We often talk about having success in life. Everyone seems to have their own idea of exactly what success means. Certainly there are several different aspects and areas of life that need to be considered. An incomplete list of those areas is: spiritual, family, health, vocation, friends/relationships, and financial.
How successful are you? One problem most of have is we settle for being successful (as we define success) in one or two areas and willingly accept failure or at least something less than success in the other areas. To be successful in life, according to God's Word, we must be in an intimate relationship with Him through His Son Jesus. Anything short of that will result in false success in every area of our life.
So how do you rate your walk with God? How intimate would you say you are?
Your spiritual life is nothing more than empty religion without a personal relationship with Jesus. Your family life, marriage included, will never flourish without this close intimacy with God. Your health, physical and spiritual, is weak and useless without a close walk with God. Your vocation can only be discovered and fully realized when you hear from God concerning your call and when you remain in constant fellowship with Him. Your friendships and other relationships are mere window dressing if you and your experience with those people is not founded upon God's desire for you and your life. And all the financial benefits in the world are bankrupt if you are not experiencing success in life with God.
You take a look at the various areas of your life. Are you really successful? If the answer is anything but a resounding YES, then take the time to allow God to speak to you concerning any adjustment that needs to be made. When you hear from God, do what He says!
Enjoying Success in Life!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
It's Time to Be Creative
With the economy in the shape it’s in and the unemployment rate continuing to hover near double digits, it is officially time to begin being creative. What should a person do if they do not have a job or if their current job doesn’t provide adequately for them and their family and if it doesn’t bring true satisfaction to them? The key is two fold.
First you must know who you are before you will be able to know what job best fits you. Learning who you are is about discovering your calling, your vocation. To learn this about yourself you must look at your skills, abilities, talents, primary personality style, unique life experiences, and arguably most important, your true passion in life.
Secondly, once you have taken the time to discover who you are, possibly by teaming up with a coach, you are ready to step out and truly be creative. Being creative is about demonstrating the unique you through a fulfilling vocation. Your career and any specific job you have must fall under your true calling (vocation) in order for you to be fulfilled. Stop simply looking for a job and focusing on your salary and benefits and begin creatively designing the work you love. It may be that you will find the work you love in a traditional job with an existing business, but it is equally possible that you might design your own business that provides you the freedom, joy, provisions, and fulfillment you’ve always wanted.
Alright, it’s time to get busy. Find a trusted life/success coach and begin working through the process. Discover who you have been created to be and begin designing the work you love around you. Rather than having your life fit around your work, design your work around your life. Think outside the box; no remove the box completely. What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to do? What would you do even if you didn’t get paid for it? What do you dream about? Develop a plan, set your goals with clear timetables, and begin living the life you were meant to live.
First you must know who you are before you will be able to know what job best fits you. Learning who you are is about discovering your calling, your vocation. To learn this about yourself you must look at your skills, abilities, talents, primary personality style, unique life experiences, and arguably most important, your true passion in life.
Secondly, once you have taken the time to discover who you are, possibly by teaming up with a coach, you are ready to step out and truly be creative. Being creative is about demonstrating the unique you through a fulfilling vocation. Your career and any specific job you have must fall under your true calling (vocation) in order for you to be fulfilled. Stop simply looking for a job and focusing on your salary and benefits and begin creatively designing the work you love. It may be that you will find the work you love in a traditional job with an existing business, but it is equally possible that you might design your own business that provides you the freedom, joy, provisions, and fulfillment you’ve always wanted.
Alright, it’s time to get busy. Find a trusted life/success coach and begin working through the process. Discover who you have been created to be and begin designing the work you love around you. Rather than having your life fit around your work, design your work around your life. Think outside the box; no remove the box completely. What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to do? What would you do even if you didn’t get paid for it? What do you dream about? Develop a plan, set your goals with clear timetables, and begin living the life you were meant to live.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Stop Complaining and Start Being Salt and Light!
April 9, 2010 was the public beginning of a great blessing. It is not often that you can say a movie is used to change lives. Well, movies may often change lives but not in the right way. Many would argue that movies have been used to encourage foul language, sexual immorality, addiction to alcohol and other drugs, as well as many other vices. For every movie that makes it to the big screen with positive attributes there may be hundreds or thousands with the negative.
For many years people of faith have simply complained about the problem without truly offering a viable alternative. With all due respect to production companies who solely focus on providing faith based DVD released movies, the only way to be salt and light in the world is to be where the world is and share the positive message of Christ in a way that it is able to be seen by them. It is far past time to continue complaining without providing quality life changing films that affirm what Christ has called us to affirm.
