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.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
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.......
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.......
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
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....
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....
Monday, April 8, 2013
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....
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....
Friday, April 5, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
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.......
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.......
Monday, April 1, 2013
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.......
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.......
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