Tag Archives: #hope

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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Spirituality

Free Radicals

In the science world, free radicals are unstable molecules that are missing an electron, which makes them highly reactive. They are produced naturally in the body, but outside influences such as pollution, smoke and processed foods can cause them, too.

What happened to the Democrats? The party used to represent working people while also standing up for free speech. Today’s party is full of elites who detest the working class. And the crazies shout you down when you disagree with them. This represents a far cry from the party of JFK.

Jesus was a radical. He revolutionized his era, preaching love while hanging around with the people who were outcast by the religious leaders of their time. Jesus gave people hope and he never wavered.

Today’s Democrats are the free radicals in the physical world. Not all of them, of course. Just the far-left wing which are the ones who get most of the attention.

My encouragement to you is to continue standing up for what is true, right and just. Those things transcend politics…

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Spirituality

Uninspired

Do you ever have days where you just can’t find any motivation? Of course you do. It’s natural. But the real question is, how do you respond on those days?

Periods like this are when you must be careful. Be careful to not allow your mind to play tricks on you. Your mind will tell you to coast, that you deserve to slow down or not give your best. Don’t fall for it!

My encouragement to you is to walk away for a moment. Get outside if it’s possible. Breathe deeply. Your waning motivation is merely a feeling, nothing more. Feelings pass. Taking that brief recess will get your mindset right.

Once you’ve reset your mind, get after it! You have a reason for being here…

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Spirituality

Play on Words

Sometimes a play on words is funny. Like when you provide comfort to a grammar freak: “there, their, they’re.” Goofy stuff like this makes me laugh.

Words have meaning. Actions have meaning. When they don’t align then they are hollow. Some of us had parents whose actions didn’t follow what they said. This created confusion in our brains because our parents were our first teachers.

Be careful with what you say. People pay attention and they can see what we do. Never allow your emotions to take over your words. Stay calm in the chaos.

There are good people in this world who say little but accomplish much. Follow their lead. They are solid.

I leave you with this:

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