May - Value-Based Living - Month End Reflection

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!!

Only a couple of days remain before we transition into the sixth month of the year!!! As we conclude the month of May, I would like to encourage you to devote the remaining days of this month to reflect on the direction needed in order to add value to the remaining months of a rapidly moving 2010. Hopefully by now, you have noticed some positive changes taking place within your life, or have recognized areas in need of improvement. We can identify flaws all day long, the key is putting forth the action needed to make a lasting, positive difference. The labor is often tedious, and grueling once we make a committment to transforming our lives, but the results are priceless! Don't waste another moment being overwhelmed by the task that lies before you, get moving!! Embrace life, maximize opportunities for growth, and continue to live on purpose and with purpose! See you in June!!!!

May - Week 4 - Value-Based Living - The Value Of Life Lessons

Many of us spend the bulk of our time planning and organizing the details of our lives. So much time is invested in trying to keep it together that we rarely make time to recover when our worlds begin to fall apart. It is important for us to take a moment to identify the lessons that often come along with our downfalls as well as moments of victory. Often times there are truths that begin to unfold through our shortcomings and success that can serve as catalysts in preparing us for the next phase of our lives.

When we miss life's teachable moments, we can sometimes find ourselves stagnant, and circling the same mountain of disappointment time and time again. This week I challenge us to set aside some time to take a microscopic look at ourselves and the lives we are living. Below are some questions to consider as we search and examine our lives and strive to live life to the fullest!


1. Are there negative patterns within my life that need to be addressed?

2. During moments of success, which actions were the most pivotal to my ability to reach my goal?

3. How have I demonstrated growth spiritually, personally, financially, and relationally within the past five years?

4. Who am I allowing to have influence on my chosen decisions and goals?

5. How has my passion and purpose for life evolved over the years?

May - Week 3 - Value-Based Living - The Value Of A Teachable Spirit

As children we possessed a limitless curiosity and constant desire to learn and share our new discoveries with others. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we maintained this same enthusiasm for learning and sharing throughout the course of our lives? The beauty of learning lies within our ability to grow and plant seeds of knowledge within the lives of others. One of the most powerful ways we can add value to the life of another indiviudal is through equipping them with the knowledge needed to meet the demands of life, and to carry out their life purpose, as well as being receptive to the knowledge they desire to pour within us.

We often miss out on opportunities for learning through our failure to maintain a teachable spirit. Often times after reaching a certain level of achievement or status many individuals begin to view themselves as masters of their arenas, to the point that they are unable to appreciate and absorb new sources of wisdom and knowledge as it is presented. I think we can all benefit by taking Denis Waitley's advice to "Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience." This week I challenge you to learn something new, and remember to share!!! Have a great week! :)

May - Week 2 - Value-Based Living - Adding Value Through Service

One of the most valuable ways we can add value to the lives of others is through service. Having a heart for service is our ability to give of ourselves for the benefit of another person. We live in a world filled with opportunities to serve and individuals in need of service. Even as we examine our own lives many of us can appreciate how day to day living is enhanced through our connections with family, friends and associates who demonstrate their love for us through acts of service.

Service can range from providing shelter, food, and clothing to those in need, to providing a listening ear. Acts of service can be witnessed everyday, from the simple gesture of having guests over for dinner, agreeing to serve as the driver for a company carpool, or babysitting for a friend. For some, service can be as simple as taking the time to smile and offer a word of encouragement.


This week, I encourage us to find ways to add value to the lives of others. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s make a special effort to honor the phenomenal women who have spent their lives sharing their words of wisdom, support, kindness, generosity, and most of all love. Have a Happy Mother’s Day!!

May - Week 1 - Value-Based Living - Building Relationships Of Value

The relationship we have with God, ourselves, and others ultimately determines the choices we make and the direction we choose to follow throughout the course of our lives. Proverbs 13:20 clearly states that "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." This verse may sound a bit harsh but it holds so much truth. It's amazing how often we enter romantic relationships, and begin new friendships without considering the affect that our individual values will have on the quality of the connection that is made.

Even as we pour into the lives of others, we must remember that everyone was not designed with the purpose of serving in role of becoming our future spouse, business partner, or confidant. In order to advance society it is imperative that we ultimately seek to use our gifts and talents to serve and assist those that cross our paths on their journey of purpose. In addition, we should also possess teachable spirits that enable us to learn and grow through the wisdom of others who desire to pour into our lives. Every living, breathing person holds value. Though we may find ourselves at very unique phases of life, we must be open to providing and receiving the wisdom that God lavishes through the lives of his people.

April - Week 4 - Living A Life Of Faith - Prepare For Your Blessings!!!

Many profess the desire to have a successful marriage, loving family, and to live a life of purpose, but how much time is spent preparing and doing those things that are necessary to reach and maintain these desires? Most of life is spent in preparation. Beginning as children we are enrolled in school, equipped with daily routiines, and skills all for the purpose of preparing us to become self-sufficient individuals. As adults we continue to train and prepare to function in roles within our careers, and acquire additional skills as we pursue the various visions that have been placed within us. It's amazing how we fail to devote preparation time to other areas of our lives that we value and wonder why the results are not always favorable. If you are single, when was the last time you attended a conference, event, or read a book for the purpose of gaining a greater understanding about relationships? I wonder how many married couples spend time preparing for the future success of their relationship through nourshing their relationships by taking part in couples retreats, and spending time learning how to enrich their lives as a couple?

The culture of our world is constantly changing as a result of the impact of social media, and technology as a whole. The way our youth communicate is forever transforming, but how often do parents invest time in discovering the outlets their childeren are using as a means of expression?

A true test of faith is the ability to believe that we are able to possess all that we desire and to demonstrate this belief through our works. If you truly believe that you will someday receive the desires of your heart, it is time to enter into a season of preparation in order to embrace the blessings that our faith is sure to manifest.

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead" - James 2:17

April - Week 3 - Living A Life Of Faith - Overcoming Fear

Often times the barrier preventing us from pursuing our dreams and living a life of purpose is fear. Fear of what others will think, the uncertainty of the outcome, fear of failure, and simply fear of exploring an area that is unfamiliar. As a result, either we decide to retreat before we allow ourselves the opportunity to explore our ambitions, or we make up our minds that it is better to try and fail than to spend the rest of our lives wondering what if?


Fear is a trick that the enemy uses to fill our minds with negative thoughts that cause us to become paralyzed, and as a result many talents and gifts never flourish. I truly believe that understanding our God given purpose is the key to overcoming fear. Once we are in tune with the direction God is guiding us, the thoughts of others, limitations, and fear of failure become superceded by our faith that where God is taking us is better than where we are and where we've been. It is this faith that will enable us to overcome the obstacles and negativity that we experience along the way. We must remember that each of us possess ideas, knowledge, and a unique purpose that is needed in order to fulfill God's will. This week I challenge us to begin taking steps to overcome fear. "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7


Steps For Overcoming Fear


1. Acknowledge the source of your fears

2. Create a plan of action for addressing these fears.

3. Accept challenges as a natural part of fulfilling your purpose.

4. Study, research, and properly prepare for a positive outcome.

5. Remain in a state of constant prayer, and seek spiritual guidance
throughout your journey.