Monthly Archives: January 2026

Spirituality, Uncategorized

Do You See God?

Do you see God at work in your life? The hand of God is involved in every detail of our lives. God does a lot of His work behind the scenes, but it’s there whether we acknowledge it or not.

God gives us, believers and non-believers alike, fresh air and sunshine. He gives us everything good in our lives. He gives to the faithful and the people who curse him freely. He gives us the choice to love Him or reject Him. The choice is ours and ours alone.

When you take the time to look for Gods influence in your life, it will become more clear for you. He really does care about every detail of our lives.

Thank God in advance for the good He brings into your life. When you do this for an extended period of time, your faith will grow exponentially. You will see the hand of God at work. Promise…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Sign of the Times

Recently I have noticed a lot of signs posted in retail stores reminding people to “treat their employees with courtesy and respect.” Between Austin and Dallas there are billboards telling people to slow down in construction zones because “the workers want to return home safely. “ What in the world is going on?

Depression and anxiety have been on the rise in the United States for quite some time. Young people, especially young women, have been disproportionately affected. With science, asking why is the beginning of understanding the phenomenon. Over 40% of children have chronic diseases. Thank God HHS is finally doing a deep dive into why, hoping to find answers. You might not like the answers, but the question remains relevant. We cannot sustain our population when life expectancy has been coming down, which it has.

God gave each of us a living miracle when he created the human body. Your heart will beat 36 million times this year. Your brain makes 25,000 independent decisions each second. We must take care of ourselves by eating right, getting some exercise daily, and putting the electronics away for a while. Society is more connected than ever, but we are living in the loneliest time ever, too. Again, why?

Again, a reminder that we should show kindness. The person waiting on you in a store might be doing all they can to hold it together. Taking care of yourself includes showing some kindness and compassion to your fellow man…

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Spirituality

Free Speech

There’s an old story told by Ronald Reagan. It seems an American and a Russian were arguing about who had a better form of government. The American said “I can walk into the Oval Office and tell the President that I don’t like the way he’s running the country.” The Russian replied, “I can do that. I can walk into the Kremlin and tell the General Secretary that I don’t like the way President Reagan is running his country!”

Free speech is a wonderful gift we enjoy in the United States. Cancel culture is trying to destroy it, and they will succeed if we don’t fight to protect it. Too many people take it for granted. A laissez-faire attitude combined with arrogance is guaranteed self-destruction.

When Charlie Kirk was assassinated, there were stories of people losing their jobs because they openly celebrated his death as a wonderful thing. Personally, I don’t believe most of them should have been fired for this. I do believe they should examine their own heart. Anyone who celebrates the death of a young man, leaving a widow and two children without a father has a lot of darkness in their hearts. Kirk was killed while exercising his right to free speech.

The heart is deceptive. Guard it, and use your right to speak freely to bring some goodness into this crazy world we live in. There will be some who will try to cancel you or de-platform your message. You gotta keep going when they do…

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Spirituality

Set Yourself Up

Have you ever been set up to have a joke played on you, or been set up for something nefarious, perhaps? Professional comedians use set ups in joke telling. Go to YouTube and watch Abbott and Costello do their “Who’s on First” routine.

But there’s a different, better kind of set up: setting yourself up for success. You must do things other people aren’t willing to. This sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. Going through the motions doesn’t get you noticed. Giving more than you are paid to do will come back to you in ways you could never predict.

The mediocre refuse to work one minute more than what they are paid for. They consider extra effort without pay to be cheating themselves. With that attitude they will remain part of the herd, not a leader.

Always look for opportunities to give more of yourself. This isn’t restricted to your career. Give more time and effort to your family and your volunteer work.

By giving more you might miss out on the latest television show. But you will be setting yourself up for a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Set yourself up…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Newness

We love new things, don’t we? That new car smell is one that stays with us. It hits the senses in a good way.

Newborns have the softest skin ever. It’s really remarkable. Only after exposure to the elements is when we “toughen up” a bit. We are able to soften ourselves to the touch by using oils and creams, but it doesn’t get us to the level of a newborn baby.

What about old ideas recycled as new? In New York City, the new Mayor has brought the idea of socialism to the great city. Socialism sounds good, but it doesn’t work. It has never worked but he makes fiery speeches that make it sound attractive to the masses. It’s interesting to note that one of his campaign promises was broken on the first day. Instead of free buses and subways, the cost to ride them went up!

Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in this world. We want our lives to matter, to count for something. We have the ability to make this happen, but it’s up to us to act.

Remember what the author of The Book of James told us: “faith without works is dead.” God gave us unique talents. He expects us to use them…

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Spirituality

I Wonder…

Sometimes silly things pop into my head. Things such as, I wonder what happened to “Baghdad Bob.” Remember him? He was so ridiculous yet entertaining even the President enjoyed his broadcasts.

