Tag Archives: #truth

Spirituality

New News Sources. Please!

Objective journalism died with Walter Cronkite. No one has been able to take his place. But even in the days just after Cronkite, the news media was more respectful than they are today. For an example, watch the final interview with Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office, conducted by Tom Brokaw.

The news is even harder to tolerate because they aren’t always truthful. They report what they want us to hear which isn’t always the truth. Honesty in journalism is an oxymoron. But there is hope.

As hard as news media tries to sway people, they forgot one thing. People are smarter than the media gives them credit. People are more discerning. The media thinks we aren’t very bright. They are sorely mistaken.

The only source we can believe in wholeheartedly is the Bible. Scripture is inspired by God. It holds true today and it will be true in a thousand years.

Trust God. Question everything else…

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Spirituality

Inaccuracies

Is it just me or, or have you noticed more and more inaccurate information on the internet? People make stuff up and broadcast it to the masses. And there are some who never question anything.

I’m skeptical by nature. This comes from having a scientific brain. Asking if something is true or not shouldn’t have to happen as often as it does nowadays.

Politicians certainly do it. We have a guy here in Texas running for the Senate who has said some ridiculous things. At first, I didn’t believe the memes. Then the actual videos appeared of the candidate referring to women as “our neighbors with a uterus.” Huh? Who talks like this??? There’s more, but I’ll let you do your own research, as you should.

Misspelled words in print and online media have become way too common. It happens so frequently that it makes me question the quality of education our journalists are receiving.

Enough of my ranting for today. My encouragement to you is to question the things that seem too good to be true. Mistakes happen, but we don’t have to allow them to sway our thinking…

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Spirituality

Speak The Truth

Yesterday, I watched a United States Senator tell a blatant lie on one of the Sunday morning news shows. It was so telling because even the Senator stumbled over his words and looked away. What’s more disappointing is, the host didn’t challenge him or offer any pushback at all. No wonder no one trusts the media.

We expect our politicians to stretch the truth. That’s been their way all my life. We don’t expect them to lie. Lying is not okay. People can handle the truth better than you may think they can.

When people lie, it destroys trust. It’s very difficult to regain trust once it’s gone. Having the trust of another person is a high honor.

There are times when delivering the truth is uncomfortable. Speak with gentleness and self-control. And picking the right time is crucial.

There is only one truth, no matter what people may say. And the truth is always the best…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Through the Spirit

True change comes from within. We might change our behavior for a while to accommodate someone else’s demands, but it won’t last unless we want it to. We are unique individuals, not clones.

It’s true that if you have a bad habit that needs to be addressed, you should work to change it. An alcoholic doesn’t get sober until he or she decides they want sobriety. Then they commit to doing whatever is necessary to stay sober.

For believers, the Spirit of God lives within us. The Spirit is constantly talking to us, guiding us and encouraging us. But are we always listening? No, we aren’t because the demons want our attention, too. And they are really good at getting it.

The Spirit is changing us inside. We are being crafted into the character of Jesus. We won’t reach perfection on this side of eternity, but we certainly get better.

Listen to the Spirit. It cannot lead you astray because it’s God talking to you. Through the Spirit we find life, peace and contentment. And that’s a winning combination…

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Spirituality

Truth Tellers

As a child, I was taught that George Washington “never told a lie.” The story about Washington and the cherry tree was made up by a biographer after Washington’s death. Was this story taught in school to teach virtue, or was it taught to little children so we would grow up trusting our politicians? I have my suspicions it was both.

Telling the truth is easier than lying or even stretching the truth. You never have to question what you said to someone because you simply spoke the truth. No spinning of a story, just the simple truth.

In today’s society, “living my truth” is a popular phrase. You may live however you like, but there is only one truth. Stick with it and you’ll live with more peace.

Back to our politicians, we expect them to stretch the truth. Fiery rhetoric without substance is hollow. Like everyone, watch the actions of people. Do they align with their words? When they do align, you begin to trust them more.

Washington was careful with his words. He was a brilliant general who used deception and lies to manipulate the enemy. And we can be grateful he did, cherry tree or not…

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Uncategorized

Misleading Headlines

The media has gone into overdrive. In better days, sensational headlines were reserved for The National Enquirer. Not anymore.

