Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality

Time, Energy and Heart

Every day I wake up I consider myself to be the most fortunate man alive. Not only have I been given another day to live, but I have an opportunity to make a difference in this crazy world we live in.

Did you know that 25% of the world lives on less than $2.00 per day? That’s 2 billion people! Over 36 million people live in poverty in the United States. The line on poverty is drawn at around $14,000 per year. People are struggling to make ends meet.

We can make a difference, both individually and collectively. Volunteering is a regular part of my life. I’m fortunate to have a career that gives me tremendous flexibility with my time. And the Creator gifted me with an enormous energy level. Put those two together, time and energy, and I pour my heart into causes that touch me emotionally.

The faith and philanthropic communities serve the least among us very well. They waste little and move heaven and earth with what they have. Those people are true role models, not our feckless politicians.

Find your cause(s). Get involved. We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Commit…

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Spirituality

Hanging Around

Death will get all of us one day. It’s inevitable, and I have three thoughts on death: I’m not afraid of it. I know where I will spend eternity. I’m not ready for it. And I don’t want it to hurt!

Heaven is perfect. There’s no disease. We get new bodies that never ache. Most important, we are in the presence of God. The things we don’t understand will be made clear.

Why do we fight so hard to hang on to this life? Knowing what we know, we can accept that it will happen and everything will be okay. God will continue to work on us until He is through with us on this side of life.

I tell my children not to mourn me when I’m gone. My eternal home is not here, it’s in Heaven. Theirs is, too. So is yours.

Treat people well while you have them in your life. Nothing is random in this life. Everything can be used…

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Spirituality

Come As You Are

Our churches should be open and welcoming places. We are there to worship God together, not to make a fashion statement. Yet that happens.

In the Book of James, this very thing is addressed. James cautions us against showing favoritism towards someone in “fine clothing and jewelry.” What about the people who don’t have similar resources? They are equally important.

Every Sunday I volunteer as a greeter for my church. I see people who are dressed in their best clothes, and I see people who look like they just closed down a bar. Everyone gets a friendly greeting from me. (Well, beautiful women might get a bigger smile, but let’s move on).

God is glad we are there. He is who we are there for. It’s relational, not transactional. Our attention should be focused on him, not the crowd around us.

Find a church community where you feel free to come as you are. Then you have found your home away from home on this planet. Our true home lies in the next life…

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Spirituality

The Playbook

Players in the NFL are issued a playbook when they join the team. They are told to learn it and guard it with their life. If the playbook were to fall into the wrong hands, it could be catastrophic for the team.

But what about those of us who aren’t professional athletes? Well, God gave us a playbook, too. It’s called the Bible. It is our official guide to life on this side of eternity. In fact, it is preparing us for Heaven.

In the Old Testament days, God spoke to Moses and the prophets. They wrote down what the heard from God and it has been preserved for us.

Moving on to Jesus’ time on earth, his disciples recorded what they observed about the life of Christ. Paul wrote letters to the churches, as did James and Jude. It’s there for us to consult with anytime we want. We just have to open it and read.

Trying to navigate this crazy world we live in is difficult at best. Some are operating on their own with no regard to the playbook. Living by the Word of God will always turn out well. And we will have a peace that’s indescribable.

God didn’t create us and forget about us. If you are frustrated with life, take a moment to open the playbook. Read a little every day. It will grab ahold of your heart and change you from within.

Try it! The only thing you have to lose is stress, anxiety and worry…

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Spirituality

Thrown Away

There’s a television show I have heard about but never watched. It’s called “Hoarders.” The show is about people who never throw anything away. Their homes must look like a train wreck happened in them.

We throw money away. We throw trash out. But there are people who have been thrown away by their families and friends. Recently I read about a child whose parents rejected him because he told them he was gay. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. Another child out in the world who has to find a way to survive on his own. There are many stories of similar situations. Too many.

Many inmates I have spent time with have been shamed by their families. Not only are they in prison, they have no one pulling for them. They feel alone and lost.

I believe in restoration and redemption. All of us have made mistakes. I lead the field in doing colossally stupid things during my life. But I’m not trapped in the prison of my past. Neither are you.

Jesus dined with prostitutes and tax collectors. He physically embraced lepers. The hopeless were shown kindness, grace and forgiveness. No one was turned away.

