Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality

Take Care

Entropy is a physics term which means that things go from order to disorder. It kinda describes the state of our planet. We haven’t taken the best care of it by allowing pollution to degrade it.

Your body will deteriorate if you don’t take care of it. Regular exercise can make your bones stronger while building muscle mass. You can actually turn your body into a fat burning machine.

We take better care of the things we own versus what we rent. Have you ever washed a rental car before turning it in? But your personal vehicle gets attention. So does the home you own.

It is vitally important to keep your mind stimulated. Retirement is a death sentence if the retiree doesn’t have purpose. Crossword puzzles and sudoku alone aren’t going to cut it.

Our spiritual side needs attention, too. We are spiritual beings living in a physical body. We know our eventual home is not here. This life is temporary. Eternity is a mighty long time.

My encouragement to you is to do something every day to improve your life. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it did get built. If you are reading this, God isn’t finished with you. Find fulfillment in your life. It’s waiting for you to show up…

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Spirituality

Shaken, Not Stirred

One of James Bond’s signature moves was to order a martini that was “shaken, not stirred.” Now I will confess, I think James Bond is uber cool. I mean, what’s not to like about a man who dresses impeccably, is cultured, saves the planet from the bad guys, and he always gets the girl.

Like can make us feel shaken at times. It’s like we are walking a tightrope without a net. When we consider the risks of moving forward, it can paralyze us if we let fear dominate our thoughts.

At the same time, for some the thought of staying in the same place stirs something inside of them. The risk/reward ratio says they will experience some pain before they get the reward. Pain is real, but it’s temporary. The stirring inside propels them forward. Self doubt is cast aside and growth happens.

Wherever you are in life, I encourage you to face any fears you may have. Going through them might feel like you’re walking through hell. You will get singed, but you will come out the other side. You will be stronger, and you will be forever changed.

Go for it. Start now. There’s no time better than the present…

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Spirituality

Take A Look Around

Every day, I look at the world and consider how fortunate I am. Is my life perfect? Of course not, but perfection doesn’t exist on this side of eternity.

There is always something to be grateful for. Actually, there are many things. We can take a lot for granted without meaning to. Having a home in a safe neighborhood, food to eat, great friends and two sons who are solid young men are just a few things on my list. If I listed everything I could write all day long.

Two people can look at the same situation. One sees an insurmountable problem while the other sees a challenging opportunity. It’s perspective. Which lens do you see the world through?

Take a few deep breaths. In your mind, focus on what you’re grateful for. Write it down. Over time you will begin to see the good in your life, not what you believe you lack.

If you have a working mind aligned with a willing spirit, you have everything you need…

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Spirituality

How Ya Looking?

People talk a good game. But there are several better ways to take the measure of another person. Let’s examine.

The eyes tell a lot about someone. They show us what is in the heart.

Are you a good poker player? The best poker players watch the body language of the other players. It’s because of this I don’t play poker. If I have two great hold cards, I’m like a puppy dog wagging his tail. It’s unmistakable.

Pay attention to the manner in which people walk. The people who walk fast, keep their heads up and shoulders back are displaying inner confidence. You can’t fake it.

The way we carry ourselves is representative of our inner self image. This is why I encourage others to do the difficult, inside work on themselves. Getting rid of past hurts, mixed messages we believed about ourselves and false beliefs will bring out the best version of yourself.

Do the work…

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Spirituality

Make Your Choice

Both faith and fear challenge us to believe in something we can’t see. We have a choice in our to approach to life. We can have a faith-filled mindset or one overcome with fear and trepidation.

No matter which choice you make, it doesn’t alter the fact that God is in control. He doesn’t take time off or need to rest and recharge. Seeing God through human eyes might be shortsighted. In fact, it might limit His power. Let’s examine this.

When Jesus went to his hometown, Scripture tells us “he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”
— Matthew 13:58

Now, Jesus was still fully God, so he could do miracles in Nazareth. But why display divine power among people who didn’t recognize him for who he was and believe in him?

