Tag Archives: #greatness

#inspiration, #spirituality

Cleanses

There are all kinds of cleanses advertised. “For only $39.95 you can fully clean your (liver, kidneys, spleen, take your pick) and reverse the damage done!” These charlatans are playing on people’s guilt over the times they might have abused their bodies. Don’t fall for it!

The one organ we need to cleanse is our brain. And it can be accomplished without spending any money. Our thoughts control our outcomes. Negative thinking along with what we believe can only produce undesirable outcomes. Conversely, positive thinking aligned with what we believe will set the stage for success. Guaranteed.

If you aren’t fulfilled in life, I encourage you to change your thinking. It takes time, but you will change.

Your mind is powerful. Allow it to work for you, not against you…

Standard
#inspiration

A Tribute

In 1952, a young Naval cadet walked into a small room for his interview with Admiral Hyman Rickover. Rickover was in charge of the Navy’s new atomic fleet, and he insisted on personally interviewing everyone who would serve under his command.

Over the next 2-3 hours, the young, cocky cadet proceeded to tell the admiral everything he knew about nuclear physics etc. Then it was the admiral’s turn. Rickover completely dressed the candidate down, showing the young man just how little he knew. After Rickover finished, the dejected young man got up to leave, fully humbled. As he got to the door, Admiral Rickover said, “I have one more question. While at the Naval Academy, did you always do your best?” The cadet wanted to say he did, but he had already been exposed. He answered, “no sir, I didn’t.” Rickover stared him down and asked, “why not?”

This question haunted Ensign James Earl Carter all his life. He went on to become the 39th President of The United States. You probably knew him as Jimmy.

Rest in peace, President Carter. No one can say you didn’t give your best…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

False Hope

We live in a materialistic society. Whoever has the most toys wins, right? Wrong.

As my life has progressed and I have grown, I have learned a few things. In my early adult life I chased money, believing it would bring me what I was looking for. But it never satisfied me. I wanted more. My hope for peace and purpose was misplaced.

The 17th century philosopher, Blaise Pascal wrote “that everyone has a God-shaped vacuum in their heart.” It can only be filled with God. I have learned that what he wrote is true. In my wrestling matches with God, when I let go and let God, I win. Every. Single. Time. It’s the letting go of my desire to control that’s hard.

I ask you, what are you placing your hopes in? If what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked, give God a try. You won’t be disappointed.

I promise…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Self Aware

Are you fully in touch with who you are? Knowing ourselves is essential for growth.

There are areas we all need improvement in. And there are things we do well. Don’t forget your wish list! These are the things we wish we could do. Some are achievable, while others are fantasy.

Take inventory of yourself. Be honest. If you are really brave, talk about your strengths and weaknesses with a trusted friend. Be willing to listen to constructive criticism. And give yourself a break when necessary.

I encourage you to take your talents and use them to make a difference. The world needs to hear from you…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Boredom

Boredom can facilitate bad behavior! When I was a kid, I was bored in school. Most of the teachers didn’t keep me interested, so I got in trouble. Being bored and having a very high energy level is not a good combination.

Most of life is routine. We have schedules to keep, deadlines to reach and we find the time to eat. If we are doing the work God intended us to do, we will be fulfilled no matter how tedious the days are. God wired each of us individually and uniquely. There is only one you who has ever been created.

Are you experiencing a lot of boredom? Find your frequency…

Standard
#inspiration

It’s Coming

December is going to feel like it flew by. Before you know it we will be starting the new year.

With the new year coming so do the resolutions. You remember those. Did you set any at the beginning of 2024? Here’s my encouragement to you: set one. Only one and commit to it. Here is my second encouragement to you: start now, not January 1st. There is no reason to wait if it’s something you really want for your life. And it is your life. You are only limited by your thinking.

It takes 21 days for a new behavior to become a habit. By the time we turn the page into a new year you will be well on your way!

The only person who can stop you is yourself. Get out of your own way and get to work!

2025 is coming soon…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Unlimited

We have unlimited potential to do great things, to be a true difference maker. What’s stopping us? I believe we stop ourselves and we stop God from working through us. Let me explain.

All of us have very full calendars. We cram more into a week than we can possibly handle because “the busiest person wins the race.” We should take the time to consider how much of what we are doing is important.

The converse of this is laziness and giving in to distractions. Instead of doing something fulfilling, let’s just watch some television and relax. Or maybe play a game on our phone. Those things will take our minds off the business of tomorrow.

You have a strong spirit of desire inside of you. It’s like a fire. Perhaps your fire is down to the embers. Throw a log on it and bring it back to life.

Don’t wait! Begin now…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Whip It Into Shape!

There’s a great story in the Bible where Jesus is enraged when he sees what’s happening in the Temple. He forms a whip and uses it to drive the people and the livestock out. Just like in Jesus’ day, there’s pollution in the church.

Church should be a place where everyone is welcome. Everyone. Yet, I have read about some churches that exclude some people. I’ve heard of others that relaxed Biblical principles in the name of inclusivity and political correctness. We all must live with ourselves, but this is venturing into dangerous territory.

The Apostle John wrote about churches that strayed from God when he crafted The Book of Revelation. Jesus isn’t ambiguous. He wants it cleaned up.

I encourage you to seek God and His goodness. Stay close to the teachings of the Bible. It’s as relevant today as it ever was…

Standard
#inspiration

Look At Yourself

I’m a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. It’s the most frustrating team to be a fan of. I often say, “the Dallas Cowboys are the team of the future, and always will be!” So much talent. So little execution.

There is one common denominator to the Cowboys woes: Jerry Jones. I don’t doubt that he wants to win. He just can’t stay out of the way. Let the coaches coach, the players play, and you stay in your lane as owner.

Accountability is one of the great lessons team sports teaches. Did you take care of your body so you will be at your best? Getting enough sleep? Know your playbook? Are you mentally prepared for the rigors of the game?

When we fail, we must take a hard look at ourselves. What part did we play in the letdown? We must give our best effort. Always. And if we don’t, not only will we let others down, but we let ourselves down, too.

Enjoy the times in life when you win. Evaluate yourself and come back stronger when you don’t…

Standard
#inspiration, #spirituality

Birthdays

November 8th is my birthday. That’s right! It’s today. As much as I enjoy being the center of attention, I would rather my birthday pass without much attention. I woke up this morning, so that’s enough.

We should give thought to the time in history we were born in. God knew the exact moment I would be brought into this world, and He knows when I will check out. It’s up to me to make the most of my time. Not for selfish reasons, but to bring honor and glory to God. He’s the reason for everything I have.

I encourage you to remember why you’re here. Life is a grind sometimes, but if you are here God is not finished with you, yet.

And if no one else remembers, God knows your birthday…

Standard