2011 Plans...!

We are quickly approaching 2011 and we should get ready for the slogans:

"Destined for days like heaven in 2011"

"Debt-free living in 2011"

"2011---the year of the overflow"

We should also get ready for the resolutions:
"I'm going to lose weight"

"I'm going to spend more time with my family"

"I'm going to go back to school"

Also, we should get ready for the realities of life:

"You could lose a loved one"

"You could get laid off your job"

"You could run into unexpected problems"

By now, you all may be sobering up to the fact that life is still filled with uncertainties no matter how hard we plan. An old aged saying is "if you want to make God laugh just tell Him your plans!" During this season many will fast, vision cast, set goals, inspire to fulfill dreams, and seek to have a much better lifestyle. Regardless of what we do, we have to REMEMBER that God had everything already pre-planned before time ever began. All we're doing is living out the set-in-place plan. No matter how hard we try we can never alter it. It's already fixed in place and is unchangeable! What's more, it is the BEST plan for you and I. Our little plans pale in comparison to His. So, let's live out our lives knowing that God's plan is what we should desire. Jesus said it so eloquently in Luke 22:41-42---

...God, not my will but yours be done...

Fairy Tales

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a woman in a shoe. The elf under the bridge. The pot of gold near the stream. Wow, many may be wondering if they're at the correct blog site. What in the world is all this about? Why does this blog start off with fairy tale notions. Well, it's quite simple, many people know that we're nearing the Christmas time. And, unfortunately, fairy tales seem to dominate this season as well.

We hear stories about some fat bearded man in a red and white fleece by the name of Santa. Or, we hear about his red-nosed raindeer and flying sled. Maybe, that's not your home and the focus is more on Ebenezer Scrooge or the Grinch who stole Christamas. Regardless, the focus is not FULLY where it should be and that's on the birth of Jesus. But, much more important than His birth is His death. And, even more important than His death is His rising from the dead.

Therefore, we can have access to a new life in God free from the bondage of sin. We can now live a life destined for heaven. Destined for greatness. Destined for true life. Or, we can ignore all of that and go back to focusing on the fairy tales and commercialized distractions of buy this and go broke for that. My prayer is that we would eventually get to the point where we make the main thing the main thing, and that's the sacrifice of Jesus!

Seven: Marveled Moods

In the last installation of "Overlooking the 7" series, I thought that it would only be fitting to discuss the moods of Christians. A Christian is unlike any other individual in that they are infused with the presence of God as well as person of Jesus. Therefore, they shouldn't be moody. Christians shouldn't be unpredictable wherein they're up today and down tomorrow. Christians should have some resilency as well as positive consistency within their moods.

Christians are also infused with the power of the Holy Spirit which enables them to walk in the LOVE OF CHRIST. Unfortunately, many Christians don't realize that enough. What if this was realized in Christian marriages? The divorce rate in the church wouldn't be half as high as what it is. What if this was realized at places of employment? Christians wouldn't get so angry at a supervisior or fellow employee and become critical. What if this was realized in our churches? Then Christian churches wouldn't be so divided on trivial issues, pious biases, and cultural preferences. We would choose to be joyful no matter what, at least most of the time. Bottom line, we all need to check our attitudes at the door plus look at problems and pressures from a Godly perspective.

Then we will be able to allow problems to roll off us like water on a duck's back---remaining focused for God rather than full of our feelings.

Six: On The Move

Yes, here is the dreaded ploy of exercise! During this upcoming year, many will make their New Year's resolution geared towards weight loss. You know; those pounds that were put on from the gluttony of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, before you all get alarmed, this blog post is not one that's necessarily about exercise or self-control with one's eating habits. It's not even one in reference to losing weight. This post specifically focuses on being "ON THE MOVE." In other words, just get off the couch and do something constructive. Better yet, get out of the car and walk sometimes. Take the bus a week out of the month. Go through the park with a brisk job, catching in the scenery. Take some dancing lessons or window shop through the outlet mall in your city. Basically, just do something that requires movement.

