#inspiration

Reception

There are still many “dead zones” where it’s difficult to get good cell phone service. The reception is sketchy if it’s available at all.

How receptive do you consider yourself to be when presented with new ideas and information? I believe most of us would consider ourselves to be open minded. After all, think of what life would be like if we still lived in the Stone Age. We evolved because of our curiosity and implementation.

Elon Musk has been successful on many fronts. He thinks differently so he sees new solutions to longstanding problems. Einstein was the same way. Ford, too.

I encourage you to take a 360 degree approach to life’s challenges. Doing things the same way we’ve always done them might not be the best way.

Think differently…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Joyful

Romans 12:12 tells us to:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” How do we accomplish this when the cost of living has skyrocketed, crime is rampant, and people are at each other’s throats over something as silly as politics. There is a way.

Put all your faith and trust in something greater than yourself: God. He is still in control of everything. Keep your focus on Him. Refuse to be distracted.

Your future is in God’s hands, not the politicians. Their futures are in His hands, too…
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#inspiration

As Good As It Gets

There’s a saying that I absolutely cannot stand. When people make reference to “back in the day” I want to pull my hair out. It’s a subtle admission that their best days are behind them. They aren’t.

We have a lot of great memories, no doubt. But our best days are ahead of us. We aren’t done with living. We can make our lives whatever we want them to be.

It’s up to us to choose to live life fully. Or we can fade into the sunset. It’s up to each of us to decide…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Weights

Lifting weights is probably my favorite way to exercise. You can work up a great sweat while building muscle and toning your body. And unlike the cardio we do to strengthen our heart muscle, we can see our results.

Are you carrying excess weight on your shoulders right now? Painful memories, hurts, and just the daily struggles of life can weigh you down. Sometimes it seems there is no end in sight. But there is.

Any metaphorical weight you are holding onto can be released, freeing you to live more fully. Find the right psychotherapist and go to work on yourself. Financial stresses can be overcome through a change in spending habits. Whatever it is that occupies your mind the most is what you need to address. Start now.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Anything…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Olympic Games

In my opinion, the opening ceremony of the Olympics was long, kinda weird, and a bit dark. Was it representative of Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” painting? Maybe. Some reports from the production team say yes while others are walking it back.

The Olympics are about the athletes. The competition is fierce and we get to watch the greatest athletes in the world. I know a few former Olympians. The discipline and training they went through for years was grueling. Every one of them will tell you it was worth it when they got the opportunity to stand on the podium, representing the United States.

I wish the opening ceremony had focused on the athletes. If it was a mockery of Christianity, they will have to deal with their Creator on that. My only focus is to watch the athletes and celebrate with them. Nothing more…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Impulses

I have an impulsive habit. I admit it. Remember the infomercials that would be aired in the middle of the night? They were targeting people like me. You might recall the Ronco “set it and forget it” oven. I bought it and forgot it. Twice! Thank God I have a full head of hair or I may have bought the spray on hair.

In today’s politically charged world, there are many who want to goad us into visceral outrage. I have one “friend” on social media who tells outright lies with no consequences. He wants us to impulsively reply to his nonsense and, admittedly, sometimes I want to let him have it. After all, lying to people without being called out on the lies just encourages more lies. I just take a deep breath and pass him by, reminding myself that I wouldn’t want to live inside his head or heart.

Controlling our emotions is a sign of maturity. Perhaps I’m growing up!

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Sensitivities

Life is tough. Some of the challenges people face can feel overwhelming at times. I know people who have been affected by cancer, the murder of a child, rape, incest, suicide and more. The reason they are still standing is because they developed resilience earlier in their lives. Weak people crumble like an origami.

Resilience can be built, even in adulthood. You face your challenges head on, refusing to back down until you have come out on the other side. When you are going through hell, you keep going.

Tough times don’t last, but tough people do…

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#inspiration

Minimum Wage

Modern minimum wage laws can trace their roots all the way back to the year 1349. King Edward III issued a decree which established a minimum wage for workers. In 1933, FDR introduced the first minimum wage in the United States. It was set at a whopping 25 cents per hour along with a 44 hour work week.

In 1914, Henry Ford set the bar high when he started paying Ford workers $5 per day. This was revolutionary. Ford was a visionary , and he attracted the best workers to choose from, and the rest is history.

Congress yells constantly about a “living wage” while trying to increase the minimum wage set for workers. Wages are the largest contributor to inflation. But the minimum is just that, a minimum. I worked a lot of jobs as a teenager and I was happy to have work. Minimum wage was never a goal, and Congress should stop trying to change the mindset that minimum wage should be enough to support a family. It’s expensive enough to live in 2024. We don’t need the “help” of the politicians. They tend to royally screw things up without consequences. Just check their track record.

No matter your pay, always give more than what you are paid for. Your efforts will be noticed, and they will be rewarded…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Timid

Wherever I am I notice everyone. I make eye contact and speak to others. It is remarkable to me how many people are timid about saying hello. Perhaps they have a lot on their minds and can’t take on anything else. The truth is, I don’t need to know.

We weren’t timid as children. We were outgoing and friendly. Then life happened. Life can knock you on your ass sometimes. Life can make people reticent to try one more time. But I say don’t quit, no matter what you’ve been through or what happens in your future. You are here for a purpose.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, it says “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Recapture your inner power. It’s there, it’s just muted.

Start today. Rekindle the fire that burns within you. Go make your mark on the world…

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#inspiration

Halfway There

We are now in the second half of 2024. Before you know it we will be celebrating Christmas! And as crazy as it sounds, some retailers already have Christmas decorations up. Yes, retailers are hurting that bad in this economy.

Take a moment to review the past six months. Think about the high moments, your victories. Keep those in the forefront of your mind every day while adding new successes as you go along.

Did you make any resolutions for 2024 that went by the wayside? It’s not too late to start again. Don’t beat yourself up, just begin again. And again. And keep trying.

You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Make the next half of the year your best half…

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