Tag Archives: #influence

#inspiration, #spirituality

I Might Be Wrong

I might be wrong. Those four, simple words can change the course of a conversation in an instant. They are simple words, so why are they so hard to say?

Pride gets in the way, it blinds us from the truth. It’s not a weakness to be wrong. In fact, studies have shown that we are wrong way more than we are right.

A developed, open mind adapts when given a reason to. Closed minds are closed. The self-righteous ones must be right every time. They see being wrong as a threat. It’s not a threat.

We need more conversations in our society. Open conversations where we give our counter party margin to express themselves. We can learn from each other when we are willing to listen openly.

Try using the word “consider” in your conversations. Guarded people lower their guard and open themselves up when you use that word.

It’s a great word to consider…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Missionaries

What image comes to mind when you think of missionaries? Maybe you think of people going to Africa or The Amazon to preach the Gospel. Or perhaps you take into consideration the Mormon guys with their white shirts and skinny black ties riding around on their bicycles.

All of those people are missionaries, and so are you! When you go to work, your mission is to make some money. Go on a group outing and you are on a mission to make friends. See what I mean?

I encourage you to take on the mission of making a difference. Start your newfound mission today and don’t look back. You will be glad you did…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Stoicism

Stoics endure pain or hardships without complaining. This doesn’t mean that stoic people are without feelings. They can feel things deeply. Yet stoic people realize that complaining doesn’t solve anything, nor will it make the situation better.

Do you know people who specialize in pointing out problems? I find those people difficult to be around. For every problem in our world there is a solution.

Turn into a solution conscious individual. It’s all in your attitude…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Decisions Decisions

How many decisions do you think you make every day? According to my Google search, we average between 33,000 and 35,000 decisions daily. That’s mind blowing and inspiring at the same time!

We, occasionally, are asked for advice from others. I’ve had people say “just tell me what to do.” But it’s not my place to decide things for others. We learn and grow through experience. We learn more from our failures than our successes.

When I was raising my children, I made decisions for them while they were under my care. They are adults now, and must make their own way through life. Fortunately they are young men with solid character, so I’m confident things will work out well for them in their lives.

I encourage you to make a conscious decision to make a difference. That’s one of the best decisions you can make. Decide today…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Columbine

We are coming up on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre. It’s been on my mind a lot lately. You see, I serve on the Board of Directors for Rachel’s Challenge, the largest organization in the world that focuses on kindness and compassion. This charity was founded after Columbine. Rachel was the first child killed that day.

Since Columbine, we have had many more school shootings. The gun isn’t the problem. When students feel connected and safe at school, all the societal ills go away. They learn better. And isn’t learning one of the reasons we send children to school?

Forgiveness has power. By forgiving those who have offended us, we harness that power and bring good from the bad. More on this in future writings.

Check out the organization by following the link. You will be glad you did…

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Prestige

Prestige is defined as “widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of a perception of their achievements or quality.” We revere people of prestige.

Have you ever met a famous person or celebrity? I have met many. I have had dinner with multiple people of prestige. The interesting thing is, they are just people. They might have special talents to entertain us, but their lives aren’t free from struggles and stress. There are some famous people who want you to worship them, but they are the minority. Most just want to be seen as regular people.

In the eyes of God we are all the same. No one reaches Heaven in a different way because of their earthly accomplishments. No one should feel diminished by another person because we are here to do God’s work. Sometimes fame comes with that, and sometimes not…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Joyful

As I write this, I’m sitting in my hotel room in Gatesville, Texas. I had the privilege of speaking in two prisons earlier today, one with male inmates and the other female. Tomorrow and Thursday I will be speaking in four additional prisons. I’m ecstatic.

Public speaking is something I have enjoyed for decades. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do volunteer work in prisons, but I’m glad I decided to. It gives me tremendous joy when I connect with the inmates. They feel seen and heard. And I make them laugh!

Get involved in volunteer work. You will get more than you give…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Marathon Runners

Life is a long journey, a marathon if you will. It seems to pass slowly and then one day you wake up and wonder where the time went.

If you are reading this, I have a revelation for you: God isn’t through with you. Or me! He wants to grow us, even stretch us to become who He created us to be. It’s not easy, but anything worthwhile is not going to be easy. We grow from our discomfort.

Pursue your true purpose. Stop wasting time and start living the dream God has for your life. Start now…

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#inspiration

WTF?

We have, as a society, gotten accustomed to curse words. Admittedly, I use them occasionally. It’s not something I’m proud of, though.

It takes no special talent to cuss. It does require skill to write and speak effectively. These can be accomplished without cursing for added emphasis.

Lift others with your words and actions. And when you keep it clean, people notice…

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