The health affects from these types of activities are endless. Studies have shown that people with active lifestyles (not stressed and overworked lifestyles) tend to live considerably longer and in better health than individuals who are none active. Moreover, they have less chronic pain, diseases, and health-related conditions. Not to mention, with more activity in your life you'll look better as well as feel better. But, one must get into the habit of being more active. Unfortunately, at most jobs today, people are sitting behind a desk in front of a computer. At most schools, children are sitting down for hours in classrooms with little to no activity, just book work and assignments. At most homes, even babies are being catered to too much. They may need a diaper change and we're more eager to place a bottle in their mouths. Or, they may desire to be played with and we would rather put them back into their crib, for lack of interest. Regardless, we need to find ways to become more active. Our hobbies shouldn't just be watching television, going to sleep, or reading books. We have to get on the move!

Five: Tickled Toes

Oh yes, I know some might remember those baby days when your parents or loved ones would scratch at the bottom of your feet just to see those dimples. You would grin from ear to ear. If you don't believe me, just check out those album pictures that your parents put together years ago. Laughing indeed is good medicine and many of us need to do it more often. It is one of the biggest cures for stress and tension. According to Genesis 21:5-7, a promised nation from God was born being named "laughter." Abraham and Sarah received youthful joy from having a child in their old age---Isaac (which means laughter). Isaac birthed Jacob and God changed Jacob's name to Israel. Thus, the making of the nation of Israel. All of it was born out of laughter. In addition, Psalm 2:4 states God even laughs and scoffs at the wicked. Yes, that's right, even God laughs from time to time!

Proverbs 17:22 informs us that "laughter is like GOOD MEDICINE."

Ecclesiastes 3:4 lets us know that "there is A TIME to laugh."

Nehemiah 8:10 indicates that "the JOY of the Lord is your strength."

When one laughs over 50 distinct muscles are being utilized in the body releasing joyful feeling endorphines, making you feel youthful, energetic, and strong. But, when one pouts the reverse effect happens making you feel lethargic, EASILY irritable, and weak. A laughing matter is maybe more important than you first thought. Now, I do want to add, you should have clean or wholesome laughter. Laughing at a viral joke or vulgar behavior may not be the BEST things to be gaining your humor. Moreover, when someone trips and is badly injured that's not a healthy laughing matter either. I'm not saying we should live life rigid, stiff and over-serious all the time. But, what I am saying is that our laughter should not just be a response to something funny but it should have some tactfulness with it as well. So, let's LIGHTEN UP a bit more; it'll do a whole lot more good for us than we could ever imagine!

Four: Good Eats

Many people like to eat good; I mean real good. Not only that, some people are addicted to food. They don't just eat to live, they just live to eat. Here, in America, food is almost like a past-time. When you turn on the television, usually, the first thing you see within a 30 seconds slot is a food commercial. Or, try turning on a sports game (during the weekend) and you're sure to find some scenes of individuals pigging out at a tailgating party. This list can go on and on. Bottom line, we live in a society inundated with food.

Now, there's nothing wrong with food. You NEED food to live. But, there are certain perimeters one much take in dealing with the food. It's all about what foods you choose to eat and how often you choose to eat them. Or, what foods you choose not to eat and how often you fail to eat them. I'm not a nutritionist by any means but here are a few nutritional sites that can direct you on those perimeters:

http://www.mypyramid.gov/

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/15-ways-to-eat-healthy

http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/2577/10-steps-to-healthy-eating-for-the-poor/

One may ask, "What does any of this have to do with living for God?" Oh my, it has so much to do with living out a godly life. If you're lethargic, diseased, or bloated from unhealthy eating then your abilities to serve God will be extremely limited. Not to mention, your physical life may be in even more extremely jeopardy. I heard an individual state that, "In subsaharan Africa many people are starving to death from a lack of food, and in America many of us are eating ourselves to death from intaking too much food." When we read the Bible it is clear on its stance against gluttony and its support of FASTING. Furthermore, Jesus operated in peak health, as He ministered, utilizing the Levitical diet. So, "What am I really saying? Should we all just go COLD TURKEY on any food deemed unhealthy. Should we all never again pick up an item from the grocery store that is questionable to nutritionists. Should we all never even again order from the desert menu at a restaurant. Of course, this is not what I'm saying or even implying. But, I'm emphasizing the fact that we should all consider finding ways in where we can eat a lot healthier---as a lifestyle and not just a diet.

