John Harrell's Blog, page 107

Amends

How many times have I said something and wished I could take the words back? I’m not sure I can count that high.

All of us say things we don’t mean to. We hurt people unintentionally, but that doesn’t make it hurt the other person any less.

Apologize immediately. Don’t wait and do not make excuses. Most people will forgive and move on.

Saying “I’m sorry” is the right thing to do in these situations. And doing what’s right never goes out of style…

Rejection

Everyone has been rejected, and rejection hurts. But it only hurts if you care about who is rejecting you.

Fortunately, rejection isn’t fatal and we eventually heal from it. But don’t let the pain be wasted. Use it as fuel to further your cause. Reach out to others who are hurting, not to commiserate but to share your experience, strength and hope.

I’ll say it again. Rejection hurts. Don’t waste the experience…

Direction

A husband and wife were driving down the highway when the wife says, “you’re going the wrong way!” The husband replied, “be quiet. I’m making good time!”

Will the road you are on lead you to your destiny? Don’t confuse activity with achievement. Set goals, big goals for your life. Goals that are so outrageous you must rely on the Creator to make them happen because you can’t accomplish them on your own power.

And guess what? If you keep God in the picture, and you are pursuing what is true, right, and noble, He will guide you and place the right people in your life while removing unseen hurdles. You will succeed.

Just keep going, no matter what…

The Determined People Podcast Interview with Derek Hughes

Derek Hughes is known internationally as The Standup Magician. He learned his craft initially while he was recovering from open heart surgery when he was 10 years old. 

Born to a single mother when she was only 16, Derek grew up without a father in his life, but several mentors emerged as he pursued his calling in performance art. Today, Derek performs all over the world and delights audiences young and old. His greatest performance is as a husband and father. Derek talks openly about the struggles fatherhood brings, from being on the road to filling a role he didn’t have in his life. Don’t miss it. 

Oh, and he’s one of the nicest guys in the entertainment business you will ever meet. Click on the link in my bio to listen. #buttcard #magic #entertainer #fatherhood #agt #agtfinale #magician

The Hindrance of Knowledge

You’ve heard the saying that knowledge is power. I believe knowledge is potential power. If you don’t use it, it’s the same as never having it.

Knowledge can hinder you, too. Knowing too much, or thinking you know it all can stop you from pursuing your dreams. You can become over analytical and wary of trying something new.

Keep knowledge in its place. Don’t let it rule your life…

Complete

The dumbest movie line ever comes from Jerry Maguire when Tom Cruise says to Renee Zellweger, “you complete me.” It sounds cute and romantic, but no human being can complete another.

We are born with a yearning in our hearts. We can be fooled into thinking we are longing for another person. In some ways we are. We are meant to be connected to others. But our desire comes from wanting to be fulfilled spiritually. Only God can complete us. Only He can fill the hole in our hearts.

Find your completion. Find God…

Willingness

Conflict is unavoidable. We see things differently, uniquely. When others don’t agree with us, it isn’t an insult or a threat. It’s their perspective, and just because it’s different doesn’t mean it is wrong.

Be willing to listen to others. Try to see things through their eyes. You can stand by your beliefs and convictions while building a bridge to another person.

Our world is divided. It’s up to us, the people, to unite it. Be willing…

Give

What you give, you get. The results are rarely immediate, but this is a universal law.

Do you want friends? Be a good friend first. Want love? Love others without expectations. Want more money? Give to worthwhile organizations such as charities and churches.

Don’t hold on to what you have been given. Give to get more…

Educated

Most people like to think of themselves as smart. In many ways they are. There are other types of intelligence than IQ.

We should focus on educating ourselves on the important issues of today. There are opinions everywhere, and opinions are fine but what is the basis for them?

Educate yourself. Learn. Be open-minded, willing to change as your level of understanding evolves…

Turning It Over

God is speaking to us constantly. The noise of the world, distractions, work deadlines and more catch our focus and attention. But we have the power to change that.

What if we eliminated the noise by turning off the television for a few days? Sitting in silence while quieting our minds creates an uninterrupted connection with the Creator. He has our attention. Now let’s turn our hearts over to Him…