Tag Archives: #jesus

Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Danger of Unity

Unity is a good thing, right? Sometimes it is, but there are times it can be taken too far.

One universal truth is that we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. This goes beyond just wanting to belong. We want our lives to count for something. When we become part of a movement, a movement for good, it gives us purpose. Purpose combined with massive effort translates into results.

Unity can also stifle creativity and individuality. Being part of a unified group sounds great until you be yourself within the group. No two people are alike. We have different goals, dreams, pain, struggles and desires. Tamping down who you are so you can remain in the group leads to a life of frustration and sorrow.

Some churches have made people feel unwelcome because, “they aren’t our kind of Christians.” I thought there was only one type, but not everyone sees it that way. The church I go to and am deeply involved with stays true to the Gospel, but welcomes everyone. This includes those who have given up their hope in finding a faith community that serves them well, the bored and the broken.

Being united for good while maintaining your identity within the group can be a balancing act. Whatever you do, choose to be who you are. That’s bigger than any group because this is how God made you. Honor His work…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Do You See God?

Do you see God at work in your life? The hand of God is involved in every detail of our lives. God does a lot of His work behind the scenes, but it’s there whether we acknowledge it or not.

God gives us, believers and non-believers alike, fresh air and sunshine. He gives us everything good in our lives. He gives to the faithful and the people who curse him freely. He gives us the choice to love Him or reject Him. The choice is ours and ours alone.

When you take the time to look for Gods influence in your life, it will become more clear for you. He really does care about every detail of our lives.

Thank God in advance for the good He brings into your life. When you do this for an extended period of time, your faith will grow exponentially. You will see the hand of God at work. Promise…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Sign of the Times

Recently I have noticed a lot of signs posted in retail stores reminding people to “treat their employees with courtesy and respect.” Between Austin and Dallas there are billboards telling people to slow down in construction zones because “the workers want to return home safely. “ What in the world is going on?

Depression and anxiety have been on the rise in the United States for quite some time. Young people, especially young women, have been disproportionately affected. With science, asking why is the beginning of understanding the phenomenon. Over 40% of children have chronic diseases. Thank God HHS is finally doing a deep dive into why, hoping to find answers. You might not like the answers, but the question remains relevant. We cannot sustain our population when life expectancy has been coming down, which it has.

God gave each of us a living miracle when he created the human body. Your heart will beat 36 million times this year. Your brain makes 25,000 independent decisions each second. We must take care of ourselves by eating right, getting some exercise daily, and putting the electronics away for a while. Society is more connected than ever, but we are living in the loneliest time ever, too. Again, why?

Again, a reminder that we should show kindness. The person waiting on you in a store might be doing all they can to hold it together. Taking care of yourself includes showing some kindness and compassion to your fellow man…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Newness

We love new things, don’t we? That new car smell is one that stays with us. It hits the senses in a good way.

Newborns have the softest skin ever. It’s really remarkable. Only after exposure to the elements is when we “toughen up” a bit. We are able to soften ourselves to the touch by using oils and creams, but it doesn’t get us to the level of a newborn baby.

What about old ideas recycled as new? In New York City, the new Mayor has brought the idea of socialism to the great city. Socialism sounds good, but it doesn’t work. It has never worked but he makes fiery speeches that make it sound attractive to the masses. It’s interesting to note that one of his campaign promises was broken on the first day. Instead of free buses and subways, the cost to ride them went up!

Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in this world. We want our lives to matter, to count for something. We have the ability to make this happen, but it’s up to us to act.

Remember what the author of The Book of James told us: “faith without works is dead.” God gave us unique talents. He expects us to use them…

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Spirituality

I Wonder…

Sometimes silly things pop into my head. Things such as, I wonder what happened to “Baghdad Bob.” Remember him? He was so ridiculous yet entertaining even the President enjoyed his broadcasts.

Important questions come to mind, too. I wonder how we became so divided in the United States. We have had political differences since before the Constitution was written, but in the end the people worked through their differences. The framers created one of the greatest documents ever written, second to the Bible. The Constitution isn’t perfect, like Scripture, but it has lasted for 250 years. That’s longer than I have been alive!

I look at this beautiful world we live in with awe and wonder. The stars are magnificent. The mountains of Norway are majestic, soaring into the sky like nothing I have ever seen. The raw beauty God created never ceases to amaze me. If your life’s focus is political divide, you are going to miss so much.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m willing to engage in conversations with intelligent, open-minded people who see the world differently. This is one of the ways I learn. It’s not a threat to challenge your own beliefs and convictions. It’s a healthy exercise that expands the lens you see the world through.

Still I wonder what happened to the people who used to send me unsolicited invitations to play Candy Crush. One day they just quit coming.