Recently, I read a story headline that indicated Greenland, Denmark and the United States were heading into contentious talks about the future of Greenland. It was their first meeting! Normal people don’t enter the room looking for a fight. The meeting went fine. No blood was spilled.

In the United States, trust in the media has been steadily declining for years. Their trust level is hovering around the politicians, but not far above bail bondsmen. Legitimate reporting died when Walter Cronkite retired.

Donald Trump was a shot in the arm for the media and the entertainers. They couldn’t wait to report whatever outrageous thing he said. Accuracy in reporting went out the window because clicks were more important. Never mind everything else going on in the world. If Tiananmen Square had happened in 2019, we wouldn’t hear about it until 2035, if even then.

Be discerning about everything you read or see on television. The media put themselves in this situation. No one forced them to be subpar. If it sounds outrageous, it’s probably just trying to get you to click on it…

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Spirituality

Timing is Everything

Have you ever had to deliver a truthful, yet difficult message to someone? Most of us, if not all have been in this position. This is when proper timing is needed.

Timing is everything. If you are placed in a precarious personal situation you must be keenly aware of the right time to execute. You can feel it when you are in touch with your emotions. You just know when it’s right and when it’s best to wait. I encourage you to follow your instincts on this.

We expect our friends to be honest with us. That’s part of friendship. All of us have tons of people around who will tell us what we want to hear. But that might not be what we need to hear. If you have someone in your life who is truthful with you about the good, the bad and the blind spots, that person is a treasure. Hold on to them.

When you have a difficult message to share, remember the writings of Paul from Galatians. Deliver the message with some gentleness and self-control. And remember to choose your timing well…

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Spirituality

Just Visiting

Everyone has a past but we live in the present. Mistakes, failures and regrets are forever stored in our subconscious mind. The past tends to make an appearance when we are trying something new or changing a habit.

We cannot allow past mistakes to stop us. We were created for a greater purpose than many are living. We stop ourselves. No one else has that power. The truth is, the fear of failure has stopped more people than lack of talent ever has.

We learn from the mistakes we made. They can be used if we are willing to try again. And again. And again.

When the past rears its ugly head, and it does for everyone, remember that it’s just paying a visit. Keep it where it belongs. Stay focused on the future while living in the present.

The world is waiting to hear from you…

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Spirituality

Unseen Power

What comes to mind when you think of power? Perhaps money, position or connections are part of the mix. This is what we see but they are nothing when compared to the unseen power of God.

There have been countless times in my life where God has saved me from myself. I’m sure you have a few stories of your own. These experiences are what I have seen, and I know the source.

Let’s consider what we don’t see. Gravity works every day. The earth rotates around the sun without pause, and the sun is at the exact distance we need to sustain life. The stars hang in the sky. I could go on and on until I break the internet!

Most of my prayers are prayers of gratitude. We all take things for granted. Yet each day is both a gift and an opportunity to make a difference.

Make your own mark on the world. You were born in this era to make a difference. Always remember where your power to influence comes from. It doesn’t come from ourselves…

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Spirituality

The Spirit of Christmas

I have a friend, Bert Simon, who goes all out for Christmas. He puts up a ton of lights and has two Christmas trees. There’s nothing unusual about this except that Bert is Jewish. In his words, “Christmas is a positive holiday, and I’ll celebrate anything positive.”

Bert gets it. During the holidays, people are nicer. They come together in a spirit of unity and togetherness. It’s a beautiful thing to witness. I’m curious why it isn’t this way all year long. It can be.

Many of us are extremely fortunate. It’s important to remember those who have not experienced the blessings we have received. The homeless, inmates in prison, and those who have experienced loss aren’t feeling the same sense of joy as the rest of us. Everyone is equally important in the eyes of the Creator. God cares about the poor, the marginalized and those in prison.

I’m grateful for a lot of things, and I’m thankful to have Bert as a friend. I have never seen him without a big smile on his face. By his actions, he is bringing light into the world every day. We can, too…

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