Tag Archives: #love

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Gift Giving

When I was a child, I would return to school after the Christmas break and all the kids in my class had the same question: “what did you get?” We were more curious about the quality and quantity of gifts we received rather than why we celebrated Christmas.

Fast forward to today, my sons tell me I’m difficult to buy for because there isn’t anything I really want or need. That’s true! All I want is to spend time with them. They are busy building their lives and we don’t get to see each other often. So, their time is the best gift I could receive.

When I buy gifts for others, I do my best to put thought into it. What will be important to the recipient and touch them in the heart is what I’m seeking. Thoughtfulness says more than the cost or opulence of a present.

As I have gotten older and perhaps wiser, I have learned that the greatest gift we have to offer is our time. Time is something we can never get back. Spend it well…

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Spirituality

Through The Lens of a Miracle

“There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” -Albert Einstein

There are miracles all around us. We can get so caught up in the busyness of our lives that we miss so much. Consider that the earth revolves at a speed of around 1,000 miles per hour, yet we don’t get flung off of it. I would consider gravity to be one miracle we take for granted.

Everything from the leaves growing on trees to the laughter of a child are miracles. Our hearts beat 36 million beats per year without any effort from us. We can see, hear and breathe. And we have the power to speak, a gift that no other creature has.

I encourage you to let the artist in you come out. See the world and everything good in it as miracles. Slow your life down and expand your worldview…

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Spirituality

It’s Valentines Day

In the United States today is Valentines Day, the day of love. Or is it?

This day provides the florists, the chocolatiers and Hallmark cash flow to get them through until Mothers Day. Not a bad thing, but people build this day up to be something that can set the stage for disappointment.

If your significant other truly cares about you, he or she will show you all year long. You will know you are loved. Your relationship will be close and intimate, not one that is taken for granted.

The greatest demonstration of love is one we cannot fully understand. God allowed His son to be tortured and beaten beyond recognition so we, lowly humans, could be reconciled to God. There is no love like Divine love, and God loves us all the time, not just on February 14th.

Show people you care through your actions. This includes every other day besides Valentines Day…

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#inspiration

Interview with Jennifer Styers

For over 20 years, Jennifer Styers has been a beacon of light in the mysterious world of relationships. She is the CEO and Founder of LoveJenn.com. Jennifer created her own unique App, Lovey AI, which combines science and technology to create matches ideally suited for you, versus endless, pointless swiping. During our conversation, we discuss setting boundaries, getting rid of unhealthy habits that lead to unfulfilling relationships, and much much more! Take a moment to watch…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Affordability

It’s expensive to live! Yes, the CPI report shows that inflation is slowing, but the cost of going to the grocery store is not coming down. FYI, the inflation report omits the rise in food and energy because they are too “volatile.”

Here are some facts: the cost of food rose 2.2% while it costs 4.1% more to go out to eat. Medical care was up 3.3%. Shelter rose 5.1% and so on and so on. Most paychecks aren’t keeping up. This has led to 52% of families putting their groceries on credit cards. It is not sustainable.

I get it that today’s blog isn’t very uplifting. The purpose is to remind you to show patience and kindness to others. People are more stressed than ever. You might not be able to feed everyone yourself, but extending a smile is free. People need it…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Divorce

The divorce rate for first marriages is around 44%. The percentage goes up from there for second and third marriages. Why are so many couples getting divorced when things start off so well?

There are many reasons ranging from infidelity to finances. And let’s face it, living with someone else can be stressful. But the number one reason couples divorce is lack of commitment. Their commitment might seem strong at first, but it starts to dissolve when the stresses of life kick in. The way someone pictures their spouse goes from partner to adversary.

With statistics like these, it makes you wonder if it’s possible for marriages to survive and thrive. There is hope. Couples who pray together regularly have a divorce rate of about 2%. You read that correctly. Couples who open their hearts and pray together not only defy the odds, they crush them.

Biblical teachings of love, forgiveness and mercy are parts of prayer. I enjoy gambling and sometimes bet on a long shot, but I like the odds in this case…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Seen or Unseen

Everyone wants to be seen, heard and understood. It’s universal, yet many are afraid to let their guard down and show themselves.

Musicians have written about this conundrum for years. The Goo Goo Dolls, one of my favorite bands, wrote this chorus in their song, “Iris:”

“And I don’t want the world to see me
‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understand
When everything’s made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am.”

I believe people stay guarded because they believe if someone saw them for who they are, they wouldn’t be liked. A hard truth is, not everyone is going to like us. And that’s okay. When you are trying to make a positive impact in the world, you’re gonna rub some people the wrong way. And that’s okay.

I encourage you to continue showing the world who you are, spreading goodness and light along the way. If you piss a few people off doing that, it’s okay…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Eyes of a Child

Children are a true blessing. Well, they are until they reach their teenage years. Then the script flips! But they do grow up.

When my children were toddlers, I got to view the world through their eyes. Everything they experienced was a new, exciting thing, and they noticed everything. The neurons in their little brains were exploding, creating new neural networks. I loved watching them grow and learn. Their sense of awe and curiosity was infectious.

We should try to be more like little children. See the good in the world around us instead of focusing on the bad. Children have no prejudice, nor do they hold hatred or fear in their hearts. They accept everyone.

Turn the news off. Spend time seeing the world through the innocent eyes of a child. The rest of the world will always be there…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

What Happened?

Children are completely innocent when they are born. Yet some grow up to become murderers and terrorists. Why?

Somewhere along the way they learned evil. Some people have been so disgusting that they teach evil deeds under the veil of religion. One of the most evil things you can do is to mislead a child.

We must continue to show light to the world. Lead by example. Stand up for what’s good and right. There will always be evil in the world, but our light cannot be diminished…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Hallmark Families

Christmas is almost here and you know what that means. People are stressed. We want everything to come together perfectly and this includes the meal, presents and family time. Any imperfection runs the risk of ruining our “Hallmark moment.”

Set your expectations correctly. We are human beings living in a broken world. Things go wrong on this side of eternity. Don’t stress over little things. Enjoy every moment.

Slow down a little. This is the time of year to do some relaxing. And remember to be kind. Not everyone has a Hallmark family…

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