Three: Relational Comradery

I do realize that, "Everyone needs somebody sometimes." We're not an island to ourselves and we're actually built for each other. Lonliness is a devastating feeling. The famed, 30 million copies sold, bestselling book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren highlights how much Jesus & the Bible emphasized relationships. He said that, "The most important thing in life are our relationships---First, our relationship with God, next our relationships with one another." Also, another fact is the scriptural focus on the concept of the "One Anothers" theme...Love one another, do good to one another, pray for one another, be devoted to one another, etc. So, according to God, we vitally need each other to function effectively on this earth. Most Christians may believe that the only one they need is God! But, God begs to differ! Well, God prefers mostly to show Himself strong through others. The Bible is adamant about God showing up a lot through touching the lives of men and women by using other men and women. Also, He uses them to help establish relationships.

Really, "Where would you be without______________________(fill in the blank with a person)?

Who helped you make it this far that you may need to thank?

How would life feel without your loving spouse, caring children, grandparents, good friends, etc.?

Belive it or not, it's so important to have good friends, Godly influences, and impactful relationships. God knows that and that's the reason why he allowed so many beautiful, wonderful people to cross your path and come into your life. We truly do need each other! The Bible says "we ought to love each other just like we love ourselves." That means that we should value relatioships the same way we value ourselves---NO LESS! Let's do that as much as possible and have such a great relational comradery where "if you hurt I hurt" and vice versa. Moreover, "when I rejoice you should rejoice" realizing that we're all in this thing together. Remember, no one is an island to themselves we still do need each other!

Two: Structured Stress

I know many people have been stressed out before, and some are even feeling intense stress now. But, what is more dishardening is the fact that many people have little to no idea how to deal with the stress. So many are stressed on their jobs, stressed at school, stressed at home, and even feeling some stress at church. I know that may surprise some of you but the church can become a stressful place.

Church volunteers and employees have to finish this deadline, attend that meeting, fulfill those roles, etc. all on a massive scale. All to elite perfection. All done in an impressive manner and on a grandiose scale. We have to impress God, impress the pastor, and impress others taking on more and more stress.

Well, truth be told, we really DON'T have to impress anyone. God already knows ALL of your abilities based on the fact that He's the one who gave them to you. Also, He's fully aware of what you can and can't do. He understands that you're not a machine but loaded with many human limitations. Therefore, ladies you can take off the wonder woman cape and gentlemen you can remove that 'S' from your chest.

Actually, Matthew 11:28-30 and 1 Peter 5:6-7 gives us good Biblical reasoning why we should not be so stressed and instead take on Jesus's stress. See, His yoke is easy and His burdens are light to carry. He gives us what I call, "structured stress." This is the type of stress that says, "I'll do what I can do and leave what I can't do to God. I'm not going to worry about the small things nor the big ones. I'm going to choose to relax knowing that God has everything in His control!" This is the type of stress that I'm talking about. Let's entirely give over to God everything that we think we have to carry and intentionally live out a life of structured stress!

One: Needful Rest

It's no surprise that many Christians are lethargic and physically drained, at times. More often than not, they're running on coffee, no-dose pills, and maybe (just maybe) 5 hours of good sleep. Unfortunately, one can't continue to go on just like the energizer bunny beating their drum to everyone's beck and call.