One day life will be over for everyone. A lot of the things I don’t understand will be answered in eternity. Or maybe they won’t. But while I’m on this side, I’m going to enjoy the people and the places. It’s my hope that you do, too…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Who Do You See?

Well over two decades ago I stopped asking what someone did for a living when I was introduced to them. With men, especially, “what do you do?” is a question as common as the air we breathe. But it’s a limiting question.

We have a tendency to place people in categories. Placing our emphasis on the resume someone brings to the table restricts our ability to see them for who they are. We are a planet of 8 billion unique individuals, not categories to be placed in a file.

Everyone is equal in the eyes of God. He created us, loves us the same, and doesn’t play favorites. Although as I live out the walking sitcom my life is, I sometimes believe I’m Gods favorite recreational sport! I give him a lot to laugh about and enjoy.

Try to see through to the heart of man. Forget about their position in life or what they might be able to do to for you. Get to know the real person and leave judgment at the door. It’s in these moments where you can make a connection.

Focus on the who, not the what when you meet others. Both of your lives will be better for it…

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Spirituality

Mind Shift

The new year brings a sense of renewed optimism because it means leaving the past behind. Our minds have shifted from holiday mode to the newness of 2026.

But life won’t change unless you bring your mindset along for the ride. Old thought patterns must be replaced with a new, different way of thinking. The old ways no longer serve you well. And you have to want it.

Make the decision to never go back. Live in the moment while staying focused on your future. It takes hard work, but anything worthwhile will not be easy. You must commit to your dreams, and this means you must commit to changing your thoughts.

Borrowing from Paul, “keep your eyes on what’s true, right and noble.” Aligning what you’re going after with God’s vision for your life will benefit mankind.

Every battle is won or lost in the mind. The truth is, it’s decided before you even begin because your mind knows if you are committed or not. Finding purpose brings commitment.

You really can do anything you set your mind to. A dynamic dream, powered by commitment and purpose while remaining aligned with God’s purpose for your life is unstoppable.

Wait no longer. It’s time to get started…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Problems? What Problems?

In the United States, we do not have problems like the rest of the world. We aren’t perfect, but we are the most fortunate people on planet earth.

The politicians yell their fiery rhetoric on the challenges that many Americans face: the cost of living, safety, jobs etc. And the politicians love to make you believe they have solutions for every problem you are facing. The government can’t fix a flat tire which means they can’t fix anything in your life. Only you can. And you live in the one country that provides the opportunity.

We have citizens who are incapable of caring for themselves. The government should provide for their care from birth to death. But if you can walk and talk, then you can think and do. It’s the thinking and doing that stops many in their tracks. Victimhood reigns in some circles.

When you change your mindset to focusing on solutions rather than problems, you begin to dwell in possibility. Our brains are the greatest gift God gave us. Let’s use them for good. We, as individuals working together, really can leave the world better than we found it. Let’s get started…

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Spirituality

Timing is Everything

Have you ever had to deliver a truthful, yet difficult message to someone? Most of us, if not all have been in this position. This is when proper timing is needed.

Timing is everything. If you are placed in a precarious personal situation you must be keenly aware of the right time to execute. You can feel it when you are in touch with your emotions. You just know when it’s right and when it’s best to wait. I encourage you to follow your instincts on this.

We expect our friends to be honest with us. That’s part of friendship. All of us have tons of people around who will tell us what we want to hear. But that might not be what we need to hear. If you have someone in your life who is truthful with you about the good, the bad and the blind spots, that person is a treasure. Hold on to them.

When you have a difficult message to share, remember the writings of Paul from Galatians. Deliver the message with some gentleness and self-control. And remember to choose your timing well…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Walled In

On June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave a speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin. His famous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” went viral before viral was a thing. A little over two years later the wall came tumbling down. You can see a large piece of the wall at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.

Two years ago I read multiple studies showing that over 80% of adults in the United States don’t like themselves. The number shocked me, but when I considered the amount of hatred I observed on the internet it made sense. When someone doesn’t like themself, they will tear others apart so they won’t accept themselves, either.

It’s no surprise that people build walls, too. They create facades that show the world the person they want to look like, but that might not be who they are. Some people believe that if others saw the real person, they might not like who they see.

The undeniable truth is, each of us was created uniquely and on purpose by God. He had a plan in mind for us all. Another undeniable truth is that God doesn’t make junk, nor does he second guess himself. Unlike human beings, he knows what he’s doing all the time. It’s my hope that if you struggle with self-worth because life has knocked you around, you will find yourself in these truths. See yourself for who you are, not the version the world might want you to be.

When you approach life in an open, unguarded way, others will drop their guard, too. That’s where connection happens…

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