What Are You Willing To Surrender?

A few months back, I wrote a blog about Champions do it whether they feel like it or not. I mentioned Olympic Gold medalist and record holder Michael Johnson who never missed a work-out in ten (10) years.  Never missed one day; rain, cold, sick or well - he had the determination and commitment to improve everyday. Regardless of what the obstacles or the hindarances were. He surrendered the "pleasures of this life" and the parties of friends to train.  The result was becoming the first man to win back to back 200 and 400 meter Gold medals as well as setting a WR in the 200.

As I considered that this morning, I thought about Jesus calling us to follow Him and what are we willing to surrender to follow Him. I just want to provoke thought, Peter laid down his nets, parked his boat and followed Jesus. Yet others made excuses; oh hold on, I need to bury my loved one, I need to go check on some land and even I need to check on some oxen I bought. They said they wanted to follow Jesus, but, on their terms-not His terms. How many times do we put God off because of the things we have to do? How many times do we put God off for a big pay day? How many times do we put God off to go explore what we think is a "better" opportunity?  I mean when we truly examine our commitment to God is He really #1 in all we do? Are we surrendering things that are important to us, or are we simply adding a "bit of spirituality" to the life we are living.

Jesus is clear, "those who seek to save their lives will lose it, but those who lose their lives for me will save them." I encourage you today to re-examine your priorities.  Now I am in no way implying that you are not serving God with all you have, that you are not going to Church every Sunday. No way! I'm simply asking you to re-examine your priorities; what are you willing to surrender today? Who are you willing to help? Who can you visit and sit with, read to, or feed today? Are there any senior homes, convalescent homes, jails or prisons where you live? What are you willing to surrender? Your feelings of how uncomfortable you are visiting sick people? Your feelings of how scary it is visiting a prison? What are you willing to surrender?

Jesus made one request of us: "Follow Me."  SO, what are you willing to surrender?  God bless you my friends.  Share this blog with friends or family - you never know who you may be helping.

Thinking Outside the Box

Thinking outside the box is more than just a cliche'.  It means approaching problems in a more creative and innovative way.  We're told to "think outside the box" all the time - but how do we actually do that?

There are several ways to think outside the box, however, that CHANGE begins with you!  OUCH, what - me?  Yes, you.  You have to be willing to change, you have to be willing to be stretched out, you have to be uncomfortable to really begin to think outside the box.  I was recently confronted with a situation and asked how would you handle this?  The person went on and on about what others were doing and how no one else was acting right or looking for solutions.  I abruptly stopped them and asked, "but what about you?"  Screech...  Yes, the conversation came to an abrupt and awkward halt as they looked at me like I just took their lunch money or something.  "What about me, why are you asking what about me?"

Thinking outside the box requires self examination first. You see we like the safe route, the comfortable route, we don't like to fail-
 but we have to step outside of ourselves and look at the BIG picture of the situation.  The opinions we have grown up with, the experiences we have had that have shaped how we think and the people around us that influence the things we do and how we react.  Shake things up, connect with some people who are in other groups or associations.  Join a club, take a dance lesson, read a book other than the genre your used to.  Try writing a poem or short story, even a blog just to begin to express yourself in a way you are unfamiliar with.  All these things will open up your imagination, your innovative juices will begin to flow and you will "leap out of the box."

One of the things that upset so many people when Jesus walked on the earth was that He was different.  He talked different, He acted different, He treated people different and it was unfamiliar for those who encountered Him.  Many times, when we are confronted with things or people that make us uncomfortable it is easier to simply cut them off or get rid of them.  Instead of embracing the change and learning and growing.  God is always out of the box, Jesus arrived on the scene and never got in the box - now it's up to us to leap out of this box and trust God in ways we never have experienced before. 

I like it out here, and I am fighting to not go back into that box.  I want to keep growing, I want to keep maturing, I want to keep pushing the envelope and see the miracles of God manifest in my life and the lives of those around me.  I want to see the ministry explode, I want to see people of different races than me embrace me, I want to see marriages thrive and families enjoy one another.  So what we have been doing isn't working that great-so lets try something new.  Jump out of the box and watch God do some great things in you and through you.  Blessings my friends....take a moment to share this blog with a friend, you never know who it may help.  Expect the Great.....

Risk Takers Are Game Changers

You just can't win when you always "play to not lose."  As a coach, I always encourage my players - try a new move, work on something you haven't done before.  Practice is great, repetition key, in developing and improving your game.  Yet, it's under game situations and extreme duress when you are bold enough to execute a new move in the heat of battle.  These calculated risk build confidence and assurance - and you never know, until you try it. 

 

Well, in this game called life, we must get off the bench and into the game.  Once inserted, we must be urgent, intense and play with energy and passion.  This life is full of lessons, setbacks, failures, obstacles and challenges.  Yet, it is full of wins, victories and opportunities to overcome extreme hardships.  However, I find it more common to run across people who are not engaged, lifeless and have no sense of urgency in the things they undertake.  It seems as if mediocrity or middle of the road status is good enough for them.  Well, if I don't try I can't fail, is one statement someone made to me.  Yeah, and if you don't shoot you can't score either.  All I know is there is a 50/50 chance the ball goes in - and that's what I'm banking on.  Here are a few tips to help you get in the game:

 

1). Find your gift - this is the thing you enjoy the most, even something that you do well with minimal effort.  That thing people always compliment you on.  It may be a hobby now, or something you just do to relax or for fun. Prayer has always done it for me, it may work for you as well. 

 

2). Do some research - start to research people who do what you would like to do.  Read some reviews, some blog post or make an in person visit to see the action live.  When I desired to start coaching, I read every book I could find on coaching.  I talked to coaches, went to lots of games and watched a lot of video. 

 

3). Get to work - volunteer or intern doing what you enjoy doing.  It may begin as a few days a week or on weekends.  You may ask friends or family if you can cook or bake for them.  Start getting in your repititions.

 

4).  Engage the counsel of others - share what you are doing with a confidant or close friend.  It's not the time to share with just everyone or anyone, but that person whose opinion you trust.  Share your thoughts and feelings, use them as a sounding board and listen to their response. 

 

It's your time, the time is now - time to Make It Happen.  Off the bench and into the game.  Take that leap of faith, it may seem risky, it may even seem a little scary - ha, ha, ha, that means you are right where you need to be.  JUMP on out there, enjoy the thrill, the ride, the victory - and if a loss or two come your way - enjoy those as well.   Get back up, dust yourself off, take note of the cause and implement change.  Then JUMP on out there again.

 

Be encouraged my friends, you do have what it takes to WIN.  If this post helped you, share it with a friend or a family member.  I'm really finding out that our words matter, and you never know how much the things you say and do can change and impact the lives of others.  Expect the Great.  Give me some feedback, post a comment and let me know your thoughts.  Shoot, I took a risk - you can too. 



This Joy I Have....How About You

"Leaping for Joy" in the days and times of the past week or so seems unimaginable to many.  I mean we have trials going on around the world that puts friends & families at odds, wild fires that have taken the lives of 19 brave firefighters, military coups and wars, airplane crashes and more...How in the world, in the midst of all these world events, let alone our own personal crisis, how do we keep the thought of leaping for joy at the forefront of our thoughts?

Well, as believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God concerning you."  In my research of the original language, the adverb actually came first, which would cause the scripture to read, "Always rejoice..."  Paul teaches us through scripture to rejoice when things are great, good, not so good and really, really bad.  Wow, you may be saying, "well that was Paul and he's not dealing with what I'm dealing with."  Yet in the 4th chapter of the book of Philippians Paul says, "rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice."  Pressing his point that no event, situation or circumstance should supplant your praise and adoration for God.  Oh, and should I fail to mention Paul was in prison, not just any prison but, awaiting the death penalty.  He still goes on to say, "hey, I may be in prison, I may be facing the death penalty - but I've learned to be content."  Yikes, he wants us to not only rejoice, praise, worship and be grateful, but he wants us to be content.  YES, my friends, absolutely.

This life will, at times, push us to the limit.  That is why we need God, His Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ in our lives.  We cannot take the challenges, obstacles, events that erupt in our lives without notification.  I'm not saying it's easy, and I'm not saying that I always succeed in this area, but I'm pressing towards that mark.  I'm connecting with others who are living that area of scripture out and learning everyday how to leap, shout and rejoice no matter what.  Lets support and encourage one another as we grow in this life of the Lord - not criticize but support and encourage to do better.

Be blessed my friends - Expect the Great!  Share this blog with your friends and family, we never know how your words and actions can change someone's life...

The Ability To Bounce Back

Wow, we had a great 4th of July celebration with new family & new friends.  Just great food, lots of fun and interesting fellowship.  One of the things I love about these kinds of gatherings is the stimulating conversation and the myriad of topics that arise. 

One of the basics is always, "so tell me, what do you do?"  As a family of entrepreneurs, it always spikes the conversation.  My wife launched her business in January of this year and I have been in business over 16 years, employing hundreds of employees and enduring the challenges of business.   So, the follow up question is generally, "so what is it that you think is the number 1 thing small business owners can do or need?"