Faith and fear cannot coexist. We choose one or the other. And it can happen many times each day. Whatever we choose will determine our outcomes. Choose wisely…

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Spirituality

The Fear View Mirror

Everyone experiences fear. It’s normal to feel uneasy when you are trying something new, or if you have a health scare. Yet you cannot allow fear to consume you and control your life.

Did you know that in the Bible we are told to “fear not” 365 times? That’s once for every day of the year. Coincidence? Nope!

Recently I was having a conversation with someone who left a stifling marriage. After ten years she had had enough of feeling small and unfulfilled. For the past decade her life was filled with private jets and great wealth. She found it in herself to walk away and become the woman she was born to be. She overcame her initial fears, but there are more waiting for her.

Facing your fears is the first step to overcoming them. The work is internal. Over time, you can reshape how your mind processes whatever you fear. It takes work, but anything worthwhile does.

Sometimes life feels like a battlefield. We have battle scars from the past. But we cannot let a little pain stop us from pursuing the life we want.

Face whatever you fear or whatever is holding you back. The fight is won or lost in your mind before you begin. Think about it…

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Spirituality

Be Willing

Human beings are selfish. We are. It’s our nature. But I believe in the goodness of mankind as well. We see people show up when crisis strikes.

So many people wonder what this life is about. “Why am I here,” they ask. At the same time, everyone on the planet knows there is a greater purpose for their lives. They know. So, what stops them from pursuing their purpose?

People can become lazy, complacent, even sedentary. Maybe they think it’s too late. Time has passed them by. If you are alive and reading this, there’s still time. Get going!

Be willing to take risks. Ask God to guide your steps. He will. This doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges along the way. There will be. But put those on God’s shoulders and let Him lead you.

Willingness will keep your attitude straight. You are going to need it when you make a decision to pursue your purpose. Stay focused on your goal. And remember to pray…

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Spirituality

Forget It

Do you have to keep a list of things you need to do, and cross them off as you accomplish them? I do. There’s a lot to do on any given day.

But let’s talk about forgiveness. You may have had someone tell you to “forgive and forget.” But the truth is we aren’t able to forget, even after genuinely forgiving someone. Only God can forget. There’s another reason He’s God and we’re not.

The hardest one to forgive is ourself. Every moment of our life is stored in the subconscious mind. Bad memories may not be at the forefront of our minds but they are in there. It is possible to offer ourselves self-forgiveness and still hold harmful memories. It takes work, but it’s possible.

Focus on what you have done well in your life. Think about the times you were unselfish. Stay present of mind on those moments, not the ones you beat yourself up over.

Add the things you are holding onto to your list. The things that bother you. Face them. Forgive yourself while forgiving others, too. The past is good for one thing: learn from it…

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Spirituality

A Month of Encouragement

September has arrived. It’s a short month, only 30 days. And I have a challenge for you.

Every day find something to compliment someone on. Provide genuine encouragement to others. Just one per day. By the end of September you will have impacted thirty people’s lives in a positive way. You will never know the ripple effect of your actions, but God will.

We live in a society of criticism and complaints. People are dissatisfied with themselves so they turn it outward. Tearing others down is a negative energy I have no use for.

People need genuine encouragement. They might be on their last nerve. Your kind words will be like putting balm on a burn.

Try it for thirty days. And guess what? You will be changed, too…

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Spirituality

Faithful

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in Yellowstone National Park. It erupts on average every 90 minutes. And it has done so since the year 1870!

What do you think of when you hear the word faithful? Perhaps you think about your dog, or a lifelong friend. Maybe you put your faith in your employer that they will pay you without fail.

Faithfulness or some variation of it is listed about 300 times in the New Testament alone. It’s a central theme. The Book of James says it best: “Faith without works is dead.” This is applied faith. You can say you have faith, but show me, the author writes.

Everyone uses faith in their lives. Atheists do, too. If you get on an airplane you have faith the pilot knows how to fly the plane. You have faith that other drivers will follow the rules and stop when the light turns red.

You were given a purpose. My encouragement is, take that leap of faith, get out of your comfort zone, and go accomplish your purpose. Don’t wait another minute. There’s no better time than the present…

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