Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality

Mother’s Day

In 1908 Anna Jarvis held the first Mother’s Day celebration in West Virginia. By 1914 the movement to honor the sacrifices of Mothers had gained so much momentum that President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as the official day.

Devoted Mothers should be honored longer than just one day. They can handle a lot of things at the same time and do them well. Women really can multitask while men are one trip wonders!

The celebrations will be held today. Families will gather to honor the Mothers in their lives. But it is my hope they celebrate quietly. There are women who wanted children but couldn’t have them, as well as those who lost a child. They grieve silently.

Anna Jarvis became critical of the commercialization around the movement she started. She was right. Yet it doesn’t change the honor bestowed on Mothers. Nor should it…

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Spirituality

Are You Rich or Poor?

Some parts of society are obsessed with wealth. Money is a tool, nothing more. The pompous, pontificating politicians will tell you, loudly, that the wealthy are greedy. They are lying to you.

In my professional career I am privileged to work with some people who have tremendous resources. Not a single one is self-centered or greedy. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. They have their philanthropic causes they support. And every single one I know is kind and thoughtful.

I’m certain there are exceptions. There always are, but it has been my experience that people of means are quick to help others. Again, the politicians are lying to you.

The political class is filled with useful idiots who want more of our hard earned dollars. Who’s greedy, you might ask?

If you have a little money in the bank, good friends and family and good health, you are already wealthy. Put the focus on people because all people are important. Everyone matters.

Take a moment to think the Creator for the good in your life. He is the one who gives us everything. Stay in gratitude…

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Spirituality

Weight Loss

As we age our metabolism changes. When I was in my 30’s I could practically will weight off. Today? Not so much! Diet and exercise are the only sustainable ways to stay physically fit.

There are other weights we might need to shed. In my observation, some people are weighed down by feelings of guilt and shame for things they have been forgiven for long ago. The people I’m referring to have had a true change of heart, but bad religion or other people want to keep the offender mired in their past.

Weak people love to remind others of the bad decisions they made in their lives. The weak ones might need to look themselves in the mirror rather than focusing on others. Weak people tend to have massive egos which blinds them to the things they need to work on.

It has been said that we are all “works in progress.” Is this true? Growth requires discomfort. Staying the same while claiming that our societal ills are someone else’s problem is arrogance and complacency.

My encouragement to you is to be willing to get involved. Don’t rely on the politicians because many of them aren’t qualified to be the assistant manager of a garage sale. Throw off anything weighing you down. Sometimes the dead weight includes some people. Be willing…

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Spirituality

Break the Chains

Many people are facing real struggles. Some are allowing fear to take control of their thoughts and hence, their actions. This isn’t sustainable.

There are strongholds that can paralyze you. These are very real. The perpetrators are evil forces that are all around us. We can’t see them, but they are real and they are powerful. But take hope because the battle is not over.

There are angels of light present, too. You and I have the most powerful friend in the universe on our side. His name is Jesus. Nothing can stop him. It says in The Book of James that he makes the demons shudder.

If you are in a situation where you feel fearful, ask Jesus to help you. Even if you don’t really know him, ask him to reveal himself to you. He will. Jesus is on our side, always, and he brings light to our darkness and peace in our hearts.

Chains are strong. Jesus is stronger. Nothing binds or restricts him. Break the chains. Live freely…

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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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