Tag Archives: #inspiration

Spirituality

The Weak

One of the most important things we can do is to protect those who are weak. It’s no doubt that God cares about widows and orphans. He told us to look out for them and their needs.

When my sons were in high school, there was a young man who barely stood five feet tall. Adding to his height challenge was the fact that he was gay. My sons, who were strong and athletic, took him under their wing and protected him. They made sure he had a good experience in school, not one filled with fear of getting picked on. I’m proud of my children for this.

In Austin where I live, there are beggars on practically every street corner. Some have children with them. It’s heartbreaking to see little kids sitting in the blazing sun while their parents ask for help. I don’t give them any money, but when I am able I hand out food and water to them. I’m leery of the motives of people on the street, but I’m hopeful that food doesn’t get wasted.

Remember those in need. No one sets out in life to be homeless. And remember to pray for them. God listens…

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Spirituality

Consider The Source

The media lies. People gossip. Memes rule the internet. Some memes are funny as hell, but many are there to mislead. So where can we find truth?

The Bible is the only reliable source for truth. It is a comprehensive self-help book. Everything we need to know about how to live our lives on this side of eternity is in there. Health, prosperity, forgiveness and healing? They’re all there.

Reading the Bible can be challenging. There are parts I don’t understand. Yet there are some fascinating stories, too. Daniel sleeping with the lions, Peter walking on water, the sun standing still…there’s even a talking donkey!

When you are looking for guidance or hope, I encourage you to check the source that will give you reliable information. It won’t turn you into some religious nut, but it will tell you the truth…

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Uncategorized

Starbucks

Coffee is my favorite drink in the morning. I easily drink 48 ounces of coffee every day. In the times I have abstained from coffee it has rewarded me with a headache!

Starbucks was started in 1971 by three friends who wanted to bring dark roast coffee to Seattle. In the beginning they only sold beans. People loved the flavor so the business thrived. Today there are over 40,000 Starbucks stores all over the world.

I have read about people who boycott Starbucks for a variety of social reasons. That’s their choice. I love their coffee, and the workers tend to be friendly. That’s good for a store that is trying to sell you something!

If you haven’t, I encourage you to give Starbucks a try. If you don’t like coffee, they sell lots of other stuff. And you’ll be supporting the workers with your patronage.

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Spirituality

Today in History

On May 19, 1943, Prime Minister Winston Churchill was in Washington DC to plan the D Day landing at Normandy Beach. When the assault took place over a year later, it changed the course of World War II. Many people died that day, but their deaths were not in vain.

Led by the United States and Great Britain, thirteen total countries were involved in the attack. Because of the strength of the tides, there was only a few days each month when the landing could occur. God was with us that day in 1944. Tyranny took a serious blow. Hitler went from playing offense to defense almost overnight.

The people who sacrificed, fought, and the families who suffered lost loved ones have been called the greatest generation. They had a toughness that I do believe still exists today. In some cases it might just be lying dormant. The Spirit of good over evil is alive within us. We must continue the fight.

Take a moment to thank God for guiding the thoughts and plans that Churchill and Roosevelt came up with. Freedom should never be taken for granted…

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Spirituality

Overstimulated

Our brains are really remarkable. It’s the greatest gift God gave us, and it’s a true marvel to study. Yet, it can go awry if we don’t protect it. Let me explain.

When I was a child, I lived in a constant state of fight-or-flight. My brain was on overdrive. It developed coping mechanisms which allowed me to survive. Those methods were meant to serve me well for only a short period, not all my life. Only through psychotherapy was I able to reroute my brain in a healthy way.

What we read, watch on television and YouTube shape our minds. We must ensure that what we allow in must be pure and good. It’s a huge responsibility to take care of our brains because there are negative stimuli everywhere. You almost can’t avoid it.

Be aware of everything you are exposing yourself to, whether it’s online or offline. It’s either good for us or bad for us.

Choose the good…

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Spirituality

Burned Out

When people tell me they are going through a period of burnout, most associate it with being overworked, overwhelmed and tired. Burnout is more than this. And it can be prevented.

People get burned out because the stressors of life are too much to handle in that moment. Work, obligations, unexpected challenges, the list of stressors never ends. This is just how life is, yet it’s manageable.

Setting healthy boundaries is the key to preventing burnout. Learn to say no. Take the time to take care of yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be any good to anyone else. It starts with your mental health.

Prioritize sleep, eat good food, real food not processed crap, and have meaningful conversations with others. All of these impact your mental well-being. Neglecting one or more and your life becomes unbalanced. You have burned out.

The better you are, the better you can be for others. Take care…

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Spirituality

Our Father

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, the first words Jesus said were, “Our Father.” There was a time in my life where I really wished Jesus hadn’t referred to God as Father. It was conflicting for me.

My father was cruel, demented, and capable of great violence. Growing up, I lived in a constant state of fear. I had no idea what might set my parents off, so I walked on eggshells.

You can see how I must have felt when I was asked to consider God as a father. Not only a father, but a perfect father at that! It just didn’t compute.

Only through a lot of self-work and forgiveness was I able to see God clearly. He is a good Father, a perfect Father. He created me and you, and didn’t make a mistake or have a second thought.

If this is difficult for you, too, I encourage you to pray about it. Ask God to open your eyes to the truth about who He is. And like a good Father, He will answer…

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Uncategorized

I’m Flattered

Oscar Wilde wrote “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” There is much to unravel with Wilde’s quote, but for brevity’s sake let’s stick with flattery.

It’s nice to receive a compliment. Being confident in yourself and your abilities allows you to accept the compliment with humility and appreciation. I have had been privileged to have dinner with some accomplished people in the acting and sports world. To a person, each one realized how fortunate they were to have had such great success in their respective fields. No arrogance or rudeness, even when dinner was interrupted by people seeking autographs and pictures.

There are people who try to flatter others thinking they will get something in return. The fakes are pretty easy to spot.

I encourage you to look for ways to pass on compliments when you can. Remember that it’s not always about you. Be sincere. Write a short note to people you admire. Sincere flattery can go a long way when offered in the right way…

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Spirituality

Lucky

Have you ever known someone who has tremendous luck? You know, everything falls into place for them. But is it really luck?

Every experience we have prepares us for something else. Because I went through a hellish period with one of my sons, God has positioned me to help a couple of other men who are experiencing the same thing. The way my son’s life has turned out gives them hope. It’s not luck that we know each other. It was orchestrated by God.

Someone once said that “the harder they work, the luckier they get.” This is true. Life doesn’t just happen. You must go find the future you are looking for.

Decide today that you will make your own luck from here on out. Then get to work!

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Spirituality

Trappings

Some people work their lives away seeking wealth, power and prestige. If you are reading this and find it relatable, I encourage you to stop the chase. It’s a trap that can leave you feeling hollow. No one wants to feel hollow.

Money is nice, but it’s only a tool. A big house is comfortable and inviting, but eventually you won’t be satisfied until you get a bigger, more modern home. The chase continues until you decide to seek what will fulfill you.

The most important thing in this world isn’t a thing, it’s people. Relationships will provide you a sense of satisfaction and well-being you cannot get from the trappings of this life.

And speaking of life, take a moment to thank God for another day on this side of eternity. We have an opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Make your difference…

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