Hello! Welcome to The Determined People Podcast, hosted by John Harrell, bestselling author, inspirational speaker, blogger and now podcaster.The Determined People Podcast is a two-pronged approach to podcasting. Every day I will offer a short, 1-2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day the right way. It’s not rah-rah stuff or fluff. The messages are designed to make you think, to inspire you, and to sustain you as you face the unknown challenges of the day. Weekly I will interview real people with honest, relatable stories. People who are willing to share their experience, strength and hope from their own life’s difficulties. When you listen to their stories, it is my hope you think, if they made it, so can I. Our world needs hope, and everyone I meet has a story. All of us have faced difficulties. In fact, we are facing one now…the global pandemic which has compromised our lives, our mental health and has impacted all of us uniquely. By sharing our stories, we connect at the heart level. We are unguarded. And through podcasting, these stories are available whenever you need them. So let’s get started.
We all make mistakes. But there are people in this world who like to remind us of everything we have ever done wrong. Those people aren't your people.
Every experience we have in life is preparing us for something else. We don't have the privilege to know what that something else is. Just know this to be true.
Learn from others who have been where you are. Wise people won't tell you what to do. Rather, they will allow you to figure it out for yourself.
It isn't necessary to call attention to ourselves constantly. It's a great temptation to do so in today's society. Go about your work quietly and with purpose. The right people will notice...
Are you facing challenges in your life? Maybe they seem insurmountable. Please consider the story of David and Goliath. It is as true today as it was then.
We aren't given the privilege to know or understand why things happen. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. But God remains at work in our lives. Say yes to Him and no to anything and anyone who gets in your way.
In today's episode, we consider the story of Joseph.
Miracles didn't only happen during Jesus' time on earth. They are happening all around us. Slow down a little and take a look.
The Moral Majority political movement is no longer with us. But morals never go out of style.
I believe Jesus would have been a blast to hang around with! What do you think?
I lost today's episode and accidentally uploaded an oldie! It's worth a listen.
Who do you truly know? God knows us all the way down to our DNA. He sees everything, yet he still loves us. In fact, he even likes us.
Do you feel welcome at your favorite restaurant? How about your church? Some people may be too broken in the moment to put on their Sunday best clothes. They should feel welcome to come to God in church or nature. Or wherever. God knows the heart. That is what he looks at.
It's possible to disagree with someone yet not become a disagreeable person...
Punishment comes from anger. My young life was filled with punishment, and I believed that God was punishing me, too. I was wrong.
Some people approach life so cautiously that they are afraid of living. Growth comes when we are willing to get uncomfortable....
You were born with every talent and ability you need to accomplish your God-given purpose on earth. Use them!
It's a good idea to question everything. Yes, everything. I grew up believing Christopher Columbus discovered America. He didn't.
Your best days are ahead of you. It's not too late to make your mark in this world.
Maybe you received an allowance from your parents when you were a child. Guess what? You are still receiving an allowance! Also, new music today. I believe you will like it!
Social media has created an entire generation of "experts." Opinions are not facts. When in doubt or looking for answers, consult the one source that will never steer you wrong: God.
Prosperity Gospel has been around for over a half century. Not everyone will become wealthy on this side of eternity. But wealth isn't always measured in money.
Unconventional thinking has led to the creation of awe-inspiring innovations. In today's episode, I take into consideration the contributions of two people who might have been called crazy.
Challenging culture is a way of going against the grain. We should always take care of those who are weak or struggling.
Develop the mindset that you will conquer whatever goal you set. You will succeed, no matter what...
In the Bible, God tells us to "fear not" 365 times. Once for every day of the year. Don't play it safe. Step into the unknown with faith as your partner. Let God take you where you are supposed to be, becoming who you are along the way.
In today's episode I talk about influencers. Of course, I have to remember the first great influencer who continues to inspire and influence people over 2,000 years since his time.
Sometimes my memory fails me. But there are some people who I will never forget.
Closed-minded, self-righteous people can be very off putting. We can learn from everyone, if we are willing to consider the world with an open mind.
Being in the pit isn't always a bad thing. It's in those moments where we find God. He is right there with us, and He will see us through.
Always look for opportunities to encourage others. People need it now more than ever. Stay hopeful...
Even the blind can see. Not with their eyes, but they see with their heart. We can do that, too!
You are a unique masterpiece. Never forget that. March to your own drumbeat, not the rhythm of others.
From the time she was a little girl, Kerie Hamilton lived a life that, sadly, many people in our world can identify with. Kerie was abused by a horrible monster, her stepfather. He tortured Kerie and her sister in ways that are unthinkable. The girls weren't allowed to tell anyone because "next time will be worse" if they did. A childhood dominated by always being in a "fight or flight" state of mind causes damage that stays with the person for decades, creating the right set of circumstances for others to abuse you.At the encouragement of one of her friends, after her divorce Kerie entered the online dating world. This was a world that she knew nothing about because Kerie was married when the online thing launched. The first guy she "matched" with started giving Kerie everything that she thought was lacking in her life. He showed her lots of love and attention. Then everything turned dark. He hit her, threatened her, and placed tracking devices on her car. He began showing up wherever Kerie was. She didn't think the nightmare would ever end. In our interview, Kerie shares her personal story of surviving childhood abuse. You will learn about how she finally got away from the predator who hurt her as an adult. And you will learn how Kerie embraced psychotherapy to work on herself, a journey that continues today. Kerie is an inspiration. She shows no bitterness or lingering resentment. And she shows remarkable kindness.
When dreams and desires are aligned with God's purpose for our lives, we become unstoppable. Reignite the fire that is smoldering deep inside of you. It's not too late. Take action!
Are you fighting the good fight? I have observed that many of the things' people fight over are in areas where they aren't going to make a difference. Your online battles most likely will not get you anywhere. And they certainly won't get you closer to fulfilling your God-given purpose in this life. Choose your battles wisely...
I'm not talking about building a physical wall. In today's episode I am talking about setting healthy boundaries. Protect your self-esteem and your peace of mind at all costs.
Sometimes God has us wait on Him to answer us. Here's a little perspective on how to handle the wait.
Instead of thinking about things you have to do, change it to I get to. See the difference?
Once you become a parent, things change. Suddenly, everything you do is being watched by a little one. Parent your children well...
Try to see things as they truly are, not through a lens of bias. Sometimes our prior beliefs are wrong, and we should be willing to accept the truth.
Bad things happen to good people. In today's episode, I share a little deeper perspective about this.
Meek people are strong, not weak. We get the meaning of the word wrong.
Talking about things is a good way to heal from them. You don't have to carry your burdens by yourself.
I encourage you to care more about benefitting your fellow man and community than you care about television or other distractions.
Convenience stores and fast food might save us a couple of minutes during the day. But there are tradeoffs.
You have been created to fulfill a greater purpose. Do not concern yourself with being ready or having the necessary skills already developed. Be willing. God will take care of the rest.