Tag Archives: #growth

Spirituality

Do This First

Most every day we are presented with some challenges to accomplish along with some areas we can almost coast through. Which do you choose to do first?

Do the hardest things first. You may not like this encouragement. You might want to ease into your day by getting a few easy things done. The hard stuff will still be waiting for you. The sense of accomplishment you might feel by knocking off a few easy tasks is a lie. And you know it is.

When we tackle the things we want to do the least, this is where growth comes from. After we put the hard stuff to bed, the rest will be a breeze.

Try it. If you have been doing the easy stuff first, reverse the order. You will be glad you did…

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Spirituality

Warrior or Worrier?

It’s your choice. You can approach life with the mindset of a warrior, an unstoppable force. Or, if you choose, you can live by the “what if” principle.

Life will throw hurdles in your path. You can’t avoid them no matter how safe you play it. When you face the challenges head on and conquer them, your confidence grows. Shying away from conflict is harmful in the long run.

There are a lot of good people in this world. Most people go about their lives, mind their own business, and don’t call attention to themselves. But they are the first people to show up when crises occur. They are reliable. Perhaps they are who we call the silent warriors.

Everyone has areas of their lives where they need improvement. We are works in progress. If you have been a wallflower all your life, it’s time to shine. Take it slowly but don’t go too slow. You will find your way to the warrior mentality if you refuse to give up. Don’t give up…

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Spirituality

Blended

Do you own a blender? Mine gets used regularly. Taking dry powder and mixing with a liquid until it becomes smooth got an upgrade with the invention of the blender rather than mixing by hand!

What about people? There are those who just want to fit in, go with the flow and be part of the crowd. You might say they have blended in. There’s nothing wrong with that, until there is. Let me explain.

Everyone wants their life to matter, to make a difference. This can cause some discomfort. You might be called to do something that requires you to stand out. You will be exposed as being different, set apart from the comfort of the crowd.

You can choose to remain silent, staying in the background while you know you have to stand up and stand out. In these moments, it’s important to remember that you have outgrown the crowd. This is your moment, your leadership moment.

My encouragement to you is to take the chance. Separating from the flow, getting uncomfortable is where growth happens. Embrace it. Don’t run from your calling.

The critics will be there. You know, the ones who never do anything worthwhile. They complain but don’t offer any creative solutions to make this world better.

When you’re taking a stand for what’s good and right, you will be doing what God smiles at. Keep going…

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Spirituality

Graduation Day

This Friday, January 30th, I have the privilege of giving the Commencement Address for 130 graduates. This is a special group of students. You see, they earned certifications while serving their sentences in prison.

Life is hard. It’s harder when you are in prison. But the Texas Criminal Justice Department offers a path forward for the inmates while they serve time. The students have jobs while in prison, then go to school afterward. It makes for a very long day. The inmates aren’t forced to attend school. It’s their choice.

I wish everyone could attend one of these graduation ceremonies. This will be my fifth commencement, and they are all special moments in the inmates lives and in mine. A day they will never forget.

There is redemption and restoration of people’s lives happening in the Texas prisons. Their hard work and commitment to growth is to be commended and respected…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Danger of Unity

Unity is a good thing, right? Sometimes it is, but there are times it can be taken too far.

One universal truth is that we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. This goes beyond just wanting to belong. We want our lives to count for something. When we become part of a movement, a movement for good, it gives us purpose. Purpose combined with massive effort translates into results.

Unity can also stifle creativity and individuality. Being part of a unified group sounds great until you be yourself within the group. No two people are alike. We have different goals, dreams, pain, struggles and desires. Tamping down who you are so you can remain in the group leads to a life of frustration and sorrow.

Some churches have made people feel unwelcome because, “they aren’t our kind of Christians.” I thought there was only one type, but not everyone sees it that way. The church I go to and am deeply involved with stays true to the Gospel, but welcomes everyone. This includes those who have given up their hope in finding a faith community that serves them well, the bored and the broken.