I have learned over the years to never get to high over the wins and never get to low over the losses.  I call that "Resiliency."  The ability to bounce back when things take a downward spike, a client terminates your services, you under bid an account, or have to handle an extreme employee incident that threatens your very existence.  Resiliency is the ability to overcome challenges and bounce back wiser, stronger and more personally powerful.  You have both external coping mechanisms and internal ones.  Through your desire to intentionally grow yourself, you are strengthening your internal coping mechanisms and by reaching out through collaboration, conferences, seminars you are making connections that can be quite useful and beneficial during the life of your business.  Without the ability to cope with the many challenges that will, not might but will, come your way - business will be more of a headache, stress, worry, anxiety and gray or no hair. 

Over my years of business, I have seen a lot, not everything, but almost!  I have been injured at work, had employees injured at work, had employees commit serious offenses while on duty, had clients skip out on thousands of dollars of invoices and have even had top administrators embezzle thousands of dollars.  That my friends is a lot of "bouncing back", a lot of resolve and a lot of reaching out to people near and far for input on handling these types of situations.  I could share page after page of the challenges - but regardless of the challenges, it's your desire, passion and commitment to your vision.  I mean, a lot of people can decide to do something, only a handful actually do.  You may of heard the riddle, "4 boys sitting on a log by the lake during a hot summer afternoon.  3 of the boys decided they were going to jump in the lake.  So, how many boys remain on the log?  The usual answer is 1, because 3 jumped in.  You would be wrong...the answer is 4, because deciding to do something is different from actually doing something!"

Being self employed has been one of the greatest thrills of my life, one of the greatest challenges in my life but by far, one of the greatest accomplishments in my life.  Building something from nothing, amazing and inspiring. 

Strategy Verse Action

It seems like months since I have even had the time to attempt to write a blog post, let alone actually sit down and write one.  And that is exactly where this blog was conceived.  Let me ask you, what's more important, and please take the time to respond and forward to your circle for their response as well, "strategy" or "action."  Strategy is your plan of action, the course you are carefully plotting out.  I mean the Bible says wage "wise" war with advice from many counselors.  Yet, you can sit around and plan and strategize forever - which many people do, and never make any meaningful moves. 

I remember one time when my Dad was visiting me in CA and my hot water heater went out.  I had never changed a hot water heater before, but as an industrious kind of guy, I figured I could do it, plus my Dad was here.  And that man could fix anything.  So, off to Home Depot we go, purchase a new hot water heater and bring it home.  As I'm reading the instructions, my Dad is opening the box, calling for tools to disconnect the old one and just ranting "give me this and give me that."  It was a matter of time before I was really irritated and said, "can I just read the installation instructions?"  Just as irritated he responded, "you been reading them for 30 minutes, lets get this thing installed today!"  Yikes, man - this my house.  Well, that's what I wanted to say - ha, ha, ha.  I wouldn't of dared to say that to my Dad, not even as a grown man.  But I was stuck in the "strategy" mode, planning and thinking, thinking and planning, while my Dad was in the "action" mode. 

So, what do you think?  What's more important - "strategy" or "action?"  Can you go back and re-plan?  Can you stop where you at, or from the place you have momentum and re-tool your strategy?  What about action?  I mean can you jump into something critical and then stop and re-do?  Or do you get a do-over when you blow it big? 

You can't always be perfect in your planning or your action.  However, to me "action" seems more important to me.  Taking action, demonstrating faith and stepping out into the unknown trusting that you can get it done.  True, both are important, but action is "doing something."  There are some things you can fix or tweak on the fly, or while making moves.  You are not able to plan out every contingency, every obstacle or every hindrance that you may face or encounter.  However, your action may allow you to work past obstacles or work thru them.

Well, what do you think?  Strategy or Action.  Be blessed my friends, share this blog with your circle and I look forward to the responses......

Kairos Moments In Our Life

Ecclesiastes 3:14 "And I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever..."

Kairos - A critical junction or period of time that is foreordained by God.

I am beginning to learn as I have not only recovered from the season of famine and lack in my life, but am enjoying a tremendous time of blessing and overflow, that God has ordained "moments" in time - windows so to say, where He has determined to bless us no matter what.  Because God operates outside of time our finite minds find it terribly hard to comprehend the timing of God.  Yet, when the God of eternity (who has power and control over time) and the God of omnipotence (power over us) decides it's TIME - hallelujah, IT'S TIME!

Check this, there is a period of light that is contrasted with darkness, but no matter how dark the night is, day is on the way!  Because of this, it creates a Thou & I relationship...ha ha - You will make the day and I will rejoice in it...God's got a time when your enemy can't touch you - God's got a time when your enemy can't reign over you, a time when your life clicks in every area.  Ephesians shows us that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.  He also cites that He knew us before we were formed in our Mother's womb and that He watches over His word to perform it in our lives.  So, He makes promises to us over and over again - AND promises, change our lives.

You ever see the reaction of a woman after a man ask for her hand in marriage? In most instances, the woman wears that ring as of she was already married - why because she has a promise.  She doesn't go out, she doesn't talk to other men, she doesn't date - but she isn't even married yet, but she acts like it - because she has a promise.  AND promises change our lives.  BUT, when that marriage is called off - oh snap, Houston we have a problem!  The first thing she usually says, "you've wasted my time - I can't believe I waited for you, I could of..."  Why, because a promise changes our lives.  But praise be to God - He is not a man that He should lie...

Ok, your head is probably spinning but since I have had time on my hands, I have been pondering "is there a difference between time for you and you for time?"  It seems to me that because we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world and all spiritual blessings were given to us before we even got here.  It would indicate to me that everything that is mine, God has already given it to me before I even got here.  LOL ... So it's not a matter of me going to get it, it's a matter of IT coming to get me.....Oh Jesus, ok enough already...

Be blessed my beloved friends - think on these things:  whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, whatever is praiseworthy...think on these things.....Expect the Great - Love ya'll....

Turn the Negative to Positive

Bad days, times of feeling overwhelmed, crisis and tragedy in your life - everyone goes through these times.  Yet, learning how to turn the negative to positive can and will bless you in the midst of whatever you may be going through at the time you are going through it.  Psalms 34 starts in the very first verse by saying, "I will bless the Lord at ALL times."  It doesn't say all times are good, or even all times feel good - no, it says I will bless the Lord at all times.  When we allow God's Word to penetrate our hearts and give His Word place in our minds (which means we meditate) on it, that Word will become alive and begin to transform our life by renewing our mind. 

I flew off to Washington this past weekend to minister in the incarcerated church, however, it was the first time I have flown since having the total hip replacement.  I arrived at the security checkpoint with about 15 minutes before my plane was to depart, so I was feeling anxious and didn't want unnecessary delay at the security checkpoint.  So I hurried over to a TSA agent, advised of my hip implant and could they take me aside and screen me, because the machine would go off.  He advised, "NO, wait in line like everyone else - the machine has to scan you."  So, as I'm watching the line and watching my watch - I'm almost certain, I'm going to miss my flight.  Well, I get to the machine and it signals that I must have something by beeping and the lights flashing.  I tell the TSA person, it's my hip - I've had a replacement.  Do they hear that - NOPE, turn around and go back through.  Jesus, you have to comply (I've seen enough TSA video that I don't need no trouble) so back through I go, the machine goes off again.  "Do you have anything in your pockets, belt on or..."  Nothing but a new hip I explain.  "Well you should of told us!  Step aside, we will have to do a pat down."  Really, I should of told you - FOR WHAT!  Not like you listen.  Anyways, a full pat down, an explosive scan and a check of my carry-on.  Ok, you're all good - enjoy your flight.  Enjoy my flight, my flights been gone for 10 minutes now, enjoy what flight?

I was frustrated and upset, I called my friend who would be picking me up in WA to advise I missed my flight and would call back with new details.  I text my wife, advised her I had missed my flight and would fill her in as well.  Well, the gate attendant wasn't too much more courteous than the TSA.  No compassion whatsoever and placed me on a flight in 3 hours.  I would ask a question and be shut down, even to the point of, "you could end up paying for another ticket you know?"  No, I didn't know - but it's cool, I'll shut up and eat this one.  Now I got 3 hours to sit around the airport, I can leave and come back, my wife can come have some b-fast with me - all these things swirling through my angered and frustrated mind.  However, I decide to simply sit and read my Bible and go over the messages for WA.  Use my time wisely I said, as I thought over and over how the TSA and gate agent had treated me.

So, while reading my notes, I come to page 2 which says, "don't take the negative, negatively - learn how to take the negative - positive..."  I felt like Wiley Coyote in the Road Runner when one of those heavy ACME anvils would fall on his head.  Here I was going to teach others how to take the negative positively and I was taking the negative - negative.  I had to laugh at myself, out loud too.  People glanced at me as I shook my head and laughed, repenting and saying sorry Lord, please forgive.  My phone rang, Pastor brother was on the phone, "man see if you can catch that Seattle flight, leaves in 40 minutes."  Ok, I agreed - thinking just another disappointment.  God is so good, He even works beyond our own level of simplemindedness.  Off to the agent I go, trying to smile and look so pitiful.  I'm on the .... to Portland but could I get the ..... to Seattle?  Let me check, ok are you sure you want Seattle instead?  Yes....punched a few buttons, I heard the printer zipping and she said, "thank you, here's your new boarding pass."  How can you not do anything but laugh at yourself.  I stood at that counter and laughed at myself, simply shaking my head.  A $300 upgrade at no charge, only a God like ours can do miracles like this.

