#inspiration

Looking Back

Today’s post is not about reliving your past. Long time readers know me to say that our best days are ahead of us. That hasn’t changed. The focus for today is on growth.

Change is gradual. This is true for positive change as well as developing bad habits. It happens little by little. But when we reflect on where we were ten years ago, we can see how we have changed. We have gained wisdom, and perhaps we are in better physical shape now than we were before. If our bad habits are the same today, then maybe it’s time to face the root cause and remove it.

If you feel like you haven’t gotten to where you planned to be, give yourself a little grace. You certainly aren’t the same person you were a decade ago. And that’s a good thing…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Marathon Runners

Life is a long journey, a marathon if you will. It seems to pass slowly and then one day you wake up and wonder where the time went.

If you are reading this, I have a revelation for you: God isn’t through with you. Or me! He wants to grow us, even stretch us to become who He created us to be. It’s not easy, but anything worthwhile is not going to be easy. We grow from our discomfort.

Pursue your true purpose. Stop wasting time and start living the dream God has for your life. Start now…

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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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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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Repent!

In the Bible, to repent means to “change your mind.” We think of it as punitive, but it isn’t.

I have often written about controlling your thoughts in this column. It’s easier than you might think. We make it harder because the battle is in the mind. You might be thinking, “that’s just how I am.” Yet you are how you think. You become how you think, too.

Do you want to be healthy? See yourself in shape. Read something about fitness/wellness regularly. Your thoughts will take a turn for the better, especially at mealtime. You will unconsciously begin an exercise regimen. Your mind will plant these seeds and you will act on them.

Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s automatic. Your old thought patterns will hang around. They are powerful but your mind is more powerful. Push them away. Change your mind about your health (or whatever).

Start today. In fact, start now. You can do anything you set your mind to…

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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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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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Change Your Mind

The way we think will determine the outcomes in our lives. Do you want to make a change in your life? Then start by changing your thoughts.

Read great books. Feed your mind with the stories of people in history who made a difference. Read the writings of the Apostle Paul. Ask for help to change and believe God will help you. He will.

Finally, get rid of every distraction that isn’t enriching your life. It’s time for change…

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Giving Up

Giving up is never an option. Resilience is built during the hard times, not when things are going well. When we find our inner strength we grow.

There are some people who have given up on fulfilling their purpose, their dreams for their life. Life isn’t easy, and the world will do everything it can to tear you down.

If you are one of the ones who gave up on a fulfilling life, I encourage you to pick yourself up and start living. You can do it.

When life gets tough, be tougher…

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