Tag Archives: #spirituality

#inspiration, #spirituality

Check The Box

A lot of life feels like we are just checking the box. We get to work on time. Check the box. Pick up kids and get them to their after school events. Check another box. It’s like we have a daily to-do list and then we do the same list the next day. As I have said before, much of daily life is routine and boring. It’s that way for everyone, no matter what People Magazine wants us to believe.

Let’s take a moment to consider our goals, dreams and desires. Are we checking any boxes in this important part of our lives? If we are just going through the motions or giving it lip service, we are cheating others as well as ourselves. We are built for purpose, God’s purpose. Let’s live like it matters because it does. Ignoring our purpose will not make it go away.

I encourage you to do something, even if it’s just one thing, every day to get you where you want to be. Start today. In fact, start now…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Plus One

I’m invited to a wedding in October. The young man getting married is someone I’ve known for about 25 years. I refer to him as “my other son I didn’t have to send to college!” The invitation is to me plus one.

I have no plus one, and I don’t feel pressured to go find one in the interim. There is no dishonor in being single. Over the course of my life, I have traveled to resorts, seen movies, and I have gone to dinner by myself. Making conversation comes naturally for me, but solitude has a different kind of peace attached to it.

If you have insecurities about being single, I encourage you to work on yourself to learn why. Facing your inner challenges can be scary, but there is freedom on the other side. The obstacle will remain until you decide to remove it.

The times you are single, in a committed relationship, or you are married have a season in your life. Make the most of them. Most importantly, never try to force outcomes in life. Just keep working on what you want from life. Then, you will be putting yourself in a position to succeed…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Shocked

As many of you were, I was shocked by the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Had he not moved his head at the last second, his head would have exploded.

People have become unhinged. No matter how you feel about Donald Trump, this was uncalled for.

What was equally appalling was the number of posts from people “wishing the shooter hadn’t missed.” I would not want to live inside the heads and hearts of those people.

We must do better and be better…

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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, #spirituality

Requirements

In Luke 12:48, Jesus tells us “to whom much is given, much is required.” Notice that Jesus used the word required, not expected. Since Jesus didn’t make small talk, I believe this has deeper meaning along with eternal consequences.

We are here for a greater purpose than many of us are living. Our purpose is to do God’s will and work on this side of eternity while bringing honor and glory to God. This is our requirement, not merely a suggested activity.

I encourage you to get out of your daily routine, get uncomfortable and do what you are here to do. God wouldn’t ask us to do something we are incapable of. He equips us with everything we need. Will it be easy? No. Hell no. But it will be gratifying.

If you get nervous, and you will, remember Luke 12:48. You are given much. Now use it…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Exceptionalism

America has been called exceptional, and I believe she is! America is exceptional because of the people.

Yes, we have our share of crazies and jerks, but they are in the minority. The only reason we hear about them is because what happens in most people’s lives doesn’t make headlines.

When a neighbor brings food to a family after a tragedy or a loss, their act of kindness and compassion goes unnoticed by the masses. But the people on the receiving end remember. When people take the time to serve their community, helping those who can never repay them, the servers are showing the image of our Creator. This goodness is pervasive. People feel encouraged to keep it going.

Be exceptional. Start today…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

All Things New

We love new stuff! Our favorite actor has a new movie out, we get a new car, or we visit a resort that’s new to us. There’s nothing like the excitement newness brings.

Most of life is routine, boring and more of the same every day. Yet, people take comfort in the mundane. Taking risks involves venturing into the unknown. This kind of newness is difficult for many to handle. So they stay on the sidelines playing it safe.

If you want real newness in your life, let God get ahold of you. He changes us, making us who we were created to be. Change of this magnitude has eternal consequences. God uses us to change the world.

Talk to God. Tell Him you are applying for the job. You will be glad you did…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

And Here We Are

In June of 1776, the second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to consider their future. They had tried to work with the Crown peacefully to no avail. King George III was being unreasonable, even using British troops to fire upon and kill some of his own citizens in Boston.

The men who met at the Pennsylvania State House were strong personalities. They were not always in agreement. Thomas Jefferson, only 33 years old at the time, penned the Declaration of Independence and presented it on June 28th. By accepting the Declaration, the men knew they were risking everything. For days they debated. On July 1st, the group adjourned for three days of prayer. They reconvened on the 4th of July, severed their ties to Britain, and it was game on.

Today we celebrate 248 years of independence from British rule. And despite our differences, that’s worth celebrating!

God Bless the United States of America!

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#inspiration, #spirituality

You Said It!

A man was asked if he minded that his wife always got the last word. The man replied, “No. I’m just glad when she gets to it.”

The average person speaks about 16,000 words per day. I’m more interested in the quality of our words than the quantity. Our tongues can be sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel. They can be used to slice and dice people into shreds. Yet our words can lift others when they are down.

It’s important to recognize that our world is hurting. People are still struggling with the after effects of isolation, it’s expensive to live (over $10,000 per year more than just three years ago), and everywhere you turn it seems like people are at each other’s throats.

I encourage everyone to choose their words carefully. I’m not suggesting you avoid the truth. Use some gentleness and self-control when engaging in conversation with others.

Unite when possible, don’t divide. We are better together…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Experience

Have you ever had someone describe their favorite beach to you but you don’t feel the same way they do? Empathy means shared experience. The only way you can empathize is through experience.

This is the principle behind Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics willingly share their experience, strength and hope with others in the room. They are all affected by the same disease, so they understand each other. A non-alcoholic might be entertained by some of the incredible stories they will hear in an AA meeting, but it won’t impact them like it does the alcoholic.

I encourage you to share your experiences with others, especially the painful ones. Most people have felt deep heartache in their lives, and you will be letting them know they aren’t alone.

Let your guard down. Don’t waste your pain…

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