#inspiration

Human Rights

There’s a lot of talk about human rights, and there should be. Not everyone lives as freely and as well as we do in the United States. But much of that talk by our leaders in the government is just convenient garbage. Democrats and Republicans alike are at fault.

We continue to try to negotiate a new JCPOA with Iran while that country throws gay people off of rooftops. We look the other way because calling it out would not secure a political win. Our policy towards China has been to make the Chinese communist party wealthy at our own peril. And then there is Saudi Arabia. And others.

If you are going to take a stand, then take a stand. The rest of the world cannot afford to lose the United States as a trading partner. We have leverage…

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#inspiration

The United States Flag

A quote about the United States flag from Ronald Reagan to meditate on as we move closer to Memorial Day…

“The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. Red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice.”

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#inspiration

Programming

We program computers to do the things we want. But have you ever considered the way you are programming your life?

Eating healthy food will give us better digestion and nutrition. Exercising regularly will give us fit bodies and prolong our lives. Engaging in stimulating conversations will activate our minds creatively. See the point?

If you desire better outcomes in any of the areas I mentioned, then take a closer look at your internal programming…

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#inspiration

Go Through

All of us have challenges in our lives. Some pass quickly, while some are longer term. What do we do when faced with obstacles?

We might be tempted to avoid facing the challenges of life. We can numb them out with alcohol or drugs, put them off until tomorrow, or we can work through them.

Going through difficult periods is rarely easy or quick. We learn from them, though, when we face them and go through them. The trials of life might last a few days, but they might go on for years.

Whatever you are facing, I encourage you to not give up. You will find victory over your challenges, but you find it through perseverance and determination. Just keep going…

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#inspiration

Moods

I often say, “I have one mood, and it’s good!” It’s true. I don’t allow the difficulties of the day to affect my mood.

Every day we will face unknown challenges. As much as we want to believe we can control what happens to us, we are not in control. God has a much greater plan that we are incapable of understanding. So let’s trust that He is on our side, and that good can come from even our worst day.

When you let go of the desire to control, freedom waits…

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#inspiration

An Off Day

Yesterday, I wrote about taking a day off to recharge. Today let’s examine those days when things don’t go as planned.

Everyone has off days. Everyone. I have had them all my life, and there will be more in days to come. But not every day is an off day. It’s important to keep life in perspective, and not hold on too tightly to the dark periods.

Always remember that you have gotten through every difficult time in your life. You are still standing. And you will get through the next bad time, too, if you just keep going…

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#inspiration

Unseen Battles

Are you aware there is a spiritual battle going on around us that we can’t see? That’s right. When horrible things happen, there is a spiritual cause. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it less real.

We have an invisible enemy who desperately tries to destroy us. He has many weapons: death, disease, addiction and more. He doesn’t hesitate to use any and all of them.

The good news is, we worship a God with unlimited power. No demon can stand up to Him, nor can they thwart God’s plans for our lives.

We access God’s unlimited power through prayer. Use it. Often…

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#inspiration

Believe

What do you believe? There are certain things we inherently believe, such as gravity. If I jump off a building, I’m gonna fall. Every time.

I use self-deprecating humor often. If you knew me, you would know I give myself a lot to work with! But I don’t believe any of it. Therein lies the difference. I am simply laughing at myself.

I believe in God, and I believe in myself. Start there, then continue your list. This is a great exercise to strengthen your beliefs, and your convictions…

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#inspiration

Emotions

In the past year, I have noticed a change in my emotions, a good change. For years, I stuffed them down because as a child I wasn’t allowed to express any emotions unless they were positive. My parents would force me to put a smile on my face, even when I was raging inside. This carried over into adulthood.

I’m allowing my emotions to surface, and they are complying! Feeling something is good. It’s still a little uncomfortable for me, but growth comes when we visit the discomfort zone…

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