John Harrell's Blog, page 58
March 6, 2024
Troubles
It seems that everywhere we look we see people struggling. It’s increasingly expensive to live. Going to the grocery store creates unnecessary tension.
Reality is not what we see on social media. Life presents us with challenges, and some of those challenges seem overwhelming and insurmountable. Then we get caught in the trap of comparison. Comparison is a never ending exercise in futility, since don’t fall for it.
Stay focused and keep going, no matter what happens…
March 5, 2024
Decisions Decisions
How many decisions do you think you make every day? According to my Google search, we average between 33,000 and 35,000 decisions daily. That’s mind blowing and inspiring at the same time!
We, occasionally, are asked for advice from others. I’ve had people say “just tell me what to do.” But it’s not my place to decide things for others. We learn and grow through experience. We learn more from our failures than our successes.
When I was raising my children, I made decisions for them while they were under my care. They are adults now, and must make their own way through life. Fortunately they are young men with solid character, so I’m confident things will work out well for them in their lives.
I encourage you to make a conscious decision to make a difference. That’s one of the best decisions you can make. Decide today…
March 4, 2024
Reels
Each of us have highlight reels of our lives and we have what I call “lowlight” reels, too. Both are available for replay in our minds all the time. Which reel do you play the most?
When looking back on your life, replay the good moments the most. Don’t get stuck there, thus you might think your best days are behind you. That’s simply not true. And don’t get mired down in memories of your setbacks and failures, either. This might stop you from trying anything new.
Focus on the here and now. Leave the past in the past, right where it belongs…
March 3, 2024
Evolution
Do you believe people are capable of changing? I do. Consider the story of the Apostle Paul. Paul was the “Hebrew of Hebrews,” a devoted persecutor of Christians who was on his way to Damascus to arrest men and women and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial. Paul had a Divine encounter which led him to zealously preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ while at the same time writing two-thirds of the New Testament. Now that’s change!
Most of us will never have the risen Christ speak directly to us as Paul did. Oftentimes God works more subtly in our lives to effect change. In my own life I can tell you that God has worked on me, in me and through me. I’m glad I recognize it for what it is. Or perhaps I should say who.
People evolve and change when they want to. Change can’t be forced, but we can set the example for others. The ability to change lives inside all of us…
March 2, 2024
Columbine
We are coming up on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre. It’s been on my mind a lot lately. You see, I serve on the Board of Directors for Rachel’s Challenge, the largest organization in the world that focuses on kindness and compassion. This charity was founded after Columbine. Rachel was the first child killed that day.
Since Columbine, we have had many more school shootings. The gun isn’t the problem. When students feel connected and safe at school, all the societal ills go away. They learn better. And isn’t learning one of the reasons we send children to school?
Forgiveness has power. By forgiving those who have offended us, we harness that power and bring good from the bad. More on this in future writings.
Check out the organization by following the link. You will be glad you did…
March 1, 2024
Deals
We love to get a good deal, don’t we? Think about it. You go to buy a car and after a bit (sometimes a lot!) of haggling, you agree to the terms the dealership offers. You both are happy.
False advertising tries to reel us in. Promises of easy weight loss or quick wealth are empty promises. There are no shortcuts to those.
The best deal of all is God’s promise to spend eternity with us. There will be no pain or suffering in Heaven, only eternal bliss. And it’s a free gift! Take the deal. There’s no better deal out there…
February 29, 2024
Security
We want safety and security in our lives. If a storm is heading our way, we stock up on supplies and hunker down. We feel safe from whatever happens.
Security comes from trust. We are secure in our relationships because we trust the other person. We are secure in our homes because we take care of them.
Start by trusting yourself. Do good. And be good…
February 28, 2024
A Day Away
I apologize for the late post. I took a day off to prepare for a speech I gave tonight. The opportunity got dropped in my lap at the last minute.
I’ll see you tomorrow!
February 27, 2024
Insecure People
People will try to tear you down, sometimes to your face but more often behind a computer keyboard. They are insecure and unfulfilled in their lives, so they want the rest of the world to feel the same way.
Don’t take the bait. Stay on the high ground. Aim higher and think higher.
The naysayers and doubters will always be there. Stay true to who you are…
February 26, 2024
Knocked Down, But Not Out
Some days life hits you. Hard. Stress is always present in life. I’m talking about those unexpected, unanticipated hits. Consider how life changing the loss of a child is.*
Our resolve is tested to the maximum in those circumstances. The pain is constant, sometimes overwhelming to the point you can barely breathe. You don’t know if you will ever feel normal again.
The pain gets worse before it gets better. But it does get better. Hope remains alive, like a tiny ember of a dying fire.
We don’t know how strong we are until we get leveled by life. If you are going through hell right now, keep going. Rise…
*This post is dedicated to two families I know who lost a child last fall. Their identities will remain anonymous.
