September Week 4 - Perseverance - Remain True To Your Vision

In grade school I once owned a bookmark that read "it takes a little rain to get a rainbow." I really liked the quote but at that time I was too young and lacked the life experiences that now enable me to have a greater appreciation for the significance of those words. In order to see the rainbow, we must not be afraid to endure the rain. Sometimes the events of life can deceive us into believing that our circumstances will not improve and that our God given visions are only distant dreams reserved for the privacy of our imaginations.

One thing I have come to love and respect about tribulation is that if nothing else, it forces us to prioritize our lives. We begin to gain a level of clarity that enables us to focus in on what's working spiritually, emotionally, financially, and relationally, eventually removing ourselves from situations that do not impact our lives positively. This week, no matter what you're going through, choose to remain focused on your vision. Committ to doing a little each day to achieve your goals and your latter is sure to be better than your past! Have a great week!!!

September Week 3 - Perseverance - Exercise Your Faith!

"Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things." - Matthew 25:23

Our level of faith is not to be measured by our actions when all is well and life is moving along just as we imagined. We demonstrate our faith during those seasons when life presents us with challenges that prove to be a test of our faith and ability to persevere. The reason many of us have fallen short of the victory is the result of our failure to exercise our faith through our difficulties. Instead of pressing forward and remaining faithful to all the many areas of life for which we have to be thankful, we sulk and focus more on disappointments to the point that our energy and faith becomes more depleted with each day. This week, despite the challenges that may test your faith, I challenge us to remain focused on the positives and know that through faith we are able to conquer every challenge that comes our way. Have a great week!!!

September Week 2 - Perseverance - Healing Through Brokenness

After sustaining a sports injury, a friend of mine once shared that for healing to occur, the doctor diagnosed that the injured limb would have to first be broken in order for re-alignment and healing to take place. There are some things within our lives that must first be broken before we are able to experience healing. Many times the pain of brokenness is the only way life has of getting our attention long enough to inspire us toward making positive, life-long changes.

We often live our lives constantly in search of a non-existant state of utopia only to be disappointed time and time again when the challenges of life begin to test our faith. It is time that we learn how to expect and embrace the adversities of life. Many desire to have the marriages that last sixty years, the booming business, the well-disciplined children, financial security, the power of forgiveness, the love of having a close knit family, and most importantly a higher level of spiritual growth and peace; however, only those who are willing to go through the trials, are able to experience the triumph. At some point we must make up in our minds that we are either going to give up or trust God enough to press our way onward and forward. Giving up should never be an option, there are too many people depending on you, and need to see your faith in action!!!! This week I encouraged you to heal through the pain of your brokenness. Make-up in your mind that your state of brokenness is only temporary and take the necessary steps needed to guide you to a place of healing and restoration. Most of all celebrate the healing that is on the way!!! Have a great week!!

September Week 1 - Perseverance - Say Goodbye To Your Comfort Zone

Happy September!!!

How often do we set goals, share our visions with family and friends, or spend hours envisioning the day when our dreams match our reality? Far too often we are able to imagine ourselves at the finish line before we consider the requirements that must be fulfilled in order to win the race.

A champion does not become a champion based upon natural ability alone. Every champ knows that in order to have a chance of securing future victories, one must say goodbye to their comfort zone. Battles are usually lost because the same techniques that have proven successful in the past are unable to withstand the battles of the future. It is easy for us to find ourselves repeating the same behaviors, yet we declare we are striving to reach new ambitions.

Like the famous quote by Anthony Robbins states, "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten." This month as we focus on perseverance, I challenge us to be intentional. It's time for our actions to demonstrate that we really believe our dreams can and will come true. Have a great week!!!

August Week 4 - Embracing A Spirit Of Gratitude - A Joyful Heart Is A Grateful Heart

Many people spend years searching for the key to possessing inner joy. Based upon the society we live in today, one could easily be led to believe that joy is experienced only to the extent that our material needs are met. Rarely do we consider the amount of time, and effort that often goes into obtaining and maintaining our superficial desires, not to mention the fact that having "more" does not necessarily guarantee more joy and peace.

I have come to the realization that regardless of where we fall socioeconomically, the amount of material possessions, or our current relationship status, a joyful heart is a grateful heart. If we are able to maintain a spirit of gratefulness throughout the many seasons of life, we will then understand what it means to have true joy. This week I encourage us to count our blessings, and we will discover many reasons to embrace a spirit of gratitude. Have a great week!

August Week 3 - Embracing A Spirit Of Gratitude - Giving Thanks For Life's Lessons

One of the number one lessons I have learned over the years is that the things I have sometimes desired most, turned out to be what I needed the least. Sometimes the lessons that we are in need of are manifested during seasons of what we may perceive as lack. Oftentimes we miss out on the lesson trying to get to the blessing, only to be given the same test again and again, until hopefully we eventually achieve mastery.

I don't know anyone who enjoys the process of taking tests but most will admit to the satisfaction of receiving an "A". This week I encourage you to give thanks for life's lessons. Every lesson learned brings us a step closer to achieving our destinies. Have a great week!

August Week 2 - Embracing A Spirit Of Gratitude - Appreciating The Blessing Of Friendship

Many of us have spent the bulk of our lives in exploration of our identities, dreams, and ultimately the discovery of our purpose. As we navigate uncertain territory, and shift through the seasons of life, it is such a blessing to have friends who embrace, respect, and accept us unconditionally. Having at least one friend who is there through your ups and downs is truly a gift. A true friend not only loves unconditionally but holds us accountable for poor decisions, and knows how to offer loving criticism. Time spent with a true friend means having a safe place where we are able to let our guards down. No longer does it matter if we don't say the right things, wear the latest fashion, or have yet to achieve what society defines as success.

This week I encourage you to take some time to let those who are dear to you know how much you appreciate their love and friendship. Have a great week!