Turn the negative positive.  Bless the Lord at all times, keep rejoicing as difficult as it may be.  Keep being thankful, grateful and appreciative to the Lord.  He has it all under His control, He's already worked it all out, He's already made a way and created a path in the wilderness.  Water from dry ground.  Enjoy your day - enjoy your life.  Lift your hands and simply tell the Lord, thank you.  I'm turning every negative - positive.  Expect the Great my friends, Be blessed.

A Hammer to the Head!

WOW, WHAT A WEEKEND!  Like the picture, a hammer to the head this weekend.  Great preperation and great plans for a productive & enjoyable weekend were halted due to a "hammer to the head." 

My entire world came to a screeching halt early Saturday morning when I rose early before anyone else in the house was up - only to be greeted by Mr. Vertigo, who was so gracious to bring with him a spinning room, dizziness and naseau.  If you have never had Vertigo or know anyone who has - trust me, it isn't a joke.  It's a devastating and debilitating ailment that leaves you unable to walk without assistance.  NOW, the question becomes how do you handle and deal with unexpected interruptions to your plans?  If you don't have a back-up plan, a Plan B or haven't taken the time to fill a family member or team member in, you may wanna "jot that down."

I mean I had a list of things to accomplish, the wife was running a 5K the same morning at 9, my older son had to be at Amtrak at 8:30 and the younger 2 had to be picked up at 9.  ALL the plans were thrown into a quandry - all by the onset of Vertigo and my inability to function at a productive level at all.  I woke my wife, we spoke about what was going on with me and we discussed the options for the day.  Obviously she would cancel her race - no 5K for her today, right - WRONG!

We kicked teamwork into action and we would press thru the "hammer to the head" and get many of the weekend goals accomplished.  We were determined and committed to not allow this onset of vertigo to defeat our plans.  And I want to encourage you today, that if you have plans to accomplish - bring others up to speed.  Spouse, friend, co-worker, etc. but bring someone you can trust and depend on into your huddle and prep them for the "just in case" scenarios we encounter in this life.

 Take a look, here are a few things you can do:

1. Partner with your spouse, significant other or close friend. 
2. Make your plan clear, explain it and make sure you are on the same page with your partner(s).     Keep them ready to step up and step in when needed.
3. Share responsibilities - delegate and determine.
4. Check in frequently and make adjustments if needed.
5. Keep your focus in the midst of disruptions and distractions

These (5) simple steps can save you from your plans and dreams going down the drain.  They sound simple, but I wonder how many of us actually have an earthquake preparedness plan?  Raise your hand!  Exactly my point - we don't plan to fail, but failing to plan will result in failure every time.

Hey keep me in your prayers, swept off to the UC on Sunday morning by my wonderfully caring wife because there was no improvement in my condition.  Diagnosed with benign vertigo - it's frustrating but still getting it done.  Pressing our way using teamwork to make the dream work.  Be blessed and have a great day.  Expect the Great....

Gather Your Team

One of the funniest commercials on TV, to me anyways, is the one where the little kid is in the park playing with his football by himself when a bigger kid takes the ball.  The little kid says, "hey give it back."  But the bigger kid refuses and says come back when you have a team.  The kid gets in his mom van, gets the first 2 teammates as they lift weights in their garage, he then goes off to where he gets another teammate as this kid is wrestling a bear, he finalizes his team with his last member carrying a grown man from a burning building.  They arrive at the park and the big kid says, "touch or ..." and before he can finish his sentence, the little kids team says, "TACKLE!" 

As I continue my study and research of the book of Nehemiah and Ezra, it just further confirms that we need each other to succeed.  Nehemiah says, "the work is great and extensive..."  And I'm telling you it is.  Just look at the NBA play-offs if you watch basketball.  OKC loses Russell Westbrook, leaving Kevin Durant all alone to win every game...no way, the work is great and extensive.  Too much for one man to handle.  And what we have to accomplish, the task that lay before us - it's too great and extensive - ALONE! 

Just a few keys in building your team:

1. You need strength, those with the ability to endure the storms you will face.  In the funny commercial, the first 2 kids are weight lifters.  I mean 2 kids lifting hundreds of pounds on a bench press and the other doing dumbell curls - strong kids.  The first 2 display enormous strength. 

2. You need courage, in the book of Joshua, God says "only be thee strong and very courageous..."  It's funny, the 3rd kid he picks up is wrestling a bear!  He is on the ground with the bear in a leg scissor hold.  Strength & courage.

3.  You need compassion, in Ephesians 4 the bible says, "be kind to one another, tender hearted..."  here we go again, the next kid, he's carrying a grown man from a burning building.

Now these aren't all the keys in building a successful team and I'm having fun with the commercial comparisons, but I find it very interesting the writer of the commercial uses the kids as described. 

A team is essential in our success.  God Himself said in the beginning, "Let US make man in our image and likeness..."  God had the greatest team ever, then Jesus compiles another great team.  The Apostle Paul assembles an evangelistic team...all through scripture we see the importance of team work.  Perhaps not family by blood, but find those with like precious faith, similar passions, drive and urgency and go to work. 

Take the time to assemble a team, it's not a competition, but we can compliment one another's talents and gifts.  It's not about headliners or drum majors, it's about accomplishing the task we are called to do.  We can't win going solo, no way, no how - we need each other.  Remember this so we can support and encourage each other in the calls & commissions of our life.  Stay focused, stay encouraged, stay positive and remember, "Team work always makes the Dream work!"

The Voice of Truth

Amazing and hilarious - I woke up sometime around 3 AM laughing hysterically, I mean it was myself laughing that woke me up.  I looked over at my wife as she slept, nope, she didn't hear it - only me!  I shook my head, chuckled and drifted back to sleep.  I don't know if this has ever happened to you before, but I couldn't recall having this happen to me.  So I was both amazed and amused.

The mind is so powerful, so amazing - both the concious and the subconcious mind.  The mind processes over 32 billion thoughts per second (thats billion with a B) subconciously, things we will never even act upon because the concious mind filters them out (thank God).  A computer crafted by God with the ability to perform tasks unimaginable to most of us. 

Yet, it is that same mind that speaks thoughts of life and thoughts of death into our days, weeks, months and years.  Proverbs 23:7 says, "as a man thinks...so is he.."  It is the thought pattern that controls most of our lives, the things we do and the things we don't do.  The things we enjoy and the things we cannot stand.  It's a thought, formulated in the recesses of our mind that gives us anxiety, fear and doubt.  However, it is that same mind that produces thoughts of faith, courage and boldness.  Those thoughts have "voices."  I mean faith and fear, what seperates them?  Faith believes the best will happen without seeing it, Fear believes the worst will happen without seeing it.  What seperates them is THE VOICE.

Many of us have experienced, "who said that?" moments.  When the voice is so loud inside your head that you think someone standing next to you spoke directly into your ear.  But there is no one there.  Just you and your thoughts, and thoughts have voices.  Those voices speak so loud depending on our experiences, what we have been meditating on, what worries us and what motivates us.  The voice of doubt, distrust and fear often times is louder than the voice of faith and trust and confidence.  For many of us, that voice speaks loudest and that's the voice we follow.  I can't do this!  Who am I to try this?  I mean this can't work.  I'm not smart enough to pull this off.  I don't have the talent for that.  I'm too fat, too skinny, too black, too white, too tall or too short.  I mean be for real, who do I think I am.  I'm a trainwreck waiting to happen.  I can't say that - I can't do that.  That kind of stuff is for those type of people and I'm not one of those people.  You get what I mean - many of us know those voices well.

But today, I have made up my mind to listen to "The Voice of Truth."  Casting Crowns sings a tremendous song with this title...here are the opening lyrics,

 "Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story, and the voice of truth says do not be afraid, the voice of truth says this is for my glory... and out of all the voices that call out my name I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth.

My friends, "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" begin to speak faith to yourself.  Begin to speak faith to your situations and circumstances that have paralyzed you with fear & anxiety.  Speak faith and you will begin to notice those other voices shrinking, getting quieter and the Voice of Truth getting louder and louder.  Oh certainly, the voices of doubt and fear will try and shout here and there, but the more you speak faith to yourself the louder that voice gets and drowns out those other voices.  Speak out loud, read your bible out loud, read your positive affirmations out loud.  It may seem strange at first, but it will become part of your faith walk soon enough.  Shoot, I have found myself speaking to my wallet, my pockets and my checkbook....ha ha ha.  No joke - I will declare I will never be broke again - never.  I speak that daily and I speak it out loud.  I speak the Word of the Lord over my kids, my wife, my home, my endeavors and my life and I speak them LOUD.  In the 70's we would yell - "Im Black and I'm Proud and I'll say it our LOUD."  Because we had an identity crisis going on.  So we began to speak it...and we began to take pride in ourselves and not be ashamed, walking around with our heads down and feeling less than a person.  It's the same thing - quench that voice of anxiety, fear and doubt.  Speak faith, try it today....Louder, come on, louder.....no, no LOUDER.....there you go.  I will choose to listen AND believe the Voice of Truth.

