Tag Archives: #hope

#inspiration, #spirituality

Holding On

Great memories are treasures we hold in our hearts. Moments in time permanently etched in the fiber of our being.

What are we holding onto that doesn’t serve us well? This could be anything from a bad habit to people who aren’t good for us. It’s a real challenge to let go.

Changing a habit takes about three weeks. Even after that we have a desire to return to old behavior. If we aren’t careful, we will allow our minds to play tricks on us. The tricks are real.

Letting go of people is challenging, too. There was a time in my life where I eliminated every person who wasn’t edifying and enriching to my life. I was lonely for a while, and loneliness sucks. But I held on to a stronger belief that I knew the loneliness would pass. I focused on myself. The healthier I got, the more healthy people I attracted into my life. It was worth the effort to make myself a priority.

I encourage you to take inventory of your own life. If there’s something you need to rid yourself of, take the brave first step in a new direction.

You might experience some loneliness, too, but the darkness will pass. Every time…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Welcome The Challenges

Sometimes life goes smoothly, but sometimes life is hard. Really hard. When we are in the middle of a storm we wonder if it will ever end. It will.

I encourage you to welcome the challenges that are thrown your way. Difficulties require us to grow, to stretch ourselves. And along the way our faith strengthens. When the shit hits the fan is the time many people cry out to God to help. He will answer us every time, although it might not be the answer we want. God knows what is best. Trust Him.

No one gets to live life without challenges. They will pass, and you will find yourself in the dark periods, your strongest self…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Hatred

Why do people hate others? Everything from the neo-Nazis to the KKK exists so they can isolate and marginalize others, keeping them living in fear. Although these groups are small, they can inflict great harm to people.

Anti-Semitism is rampant on college campuses and in mainstream society. Two weeks ago I attended a “Breakfast For Israel” meeting to learn about the battles Israel is facing. The Israelis are in a fight for their lives, their very existence. There was security everywhere to keep the attendees safe. This really saddened me.

Hatred is the default mechanism of a weak and empty society. Blame is oftentimes a companion of hate. People believe they have been victimized so they blame the people who aren’t like them.

People fear what they don’t understand. I encourage you to get to know people, learn about them and their culture. You will see that we are all pretty much the same inside…

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#inspiration

Redirect

For years I have been writing and speaking about controlling our thoughts. It’s challenging, I know, but it can be done.

Here is a solid way to begin the habit of controlling your thinking. I call it redirection. Whenever a potentially destructive thought or impulse enters your mind, instead of acting on it simply do the opposite. You don’t feel like exercising? Visualize yourself looking fit and do it anyway. You want to eat something that isn’t good for your body and overall health? Remember your fit physique visual. Over time, your mind will manifest your new way of thinking.

I get that our minds can seem like they are completely out of control. They really aren’t. You have control of your attitude which will direct your thoughts. Thoughts become actions.

Try it with just one bad habit you want to change. Stick with it and you’ll see the desired results…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Spirits

We know that God is Spirit. Are you aware that there are evil spirits all around us? Alcohol is called spirits. I believe this is because it weakens us. People do things they wouldn’t normally do while drinking.

There is a spiritual battle going on in the unseen world. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it less real. An impulse you get that might harm others or yourself originates in the darkness. God cannot cause us to sin. His nature is perfect. Evil causes us to sin and suffer.

Let’s face it, sin is fun. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be tempted to do it. Sinful behavior is only good in the short term. Righteous behavior allows us to be free of worry and guilt. We face the choice of good versus evil every day.

I encourage you to read and absorb God’s Word. Make it part of you. In this world we cannot avoid sin. Yet, God gives us a way to fight through it. Guaranteed…

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#inspiration

Trendy

When a new fad comes along, you can’t escape it. Traditionalists like me place an internal bet about how long it will last. It’s the safest bet I have ever made because I can’t lose. Or win, for that matter!

There are some things that never go out of style. Manners, kindness, consideration of others and compassion are just a few examples. The goodness of mankind is on display daily. You have to take the time to notice because there’s a lot of noise vying for your attention.

Let’s keep goodness trending. Fads will forever come and go. Goodness moves mountains…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

When Fears Become Gods

Fears can be a powerful force. The fear of missing out is a real phenomenon. And there are over 500 listed phobias. The fear of fears has a name, too. It’s phobophobia. Where should I begin?

If you allow your fears to dominate your thoughts, you can become paralyzed. You are so fearful that you become afraid to make a move. Keeping fear at the forefront of your mind can impair your decision making, and it takes a toll on your overall health. You must find a way to fight through it.

I encourage you to take a break from media, social and political. The MSM pours fear out in truckloads. If they keep you fearful you will tune in because you might miss something. You won’t miss anything, I promise. Take a break. Get outside. Exercise your body and your mind. Your future self will thank you.

Personally, I’m deathly afraid of snakes. If I’m on a lake and I see a snake, I’ll be the third man to walk on water! They creep me out.

Take care of yourself. People need you at your best…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

All or Some

If you are anything like me, you approach life with optimism, vigor and confidence. You believe anything is possible. But what about when we fall short or we meet frustration after frustration? What happens then?

Those are the dark times, the periods where we keep going even if we aren’t getting anywhere. Just as good times don’t last forever, neither does the darkness. Think back to the times in life where things looked bleak, pointless even. You got through those times and you will thrive again. Believe it.

Life is not “all or nothing.” Believe in yourself and remember, some is better than none…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Improving

The progression of life is challenging. We are faced with setbacks, frustrations and difficulties. During difficult periods, it’s important to remember that we have overcome every obstacle we have ever encountered. And we will again!

When you are trying to fulfill your true purpose you will want to quit. That’s natural. But don’t quit. Ever. The greater the challenge, the greater the individual becomes. You are a work in progress.

It’s hard to beat a person who refuses to quit…

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#inspiration

Reset

People are harder on themselves than they need to be sometimes. It’s a good thing to hold ourselves accountable, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Beating yourself up because of a mistake or disappointment is a contributing factor in poor self esteem.

We all make mistakes and we all fall short of our goals sometimes. It happens. Pick yourself up and move on. Have you blown the New Year’s resolutions you promised yourself you would accomplish? Start again! Life is a progression, not an all or none.

Give yourself a break. Challenge yourself but don’t get down on yourself if you fail to meet the challenge. Try once more.

Be kind to others, and remember to be kind to yourself…

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