Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality, Uncategorized

Why Do You Believe What You Believe?

Growing up, I was taught that Christopher Columbus discovered the new land which became America. Imagine my shock when I learned the truth! Columbus never made it here. It was a lie I believed for a long time.

Do you ever question your beliefs? I believe it’s a good idea to test our beliefs and convictions. If you are one of the ones who questions whether God exists or not, well, you wouldn’t be the first to do that.

It has been demonstrated that we are wrong more than we are right. And the most glaring examples of this are the people who believe they are always right about everything. A massive ego combined with some intelligence creates a self-righteous ass.

Having faith in a God we can’t see takes courage. Society today grasps onto New Age BS which tells us the answers are “within.” Yet, the New Age devotees are still looking for a Higher Power for guidance. They just don’t call him God.

I believe in the God of the impossible. My belief comes not only from personal experiences, but the miracles I have seen happen in the lives of others. He has redeemed the lives of addicts, restored families, and caused money to appear when there was none.

It’s a good thing to question yourself. We are like science experiments. In science there are no answers, only more questions…

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Spirituality

Never Too Late

Are you one of the many people who are struggling right now? Mental health has been compromised while the cost of living skyrocketed the last four years, adding to the stress. People need hope right now like never before.

There is always hope, no matter how bleak it may appear to be. Don’t fear the future. There is something around the next corner, and you have to believe it’s something good. Keep taking one brave step after another. You will make it if you just keep going.

Surround yourself with good people. Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies. Turn the television off and go outside in nature. Tell God everything you are feeling. You can tell him if you’re angry with him, frustrated or disappointed. God can take a punch and he won’t hit back or hold a grudge. You don’t have to sound all spiritual or righteous. Just be yourself.

Believe in yourself, and believe that your future is bright. See the life you want. Pray for it. Keep your vision in the forefront of your mind.

You will make it happen if you refuse to quit…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Prosperity Gospel

Prosperity Gospel began in the 1950’s and continues to spread across the globe today. More people than ever are tapped into it because of the World Wide Web.

One of the theses is that it is God’s will for everyone to prosper and become wealthy. Some Pastors have perverted the true Gospel to fit their agenda. “Name it and claim it,” they say. This turns God into a genie who grants our every wish. The caveat is that for God to grant you health and wealth, you must first give.

God’s will is accomplished through us on this planet. He does want us to give in faith. In the Bible, God tells us to “test me on this” with regard to tithing (Malachi 3:10). God certainly doesn’t need anything from us, including our money. But this is an act of faith in His ability to provide for us. And our resources oftentimes go to help others who are in need.

Not everyone will become wealthy. Jesus himself told us “the poor will be with us always.” But God cares deeply for all of us, and we should help those who are less fortunate.

Give to worthy causes, including churches, when you feel moved to. But I encourage you to give freely, not expecting anything in return. God examines our hearts when we give.

You and I are prosperous now. Fresh air, sunshine and a beating heart are worth more than gold. Prosperity is not just about money…

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Spirituality

Fear Not

Fear has killed more dreams than lack of talent ever has. Fear will hold you back, keep you where you are rather than where you want to be. Unless…you are willing to break free and live in the unknown.

Should you choose to chase your purpose, you won’t be running the road by yourself. Did you know that in the Bible God tells us to “fear not” 365 times? That’s one for every day of the year. Coincidence? I think not.

Everyone has a battle within themselves. This is the conflict between where you were and who you are becoming. You can choose to go through the motions of life, living in frustration and safety. Or, you can sever the ropes that are trying to mire you in mediocrity and begin to live in the fullness you were created to live in. It is and always will be your choice.

I encourage you to step out and live your purpose with faith at your side. Embrace the fear you may feel and press on. All of life is an unknown, so keep going no matter what happens. Be adaptable…

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Spirituality

Forgetfulness

Sometimes I walk into a room and forget why I went in there. Or I will open a new browser to do a search on something important, yet I can’t recall what it was a half second later! Everything gets done so I guess I eventually remembered!

One of the things I never forget are the brave men and women who fought for this wonderful country I live in. Free speech, peaceful protesting and owning a gun are rights I have because of the sacrifice of others before me. I may never know their names or their life stories, but I’m grateful for them.

