The artists get it right. They have a unique ability to turn their inner pain into something beautiful.
Last night I went to see Seal. He intimidated that his childhood wasn’t a happy one. Yet, he found his way through music. Here’s a short clip from the concert. Listen to the lyrics…
I love animals. Always have. When I was a kid, my mutt dog “Chipper” was my closest confidante.
Animals have a heightened awareness of their instincts. They must listen to their inner voice to survive in some situations. When a storm is coming, animals go to safety well before the storm arrives. It’s pretty cool, actually.
Pay attention to animals when they meet someone new. If your normally friendly dog acts aggressively towards someone, this tells you everything you need to know about that person.
We have instincts, too. Use them…
Education is defined as “the receiving or giving of systematic instruction,” but it’s really more than just information. We can read and memorize data from textbooks, but we know thought has taken hold when we apply such knowledge. Application shows proficiency.
The status of education in the United States is troubling in some cases. We are “dumbing down” our requirements so more kids can pass. This isn’t a solution. It merely hides a deeper challenge. We need to increase our standards, demand accountability from our educators, and focus on the areas Horace Mann did: the head, the hands and the heart. Intellect, application and emotion.
We can reverse the state of education, but we must be willing and not give up. Our future depends on it, and us…
We tend to rush through our day, trying to cram as much in as possible. Maybe I’m the only one?
When we get in a hurry, the odds of us making a mistake go up. This might include not listening to someone who needs to be heard. Instead of creating a deeper connection, we distance ourselves.
I encourage you to slow down, even if it’s just a little. You will do more things right the first time, and fewer opportunities will be missed…
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…
When I go to a five-star restaurant, I expect great food, atmosphere and service. If I only received two of the three, then the experience didn’t meet my expectations.
What do I expect from myself? Certainly I expect to give my best in life. For some people, my best isn’t good enough, while for others it’s more than enough.
But what about God? He gives the believer and the non-believer the same fresh air and sunshine. We all get the gift of life. So let’s not take Him for granted.
Jesus told us to “pray expectantly.” Believe we have received it before actually receiving it, thanking God in advance. That’s faith in a nutshell. And I believe it’s good, solid advice…
We all fake our way through certain situations. Introverted people act extroverted when forced to be in a group setting. Jerks act like good guys when they are vying for the pretty girl. Eventually everyone gets exposed.
There’s a better way. Just be yourself. Always work at improving yourself, but stay true to who you are. Don’t fake it, simply face it…
On the morning of April 20, 1999 two dark and disturbed young men ended the lives of 12 students and one teacher before the two murderers took their own lives. At the time, the Columbine High School massacre was the largest school shooting in American history.
From this unthinkable tragedy, an organization was born: Rachel’s Challenge. Rachel Scott was the first child killed that day, but she did not die in vain. Her impact on the lives of others lives on. Over 30 million people have experienced her story, thousands of youth suicides have been prevented, and at least 8 documented copycat school shootings have been averted.
After Rachel’s Challenge is introduced into a school, the school becomes a safer, better-connected community. Students are no longer trying to learn in a “fight or flight” environment. I proudly serve on the board of Rachel’s Challenge. Check it out here:
Everyone has an intense desire to be seen and heard. We all want to feel important, that we matter.
Take the focus off of yourself and allow others to feel like the most important person. You will gain more than you can imagine…
Our world is struggling. People are starving and it doesn’t have to be this way. Collectively we have the resources to feed everyone good, healthy food.
It’s easy to point out problems, but I like to be solution-conscious. We begin to solve hunger by teaching students how to grow vegetables while they are still in elementary school. Kids love to be creative, and what a great way to educate! They learn responsibility by taking care of their garden. They learn that before you reap, you gotta sow! And the kids can take pride in a job well done.
This idea isn’t isolated to The United States. Gardening can be accomplished anywhere (well, maybe not Antarctica). There’s always a way, if we are willing…
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