Tag Archives: #hope

#inspiration, #spirituality

Finding Purpose

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most men live lives of quiet desperation, and die with their song still in them.” Do you want to die unfulfilled? I don’t think you do.

Let’s go on a journey together to find purpose and meaning in our lives. The first thing to do is pray. Ask God to show you the way to your higher purpose. Then ask God for the courage to follow through and do it.

Step two is to take an inventory of what you are good at. What makes you feel alive? Write everything down. Keep your list with you and add to it as things come to light.

Step three is to begin. Start moving in the direction you are led in. Don’t concern yourself with having everything figured out beforehand. The pathway will open as you take steps. Be fearless.

Expect setbacks and frustrations. They are natural. Work through them and keep moving forward.

Finally, thank God regularly that He is on this road with you. Thank Him for guidance and for lifting hurdles.

Start now. Do not hesitate. I look forward to seeing you on the road less traveled…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Holiday Blues

The holidays bring out a variety of different emotions. I hate to admit it, but I’m always glad when the holidays are over. They were always a disappointment to me during my childhood, so memories really do have muscle.

I love to see people enjoying and celebrating the holidays. Families and friends share some happy moments and create memories. These are good things.

There are other people who are struggling, doing everything they can to hold it together. People put on a good front but they might be dying inside. For this reason, I encourage you to slow down during the holiday rush. Whatever you are in a hurry for can wait. Take the time to show a little extra kindness.

Your kindness might be someone’s last, best hope…

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#inspiration

Retirement

Retirement is something many people look forward to. They dream of doing the things they always wanted to do, and now they have the time.

Studies demonstrate that retiring might not be the panacea we hope it is. In fact, the later in life that you retire, the longer your life expectancy. Many people experience mental health problems. Their daily sense of purpose is gone.

Why not do the things you always wanted right now instead of waiting? We truly don’t know how long we will live. Go find yourself and live now.

Experience life. Engage. Dream. And then go do…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Hope

What do you hope for? Wealth, a spouse or a child, or maybe you hope your health is restored? Hope is all we have when we don’t have anything else.

In 2021, one study revealed that 42% of students felt hopeless. They feared the future because they didn’t believe it held any promise for them. This is both alarming and a little frightening. Young people should be the ones who bring light into the world, yet many are clouded in darkness.

Adults are struggling, too. Mental health was shredded from fear and isolation during the pandemic. So what can we do?

Reach out to others. Check on them. Maybe a quick phone call or text doesn’t mean much in the moment, but it might be exactly what someone needs in that moment. You will benefit, too.

You might be someone’s last, best hope. Make contact…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Are You Angry With God?

Bad things happen to good people. We can’t understand why nor can we explain it away. They just happen.

When we are on the receiving end of something terrible, we want to lash out and blame someone. Sometimes we take our anger out on God. We blame God for causing the injustice. We can’t understand why a loving, all powerful God would do this to us or someone we care about. Let’s examine this a little deeper.

First off, God cannot do bad things to us. His nature is good and only good. He would be going against himself if he caused evil. He allows things to happen. This occurs because He wants us to rely on Him and not ourselves.

I want you to, the reader, to know it’s okay to be angry with God. He understands. You can yell at Him, tell Him off and God will never retaliate. When His children hurt, He hurts, too. Tell God everything you are feeling. Ask Him to help you see a God-ordained outcome. It will happen. He’s still in control.

God wants to hear from us when we hurt. He can take a punch…

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#inspiration

Ignorance

It has been said that ignorance is bliss. Sometimes I believe this to be true.

Some people live in an echo chamber, and they refuse to listen to anyone who disagrees with them. These types of people are self-righteous and believe they are an authority. I believe they are simply arrogant.

Dialogue is essential for civility. Take the time to listen to someone you don’t agree with. Maybe you don’t even like them. But when we listen, we have an opportunity to learn and grow…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Blind Side

Do you have any flaws? I certainly do. One thing I’m grateful for is the fact I can recognize my shortcomings, and I’m willing to work on them. This isn’t easy.

Accepting ourselves as we are is a struggle for many. We know ourselves and our history of making mistakes. Those can put a chink in the armor. Yet, most of us are trying to improve ourselves and our character. This is a lifelong battle.

Look at yourself objectively. Think of ways to improve yourself. Then take the first step towards a better life as a better version of yourself…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Balancing Act

Books have been written and speakers talk about achieving work/life balance. I believe the ones who propose this is possible are charlatans trying to make money off what people desire.

Living fully means giving your all to life. Something will be out of balance. Always. Prioritize what is most important in your life and try to limit your list to three things. Then commit yourself to making a difference in those things.

Along the way you will have to learn to say no. The first time is the hardest. Setting boundaries is a healthy habit!

Find your why and then give it your all. Balance isn’t necessary…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Freedom

The freedoms we enjoy in the United States came at a cost. Much blood was spilled defending our rights to free speech and liberty. We must hold these things deep in our hearts, because they are not permanent. They can be lost.

On this Thanksgiving day, I’m grateful I was born here during this era in history. My calling is to inspire others, and to spread encouragement, strength and hope to a world in desperate need of it.

Stay hopeful…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Street Theology

Some people have tons of Scriptures memorized. Scripture is most effective when you allow it to seep into your heart and manifest through your actions.

How do people know you are a spiritual person? At their core, religions are peace seeking. They value truth and integrity, along with worship of and believing in a God of their understanding. We know individuals are faith-filled by their actions.

Street theology is about letting your actions demonstrate the God you believe in, whether you can recite Scripture or not…

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