Being united for good while maintaining your identity within the group can be a balancing act. Whatever you do, choose to be who you are. That’s bigger than any group because this is how God made you. Honor His work…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Working People

Unless you were born into a family with great wealth, you know what it’s like to work. Working people make the economy go. We don’t see who produces our food, or drives the trucks to get it to us, or the people who control our traffic signals. But they are there and they are important well beyond just their work.

People are important. All people, not just the ones we like or admire. We tend to place people into categories: those who can do something for us and those who can’t. If someone can’t help us achieve our wants and needs, it doesn’t diminish their importance to God. He created them, too, and I don’t believe God has categorized us. I’m very grateful he doesn’t!

Take the time to get to know people. Find out where they are from, what makes them tick. See others the way God sees them, not through the limited vision of human eyes.

When we see humanity through God’s eyes, the lens of our vision grows larger, much larger…

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Spirituality

Fear Not

Fear has killed more dreams than lack of talent ever has. Fear will hold you back, keep you where you are rather than where you want to be. Unless…you are willing to break free and live in the unknown.

Should you choose to chase your purpose, you won’t be running the road by yourself. Did you know that in the Bible God tells us to “fear not” 365 times? That’s one for every day of the year. Coincidence? I think not.

Everyone has a battle within themselves. This is the conflict between where you were and who you are becoming. You can choose to go through the motions of life, living in frustration and safety. Or, you can sever the ropes that are trying to mire you in mediocrity and begin to live in the fullness you were created to live in. It is and always will be your choice.

I encourage you to step out and live your purpose with faith at your side. Embrace the fear you may feel and press on. All of life is an unknown, so keep going no matter what happens. Be adaptable…

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Spirituality

Build That Wall!

You have heard the saying, “hurt people, hurt people.” Broken people try to break you apart. You are never good enough, smart enough or kind enough to satisfy them. There are some who will do whatever they can to tear you down.

Everyone has some brokenness in them. We are an imperfect people living in an imperfect world. Conflict is unavoidable, but you can protect your peace and calm. Here’s how.

You must be willing to set boundaries and say no to the people who aren’t good for you. Sometimes this includes family members. Saying no is only hard the first time, and it’s one of the most self-respectful actions you can take.

If standing up for yourself is difficult, my encouragement to you is to go to work on yourself. Find out why it’s hard to set healthy boundaries. You will find the reason if you keep looking.

Self-work is difficult, I know. I speak from experience and with conviction. Personally, I have worked with a brilliant psychotherapist for 15 years. The work is hard, but the growth makes it so worthwhile.

Remember, the healthier you become mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, the more healthy people you will attract into your life. It’s time to get to work!

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Spirituality

Overstimulated

Our brains are really remarkable. It’s the greatest gift God gave us, and it’s a true marvel to study. Yet, it can go awry if we don’t protect it. Let me explain.

When I was a child, I lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight. My brain was on overdrive. It developed coping mechanisms which allowed me to survive. Those methods were meant to serve me well for only a short period, not all my life. Only through psychotherapy was I able to reroute my brain in a healthy way.

What we read, watch on television and YouTube shape our minds. We must ensure that what we allow in must be pure and good. It’s a huge responsibility to take care of our brains because there are negative stimuli everywhere. You almost can’t avoid it.

Be aware of everything you are exposing yourself to, whether it’s online or offline. It’s either good for us or bad for us.

Choose the good…

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Spirituality

Alignment

People talk about being “aligned with the universe.” But what does that even mean?

Chiropractors realign our spine when it’s out of alignment. This relieves back pain and helps with posture. Soldiers are trained to march in a straight line, which is the true meaning of alignment. Is it possible that the new-age devotees are not using the word correctly?

Churches should remain politically neutral, yet some are using the pulpit to promote their political views. Jesus wasn’t afraid to delve into politics when he said, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And Jesus was the most perfectly aligned person who has ever lived.

Alignment with the universe is another way of saying, “get aligned with God’s will for your life and you will find fulfillment.” A fulfilling life is what we are looking for. Fulfillment means our life matters. Find it by getting in touch with who you are which is different from what we do.

Aligning with the universe isn’t a bad thing. It’s really a matter of semantics…

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