#inspiration

Acceptance

Acceptance is a broad subject to write about. In today’s culture, there are those who demand we accept them. That’s not really how acceptance works.

Self-acceptance might be our biggest challenge in life. We see all our faults, shortcomings and past failures. But we also see the good we have done. We have an invisible enemy who wants to keep us down, who reminds us of our past. But we have a real, invisible God who is for us. He is always on our side and wants us to love ourselves in a healthy way.

Keep your focus on the good you do and have done. Then do more and your self-acceptance will rise…

Standard
#inspiration

GPS

My car came equipped with a Global Positioning System, commonly known as a GPS. I’m not sure how I ever figured my way to my destination before, but I guess I was somehow successful.

Many people are wandering aimlessly through life. They don’t need a GPS because any road they go down will allow them to wander and roam. But we aren’t meant to live without purpose. We are hardwired for more.

If you are searching for your purpose, take inventory of what you are good at, and what you enjoy doing. This is how God made you. Once you figure out your greater purpose, use The Bible as your GPS…

Standard
#inspiration

Surface Diversity

In the United States, we get diversity wrong. We have been taught that a diverse group is a group with multiple skin colors. This barely scratches the surface.

A group of ten white men is diverse. Oh they are all white, so there are those who see no further than that. But inside each man is a person with unique experiences, beliefs, causes, struggles and strengths. Inside is where diversity lies, not outside.

Keep this in mind when you are putting together a team. Focus on finding the best add to your group, people with unique gifts. Then you will have achieved diversity…

Standard
#inspiration

Surreality

I am in my hometown of Sherman, Texas as I write this. It’s my first time back in 26 years. And it’s weird.

Much has changed, but most has stayed the same. Restaurants and office buildings have exploded, but much of the charm of a small town remains.

I never really fit in here. Even as a child I wanted to be in a city. I got what I wanted, living in Austin, Texas. But this I know: people are pretty similar, whether in a small town or a large city. Everyone has the same wants, dreams and desires. ..

Standard
#inspiration

Posts

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great ways we can communicate with others. Each post represents a part of our lives.

I use such media to post inspirational thoughts or something funny. My posts are showing the world a bit of who I am. Even inspiring messages get an occasional snarky message. My thoughts are that the person who criticizes me is the one who needs the message the most. I’m not offended.

I encourage you to use your social media to build bridges, not divide. We have enough division in our world…

Standard
#inspiration

Youth Mental Health

Today I want to further address one of my favorite subjects, our young people.

Since the Columbine massacre in 1999, there have been 147 kids killed in school shootings. One child lost is one too many, but there’s something else. Youth suicide has exploded. For each of the 147 deaths, 400 kids have taken their own lives. Mental health has been shredded even more during the pandemic. We can reverse this disturbing trend.

Let’s begin by acknowledging our young people. They are important and need to know they are accepted and loved, whether that love comes from a parent, teacher or someone else.

Everyone needs human connection, and that includes our young people…

Standard
#inspiration

Wealth

Society reveres the wealthy. There’s even a term for it, “High Society.” We have turned the wealthy into a god.

Wealth and resources are given by God. He is the provider, and God can take away. God told Solomon he would give him anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom, not money. Interesting, huh? Solomon became the wealthiest man the world has ever known.

If you have wealth, and everyone does, use it for good. You might not have a lot of money, but if you’re reading this you have eyesight. What is your sight worth? If your mind is processing the information, what is your brain worth?

Take inventory. You have wealth, too…

Standard
#inspiration

Moods

I often say, “I have one mood, and it’s good!” It’s true. I don’t allow the difficulties of the day to affect my mood.

Every day we will face unknown challenges. As much as we want to believe we can control what happens to us, we are not in control. God has a much greater plan that we are incapable of understanding. So let’s trust that He is on our side, and that good can come from even our worst day.

When you let go of the desire to control, freedom waits…

Standard
#inspiration

Insane!

There are people in this world who will act like we are the greatest thing ever, only to turn on us when we don’t allow them to manipulate us. You know the type. Narcissistic personalities have pervaded society, or at least it seems that way.

Narcissists will try to break us down and rebuild us the way they want. They are sick. They see nice people as prey, not as a person who has their own goals, dreams and desires. Narcissists are like ninjas when it comes to manipulating and gaslighting people. They have struck you before you even knew they were trying.

Stand up for yourself. It won’t be easy to learn this lesson. Remember this-God alone has authority over our lives. Let Him guide you through the process of learning…

Standard