Spirituality

Daily Habits

Do you have some daily habits that improve your life? Building your life around certain habits can either get you where you want to be, or they have the potential to destroy you.

Some of my best building blocks come from Scripture. There are days when I read the Bible and get nothing out of what I’m reading. But sometimes the words practically jump off the page. Those are the times I cherish. God has a way of showing up with perfect timing.

Exercise is another daily habit. Weights, Pilates and walking are great ways to clear your mind while strengthening your body. Posture and flexibility are improved, too.

Start by adding one thing to your day. Just one. Commit to it and stick with it. Then add another. Before you know it you will be on your way to building a better life for yourself. And remember to take God along with you. Ask Him to help you remove any bad habits you might need to eliminate. He is willing to help. Just ask…

Standard
Spirituality

When You Refuse to Quit

Setbacks are part of life. They are only final if you decide they are. Or, you can choose to keep moving forward, taking into account what you learned from failure.

George Washington thought he wasn’t fit to lead after his inexperience got many men killed in battle. But he learned from his mistakes, regained his confidence and went on to become our first president.

Walt Disneys first animated film company went bankrupt. Then Disney’s first commercially successful animated character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, was taken from him in an unscrupulous business transaction. But Disney refused to stop. He came up with Mickey Mouse while traveling back to Hollywood after learning Oswald’s fate. Disney, and the mouse, made history.

There are many stories of others who wouldn’t quit when the odds were against them. Single mothers who work several jobs to make ends meet are true heroes. We might not know their names, but they are as important as those we do know.

Life is going to knock you around. But when you get knocked down, keep getting up. Learn from the setbacks, and pay no attention to the critics and the naysayers. They can’t see what you see…

Standard
Spirituality

Effusive

An effusive person is enthusiastic. You could substitute the word gushing and you wouldn’t be wrong. What are you enthusiastic about, effusive even?

For those of us in the Spirit we should show it. This doesn’t mean going around and beating people over the head with Scripture or standing on a street corner with a sign. We should show our beliefs by our words and actions.

Kindness and compassion matter. Thanking God for every good thing in our life is vital. What would you think if you had a child who never showed his appreciation for all you did for them? It would be hurtful.

Some of us get excited about an outstanding cheeseburger! But in my defense, I have been an enthusiastic person since birth. In the final analysis it’s just food, but it’s really good so I’m excited about it.

Show your enthusiasm with strength under control. Your true spirit will come through…

Standard
Spirituality

Two Different Messages

This past weekend, in the United States we saw pride in our country on display. It was everywhere. But some people heard a different message.

Washington DC was lit up. The speeches President Trump gave all weekend had a constant theme: exceptionalism. The great experiment is working. People all across the political spectrum came together to celebrate. But not everywhere.

Some people in higher office chose to be overly critical of the country. For those people, anything Trump does means they are against it. Their hatred blinds them to the truth and the common good this administration is accomplishing.

I have questioned some of the things the administration has done, too. Some of the pardons don’t make sense to me. But I’m not in the Oval Office so I don’t know everything.

The success of this Constitutional Republic wouldn’t have happened without God. Our country has thrived beyond belief because our Creator was for it. There are some who are fighting hard to keep God out. So we must fight harder. Every single day…

Standard
Spirituality

Crisis Response

Recently someone asked if a little chaos was good for us. Perhaps a better question might be, is stress good or not? Like with most things, there is no “one size fits all” answer.

A bit of stress keeps us on our A game. Deadlines and pressure can produce order when managed properly. If you manage others, you must know how much stress your people can handle.

But what about when a crisis occurs? My mind becomes hyper-focused when the shit hits the fan. It’s like the world slows down while my thoughts become crystal clear and orderly. This is a benefit of growing up in an unpredictable environment. I learned to think on the fly, to seek safety when panic happened. This trait has never left me.

Our minds are incredible machines. But just like any machine, we must take care of it. Eat well, exercise, get plenty of sleep and be judicious about what you read or watch on television. Even our choices in music affects us.

Hopefully the stresses are minimal in your life. Taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually will allow you to handle whatever life throws your way. Trust the process…

Standard
Spirituality

The Supernatural

Last night I went to see the movie “Young Washington.” During the battle with the French, Washington was shot multiple times, but the bullets didn’t penetrate his skin. The only way to describe this is the supernatural met the natural world. Washington had protection from God.

How many times has God protected you? In my own experience the number is unknown. In addition to the times God protected me from my own stupidity, He kept me safe from things unknown to me. Perhaps God allowed me to get caught up in traffic which saved me from a wreck. I don’t know.

One day everything will make sense. Many of the things we question will be made clear in eternity. Until then, I encourage you to continue asking God for protection for you and your loved ones. He can provide…

Standard
Spirituality

Our Constitutional Republic

At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked what form of government had been created. “It’s a republic, if you can keep it,” replied Franklin. This was a stark reminder for future generations that to survive it would require civic virtue, active participation and vigilance of the people.

For 250 years, the United States has survived world wars, a depression, corrupt politicians at every level, protests and violence. It has not been easy, but nothing worthwhile is.

I’m hopeful for another 250 years. We can do it if the people are willing. I’m willing…

Happy Independence Day, America!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Standard
Spirituality

A House Divided

Abraham Lincoln was giving a speech in 1858 after winning his Senate seat. Lincoln famously said, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” But Lincoln wasn’t the first person to say it. Old Honest Abe was quoting Jesus.

Jesus was healing people and casting out demons. Some of the scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of getting his powers from dark forces, specifically Beelzebul. Jesus simply answered their false accusations by asking, “why would Satan work against himself? That a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

If you pay any attention to news media you would think Americans are at each other’s throats. We’re not. Well, some are but they are the minority. Most of us respect the right of others to believe differently. It isn’t a threat.

At the same time, hanging out with only the people who are like-minded is living in an echo chamber. And it’s dangerous. You can become arrogant in your thinking.

We are more than our politics. Way more. Everyone has goals, dreams and desires for their lives. And everyone has struggles. People show up to help when disasters occur. Perhaps this is why they are called acts of God. This is when we see the good in others, which reflects the goodness of our Creator.

We are better together…

Standard
Spirituality

When An Atheist Makes An Introduction

In 2025, a longtime client of mine referred me to an acquaintance of his. My client said, “he’s a Bible thumper like you (referring to me).” The introduction was made, and I immediately liked Brian, the referral. He’s a good, good-hearted man who, like me, believes in and worships Jesus.

Much good has come from the introduction. Yes, Brian became a client, but the relationship is much more than that. When we meet for coffee, we have meaningful conversations and I leave the meeting after learning from Brian.

God uses all of us to accomplish His purpose in this world. All of us includes believers and nonbelievers alike. God continues working on my atheist client, and He never gives up like humans do.

Never underestimate the power of our Creator. He is good all the time…

Standard
Spirituality, Uncategorized

Make Algae Great Again

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was constructed in 1923. It sits prominently between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, and is managed by the National Park Service. It’s a beautiful, peaceful site.

In 2012, the pool was found to be leaking about 25-30 million gallons of water annually. A reconstruction project was considered successful, yet soon after the project was completed an algae bloom appeared. Where were the people who were recently singing to the algae in 2012?

Yes, you read the previous line correctly. There was a group of protesters at the Reflecting Pool singing to the algae and yelling, “grow algae, grow!” They were celebrating the failed restoration. Why anyone would celebrate this is beyond my understanding.

My hope is to lift others up, that they will see their own inner beauty and potential. Tearing others down or celebrating a failure is for the weak.

Be strong…

Standard