Letters to God, www.letterstoGodthemovie.com, is one of the few films that has come to theaters around the nation in the past few years that has the quality to impress viewers who are used to seeing major Hollywood releases and at the same time gripping their hearts in ways they never could have expected. It is important that we not allow the April 9, release of Letters to God to come and go without doing all we can to make sure everyone we know goes to see it. Take the baton and run with it to share the news that there is indeed a film out here that contains both the quality and message that needs to be shared now more than ever before.
What many people do not know is that the character, Tyler, who is portrayed in the film was inspired by a real little boy named Tyler. I had the privilege of knowing him and watching him live the last two years of his life on earth with an incredible faith, hope, and love. I read where one movie critic said something along the lines of "this little boy in the film is made to appear too good to be true." What he doesn't know is, that is exactly what we all said of the real Tyler as well. When someone has a personal relationship with God through His Son they are able to live lives that indeed appear too good to be true. It is not that any of us is good in and of ourselves, including Tyler, but that through Christ we are made righteous.
How can you face the difficulties and challenges of life with confidence - even when you are staring death in the face? The only true answer is that you face those with your faith and trust completely placed in God alone. Hope is missing from the vast majority of people around the world today; including people in the United States. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to be salt and light by supporting Letter's to God and then be salt and light by creating your own message through whatever media means you are led to use.
Complain makes noise, but being salt and light makes a difference. Go out and be a blessing! Let's team up together to make Letters to God successful now so that later we can team up to make the next opportunity even more successful. By the way, the next opportunity may even be yours. I look forward to hearing from you at www.AndreDugger.com.
For many years people of faith have simply complained about the problem without truly offering a viable alternative. With all due respect to production companies who solely focus on providing faith based DVD released movies, the only way to be salt and light in the world is to be where the world is and share the positive message of Christ in a way that it is able to be seen by them. It is far past time to continue complaining without providing quality life changing films that affirm what Christ has called us to affirm.
Letters to God, www.letterstoGodthemovie.com, is one of the few films that has come to theaters around the nation in the past few years that has the quality to impress viewers who are used to seeing major Hollywood releases and at the same time gripping their hearts in ways they never could have expected. It is important that we not allow the April 9, release of Letters to God to come and go without doing all we can to make sure everyone we know goes to see it. Take the baton and run with it to share the news that there is indeed a film out here that contains both the quality and message that needs to be shared now more than ever before.
What many people do not know is that the character, Tyler, who is portrayed in the film was inspired by a real little boy named Tyler. I had the privilege of knowing him and watching him live the last two years of his life on earth with an incredible faith, hope, and love. I read where one movie critic said something along the lines of "this little boy in the film is made to appear too good to be true." What he doesn't know is, that is exactly what we all said of the real Tyler as well. When someone has a personal relationship with God through His Son they are able to live lives that indeed appear too good to be true. It is not that any of us is good in and of ourselves, including Tyler, but that through Christ we are made righteous.
How can you face the difficulties and challenges of life with confidence - even when you are staring death in the face? The only true answer is that you face those with your faith and trust completely placed in God alone. Hope is missing from the vast majority of people around the world today; including people in the United States. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to be salt and light by supporting Letter's to God and then be salt and light by creating your own message through whatever media means you are led to use.
Complain makes noise, but being salt and light makes a difference. Go out and be a blessing! Let's team up together to make Letters to God successful now so that later we can team up to make the next opportunity even more successful. By the way, the next opportunity may even be yours. I look forward to hearing from you at www.AndreDugger.com.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Yes You Can!
You must determine who you will listen to throughout life. Many people will tell you that you cannot accomplish what it is you want to accomplish. Some will tell you that you are not intelligent enough. Others will say you are not wealthy enough. Still others will tell you that you do not have the proper background to accomplish what you desire to accomplish.
If you listen to all of the voices surrounding you it is possible you will become overwhelmed with all the negativity so that you begin to believe that you really can't accomplish your dreams. When you hear those negative voices, remember the most important voice of all that proclaims - Yes You Can!
Listen carefully to the voice of God - He says you can do all things through His Son. So, forget the other voices and remember; yes you can!
If you listen to all of the voices surrounding you it is possible you will become overwhelmed with all the negativity so that you begin to believe that you really can't accomplish your dreams. When you hear those negative voices, remember the most important voice of all that proclaims - Yes You Can!
Listen carefully to the voice of God - He says you can do all things through His Son. So, forget the other voices and remember; yes you can!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Are You Doing It?
I have a simple question for you. Are you doing whatever it is that you know you should be doing?
It is a good thing to have the knowledge of what you should, but that knowledge without action is useless. Put into practice what you know you should do in every area of your life.
Love like you know you should love.
Forgive like you know you should forgive.
Encourage like you know you should encourage.
Listen like you know you should listen.
Life is not that hard; simply do what you know you should do in the power of Almighty God.
