Monthly Archives: June 2025

Spirituality, Uncategorized

Modeling

Who do you admire? And why do you admire them?

Abraham Lincoln was a great figure from history. Lincoln had perseverance (he ran for office unsuccessfully nine times before winning), wisdom, and he did what was right through the Emancipation Proclamation. It cost Lincoln his life.

The coming of the Messiah had been foretold through Scripture. Yet, when Jesus arrived on the scene many of the religious leaders at the time didn’t recognize him for who he was. Jesus’s teachings were aligned with the law, but many were counter culture to the religion of the Pharisees. They were all about religion while Jesus was teaching us to love God and love others.

Parents are their children’s first role models. Kids watch everything and learn how to act from mom and dad . Being a parent is the role of a lifetime.

Be willing to stand up for what’s right. Don’t go along with the crowd if the crowd is doing something wrong. You might be cast out from the crowd, but there are better people to surround yourself with.

Be a role model for good. Our world needs you…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Fear of Life

Some people can be so safety minded that they never take a chance on anything. They will miss out on the thrill of a rollercoaster, the excitement of whitewater rafting, traveling to exotic destinations and falling in love. Such a shame…

Do you know anyone who lives by the “what if” principle? What if this happens or what if that happens, they say. My mother was this way and it drove me crazy. One day I said, “so what if this happened?” I would figure it out. She didn’t like that too much because it took away her excuse making.

It’s good to exercise caution in life. Just don’t take it too far. And if you’re a fearful person, start small. Do something new to take you out of your comfort. Enjoy the thrill. Lean into it. You might like it!

Growth comes when we are willing to get uncomfortable…

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Spirituality

Complete

One of the dumbest lines ever comes from the movie, “Jerry Maguire.” In one scene, Tom Cruise says to Renee Zellweger “you complete me.” The audience swoons, and everyone lives happily ever after!

You are complete already. God created you and gave you every skill, every talent and every ability you need to do what he created you for. He didn’t send you to earth partially done.

It is true that we are born with a hole in our hearts. The 17th century French philosopher Pascal called it a “God shaped vacuum.” Only God can fill that void. Another broken human being won’t fit. And we are all broken.

Search for the God of the impossible. You know who I’m talking about. He’s waiting.

I leave you with Jeremiah 29:13 which says, “You will find me when you seek me with all of your heart…”

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Why Do You Believe What You Believe?

Growing up, I was taught that Christopher Columbus discovered the new land which became America. Imagine my shock when I learned the truth! Columbus never made it here. It was a lie I believed for a long time.

Do you ever question your beliefs? I believe it’s a good idea to test our beliefs and convictions. If you are one of the ones who questions whether God exists or not, well, you wouldn’t be the first to do that.

It has been demonstrated that we are wrong more than we are right. And the most glaring examples of this are the people who believe they are always right about everything. A massive ego combined with some intelligence creates a self-righteous ass.

Having faith in a God we can’t see takes courage. Society today grasps onto New Age BS which tells us the answers are “within.” Yet, the New Age devotees are still looking for a Higher Power for guidance. They just don’t call him God.

I believe in the God of the impossible. My belief comes not only from personal experiences, but the miracles I have seen happen in the lives of others. He has redeemed the lives of addicts, restored families, and caused money to appear when there was none.

It’s a good thing to question yourself. We are like science experiments. In science there are no answers, only more questions…

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Spirituality

Never Too Late

Are you one of the many people who are struggling right now? Mental health has been compromised while the cost of living skyrocketed the last four years, adding to the stress. People need hope right now like never before.

There is always hope, no matter how bleak it may appear to be. Don’t fear the future. There is something around the next corner, and you have to believe it’s something good. Keep taking one brave step after another. You will make it if you just keep going.

Surround yourself with good people. Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies. Turn the television off and go outside in nature. Tell God everything you are feeling. You can tell him if you’re angry with him, frustrated or disappointed. God can take a punch and he won’t hit back or hold a grudge. You don’t have to sound all spiritual or righteous. Just be yourself.

Believe in yourself, and believe that your future is bright. See the life you want. Pray for it. Keep your vision in the forefront of your mind.

