Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality

Never Go To A Fat Cardiologist

“Practice what you preach” sometimes turns into “do as I say, not as I do.” Inconsistent parenting is a prime example of this. Children notice everything, and they carry this into adulthood.

We are keen observers of human behavior, with biases, and our biases might prevent us from seeing things clearly. Speaking of biases, everyone has them. Looking at situations from a 360 degree perspective allows for open-minded thinking. Seeing things through the eyes of others gives greater possibilities than just holding on tightly to our own perspective.

People are facing struggles today like never before. Mental health is the worst it has ever been, especially among the young. We live in the most connected world that has ever existed, yet many people feel isolated and alone. Take the time to listen, really listen when you are with someone. You both will benefit.

The world is changing rapidly. The A. I. train has left the station. We are in the infancy of this technology which may be used for much good, while it also possesses the temptation for some to use it for evil. But I believe goodness wins, and you won’t convince me otherwise.

That’s my bias of believing in mankind…

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Spirituality

The Ground Zero Cross

The extreme heat from the twin towers fires caused two steel beams to be melted together to form a cross. It was found among the debris and called the Ground Zero Cross. The cross went into the 9/11 Museum.

A group known as American Atheists sued to have the cross removed, stating it promoted Christianity while excluding non-religious victims and rescuers. I’m not sure why something people don’t believe in brings out so much hatred. Having a cross in a museum excludes no one.

When something, anything, offends you, you can just keep walking. There are occasional calls to cancel Netflix because some object to content on the streaming platform. Here’s a simple solution: don’t watch it. You have a choice.

The lawsuit was thrown out by a federal judge in 2013. Of course the decision was appealed. But the U. S. Court of Appeals upheld the decision. The cross remains on permanent display in the museum. Go see it, or don’t. You have a choice…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

From Dead to Alive

David Berkowitz was a serial killer, an arsonist and a Satan worshipper. You may remember him as “Son of Sam.” In the 1970’s, this one man shut down New York City’s nightlife for over a year.

Berkowitz was filled with demons. In the courtroom he bit law enforcement officers assigned to him and Berkowitz tried to jump out of a window. He was crazed to say the least.

Berkowitz was sentenced to hundreds of years in prison. But something supernatural happened there. Another inmate gave Berkowitz a Bible. Berkowitz placed the Bible under his pillow and forgot about it. Until…

One night, at 3:00 am, Berkowitz woke up in a start. The side of his head felt like it was on fire. He jumped out of his cot, pulled the Bible out and it opened to a Scripture that told him God can forgive and redeem the most evil among us (my paraphrase). David Berkowitz, Son of Sam, was reborn. He bawled his eyes out for hours, asking a God he didn’t know to forgive him.

Today, Berkowitz leads a Christian outreach from the confines of prison. His conversion has lasted and it is real. He has been brought to life by the living God.

God can do anything. Always remember this…

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Spirituality

What’s In A Name?

Our foundations are in our family and our name. We are born into a legacy that existed before us, and it will continue after we are gone. What we choose to do with it is up to us.

God thought of us individually before the world was formed. He decided the era we would be born in. Many times I have been grateful to be alive during the time of indoor plumbing and air conditioning (I live in Texas. It gets hot!).

The family I was born into was a mess. There was insecurity, fear, and sometimes, violence. My brain was in a constant state of “fight or flight.” Fortunately, I have been able to reprogram my mind, but it took time and effort. Not everyone takes the steps to heal.

The legacy I am creating with my children is healthier than that which I experienced. For this, I am forever grateful to God for guiding my steps. He is good.

Be proud of your name. God didn’t make a mistake. If your family was a train wreck like mine, you can change, if you’re willing.

Be willing…

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Spirituality

Was It Worth It?

During my life I have observed people who spent more time trying to build wealth than anything else. In a moment of confession, I have been guilty of doing the same. I’m one of the fortunate ones. Having children changed my perspective.

When the end of life comes, no matter how much you have accumulated, none of it goes into eternity with you. Great fortunes have been built, only to be pissed away by future generations. Was it worth it?

The most important thing is people. Relationships, like wealth and resources, must be built. They require time and effort. And just like our bank accounts, they can be lost quickly.

My encouragement to you is, take the time to be close to those who are important to you. Do it before the relationships are too far gone to repair. Keep showing up, even if this makes you uncomfortable. You will be creating a lasting legacy no one can put a price on…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Bad Days

Every morning when I wake up, I’m either in Texas or Heaven. Even I can’t screw this up, and I can royally screw stuff up! Regardless, there is no such thing as a bad day. Stay with me.

All of us have had periods where things went smoothly. Those don’t last. Difficult periods will come. We were never promised this life would be easy. This is a broken, imperfect world we are inhabiting for just a short time when compared with our time in eternity.

Jesus told his disciples that “their faith would be shaken.” I believe he meant that for us, too. There are times I have wondered if God knew what He was doing. His redirections in my life weren’t in my plans. Yet, when I stay the course, over time I realized that God knew better than I did.

God doesn’t lose patience with us when we doubt or question Him. This happens all the time. Consider this: the Israelites wanted to throw in the towel within a very short period of time after witnessing supernatural power in the natural world. We can be short-sighted. God plays the long game.

My encouragement to you is, replace the term “bad day” with the phrase “difficult day(s).” Remember who is in control. And especially remember He is on your side, even to the end of the world…

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Spirituality

Trend Spotting

The disco era brought in a line of fashion that didn’t stick around. Man, I’m glad of that! But some things never go out of style. Let’s look at a few of them.

We can begin with manners. Saying please, thank you, yes sir and no sir, we notice when someone says them. And we notice when they don’t.

Kindness is always welcome. This world can be cruel. Our simple kindness might be someone’s last, best hope. The person you are standing in line with at the grocery store might be doing all they can to hold it together.

There is a trend of young people returning to their faith life. Everyone has a hole in their heart that needs to be filled. People try everything from sex to gambling to fill the void. Seventeenth century philosopher Blaise Pascal called it a “God-shaped vacuum.” The young are figuring it out earlier than most.

Some trends burn out quickly. The important trends are the ones that remain…

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Spirituality

Waiting on the Weekend

It is estimated that about 80% of the population goes to a job they don’t enjoy. They are simply getting a paycheck and living for the weekend. My question is, how can anyone be effective in a job they aren’t finding fulfillment in?

People get comfortable in their lifestyle, I understand. There’s a mortgage to pay, food to buy and family vacations are expensive. But you can still afford all of these things and more when you are engaged in your career. It’s possible if you believe it is. The only battle is in your mind.

What did your dream life look like when you were younger? It’s not too late to create it. You might have to take a step or two backwards, but the short term pain will reap great benefits if you stay committed.

The life you want is there for the taking. It will take time to create but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. But it did get built…

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Spirituality

The Consequences of Infighting

Right now there is a battle going on between popular conservative voices in the media space. Instead of keeping it behind the scenes, they do what media people do: they are fighting in public.

Those of us who aren’t in media or politics are fighting, too. Facebook and X are filled with insults being thrown at each other. Lifelong friends have become enemies. Nothing gets resolved and it is exhausting.

The Pharisees were in a quandary about this radical rabbi, Jesus. Some believed he was the Messiah who had been foretold while others didn’t. Of course they didn’t have the internet, only word of mouth. In the end, they put him to death on a cross, and they didn’t realize this fulfilled prophecy, too.

As it was written, Jesus arose on the third day. He hung around for 40 days and appeared to many. Yet some still refused to believe.

When you have a dispute with a friend, it’s best to keep it private. Work things out as best you can. Don’t sacrifice a friendship. It’s okay to see the world through a different lens…

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