Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality

Our Father

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, the first words Jesus said were, “Our Father.” There was a time in my life where I really wished Jesus hadn’t referred to God as Father. It was conflicting for me.

My father was cruel, demented, and capable of great violence. Growing up, I lived in a constant state of fear. I had no idea what might set my parents off, so I walked on eggshells.

You can see how I must have felt when I was asked to consider God as a father. Not only a father, but a perfect father at that! It just didn’t compute.

Only through a lot of self-work and forgiveness was I able to see God clearly. He is a good Father, a perfect Father. He created me and you, and didn’t make a mistake or have a second thought.

If this is difficult for you, too, I encourage you to pray about it. Ask God to open your eyes to the truth about who He is. And like a good Father, He will answer…

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Spirituality

Lucky

Have you ever known someone who has tremendous luck? You know, everything falls into place for them. But is it really luck?

Every experience we have prepares us for something else. Because I went through a hellish period with one of my sons, God has positioned me to help a couple of other men who are experiencing the same thing. The way my son’s life has turned out gives them hope. It’s not luck that we know each other. It was orchestrated by God.

Someone once said that “the harder they work, the luckier they get.” This is true. Life doesn’t just happen. You must go find the future you are looking for.

Decide today that you will make your own luck from here on out. Then get to work!

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Spirituality

Trappings

Some people work their lives away seeking wealth, power and prestige. If you are reading this and find it relatable, I encourage you to stop the chase. It’s a trap that can leave you feeling hollow. No one wants to feel hollow.

Money is nice, but it’s only a tool. A big house is comfortable and inviting, but eventually you won’t be satisfied until you get a bigger, more modern home. The chase continues until you decide to seek what will fulfill you.

The most important thing in this world isn’t a thing, it’s people. Relationships will provide you a sense of satisfaction and well-being you cannot get from the trappings of this life.

And speaking of life, take a moment to thank God for another day on this side of eternity. We have an opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Make your difference…

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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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Spirituality

The Worst First

Every day we have certain things we are required to do. For example, Friday is trash day. Should I decide to not take the trash can out to the curb for a few weeks, someone’s gonna notice. That someone is me!

Chores are routine and boring, yet necessary. But some days we have a wrench thrown into the mix. We have a difficult conversation to have with someone, or perhaps it’s something worse that we need to do. Whatever difficulties you are facing, do the hard things first. Do not leave them hanging over your head. The challenge you face will be a constant irritation if you don’t address it quickly.

We will have challenging times on this side of eternity. We live in a broken, imperfect world.

And remember this: be kind to your fellow man. They are facing challenges that are unknown to us. We are all in this life together, and we are better together…

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Uncategorized

Coaching

The coaching business seems to have exploded over the past decade. You can hire a personal coach for business, health, even life coaching is available. For every need there is a coach.

Some of my acquaintances have told me they hired a coach to be an accountability partner. I have hired personal trainers for the past 30 years. I guess they are a coach in a way. My purpose in hiring them is that they will allow me to do some exercises I might not do on my own. And weight training is more fun when you do it with someone.

If you feel stuck in life, like no matter what you do you can’t seem to get ahead or break bad habits, then perhaps hiring a coach might be the right thing for you. Find one you have some chemistry with. Make sure it’s someone who will tell you what you need to hear, not what feeds your ego. You can do that on your own…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

May 2025

Since 1949, the month of May has been designated as “Mental Health Awareness Month.” It’s wonderful that we have a month dedicated to mental health, but it’s something we need to focus on daily.

The single, largest mental health diagnosis in the United States is General Anxiety Disorder. While we can look around us and see how stressed the world is, let’s not forget those who suffer in silence. People feel isolated and alone. Yet, we are living in the most electronically connected world that’s ever existed.

People need human connection. Even the CDC recognizes this. From their website:

KEY POINTS

  • Staying connected to others creates feelings of belonging and being loved, cared for, and valued.
  • Social connections are important to our mental and physical health.
  • Being connected to others helps protect against serious illness and disease.
  • People with stronger social bonds are more likely to live longer, healthier lives.

If someone crosses your mind, I encourage you to take a moment and reach out to them. Check on your friends and acquaintances you haven’t heard from in a while. They benefit, but so do you!

And if you are reading this and feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety and dread, please call someone. You don’t have to go through life alone…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Not Promised

Every day is a gift. We take too much for granted when we should view the world in terms of miraculous. Take a moment to consider what would happen if gravity quit working. I believe gravity qualifies as a miracle.

Tomorrow is not promised. We must make each day count. Live like it’s your last day on this side of eternity because it might be. I hope today isn’t my last. There are a lot of things I want to do!

Keep your mind open to new opportunities. Make a list of the people you want to have dinner with. Get outside. Enjoy every moment you have. And make a difference…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Commencement

Recently, I was given the privilege of being the Commencement Speaker for 15 inmates who had earned their G. E. D. It was the experience of a lifetime, and I wish everyone could attend one of these ceremonies.

Commencement means a new start, a new beginning. Even though the graduating inmates weren’t getting released from prison that day, it signified a new chapter in their lives. The look of pride each man had on his face was unmistakable. This day was special. No one could take the moment away from them.

Every moment in life is special. You won’t get this day back, so do your best to live it fully. And don’t get too far ahead of yourself. You might miss something. Stay in the moment.

I guess I did okay with my speech. I received an invitation to give the commencement speech at a women’s prison in June. And as much as I can’t wait for the day to arrive, there are a lot of moments to live between now and then…

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Spirituality

Optimism or Dread

You have a choice. A new work week is upon us. Are you facing the week with an optimistic attitude, excited about what’s to come? Or perhaps you are one of the millions of people who are just trying to make it through to another weekend.

Working at a job that lacks fulfillment is prevalent across society. It doesn’t have to be this way, but there is the challenge people face. What to do about it when I have a mortgage, car payments, taxes and food to pay for. It does require money to live.

Life is full of trade-offs. I trade some of my time off to pursue night school. Or I can remain where I am and continue the cycle, the grind.

Going back to school is just one example. You can start a garden and sell vegetables at a local Farmer’s Market. You can take acting classes. It really is up to you to decide how to use your time.

Take a moment and ask God to show you the way. You might not get an immediate answer, but you will get an answer. Then it’s up to you to take action.

It’s time to wake up every day with the attitude that you can’t wait to get started!

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