws, the kindest nation on earth because of our people. Let freedom reign forever…#heart #freedom #kindness #purpose #inspiration #drive #desire #independence #love

It’s great when someone pops onto the scene we’ve never heard of before, and we have an “overnight success.”

There is no such thing. To be successful, whatever that looks like to you, requires countless hours of work, many lonely times, and lots of rejection. A greater purpose drives you to keep going, even as doubts and setbacks haunt you. Pursuing your purpose isn’t for the weak or faint-hearted. It’s a battle. Keep going…#heart #purpose #drive #desire #success #inspiration #perseverance #resilience #encouragement #connection #love

Fear and Faith cannot coexist. It might surprise you how many times you unconsciously make decisions based on Faith each day. Hitting the accelerator when the light turns green, you Faithfully believe the drivers who have the red light will stop. Putting gas in your car? You have Faith it really is gasoline and not water coming out of the hose. Put Faith to work in your conscious daily life. Fear diminishes as Faith grows…#heart #purpose #drive #desire #faith #fearless #inspiration #encouragement