#inspiration, #spirituality

Why?

When the world doesn’t make sense, and that’s much of the time, we oftentimes ask “why God, why? The truth is, usually we won’t get the answer on this side of eternity. I’m okay with that because in my heart I know God is good.

I want you to know it’s okay to ask why, and it’s okay to wonder if God really knows what He’s doing. You won’t be the first to question Him. Faith and trust are built when we realize that God really does work things out for good. Good is God’s nature.

Questions are good things. They put us on the path to learning. Keep asking…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Healthy

What are your daily habits that are good for your health? By health, I mean more than just your physical health. But let’s begin there.

If you aren’t exercising, my encouragement to you is to start. Begin slowly. Start taking daily walks, outside if possible. Breathing fresh air and enjoying nature will help clear your mind. And we can all use a good cleansing sometimes!

Now let’s discuss exercise for your brain. If television appeals to you, watch documentaries at least twice per week. Well produced documentaries will make you think. They will inspire your curiosity, too. This gets the neural activity in your brain moving. And your brain will like it.

Finally, make sure you are having meaningful conversations with your friends and family. Be willing to discuss difficult issues, and listen with an open mind. This creates deeper connections which will benefit your overall physiology while increasing your immune system. All good things!

Change can be scary for some people. But in these cases, it’s a good scare…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Where To?

People are struggling now more than I ever remember in my lifetime. Mental health was shredded from isolation during the pandemic, it’s expensive to live, and people are at each other’s throats over politics. Where do you turn to?

I want to encourage you to be the calm in the storm. Be the one others turn to for a kind word, some encouragement, or maybe just a smile. You are needed now more than you might realize.

I know that everyone faces challenges in their lives. No challenge is insurmountable. Have faith and believe in yourself.

Take care of yourself first. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t show up with your best. Self care is not selfish. It prepares you to be a light in the darkness.

And remember this: God is in control. None of this shit surprises Him. Find some peace in knowing that…

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#inspiration

Rushed

People always seem to be in a hurry. Life is stressful enough without feeling like you have to rush around to get everything done.

I believe being rushed is a cultural thing. Europeans seem more relaxed, more laid back. And they have been around much longer than the Americans. Maybe they know a thing or two. Japanese are much like Americans when it comes to this.

Perform your work diligently. Stay focused on doing your best. Everything will come to you in its own time…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Aligned Properly

Recently, I replaced all four tires on my car. The dealership then aligned them so they would wear evenly. By having proper alignment, my tires will perform at optimum levels.

In life, how well we are aligned under God’s instructions will determine how effectively we live. God has given us a rule book for life on this side of eternity. It’s up to us to follow it. None of us are capable of living a sinless life, but we can sin less when we make the choice to follow God’s perfect advice.

Admittedly, it’s a struggle because as humans, we are selfish. We want our own way. If our way doesn’t align with God’s, chaos begins. And the chaos can be generational unless we choose to change.

If you are experiencing an area of life that’s causing you stress, I encourage you to study what God says about it. Rest in His advice. It’s good

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Walk Away

Setting boundaries can be difficult for many people. That is, until they do it.

Saying “no” to people that don’t enrich your life, or people who just aren’t good for you is the most self-respectful thing you can do. When you say no you are also saying yes to healthier self-esteem. Protecting yourself through setting healthy boundaries will help you grow into the person God created you to be.

Walk away from negativity and don’t look back. Sometimes you have to do this with family members. Do it and don’t take on guilt for doing so. This is your life. Make it count…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Doubting

Why do we doubt ourselves? We didn’t walk perfectly when we started learning how to walk, but we kept trying. Doubt never enters the mind of a toddler. Today we walk wherever we want to and never give it a thought that we might not be able to.

Doubt overtook the disciples. Jesus told them that he would allow his enemies to kill him, but he would rise on the third day. The disciples had witnessed thousands of miracles performed by Jesus. Yet, when his prophecy came true about his death they scattered like cockroaches, fearing for their own safety. After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples now had unshakable faith. Most of them died horribly. You don’t die for a lie.

Life has knocked most of us on our asses several times. Doubt creeps in. I encourage you to jettison your doubts and live fully. Live fearlessly.

Doubts will return, but you don’t have to believe in them. Believe in yourself…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Faith Over Fear

Faith is a verb, an action word. Worry is a verb, too. Why do so many people spend time worrying about things that are out of their control? Worry is useless, and you are able to eliminate it from your life.

Faith requires action. The Red Sea parted when Moses stepped into the water. Moses was showing the people who were following him that he knew God would provide a way. When we move in faith, not knowing the immediate outcome but trusting that God is good, things happen. Our challenge is that we want assurances. God provides assurance, but only He knows what he’s going to do.

Take a leap of faith in your life. And if you’re not ready to leap, just take a step…

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Procrastination

Everyone procrastinates. Literally everyone. In her autobiography, Condoleezza Rice admitted to being a procrastinator. If the former Secretary of State does it, what exempts us?

Putting things off just makes them worse. You can change your attitude about procrastination with very little effort. Just make the decision.

Don’t wait! Do it today…

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See What?

When you look at someone, do you see their outer appearance or do you look deeper? Looks are one thing, but there’s so much more.

I encourage you to see through to the heart of others. Everyone has a strong desire to be seen, heard and understood. Let them. Making things about yourself might cause you to miss some things. Some important things!

Take time to get to know people. See what makes them tick. When you let your guard down, you encourage others to do the same…

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