Trials are inevitable.  Bearing them is not.

I’ve been through a lot of trials in my life and, by God’s grace, come through on the other side. 

Here are 5 things that help me “bear up” when passing through a trial:

These days, everyone is offended.  Offended by a social media “like" or “dislike.”  Offended by being left out of the party.  Offended by politics, religion, race, referees, and a hundred other possible stumbling blocks.

How do you keep yourself from constantly being offended?

Depression, loneliness, and anxiety are at an all time high.  Yet, we have more possessions, connections, and options than ever.

What’s the problem?

It’s tough when you want to know God’s will about a certain situation but there is no clear direction. You pray, you read…but still no direction.

Think about these things when you don’t know God’s will:

Let’s face it:  “you can’t believe everything you see or hear.”  You have to have DISCERNMENT.

“The simple believes everything” (Prov. 14:15). 

Here are great tests I ask myself to discern what (or who) is real:

A “quick temper” is one of my biggest struggles.  I like it speedy, convenient and easy.  Studies show that the time people are willing to wait in line has gone from four minutes to…twenty seconds!

Here are 7 ways to “ice down” your quick temper:

Is there someone in your life who has become your greatest challenge?  Does it seem their character is in concrete and nothing will change them?

Here are the changes you can make in yourself that will give you hope that they can change:

When Moses was gone for 40 days up the mountain, it turned into a “free for all” down below.  People usually behave correctly until their leader is not around.  THEN…it is up to their inner character.

Here is how you control your passions even when no one is watching: 

The terrible violence in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a bell that tolls worldwide.  It raises questions of who we are and where we are. 

When Christ met a Samaritan woman at a well, those questions were answered.

Here are the relevant thoughts from the story of the “woman at the well” that speak to me about our current state of religious conflict:

I recently saw a bombed out home in Syria that was rebuilt by generosity and given back over to a widow and her children.  The thrill of seeing this devastated, war-ravaged family dancing for joy was an amazing experience. 

Why is it that when it is time to give to others we usually think, “Oh, brother…” instead of “Oh, boy!”?    

“The heart of the issue is an issue of the heart.”

Somebody’s heart has gotten hard.  Somebody’s heart has become selfish or impure.  It may be MINE.

Here are 7 areas I try to continually look into the mirror of Scripture so I can watch over my heart like a hawk:

Have you ever gotten all revved up to make a change, charged forward, and hit a major wall?  Most people stop right there.  How do you survive the FIRST WALL? 

Check out these steps to make an amazing life breakthrough that changes your entire life: 

Do you ever wonder why some leaders are magnetic and others are not?  Is the “it” factor something you can learn?  Is it a skill that can be developed?  I believe it is.

Here are my top 5 skills to personal magnetism:

Let’s face it:  people are way too serious right now.  The weight of the world is dampening the bravest spirit.  Sometimes, laughing is the last thing you think of. 

Here are some reasons for that and how to change your perspective:

I was on the inside seat of an airplane recently.  It’s my least favorite place.  On top of that, I tried in vain to pull my sweater off.  I felt trapped, really trapped, in a “tight place.”

Are you in a tight place financially, emotionally, or relationally? 

Here are some good thoughts that will definitely help you get out of that “jam”:

Everyone is petrified of getting “old.”  Instead, the Bible says, “Abraham died in a GOOD OLD AGE, an old man and full of years…” (Gen. 25:8)

In other words, getting older is not a bad thing…it’s a GOOD thing! 

Consider these 7 wonderful things about getting older:

“Communication.”  It’s the hardest work you will ever do. 

Here are my five (current!) “foolproof” hacks that will help you make sure your “communication” is not a “miscommunication”:

Do you ever wake up in the morning and feel like, “Today, I will bring my “B” or “C" game.  Yesterday was great but today will only be average”?

NOT THIS YEAR. 

Here are a my top 6 secrets to consistently bring my “A” game and make a difference in the world!: 

This is not an original statement with me.  However, it has shaped my life greatly.

As you start into a new year, have you discovered the “why” behind all of your goals, planning, and purposes?

This subtle, simple shift can mean the difference between total life change and miserable failure.

Here are some examples: 

“New” is not just a position on a calendar.  It is a total frame of mind.  It clears out all your mistakes.  It opens up new possibilities for you and can reset your relationships.

Think about becoming “brand new” in these 5 important areas: