John Harrell's Blog, page 10

Never Too Late

Are you one of the many people who are struggling right now? Mental health has been compromised while the cost of living skyrocketed the last four years, adding to the stress. People need hope right now like never before.

There is always hope, no matter how bleak it may appear to be. Don’t fear the future. There is something around the next corner, and you have to believe it’s something good. Keep taking one brave step after another. You will make it if you just keep going.

Surround yourself with good people. Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies. Turn the television off and go outside in nature. Tell God everything you are feeling. You can tell him if you’re angry with him, frustrated or disappointed. God can take a punch and he won’t hit back or hold a grudge. You don’t have to sound all spiritual or righteous. Just be yourself.

Believe in yourself, and believe that your future is bright. See the life you want. Pray for it. Keep your vision in the forefront of your mind.

You will make it happen if you refuse to quit…

Allowances

When I was a kid a lot of my friends received an allowance every week. I didn’t. When I asked my parents about this, they told me I could ask for money anytime I needed it. “I didn’t need an allowance.” I never asked because I was afraid to.

God gives us the greatest allowance: free will. We are free to choose whatever path we want to take in life. But free will doesn’t mean we can escape the consequences of our decisions. There is cause and effect at play. Good decisions lead to good outcomes. You know the other side

Yet God gives us more. You see, everything good in our lives is a gift from God. Fresh air, sunshine, our minds, literally everything comes from God. And He gives generously to believers and nonbelievers alike.

Take nothing for granted. If you’re reading this, take a moment to thank God for another day. Then use today to make a difference in the world. Allow others to experience your kindness…

The “Experts”

Social media has given a lot of people a voice. Opinions are readily shared, often without facts to support the narrative. Oh some “journalist” may be cited as proof, but these so-called journalists are typically spewing an opinion, too. Emotions run high and arguments ensue. No one wins.

When I was in public school, my grades reflected the first four letters of the alphabet: A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s. I never failed a class, but I got dangerously close several times. In college, my grades went up significantly. You see, college professors teach one subject, typically they have advanced degrees in the subject, and they made it interesting. The teachers in my public school didn’t know how to teach a kid like me. My insatiable curiosity and high energy level ruled the day for me.

Take the time to think. Question everything. Be open minded about learning. The world may not be as you see it. You might be wrong. I might be, too. There really is only one expert who knows everything.

The only truth comes from a higher source, a much higher source. God’s word is true. It isn’t stale or outdated, and it’s a reliable source for life. Everything from our health to our money is covered. Maybe start there instead of Facebook. And there’s an added benefit! Your stress level goes down. Guaranteed…

The Prosperity Gospel

Prosperity Gospel began in the 1950’s and continues to spread across the globe today. More people than ever are tapped into it because of the World Wide Web.

One of the theses is that it is God’s will for everyone to prosper and become wealthy. Some Pastors have perverted the true Gospel to fit their agenda. “Name it and claim it,” they say. This turns God into a genie who grants our every wish. The caveat is that for God to grant you health and wealth, you must first give.

God’s will is accomplished through us on this planet. He does want us to give in faith. In the Bible, God tells us to “test me on this” with regard to tithing (Malachi 3:10). God certainly doesn’t need anything from us, including our money. But this is an act of faith in His ability to provide for us. And our resources oftentimes go to help others who are in need.

Not everyone will become wealthy. Jesus himself told us “the poor will be with us always.” But God cares deeply for all of us, and we should help those who are less fortunate.

Give to worthy causes, including churches, when you feel moved to. But I encourage you to give freely, not expecting anything in return. God examines our hearts when we give.

You and I are prosperous now. Fresh air, sunshine and a beating heart are worth more than gold. Prosperity is not just about money…

When Crazy Isn’t Crazy

Have you ever come up with an idea others considered crazy? Technically, to be crazy means you are mentally deranged. Most of us crazy people aren’t deranged. We approach life with an enthusiasm not understood by others.

