#inspiration, #spirituality

Look Away

Many people enjoy the limelight. But don’t get too close because you might expose something.

Superficiality, whether in conversation or in closeness, prevents people from seeing the true person inside. But it’s what’s inside of us that defines who we are. And when we let our guard down it encourages others to let theirs down, too.

Believe in yourself, and accept yourself. God does. And He sees everything…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Breaking Out

Breaking out sounds like a plan a prisoner might have. And in some ways we are all prisoners. We are also able to grant ourselves parole.

Life is full of routine. We go through the same thing every day. But I encourage you to free yourself of routine. Take some time away from your phone. Instead of watching and posting on social media, call someone and have a conversation. Attend a seminar on something you know nothing about. Start a blog!

It’s time to stop fitting in and start standing out. Conformity is the breeding ground of mediocrity…

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#inspiration

Leaps and Bounds

Progress is slow, sometimes painfully slow. Other times we grow by leaps and bounds. It’s never just one way or the other. Progress is a mixture of both.

I know this to be true: if you keep working on what you are trying to accomplish, you will succeed. Don’t give up when things go slowly. Your next breakthrough is just around the corner…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Originality

We are made in the image of God, the one who creates everything. We are given the gift of creativity which can, and should be used for good. We can lift others or bring them down.

I read that someone in Hollywood has plans to remake “The Wizard of Oz” and “It’s A Wonderful Life,” two great movies. They plan to make the stories about people of color. No problem here, but why bastardize these classic works of art? Create something new, something unique. Most of the storylines are the same common theme. Come up with your own story.

I encourage you to tap into your creative talents. The world is waiting…

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#inspiration

Inaction

People on the internet can act like real jerks. They will insult others, offering unsolicited opinions about how we should vote. Rudeness has become part of life, I guess, but some remarks are incendiary.

In the United States, we live in a totally free society. Freedom of speech is one of our greatest treasures. Therefore, people are free to say whatever they wish. Yet I don’t believe insulting others is productive. You can disagree without acting like an ass. With every generation that passes away, some decency dies with it.

When dealing with passive aggressive behavior, no response is the best response…

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#inspiration

When Difficulties Arise

This life has difficulties. I prefer to call them challenges. If you are in a period of life where you are free of major or minor problems, get ready because something is coming.

We have a choice when presented with a challenge. We can shrink from it or we can rise up and meet the challenge. I encourage you to think of challenges as opportunities. That’s right! It’s an opportunity to grow you and strengthen you. Facing difficulties isn’t fun, but you will come out of it a better version of yourself. It’s all about your attitude, how you look at life.

Flip the script on difficult times. In fact, welcome them…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Religion

Religion is defined as, “the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.” In current culture, the word religion has become a negative term. There’s support for this.

I believe religion is one of the devil’s greatest tools. Many religions have created rules and rituals that don’t necessarily advance God’s Kingdom, but it certainly advances their own. Examine the religious leaders during Jesus’ time on earth. Some (not all) of the Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat to their power over their people. As scholars they should have recognized Jesus as The Messiah but were blinded by their own pride. It’s interesting to note that the demons recognized Jesus as the “Holy Son of God.”

The rules of religion keep people away from church and true worship of Jesus Christ. Thus, this is why religion has, in some cases, become pejorative.

Just follow the teachings of Jesus. He didn’t bring more religion. He restored and redeemed the people. Yes, he performed countless miracles, yet he never benefited personally from them.

And those are my thoughts on organized religion…

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Slowly But Surely

We evolve and we grow. The changes are slow and sometimes subtle, but every one of us can truthfully say we are different from ten years ago.

Growth requires change, good change. We see things through different lenses as life goes on. This should cause us to question our old beliefs and convictions, and eliminate the old ways that don’t serve us well.

The better version of you awaits in your future. Embrace the changes. And remember, if you aren’t growing, you are going backwards…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Weather

Weather is unpredictable. Life is a lot like the weather when you stop and consider it. Hot one day, cold the next. Always unpredictable. Always fascinating.

We don’t try to control the weather. We can’t. But we try like hell to control our lives. We really aren’t able to control our lives, either. We can only control our attitudes.

Keep your attitude focused on a bright future. Believe it, and you will see it…

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