John Harrell's Blog, page 73

Rude Awakening

It seems our society has devolved into a culture of rudeness. People hide behind computer screens and say some ugly things to others with no repercussions. Politeness has always been admired by us in books, movies and in real life, so how did we get here?

People are stressed to the max. The cost of living has skyrocketed, everyone is in a rush, and we don’t have time to be polite. Yet, I say we do have time. We just don’t make the time.

Slow down a little. Make the time to connect with others. Be kind and polite, even to those who don’t deserve it. They probably need your kindness the most…

If Only

Many of us have heard people use the “if only” excuse. You know what I’m referring to. If only I was taller, more athletic, smarter, I had a better boss, better parents. The list could go on forever. They are simply petty put-downs, but we aren’t putting ourselves down even though it sounds that way.

God created us exactly how He wanted us to be. Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents. He expects us to use them to bring glory to Him, not ourselves. Glory means “high renown or honor won by notable achievements.” The glory goes to God because it was He who gave us the ability.

If you have been guilty of using the “if only” excuse, I encourage you to get rid of it. Eliminate it from your thinking. You are being critical of The One who created you, not yourself…

In My Head

We are thinking every minute of every day. Our minds continue working while we sleep. We are unable to turn our minds off.

What we fill our brains with will dictate our thoughts. Fill it when junk and you begin to think in a small, distorted way. Filling your mind with rich history, art and The Bible will turn your thoughts to greatness for the greater good.

Keep your mind clear of negativity. Turn the news shows off. Read and absorb the works of Thoreau, Wilde, the Apostle Paul and others. Then, notice the change…

Did It Work?

We are coming into political campaign season. All the “experts” in their political views will be alive and rampant on the internet. But do their opinions really matter to anyone besides themselves?

In my observation, I have never seen anyone affected by someone cramming their opinions down someone else’s throat. This applies to politics, religion, and even sports.

People must come to their way of thinking on their own. We should question ourselves, test our convictions and constantly evolve as we mature. This is part of the strength of a free society…

Figure it Out

There is always a way to accomplish what you really want. Think creatively. See the situation from many angles. Talk it through with people and listen to their perspective. You do not have to do what anyone suggests, but it might be a good idea to consider what others think.

And always remember that the mind is your powerful connection to the spiritual realm. And you can do anything you set your mind to…

Unacceptable

In today’s PC culture, it has become nearly impossible to not offend somebody. Don’t misunderstand me, rudeness is never acceptable. Nor is intentionally marginalizing people. But political correctness has gone too far. I’ve had enough.

We used to laugh at things that were edgy. The intention came from a pure heart with no desire to hurt anyone. Now what we formerly found humor in has created a bunch of whiny victims. Try being a white man in today’s society. We are the vilified, yet I’m not a victim. I was born the way God wanted me. I’m good.

Political correctness will destroy us from within. We must take a stand for what’s right, whether it’s PC or not…

Magic

Magic is everywhere. We have magic shows, magical connections, we even have the Magic Kingdom! But what is magic?

Magic describes the use of mysterious or supernatural forces to alter reality. But the magician isn’t using supernatural powers. He’s simply creating an illusion.

There is a true supernatural power found in the word of God. Just saying the name Jesus makes the demons shudder. These are real forces and they are available to everyone.

Remember this when you talk to God. He is listening, always. Thank Him in advance for what you ask for, and thank Him for what He has given you. Then watch the magic happen…

Say What?

When I was raising my children I let them know they could “say anything they wanted to” to me. But I would pay attention to how they said it.

Attitude is everything. What lies in our hearts will eventually come out in what we say. When I observe some of the ugly things people say to others on social media, it occurs to me that they might have a lot of unresolved anger lying beneath.

I encourage you to work on yourself. Carl Jung once wrote that “unresolved trauma leads to future neuroses.” Clear out any darkness in your heart and let the light enter. Your attitude will be enlightened and others will benefit from your goodness…

Warrior, or Worrier

How do you approach life? Are you facing your challenges directly and with confidence, or do they make you anxious?

In The Book of Timothy the author writes, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love…” In other words, we have been equipped by the Creator to rely on Him and His guidance to work through our difficulties. God knows what our futures hold because He is already there. Why wouldn’t we let Him guide us instead of trying to do everything ourselves?

I encourage you to remember this when worry and anxiety strikes. Let go and let God. You are a warrior in His eyes…

Interview with Ashley Spence

Ashley Spence is one of the bravest women I have ever met. She had just begun her sophomore year at Arizona State when the unthinkable happened. Ashley was the victim of a home invasion, enduring an assault which lasted for several hours. Afterwards she ran away to California to heal. Unknown to Ashley, her attacker lived a few blocks away from her. Seven years after her attack , a DNA match happened. Her life was once again turned upside down , but it put her on the path to lead the DNA Justice Project. Click on the link to hear her inspiring story and how this horrific event helped her find her true calling …