It is a good thing to have the knowledge of what you should, but that knowledge without action is useless. Put into practice what you know you should do in every area of your life.
Love like you know you should love.
Forgive like you know you should forgive.
Encourage like you know you should encourage.
Listen like you know you should listen.
Life is not that hard; simply do what you know you should do in the power of Almighty God.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Why Not Today?
Have you ever wondered why people often say something along the lines of, “I’ll do it one day, but not today” concerning important issues that need addressing? There are many reasons an individual may make that statement; it may be because of fear, lack of motivation, improper priorities, financial concerns, or a myriad of other possibilities. My purpose is not to address all of the possible reasons why you may put off until tomorrow what you should do today, my purpose is to inspire you to go ahead and do it today regardless of what reasons or excuses you have.
For most people, putting something off until tomorrow is just another way of saying “I am not going to do this.” There are some things in life that are inconsequential such as “should I purchase a new bedspread or should I keep the one I have?” You can probably put off that decision for a long time without facing any severe consequences. There are; however, other decisions that will forever affect our lives and the lives of those around us.
Are you being led to begin a new business? Are you being led to write a book? Are you being led to write a movie script? Are you being led to offer an apology? Are you being led to forgive someone? Are you being led to encourage someone? Are you being led to invent something? Are you being led to spend more time alone with God? Are you being led to participate on a mission trip? Are you being led to give a special offering to support a great ministry? Are you being led to spend more time with your spouse? Are you being led to spend more time with your children? Are you being led to write a letter to God?
These types of decisions are life altering – for you and those around you. Some may seem small compared to others, but each one can indeed impact us for years to come, if not for eternity. Why not do it today? As Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” Step out of your comfort zone and do it today.
Wayne Gretzky, the incredible hockey player, said, “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Get up! Stop procrastinating! Stop allowing fear to control you! Don’t worry about the things you can’t control, and don’t worry about the things you don’t have a clear direction on. But when it comes to something you know you should do, do it today!
For most people, putting something off until tomorrow is just another way of saying “I am not going to do this.” There are some things in life that are inconsequential such as “should I purchase a new bedspread or should I keep the one I have?” You can probably put off that decision for a long time without facing any severe consequences. There are; however, other decisions that will forever affect our lives and the lives of those around us.
Are you being led to begin a new business? Are you being led to write a book? Are you being led to write a movie script? Are you being led to offer an apology? Are you being led to forgive someone? Are you being led to encourage someone? Are you being led to invent something? Are you being led to spend more time alone with God? Are you being led to participate on a mission trip? Are you being led to give a special offering to support a great ministry? Are you being led to spend more time with your spouse? Are you being led to spend more time with your children? Are you being led to write a letter to God?
These types of decisions are life altering – for you and those around you. Some may seem small compared to others, but each one can indeed impact us for years to come, if not for eternity. Why not do it today? As Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.” Step out of your comfort zone and do it today.
Wayne Gretzky, the incredible hockey player, said, “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Get up! Stop procrastinating! Stop allowing fear to control you! Don’t worry about the things you can’t control, and don’t worry about the things you don’t have a clear direction on. But when it comes to something you know you should do, do it today!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Everyday Should Be Valentine’s Day
Once a year we celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is a day set aside to remember those we love with special tokens of our affection. Many people have been discouraged to see the complete commercialization of the day where even children are expected to send cards and gifts, often candy of some kind, to their friends and classmates. In office settings there is often a concern over who should receive a Valentine’s gift or if anyone should at all.
Here is a question to consider. Why can’t we let everyday be Valentine’s Day? I don’t mean a day where we have to send everyone we know a special gift out of a sense of obligation. I am speaking of using each day as an opportunity to demonstrate our affection and appreciation for those we love.
Start today! Let each day be your personal Valentine’s Day. Take the time to express your love to your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings, your close friends, and if you are not married but have a special person in your life include them as well. You don’t have purchase a premade card, if you made a card yourself it would probably be appreciated more. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money. For most people it is not the amount you spend on the gift that is as important as the fact that you cared enough to think of them and express your love. Remember, the most valuable things in life cannot be purchased with money.
While you’re at it, why not spend time expressing your love to God as well. God loves you far more than you could ever imagine, and you should use each day you are given as an opportunity to let Him know how much you love Him. As you make the homemade cards for those you love, actually make a card or write a letter to God expressing to Him how much you love Him as well.
Don’t wait until Valentine’s Day, and don’t stop after Valentine’s Day. Let everyday be the day you share your love with those who mean the most to you.
Here is a question to consider. Why can’t we let everyday be Valentine’s Day? I don’t mean a day where we have to send everyone we know a special gift out of a sense of obligation. I am speaking of using each day as an opportunity to demonstrate our affection and appreciation for those we love.