"Take the kids here, get the groceries there, be at the meeting then, etc." We're not machines, you know, but flesh and blood people, and even top quality machines eventually wear out after awhile. I do understand that we want to be used by God and for His purposes. I also realize that many want to be perceived as reliable, dependable, and faithful. I'm even aware of the fact that (in some small way) we want to be ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. You know, that 'never say die attitude' or that 'never say NO demeanor.' But, the real fact of the matter is that we're able to do only so much before becoming burnt out.

In actuality, to be OPTIMALLY, EFFECTIVELY used by God on a continual basis, OUR REST MATTERS. That's right---our rest. And, it matters a whole lot more than we may think. Not only do we need rest, but we need proper rest.

Researchers at the University of Warwick and University College London have found that lack of sleep can more than double the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, but that too much sleep can also be associated with a doubling of the risk of death, though not primarily from cardiovascular disease. Professor Francesco Cappuccio said, "Short sleep has been shown to be a risk factor for weight gain, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes, sometimes leading to mortality; but in contrast to the short sleep-mortality association, it appears that no potential mechanisms by which long sleep could be associated with increased mortality have yet been investigated. Some candidate causes for this include depression, low socioeconomic status, and cancer-related fatigue... In terms of prevention, our findings indicate that consistently sleeping around seven hours per night is optimal for health, and a sustained reduction may predispose to ill health."
Furthermore, sleep difficulties are closely associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression, alcoholism, and bipolar disorder. Up to 90% of adults with depression are found to have sleep difficulties. Bottom line, God is a strong advocate for resting. We all know He rested on the 7th day from all His work denoting it as a Sabbath for us. Hebrews 4 is dedicated almost entirely to the concept of rest. And, Psalm 127:2 reveals how good sleep is a way of God showing off some of His love towards us. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy sound sleep and needful rest. You'll be ever glad you did!

Overlooking the 7

I know many have heard of Snow White and the 7 dwarfs, the 7 deadly sins, the 7 wonders of the world, the magnificent 7, the movie: 7 pounds, the 7 churches of Asia Minor in the Revelation to John, the 7 major continents, and even the software I'm utilizing at this present moment: Windows 7. Goodness, there's just something about this number 7. So, I only thought it fitting to do something a bit different from the norm with this very number. I decided to come up with a Christian blog series surrounding this (oh so popular) number of 7. Overlooking the 7 is a new blog series that I'm embarking upon. There are some essential elements that many Christians overlook on a continuous basis. And, they still wonder why their life is so drained and lacking. It shouldn't be confusing to the least that if one refuses to operate in some basic things that are needful for daily, effective, and functional living problems will eventually occur. Without many of these 7 things being addressed it'll be difficult to honor God fully, love others unconditionally, and be an authentic & practical example of Jesus within this world. So, stay tuned, sit back, and get ready to dive into life-changing, common sense thinking wrapped up in Godly principles.

Finding Yourself...?

Exactly, "What in the world is being human?" Brandy has a new album out called HUMAN. Also, her album is about her ups and downs in life throughout her relationships, music career, and family. What's more, she is at a stage in life where I guess she's finding herself. So, my question is this, "Exactly, Who are you?" "Really, What is it that makes you you?" "Are you a Christian or borderline worldly? Are you courageous in faith or religiously fearful? Are you insecure in life or secure in Jesus?" We may have to go throughout our entire lifespan to address many of these types of questions. I have lived on this earth for 33 years and have truly found that you can't find yourself without truly knowing you. And, you can't know yourself without truly knowing your family history and past generations back. And, you really can't know your family history without knowing the first family (Adam & Eve) and where they came from. And, you can't seem to know the first family without fully knowing God. So, bottom line, we ALL need to know God in order to find ourselves. Notice, I didn't say that, "We need to know a god." But, rather, "We need to know---GOD!"

