Tag Archives: #love

#inspiration, #spirituality

Spirited

When you hear someone described as “spirited,” what type of person comes to mind? Perhaps lively, engaging, emotional or energetic are appropriate descriptions.

All of those adjectives can apply to describe a spirited person. But let’s examine this a little more.

When we are making an observation or even a joke, the spirit of our words is the most important aspect of what we say. If our joke is mean-spirited, then it’s in poor taste. The same goes for conversation.

Pay attention to the spirit of your words and actions. They come from within and reveal what is in your heart…

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#inspiration

Taken For Granted

People need to be seen and heard. That’s universal. We want to feel recognized, like we matter.

Relationships suffer when one person is feeling neglected or taken for granted. Their sense of importance has been diminished. This can become a never ending spiral downward.

Take the time to show people you care. Your outpouring of loving kindness will be reciprocated. And you will receive more than you give…

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#inspiration

Goodness

I believe most people are good at heart. They mean well and typically treat others with kindness and respect.

When we give, whether we are giving money or giving of ourselves, let’s do it with a cheerful attitude. Doing good without concerning yourself with getting repaid is pure. If we give and feel resentment, we should examine our hearts to determine why we are resentful.

Everything we do and say is a reflection of what is in our hearts. Let’s allow goodness to reign…

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#inspiration

Respectful

Our world still has kind, decent and respectful people in it. Most people are good, and oftentimes remain silent so the disrespectful, rude and indecent people don’t shout them down. I will not remain silent.

Recording artist Jason Aldean released a new song called, “Try That in a Small Town.” His message is clear. Small town values reflect our sense of community, our respect for the flag, and our placing law enforcement in a place of honor. We don’t condone spitting on police officers, crime (BLM, Antifa), or flag burning. Community means we come together to help each other, regardless of our politics, sexuality, or religion.

Take a listen to the song. I believe you might love the message…

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#inspiration

Separately

I went to a restaurant the other evening. I love to people watch. Restaurants and airports are a Mecca for me.

A married couple sat down a few booths away. They were probably in their 50’s, attractive and well dressed. After the server took their drink order, the couple hardly made eye contact with each other, choosing to look around the restaurant at other sights rather than their spouse. I felt a slight sense of sadness for a moment. It was as if they were there by themselves.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to try to reconnect. Focus on the good in your relationship. It’s there or you wouldn’t have ever gotten together in the first place. Make it a daily effort. We are better together…

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#inspiration

Heartfelt

The heart connects us. We listen to those we care about in a deeper way. We listen with our hearts.

Trolls on the internet show the dark side of themselves. They don’t consider how their insults and judgements might harm someone else. They only care about making themselves feel “superior.” How do we deal with them? Here’s a counterintuitive way: pray for them. We cannot change the heart of mankind, but God can. Let Him.

Less is more, especially when we speak from our hearts. People remember how you made them feel…

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#inspiration

Love Your Neighbor

Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as we love ourselves.” But how do we show love to our neighbor, and who is our neighbor?

Let’s begin with this: everyone we encounter is our neighbor. Everyone. We should try to follow the golden rule and treat people the way we want to be treated. This includes difficult people and the times we are in a hurry. We have an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on everyone.

We can only show love and compassion to others in ways which equal how we feel about ourselves. If our self-esteem is healthy, we will treat others as if they are equally important. They are.

All of us are works in progress. Keep working on yourself and your connections with others will deepen…

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#inspiration

Our Post-Pandemic World

In the past several months, I have heard from so many people who are struggling with anxiety, depression and feelings they haven’t felt before. The common theme with each of them has been, “I don’t understand why I feel this way. I’ve never been like this before.”

God prompted me to remind them of what we have dealt with since 2020. Isolation has shredded mental health and created new, unhealthy neural pathways. We are hardwired to be in relationship with each other. This goes beyond loneliness. We are experiencing a mental health crisis that’s worse than the pandemic. More people than ever are feeling hopeless and taking their own lives.

If you are reading this and are experiencing similar feelings, please reach out to someone. Your life is precious and has purpose. None of that has changed because of a virus.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline is 988. It’s confidential, free, and it might be the lifeline you need…

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#inspiration

Insane!

There are people in this world who will act like we are the greatest thing ever, only to turn on us when we don’t allow them to manipulate us. You know the type. Narcissistic personalities have pervaded society, or at least it seems that way.

Narcissists will try to break us down and rebuild us the way they want. They are sick. They see nice people as prey, not as a person who has their own goals, dreams and desires. Narcissists are like ninjas when it comes to manipulating and gaslighting people. They have struck you before you even knew they were trying.

Stand up for yourself. It won’t be easy to learn this lesson. Remember this-God alone has authority over our lives. Let Him guide you through the process of learning…

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#inspiration

Columbine

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:

http://www.rachelschallenge.org

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