Start today! Let each day be your personal Valentine’s Day. Take the time to express your love to your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings, your close friends, and if you are not married but have a special person in your life include them as well. You don’t have purchase a premade card, if you made a card yourself it would probably be appreciated more. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money. For most people it is not the amount you spend on the gift that is as important as the fact that you cared enough to think of them and express your love. Remember, the most valuable things in life cannot be purchased with money.
While you’re at it, why not spend time expressing your love to God as well. God loves you far more than you could ever imagine, and you should use each day you are given as an opportunity to let Him know how much you love Him. As you make the homemade cards for those you love, actually make a card or write a letter to God expressing to Him how much you love Him as well.
Don’t wait until Valentine’s Day, and don’t stop after Valentine’s Day. Let everyday be the day you share your love with those who mean the most to you.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Today Is Your Day!
You have been given an incredible gift today. This gift is something that you and only you can take responsibility for. The gift you received today is broken down into 86,400 separate units. What you have been given is worth far more than silver or gold. There is no amount of money that can compare to its worth. What will you do with your gift?
Many people will attempt to persuade you to use your gift the way they think you should use it. You must be strong; however, and use what you have been given in the manner you believe is best. The Giver of the gift will help guide you concerning how you should use it if you will simply listen to Him.
Refuse to be like so many who simply throw away their gift, or use it for something that is so frivolous they don’t even remember what it was used for when the day is gone. What is this incredible gift you have been given? It is the gift of today. 86,400 separate seconds make up today and you are responsible for choosing what you will do with each of them.
Use some of your day with your Creator, worshiping Him and listening to Him. Spend some of your time with family; do not fail to pour yourself into your spouse and children. With the other time you have today, spend some of it dreaming. Spend some of it setting goals. Spend some time taking action steps toward your goals. Spend some time helping someone else reach their goals. Do something for someone today who does not have the ability to do anything in return for you.
If you are going to experience the wonderful day you desire and accomplish something meaningful with the 86,400 seconds you have been given, you will have to eliminate insignificant items from your day. Make the choice to eliminate things that will add no real value to you or others and focus on those things that will make a difference. Today is your day, it is a gift from God and because of that it is called the present. Accept this gift, this present, and live every second of it to the fullest.
Many people will attempt to persuade you to use your gift the way they think you should use it. You must be strong; however, and use what you have been given in the manner you believe is best. The Giver of the gift will help guide you concerning how you should use it if you will simply listen to Him.
Refuse to be like so many who simply throw away their gift, or use it for something that is so frivolous they don’t even remember what it was used for when the day is gone. What is this incredible gift you have been given? It is the gift of today. 86,400 separate seconds make up today and you are responsible for choosing what you will do with each of them.
Use some of your day with your Creator, worshiping Him and listening to Him. Spend some of your time with family; do not fail to pour yourself into your spouse and children. With the other time you have today, spend some of it dreaming. Spend some of it setting goals. Spend some time taking action steps toward your goals. Spend some time helping someone else reach their goals. Do something for someone today who does not have the ability to do anything in return for you.
If you are going to experience the wonderful day you desire and accomplish something meaningful with the 86,400 seconds you have been given, you will have to eliminate insignificant items from your day. Make the choice to eliminate things that will add no real value to you or others and focus on those things that will make a difference. Today is your day, it is a gift from God and because of that it is called the present. Accept this gift, this present, and live every second of it to the fullest.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Encourage Others To Be The Best They Can Be
One of the great joys of life is being able to encourage and assist others in accomplishing their dreams. It has been a wonderful privilege of mine to walk alongside a good friend as he has accomplished one of his dreams. When Letters to God opens in theaters April 9, people all across the nation will be able to receive an incredible blessing as they watch the dream of Patrick Doughtie become a reality.
Following the death of his son Tyler, Patrick has lived with a passion to fulfill his dream of honoring his son and his God, while also bringing a clearer focus on the need for providing more funding for childhood cancer research and cures. He took screen writing classes, attended film festivals, and worked to hone his craft as a writer and prepare himself to be a director.
If you have any doubts about how successful he has been, just go see Letters to God on April 9, and I'm certain you'll be convinced. What a joy it is to see a friend accomplish something so fabulous.
Two questions:
1. What dreams do you have that you need to get busy fulfilling?
2. Who is in your life that you need to encourage and assist to fulfill their dreams?
Get up and get going. Fulfill your dreams and help others fulfill theirs. You will discover that both of these feats will radically change your life.
And when you go see Letters to God, remember, it all began as a dream!
Following the death of his son Tyler, Patrick has lived with a passion to fulfill his dream of honoring his son and his God, while also bringing a clearer focus on the need for providing more funding for childhood cancer research and cures. He took screen writing classes, attended film festivals, and worked to hone his craft as a writer and prepare himself to be a director.
