#inspiration, #spirituality

Missionaries

What image comes to mind when you think of missionaries? Maybe you think of people going to Africa or The Amazon to preach the Gospel. Or perhaps you take into consideration the Mormon guys with their white shirts and skinny black ties riding around on their bicycles.

All of those people are missionaries, and so are you! When you go to work, your mission is to make some money. Go on a group outing and you are on a mission to make friends. See what I mean?

I encourage you to take on the mission of making a difference. Start your newfound mission today and don’t look back. You will be glad you did…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Stoicism

Stoics endure pain or hardships without complaining. This doesn’t mean that stoic people are without feelings. They can feel things deeply. Yet stoic people realize that complaining doesn’t solve anything, nor will it make the situation better.

Do you know people who specialize in pointing out problems? I find those people difficult to be around. For every problem in our world there is a solution.

Turn into a solution conscious individual. It’s all in your attitude…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Classes

People like to identify us by our class. You know, upper, middle and lower. But that’s based upon our monetary value, not our intrinsic value.

In the eyes of God we are all upper class. He made us and God doesn’t create junk. Always remember this.

Someone may have more money than we do, but in the opinion of the one who matters, we are equally wealthy…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Gifted

You have gifts. God equipped you with them. They are unique to you.

Living with purpose means you are using your gifts. We use them to glorify our Creator, not for personal gain or selfish reasons. God gave them to you to use for His purposes on this side of eternity. It’s important that you keep this in mind because they have eternal consequences.

Make a list of what fills your heart. These are hints about how you are gifted. Then go make a difference in the world. And don’t forget to give God the glory…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Troubles

It seems that everywhere we look we see people struggling. It’s increasingly expensive to live. Going to the grocery store creates unnecessary tension.

Reality is not what we see on social media. Life presents us with challenges, and some of those challenges seem overwhelming and insurmountable. Then we get caught in the trap of comparison. Comparison is a never ending exercise in futility, since don’t fall for it.

Stay focused and keep going, no matter what happens…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Decisions Decisions

How many decisions do you think you make every day? According to my Google search, we average between 33,000 and 35,000 decisions daily. That’s mind blowing and inspiring at the same time!

We, occasionally, are asked for advice from others. I’ve had people say “just tell me what to do.” But it’s not my place to decide things for others. We learn and grow through experience. We learn more from our failures than our successes.

When I was raising my children, I made decisions for them while they were under my care. They are adults now, and must make their own way through life. Fortunately they are young men with solid character, so I’m confident things will work out well for them in their lives.

I encourage you to make a conscious decision to make a difference. That’s one of the best decisions you can make. Decide today…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Evolution

Do you believe people are capable of changing? I do. Consider the story of the Apostle Paul. Paul was the “Hebrew of Hebrews,” a devoted persecutor of Christians who was on his way to Damascus to arrest men and women and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial. Paul had a Divine encounter which led him to zealously preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ while at the same time writing two-thirds of the New Testament. Now that’s change!

Most of us will never have the risen Christ speak directly to us as Paul did. Oftentimes God works more subtly in our lives to effect change. In my own life I can tell you that God has worked on me, in me and through me. I’m glad I recognize it for what it is. Or perhaps I should say who.

People evolve and change when they want to. Change can’t be forced, but we can set the example for others. The ability to change lives inside all of us…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Columbine

We are coming up on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre. It’s been on my mind a lot lately. You see, I serve on the Board of Directors for Rachel’s Challenge, the largest organization in the world that focuses on kindness and compassion. This charity was founded after Columbine. Rachel was the first child killed that day.

Since Columbine, we have had many more school shootings. The gun isn’t the problem. When students feel connected and safe at school, all the societal ills go away. They learn better. And isn’t learning one of the reasons we send children to school?

Forgiveness has power. By forgiving those who have offended us, we harness that power and bring good from the bad. More on this in future writings.

Check out the organization by following the link. You will be glad you did…

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Deals

We love to get a good deal, don’t we? Think about it. You go to buy a car and after a bit (sometimes a lot!) of haggling, you agree to the terms the dealership offers. You both are happy.

False advertising tries to reel us in. Promises of easy weight loss or quick wealth are empty promises. There are no shortcuts to those.

The best deal of all is God’s promise to spend eternity with us. There will be no pain or suffering in Heaven, only eternal bliss. And it’s a free gift! Take the deal. There’s no better deal out there…

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