#inspiration

Fame

People will compromise themselves for fame. Not everyone, but I’m surprised at the lengths people will go to for notoriety’s sake.

There’s an “influencer” who licked a toilet bowl and posted it on TikTok. He doesn’t influence me. In today’s culture it’s all about the views and the likes.

There are many famous people who have used their influence for good. The late Paul Newman comes to mind. He was the kind of person who could influence me.

How about you? Make a list of the people you admire. Set the example for others, and aim high…

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#inspiration

Books

When I was a child, I fell in love with books. I loved reading, a habit that has stuck with me all my life.

Books stimulated my imagination. We didn’t have the internet so reading got my creative juices flowing. It still does.

Typically I have four or five books going at one time across a wide genre. I’m grateful for what books did for me.

When was the last time you read a book? I encourage you to start one today…

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#inspiration

Solving Problems

Our world is facing enormous, almost overwhelming challenges. We have homelessness, hunger, political divide, human trafficking and many more, too many to name. It would be easy to throw our hands up and just give up. But that wouldn’t be the right thing to do.

We are not going to solve our problems in their entirety. But if we move the needle in the right direction, we will make a difference in the lives of others. Plus, we will inspire others to do the same. This is how you get things done.

We can make a difference. It begins with me…

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#inspiration

Doubt

Do you doubt yourself? If so, why? You didn’t have doubts as a child. None of us walked perfectly when we started walking, but we never doubted our ability to master walking.

The world is hard and harsh. Our setbacks can cause doubt to creep in. But the lessons from childhood are still relevant. Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter what! Go for what turns you on and never look back.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Anything

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#spirituality

Useful

The word useful means “able to be used for a practical purpose or in several ways.” A car is useful to get us where we need to be. Sleep is useful, too, when you think about it.

Let’s consider the people God used. King David was an adulterer. Gideon was deeply insecure and afraid, always doubting God. And Moses was a murderer. Yet God used them in awe-inspiring ways. They are prominent figures in the Bible, the greatest book ever written.

If God used them, perhaps He can use me, too. I believe I’ll let Him…

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#spirituality

The Determined People Podcast: Interview with Chris Almendarez

Today’s guest is a devout man of God whose world came crashing down on him in 2015 when his lovely wife Jana was diagnosed with cancer. Chris Almendarez, president of the Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball team, joins us to share his story of faith and love, how God has guided him through the most difficult times in his life, and the amazing charity work that he has become involved in in honor of late wife. Towards the end, we also sneak in some baseball talk. Make sure to tune in for this harrowing tale of love, loss, and faith on today’s Determined People Podcast.

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#inspiration

Suspense

I love suspense. Suspense is the exciting uncertainty of not knowing what’s coming. Suspense keeps us interested in movies, elections and life. Without it, our existence would be mundane and predictable. Where’s the fun in that?

As much as we hear people complain about change, that’s really all there is. We have no control over anything but our attitude. Change is inevitable, so life keeps us in suspense.

“The suspense is terrible. I hope it continues…” Willy Wonka…

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When Difficulties Arise

Everyone has challenges in their lives. Our broken world sees to that. People have unresolved trauma they put off dealing with. So what do you do?

Start with prayer. Speak to the Creator of the universe and everything in it. He knows what we are going through, and He knows what will happen. Talking things out helps. It puts our challenges in perspective.

Talk to God throughout the day. He listens like no one else does. He hears what is in your heart…

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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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