You will make it happen if you refuse to quit…

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Spirituality

Allowances

When I was a kid a lot of my friends received an allowance every week. I didn’t. When I asked my parents about this, they told me I could ask for money anytime I needed it. “I didn’t need an allowance.” I never asked because I was afraid to.

God gives us the greatest allowance: free will. We are free to choose whatever path we want to take in life. But free will doesn’t mean we can escape the consequences of our decisions. There is cause and effect at play. Good decisions lead to good outcomes. You know the other side

Yet God gives us more. You see, everything good in our lives is a gift from God. Fresh air, sunshine, our minds, literally everything comes from God. And He gives generously to believers and nonbelievers alike.

Take nothing for granted. If you’re reading this, take a moment to thank God for another day. Then use today to make a difference in the world. Allow others to experience your kindness…

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Spirituality

The “Experts”

Social media has given a lot of people a voice. Opinions are readily shared, often without facts to support the narrative. Oh some “journalist” may be cited as proof, but these so-called journalists are typically spewing an opinion, too. Emotions run high and arguments ensue. No one wins.

When I was in public school, my grades reflected the first four letters of the alphabet: A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s. I never failed a class, but I got dangerously close several times. In college, my grades went up significantly. You see, college professors teach one subject, typically they have advanced degrees in the subject, and they made it interesting. The teachers in my public school didn’t know how to teach a kid like me. My insatiable curiosity and high energy level ruled the day for me.

Take the time to think. Question everything. Be open minded about learning. The world may not be as you see it. You might be wrong. I might be, too. There really is only one expert who knows everything.

The only truth comes from a higher source, a much higher source. God’s word is true. It isn’t stale or outdated, and it’s a reliable source for life. Everything from our health to our money is covered. Maybe start there instead of Facebook. And there’s an added benefit! Your stress level goes down. Guaranteed…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Prosperity Gospel

Prosperity Gospel began in the 1950’s and continues to spread across the globe today. More people than ever are tapped into it because of the World Wide Web.

One of the theses is that it is God’s will for everyone to prosper and become wealthy. Some Pastors have perverted the true Gospel to fit their agenda. “Name it and claim it,” they say. This turns God into a genie who grants our every wish. The caveat is that for God to grant you health and wealth, you must first give.

God’s will is accomplished through us on this planet. He does want us to give in faith. In the Bible, God tells us to “test me on this” with regard to tithing (Malachi 3:10). God certainly doesn’t need anything from us, including our money. But this is an act of faith in His ability to provide for us. And our resources oftentimes go to help others who are in need.

Not everyone will become wealthy. Jesus himself told us “the poor will be with us always.” But God cares deeply for all of us, and we should help those who are less fortunate.

Give to worthy causes, including churches, when you feel moved to. But I encourage you to give freely, not expecting anything in return. God examines our hearts when we give.

You and I are prosperous now. Fresh air, sunshine and a beating heart are worth more than gold. Prosperity is not just about money…

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Spirituality

When Crazy Isn’t Crazy

Have you ever come up with an idea others considered crazy? Technically, to be crazy means you are mentally deranged. Most of us crazy people aren’t deranged. We approach life with an enthusiasm not understood by others.

The Wright brothers were told their idea about flight would never “fly.” After all, what did they know about aerodynamics? The Wright brothers were simple bicycle repairmen. Their craziness led to the creation of an entire industry, employing millions of people worldwide.

Or Galileo. He came up with this crazy idea that the earth revolved around the sun, not the other way around as conventional wisdom dictated at the time. Now who were the crazy ones?

Be fearless in your pursuit of creative ideas, especially if they contribute to a better way of life. Pay no attention to the people who try to talk you out of your creativity. They can’t see what you see…

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Spirituality

Against the Grain

Cutting meat against the grain is a way to make the meat more tender and easier to chew. But are there other times we should go against the grain? I believe so.

In this metaphor, the grain is society and culture. Going along to get along is sometimes okay, but not if it goes against your values. Picking on weaker people is never okay. Or gay people. Or animals.

As God’s creation, as all of us are, we are called to take care of others. This includes those who are marginalized and struggling. God sees everything, and he is really looking into our hearts. The heart is where our true personality and being are.

When you get your heart right, good things happen. Really good things…

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