Category Archives: Spirituality

Spirituality

Our Father

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, the first words Jesus said were, “Our Father.” There was a time in my life where I really wished Jesus hadn’t referred to God as Father. It was conflicting for me.

My father was cruel, demented, and capable of great violence. Growing up, I lived in a constant state of fear. I had no idea what might set my parents off, so I walked on eggshells.

You can see how I must have felt when I was asked to consider God as a father. Not only a father, but a perfect father at that! It just didn’t compute.

Only through a lot of self-work and forgiveness was I able to see God clearly. He is a good Father, a perfect Father. He created me and you, and didn’t make a mistake or have a second thought.

If this is difficult for you, too, I encourage you to pray about it. Ask God to open your eyes to the truth about who He is. And like a good Father, He will answer…

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Spirituality

Lucky

Have you ever known someone who has tremendous luck? You know, everything falls into place for them. But is it really luck?

Every experience we have prepares us for something else. Because I went through a hellish period with one of my sons, God has positioned me to help a couple of other men who are experiencing the same thing. The way my son’s life has turned out gives them hope. It’s not luck that we know each other. It was orchestrated by God.

Someone once said that “the harder they work, the luckier they get.” This is true. Life doesn’t just happen. You must go find the future you are looking for.

Decide today that you will make your own luck from here on out. Then get to work!

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Spirituality

Trappings

Some people work their lives away seeking wealth, power and prestige. If you are reading this and find it relatable, I encourage you to stop the chase. It’s a trap that can leave you feeling hollow. No one wants to feel hollow.

Money is nice, but it’s only a tool. A big house is comfortable and inviting, but eventually you won’t be satisfied until you get a bigger, more modern home. The chase continues until you decide to seek what will fulfill you.

The most important thing in this world isn’t a thing, it’s people. Relationships will provide you a sense of satisfaction and well-being you cannot get from the trappings of this life.

And speaking of life, take a moment to thank God for another day on this side of eternity. We have an opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Make your difference…

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Spirituality

Friendliness

Are you a friendly person? Making acquaintances and getting to know people has always been easy for me. I’m insatiably curious about people and their life stories. God should take pity on my seat mate on an airplane. I’ll get their story before we land!

When I meet someone who is standoffish or quiet, I see them as shy. Being quiet doesn’t mean they are rude. They simply aren’t outgoing and that’s okay.

One of the reasons I podcast is to learn about successful people and how they kept going during the dark times. Everyone has pain and struggles. We find ourselves in the stories. And when you do see yourself you think, “if they made it through, maybe I can, too.”

Life is filled with ups and downs. Life is easy when things are going well. It’s during the downtimes, the darkness when you need people. Good people.

Do you want good friends? Solid friendships begin with us being a good friend first. Be willing to give of yourself and see how many good people you attract into your life, whether they are outwardly friendly or not…

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Spirituality

Alignment

People talk about being “aligned with the universe.” But what does that even mean?

Chiropractors realign our spine when it’s out of alignment. This relieves back pain and helps with posture. Soldiers are trained to march in a straight line, which is the true meaning of alignment. Is it possible that the new-age devotees are not using the word correctly?

Churches should remain politically neutral, yet some are using the pulpit to promote their political views. Jesus wasn’t afraid to delve into politics when he said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And Jesus was the most perfectly aligned person who has ever lived.

Alignment with the universe is another way of saying, “get aligned with God’s will for your life and you will find fulfillment.” A fulfilling life is what we are looking for. Fulfillment means our life matters. Find it by getting in touch with who you are which is different from what we do.

Aligning with the universe isn’t a bad thing. It’s really a matter of semantics…

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Spirituality

The Worst First

Every day we have certain things we are required to do. For example, Friday is trash day. Should I decide to not take the trash can out to the curb for a few weeks, someone’s gonna notice. That someone is me!

Chores are routine and boring, yet necessary. But some days we have a wrench thrown into the mix. We have a difficult conversation to have with someone, or perhaps it’s something worse that we need to do. Whatever difficulties you are facing, do the hard things first. Do not leave them hanging over your head. The challenge you face will be a constant irritation if you don’t address it quickly.

We will have challenging times on this side of eternity. We live in a broken, imperfect world.

And remember this: be kind to your fellow man. They are facing challenges that are unknown to us. We are all in this life together, and we are better together…

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Spirituality

The Cool Kids

Do you remember when you were in school and there was a group of kids who were popular? You know, the cool kids. High school days end, but we still have our identity whether we were considered cool or not.

As we age we learn what is really important and what’s not. By now we have a select group of friends. Having the right people around us is vital for healthy relationships. We need people who will be honest with us, telling us what we need to hear, not what just sounds good at the time. This can create conflict in relationships. We must find the humility in ourselves to know that what we are being told is true whether we like it or not. When we do this, we grow. And solid friendships can withstand conflict.

Our identity is who we are, not what we do. The lines can get blurred over time. Attaching our identities to our careers can cause people to lose themselves. One day they wake up and realize they don’t know themselves anymore. If this is you and you’re reading this, it’s not too late!

Take some time to get back in touch with yourself. Remember the dreams of your youth. Use your talents to benefit others. When you are have become who God created you to be, then you are one of the cool kids…

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Spirituality

The Trojan Horse

Borrowing from a story in Greek mythology, the Trojan Horse represents cunning and deception. The story was shared as a teaching metaphor. But have we learned anything from it?

Everyone has been hurt and deceived by others. We aren’t without fault because we have said or done things to others we wish we hadn’t. Forgiveness is vital for us who live in a civil society, but we cannot and should not forget. We don’t need to be anyone’s punching bag, so release the offenders from your life.

When people ask for forgiveness, we can at least consider it. You can forgive them without letting them back in your life. Their actions will tell you whether they mean it or not. What we do needs to align with what we say.

When someone who has repeatedly hurt you or lied to you wants back in your life, consider the story of the Trojan Horse. Forgive, but don’t forget. Keep the repeat offenders as far away as possible…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

May 2025

Since 1949, the month of May has been designated as “Mental Health Awareness Month.” It’s wonderful that we have a month dedicated to mental health, but it’s something we need to focus on daily.

The single, largest mental health diagnosis in the United States is General Anxiety Disorder. While we can look around us and see how stressed the world is, let’s not forget those who suffer in silence. People feel isolated and alone. Yet, we are living in the most electronically connected world that’s ever existed.

People need human connection. Even the CDC recognizes this. From their website:

KEY POINTS

  • Staying connected to others creates feelings of belonging and being loved, cared for, and valued.
  • Social connections are important to our mental and physical health.
  • Being connected to others helps protect against serious illness and disease.
  • People with stronger social bonds are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.

If someone crosses your mind, I encourage you to take a moment and reach out to them. Check on your friends and acquaintances you haven’t heard from in a while. They benefit, but so do you!

And if you are reading this and feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety and dread, please call someone. You don’t have to go through life alone…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Not Promised

Every day is a gift. We take too much for granted when we should view the world in terms of miraculous. Take a moment to consider what would happen if gravity quit working. I believe gravity qualifies as a miracle.

Tomorrow is not promised. We must make each day count. Live like it’s your last day on this side of eternity because it might be. I hope today isn’t my last. There are a lot of things I want to do!

Keep your mind open to new opportunities. Make a list of the people you want to have dinner with. Get outside. Enjoy every moment you have. And make a difference…

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