If you have any doubts about how successful he has been, just go see Letters to God on April 9, and I'm certain you'll be convinced. What a joy it is to see a friend accomplish something so fabulous.
Two questions:
1. What dreams do you have that you need to get busy fulfilling?
2. Who is in your life that you need to encourage and assist to fulfill their dreams?
Get up and get going. Fulfill your dreams and help others fulfill theirs. You will discover that both of these feats will radically change your life.
And when you go see Letters to God, remember, it all began as a dream!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Letters to God - A Story of Hope
If you haven't heard about Letters to God, you soon will. It is an incredible movie that is being released in theaters April 9, 2010. The movie was inspired by a little boy that I knew and loved dearly. His father, Patrick Doughtie, is a very good friend of mine and he wrote the screenplay and co-directed the movie that was directed and produced by David Nixon. Patrick even blessed me by allowing me to help him and serve as associate producer.
I want you to know that the message of this movie is very real. There really was a little boy named Tyler and his life of faith, hope, and love was really used of God to touch the lives of many people. As amazing as it sounds, Tyler is touching even more lives now from heaven.
If you need to be encouraged, you need to go see Letters to God. If you need your spirits lifted you need to go see Letters to God. If you need to develop more faith, you need to go see Letters to God. If you are looking for true hope, you need to go see Letters to God. If you need to be reminded what true love is, you need to go see Letters to God.
If you have anyone in your life that is special to you, you need to make sure they go see Letters to God. Rent out an entire screen and take all your friends. Get your church to rent out several screens or even an entire theater. Get your community organization to go see Letters to God together. God will revolutionize your life through this movie.
I want you to know that the message of this movie is very real. There really was a little boy named Tyler and his life of faith, hope, and love was really used of God to touch the lives of many people. As amazing as it sounds, Tyler is touching even more lives now from heaven.
If you need to be encouraged, you need to go see Letters to God. If you need your spirits lifted you need to go see Letters to God. If you need to develop more faith, you need to go see Letters to God. If you are looking for true hope, you need to go see Letters to God. If you need to be reminded what true love is, you need to go see Letters to God.
If you have anyone in your life that is special to you, you need to make sure they go see Letters to God. Rent out an entire screen and take all your friends. Get your church to rent out several screens or even an entire theater. Get your community organization to go see Letters to God together. God will revolutionize your life through this movie.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Simple Things
I am sitting on the couch with my lovely wife. We are having a fabulous discussion about our children even as we watch three of them and a friend play football in the snow. We don't get a lot of snow here but when we get even a small amount the kids sure make the most of it.
Last night we had a great time as well. Sarah and I played a card game with several of our children while the rest of the kids played hide-n-seek out in the snow. We have experienced a lot of laughter the past twenty-four hours.
With six children there is always a lot going on around our house, but I have discovered it is the simple things in life that bring the most joy. Engaging your spouse in conversation, watching your kids play outside, and playing games with your kids are just three examples.
Begin enjoying the simple things in your life. Slow down a little bit and enjoy the journey we call life.
Last night we had a great time as well. Sarah and I played a card game with several of our children while the rest of the kids played hide-n-seek out in the snow. We have experienced a lot of laughter the past twenty-four hours.
With six children there is always a lot going on around our house, but I have discovered it is the simple things in life that bring the most joy. Engaging your spouse in conversation, watching your kids play outside, and playing games with your kids are just three examples.
Begin enjoying the simple things in your life. Slow down a little bit and enjoy the journey we call life.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
It's Mirror Time
This is the perfect time to take the time to evaluate where you are in life and begin to make any needed adjustments. This is mirror time. Look in the mirror and see where you are physically. Look in the mirror and see where you are spiritually. Look in the mirror and see where you are with your family. Look in the mirror and see where you are vocationally.
The first thing we need to do is to resist the temptation to refuse to look into the mirror. Sometimes we pretend that if we don’t see it, it isn’t real. Be mature enough to look into the mirror in every aspect of your life. As you begin looking into the mirror resist the additional temptation to simply notice a need for adjustment and then remain satisfied with the status quo. One thing is for certain, if you continue doing what you have been doing you will continue getting the same results you have been getting.
Small adjustments in life can bring gigantic positive results. Spending a little more time each day exercising can have phenomenal positive benefits on your body. Spending a little more time in prayer and Bible study with God each day will greatly change your life. Spending an extra few uninterrupted minutes with your spouse and children each day can dramatically strengthen your family. Spending a few more minutes each day seeking God concerning your vocational call and focusing on how to better fulfill that call can prove extremely beneficial both today and for the future.
