Tag Archives: #gratitude

#inspiration

What the???

It’s November 7th and Christmas decorations have been up in stores for almost a month. In August, Halloween stuff filled the aisles. My prediction is that Valentines cards will be available the week of Thanksgiving. I sincerely hope I’m wrong.

We have become so rushed that we miss some important moments in our lives. We get so busy thinking about the next “thing” that we fail to truly enjoy today. I’m the guiltiest one of all.

I encourage you to slow down, just a little, and feel the presence of the day, moment by moment. You might still miss a few things, but odds are you won’t…

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#inspiration

Have vs. Have Not

Are you grateful for all the good in your life? Family, friends, fresh air, clean water and sunshine are some of the things we can take for granted.

Comparing yourself and your life to others can take your focus off of what you have. Then you start concentrating on what you lack. This only leads to frustration and disappointment.

Keep a list of all the things you’re grateful for. Your focus will change, but it will change for the better…

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#inspiration

Stuff

So-called “influencers” on social media get revered for their cool toys, exotic travel and the appearance of a life everyone else wants. But is it real?

Real life doesn’t live on the internet. It exists in the homes of everyday families creating a life of routine. Families doing family stuff doesn’t seem as extravagant as a fast drive down the Autobahn in an Aston Martin.

But this is where life is lived, no matter the size of your home or what zip code it’s in. All the other is just stuff, and stuff doesn’t last. Life lasts…

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#inspiration

American Culture

The culture of the United States seems to be greed. Do more work so you can be more. And get more.

There’s nothing wrong with acquiring assets. The more you have, the more you are able to help others. If you are willing…

The other side of that coin is contentment. Contentment doesn’t mean you are devoid of ambition. Contentment comes from living in a constant state of gratitude. Be grateful for everything good in your life, and watch your mindset change…

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#inspiration

Religion

I don’t believe in organized religion. Religion has been used to hurt people. Personally, I follow Jesus and try to live up to the example He set for us. Jesus was a radical, saying things like “love your enemies,” and “pray for those who persecute you.” One thing He didn’t do was bring the world more religion. He showed us the true character of God.

Religion will continue. The rules of religion (no drinking or dancing etc) will remain. I simply study the life of the One who redeemed and restored hurting people…

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#inspiration

Why Forgiveness is Important

Have you been hurt by someone else? Most of us have, and we will be hurt and disappointed by others again. Why should we forgive them? After all, they are the ones who caused the damage.

When we choose to hold onto the hurt and not forgive, it damages us, not the offender. Unresolved conflict becomes bitterness and resentment. We focus on what we have lost, not what remains. Having a strong sense of gratitude reminds us of how much we have. Our focus goes from distressed to blessed. We recognize and remember all of the good in our lives.

Forgiveness is hard, and it takes time. If you try to force it, forgiveness won’t last. You will know when you are ready…

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#inspiration

Don’t Overlook This

We can get so busy that we start taking things for granted. If we have food in our refrigerator, a safe place to live and good people in our lives, we already have what many people are praying for. Recognize, remember and be grateful for the good in your life. Don’t focus on what you lack…

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