Author Archives: John Harrell

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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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Walled In

On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave a speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin. His famous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” went viral before viral was a thing. A little over two years later the wall came tumbling down. You can see a large piece of the wall at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.

Two years ago I read multiple studies showing that over 80% of adults in the United States don’t like themselves. The number shocked me, but when I considered the amount of hatred I observed on the internet it made sense. When someone doesn’t like themself, they will tear others apart so they won’t accept themselves, either.

It’s no surprise that people build walls, too. They create facades that show the world the person they want to look like, but that might not be who they are. Some people believe that if others saw the real person, they might not like who they see.

The undeniable truth is, each of us was created uniquely and on purpose by God. He had a plan in mind for us all. Another undeniable truth is that God doesn’t make junk, nor does he second guess himself. Unlike human beings, he knows what he’s doing all the time. It’s my hope that if you struggle with self-worth because life has knocked you around, you will find yourself in these truths. See yourself for who you are, not the version the world might want you to be.

When you approach life in an open, unguarded way, others will drop their guard, too. That’s where connection happens…

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Spirituality

Laurels

In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel (evergreen) wreaths were placed on the heads of those who were victorious, the poets and heroes. The wreaths symbolized great achievements in their respective fields.

There’s a saying you have probably heard before, that someone is “resting on their laurels.” It means they are relying on past work to propel them forward without continuing their work. It’s a dangerous trap, one I have fallen into myself. Be on guard that it doesn’t catch you, too.

We should take the time to celebrate our accomplishments in life. Nothing great happens without sacrifice and commitment. But if we are still here, God isn’t finished with us and our work to advance His kingdom agenda. Let’s finish strong.

I do encourage you to take time for rest along the way. You will be better for it. At the same time, don’t rest too long. You might start to enjoy it more than you should! There’s much to do, and only limited time to do it. Get to work!

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Spirituality

Those Annoying New Years Resolutions

It has almost arrived. The New Year! I hope 2026 brings you health, fulfillment and growth. I also hope what you begin anew in the coming year continues beyond just 2026.

In the United States, multiple surveys have shown that anywhere from 31%-48% of adults set resolutions for the new year. It’s interesting to note that the percentage has been steadily declining for quite some time.

But whether you set them or not, here is a guaranteed way to be successful: Set one, only one, goal you want to accomplish and write it down. Review your goal multiple times each day. Keep it in the front of your mind.

After 90 days have an honest conversation with yourself about your progress. Be fair, but be honest. If you are on track, great! Keep doing what you’re doing. If not, simply adapt. Airplanes adjust course during flight due to wind and weather, so why shouldn’t we? Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t where you want to be. You will get there if you really want to.

The other ingredient to add is a mindset of commitment. Be relentless with this one. It’s impossible to beat a person who refuses to quit. And remember to congratulate yourself for your success along the way.

You really can do anything you set your mind to…

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Spirituality

Pretension

Have you ever noticed that if someone is flying in First Class from here to LAX they will announce their seat on social media platforms? You never see someone post “Hey everyone! I scored row 29, center seat for my flight to Los Angeles.”

Pretension is, simply put, showing importance that isn’t genuine. It’s rooted in insecurity and that leads to an inflated ego. Arrogant people are difficult to spend time with. They lack substance yet portray themselves as an expert on just about everything. I hope they find themselves, their true self, someday.

God doesn’t care if we fly First Class or take a slow boat to China. He does care about developing our hearts and minds. He reminds us to care for the poor, the marginalized and the hurting children, the non-pretentious people. And we are reminded through Scripture to do it quietly. Our audience is just one.

This world will always have people who love to show the world all their greatness. But inside they might have the mindset of a scared child. Be kind to them. They need kindness, too…

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Spirituality

Heading Home

Since Christmas Day I have been in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you have never been here, I encourage you to plan a visit. The city is full of character and charm. Truly, one of a kind.

But all good things don’t come to an end. That saying is wrong because life is a progression. Every moment of each new day is filled with awe and wonder. I’m grateful for every experience life throws my way, even the bad ones. We learn from each and every experience. Nothing is wasted.

We have a few more days until the holidays are finished for 2025 and life becomes routine again. Enjoy your time off and make it count.

Austin is where I will land tonight, but it’s not my eventual home. That home is in the eternal realm. But the work I accomplish here is preparing me for the next life. It’s the same for you.

The world should be viewed through the eyes of a child. They notice each and every little thing, and they are in awe of it, whatever it is! Keep practicing gratitude daily, and the lens you see the world through will expand. I promise…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Lead Me

Our world needs strong leaders. The kind of leadership I’m talking about are people who are moral, ethical, and they do what’s right. And those types of people are rare.

It has always fascinated me when I see the actions of cult leaders. Jim Jones enticed and forced over 900 people to drink liquid laced with cyanide. Three hundred of them were children. Everyone died from the poison except Jones, who died from a single bullet to his head.

The kind of leadership we desperately need is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” In other words, dedicate your life to serving God and follow His guidance in everything. It’s difficult, but possible.

Keep your focus on things above. You will not be led astray…

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Spirituality

A Moment

Thank you for taking a moment to read this piece. We all have the same 168 hours each week, and you chose to spend some of your time with me. I’m grateful.

This crazy world we are living in keeps us busy. Every time something is invented that saves us a minute, we find something to engage our minds. People are overloaded and overwhelmed. We need more peace in our lives, not more busyness.

My encouragement to you is to take a moment every day just being quiet. Turn everything off and sit in the moment. No distractions. No emails. Just you and the quiet. Calm your mind. If doing this makes you uncomfortable, sit with the discomfort. It will pass. I speak from experience.

The busy world will be waiting for you when you re-engage. You won’t have missed a thing. You will have gained some much needed peace in your life. And that’s a good thing…

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