Monthly Archives: July 2024

#inspiration, #spirituality

Olympic Games

In my opinion, the opening ceremony of the Olympics was long, kinda weird, and a bit dark. Was it representative of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” painting? Maybe. Some reports from the production team say yes while others are walking it back.

The Olympics are about the athletes. The competition is fierce and we get to watch the greatest athletes in the world. I know a few former Olympians. The discipline and training they went through for years was grueling. Every one of them will tell you it was worth it when they got the opportunity to stand on the podium, representing the United States.

I wish the opening ceremony had focused on the athletes. If it was a mockery of Christianity, they will have to deal with their Creator on that. My only focus is to watch the athletes and celebrate with them. Nothing more…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Divorce

The divorce rate for first marriages is around 44%. The percentage goes up from there for second and third marriages. Why are so many couples getting divorced when things start off so well?

There are many reasons ranging from infidelity to finances. And let’s face it, living with someone else can be stressful. But the number one reason couples divorce is lack of commitment. Their commitment might seem strong at first, but it starts to dissolve when the stresses of life kick in. The way someone pictures their spouse goes from partner to adversary.

With statistics like these, it makes you wonder if it’s possible for marriages to survive and thrive. There is hope. Couples who pray together regularly have a divorce rate of about 2%. You read that correctly. Couples who open their hearts and pray together not only defy the odds, they crush them.

Biblical teachings of love, forgiveness and mercy are parts of prayer. I enjoy gambling and sometimes bet on a long shot, but I like the odds in this case…

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#inspiration

Merit

I love watching the Olympic Games. The very best athletes in the world come together to compete in their respective sport. All of the dedication, missed parties and discipline culminate in this. Just qualifying is a great honor. They earned it.

In the United States we have placed great emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It doesn’t matter how hard you work to position yourself for success under DEI. I believe DEI is a breeding ground for mediocrity.

Personally, I want the most qualified person flying the plane I’m traveling on. Only the best will do when that pilot is responsible for hundreds of lives.

Don’t mistake what I’m saying. Everyone should have equal opportunity to better their lives through education and training. Women should be paid the same as men for the same job. And everyone should feel included in this great experiment known as the United States. Everyone.

Merit is a good thing. Earning your way forward gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment. Consider how the Olympians felt when they learned they qualified to compete with the best of the best. DEI deprives people of this…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Self-Help Books

The self-help industry can trace its roots all the way back to 1830. Surprising, isn’t it? The industry generates over $10 billion in annual sales, and there’s no sign of it slowing down.

People have engaged in all kinds of activities designed to conquer their fear. These activities include jumping out of perfectly good airplanes to walking on hot coals. Unless the change is internal, the only fear they conquered was one of a physical nature. The underlying trauma of the past remains.

Self-help authors have taken advantage of people. Everyone has dissatisfaction in their lives. “Read my book and never be unhappy, disappointed or afraid again,” they promise. But they are making promises they can’t keep.

The only comprehensive self-help book is the Bible. It covers every area of life, offering true solutions for every challenge you face. It doesn’t make false promises that you won’t experience some unhappy times, but it tells you how to find peace and clarity during those times.

If nothing else has worked for you, give the word of God a chance. Start with Proverbs. You won’t turn into some religious fanatic. But you will find wisdom…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Peaceful Days

Weekends are good for running errands and having some free time. After all, fitting in a little down time can be a good thing.

Peace is underrated. We all know people who thrive on creating chaos. It’s almost like they can’t be at ease unless they are stirring the shit pot. Eliminate those people from your life. At least keep them as far away as possible. And don’t feel guilty for protecting your peace of mind. You will operate better with a clear mind.

You can create as much peace as you want in your life. The crazies will always be around. Let them disrupt the peace of others…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Advantage

Have you ever been taken advantage of? Of course you have. People have agendas to fulfill and some of them are happy to use any means necessary to make them happen.

Politicians take advantage of the population. “Vote for me” and all your problems will go away, they say. In our rational minds we know this isn’t true. But the politicians aren’t appealing to our sense of reason. They are hitting our emotional hot buttons. We get disappointed and disillusioned when they don’t come through. There’s a reason Congress has an approval rating of only 13%.

I encourage you to be pure in your motives. If you need help, ask. Don’t take advantage of others. Living life with integrity will bring you everything you need in life…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Impulses

I have an impulsive habit. I admit it. Remember the infomercials that would be aired in the middle of the night? They were targeting people like me. You might recall the Ronco “set it and forget it” oven. I bought it and forgot it. Twice! Thank God I have a full head of hair or I may have bought the spray on hair.

In today’s politically charged world, there are many who want to goad us into visceral outrage. I have one “friend” on social media who tells outright lies with no consequences. He wants us to impulsively reply to his nonsense and, admittedly, sometimes I want to let him have it. After all, lying to people without being called out on the lies just encourages more lies. I just take a deep breath and pass him by, reminding myself that I wouldn’t want to live inside his head or heart.

Controlling our emotions is a sign of maturity. Perhaps I’m growing up!

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#inspiration

Shortcuts

Shortcuts are good sometimes. For example, if I’m driving from Austin to San Antonio there might be a better route than I-35. That road is constantly under construction and traffic is unpredictable. Rerouting to the west and coming in on 281 might be the preferred option.

When we are trying to accomplish something great, it’s best to avoid shortcuts. To write a book or prepare for a podcast interview, you need to do research. You will do a much better job when you fully engage yourself. You owe your audience your best work. Nothing less is acceptable.

To do things the right way means you take the road less traveled. That road is a lot less congested than I-35, and you will meet some interesting people along the way…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Sensitivities

Life is tough. Some of the challenges people face can feel overwhelming at times. I know people who have been affected by cancer, the murder of a child, rape, incest, suicide and more. The reason they are still standing is because they developed resilience earlier in their lives. Weak people crumble like an origami.

Resilience can be built, even in adulthood. You face your challenges head on, refusing to back down until you have come out on the other side. When you are going through hell, you keep going.

Tough times don’t last, but tough people do…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Prepared

Solid preparation gives you confidence. If you’re about to take a test and you have studied properly, the odds are you will do well. Just “winging it” isn’t the best strategy.

Every experience we have in life prepares us for something else. This applies to the bad experiences as well as the good. We rarely have the luxury to know what we are being prepared for. I trust that God knows how he will use the difficult times in my life. Some of my hardest times have been used to help others. When the purpose becomes clear it strengthens my resolve and my trust.

If you are in the middle of a rough patch, or even if you are going through hell, I encourage you to keep moving through it. Your pain has purpose, whether you see it now or not…

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