What adjustments do you sense God is leading you to make in the different areas of your life. Write a few down. God, I believe You want me to make the following adjustments in my life:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Look in the mirror and begin to experience the exciting life God has planned for you!
The first thing we need to do is to resist the temptation to refuse to look into the mirror. Sometimes we pretend that if we don’t see it, it isn’t real. Be mature enough to look into the mirror in every aspect of your life. As you begin looking into the mirror resist the additional temptation to simply notice a need for adjustment and then remain satisfied with the status quo. One thing is for certain, if you continue doing what you have been doing you will continue getting the same results you have been getting.
Small adjustments in life can bring gigantic positive results. Spending a little more time each day exercising can have phenomenal positive benefits on your body. Spending a little more time in prayer and Bible study with God each day will greatly change your life. Spending an extra few uninterrupted minutes with your spouse and children each day can dramatically strengthen your family. Spending a few more minutes each day seeking God concerning your vocational call and focusing on how to better fulfill that call can prove extremely beneficial both today and for the future.
What adjustments do you sense God is leading you to make in the different areas of your life. Write a few down. God, I believe You want me to make the following adjustments in my life:
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Look in the mirror and begin to experience the exciting life God has planned for you!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Get It Done, Don't Worry About Getting Credit
What is your goal?
What is the goal of your family?
What is the goal of your business?
What is the goal of your team?
What dreams do you have?
Is your desire to achieve your goals and see your dreams become reality, or is your desire to receive the credit and glory for what is accomplished?
A successful family, business, team, or any other organization or entity consists of individuals who are focused on the goal or the dream rather than being focused on the glory and credit that comes from achieving the goal or realizing the dream.
The 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, is quoted as saying, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
I have witnessed men and women who have destroyed relationships, families, businesses, teams, and dreams all because they cared more about making sure people gave them the credit than they did about seeing something great occur.
As we approach the beginning of 2010 my counsel is simply this; get it done and stop worrying about who receives the glory. There will be enough credit to go around when something great is accomplished. Now, get off your rear end and get going on whatever it is you have been called to do.
What is the goal of your family?
What is the goal of your business?
What is the goal of your team?
What dreams do you have?
Is your desire to achieve your goals and see your dreams become reality, or is your desire to receive the credit and glory for what is accomplished?
A successful family, business, team, or any other organization or entity consists of individuals who are focused on the goal or the dream rather than being focused on the glory and credit that comes from achieving the goal or realizing the dream.
The 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, is quoted as saying, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
I have witnessed men and women who have destroyed relationships, families, businesses, teams, and dreams all because they cared more about making sure people gave them the credit than they did about seeing something great occur.
As we approach the beginning of 2010 my counsel is simply this; get it done and stop worrying about who receives the glory. There will be enough credit to go around when something great is accomplished. Now, get off your rear end and get going on whatever it is you have been called to do.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Remember that without Christ there is no Christmas.
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Refuse to allow the world dictate what you believe, celebrate Jesus!
Slow down enough to fully enjoy the blessings God has for you this year.
In Christ,
Andre'
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
Refuse to allow the world dictate what you believe, celebrate Jesus!
Slow down enough to fully enjoy the blessings God has for you this year.
In Christ,
Andre'
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Stop and Start
Stop looking for others to do something for you and begin doing things for others.
Stop looking for others to be a friend to you and begin being a friend to others.
Stop complaining about what's not right in your life and start being thankful for what is right.
Stop blaming others for your mistakes and failures and start taking responsibility for your own life.
Stop living pessimistically in life and begin living optimistically in life.
Stop tearing others down and begin building others up.
Stop spending so much time worrying about things you cannot control and begin spending more time in prayer.
Stop reading this and go change someone’s life for the good.
Stop looking for others to be a friend to you and begin being a friend to others.
Stop complaining about what's not right in your life and start being thankful for what is right.
Stop blaming others for your mistakes and failures and start taking responsibility for your own life.
Stop living pessimistically in life and begin living optimistically in life.
Stop tearing others down and begin building others up.
Stop spending so much time worrying about things you cannot control and begin spending more time in prayer.
Stop reading this and go change someone’s life for the good.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Why Not You?
Someone will be used in a great way today!
Someone will change the life of another today!
Someone will encourage others to reach new heights today!
Someone will sacrifice for the benefit of others today!
Someone will demonstrate faithful and unending love today!
Someone will be sold out for God today!
Why not let that someone be you today!
Someone will change the life of another today!
Someone will encourage others to reach new heights today!
Someone will sacrifice for the benefit of others today!
Someone will demonstrate faithful and unending love today!
Someone will be sold out for God today!
Why not let that someone be you today!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
What Now!
Thanksgiving has come and gone, what now?
