Tag Archives: #peace

Spirituality, Uncategorized

Spent

This has been a long week. It has been filled with meetings, phone calls and emails. But today was a great finish. The week ended on a high note!

I hosted a luncheon to celebrate World Kindness Day. The charity I serve on the board of, Rachel’s Challenge, came and shared Rachel’s story with the attendees. There were many tears flowing in the room. Hearts were changed today. Connections were deepened.

The event took a lot of work to make happen. But I love the organization so much it didn’t feel like work. We had 56 people attend, yet only 50 had RSVP’d. God had a big hand in today. I’m grateful.

Now it’s time to rest and recharge. Next week will be busy, too. But that’s okay. Life is meant to be lived, not just existed through…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Mystery of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is hard. People are carrying hurts and pain from the past that no one sees. But when we look deeper, we can see. Let’s look further into this.

Unresolved conflicts can damage us. Lack of forgiveness can manifest into resentment and resentment leads to bitterness. This is how we see the pain buried in others. Some people become so eaten up with hatred that they are very difficult to be around.

On the cross, Jesus asked God to “forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” Jesus had been beaten, tortured, ridiculed and spat upon, but he wants God to forgive the ones who were persecuting him. What an incredible act of forgiveness.

The people who hurt you don’t deserve forgiveness. So why should I forgive them, you may wonder. This is the mystery: forgiveness is for you, not the offender. By forgiving those who harmed you, it frees you from the forces that can destroy you from within. You are free.

True forgiveness takes time. It cannot be forced or rushed. Practicing gratitude will lead to forgiveness and many more benefits. But you gotta do the work.

Try it. Set yourself free…

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Spirituality

The Discomfort of Stillness

Quiet and stillness used to make me uncomfortable. Part of it was me. My energy level has been high all my life and I have to do something with it. Another part was that I felt like if I wasn’t busy, I wasn’t accomplishing anything.

When we get still and dive into our thoughts, we are doing something. Think of it as exercise for our brains. The more we think and consider things from different angles, the more our worldview expands. Seeing situations from a 360 degree perspective opens our minds.

If you have trouble with the quiet and getting still, there is good news! You can learn how. I followed the advice of my psychotherapist when he said to “sit with it.” Sit with the discomfort? “But I don’t want to sit with it,” I said. He said “I know you don’t. Sit with it anyway.” I trust him so I sat with it. Over time, I learned to love the beauty of stillness.

There are other benefits to stillness. I have always been a good listener, but the quiet has deepened my listening. Now I listen with my heart along with my mind. We connect with each other through our minds and our hearts.

Life is busy. Very busy. I encourage you to carve out some time in your day to get quiet. No background noise. Just stillness. The more you practice it, the easier it will become…

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Spirituality

Read It and Heed It

Are your days filled with peace and purpose, or are you fighting anxiety during your day? You have a choice.

God didn’t create us and then forget about us. It might seem like we have been thrown to the wolves to fend for ourselves, but we have a guidebook, the Bible. Our job is to read it and apply it.

There is a lot in Scripture I don’t understand and probably won’t on this side of eternity. But there is enough in Scripture for me to accept it in faith and use it to live my life. It especially helps during the difficult days. It works during the easy days, too.

There are times when I read Scripture and I don’t get anything from it. Those are the days I put it aside. There’s no reason to beat my head against a wall, right? Then there’s other times I read the same passage and the words jump off the page at me. I never know what I’m going to experience so I keep coming back.

If you’re feeling lost, lonely, or have reached the end of your rope, give it a try. And keep trying. God will speak to you through Scripture, but you gotta pick the book up to hear His voice…

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Spirituality

It’s Quiet. Too Quiet

Are you uncomfortable when things get quiet? We live in a “go-go” society and it’s gotten to the point where people need constant stimulation.

We have 24/7 news available, hundreds of television channels along with endless texts and emails. Our brains can handle quite a lot, but overload can be damaging. Our brains never quit working, but they do need time to recover and recharge.

My encouragement to you is to make time to enjoy the quiet moments when you can. If you have to schedule downtime, do it! Whatever works for you is what you must do.

