When Love Becomes Manipulation

Something important to consider when giving the gift of love is motive. People are motivated by many things, although not all intentions are pure. For this reason, we must examine our hearts to see what our true intentions are when we love others. The reasons for giving love are often born out of something within…

Resources to Give

Giving is often a matter of choice. If a person looks for a reason not to give, they will likely find ten. There is no conceivable way to know everyone’s circumstances, let alone their motives. It is understandable that some people, indeed, do not have much to give. But this message is intended more for…

Opportunities for Patience

I once boasted of being a man of patience. All that was fine and well until I was put into a situation that required a lot more patience. Then suddenly, I found myself searching frantically for the patience that I so quickly lost. Being from a small town, things were quite different when I moved…

I’ll Come Running

In any moment, a crisis can occur that will literally take everything off the agenda and throw it out the window. Crises do not care about priorities, health, or your peace of mind. They act like robbers, coming in to take away that which is precious to you. They do not discriminate, and attack whomever…

Passed Over

Have you ever been passed over for something you wanted very much? If so, then you know the hurt that comes afterwards. The pain goes so deep it feels as though all the positive thinking in the world will not pull you out from the depths you are in. Perhaps you have dedicated effort to…

Even Grapes get Squeezed

Ask a grape what it feels like to get crushed, but not out loud or people will think you are crazy. The truth is, there are times when many of us have felt or will feel crushed beyond measure. No one likes the process. If the grape is gently squeezed, only a little bit of the…

The Kind that Doesn’t Rewind

Recently, I listened to a podcast that took me down memory lane. It has beenquite a few years, but I remember when watching a movie was a lot more workthan turning on a streaming device. No, I’m not talking about DVD rentalseither, which is still a thing. Go back even further, to the days of…

Don’t Lose Your Whistle

I hope you realize that if comfort is your joy, the moment comfort leaves, you will no longer have joy. It doesn’t take much to become uncomfortable; it often happens in a moment’s notice. In a world that has news broadcasted 24/7, we have the luxury of repeatedly hearing how bad everything is. There were…

Good Riddance!

Yesterday I reflected over the year 2020. It’s amazing how the year started off so well. I made many goals and for the first few months, I was able to achieve them daily. I was crushing it and it felt awesome. But then an unwelcome guest came onto the world stage and life as we…

Favorite Time of the Year

I’ve often heard the phrase, “This is my favorite time of the year!” In fact, those words seem to come out of my own mouth every year starting with Thanksgiving and ending by year’s end. Many of us enjoy the time of family and gratitude extended during this month-long celebration. It is almost comical to…