Author Archives: John Harrell

Spirituality

What Did You Say?

Parts of society are pouring over every word you say. They are looking for evidence of racism and hate speech in what you say. This is short-sighted.

I’m not denying that some people are racist and hatred flows through their spirit. But it’s a very small group of people. Most people are good. Their kindness can be overlooked because you’re looking for something else. Just watch the actions and ask yourself if they align with what you are looking for.

What we read and believe will influence what is in our hearts. Our words and actions flow from our hearts. Get your heart right and watch what happens.

You will usually find what you’re looking for. Look for the good. You will usually see it…

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Uncategorized

When Life Gives You Lemons

You know the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It’s all about your perspective. Do you view your challenges as setbacks or opportunities?

The word “problem” is not in my vocabulary. Challenge is a more suitable word. That’s all problems are, simply challenges to overcome. Let’s not make them more than they are.

Were you born into poverty? Poverty is a mindset you can conquer with the right attitude. Control your thoughts and you will change your outcome. Was your family abusive? Stop the cycle. You can do it if you’re willing.

It really is up to you. You aren’t a victim and you aren’t powerless over your circumstances. And as you are changing your thoughts and beliefs, God will place people and opportunities along the way to help you. Have faith in this. But you must take the first step.

Have you decided to make lemonade today? Maybe throw a little tequila in there to make it taste even better. That’s your choice, too…

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Spirituality

Fitting In

When I was a kid, I played sports. My favorite sport was football and I was pretty good at it. Then basketball season came around followed by track. If I told you I was good at basketball I would be lying. Same for track. But I loved being part of a team.

Peer pressure is real. Kids are growing into their bodies. They are being invaded by hormones and their parents are rarely the most understanding people. It’s a confusing time for our young people. Kids join gangs and school groups because they want a sense of belonging.

Some of this flows into adulthood. In the business world we have leaders and followers. We need both. Our best leaders have the heart of a servant and lead with humility. They bring out the best in others.

Always remember that you are an individual with unique talents. Don’t lose yourself for the sake of fitting in with the crowd. Find out who you are and stay true to yourself…

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Spirituality

Thank The Lord

Most of my prayers are prayers of gratitude. There are so many things in my life to be grateful for. The source of everything good is God.

Please don’t think my life is without challenges. All of us have difficulties. And I thank God for the challenges. He didn’t cause them but He did allow them. God will bring me through them and He will use them for good. We grow through the hard, even painful parts of life. It’s all perspective.

You and I were born in this era for a reason. We are where we are by design. There is nothing random in this life. Recognize it and find your purpose.

You have the power to make a difference. And deep down, don’t we all want to be living with purpose? In your heart you know this to be true.

However you pray or speak to God, remember to give Him thanks. He is good…

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Spirituality

A Month of Encouragement

September has arrived. It’s a short month, only 30 days. And I have a challenge for you.

Every day find something to compliment someone on. Provide genuine encouragement to others. Just one per day. By the end of September you will have impacted thirty people’s lives in a positive way. You will never know the ripple effect of your actions, but God will.

We live in a society of criticism and complaints. People are dissatisfied with themselves so they turn it outward. Tearing others down is a negative energy I have no use for.

People need genuine encouragement. They might be on their last nerve. Your kind words will be like putting balm on a burn.

Try it for thirty days. And guess what? You will be changed, too…

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Spirituality

Universally Loved

Dolly Parton passed away last week. Her legacy of creating opportunities for children almost surpassed her music career, which made it all possible.

In 1995, Dolly created The Imagination Library. This initiative guaranteed that every child received a book every month from birth through age five. This was inspired by her father’s inability to read and write. Over time, more than 300 million books have been given away.

Through her Dollywood Foundation, she promised seventh and eighth graders $500 if they stayed in school and graduated. The dropout rate at one school went from 35% to 6%. The kids had to earn it, and they did.

Dolly Parton did many more worthwhile things with her earnings. Too many to list. Take a moment to look into it. You will be inspired.

Until sundown on Tuesday, September 1st flags are flying at half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton. She was such a bright light. It seems like 80 years of Dolly weren’t enough…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Living Large

If you live in the United States, you probably have a pretty good standard of living. Having a few dollars in your pocket makes you better off than over 90% of the world. But have you gotten comfortable?

There are many people who are struggling to get by. Mental health is at its worst. We are naturally selfish so if we give into our selfish ways we can easily ignore the problems of others. But that’s not how God intended us to be.

God cares for widows and orphans. The oppressed have a soft spot in His heart. He loves all of us the same. We are most like our Creator when we are using our talents to help mankind. Even a kind word makes a difference.

Scripture tells us that God wants the heart of man. He cares more about this than our offerings. We must prioritize justice and mercy, showing kindness and compassion even when we don’t feel like it.

I encourage you to look for opportunities to help others. Our actions are the best Gospel we can spread…

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Spirituality

Why Don’t You Like Me?

Is it important to you to be liked or even admired by others? Most of us want to be respected more than we care about being universally liked. The truth is, when you are doing what’s good, right and noble, you will still piss some people off.

My last statement might surprise you. How can doing the right thing be irritating to others? Well, biological males don’t belong in women’s sports. But there are some who will die on that hill, regardless of the danger it poses to women.

Consider the life of Jesus. He brought hope and mercy to the people. He called out some of the religious leaders who took God’s law too far. The ones who should have recognized Jesus as the Messiah were the ones who had him killed on the cross. But the cross wasn’t the end of the story.

Take a stand for good. Be the voice for the voiceless until they find their own. Concern yourself with what’s right rather than being liked. You will never please everyone, but you can make God smile…

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Spirituality

Do This First

Most every day we are presented with some challenges to accomplish along with some areas we can almost coast through. Which do you choose to do first?

Do the hardest things first. You may not like this encouragement. You might want to ease into your day by getting a few easy things done. The hard stuff will still be waiting for you. The sense of accomplishment you might feel by knocking off a few easy tasks is a lie. And you know it is.

When we tackle the things we want to do the least, this is where growth comes from. After we put the hard stuff to bed, the rest will be a breeze.

Try it. If you have been doing the easy stuff first, reverse the order. You will be glad you did…

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Spirituality

Goals, Dreams & Desires

We achieve some of our goals every day. It might be something as simple as getting to work on time or completing a project. But it is still important.

In the 1947 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the main character is a mild-mannered proofreader who is pushed around by his boss, his mother and his fiancée. In his mind, Walter escapes into a fantasy realm where he is the hero of the story. Then through twists and turns, Walter Mitty becomes the courageous man he dreamed he could be. Watch the film.

Many people had great plans for their lives when they were younger. Life knocked them around, they lost some of their confidence, and they began listening to the wrong people. Insecure people will try to talk you down. For some reason they are threatened by your success. Remove them from your life.

Your dreams of greatness aren’t dead, they are just lying dormant. Dust them off and start living. You never know how far you can go until you try…

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