At first, the quiet might make you feel uneasy. If this is the case, then consider it confirmation that you need some peace and quiet. It gets easier the more you do it. Then you will feel the benefits of solitude, and you will make it a priority.

Give it a try. Then keep trying. The only thing you have to lose is some anxiety. And that’s a good thing…

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Spirituality

Tough Talk

Once again, the Iranian leadership (what’s left of it anyway) has threatened the United States over the possible takeover of Kharg Island. The U. S. will face “serious consequences” if we continue down this path. Right…

Bullies talk a big game, too. Here’s a fact: people who engage in bullying behavior are the most scared people in the room. They are scared so they want you to be scared, too. Standing up to a bully is the quickest way to see them fold.

The Bible teaches us to use “gentleness and self-control” in our dealings. Those characteristics will reach the heart of mankind faster than tough talk will. And you make a lasting impression on the person you are dealing with.

The Iranians will continue to make false threats. They can’t back up their tough talk. But our leaders can. In the negotiations they use a different tone. Hopefully sprinkled with some gentleness…

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Spirituality

Crisis Response

Recently someone asked if a little chaos was good for us. Perhaps a better question might be, is stress good or not? Like with most things, there is no “one size fits all” answer.

A bit of stress keeps us on our A game. Deadlines and pressure can produce order when managed properly. If you manage others, you must know how much stress your people can handle.

But what about when a crisis occurs? My mind becomes hyper-focused when the shit hits the fan. It’s like the world slows down while my thoughts become crystal clear and orderly. This is a benefit of growing up in an unpredictable environment. I learned to think on the fly, to seek safety when panic happened. This trait has never left me.

Our minds are incredible machines. But just like any machine, we must take care of it. Eat well, exercise, get plenty of sleep and be judicious about what you read or watch on television. Even our choices in music affects us.

Hopefully the stresses are minimal in your life. Taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually will allow you to handle whatever life throws your way. Trust the process…

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Spirituality

The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is easy to follow, until it isn’t. Some people do everything they can to try to get under your skin. When this happens, rise above.

There are a good handful of people who just seem to be miserable. They are constantly complaining or finding fault with others. It’s my opinion that they are reflecting what lies in their heart. They aren’t happy in their own lives, so they want to rob others of their peace.

Jesus taught us to “love God and love others.” He spoke straight truth. He told us to “pray for those who persecute you.” Totally counter culture and certainly not easy to do.

When someone attacks you, online or otherwise, steer clear of engaging. You aren’t required to give anyone an explanation. Leave the miserable in their mire. Rise above…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

The Search for Peace

Some people thrive in chaos. They love to stir things up. When things are calm, it’s almost like peace makes them uncomfortable.

Peace and contentment go together. Contentment gets a bad rap. If you are considered to be a contented person, people start to believe you are devoid of ambition. This may be true for some, but not for me.

My life is full. I’m still enjoying a career I love, and I have a few other things that not only keep me busy, but they bring fulfillment. Yet, if I never accomplish anything else, I’m at peace with it.

You create your own environment. Keep the chaotic people away. If someone doesn’t bring peace into my life, they will never be part of my inner sphere.

I encourage you to do the same. Peace is priceless…

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Spirituality

Unquestionably Led

There are a few people who have unquestionably put their faith in government. If their favorite politician says it, then it must be true. Yet there is much evidence that shows this type of thinking is flawed, at best.

Oftentimes people align their politics with how they feel, ignoring the facts in many cases. Feelings can be deceptive.

The most intentional man who ever lived is Jesus Christ. He was led by the Spirit to do what the Father sent him to accomplish. I’m only guessing because I wasn’t there, but I bet Jesus was fun to be with. He must have been because no one wants to be around someone who is a drag. Yet Jesus never wavered from his mission.

This week we Christians will celebrate Easter. The resurrection started a new, different relationship between God and man. It has lasted over 2,000 years. Jews will celebrate Passover. The two are connected in history.

Whatever you celebrate, or if it is nothing at all, I wish you a peaceful, reflective time. When the Spirit calls, follow without question. You won’t be led astray…

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