Tag Archives: #relationships

Spirituality, Uncategorized

I Am Not Your Enemy

Election Day is tomorrow, November 3rd. Much of the country will be on edge, waiting to see if their candidate won or lost. Not me. Life will go on no matter who gets elected.

There is political divide in the United States. It seems like it gets worse every year. There are families I know of that cannot discuss politics together. This bothers me. We should be able to have healthy debates about what we believe and why we believe it. Not engaging in dialogue creates more separation.

For as long as I have lived people have argued about politics. And sports. And religion. Most of the discussions were harmless. People could disagree and then go have a drink together. Relationships were maintained. Sometimes they were strengthened.

The ones that bug me the most are the people who throw insults at others because they vote one way or another. They call people names and insult their intelligence. To me, that’s just weak. If all you have are insults and name calling, you have nothing.

We will survive the elections. We will probably thrive. Find something worthwhile to focus your energy on. Leave the bickering to the weak minded…

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Spirituality

Fakes

It’s hard to find real people nowadays. Even their pictures are filtered. It’s a minefield getting through the BS to find the true person inside.

There are countless fake profiles on Facebook, Instagram and X. Recently a client of mine was approached by a fake “friend” who tried to entice him into a crypto scam. Another friend of mine lost over $300,000 in a similar scam. How do the scammers live with themselves?

People are guarded, afraid to show you who they really are. Their social media accounts make it appear that they are living perfect lives. We know this isn’t true. And don’t mistake what I’m saying. I’m genuinely happy for the good times in their lives.

One thing I have found to be true is, if you enter conversations in an open, unguarded way, your counter party will be open as well. This is where connection happens. No more surface conversations. Just real talk.

God intended us to be in relationship with others. He said it “isn’t good for man to be alone.” We need each other.

Bring the real you to the table. Not the version of yourself you believe others want. Be yourself…

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Spirituality

Dangerous Games

Some people like to play games. They draw you in, build trust, and then the game is over. Toying with people’s emotions is a dangerous game.

This very thing has happened to me in the past. I saw it happen to a friend of mine recently. There are people who are predators. They believe that they are conquerors in this life. The only thing they are conquering is themselves. They may think they won, but they have done considerable damage to their psyche.

You cannot do harm to others and think there are no consequences. Selfish people only think about themselves. It’s all about them.

Stay true to yourself. If you have been the prey of a narcissist, don’t stop believing there are good people in this world. Projecting past experiences on others is not right. You gotta be willing to take another chance.

There will always be bad people who are only out for themselves. Look for the good. You will usually find what you’re looking for…

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Spirituality

The Weather Report

Weather fascinates me. The cloud formations, the wind and the thunderstorms. Even extreme heat and cold are reminders that I feel completely alive.

But what is your temperature? It’s a compliment to be known as a warm, friendly person. Those types are approachable and non-judgmental. And we have all encountered people who are like icebergs. Their hard exterior is difficult to break through, but I have found that deep down they want to be different.

How many friends do you have? I have hundreds of acquaintances, but only a small number of friends. Many people abandon others when trouble arises. Those are. our fair weather friends. They are nice enough, but you can’t rely on them to stick around when the going gets tough.

Everyone wants to be around you when you are successful. That’s easy. But it’s the people who stay with you no matter what who are worth their weight in gold.

God pulls for us in our successes and in our setbacks. He doesn’t change how He sees us. And God is reliable. He can’t lie to us or mislead us. His weather is perfect. Every time…

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Spirituality

Make Eye Contact

When you speak with someone, do you maintain eye contact? You should. When you look someone in the eye you are showing them respect as well as other subtle signs.

We need to connect with other people. Connection is deeper and more intimate than merely having casual conversations. Surface level conversations lose me quickly.

There have been times I’ve been at events or parties where I meet someone and we begin a conversation. Then I’ll notice my counter party is looking over my shoulder rather than looking at me. It’s obvious and it’s rude. It happens a lot in Hollywood. The celebrities I have met who have depth and substance have typically moved away from Tinsel Town.

You listen better when you focus on who you are with. The other person feels respected and you make them feel important. The truth is, you should limit your inner sphere to the people who are important to you.

When speaking with toddlers, squat down to their level. Look them in the eye, too. You are teaching them a skill they can take forward in life. It’s subtle, but important.

We will get along better in this world when we learn to communicate better. It begins with eye contact…

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Spirituality

The Middle Ground

It seems like some people have drawn their lines in the sand. For reasons I don’t completely understand, part of the population has decided their politics are the most important thing in their lives. Some people have sacrificed friendships and family over political differences. What happened to the middle ground?

Personally, I have friends all across the political spectrum. Our relationship is based upon our shared values and common interests. We may see the political landscape differently, and that’s okay. We respect each other’s right to vote the way we want.

Some people find joy in hurling insults at people over the internet. That’s weak. If name calling and pejoratives are all you have, then I question what you really believe.

Everyone wants to find purpose in this life. Each of us has been given special talents to accomplish our purpose. Perhaps yelling about political differences makes people feel like they are accomplishing something, and they are! They are driving others away.

Find the middle ground. Connect with other good people. Focusing on one lane of the superhighway might cause you to miss something. And that includes people…

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Spirituality

When An Atheist Makes An Introduction

In 2025, a longtime client of mine referred me to an acquaintance of his. My client said, “he’s a Bible thumper like you (referring to me).” The introduction was made, and I immediately liked Brian, the referral. He’s a good, good-hearted man who, like me, believes in and worships Jesus.

Much good has come from the introduction. Yes, Brian became a client, but the relationship is much more than that. When we meet for coffee, we have meaningful conversations and I leave the meeting after learning from Brian.

God uses all of us to accomplish His purpose in this world. All of us includes believers and nonbelievers alike. God continues working on my atheist client, and He never gives up like humans do.

Never underestimate the power of our Creator. He is good all the time…

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Spirituality

The Enemy Within

A couple of years ago I read two scientific articles that said, according to their research, around 80% of adults in the United States didn’t like themselves. Eighty percent? This shocked me. Then I thought about it.

Every day you see people tearing others down in the public forum known as the internet. People use their keyboards and phone screens to say things they wouldn’t say in person. Their passive-aggressive behavior reigns.

Jesus told us to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves.” When fear, anger and even hatred are settled in the heart of man, they will destroy you from within. How can you feel good about yourself with those ruling your inner psyche? You will do further harm by expressing yourself in a way that damages others. It’s a never ending cycle of futility.

Fear, anger and hate are rooted in unresolved issues that require forgiveness. Make no mistake, forgiveness is hard and it isn’t automatic. True forgiveness takes time. It cannot be forced.

I encourage you to continue working on yourself. When the enemy within needs forgiveness, face it. You, and your relationship with others, will benefit. After all, forgiveness is for you, not the offender…

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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

What’s In A Name?

Our foundations are in our family and our name. We are born into a legacy that existed before us, and it will continue after we are gone. What we choose to do with it is up to us.

God thought of us individually before the world was formed. He decided the era we would be born in. Many times I have been grateful to be alive during the time of indoor plumbing and air conditioning (I live in Texas. It gets hot!).

The family I was born into was a mess. There was insecurity, fear, and sometimes, violence. My brain was in a constant state of “fight or flight.” Fortunately, I have been able to reprogram my mind, but it took time and effort. Not everyone takes the steps to heal.

The legacy I am creating with my children is healthier than that which I experienced. For this, I am forever grateful to God for guiding my steps. He is good.

Be proud of your name. God didn’t make a mistake. If your family was a train wreck like mine, you can change, if you’re willing.

Be willing…

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