Expect the Great my friends, you know I love ya.  Share this blog with your family or with a friend.  Forward it to them.  And leave me a comment, let me know your thoughts.

It's Winning Time

1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory thru Jesus Christ our Lord."

I am so thankful that God just keeps on pouring out on us, day after day, week after week and month after month.  Because the other day, I was so frustrated and I so wanted to trash this project and I wanted to move onto to something else that I could "WIN" at.  Ha, ha, ha - then in His usual tremendously fascinating way, God thru His divine Spirit, whispers in my ear - "you are winning."  This passage of scripture comes alive.  Because I was like but God I haven't gotten it done, but God, it just isn't working out right, but God...and on and on.  Then God says, MY SON, as long as I am for you, the entire world against you - YOU STILL WIN!  What God requires of us my friends is a great and valiant effort.  To keep persevering, to keep fighting and to stick to it.

 I heard a tremendous story that nails this point for me:  The five-year-old soccer goalie of Team One was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four on Team Two who were also very good and they began to score on him. The goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them. After the third goal was scored against him, he could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them. He didn't quit, but he became quietly desperate. Futility was written all over him. After the fourth goal, the little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee - and then he fell to his knees and cried the tears of the helpless and brokenhearted. His father ran onto the field and said, "Scotty, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son."  "Daddy," the boy sobbed, "I couldn't stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me."  "Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You're my son, and I'm proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can't. And, son, you're going to get scored on again, but it doesn't matter. Go on, now." The little guy ran back on to the field and they scored two more times. But it was okay.

I don't know about you - but I get scored on every day, but I keep trying and trying.  But I am so glad it's not up to me but rather to God - for it is God that gives the VICTORY.  It was Jesus on that Cross that washed away every sin (or every score against me).  And because of that VICTORY, I have victory in every area of my life.  Be encouraged my friends - you may get scored on, but we can't lose.

Overcoming Frustration

You ever feel like just throwing your hands up in the air, stomping off and just saying what the &^%*% blankety blank blank?  Huh, you ever feel that way, cause certain days I do and today happens to be one of those days.  So what do you do when the feeling of frustration overwhelms you?  Go eat ice cream?  Top shelf drink?  Beer or wine?  A smoke - cigar, cigarettes, weed?  Or worse?  How do you handle it?

Well, I have learned thru tremendous experiences how to handle frustration.  I mean look, what gives a person great experience?  I don't know about you, but I have gained great experience and insight by making bad decisions.  Yup, I have been a person who has learned thru the school of hard knocks and is now trying to pass on that bit of experience thru the lumps I have suffered.  Because in times past, I would of ate a gallon of ice cream, stuffed myself with take-out, or even worse...So now, I take the positive approach and stay focused on the prize and keep my thoughts moving forward not backwards.  I look for the positive, trust me, there are enough negatives and negative people around all day, every day. 

So, I been working on a project for 2 weeks now.  A project I normally would of completed in 1 week, cashed my check and took the fam to dinner or a night out.  NOPE, not this project...I feel like Charlie Brown at times...UGH.  So today, I get in early - tighten a few loose ends and BAM, I'm done RIGHT - WRONG!  Ha ha ha, nope what can go wrong often times does go wrong.  So I'm so annoyed, upset and frustrated.  Old man has passed away, remember the new man.

Number 1 - I stopped what I was doing and gathered myself.
Number 2 - I prayed and thanked the Lord for the opportunity to even do this project.
Number 3 - That put me in a frame of mind to giggle to myself, laugh out loud.  dang, this is jacked.
Number 4 - I worked in reverse, going back over what I had done, looking for my error.
Number 5 - After not finding anything wrong, I put my tools up, ladders away and said I will battle this beast tomorrow.  I'm not going to allow this thing to beat me down and take the winds outta my sails.
Number 6 - I made a plan to take a day or even 2 off and then return with fresh eyes and mind to undertake this thing and get er done.
Number 7 - I drove the scenic route home.  No music, no phone - just meditating on the goodness of God and enjoying the winding levy roads.  My mind clear and that project put off for another day. 

And even though I'm the type of person who likes to finish what they start, I'm learning that subtle changes make all the difference.  Because years ago, I would of stayed on this thing until I broke a tool, injured myself or someone else or tore up a 100' of cable or wire.  Been there done that!  So, I'm learning - not saying I have arrived, I am learning to deal with frustrations in a positive and progressive manner.  One that will leave me with better results and a "slimmer waist line" ha ha

What about you, what do you do to deal with the frustrations of home, the kids, the job, the folks, the church, your money, or no money ?  Leave me a comment, I look forward to your insight.  Expect the Great - Be Blessed my friends.

Subtle Changes Can Make a Tremendous Difference

Committment, dedication, perseverance and resolve - I mean we hear these words all the time.  Many of us repeat them over and over to our children, our family members, our teammates/classmates or friends.  We want them to always strive for more, to be greater, to never settle for mediocrity.  BUT, how many of us really consider the depth of these words?  How many of us truly understand that one subtle change, a day of practice when you don't feel like it, another rehearsal even after you think you've nailed it, a change in thinking or doing, eliminating one - just one bad habit, can make a tremendous difference.

In Michael Johnson's book about his record setting 1996 Olympics he describes running the fastest 200 meters ever!  19.32 seconds, beating his own world record, actually smashing his own world record.  Ten years removed from high school, MJ, stuns the Olympic & track world by running what many have described as the perfect race.  But in researching MJ's track career, 10 years earlier as a high school senior, he ran the same race in 21.00 seconds.  As he says, good for high school but well short of world class.  10 years of dedication, committment and perseverance earned him a little more than 1.5 seconds.  10 years of work, 1.5 seconds, and a world best.  I mean 1.5 seconds in 10 years - never missing a work out, never taking a day off, never "mailing it in."  1.5 seconds faster!  Do you hear that - 10 years of work - subtle changes and a tireless work ethic earned him 1.5 seconds and a world record.

Now I'm not a world class athlete and you may not be either, but I am so trying to reach my full potential in each area of my life.  I want to be a world class husband, a world class father, a best selling author, a marvelous friend and a Godly pastor.  So, like Michael Johnson, I have to be tireless in my pursuit of the perfect race.  I have to train every day, rain or shine, I have to love w/o reservation and study to show myself approved.  I have to be friendly when others are rude, kind when others are mean and pray when I'm weary and tired.  These disciplines, changes and a relentless resolve may shave 1.5 seconds of my time.  My committment to stay focused just may be the difference in being real good or great.  My ability to bounce back from defeat, may be the difference between selling 100 copies and 100,000 copies of my book. 

What changes can you implement today?  What disciplines can you commit to?  What setbacks have you experienced that have held you back from pursuing your goals and dreams?  Well take a lesson from MJ, decide to commit and it may just enhance your time 1.5 seconds and move you from one of the best in track & field to a world record holder and the only man on the planet to win gold in the 400 meters and 200 meters in the same Olympics.  That attitude may propel you to an entirely different level, it may be the piece you need that puts you over the top.  Don't settle for mediocre, don't ever settle to be simply alright or to do an ok job.  Don't ever settle to be an ok husband or wife, just a parent who is home but not engaged, or a professional that just shows up.  Be "OVER THE TOP" with it.  Push yourself everyday to do your best, give your best and be your best. 

Expect the Great my friends.  I am.......

Time for Transformation

Lets talk about life's "transitional" moments for today.  Because it's those moments of transformation that move people forward, set them back or keep them in a state of stalemate.  Transformation is instrumental in the process of tremendous achievement.  Look at the Bible, the 2 book of Samuel to be specific.  In chapter 23 the author describes what we generally call "David's Mighty Men."  It describes the tremendous exploits of these warriors.  I mean jaw dropping, breath taking feats by these men.  Now after reading this, you would think these men were raised up to be fighters, warriors, champions.  I mean who could accomplish these types of feats except truly great men. 

Well, you would be WRONG, I mean wronger (ha ha ha) than 2 left shoes.  We are talking about transformation being instrumental in our life.  Well it was truly instrumental in David's life and the lives of his mighty men.  Because in chapter 22, one chapter earlier, we find out where these men came from.  And my friends, they came from a place that some of us are very familiar with.  David had fled to a place called the Cave of Adullam, and while he was there his family and others heard he had fled for safety there.  So what did they do, joined him there.  And they came from that place we come from, "fear, anxiety, disappointment, discouragement, debt, frustration, confusion, defeat after defeat, poor self image or self esteem and on and on."  About 400 men came and stayed with David at this cave.  Transformation begins!  This was one of David's and these "mighty men" greatest moments of transformation.  Like you, like me - we truly do have great things buried deep inside of us.  And we have to make up our minds that our PAST, does not determine our FUTURE.  If that were the case, these men would of just stayed in the cave.  Just like I would of stayed hidden under a rock somewhere because of the choices of my past, or you would of stayed hidden because of your past.  But transformation begins and we get the awesome account of the exploits & feats of these tremendous men.  Doing things that a chapter earlier they never could of imagined doing.