See, many Christians know about God and struggle with personally knowing God. We have people who are more willing to know the intricacies about their pet than they are in knowing God. Christians have to become more intentional on spending time with God---not just on Sundays or at a low point in one's life. Have you took out any time to know God on Monday through Saturday? Why or Why not? The Bible indicates that we should, "Search after God while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near!" Slow down and stop for planned moments within your week to do that very thing. Believe me; it'll make a world of a difference in your life and maybe (just maybe) you'll truly start to FIND YOURSELF.

Valuables

You know, a lot of people feel that they rarely have anything to offer. They're not the brightest, most famous, or even remotely famous. But, just because someone hasn't reached some idealistic pinnacle of worthiness doesn't necessarily mean they're not valuable. See, value is an intrinsic characteristic that's not truly defined by superficial preferences. So, What! You're not the head honcho, smartest, or most popular. So, What! You're not the wealthiest or most attractive. So, What! You're not the funniest or carry the most engaging personality. So, What! So, What! So, What! In-spite of all this YOU'RE STILL VALUABLE. God sees immense value from each and every person. Did you know that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Did you know that you were created just the way God desired. Did you even know that NO one can do what you can do the very way you can do it---with your personality, with your compassion, with your heart, with your focus, with your resiliency, etc.

God has made us all so valuable...He saw so much value in us that He was willing to die for it! Our potential, to Him, is on a grandiose scale. So, the next time you start to compare yourself to someone else at your job, on television, or elsewhere; STOP! Just remain being THE BEST YOU that you can possibly be and don't become distraught because you're not just like someone else. Stop saying things like, "I feel like a failure; I'll never be like ____________; I wish I had what ____________ has." Realize that you are completely who you are and be grateful for that! I can guarantee that someone else somewhere in the world would LOVE to be you. Please, understand how valuable you are on a daily basis and keep seeing the value in all others (not just the famous people), especially the one's you encounter everyday. It just may be the very thing your life as well as their lives were missing!

True Beauty...

I'm not an avid television viewer, when the programming isn't sports (i.e. ESPN). But, I'm starting to try to come around in being a bit more informed to what's going on in the world via television and additional media outlets. Now, I'm not saying become a television junkie, but I'm just referring to my personal position, at the moment. Anyway, there is a fairly new television show on local T.V. by the name of 'True Beauty'.
True Beauty is a television series in which contestants are competing to see who is the most beautiful. However, they think they are only being tested on outer beauty. The show is hosted by three judges, who judge the contestants on their inner beauty. The contestants are competing for $100,000 and to be "featured in People Magazine's 100 most beautiful people issue." The series is produced by Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher. premiered on ABC on January 5, 2009. The second season premiered May 31, 2010.^[1]
What's more, as Christians, we need to be more cognizant of inner beauty, as well. We should not be so caught up in mostly viewing people based on a pretty face or a banging body. See, both of those things can drastically change based on time, diet, pregnancy, or a danger.
Time - Over time one ages and not everybody ages gracefully. Yes, wrinkles start to become much more apparent. Flab starts to hang from your flesh and you could even end up with a double chin. Yikes! Even your hair can start to flee from your head or decide to take on a complexion of gray.

Diet - All the ding dongs, hot dogs, home cooked meals, and restaurant outings can start to take their toll. In your earlier years you could've probably got away with eating anything, but not as you age. As you age your fat intake usually increases and your kinetic activities usually decrease. You just want to eat and afterwards sit on the couch or go to bed. In your younger years it's a good guess to say, "you were probably a bit more active than that." I do realize that there are some exceptions to this rule, but this is the plight of the majority of people who may be reading this and they're pretty much not that exception.

Pregnancy - Wow, women, you have just allowed a bundle of joy to be birthed through you, entering into the world. You are so proud to have had a baby, but what about your figure? Nine months have earlier passed where you was constantly putting on weight, for two people. What's more, one of those persons is now out of you, but that excess weight is still there. Oh no, your perfect little figure now seems to be in peril and you begin to identify more with the group above.

