Tag Archives: #relationships

#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

Timing

We tend to rush through our day, trying to cram as much in as possible. Maybe I’m the only one?

When we get in a hurry, the odds of us making a mistake go up. This might include not listening to someone who needs to be heard. Instead of creating a deeper connection, we distance ourselves.

I encourage you to slow down, even if it’s just a little. You will do more things right the first time, and fewer opportunities will be missed…

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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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#inspiration

Pulled

We are busier today than we have ever been before. People are working longer hours, sacrificing their relationships and their health, while gaining very little ground. Is the trade-off worth it?

We all have our priorities. We spend our time focusing on what, or who is most important to us. These are matters of the heart.

Learn to say no to anything that robs you of time with your children. Say yes to gratifying experiences! You don’t need to feel guilty for not allowing yourself to be pulled away from what matters most. And equally important, take care of yourself…

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#inspiration

Black and White

Some people like to deal in absolutes. They are rigid in their thinking and their beliefs with no room for margin. I find those types of people to be difficult to work with.

The world is not black and white, it’s gray. We can learn from each other, but only if we are willing.

I encourage you to open your mind and your heart. Try to see things through the eyes of others. It’s not a threat to your beliefs, but a way to expand your worldview…

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#inspiration

Riches

The culture of the United States is greed. People work themselves to poor health, shaky relationships and find themselves disillusioned. They may have acquired wealth, but lost themselves along the way.

None of this is taught in the Bible. Solomon, the wealthiest man to ever live, asked God for wisdom. And he got it!

You must decide what’s important to you. If you value your family, your health and seek fulfillment, you might not have as much money, but you will be wealthier than most…

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