Category Archives: Uncategorized

#inspiration, #spirituality

The Mind

Napoleon Hill wrote, “what the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Theres much power in that statement. Did you know you can trick your mind? It’s true.

Our minds don’t know the difference between reality and fantasy. Visualizing your future self, with emotional conviction, will manifest into reality. The key to success comes from the believing.”

It’s important to remember that this can and will work against you, too. If you focus on failure, doom and gloom, and you emotionalize it, those things will manifest. While you are guarding your heart, guard your thoughts, too.

I encourage you to spend a few minutes visualizing your future self. See yourself succeeding. Pursue your wildest dreams with everything you have in you.

And remember to include God in your visuals. He wants to share in your success…

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#inspiration

Overstocked

Have you ever gone to Costco to buy just a couple of items, but ended up spending $600.00? I have bought a 100 pound bag of pinto beans in there because it was such a great deal! I love pinto beans, but there’s no way I can eat that many beans in a year.

Sometimes we do things that, in our rational mind, we know aren’t good decisions. The emotional side of our brain takes over and rules the intellect. We all do it. I might have a solution.

When you feel the need to buy something that you know you don’t need, I encourage you to enact the 48 hour rule. Wait two days before making your purchase. Had I had the forethought to do this myself, I would not have bought all those beans. The 100 pound bag would have still been there two days later. Most important, my emotions about getting a great deal would have subsided.

Try it. And remember, your emotions are a necessary part of you, but they aren’t always looking out for your best interests…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Guidance

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.” Recently I was reading this and it spoke to me in a whole new way.

Many times in this blog I have stated that the Bible is the best, most comprehensive self help book ever. It tells us how to live our lives without a bunch of rah rah. And there it is: “submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” It’s the submission part that trips us up. We don’t like being submissive.

God is in control of everything. When we submit to his ways rather than our own selfish desires, we have peace and contentment. Living in his will is often the road less traveled, and I admit it’s difficult. There are a lot of things to tempt us onto the superhighway to hell! And Satan knows exactly what appeals to each of us. He’s had a long time to observe human behavior.

Following God’s word won’t turn you into a religious nut. You won’t stop showering and start dressing weird . The change is inside. You feel it.

I encourage you to give it a try. The only thing you will lose is some chaos from your life…

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#inspiration

Look At Yourself

I’m a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. It’s the most frustrating team to be a fan of. I often say, “the Dallas Cowboys are the team of the future, and always will be!” So much talent. So little execution.

There is one common denominator to the Cowboys woes: Jerry Jones. I don’t doubt that he wants to win. He just can’t stay out of the way. Let the coaches coach, the players play, and you stay in your lane as owner.

Accountability is one of the great lessons team sports teaches. Did you take care of your body so you will be at your best? Getting enough sleep? Know your playbook? Are you mentally prepared for the rigors of the game?

When we fail, we must take a hard look at ourselves. What part did we play in the letdown? We must give our best effort. Always. And if we don’t, not only will we let others down, but we let ourselves down, too.

Enjoy the times in life when you win. Evaluate yourself and come back stronger when you don’t…

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#inspiration

Veterans Day

November 11th is Veterans Day. For many it’s simply a day off. For others, the day represents a deep, meaningful remembrance of the sacrifices some have endured for us and our country.

People who serve in the armed forces are special. They don’t serve for fame or fortune. It is their way to honor this great nation and give back to it. We are safe because of the work they do.

In some ways we have dishonored our veterans. Our anti-war sentiment spilled over to the soldiers who served in Vietnam. When that battle was over, people spat on them and waged a hateful campaign against them. They were simply following orders.

Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices our veterans made for our freedom. And take a moment to thank God for them.

Without our veterans, life would look very different…

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An Observation

The theme of my blog and my podcast is to spread encouragement, strength and hope to a world in desperate need of it. From the feedback you have given me, I know I am making a difference. But I want to do more.

The top podcast category is comedy. Over 20% of listeners spend their time in that genre. This reminds me that the world needs to laugh. So, as best as possible, I will introduce more humor into my work. In person I’m funny as hell with a genuine ability to tell funny stories. Let’s see if I can pull it off.

I appreciate everyone who reads my daily posts and listens/watches my podcast. You are special to me.

Let me know how I do. I’m certain I will hear from you…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Birthdays

November 8th is my birthday. That’s right! It’s today. As much as I enjoy being the center of attention, I would rather my birthday pass without much attention. I woke up this morning, so that’s enough.

We should give thought to the time in history we were born in. God knew the exact moment I would be brought into this world, and He knows when I will check out. It’s up to me to make the most of my time. Not for selfish reasons, but to bring honor and glory to God. He’s the reason for everything I have.

I encourage you to remember why you’re here. Life is a grind sometimes, but if you are here God is not finished with you, yet.

And if no one else remembers, God knows your birthday…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Holidays

Holiday season is upon us! Thanksgiving is still three weeks away, but there are plenty of people who already have their Christmas tree up and decorated. Some retailers started promoting Christmas in July. Every year it begins earlier and earlier.

With the holidays approaching, we will be deluged (assaulted?) by the Hallmark movies. You know the story. A perfect family has some trouble. They bend but don’t break and they live happily ever after.

Real life is not a Hallmark movie. For some it’s more like a dystopian nightmare. They are facing struggles we can’t imagine. This is why I regularly post about being kind. Kindness costs you nothing, but it reaps dividends we also can’t imagine.

You never know, your kindness might be someone’s last, best hope…

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Milton Hershey

If you like chocolate, then you know the name Milton Hershey. He was the one who brought chocolate to the United States.

Milton Hershey was born in Pennsylvania and raised by both parents until he was 12. His father tried business and farming (twice), but could never find and maintain success. When Milton was 12, his mother separated from Milton’s father and took her son with her. Not only that, Milton Hershey dropped out of school as well! He could only read and write at a fourth grade level.

Hershey failed at many jobs, but he found his calling in candy. He began making candy in his basement and then selling it in a little store he opened. Hershey eventually failed at that, too.

When Hershey attended a candy conference in Chicago, he discovered chocolate at the Nestle display. A lightbulb went off in his head and the rest is history.

Hershey wasn’t educated, he failed in business several times, yet he didn’t allow any of his shortcomings to deter him. He created a legacy of helping orphans and building homes for them. Hershey, Pennsylvania continues to thrive today.

Never let a lack of education or business setbacks stop you. Create your own legacy…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Make Time

Last week I ran into a friend of mine. He was leaving his office to go pick up his foster daughter from school. This man is the Senior Pastor of a large church in Austin. The demands on his time are many. Yet, he makes the time to show this girl she is important.

We make time for what is important. You want to be healthy? You make time to exercise. Want more education? You make time to get advanced schooling. Want to know God more? You spend time studying the Bible and talking to Him during your day.

We all have the same 168 hours each week. The reason some people accomplish more than others is because they are focused on what is important. Time is seen as a precious commodity and should not be wasted.

My friend I mentioned before is creating a legacy that will last for generations. I believe that is time well spent…

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