Danger - In this stage, it doesn't matter how young you are, how well you diet, or if you're not pregnant. You can still fall prey to this area. This area is usually out of your control! A freak car accident, a slip and fall, an image affecting disease, etc. All of the sudden, your esteemed beauty goes out of the window.

Bottom line, we should never base our worth or anyone else's worth on false beauty, one's physical stature & makeup, their facial structure, or something else. Your beauty and my beauty should ALWAYS be based on God's image of us on the inside, the real you! Many people who look extremely beautiful can act awfully ugly. Let's not have that as our testimony...!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30) NIV


1. Leach, Robin (2009), "Vanessa Minnillo’s Face of Vegas a Ruse for True Beauty", Vegas Deluxe, October 13, 2009

My First Book...!

Well, well, well...God is simply amazing! I have just officially published my first book---A 308 page step-by-step guide to a better Christian life. It highlights a faith journey to be walked upon by the brave and daring, as well as the clueless and fearful.

The book is entitled---FAITH, FOOLISHNESS, & FAMILIARITY: Why so many Christians are struggling with their walk.

Purchase a copy while supplies last...!


click on the link to order:https://www.createspace.com/3433834

Jerk Behavior...

As I go throughout life I realize abundant goals, awe-inspiring dreams, and budding potential that is highly reachable. But, there's also another thing I realize more and more along with my life progression. That is the misappropriation of my identity...or in other words, I start to lose myself---getting caught up in prospering pursuits. This idiosyncrasy I refer to as JERK BEHAVIOR!

New Boyz is a jerkin crew and hip-hop/rap duo made up of rappers Earl "Ben J" Benjamin and Dominic "Legacy" Thomas from Hesperia, California. They debuted in summer 2009 with their viral hit, "You're a Jerk", taken from their debut studio album Skinny Jeanz and a Mic, released in September 2009. The song peaked in the top thirty of the Billboard Hot 100, and it was the first song to bring the jerkin' style to the national forefront. ^[1]

Jerkin' or Jerk is a Los Angeles dance movement.^[2] The Jerk movement started in 2008 in Los Angeles and spread across Southern California. Since 2009, jerkin' has gained fans along the West Coast and is gaining popularity on the East Coast.^[3]
The dance itself consists of moving your legs in and out called the "jerk", and doing other moves such as the "reject", "dip", and "pindrop".^[4][5]
Now, I realize that our present day society likes to rephrase things away from their understood meaning. Bad means good. @#!*% means homeboy. Dope means fresh. Stupid means impressive. The funny thing though is you know down deep within that the word is still connected to its root meaning.

As far as I'm concerned, as well as much of society, "Jerk still means jerk!" And, during this past year I have had many episodes of jerk behavior. No, it didn't mean cool or a popular dance move, but it actually meant what it usually means. I was not expressing myself completely in a Godly manner. I'm not going to lie, I have experienced a heap of disappointments, deaths of loved ones, internal hurt, burnout, limitations, physical pain, intense frustration, etc. and it just seemed to hit me all at once. Furthermore, it's like it nearly even climaxed at the beginning of this year...Not a good feeling!

I have to be honest with myself...I was @#!*% ---at myself, at other people, and even pretty mad at life. Unintentionally, I ended up hurting a few people in search of some type of relief from my plight. Since then I have somewhat bounced back from this ordeal and is starting to become again my jubilant self. But, when life comes crashing down on you that's not necessarily a jubilant moment or laughing matter. In addition, when you're the one usually ALWAYS giving out you rarely find others who can put back into you what you've dispersed---comfort, joy, support, etc.---thus it just adds to the problem. Thankfully, I surrendered ALL of it to God and stopped trying to carry it all myself. To make a long story short, I am now at a point in my life where I have to make amends for the damage I caused---even if it was with only a few people.

