How is it that you recharge your battery? What is it that you do to get yourself back on track and refocused on your priorities? Most of us can probably relate to times when we put our heads down and charge through the responsibilities that are in front of us. Those times can be challenging and push us off focus. However, there can also be times when we dig deep and rely on our strengths. First, I have to recognize that I am in need of being recharged. Often life is so busy that we don’t take the time…
One of the most powerful things about one’s journey is that we have the choice to change paths throughout our lifetime. I believe Jesus has a plan for us and as we make decisions along our journey he guides us. It is our decision if we choose to listen or continue to remain in control of our direction. Some of us are thrown difficult forks in the road, some permanent some changeable. In this lifetime our path and journey are adaptable. Some of the things that happen to us and situations we encounter, our physical and mental abilities, might…
It would be nice if relationships stayed healthy and strong with no need to foster or cultivate positive synergy. However, for most of us, we need to invest some attention to those close to us. Once in the habit of fostering love for those we know, it becomes contagious to those around us. In recent years I have heard the term “secret sauce” used in various places, but the first time I heard it used was by a marketing consultant in Boston many years ago. His strategy is to uncover the business’ special ingredient that makes up its secret sauce…
I learned a valuable lesson about disappointment. Put very simply, despite various disappointments love conquers everything. Having love in your heart doesn’t prevent you from disappointment, but it provides a framework as to where to start and offers a different perspective. It makes it less about me and more about countering the disappointment with kindness. I can be criticized, walked over, or sat on, but because I have love in my heart, there’s something that enables me to get up again. Something that tells me that disappointment doesn’t deserve anger. That something that picks me up is…
Over time we often forget some of the details of our lives. Some things become easier over time as our memories fade. Other things are enhanced by a gentle reminder. Monuments often provide a reminder of important things that have happened in history. As we view the art our minds focus on the events of that time period. It is a gentle reminder of history; a person, event, or era. As I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible the reading touched on the importance of incorporating reminders into our lives. Things that will help us reference important personal events…
John Lennon’s song, All You Need Is Love, has been playing in my mind this past week. From podcast to televised church service the common theme has been we are what we believe. The concept that positive thoughts and actions bring about positive outcomes has long been a topic of discussion among those closest to me. I see things in terms of the cup 1/2 full and find very little cause to worry. While others find it very difficult to address all circumstances from a perspective of love and tend to hang on to stress and anxiety. I…
Recently I was speaking to someone who was trying to decide how to tell a friend that they could not accept the invitation. This person didn’t want it to seem like an excuse, because it wasn’t. My advice was, to tell the truth. It would be pretty embarrassing if something else was given as an excuse and it showed up on social media, or worse in person. Knowing there are many ways to approach the topic; I mentioned two, addressing them bluntly or with some explanation. If the person is someone I want to be a true friend…
I love to find ways to make things simple. Have you ever experienced being around something that is delivered in a complicated manner despite no apparent reason? When that happens I tend to lose the message all while creating a simpler version in my head and moving on to other issues that are flooding my mind. The world needs detail, expertise, and brilliant minds. But not all of us can process the basics while drowning in the detail. Each of us has expertise in various areas. Even if we think we don’t, we do. If I had to work…
Stepping out of my comfort zone and believing, without a doubt, that all things are possible has led me to a life of inner peace. The power of believing for me includes releasing my worries and giving control to Jesus. I am fortunate that I am able to believe before I see the results. For many, believing in something that is not tangible or visible is paralyzing. The thought of leaving the results up to anything other than one’s self leaves many filled with anxiety. Ironically, I never experienced total inner peace until I released control to Jesus. It…
I have spent the last 15 years attempting to instill in my children that appearances do not make you whole, happy, or bring you wealth. It is love, service, prayer, and Jesus. Having faith that the steps that you take each day are building a solid foundation for loving and serving others. Yes, it is difficult to trust that loving and serving others will put us in a position to have everything we need. My family has what we need and much more. However, often what we have are not the things that are flashy on social media. At times…