So, what about you today?  Will you claim your next level of greatness?  Will you take new actions today to reach your potential?  Will you drop some bad habits or actions that limit your success?  Will you set amazing, not reachable goals?  It's your time - it's your time to step into what God has already ordained and aligned for you.  For David and his band of brothers it was in a cave.  For me, it was through death & divorce.  I don't know what it was or is for you but your "Time for Transformation" has arrived.  Don't allow fear of failure to keep you from even trying to succeed.  take hold of the wheel of your life and like we used to say in the day, "drive it like you stole it!"

Expect the Great my friends....if you enjoy the blog, share it.  Share it with your family and friends, sign up by simply submitting your e-mail and then take a few minutes out of each day to read and re-read the post.  Comment on it, let me hear back from you the great things that are happening in your life, your marriage, your family....

Champions Take Action Whether You Feel Like it or Not

WOW, what a tremendous weekend of activity at Club Welch.  Goals achieved, accomplishments made and even higher heights have been set.  I heard the Preacher say, "I'm standing on the top rung of the ladder of success and I'm reaching even higher."  That's how I'm feeling right now, meeting and achieving your goals will push you to be more creative and imaginitive and reach for things that will blow folks minds.....so be careful who you share your stuff with...ha ha ha  

But one thing I'm learning through this process - Champions take action whether they feel like it or not!  Yeah, it's great to be motivated by reaching mountaintops - but what about when you aren't achieving your goals?   What about when you are facing setbacks?  What about after you have "failed" over and over again.  If you want to grow, mature and reach those goals - then get back up and try, try again.  Because to be a CHAMPION, you train, read, write, teach, sing, play, preach, mentor, speak, or whatever it is that you have been called to do even when you don't feel like it.  Setbacks are only set-ups for God to do some tremendous things in your life. 

You cannot allow fear, panic or worry to keep you from taking steps and chances towards your goals.  When I was a kid, I was a BMX bike riding King.  Yea, before X-Games was created I was an Evil Knievel "wanna be" daredevil.  I would watch as Evil would fire up that motorcycle of his and jump anything...cars, busses, people, buildings and eventually Snake River Canyon.  Evil was a thrill seeker and the King when it came to daredevils.  So I would practice by jumping paperboxes (wow really dating myself now LOL), then other kids bikes, then the kids themselves and eventually my brother's Pinto.  Now both the bike and I suffered alot of breaks and bruisies, cuts and gashes...but I never quit on that dream of being Evil Knievel.  My bike had been repaired so many times that my father eventually took it to work and welded huge pieces of steel on the frame to keep it from bending & breaking.  And off I would go, to ride, jump and crash.  BUT - I always got up again.  Good weather, bad weather, snow or rain - off I would go to ride that bike and find something or somewhere to jump.

Well it's the same today - good weather or bad weather (and trust me I've had lots of cloudy days and stormy days in my life) but I've never given up.  I take action when I'm up or down.  You ever heard, "faith without works is dead" - yea put some feet to your faith and take ACTION today.  Make it happen my friends.  Whatever it is:  the job, the career, your own business, your marriage, your kids, your family, your song, your CD, your book....whatever that dream is...take ACTION today.  Do one thing today that moves you one step closer to your goal. 

Expect the Great today.  Bust a Move.....hey, share this blog with a friend or a family member, support the dream, support the vision....Be Blessed my friends....

Watch out for the Jet Stream

WOW - anyone remember the movie "Top Gun" which starred Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards as Maverick & Goose.  Also had a young Val Kilmer in it who was "The Iceman."  That is one of my alltime favorite movies, but there is a part in there where Maverick gets his fighter plane caught up in Iceman's "jet stream" and the tragic death of his best friend Goose.  Well a jet stream occurs when the flow of exhaust gasses from a jet are so strong that they can deter even another fighter plane from it's course of direction.  Well in the end Maverick recovers, overcomes his fear and anxiety and even shoots down a bunch of enemy migs to become the hero.  Yeah Maverick.

Well I told those of you who check out the blog that "I Was Blowing Up" this year of 2013 and it was take off time and God had his finger on the BLAST OFF button of my life.  Well praise be to God, just a reminder - "watch out for the jet stream."  I've blasted off and climbing to cruising altitude right now.  Ha, ha this life is great when God is in charge and in control.  We have said it as a cliche for years, even preaches well - Let Go & Let God......Well when you get it and it finally clicks - hold on and "watch out for the jet stream."

First project is done and off to print - watch Amazon, my website, facebook and a place near you for the dynamic release of "CHAMPION - You May Get Knocked Down, but Never Knocked Out".  You Tube channel is next, audio version after that and then on to the next 2 big projects.  Yeah, watch that jet stream because it's climbing time - and we are headed to even higher altitudes.

I don't know what your dream or vision may be, but as I stand on the edge of a very significant birthday, it's never ever too late to try.  Again, again and again.  I won't ever quit, I won't ever give up or give in.  God didn't quit on me and I won't quit on Him.  Make up in your mind - I'm going to do this, I'm going to make this thing happen.  Work each day with passion, urgency and hunger towards your goal, towards your dream - fulfill the vision.  In the 70's there was a group called "McFadden & Whitehead" and they dropped a track entitled "Ain't No Stoppin Us Now" and the lyrics said "cause we on the move."  Glory, get on the move my friends.  Stop procrastinating, stop looking back and look forward.  You have everything you need - EXPECT THE GREAT.

Collaboration - Team Work Makes the Dream Work

TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More.

One thing I have learned over time, in building businesses, ministries and relationships is that collaboration/teamwork is essential in success.  We do need each other, not to use one another, but to pull one another one rung higher.  I mean have you ever tried to stand on a tall ladder alone?  I have and it's scary.  But when you have a faithful friend, holding that ladder steady, you stop looking down and focus on what you climbed the ladder to accomplish.  Well, we are climbing that ladder.  Higher each day, further each day and greater heights each day.  And we need one another to hold the ladder, while we climb.  I have climbed alone before, and I choose never to climb alone again.  We don't have to!  I have a great teammate and we are looking to add to the TEAM.  Divine connections and relationships to take one another higher.

The pie is huge - there is enough to go around and we all have gifts, talents and resources that can help one another.  My talent is not your talent.  My gifts are not like your gifts.  But when we put them all together - BAM - it equals success.  I'm looking for help in this area or that area.  You are looking for help over there and out there.  Costs are skyrocketing, monthly, semi-yearly or yearly to join this program or that program.  FOR WHAT - you know people, I know people and we can all propel each other to the next level.  That cash we are burning up on strangers we can utilize to assist one another in our endeavors.  Who can you bless today.  Who can you help tonight.  Who can you give a hand up to.  I know 2 people right off the top of my head - help is on the way.

Think about collaboration this week friends, think and focus on teamwork.  Lets be great together, success is so much sweeter when you can share it.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Expect the Great.......

Celebrating Breakthroughs & Victories

Challenging and rewarding weekend that left me both inspired and disheartened.  How can you feel both ways at the same time.  Easy when you look back at it.  And I find that many of us are challenged with those feelings and that my friends is where you must be careful.  You see at times the victories are so few and far between and the disappointments seem to come daily.  You experience a mountaintop here and there, but the valleys - yeah they seem to go on and on and on and on.

However, you have to fight thru the distractions of your time in that valley and embrace it as a challenge that will make the victory that much sweeter.  This weekend I watched a lot of March Madness basketball.  In one of the largest comeback games, Michigan trailed Kansas by 14 points with like 3 minutes left.  The team was dejected, body language said it all and the announcers were already discussing who Kansas would play next.  The experts on the desk were already talking about why Kansas buried them.  Well my friends, the coach never stopped coaching and the players never stopped playing.  And lo and behold Michigan fought back and won that game.  Sticking to the game plan, even in the face of impending defeat. 

The same for us in facing the challenges of achieving our goals.  It may not look like we are making progress, it may not look like victory is on the horizon and it seems easier to just give up then fight thru the distractions.  But we have to stay focused, determined and unwavering in our pursuit of the goals and dreams we have.  Just like those basketball players, we cannot allow the current situation or circumstance to deter us from achieving or reaching that mountaintop.  If success were easy, everyone would be successful.  But it's not, the road is full of pot holes, ditches, detours and delays.  But we keep our resolve and the indominatable spirit that resides within us.  We find a way or we make a way. 

Tenacity and perseverance display the courage that few have.  You have those qualities, that character and you my friend can make it.  Our single minded focus drives us towards that mountaintop and we will reach it, we will achieve it.  Take the time to celebrate today, celebrate the victories - big or small.  Recite your goals, refresh your objectives and do ONE thing to achieve that goal today.  Get excited again, remember that feeling of accomplishment, replay that victory and understand that another one stands right in front of you.  GO GET IT......

Expect the Great.......