Important questions come to mind, too. I wonder how we became so divided in the United States. We have had political differences since before the Constitution was written, but in the end the people worked through their differences. The framers created one of the greatest documents ever written, second to the Bible. The Constitution isn’t perfect, like Scripture, but it has lasted for 250 years. That’s longer than I have been alive!

I look at this beautiful world we live in with awe and wonder. The stars are magnificent. The mountains of Norway are majestic, soaring into the sky like nothing I have ever seen. The raw beauty God created never ceases to amaze me. If your life’s focus is political divide, you are going to miss so much.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m willing to engage in conversations with intelligent, open-minded people who see the world differently. This is one of the ways I learn. It’s not a threat to challenge your own beliefs and convictions. It’s a healthy exercise that expands the lens you see the world through.

Still I wonder what happened to the people who used to send me unsolicited invitations to play Candy Crush. One day they just quit coming.

One day life will be over for everyone. A lot of the things I don’t understand will be answered in eternity. Or maybe they won’t. But while I’m on this side, I’m going to enjoy the people and the places. It’s my hope that you do, too…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Who Do You See?

Well over two decades ago I stopped asking what someone did for a living when I was introduced to them. With men, especially, “what do you do?” is a question as common as the air we breathe. But it’s a limiting question.

We have a tendency to place people in categories. Placing our emphasis on the resume someone brings to the table restricts our ability to see them for who they are. We are a planet of 8 billion unique individuals, not categories to be placed in a file.

Everyone is equal in the eyes of God. He created us, loves us the same, and doesn’t play favorites. Although as I live out the walking sitcom my life is, I sometimes believe I’m Gods favorite recreational sport! I give him a lot to laugh about and enjoy.

Try to see through to the heart of man. Forget about their position in life or what they might be able to do to for you. Get to know the real person and leave judgment at the door. It’s in these moments where you can make a connection.

Focus on the who, not the what when you meet others. Both of your lives will be better for it…

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Spirituality

Mind Shift

The new year brings a sense of renewed optimism because it means leaving the past behind. Our minds have shifted from holiday mode to the newness of 2026.

But life won’t change unless you bring your mindset along for the ride. Old thought patterns must be replaced with a new, different way of thinking. The old ways no longer serve you well. And you have to want it.

Make the decision to never go back. Live in the moment while staying focused on your future. It takes hard work, but anything worthwhile will not be easy. You must commit to your dreams, and this means you must commit to changing your thoughts.

Borrowing from Paul, “keep your eyes on what’s true, right and noble.” Aligning what you’re going after with God’s vision for your life will benefit mankind.

Every battle is won or lost in the mind. The truth is, it’s decided before you even begin because your mind knows if you are committed or not. Finding purpose brings commitment.

You really can do anything you set your mind to. A dynamic dream, powered by commitment and purpose while remaining aligned with God’s purpose for your life is unstoppable.

Wait no longer. It’s time to get started…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Problems? What Problems?

In the United States, we do not have problems like the rest of the world. We aren’t perfect, but we are the most fortunate people on planet earth.

The politicians yell their fiery rhetoric on the challenges that many Americans face: the cost of living, safety, jobs etc. And the politicians love to make you believe they have solutions for every problem you are facing. The government can’t fix a flat tire which means they can’t fix anything in your life. Only you can. And you live in the one country that provides the opportunity.

We have citizens who are incapable of caring for themselves. The government should provide for their care from birth to death. But if you can walk and talk, then you can think and do. It’s the thinking and doing that stops many in their tracks. Victimhood reigns in some circles.

When you change your mindset to focusing on solutions rather than problems, you begin to dwell in possibility. Our brains are the greatest gift God gave us. Let’s use them for good. We, as individuals working together, really can leave the world better than we found it. Let’s get started…

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Spirituality

Timing is Everything

Have you ever had to deliver a truthful, yet difficult message to someone? Most of us, if not all have been in this position. This is when proper timing is needed.

Timing is everything. If you are placed in a precarious personal situation you must be keenly aware of the right time to execute. You can feel it when you are in touch with your emotions. You just know when it’s right and when it’s best to wait. I encourage you to follow your instincts on this.

We expect our friends to be honest with us. That’s part of friendship. All of us have tons of people around who will tell us what we want to hear. But that might not be what we need to hear. If you have someone in your life who is truthful with you about the good, the bad and the blind spots, that person is a treasure. Hold on to them.

When you have a difficult message to share, remember the writings of Paul from Galatians. Deliver the message with some gentleness and self-control. And remember to choose your timing well…

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