December - Week 4 - The Gift Of Sacrifice - Today's Sacrifice...Tomorrow's Blessing

If we were to make a list of every accomplishment made thus far in our lifetimes, it is very likely that these achievements would not be remembered without also thinking of the sacrifices that were endured during the process.

Very few things of value can take place without sacrifices being made. Whether it be elminating debt, maintaining health and fitness goals, or nurturing relationships, most things worth having require sacrifice. This week I encourage us to embrace sacrifice, knowing that blessings are the fruit of our willingness to sacrifice.

December - Week 3 - The Gift Of Sacrifice - Love Is As Love Does

To hear the words "I love you" can bring about more feelings of warmth and joy than any other three word phrase in the English language. Movies and songs are often built around dramatic expressions of love, leaving viewers to ponder if a love so strong exists, and others to reminisce on days past and present filled with the euphoric feeling of loving and being loved.

Some of the most sincere expressions of love lie within an individuals ability and willingness to make sacrifices for no other reason than for the sake of the well being of another. This type of love is action-oriented, moving beyond words into demonstrations of the heart-felt emotion of love. This week I challenge us to move beyond words and focus on demonstrating our love for family, friends, and those closest to us through loving actions. Have a great week!

December - Week 2 - The Gift Of Sacrifice - The Joy Of Unconditional Giving

One of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences is to give freely without expecting anything in return. Sometimes life can feel like a constant hustle. Many possess the mindset of only giving as others give to them. I have found that the greatest joy is in giving from the heart with no greater return than a feeling of happiness in knowing that you have added to the life of someone beyond yourself.

We all desire to feel appreciated and valued for our efforts and we can rest assured that through Christ our pure motives will never go unnoticed. This week I encourage us to give unconditionally to a person or cause in honor of the matchless sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Have a great week!

December - Week 1 - The Gift Of Sacrifice - Moving Beyond Self

Happy December!!!

One of the essentials to having fulfilling spiritual lives, families, health, relationships, careers, businesses, and successful financial management is based upon the level to which we are willing to make sacrifices. The question we must consider is are we able to move beyond "self" long enough and far enough to focus on the needs of others and needs that extend beyond our superficial desires?


This week I challenge us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice in order to make a difference in the lives of others and to move beyond simply living to living to leaving a legacy. Have a great week!

November - Week 4 - Your Body Is Your Temple - De-Stress Your Life

Debt, medical emergencies, family conflict, job loss, unemployment, and career demands, are just a few triggers to a stress-ridden life. Even the most optimistic person can sometimes find themselves overburdened with the demands and unpredictability of life. The truth of the matter is with each sunrise as we begin a new day even with the best of plans we are unable to predict what a new day will bring. The only true control we have is over our attitudes.

The root of stress usually lies within the worry, frustration, or disappointment that ensues when faced with obstacles. It's easy to say "think positively" or "focus on the positives" until something happens that shakes your world up so badly that it eclipses any attempt to see the brighter side of your circumstances.

I believe it is important to allow ourselves to feel the pain of tough circumstances in order to deal with the reality of the situation. The key is learning how to transition from that place of pain and disappointment into focusing on the positives. When we focus our minds on all that we have to be thankful for, instead of dwelling on circumstances that only God can control, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and worry.

This week I encourage you to make a list of situations your are able to actively improve and a list of those things that are beyond your power to change. It is these situations that our faith is strengthened as we seek God through prayer and witness the power of his sovereignty. In all things, place your faith in the one who knows your struggles best, and prepare to share your testimony with the world!! Have a great week!

November - Week 3 - Your Body Is Your Temple - Know Your Medical Status

"My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge" - Hosea 4:6


One of my least favorite things to do each year is going in for my annual physical. Regardless of how healthy I feel, or how many healthy lifestyle practices I have been diligently adhering to over the course of the year, as I go from the waiting to the examination room, I can't help but to wonder what if? What if this is the time something is wrong?

It is this fear that keeps many away from routine doctor's visits until symptoms begin to manifest making it a necessity to schedule an appointment. Hosea 4:6 states that "people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." This is true in all areas of life particularly when it comes to health and wellness. Some may say what you don't know won't hurt you, I believe what you know can save you. Regardless of how we may dread those office visits, choosing not to be informed of our medical status only denies us of the opportunity to the early detection of illnesses and treatment options. It also prevents us from having the chance to alter our lifestyles in the event that we are at rist for certain diseases.

This week I encourage you to go ahead and schedule your family for an appointment for a full medical physical to include HIV and STD testing. Knowing your status can save your life. You owe it to your family, friends, and to yourself. Have a great week!!

November - Week 2 - Your Body Is Your Temple - Flee Sexual Immorality

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." - I Corinthians 6:18

The weather's getting cooler... The days are shorter... And suddenly after being single for the past several months, now seems like a great time to find someone to shield you from the coolness of the night as you envision yourself taking long walks in the park with someone special.

Long walks lead to long kisses... Long kisses lead to "let's go back to my place," and before you know it your special "friend" has a toothbrush in your bathroom, and the long walks in the park have been replaced with escapades in the bedroom...

There is truly something special about meeting someone that stimulates your mind, body, and spirit. That someone who inspires you to be your best and causes your dimples to sink in deeper every time you see their face. One of the nicest surprises is discovering that your attraction is not simply physical but rooted in the very presence and conversation generated whenever they are around.

Becoming intimate can hinder the process of getting to know someone because it takes the focus off of learning more about the person and instead shifts the focus to fulfilling lustful desires. The substance of a relationship needed to bring individuals together in lasting marriages must first begin with the foundation of a strong friendship. Far too often we allow our physical desires to cloud our judgment leading us to spend time in relationships that we were never purposed to be in. Then we later wonder why we haven't met "the one" This week I encourage you to focus on friendship. It's time to end the cycle of high divorce rates, serial dating, STDs, unplanned pregnancies. Become dedicated to learning and loving your mates with the love of God. Intimacy may be fun for a night, but a strong friendship can last a lifetime... Have a great week!