I have to apologize in speech and action letting them know in no uncertain terms...that I was being a real JERK---with no excuses for it. Oh, what a freeing release to forgive, and make amends (even regardless of the response)! I pray that if you're anything like me you begin doing the same! C'mon, let's get back to our jubilant selves or the best part of us as individuals---ultimately making God look as good as He actually is (in our lives)!
______________________________________


1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Boyz
2. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615680/20090710/story.jhtml
3. http://www.laweekly.com/2009-08-06/music/we-8217-re-jerkin-8217/
4. http://www.examiner.com/x-971-LA-Pop-Media-Examiner~y2009m7d23-The-Ranger
5. http://news.tubefilter.tv/2009/07/31/skinny-jeans-movement-bringing-jerkin-online/

College Impact

I'm originally from Miami, but live now in the ATL. I was first introduced to Atlanta around my college years while attending Clark Atlanta University. College can become a daunting place for many and it embarks you onto a whole new world. Yep, sex, parties, frats, drugs, and a whole gamut of influential avenues are out there. All one has to do is step out and experiment with just one---it can become a whole world of hurt or burdensome lessons learned the hard way. Regardless of the hype and hard times, college can actually be some of the best years of your life. It's all in your preparation before ever stepping one foot on campus.

Campus life, for most, should just be a reflection of growing experiences within your home. If you were spoiled rotten then you'll become easily disappointed with hard work. If you were lazy the long hours of studying will frustrate you. If you were egotistical then you will pout when professors or resident directors refuse to give you your way. The list can go on and on.

Eventually, you get my drift!

Parents could have dropped the ball in readying you for college. But, there is another side...

Everyone may not be ready for college, but they can become ready for life. If you are a Christian, well, you have tools available to help fix (in your life) what parents may have left undone. You have the AVAILABILITY of direction from the ultimate parent---GOD! He can guide you through every hurt, each pain, obstacles, sleepless nights, starving days, relationship failures, etc. He can even support you through spiteful professors and extremely confusing coursework.

My friend Damian L. Boyd wrote about this dilemma precisely within his new book College Impact: check it out at this site...
http://www.damianlboyd.com

<><>
<><>
<><>
<><>
<><>

The Choice is Ours

Many times in life one has to become ever cognizant of the fact that life is full of choices. Life has ups and downs along with neutral moments. Moreover, much of life is filled with precarious decisions that will determine essential things. Yes, many things in life will occur merely from osmosis, but not everything will be an automatic moment totally out of your control. Some things will have the availability for your choice to intervene within the conclusion.

The Bible states, 'I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live' from Deuteronomy 30:19 (Amplified Version). A key point God was getting across was that, in life, we DO have a CHOICE. Therefore, we have to share much of the responsibility for our actions. Unfortunately, we can't justifiably live out a life of excuses and expect God to always accept them.

Now, I'm not suggesting that we never face issues or problems that are out of our control. But, God still wants us owning up to what's actually in our control. We may not be responsible for the 90% but we are responsible for the 10%. We may not have initiated the fight but we are responsible for retaliating once the fight has started. We may not have even put ourselves into a particular dreadful situation, but we are responsible for how we're going to get out of the situation. One thing about Adam & Eve is not so much they'd sinned, but convincingly decided to blame the sin away. They blamed each other, the serpent, and even had the audacity to blame God.

Interesting enough, we tend to respond much like Adam and Eve---even while in the 21st century. Rarely do we hear words like, "I admit it was my fault...I take full responsibility for the problem...I'm the one who messed up...I responded wrongly and accept the consequences that must follow!" Rather, we're more apt to blame, spew out excuses, and continuously point fingers at others. One thing about growth, as a Christian, is a new willingness for personal change in behavior---particularly in the area of sin. Before we seek to work on others, we need to be more eager to work on ourselves first. Many people will respect the witness of your life much quicker than the witness of your voice! Let's always remember, the choice is ours and will have the responsibility to change from the inside out (our attitudes, moods, hearts, minds, and perspectives).

The High Road

Boy oh boy, me and some of my fellas' were playing some basketball one weekend not that long ago, and it happened. We got tried...! Yeah, this dude came out of no where and joined our game in a three-on-three match up. So, we went along with it and went to hooping on the b-ball court.