Be kind to others. People are carrying around stresses and strains we don’t know about. Your simple kindness might be their last, best hope…

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Spirituality

The Heart of Mankind

Any day of the week you can open your Facebook app and see countless people tearing others down. Their favorite subject is politics, but religious beliefs get tossed in, too. This ugliness reflects what lies in their hearts.

On the other side of that coin, I see the goodness in mankind appear when tragedy strikes. After the devastating floods in Kerrville this past summer, countless people volunteered to help. No one demanded to be put alongside people with similar politics. No, they put that bullshit aside and helped. Perhaps this is why these events are called “acts of God.” In these moments mankind is most like the Creator.

I believe most people are good. The harshness of life has knocked all of us down. Dreams get postponed or diverted. Yet in the final analysis people show up when life is at its worst. This is a reflection of their true self, their heart.

Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. It could be something as simple as a smile or buying someone a sandwich. It counts to the other person even if it seems small and insignificant to you. Look for opportunities.

Life is very busy and full, I know. Never find yourself too busy to demonstrate the goodness that lies in your heart. Others will benefit but so will you…

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Spirituality

Caught Up

Do you ever feel like you are caught up with life, your “to do” list? My list keeps growing.

We can get lured into an unhealthy lifestyle. It may start with just a little flirtation. But it seems to be okay, so maybe go a little farther. Before you know it, you get caught up in something you didn’t want but now you don’t know how to get out. If this is you, be at peace. There is always a way. Always.

If alcohol, gambling, sex or shopping are your challenges, there is a 12 Step Program for whatever you battle. And remember, it is a spiritual battle you are in. It may manifest into our physical world, but its basis is spiritual.

I know people whose lives had become a train wreck. They were hopeless. But through a lot of hard work and changes in their thinking, they restored their lives.

If this resonates with you, please take the first step to a new, better life. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Take the step…

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Spirituality

Eve of Destruction

My personality is hardwired in optimism. It always has been. I have an ability to see the good in every situation. The “good finder” in me sees it in people, too.

My optimism about the future of The United States is waning. I’m not happy about this, but I must be realistic. Let me explain.

America has gotten lazy. We rest on the strength of will of those who came before us. Our last of the World War II heroes are dying off. For a while we were replacing them with dudes in dresses and makeup. I’m glad that era has passed, but rebuilding takes time.

The United States’ obesity rate is epidemic. This has caused our healthcare costs to spin out of control. The country has $38 trillion of acknowledged debt, but there is another $200 trillion in unfunded future healthcare liabilities no one talks about.

It’s not too late! We can turn things around if we are collectively willing. It won’t be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is…

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Spirituality

Beliefs

Someone recently asked me what I believe in. So, I thought I would share a few of my beliefs here.

First off, I believe in God. Our world is in a spiritual battle, an unseen fight. God has already won the battle. It’s just a matter of time until we see it.

I believe in what is true, what is right, and what is noble. I believe most people are good in their hearts. We see the goodness of mankind show up when tragedy strikes. Sure, there are bad people, really evil people in the world, but that’s not most.

I believe in the next generation. It’s hard to be a child nowadays, but I believe our young people are some of the best.

I believe in justice. If we don’t find it here, God will make it right.

And I believe in spreading goodness and light into the world. People need to find hope and know they aren’t alone in their struggle. It’s easy to criticize. It’s worthwhile to encourage.

If I wrote everything I believe in, it might break the internet! This was a small glimpse into my mind. And yet, there are people who will find fault with my beliefs. That’s okay. God loves all of us, even the critics…

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Spirituality

Neighborly

Have you ever had a bad experience with a neighbor? I have. Only one, but he was a rude, selfish ass. And the thing is, you are stuck with them until one of you moves.

In the workplace we have neighbors. My office has around 20 people in it. We may only casually know our coworkers, but we can make a difference in their lives. We simply need to be aware of what’s going on around us and offer support if appropriate. Even casual acquaintances need to know we care.

People are struggling. Most people put on a brave face for the world, but they might feel empty inside. Show patience and kindness when you can. Even if you are in a hurry. Your simple smile might be what someone needs in the moment.

We are never too busy to show kindness…

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