Standing on the Verge of Blessing

What do you do when you find yourself standing on the verge of your blessing?  Many of us revert to our old habits and withdraw, while others of us leap forward with excitement and anticipation.  But what I have grown to realize is that drawing back is so much easier because you can do it in stages or you can do it gradually and it doesn't really look like or feel like you are withdrawing.  But with leaping forward - there is no gradual acceleration.  When you leap forward you are exposed, and who likes being exposed or vulnerable.  Not many of us.  When you leap forward, you open yourself up to criticism and possible failure.  And we think it's an all or nothing shot.  It's not at all - there is no shame in falling down.  There's no shame in failing.  We get back up, we re-tool or adjust and take another leap, and another and another and another.

The issue is wrapping your mind around the possibility that this could work, that I could actually do this, that someone would actually want what I provide, that someone would actually read what I write, listen to what I play or sing, watch what I video and so on.  The ability to sell yourself on YOU is often our biggest challenge.  I mean what do I have to offer, what can I do - it can get "scary" out there.  The safety net of ordinary is always right under us.  But remove the net, remove the thoughts of what we cannot do, remove the thoughts of how wrong this could go, remove the thoughts about what others are saying about us....Take that Leap of Faith, trust God and trust the vision that He has placed inside of you.  With God, there is no failure.

You wouldn't believe some of the ideas out there, some of the businesses that have been created or the books that have been written.  When you start researching these types of things you say - WOW, I never thought that would of worked.  Yea, millions didn't but one person did.  And guess what - IT DID WORK.  Your idea, dream and vision will too.  Take that Leap, you are on the Verge of your blessing.  As a Believer, whoever would of thought Victory would of came thru death.  That you can only really live when you die.  Now that sounds improbable, seems impossible - but it worked and because of His death, we can live. 

My friends, you have help - you have support and you have the encouragement you need to make it happen.  Continue to build that support group, that will surround you and hold you.  You can do it and I can do it.  Expect the Great - Take that Leap of Faith and work towards achieving your dream.

Living At A Level 10

So, this has been a very interesting and revealing week of training for the basketball team.  We have goals and dreams, but I am finding that we seldom have the drive and intensity required to meet those goals.  "I'm tired, I don't have my shoes, how long do we have to run, I can't do that, I have something to do tomorrow - I won't be at practice, my chest hurts..." and on and on and on.  So as I shake my head and ask for strength to handle this foolishness, I begin to see that my team is training at about a Level 5.  So, if you look at life thru the scale of 1 - 10, level 5 is about half - very mediocre.  I asked them again, "what is it you want to accomplish?"  Because something has to change - and the change only comes in 2 areas.  Either you up your effort - or you lower your goals.  Which one will it be?  Because this type of mediocre effort, won't accomplish those amazing goals.

So, I shift that thinking to our lives, to our goals.  How many of us are living at a Level 10?  Giving it our all every day.  Are we operating our marriages or relationships on a Level 10 or Level 5?  Are we operating in our jobs at a Level 10 or Level 5?  What about our family - what Level are we operating in?  Our goals, dreams and the vision for our life - Level 5, 8 or 10?  Do we wake up and recite our goals at a Level 10?  Do we wake up and go to work on fulfilling these dreams at a Level 10?  I mean, let me give you an example:  "uhhhh, good morning."  That's about a Level 3.  "Good morning honey, how you sleep?"  Up to about a Level 5.  "AHHHH, Good morning my love, lets get moving."  Hmmm, about a Level 8.  "YEAH, GOOD MORNING MY LOVE - WHAT A GREAT DAY, LETS GET THIS DAY STARTED..."   Level 10 - Achieved.  If you remember the movie, "Good Morning Vietnam" starring Robin Williams, you know what I'm talking about.  Bringing energy and intensity to everyone of your goals and injecting your dreams with excitement.  That's living at a Level 10.  We want to operate at Level 10 concerning our goals, exuding the confidence that is needed to achieve our dreams.  That's taking it to the Next Level. 

My goal today and every day, Live at a Level 10.  In every area of my life.  beginning with my marriage and family and then in my goals and vision.  To give my all, not shortchanging my wife or kids and definitely not shortchanging my goals.  This is a biblical principal that works, in Matthew chapter 7, Jesus says "and what measure you give, it will be measured back to you..."  What you put out, you get back.  So concerning your goals - if you want to just wing it everyday and make it up on the fly - then don't be surprised if you get "wing it" results.  If you put half an effort in achieving your dreams, giving it a Level 5 input, then don't be surprised if it takes longer to see the manifestation of your dreams.  Invest in yourself - you are your greatest investor.  If you don't give it your all, how do you expect others to pour into you. 

Try it today my friends, take it to Level 10 and see what the results are.  Take it to that level and watch things begin to shift and change.  Pour it into that dream, pour it into that vision at a Level 10 and watch....Blast-Off......Expect the Great. 

Are Your Actions Consitent With Your Goals?

This questions requires what I call "self examination."  A question that will cause you to look in the mirror and ask the person looking back, "am I giving it my all?  Am I doing what I need to do each day to achieve my dream?  Are my actions consitent with my goals?"  Only you can answer that question.  No one looking from the outside in can.  They are your dreams, it's your vision, you set the goals!  You know what it takes to achieve them, you know what it takes to reach that mountaintop.

The great part of LIFE is that yesterday doesn't have to effect your today.  That my friends is what excites me and inspires me.  I start each day asking myself that question and on the days I answer "NO", I look at my goals and vision and the objectives I have set to reach them and then I go after them.  It's a great measuring stick for me and I think it will work for you as well.  I don't know what your goals are, or what your dreams may be, but I do know that it takes work - hard work.  Consistent effort and diligence (diligence means a continual & painstaking effort on your part).  In basketball jargon we call it, "grinding it out."  This is the time the team doesn't play the best, may not have their best mental mindset and my shooters may be off.  Or, the other team bought their A game and we didn't.  So in order to win the game, we have to grind it out.  Possession by possession - and for us dream chasers, thats day by day.  Grind it out my friends, it will always pay off in the end. 

I shared before, I hadn't taken a meaningful exam in I cannot remember how many years.  Now, here I was preparing for a law school exam known as the LSAT.  I read one LSAT prep book and couldn't talk for a day.  I'm serious, my wife was asking me stuff about the book, about other stuff and I couldn't even formulate a sentence after reading those logic games and stuff.  So, I knew - I was going to have to grind this one out.  I looked for help - $800-$1200 for prep courses.  I contacted LSAT tutors, $65-$85 per hour.  Went to online help - too confusing to muddle through on my own.  Books and CD's, yeah they helped some but I was still behind the 8 ball.  The test date was approaching quicker and quicker - the OLD mind said, "man, forget that test - you don't need law school anyways."  That's the way yesterdays guy would have gone.  But oh no, I put my seat belt on, took days at a time away from the house taking prep test and reading.  Any time alone in the house I had my books out and CD's playing - I was going to achieve this thing.  It was like a lesson I learned when I was growing Peacekeepers, I had once asked a real good salesman how often do I follow up a sales presentation when the prospect hadn't called me back.  He said follow up, follow up, follow up and follow up.  I said yea, but for how long?  His response changed my perspective on sales, "follow up until they buy or they die."  So I have a pit bull type attitude about many things, and this test was falling into that category. 

So check yourself daily, when you jump in your car or truck - don't you usually check your gas gauge?   I do, I even have a bright orange colored light that seems so bright it could burn a hole in something.  After checking your gauge, you immediately think about your destination right?  Then based on those 2 components, you either head to your destination or to a gas station.  Well my friends, it's the same with our goals and dreams.  We rise in the morning and we ask ourselves, were my actions yesterday consistent with my goals?  Based on that answer, we are off and running.  Be encouraged my friends, you have a support group to help assist you.  Support me, I will support you and lets support others.  Share this post with your friends, shoot those of you with Facebook help me out until I get me one of those Facebook pages (yes it's coming).  Forward the post, support the vision and lets all work together to help one another achieve the dreams.  Expect the Great - It's coming your way.  ARE YOU READY? 

Staying On Track is Easier Than Getting Back On Track

You know inactivity and time can be huge disadvantages to achieving your goals and seeing the manifestation of your vision.  Yesterday, was back to work regarding basketball at the high school for me.  Interest has been sporadic, but a few players "appeared" excited about getting back to work.  And I underline and place quotations around the word appear, because at times like us with our goals, we "appear" as if we want to achieve these great things - BUT - we easily fall off track.  Then getting back on track seems so difficult.  So as Chrystal and I wait patiently on the track for the players to arrive, we chat up the track team and the few multi sport players I have.  Well, one says, "hey coach I can't stay - I'm hungry, I need to go eat so I will be here Weds."  Another says, "I don't have my shoes, I have to go home and get them and I'll be back."  Another walks up slowly with her bag, "hey coach - well I'm here."  Another whose Mother said she had dropped her off, she off in the cut chasing after her flesh - not here at the track.

So, shaking my head I say to myself, "self, people say they want to achieve all sorts of things - but who really wants to do the work?"  Self answered - "very few."  True that, true that!  You see dreams only come true when you wake up and go to work. 