The United States is an imperfect country, no doubt. We will continue to have challenges for as long as we will be a country. But we rise up and help each other when the need arises. I don’t forget the goodness people extended to me to help me in life.

Take a moment to give thanks for the people who have helped you. No matter how much we argue or disagree, it is my hope that we never lose our good heartedness. That’s something worth remembering…

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Spirituality

In The Pit

Life isn’t always easy. There will be times in the lives of some people where they get to the breaking point. My encouragement to you if this is where you find yourself, bend but don’t break. You can get through this.

God never promised us a carefree life. In fact, Jesus himself told us “in this world there will be trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When I think about this statement, it reminds me of how big God is.

Your challenges may be a surprise to you but they aren’t to God. He exists in the past, present and future all at once. Beginning to end. I’m not minimizing what you are experiencing. Not at all. But the God who created the universe and everything good in it can handle your problems. And mine.

You might be at a point in your life where you want to give up. Don’t. You have a great purpose to fulfill.

Place your reliance totally on God. Trust him to see you through. Then give him the glory…

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Spirituality

Offer Encouragement

The struggle continues for many of our friends and neighbors. Mental health was already compromised and then the pandemic hit. Isolation is never a good thing. Suicide rates reached levels not seen since 1941.

Encourage others. Don’t offer fake encouragement because people see right through it. Just take a moment to check on people. People need to know that someone cares about them. And guess what! You benefit, too. What we give out we get back!

We can be selfish by nature. Practice selflessness. Instead of thinking of yourself, think about others. By doing this you will be demonstrating a rare form of humility not often seen in today’s society.

In conclusion, if you are in need of some encouragement, reach out to someone. Anyone. Crisis hotlines are overwhelmed with incoming traffic, so hang on don’t hang up. Help is available. What you are going through won’t last forever.

Stay hopeful…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Eyesight

Do you view a half glass of liquid as being half full or half empty? And just how big of a glass are you looking at? Today’s post is about what we see.

Admittedly, I’m a good finder. I see the good in every person and every situation. While I’m usually happy with this trait, sometimes I hang on to people too long. When I don’t use discernment and solid judgment, it can be a character flaw.

Others are pessimistic about the future. They can be the Eeyores of the world. Those types of people see a problem in every solution!

My hope for you, and me, is that we see the world around us through God’s eyes. He sees everything. Let’s focus on seeing the beauty in creation. This applies to people and animals as well as nature.

Peer into the heart of mankind. See and acknowledge the good works people do for others without expecting anything in return. There’s beauty there, too…

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Spirituality

Interview with Kerie Hamilton

Kerie Hamilton is a remarkable young woman. She’s an entrepreneur, a model, a mother, and the host of her own podcast, I Am with Kerie Hamilton.

Kerie’s childhood was anything but idyllic. Her stepfather was a cruel, demented person who would verbally and physically attack Kerie and her sister. She was deathly afraid to tell anyone because this monster told her, “next time will be worse” if you tell.

Click on the link to listen to her story of healing from her past, including a stalker boyfriend who couldn’t take no for an answer. Somehow, through all this, Kerie is a kind, caring person. Funny, too!

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

I Have Heard That Voice

A little history today. Six years ago I started posting new content to this site every day. Prior to June 9, 2019 it had been an occasional blog. Then things changed.

In late May of the same year, I kept hearing a nudging voice. It was telling me to write every day. The voice wasn’t audible, but the message was clear. And here’s the truth! I didn’t want to write something daily. But the voice wouldn’t go away, and so I finally gave in. I’m glad I did.

Backing up to October 2015, the same voice came out of nowhere on a Tuesday morning and told me to write a blog. There I was, 7:20 in the morning, driving to work and thinking about my day ahead, and there it was. It was bizarre.

So, back to present day, I’m going to take some of what I consider to be my best writings and put them in a book. My hope for the new book as well as my daily messages is this: I want to provide some encouragement, strength and hope for others. Our world needs hope, now more than ever. We all have a part to play.

Thank you to everyone who reads, shares and comments. I appreciate you all…

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