Tag Archives: #challenges

#inspiration

Stay Out!

One of the lessons I learned in al anon was to mind my own business. There is no reason for me to stick my nose where it does not belong.

Humans have an innate desire to help others. This is a good thing. But this good thing turns bad when people overstep their boundaries. Most people know how to work through their problems. If they don’t, it’s not our place to solve things for them. If you do, you are depriving them of learning for themselves.

I have become quite good at minding my own business. There’s a lot of peace that comes when you’re not trying to save the world around you…

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#inspiration

Overboard

In 2023, actor Ben Stein (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”) said he “missed Aunt Jemima. “Activists” jumped all over Stein, a Jew, for fomenting racism and hatred. I wonder if the so-called activists see the irony. For the record, I miss Aunt Jemima, too!

We have a tendency to go overboard in the United States when we are trying to correct a wrong, whether perceived or real. After the 9/11 hijackings, airport security got amped up (rightfully so) and we haven’t had any religious zealots fly airplanes into buildings since. Airport security has somewhat normalized and moved back to the center. It’s horrible that thousands of people had to die for us to get it accomplished.

Hundreds of statues were taken down, destroyed or vandalized because they were deemed racist. In Austin, Texas some idiots threw paint on the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue. Why? I met Stevie years ago, and he was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. But he was a talented guitar player, not a devotee of Andrew Jackson!

Let’s approach life with calm. When something presents itself that needs to be addressed, let’s use a common sense approach to addressing it. We don’t need to go overboard…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Leave Me Alone

Teenagers usually like their parents to leave them alone. That is, until they get hungry, need money or want to be driven somewhere.

Adults like for God to leave them alone, too. That is, until they need his help to get them out of some mess they created. And when he comes through, we put him on the back burner where we think he belongs until we get into another mess. But is that really right?

God knows what is good for us. He wants to mold us into who he created us to be. Sometimes the molding and the work is painful. But God only wants what is best for us, and he never stops trying or gives up on us.

I’m grateful to be able to worship a God like this. Even when I feel like being left alone…

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#inspiration

War

We are closer to World War III than at any time in my life. All the bad actors in the world are being aggressive at the same time. Sometimes you gotta fight, but hopefully things will cool off.

The United States is stretched thin. We continue to supply resources to Ukraine, and the weapons we are sending them are getting more and more powerful. I feel horrible for the Ukrainian people, but their efforts have been on fumes for over a year. Former comedian Zelenskyy is a nice symbol, but he’s out of his league.

Our biggest concern is in the Mideast. Israel doesn’t have many allies other than us. And who knows how many terrorists are in the United States due to the open borders? FBI Director Christopher Wray warned the Senate in April about coordinated attacks here similar to the ISIS-K attack in Russia.

It is my hope that the world cools off from its elevated status. Until then, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. Be aware…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Olympic Games

In my opinion, the opening ceremony of the Olympics was long, kinda weird, and a bit dark. Was it representative of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” painting? Maybe. Some reports from the production team say yes while others are walking it back.

The Olympics are about the athletes. The competition is fierce and we get to watch the greatest athletes in the world. I know a few former Olympians. The discipline and training they went through for years was grueling. Every one of them will tell you it was worth it when they got the opportunity to stand on the podium, representing the United States.

I wish the opening ceremony had focused on the athletes. If it was a mockery of Christianity, they will have to deal with their Creator on that. My only focus is to watch the athletes and celebrate with them. Nothing more…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Self-Help Books

The self-help industry can trace its roots all the way back to 1830. Surprising, isn’t it? The industry generates over $10 billion in annual sales, and there’s no sign of it slowing down.

People have engaged in all kinds of activities designed to conquer their fear. These activities include jumping out of perfectly good airplanes to walking on hot coals. Unless the change is internal, the only fear they conquered was one of a physical nature. The underlying trauma of the past remains.

Self-help authors have taken advantage of people. Everyone has dissatisfaction in their lives. “Read my book and never be unhappy, disappointed or afraid again,” they promise. But they are making promises they can’t keep.

The only comprehensive self-help book is the Bible. It covers every area of life, offering true solutions for every challenge you face. It doesn’t make false promises that you won’t experience some unhappy times, but it tells you how to find peace and clarity during those times.

If nothing else has worked for you, give the word of God a chance. Start with Proverbs. You won’t turn into some religious fanatic. But you will find wisdom…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Peaceful Days

Weekends are good for running errands and having some free time. After all, fitting in a little down time can be a good thing.

Peace is underrated. We all know people who thrive on creating chaos. It’s almost like they can’t be at ease unless they are stirring the shit pot. Eliminate those people from your life. At least keep them as far away as possible. And don’t feel guilty for protecting your peace of mind. You will operate better with a clear mind.

You can create as much peace as you want in your life. The crazies will always be around. Let them disrupt the peace of others…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Worth Fighting For

The American dream remains alive and well. Yes, we have our share of problems and challenges, but we remain the freest country on earth.

Freedom gets taken for granted. We treat it cavalierly, as if there wasn’t a price paid to have it. The truth is, a great price was paid, from the Revolutionary War to the courts today. Many have died for a cause greater than themselves. Their sacrifice was not in vain.

The United States remains the greatest experiment ever conceived, and that is worth fighting for…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Some Uncomfortable Truths

People love the truth, especially when it fits their personal narrative. The first step in growing is to see things as they are, not just as we want them to be.

Conversations about racism are popular in America. There are those who constantly remind us of some of our dark history, “or we will be doomed to repeat it!” A former Vice President went to a black church in 2012 and told the congregation “if you elect them (Republicans) they are gonna put y’all back in chains.” This was a blatant lie, inflammatory, irresponsible and it’s a dangerous thing to say.

It might surprise you to know slavery does still exist in the United States today. According to the Global Slavery Index, in 2023 it’s estimated there are 1.1 million slaves in America. Whether it’s forced labor or sex slaves, they are living among us. They aren’t in physical chains, but they are here.

Racism remains on life support in the United States. The liberal media keeps fanning the flames. A racist country wouldn’t have elected a black man to the presidency. Twice. It’s interesting to me that the loudest voices who negate our “systemic racism” culture are black people such as Larry Elder, Thomas Sowell and others. Don’t believe everything the media tells you. They lie without consequences.

The United States is full of the kindest people on the planet. And the U. S. Constitution is, second to the Bible, the greatest document ever written…

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#inspiration

Above The Law

Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) intends to introduce legislation to amend the Constitution. His bill? Reversing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity while conducting official business. Mr. Morelle is treading into dangerous waters.

There is no hiding the fact that he’s targeting former President Donald Trump. The Supreme Court did not single out Trump. The ruling covers all former presidents. I doubt Morelle’s bill will get any traction, just sound bytes to rev up his base.

The Court assured Biden he won’t be held liable for the deaths of thirteen soldiers during the horribly botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Obama will escape liability for the drone strike he ordered on three innocent Americans in Yemen (2011), including a teenage boy. Bush can breathe easier because he gets off scott free for leading us into a war in Iraq under false pretenses (WMD’s).

We have three branches of government for a reason. The crafters of our constitution didn’t want any single branch to become too powerful. It works!

It is true that no one is above the law. But we need to allow the law to apply the way it is intended to…

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