So, with Chrystal and my All League point guard the only 2 at training, we dig in.  My point guard envisions not just an All League year, but she has aspirations on being the league MVP and she has her sights set on Notre Dame as her college of choice.  So, we start out with a nice mile run - looks okay, times a little slow on the quarter but hey it's day 1 right.  Finish that, lets knock out 5 sets of stadium stairs.  This is where the inactivity begins to show.  You see, we can have dreams, it's wonderful to set goals - but I have always said you must do something to work towards them everyday.  There are NO days off.  And when you are chasing your greatness, there's no time for picking wild flowers.  Because sooner than later, your inactivity will begin to show.  Your lack of preperation, no study time or research for your area, no comparison calling, no urgency in training or practicing and on and on - whatever your area may be.  It will show. 

So I begin to encourage, "7 months out, MVP year, Notre Dame..." and on and on.  But I can tell, at this moment it's a "pipe dream" not a GOAL.  Cause you haven't been working towards it, you haven't been working out, you have lost your focus.  STAYING ON TRACK IS EASIER THAN GETTING BACK ON TRACK. 

If you have fallen off track my friends, take a step back.  Get your goals back out, read over them - shoot, post them on the mirror in the bathroom, on the fridge, in your car.  Keep them before your eyes.  Regain your focus and regain your motivation.  You see TIME can be either an ally or a huge enemy of achieving our goals.  Some of our goals are short term but many are long term.  Many we want to achieve by years end.  One of my wife's goals is right around the corner (April 6).  So time can be for us or it can be against us.  It's not TIME's fault - ha, ha, it's ours.  You see, take my hip rehab for example.  I have to work out my hip exercises every day or I become super tight and stiff.  Well I'm highly motivated to recover anyways (yes I actually ran yesterday for the first time and felt great - even demonstrated a dribling drill with no pain - HALLELUJAH) so I'm rarely stiff.  But when I fail to do my exercise, stiffness reminds me - it's not like that with our goals and vision.  Time slips by, a few days - a week, several months until we resign the fact that we will reach them and put them off for next year.  You have to remind You....What did I do today?  What did I accomplish today?  What can I do more effectively tomorrow?  What do I need to change to be more efficient?  Who can I call?  Where can I go?  You are your greatest reminder - come on get it done.

Stay on track my friends, you'll find it so much easier than trying to get back on track.  Expect the Great.  Share the vision with a friend, support one another and keep the Finish Line in sight.  You can do it, it can be done. 

Will You Let Me PUSH You?

Will I let you push me?  What kind of question is that?  You see taken out of the moment or out of context, it sounds rather radical.  Taken outside of the parameters in which it was asked, you would think - uhhh, no thanks, keep your hands to yourself.  But when you realize this is a "physical trainer" talking to a client - it all makes sense.  "Will you let me push you?"  Yes, I replied, I came here for your help and expertize.

WOW!  That is one of the initial conversations I had with my physical therapist after my hip replacement surgery.  There was some time after my surgery until the appt. for my PT, so I had found some exercises online and was doing quite the work-outs at home.  I mean I felt I was getting stronger, I felt I was improving and I even had the thought of why waste my time with PT.  I can get this done at home. I don't need PT or any outside help.   HOW WRONG WAS I.

The therapist had to gain my permission to help me!  I had to agree to cooperate in order to help myself.  I'm going somewhere, just stay with me.  I had to not only make my appt's., I had to keep them.  I had to arrive with the right attitude, be open to new or different exercises, give my whole effort (just being there won't help), and follow the therapist instructions.  Understanding this and giving her (I call her Ulga-ha, ha - she's a bruiser) permission to PUSH me has accelerated my healing, strenght and overall well being.  Yes, it brings sweat, discomfort and sometimes pain - yet it builds me.  I had to realize, she knows more than me about PT. 

Wait a minute, if I learned that lesson in PT - what about taking that lesson to my dreams?  To my vision and to my goals?  What if I found a "trainer" to push me to excel in the goals of my life.  To team up with someone who won't let me "just show up" but will PUSH me to squeeze every bit of greatness out of me that I have.  What if I got a "trainer" to assist me with achieving my goals and reaching my objectives?  Hmmm, how could I have missed this?  It's easy, because we don't like to be vulnerable with people we do not really know.  We have trust issues!!!!!  Hello, and it's hard to receive help when we don't trust.  You know I coach Varsity basketball, I tell all my players, you will only be successful if you let me coach you.  I need you to trust me, trust that I want the best for you, trust that I will be your greatest fan, trust that I want nothing but success for you.  Trust me and your future is limitless.  My biggest hurdle, getting them to trust me.  And in dealing with our vision, we are protective of it, defensive and uncertain about others intentions regarding it.  So, we often miss the advantage of being coached or PUSHED by a trainer. 

I encourage you today as I encourage myself, reach higher and stretch further.  Take the time, effort and energy to find yourself a "trainer."  Someone who can PUSH you, encourage you and show you how to do it in the manner or way that's more efficient and more productive.  Pastor Alvin said, "Success leaves clues..." My friends find a successful Coach/Trainer, someone who has been there before and get the help to take your dreams to the Next Level.  It may be a spouse, a friend, a co-worker.  Or it may be a professional sales coach, a Pastoral mentor, or a studio engineer.  You may attend a conference, a seminar or a retreat.  Or it may be one-on-one over weekly lunches.  Whomever it may be, take the time to search out help and then receive it.  Lets support one another's dreams and visions - be a cheerleader.  I was at Church yesterday and heard a preacher use my line, "I'm Blowing Up" he exclaimed.  Chrystal immediately looked at me, I was already looking at her - and we knew.  THE COUNTDOWN HAD BEGUN.  Prepare for launching - 10, 9, 8.....Come on friends - it's TAKE OFF time.  Expect the Great.

Did You Know That Looks Matter

I know you read the title and gasped!  Are you kidding me?  Seriously?  Yes, I'm serious.  You have heard the phrase, "dress for success" right?  Of course you have, why?  Because the way we look is often connected to how we feel.  When you're down and ill or just feeling blue - you take very little time to get dressed, brush or comb your hair and take the simpleist of personal hygiene tips.  Then when you get that unexpected guest, they say, "whoa!  look at you, are you feeling ok?"  Why, because the way we look often tells the story of how we feel.  How do you feel when someone says, "You look a hot mess."  You feel a hot mess right?  Jesus teaches the disciples in Matthew chapter 6, "when you fast don't assume the gloomy looks as the hypocrites do, they disfigure their faces in order that it may be evident that they are fasting..."  Yikes, evident, disfigure their faces, so others can see how miserable they are...  Yeah, LOOKS MATTER.  In the 2nd chapter of the book of James the Bible says, "we show special attention to the one wearing fine clothes but we ignore the one not dressed well..."  Now it may not be right, but it surely happens - people deal with you on your appearance.

How does this relate to your vision?  How does this help to accomplish goals?  Does our appearance really matter?  My friends I cannot emphasize enough that it does.  Whether it's business, your career, your marriage it really matters.  Some folks call it "SWAG."  Now I'm not that hip anymore but from how folks use that term it means "how you represent yourself" or "a type of style."  In my day it was a movie called, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back."  You see how we look and dress often generates or motivates.  When I'm all about business, I don't put my sweats and t-shirt on, I wear slacks, button up and perhaps even a suit jacket.  When I go places, I'm ready to conduct business.  Pass out cards, chat people up and try to land accounts.  The sweats and T's are for the gym, not the board room.  But I look in the mirror and when I look like a Million Bucks, I feel like a Million Bucks.  So what I'm expressing to you is that when you get up in the morning and you set your daily goals - make it a point to get yourself hooked up.  I'm about business today, you could be at the store, the bank, the gas station and BAM - an opportunity arises.  Oh man, I'm not dressed for this.  ha ha   yes I've said that too.  You want to run home and change and HOPE the opportunity is still there.  NO man, take care of that before you leave the house.  When I was selling accounts, I would get up and "suited", wash my car and pop in a mint just in case today was the day.  3-4 times a week I would get suited and booted, hit the pavement and no matter how many NO's I got, it didn't effect how I looked.  I was as fresh at 5 pm as I was at 9 am. 

So whatever you may be focused on today, next week or next month.  Set several days aside to "Dress to Impress" and then get to work.  I'm telling you - IT WORKS.  When you look it, you will feel it.  When you look important, you feel important.  When you look good, you feel good.  And one of the biggest things we can have when pursuing goals is CONFIDENCE.  Exuding confidence, people see it, feel it and read it.  Successful people like doing business with confident people.  Not those with their heads down, eyes wandering all over....Standing tall, shoulders back, chest poked out and chin up.  When you look it, you feel it, when you feel it - you act it.  Get you some SWAG (LOL) or get your GROOVE back.  Look at that person in the mirror and tell him or her, "I got this, I can do this, I am smart, I am strong enough, I can teach this, I can preach that, I can impress."

Keep reaching higher my friends, Expect the Great...Be confident, be assured and stand tall regarding your dreams...It's your VISION - trust it & believe it and WORK IT my friends...WORK THAT THING......