The Wright brothers were told their idea about flight would never “fly.” After all, what did they know about aerodynamics? The Wright brothers were simple bicycle repairmen. Their craziness led to the creation of an entire industry, employing millions of people worldwide.

Or Galileo. He came up with this crazy idea that the earth revolved around the sun, not the other way around as conventional wisdom dictated at the time. Now who were the crazy ones?

Be fearless in your pursuit of creative ideas, especially if they contribute to a better way of life. Pay no attention to the people who try to talk you out of your creativity. They can’t see what you see…

Against the Grain

Cutting meat against the grain is a way to make the meat more tender and easier to chew. But are there other times we should go against the grain? I believe so.

In this metaphor, the grain is society and culture. Going along to get along is sometimes okay, but not if it goes against your values. Picking on weaker people is never okay. Or gay people. Or animals.

As God’s creation, as all of us are, we are called to take care of others. This includes those who are marginalized and struggling. God sees everything, and he is really looking into our hearts. The heart is where our true personality and being are.

When you get your heart right, good things happen. Really good things…

Rome

On April 21st, 753 BC, Romulus founded the city of Rome. It was a small settlement sitting on a hill. Centuries later, Rome was a marvel to behold. It was a bustling city with aqueducts, a Coliseum, markets and commerce.

Just like Rome, you are a great work. You are a wonderful work in progress, growing and developing your unique skills and talents. There is no one else like you, and there never will be.

People have a tendency to copy others so they can “fit in.” Don’t fall for it. Trying to please others stifles your creativity. It’s time to show the world who you are. This doesn’t include their version of who they think you should be.

Keep your eyes on the target, your long-term goals for your life. Keep working. Be relentless. No one can make you quit.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will you be…

Gossipy People

For the last nine years I have led a men’s group on Wednesday mornings. It’s a great group of men. About every other month we meet for Happy Hour, too.

We have only one rule for the group. What is said there stays there. It would destroy the integrity of the group if someone gossiped about someone else. I can proudly say that no one has ever broken the rules.

Gossip is not only wrong, it’s harmful. Trust is broken and that’s difficult to get back once it’s gone. Having the trust of another person is a high honor.

When people choose to engage in gossip, it’s best to just walk away. Leave the conversation to the small-minded. They will find their crowd.

Always remember, if someone is talking to you about someone else, they are talking to someone else about you. Give them something worth discussing…

Keep Trying

Did you set any resolutions at the beginning of the year? If so, how are you doing with them? Research shows that by February almost half of the population has thrown in the towel on their goals. By year end, only about 10% stayed with it.

The desire to give in to old, familiar patterns is strong. This is because the mind is where the battle is, and the mind is more powerful than any nuclear weapon ever invented. Seriously.

Perhaps now is a good time to revisit the goals you set earlier this year. Adjust them downward a little. Create scenarios where you achieve small victories. By doing this you will be setting the stage to win the fight with your mind.

It is true that you can accomplish anything you want to in this life. Get a specific goal in mind that you have a burning desire to achieve. Then get to work with the mindset that you will not quit no matter what happens. Then you become unstoppable, a true force…

Fear Not

Fear has killed more dreams than lack of talent ever has. Fear will hold you back, keep you where you are rather than where you want to be. Unless…you are willing to break free and live in the unknown.

Should you choose to chase your purpose, you won’t be running the road by yourself. Did you know that in the Bible God tells us to “fear not” 365 times? That’s one for every day of the year. Coincidence? I think not.

Everyone has a battle within themselves. This is the conflict between where you were and who you are becoming. You can choose to go through the motions of life, living in frustration and safety. Or, you can sever the ropes that are trying to mire you in mediocrity and begin to live in the fullness you were created to live in. It is and always will be your choice.

I encourage you to step out and live your purpose with faith at your side. Embrace the fear you may feel and press on. All of life is an unknown, so keep going no matter what happens. Be adaptable…