Tag Archives: #growth

#inspiration

Surreality

I am in my hometown of Sherman, Texas as I write this. It’s my first time back in 26 years. And it’s weird.

Much has changed, but most has stayed the same. Restaurants and office buildings have exploded, but much of the charm of a small town remains.

I never really fit in here. Even as a child I wanted to be in a city. I got what I wanted, living in Austin, Texas. But this I know: people are pretty similar, whether in a small town or a large city. Everyone has the same wants, dreams and desires. ..

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#inspiration

Timing

We tend to rush through our day, trying to cram as much in as possible. Maybe I’m the only one?

When we get in a hurry, the odds of us making a mistake go up. This might include not listening to someone who needs to be heard. Instead of creating a deeper connection, we distance ourselves.

I encourage you to slow down, even if it’s just a little. You will do more things right the first time, and fewer opportunities will be missed…

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#inspiration

Moods

I often say, “I have one mood, and it’s good!” It’s true. I don’t allow the difficulties of the day to affect my mood.

Every day we will face unknown challenges. As much as we want to believe we can control what happens to us, we are not in control. God has a much greater plan that we are incapable of understanding. So let’s trust that He is on our side, and that good can come from even our worst day.

When you let go of the desire to control, freedom waits…

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#inspiration

Insane!

There are people in this world who will act like we are the greatest thing ever, only to turn on us when we don’t allow them to manipulate us. You know the type. Narcissistic personalities have pervaded society, or at least it seems that way.

Narcissists will try to break us down and rebuild us the way they want. They are sick. They see nice people as prey, not as a person who has their own goals, dreams and desires. Narcissists are like ninjas when it comes to manipulating and gaslighting people. They have struck you before you even knew they were trying.

Stand up for yourself. It won’t be easy to learn this lesson. Remember this-God alone has authority over our lives. Let Him guide you through the process of learning…

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#inspiration

Poverty

Our world is struggling. People are starving and it doesn’t have to be this way. Collectively we have the resources to feed everyone good, healthy food.

It’s easy to point out problems, but I like to be solution-conscious. We begin to solve hunger by teaching students how to grow vegetables while they are still in elementary school. Kids love to be creative, and what a great way to educate! They learn responsibility by taking care of their garden. They learn that before you reap, you gotta sow! And the kids can take pride in a job well done.

This idea isn’t isolated to The United States. Gardening can be accomplished anywhere (well, maybe not Antarctica). There’s always a way, if we are willing…

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#inspiration

The Past

Do you know anyone who spends much of their time focusing on days gone by? All of us have fond memories of past events, but that’s what they are, just memories.

Some things from our pasts are hard times we went through. They were lessons to be learned along the road of life. Learn them and move on. Leave them where they belong, in the past.

Every day is an opportunity to create more fond memories. Remember to focus on the good in your life. Be grateful for something every day. Leave the past in the past and look forward with both eyes open…

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#inspiration

Guilty!!!

In the United States, our law states that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty. Sounds fair, right? It is fair until emotions get involved.

Former President Donald Trump was accused of being in bed (figuratively) with Russia. All the people who hate Trump believed it because their hatred blinded them. When “Russia-gate” was shown to be a hoax, some still refused to believe the truth about it. The truth still matters.

There are thousands of examples where we condemn people before they have their day in court. Think of how you would want to be treated if you were on the receiving end of false accusations. Let’s show others some grace.

After all, the truth still matters…

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#inspiration

Stillness

Our world is full of noise. We have news 24/7, and we feel like if we aren’t busy then our lives have no meaning or purpose.

This is not true. Our purpose doesn’t change in the stillness. In fact, in the quiet moments our thinking becomes more crystal clear than in the chaos. We have an opportunity in those moments to connect with our Creator. He’s talking to us constantly, but we don’t listen because the noise is louder. God often speaks in whispers.

Make time for stillness in your life. Practice it every day. The noise will be waiting for you…

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