I'm glad we have a day in our country designated as a day to thank the Almighty for all He has done for us, but I trust it will not take a special designated day for us to be willing to live a life of thankfulness.
Some things in your life are not going great, but that is true for all of us. So how do you live a thankful life when things are not going as well as you wish.
The first thing is to take the time to say thank you for all the things you have been given.
The second thing is to go serve someone who is less fortunate than you are.
The third thing is to write a personal thank you letter to someone who has been instrumental in your life.
The fourth thing is to stop complaining and start singing - you alone determine how you respond to everything you encounter in life.
So. pretend like everyday is Thanksgiving and enjoy the life God has provided you!
I'm glad we have a day in our country designated as a day to thank the Almighty for all He has done for us, but I trust it will not take a special designated day for us to be willing to live a life of thankfulness.
Some things in your life are not going great, but that is true for all of us. So how do you live a thankful life when things are not going as well as you wish.
The first thing is to take the time to say thank you for all the things you have been given.
The second thing is to go serve someone who is less fortunate than you are.
The third thing is to write a personal thank you letter to someone who has been instrumental in your life.
The fourth thing is to stop complaining and start singing - you alone determine how you respond to everything you encounter in life.
So. pretend like everyday is Thanksgiving and enjoy the life God has provided you!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Are You Ready For Thanksgiving?
People often ask the question, "Are you ready for Christmas?" We don't often hear the question, "Are you ready for Thanksgiving?" So, I'll ask you "Are you ready for Thanksgiving?"
To help you prepare for this wonderful holiday, take a few minutes and make yourself a simple little list. Make a list of ten things for which you are thankful. After you finish your list take the time to thank the person responsible for what you are grateful. For example, if you are thankful for the beautiful park in town, thank the men and women who work to keep the park looking good. If you are thankful for your loving spous, take the time to let them know how much you thank them - maybe even write them a love letter.
OK, now is the time to write your list.
1.______________________________________________
2.______________________________________________
3.______________________________________________
4.______________________________________________
5.______________________________________________
6.______________________________________________
7.______________________________________________
8.______________________________________________
9.______________________________________________
10._____________________________________________
Now the real fun, go thank those who are responsible. If you want to thank God just write Him a letter or say a nice, personal prayer to Him.
Happy Thanksgiving!
To help you prepare for this wonderful holiday, take a few minutes and make yourself a simple little list. Make a list of ten things for which you are thankful. After you finish your list take the time to thank the person responsible for what you are grateful. For example, if you are thankful for the beautiful park in town, thank the men and women who work to keep the park looking good. If you are thankful for your loving spous, take the time to let them know how much you thank them - maybe even write them a love letter.
OK, now is the time to write your list.
1.______________________________________________
2.______________________________________________
3.______________________________________________
4.______________________________________________
5.______________________________________________
6.______________________________________________
7.______________________________________________
8.______________________________________________
9.______________________________________________
10._____________________________________________
Now the real fun, go thank those who are responsible. If you want to thank God just write Him a letter or say a nice, personal prayer to Him.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Priority and Passion
Each of us has priorities and passions in life. Do you know what yours are? It really isn't that difficult to determine. Priorities are those things you intentionally take time for. You recognize them as items that are important and you make sure that you include them in your agenda.
For some your job is a priortiy. You realize that you have to have the job and the income it provides, therefore when the alarm clock goes off you get up out of bed and begin preparing to go to work. For others, family is a priority. You recongnize that you are given a responsibility to provide for them and care for them so you do the best you can each day. For some, God is a priority. You have been taught how important it is to recognize God in some way, so in some form or fashion He has become a priority for you.
I can make an argument that each of these mentioned above should be a priority for you. You should be faithful in your vocation. Your family should be provided for and cared for. And certainly God deserves to be the ultimate priority in your life.
What I hope you will see; however, is that there is something that must be connected to priority for you to experience real success in life, and that is passion. Priority means you know something is supposed to be important to you, passion means something really is important to you. Can you see the difference?
When you are passionate about your job you see it as your calling and you realize that as you go to "work" you are a living testimony to the calling that has been placed on your life. It doesn't matter if you are a doctor, lawyer, architect, engineer, sanitation department worker, or school teacher; you have a deep, burning desire to do what you do because it is a passion for you.
When you are passionate about your family you want to be with them. You realize that you have been divinely placed in your position within the family to have a positive influence on each member. You love them, not because you are supposed to love them but because you can't help yourself from loving them. You find yourself thinking about them and praying for them regularly.
The difference between a person who simply says "God is a priority in my life" and someone who says "God is my priority in life and I am passionate about Him," is that one typically acts out of religion and the other typically acts out of relationship. When you are passionate about God you are overwhelmed with a deep love for Him. You are drawn to Him and have such a desire to be with Him that nothing can keep you from loving Him, praising Him, and being in His presence. When you are passionate about God it will be evident in all you do.