The main problem occurred when 'that dude' started mouthing off like he was grand. Not only that, he began to direct much of the verbiage to me. Despite my size and calmness, it doesn't take too much to rile me up (something God is working on me deeply). Hey, I started mouthing off back at him. As a grown man, I'm not with the bullying. At the moment of things nearing an escalating stage, something happened!

We brought focus back to the basketball game at hand and off of the jerk causing all the ruckus. In other words, we took the high road. The high road is a road less traveled by many and it's sort of similar to the narrow road in Matthew 7:13-14. To be honest, we were on the verge of making a stupid decision and thankfully God brought us back to our senses. We have to be ever cognoscente of the fact that, as Christians, we're "born again---new creations" and the old us has passed away. In other words, we have a new nature that we should be working on implementing and shouldn't be so enticed to revert back to our old nature.

After the basketball incident, we conversed about how the dude was itching for a fight at any cost. He wanted to fight even if he was going to lose. He didn't care. A friend of mine denoted that this individual was being influenced by demons. Also, we became vaguely aware that the situation could have ended up with us getting shot or worse (physically dying)---all over a basketball game. In hindsight, I became more aware of the truth that "hurting people seek to hurt people." See, this individual could have been having a bad day, and it's no telling what kind of devastating issues had just transpired in his life. God noted that the POWER OF LOVE is the greatest healer. It can heal every hurt! Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

The unfortunate thing is that I was reluctant to show love but was more concerned with standing my ground. More important, I know that I'm NOT ALONE in thinking like that. Most men are taught to be macho instead of loving. I know we have always heard the saying, "I'm a lover not a fighter." Many of us should take this more to heart.

Bed of Roses

Ask yourself this question, "What really is life or truly living?"

A many of minds have wrestled with that entire notion. They want to garner the most out of this mundane existence on our planet. They want to reach their fullest potential. The skies' the limit and anything is possible. They grab life by the horns...No, this is not a Longhorn Steakhouse plug, but it is something that's extremely relevant within this world.

So, ask yourself this, "What do I want to get most out of life?" Or, "How do I want my life to count?" Or, "What possibilities do I want my life to give to me?"

You might say to the first question, "whatever I can foster---and a whole lot of it!" These aspirations are all well and good and can bring about an awe-inspiring life. But, just because one has good intentions it doesn't necessarily guarantee you a life that's a 'bed of roses.'

Oh no, I'm about to say that 'W' word...."WORK"...Yes, an awe-inspiring life requires much work. Work on your life...Work on yourself...Work with your relationships to others...Work throughout the day...and so on and so on. Life takes work---and HARD work at that! So, what! This still shouldn't be a deterrent in aggressively going after a desirable and wonderful type of life. You can be better than before. You can be different than your peers. You can open up doors and opportunities for others. You can be Godly! Basically, just know...'Yes, You Can'. President Barack Obama wasn't the first to coin that phrase and I bet you he won't be the last. Let's stop going throughout our lives with a mentality that everything should be easy and changing for the better requires little to no work. It all requires something...we just have to be willing to commit to giving that little extra something.

Dying to Live...!

We all have to be cognizant of the fact that life isn't forever, and one day death may come knocking at our door. But, one's focus shouldn't so much be overwhelmed by the thought of death or it's inevitability. Rather, one's focus should be saturated with life and that abundantly.

So, how does one come to know life in that way-ABUNDANTLY?

Is it through countless parties, a special significant other, downing multiple amounts of booze, or some other vice? Or, is it through centering one's focus around themselves coupled with accomplishments and accolades? Okay, I got it...it must be through accumulating a lot of cash $$$$$.

Unfortunately, neither one of these things bring forth a life that's truly abundant from the inside out.

Only God brings that type of life to a longing soul/heart. He wants you "dying to live"...
As we continue on within this blog, one will eventually find what this whole concept of dying to live fully entails.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey!