Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality

No Way Out

How many times have you painted yourself into a corner and felt like there is no way out? And yet, you have gotten through every situation. You may have experienced a setback, but you made it.

With God there is always a way. He operates outside of time and space as we know them. His realm is the supernatural where there are no limits to what God can do.

There is a way to bring the supernatural into the natural. It’s called prayer. Many times I pray as a last resort rather than trying to get in front of my challenges. Perhaps you do, too. I need to flip the script!

Hope is always with us. Let’s place our hope in the hands of the one who can accomplish anything. Let’s begin with prayer…

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Spirituality

Impressions

How many times have we been reminded that we need to make a good first impression? Probably too many to count. It’s true. We only have one chance to make a good first impression.

When something, not someone, makes an impression on you, pay close attention. It may be a key to your purpose.

One of my passions is children’s causes. My childhood was full of fear and anxiety. I don’t want any other child to feel like I did as a kid. Now I know I can’t control what happens in each child’s home life, I can make a difference by letting them know they aren’t alone. Many children have struggles they don’t talk about.

Today, I encourage you to be your best. Show up. You have an impression to make…

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Spirituality

Unquestionably Led

There are a few people who have unquestionably put their faith in government. If their favorite politician says it, then it must be true. Yet there is much evidence that shows this type of thinking is flawed, at best.

Oftentimes people align their politics with how they feel, ignoring the facts in many cases. Feelings can be deceptive.

The most intentional man who ever lived is Jesus Christ. He was led by the Spirit to do what the Father sent him to accomplish. I’m only guessing because I wasn’t there, but I bet Jesus was fun to be with. He must have been because no one wants to be around someone who is a drag. Yet Jesus never wavered from his mission.

This week we Christians will celebrate Easter. The resurrection started a new, different relationship between God and man. It has lasted over 2,000 years. Jews will celebrate Passover. The two are connected in history.

Whatever you celebrate, or if it is nothing at all, I wish you a peaceful, reflective time. When the Spirit calls, follow without question. You won’t be led astray…

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Spirituality

Dissatisfied

Over half of Americans are dissatisfied with their work. They feel underpaid, under appreciated and do not find themselves fully engaged. How can you be productive when half your workforce has an attitude like this? You can’t, but there is hope.

One of the challenges people face is believing they are locked in a lifestyle they don’t want to give up. You are in your 40’s with a family, mortgage and other obligations. There seems to be no way out.

When the pain of dissatisfaction becomes too strong, people change. Perhaps they step their lifestyle back a bit to follow their unique path. It takes courage and commitment. Maybe pride gets in the way. But a better way of living is available if you really want it. You must really want it.

If this is resonating with you, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what you really desire from your life. Write it down. Pray for guidance. Be fearless and take a step forward in faith.

You will succeed if you refuse to quit…

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Spirituality

Embarrassed

There came a time when my sons were embarrassed to have me in the same zip code. It happened practically overnight. One day I was their hero and the next day I was the goat.

Have you noticed how quickly some public figures are to apologize when they get caught doing something wrong? Their illicit behavior may have gone on for years but they immediately became contrite. Was it genuine? Only God knows because He searches the heart of man.

Public figures live in the spotlight. People Magazine and TMZ follow them around. Any moral slip up and it’s in view of the world. Yet, there are stories of people who have erred but genuinely redirected their lives. Those stories don’t make the news quite as often.

Everyone makes mistakes. It’s important that we change our thinking so we don’t continue doing the wrong things. And self forgiveness is part of the process.

Life is a long road with curves and potholes along the way. You gotta learn to drive through those conditions, too…

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Spirituality

Breaking Through

This morning I had the privilege of delivering the Commencement Address for 42 inmates who were receiving their high school equivalency certificates. This was the eighth time I have done this during the past year. The thing I always take home with me is the smiles on the graduates faces.

Not only were the young men graduating, for many they were breaking a cycle. Dysfunction is generational until someone changes. Several of the men were the first in their family to graduate.

No one sets out in life to go to prison or get divorced. Things happen. Life’s curveballs will only hold you back if you decide to let them. You get to decide, no one else.

This morning was a fresh new start. The inmates aren’t getting out today. But when they do, there is a brighter path forward…

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Spirituality

When In Rome…

Today we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone becomes Irish on March 17th. On May 5th most Americans will be Mexican so they can properly celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Well, the United States has been called a melting pot so it sorta makes sense.

Outside of the days I just cited, what is your crowd? Are you the same person at work that you are at home? Sometimes people become chameleons so they will fit in. Being liked and accepted is universal. There’s nothing wrong with it, but you must be yourself to feel genuine.

You were created by a perfect God who made you exactly how He wanted you to be. He knew we would have faults, but God gives us a way through. He cares about us so we are given challenges that grow and develop our character. See your life through God’s eyes, not your own.

If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today, have fun. Remember to wear green. Enjoy the moments and remember to be yourself. Always…

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Spirituality

Greener Grass

You have heard it said that “the grass is always greener on the other side.” This saying could be applied to a work situation or a relationship. Things might look better in a new environment, but this is a distortion.

Every job and every relationship has challenges. Difficult times are part of life’s ups and downs. You might be unhappy in the moment, but it’s just a feeling. Feelings pass. Things change. We grow and we adapt. If we throw in the towel every time a setback is thrown our way, we will spend our lives in a constant state of turmoil.

There is another old saying about grass which I believe is a better idea. That one says “the grass is greener where you water it.”

Spend time focusing on where you are now. Consider your long term goals and what you really want from your life. Are you aligned? If the answer is yes, then I encourage you to stay the course. And if the answer is no, maybe it’s time to water your lawn…

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Spirituality

Enigmatic

Why do bad things happen to good people? That’s one of the many enigmas we can’t understand on this side of eternity. We live with the hope that one day everything will become clear.

There are parts of Scripture that are enigmatic. At the same time, much of it makes sense. Over time, it becomes clearer and clearer after I have read it several times. And one thing is certain: you cannot get it by osmosis. You must read it. Otherwise, your Bible just sits on your bookshelf and collects dust.

As mysterious as God is, we can trust Him. It’s important to remember that God doesn’t cause bad things to happen. He can’t. It would go against His nature. And yes, I said it, there are things God can’t do. Lying, cheating and causing pain are out of His realm. He allows it, but doesn’t cause it.

It’s legitimate to question why. Asking why is one of the best questions we can ask. The answer might not come quickly, but don’t give up. Eventually you will know…

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