Don't Let a NO Stop You

Over the past 30 years of setting and fulfilling my goals I have heard thousands of NO's along the way.  Whether it was joining the police dept - Oakland said NO.  I moved on, joined another dept and then finished my career at a 2nd.  Starting my business, one entire year of NO's before I landed my first account.  Launching a ministry, people laughed and encouraged my failure, but I pressed on and prevailed.  Even in coaching - some of the harshest criticism I have ever taken has been from parents over a game.  Every avenue, every turn - NO's are waiting for you and they wait for me.  Doors not only close in your face - they SLAM!  Don't let a NO stop you from fulfilling your goal and accomplishing your dreams.  I met a gentleman early in my business career who gave me a great piece of advice, "don't look for supporters, ask people why it won't work, why it won't sell."  Yikes!  Ask people to critique me?  Yes he said, not only do people see holes in projects you don't, but it will prepare you to be "tough skinned" and able to receive constructive criticism.  That's the key, constructive - those who are helping, not hindering.  Be careful who you allow to critique you, or your projects or ideas.  That's MAJOR.

So take a moment to look at where you are on the path you have laid out for your goals.  Are you moving forward?  Are you stalemated?  Are you just treading water?  What's stopped you?  Don't let it be a NO, don't let it be a negative comment or a bad experience.  These are simply par for the course.  Don't think you are going to climb the mountain called achievement or success without falling down or scraping your knees.  Steve Harvey was homeless at 40 before making it onto TV.  Now you cannot change the channel without seeing him.  Tyler Perry, same story - couch surfing with friends before his 1st play sold out.  If success was easy, everyone would be successful.  So don't get distracted, don't get frustrated or discouraged.  Keep your focus, stay to your course, take the blows and keep fighting.

Take time today to celebrate your vision, I mean a moment to actually stand up and take a twirl, dance a little, jump and rejoice in the vision God has planted inside of you.  Get excited about your goals, re-ignite the passion in your project, business, ministry or marriage.  Don't allow the fuse to just fizzle or burn out.  Nope, today is a day of celebration.  During the "heyday" of my business when I had millions in gross revenue, nearly 200 employees and more patrol cars than the local PD's, I noticed one thing that was major.  Even though I had 2 p/t sales people - I always led in sales.  Even though I was on the golf course or on vacation, I always led the way in sales.  WHY?  Easy - I had more passion  for the business than anyone I could hire.  They worked for money, a check, a commission.  Nope, I worked to fulfill a dream.  To accomplish a goal and see the vision manifest.

So be encouraged today my friends, don't give up because of a NO.  Don't give up because of a spouses attitude or their NO.  Don't give in because you weren't accepted this semester or the test score wasn't good enough.  Nope, don't give up and don't quit.  Simply jump up and rejoice - the vision is yet for an appointed time, thou it may tarry, ha ha  It will surely come to pass.  Expect the Great, share this blog with a friend, support the vision and pass it on.  Keep my friends in your prayers - Dr's say inoperable but you and me know it's God who has the final say. 

Change What Could of Been to Look What I've Done

Change "What could of Been" to "Look what I've Done."  Whether its age, sickness or other situations and circumstances that arise - so many things can keep us from accomplishing our dreams and goals.  Then there we are sitting in our Lazy-Boy recliners or laying on the couch, or worse, saying "I wish I would of."  Well we really need to consider changing what could of been into look what I have done. 

We wait for circumstances to be perfect, we wait for our money to be right, we wait until we retire, we wait until the time is right.....well you will find yourself waiting and waiting and time passing you by and then you will look up and you haven't accomplished that dream or fulfilled that vision.  Yes, I know you may have done some things, a few things and even fulfilled A dream.  But there's more.  There's so much more LIFE left.  I know the feeling at times - I look back and have fulfilled so many dreams in my life, I have accomplished so many of the things I desired to do.  But I got time left.  God has blessed with another day and I want to maximize this day and make the most out of it.  If I have another week, another month, another year - then I got more to do.  My dreams get bigger, my vision expands and my goals increase.  So today, I need to stay focused and driven.  To me it looks far off - but then I always think about my passenger side door mirror.  Yeah, the passenger side mirror on my car says, "images in mirror are closer than they appear."  And I remind myself, "Blessings are closer than they appear."  Deuteronomy 28:2 says, "ALL these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God..."  All = means the whole, as much as possible.  God says He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings you don't even have room to receive.  WHOA!!!!!!!!  ALL, THE WHOLE, NO ROOM, yes that's what I'm fighting for, what I'm aiming for, what I'm focused on....The Lord came that we may have LIFE and that more abundantly.

So forget age, forget health, forget money, forget the situations and circumstances that act as hurdles in my life.  I will run faster, jump higher, and lift more to fulfill the vision and accomplish the goal.  All the excuses you can fathom - the excuses you can devise, all the excuses that help you rationalize why you are stuck where you are.  START today, yesterday is gone, last week is gone, last year - yup it's gone.  Start today.  If you haven't written down your goals - do it today.  If you haven't written your playbook - start today.  If you haven't set your timelines - start today.  Get up, get out and get moving forward towards the GOAL line.  Isn't it interesting in football, the endzone (touchdown) is called the GOAL line.  When you put the ball and the runner or receiver in the endzone, crossing the GOAL line - TOUCHDOWN!!!!!  And who doesn't dance when they cross the GOAL line. 

Change those what could of been into look what I've done moments.  Get motivated and get moving, no dream is too big, nor any dream too small.  Expect the Great my friends, your next in line for a miracle.....Please keep my friends Terry Groce & John Souza in your daily prayers.  They need it today and each day.  Support the vision...submit your e-mail and pass these blogs on. 

Energy Vampires

Staying focused, committed and determined takes energy, effort and a great playbook.  Pre-planning, goal setting and an environment of motivated/positive people.  But when you are climbing that ladder, trust me - you become a target and people love to throw mud.  As you begin to seperate yourself from the pack of mediocrity you will begin to face not only Dream Killers, but you will face Energy Vampires. 

Energy Vampires are negative people who are like human black holes.  They will suck the life, vision and dreams out of you.  We all know people like this and God forbid, we are people like this.  Energy vampires will demean you and attack you.  Make you feel like you are always on guard and need to defend and protect yourself.  They will cause your energy to fizzle.  How do you recognize these type of people so you can protect your vision and yourself?  One thing you will notice is that they are always talking about how bad things are or are always complaining.  1 Corinthians 15:33 says "bad company corrupts good habits."  This means that if you surround yourself with these types of folks, be prepared...your focus will blur, your goals will be demeaned and eventually diminish and you may even become depressed.  In Proverbs 1, Solomon says, "let the wise hear and increase in learning and one who understands obtain guidance." 

You see when you write your vision, you have to protect your vision.  Energy vampires will make you feel it's you and not them.  You have the problem, who do you think you are?  Why do you think you can do what so many others have failed at?  Don't you know that sounds silly?  You just seem foolish doing that.  But you have to remember, their negative comments and attitudes are not a reflection of who you are!  Hello, surround yourself, wrap yourself up in the comfort and love of God to protect your dream and your vision.  And remember, "O.I.Y.L.I."  Whats that mean?  It's an acronymn - Only If You Let It.  That means their comments and attitudes can only affect you and hurt you if you let them.  One thing I have learned in coaching young people, I see more not even try to step up or step out based on what others say or might say.  Here we are doing drills and a player makes a mistake.  Other members of the team begin to laugh and snicker.  More times than not I will notice the player wil stop pushing themselves to get better and do the drill more carefully so to not make a mistake and be pointed out.  Now the skills don't improve, they diminish - based soley on what others say, think and do. 

And we can do the same thing with our dreams - even Dr. Phil says if you want to be a WINNER you must have a defined image.  Now beyond Dr. Phil, what does God say, "that you are fearfully and wonderfully made."  A child of the King - forget what others say, what does God say.  He says you are smarter, He says you are stronger, He says you are a Conqueror, and He says you can do whatever you think, dream or envision you can do.  Protect your inlets, your senses:  ears, eyes, heart and head.....Filter the foolishness and the madness thru the filter of God's Holy Word. 

Be prepared my friends, they are out there and they lay in wait for you to share your dreams and ideas only to take them like the Egyptian soldiers took the male Hebrew children.  Dream Killers, Energy Vampires, Black Holes...When you want to Play Big, surround yourself with those who speak life into you, who pour into you, who encourage you and look for opportunities to support you.  It's one thing to write your goals and plan using your playbook, it's another to be on the right team.  Can you imagine a great QB like Tom Brady giving his playbook to the opposing team?  No, he shares that and his favorite plays with his greatest supporters.  His best receivers, his coaches and mentors and his lineman who protect him and his vision.  They block those who are trying to do Tom harm or "sack him".  Even if a defense person gets in, they will risk a hold and get a penalty rather than let Tom get hit.  Do you have people around you like that?  Who will take a penalty before they let you take a sack?  Look around, check your circle and it may be time to rearrange your offensive line.  Time to trade, waive or cut a few "posers" who act like they blocking but really they are letting the defense right by.

Expect the Great my friends...stand by for video links of great messages and nuggets.  Share this blog with others, support the vision and stay focused....Truly God is greater.