So live with both priorities and passions! You need both to truly experience the success you were created to enjoy!
For some your job is a priortiy. You realize that you have to have the job and the income it provides, therefore when the alarm clock goes off you get up out of bed and begin preparing to go to work. For others, family is a priority. You recongnize that you are given a responsibility to provide for them and care for them so you do the best you can each day. For some, God is a priority. You have been taught how important it is to recognize God in some way, so in some form or fashion He has become a priority for you.
I can make an argument that each of these mentioned above should be a priority for you. You should be faithful in your vocation. Your family should be provided for and cared for. And certainly God deserves to be the ultimate priority in your life.
What I hope you will see; however, is that there is something that must be connected to priority for you to experience real success in life, and that is passion. Priority means you know something is supposed to be important to you, passion means something really is important to you. Can you see the difference?
When you are passionate about your job you see it as your calling and you realize that as you go to "work" you are a living testimony to the calling that has been placed on your life. It doesn't matter if you are a doctor, lawyer, architect, engineer, sanitation department worker, or school teacher; you have a deep, burning desire to do what you do because it is a passion for you.
When you are passionate about your family you want to be with them. You realize that you have been divinely placed in your position within the family to have a positive influence on each member. You love them, not because you are supposed to love them but because you can't help yourself from loving them. You find yourself thinking about them and praying for them regularly.
The difference between a person who simply says "God is a priority in my life" and someone who says "God is my priority in life and I am passionate about Him," is that one typically acts out of religion and the other typically acts out of relationship. When you are passionate about God you are overwhelmed with a deep love for Him. You are drawn to Him and have such a desire to be with Him that nothing can keep you from loving Him, praising Him, and being in His presence. When you are passionate about God it will be evident in all you do.
So live with both priorities and passions! You need both to truly experience the success you were created to enjoy!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Take Time For Life
A strange thing happened today. I woke up and realized that sometimes 2 + 2 simply cannot = 4. In my mind I'm still a young guy, maybe even a kid. No I don't have the Peter Pan Syndrome or anything like that. I simply love life and consider myself a kid at heart.
So, if I am still just a kid, how is it that when I woke up today I awoke to the reality that my oldest son is now twenty - truly a young man. Wow! I can remember the exact moment he was born (which is weird because I can't remember much about yesterday as I am still dealing with the affects of having a concussion during a car accident). I remember when the doctor said - "He's a boy!" I remember when the nurse placed him in my arms.
I remember teaching him how to ride a bike. I remember our walks in the yard and in the small town we lived in when he was born. I remember praying with him and hearing him pray out loud for the first time. I remember how excited he was when he found out he was going to be a big brother for the first time. And the second. And the third. And the fourth. And the fifth. And . . . well as far as we know that is the last time.
I remember him holding his mother's hand so he could protect her as he proudly walked beside her at church or at the store, or just out in the yard. I remember our family trips all over Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Washington D.C., Maryland, Washington, Idaho, North Carolina, and Arizona to mention a few. I remember watching him stand before a crowd and sing with an incredible voice and being so proud of him. I remember being with him on mission trips and watching him grow and mature as a young teenager, then a young man and more specifically as a man of God.
As I said, a strange thing happened today; I woke up and realized how thankful I am that my wife and I have taken time for life with each other and our children. If I could offer any advice to you it would simply be, take time for life. Everyday!
So, if I am still just a kid, how is it that when I woke up today I awoke to the reality that my oldest son is now twenty - truly a young man. Wow! I can remember the exact moment he was born (which is weird because I can't remember much about yesterday as I am still dealing with the affects of having a concussion during a car accident). I remember when the doctor said - "He's a boy!" I remember when the nurse placed him in my arms.
I remember teaching him how to ride a bike. I remember our walks in the yard and in the small town we lived in when he was born. I remember praying with him and hearing him pray out loud for the first time. I remember how excited he was when he found out he was going to be a big brother for the first time. And the second. And the third. And the fourth. And the fifth. And . . . well as far as we know that is the last time.
I remember him holding his mother's hand so he could protect her as he proudly walked beside her at church or at the store, or just out in the yard. I remember our family trips all over Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Washington D.C., Maryland, Washington, Idaho, North Carolina, and Arizona to mention a few. I remember watching him stand before a crowd and sing with an incredible voice and being so proud of him. I remember being with him on mission trips and watching him grow and mature as a young teenager, then a young man and more specifically as a man of God.
As I said, a strange thing happened today; I woke up and realized how thankful I am that my wife and I have taken time for life with each other and our children. If I could offer any advice to you it would simply be, take time for life. Everyday!
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