John Harrell's Blog, page 71
October 30, 2023
Hope
Through the myriad of challenges life throws at us, one thing remains: hope. Hope keeps us going when everything else is falling apart. Hope is the calm in the storm we are searching for. Hope gives us light when everything is dark. We remain hopeful even when our situation remains uncertain.
Have you lost hope in your life? If so, turn your focus to God’s power and promises. He is faithful to us even when we doubt Him.
Remember this: God did not create us and then forget about us…
October 29, 2023
Stormy Times
Everyone experiences pain. You can’t escape it on this side of eternity. But what you do with your pain makes all the difference in the world.
Pain will either stifle you, shut you down, or pain can be used as fuel to achieve a higher purpose. It’s your choice always.
Fuel burns white hot. Let your painful experiences be ignited inside. Use your pain for the greater good…
October 28, 2023
Pilates
Pilates is an exercise methodology that is practiced by millions worldwide. Pilates was introduced into the world by Joseph Hubertus Pilates. His original program was called Contrology. It was only after his death did the exercise phenomenon take on his name.
Pilates is about mind, body and spirit connection. Breathing into the exercises causes you to focus on your body’s movements and nothing else. It is an intense, full-body workout. It’s great for toning and conditioning the muscles, and Pilates produces perfect posture.
Give Pilates a try if you want to begin an exercise program. You will be glad you did…
October 27, 2023
Conversations
We have become texting machines rather than actually speaking to one another. Texting is fine for a quick check-in, but it’s not the same as having a conversation. Plus there is much that can be misinterpreted in a text, even a simple one.
Communicate with others. Have real conversations. Connecting is key to forming relationships with our fellow man. We are better together, and we are more alike than we are different…
October 26, 2023
Pursuit
Did you know that God is pursuing us every moment of every day? He wants a relationship with us, not to give us more religion but to mold us into the person He created us to be. We are on God’s mind all the time. Is He on ours?
We are rebellious by nature. No one had to teach us that. We don’t want anyone controlling us and that includes the God of the universe. Yet let’s face one simple truth: God is in control of everything. Every breath we take is a gift from our Creator.
I encourage you to take the difficult road. Surrender your will to the Creator. Learn who He is. He will guide you when you allow Him to.
From the Book of Jeremiah: “You will find me when you seek me with all your heart…”
October 25, 2023
Wonder and Awe
Have you ever watched a toddler learn? It’s fascinating. The neurons in their little, developing brains are exploding because new neural pathways are being formed. Everything, and I mean everything, is new to them.
Toddlers are pure-hearted. They want, no, they demand your attention. Little children are simply curious. They want to know how things work.
I encourage you to approach life like a toddler does. View the world as if it is a miracle, because it is…
October 24, 2023
Disarray
All one has to do to see a world in disarray is open their eyes. An ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, Hamas doing what they do in the Middle East, and these are just the bigger issues. Are we doomed?
No, we are not doomed. The world has always been a mess. As long as things are going okay in our personal lives we don’t feel the impact. Yet we are impacted.
Fear is what the media thrives on. “If it bleeds it leads” is a common saying in newsrooms across the planet. I’m not minimizing the state of the world. I’m simply saying it’s important to try to look at things objectively.
Should you find yourself fearful or panicked, remember that God is in control. Nothing surprises Him. Take heart. He has overcome the world…
October 23, 2023
Spirited
When you hear someone described as “spirited,” what type of person comes to mind? Perhaps lively, engaging, emotional or energetic are appropriate descriptions.
All of those adjectives can apply to describe a spirited person. But let’s examine this a little more.
When we are making an observation or even a joke, the spirit of our words is the most important aspect of what we say. If our joke is mean-spirited, then it’s in poor taste. The same goes for conversation.
Pay attention to the spirit of your words and actions. They come from within and reveal what is in your heart…
October 22, 2023
Down, But Not Out
People’s emotions ebb and flow. External things happen that can, and will knock you down. But you aren’t out unless you stay down.
When life gets really tough our natural tendency is to withdraw, take a short break and regroup. That’s fine as long as it doesn’t become a lifestyle.
If you are experiencing a hard time in your life, I encourage you to re-engage and rise up. You don’t know how high you can go unless you try…
October 21, 2023
Objectivity
Are able to look at a situation and see it for what it really is, without bias or prejudice? What about other people? Doing this is an acquired skill.
People are judging constantly. Their opinions are swayed by what they hear from the media and from friends and acquaintances. This misinformation can blind us from the truth.
Clear your mind of judgment. See things as they are, not as you believe them to be. Ask God for help to develop this type of mindset. Freedom from judgment is freedom indeed…
