John Harrell's Blog, page 72
October 20, 2023
Connecting the Dots
Sometimes life makes very little sense. We try to control outcomes but get sent in a different direction than we planned. What do you do when life is this way?
Connect your dots. Look back at your life and remember other times you were confused or unsure. See how God brought everything together for you. You are here because He got you through other rough periods.
This is a promise: He will do it again…
October 19, 2023
Earn It
We value what we earn. Investing our time and energy into something that produces a worthwhile outcome makes us feel good, makes us proud.
Coasting through life and accepting whatever life sends our way will dull the senses. We need mental stimulation. We need to be challenged. We learn from our mistakes. Success is never a straight line. There are curves, speed bumps and setbacks along the road less traveled. Those who succeed are the ones who keep going.
If you are experiencing a setback in your journey, I encourage you to pick yourself up and move forward. Even a little progress is progress…
October 18, 2023
Believe It Or Not
People have belief systems. Some of our beliefs are incontrovertible such as gravity or that the earth revolves around the sun. We know these things to be true, whether we understand them or not.
There are other things we want to believe. It doesn’t matter if what we believe is untrue. All that matters is that we believe it. You might believe something about your least favorite politician. You might believe it because you have been blinded by hatred. This will limit you.
Approach life with an open mind. Be willing to question everything. Challenge your beliefs and be open enough to change your mind when necessary…
October 17, 2023
Slow To Anger
Have you been around people who get ticked off at everything? Those types of people are difficult to be around.
James wrote to the church of Jerusalem and told them to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. It seems that listening well is the key to slowing our emotions down and thinking. God gave us brains with both analytical abilities and emotional responses, so perhaps there is some science behind James’ admonishment.
Learn to listen if that skill isn’t already in your wheelhouse. Your communication with others will grow exponentially when you do…
October 16, 2023
A Little More Scripture
In the Book of James, the author tells us we are to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. Today we will talk about speaking.
We should take time to think before we speak. Really think about what we want to say. Sometimes we want to be heard so badly we blurt out whatever is on our tongue. That’s not the way.
Take time to consider what you want to convey. This all starts with listening…
October 15, 2023
A Little Scripture Study
In The Book of James, Verse 1:9 the author tells us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.” Over the next few days we will examine this a little further.
James was the half-brother of Jesus. In his letter to the church of Jerusalem, we are encouraged to be “quick to listen.” I interpret this to mean listening should be our first choice when interacting with other people. How many times have I barely heard my counterparty because I wanted to get my voice heard? Too many to count…
Listening is an art form, and to really listen is exhausting. Listening is a verb, an action word. And when you rearrange the letters in the word “listen,” you get “silent.” This is not a coincidence.
More tomorrow…
October 14, 2023
Selling or Telling
When we tell people something, we expect them to believe us. But why wouldn’t they believe us?
Our reputation is extremely important when we are dealing with people. If we have the reputation of being one who exaggerates, the other party might be skeptical of what we are saying. Should our reputation be impeccable, then our credibility is secure.
Take inventory of what others think of your word. It might be telling you something…
October 13, 2023
Greatness
People aspire to greatness. It’s not the same as fame because fame can be temporary. Great people tend to last, and their impact is felt for generations.
Do you want to be great? Start by being good…
October 12, 2023
News
Where do you go to get credible news? I do not see any news service, print or television, that tells the full story. There seems to be an agenda.
I believe it is important to keep up with what’s going on in the world. Currently there are wars being fought, some which might turn into larger, longer battles. You must stay aware of the happenings, but I encourage you to stop and think about what the news media tells you. They are vying for viewership, so they will try to keep you scared and tuned in.
Remember there is an agenda behind what you are hearing. Thankfully, God gave us brains to think and weed through all the noise…
October 11, 2023
Scarcity
Is your mindset one of abundance or scarcity? We become what we think about, so you and I are manifesting our thoughts into our reality.
My encouragement to you is to dream big, audacious dreams. Do not make your focus on money. Put your energy into fulfillment. This will keep your outcomes aligned with your values.
Poverty and dread are mindsets. So are health and wellness. Focus abundantly…
