Take Me And Never Leave Me

Take Me And Never Leave Me

(Series: My Flaws. His Clause.)

And behold, I am with you and will keep (watch over you with care, take notice of) you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done all of which I have told you.

(Genesis 28:15)

Times are tough sometimes. It seems as if no man, woman, boy or girl is around to provide you a since of comfort. Matters are confusing. Who can you trust, rely, and depend on 100 percent of the time, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week?

There isn't a person in the world who would satisfy this need. As a matter of fact, you have tried to reach out to several people. Where one person may offer a listening ear and some encouraging advice, another person is not readily available at your moment of need.

Desperate. Depressed. Degenerate. Destitute. Demonized. Dreadful. Your world is coming to an end and you know this. Each channel, thus far, has reached a dead end. You ask the question: Where do I go? Who do I turn to?

Jacob is a man of a similar situation. He wanted the blessing of his father Isaac that was actually intended for his brother Esau. He felt desperate, willing to tell lies in order to get a blessing. Since his father's sight was blind, Jacob pretended to be Esau so his father would proclaim Esau's firt-born blessing on him. He went as far as putting fur on his arm to make his father believe that it was Esau's hairy self standing there to receive his father's blessings. He manipulaed his brother and father in order to have it his way or the highway. His fradualent behavior led him to flee on the road of more confusion and constant disappointments.

While Jacob thought he could make way of his own accord, the Lord, spoke to him in a dream. He let Jacob know that He was with him, to help him and to carry out the Godly promise made to Jacob's grandfather Abraham.

And he came to a certain place and stayed there overnight, because the sun was set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down there to sleep. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the Lord stood over and beside him and said, I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father [forefather] and the God of Isaac; I will give to you and to your descendants the land on which you are lying. And your offspring shall be as [countless as] the dust or sand of the ground, and you shall spread abroad to the west and the east and the north and the south; and by you and your Offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed and bless themselves. [Gen. 12:2-3; 13:16; 22:18; 26:4; Acts 3:25-26; Gal. 3:8, 16.] And behold, I am with you and will keep (watch over you with care, take notice of) you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done all of which I have told you.

(Genesis 28:11-15)

In the midst of the mishaps, Jacob realized that the Lord was with him even when he did not recognize or know it.

This is what we must do in own lives. We must realize that "Surely the Lord is in this place" (Genesis 28: 16) (in my moment of time even when I have not recognized it or knew it.)

In taking life to the highest level, you must:

1.      Tell God: "Take me and Never Leave Me." (Genesis 28:15)

2.      Dedicate yourself to the Lord. (Genesis 28:16)

3.      Fear and reverence God because it is the gateway to heaven. (Genesis 28:17)

4.      Start your day in total commitment to Him (Genesis 28: 18)

5.      Proclaim your house, your place, your space as Bethel, the house of God (Genesis 28:19).

6.      Make a vow that "the Lord shall be my God." (Genesis 28:20-21)

7.      Whatever you have in the increase of your possessions, give a tenth to the Lord. (Genesis 28:22)

References

Gen. 12:2-3; 13:16; 22:18; 26:4;

Acts 3:25-26;

Gal. 3:8, 16

Gen_28:20-21,

Gen_26:24,

Gen_31:3,

Gen_32:9,

Gen_39:2,

Gen_39:21,

Gen_46:4;

Exo_3:12;

Jdg_6:16;

Psa_46:7,

Psa_46:11;

Isa_7:14,

Isa_8:10,

Isa_41:10,

Isa_43:2;

Jer_1:19;

Mat_18:20,

Mat_28:20;

Rom_8:31-32;

1Ti_4:8

Gen_48:16;

Psa_121:5-8

Gen_35:6-7

Deu_31:6;

Jos_1:5;

1Ki_8:57;

Joh_10:28-29;

Heb_13:5-6;

Jud_1:1

Num_23:19;

Jos_23:14-16;

Mat_24:35

St. Jude Marathon

Guess who was at the st. Jude marathon?!

A Promise Made. A Promise Kept.

A Promise Made. A Promise Kept.

(Message Series: My Flaws. His Clause.)

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(1 John 1:5-10)

God's promising message to you is:

·        God is Light (no darkness in Him) (vs 5)

·        There is Fellowship (with Him and other believers) (vs 6-7)

·        The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from ALL sin (vs 7)

·        Confession leads to forgiveness and cleansing from ALL unrighteousness (vs 9)

Friday Morning Workout

This morning's workout. Yes! #TGIF

He Has Brought Me

He brought me forth also into a large place; He was delivering me because He was pleased with me and delighted in me. #TGIF

Confession And Restoration (My Flaws. His Clause.)

My Flaws. His Clause.

Confession and Restoration

November 9, 2014

Numbers 5:5-10

And the Lord said to Moses, Say to the Israelites, When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit by breaking faith with the Lord, and that person is guilty, Then he shall confess the sin which he has committed, and he shall make restitution for his wrong in full, and add a fifth to it, and give it to him whom he has wronged. But if the man [wronged] has no kinsman to whom the restitution may be made, let it be given to the Lord for the priest, besides the ram of atonement with which atonement shall be made for the offender. And every offering of all the holy things of the Israelites which they bring to the priest shall be his. And every man's hallowed things shall be the priest's; whatever any man gives the priest shall be his.

(Numbers 5:5-10)

1. Everyone has done something wrong, regardless of how nice and wonderful we may appear to be. (Romans 3: 23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God)

2. Confess, righting the wrong. (Admitting faults one to another.)

(James 5:16)  Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

(Proverbs 28:13)  He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy. [Ps. 32:3, 5; I John 1:8-10.]

3. Restore life forevermore. (Recompense=turn away, retreat and return to what is best, right, and good.) Not recovering mode. With Jesus, you are recovered.

Read Romans3: 23-26.

Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. It was to demonstrate and prove at the present time (in the now season) that He Himself is righteous and that He justifies and accepts as righteous him who has [true] faith in Jesus.

(Romans 3:23-26)

#GoHardOrGoHome

My usual early morning workout mission accomplished. Now it's time for some devotion of Scripture, prayer and praising God Almighty! #GoHardOrGoHome

The Wicked Cry Of Sin

My Flaws. His Clause.

(Part 2)

The Wicked Cry Of Sin

(Genesis 18:20)  And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; (KJV)

(Genesis 18:20)  And the Lord said, Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, (AMP)

Sodom: Burnt, scorched place

Gomorrah: a heap of ruin

Sin: an offense

grievous: in a bad sense -- a heavy, severe burden; in a good sense -- a glorious honor.

SIN is:

S -- Satanic

(John 10:9-14)

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. [Ps. 23.] But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock]. Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not himself concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them]. I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me--

I -- Illegal

Galatians 5:16-26

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.] Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.

(Galatians 5:16-26)

N -- Negative

Romans 4:13-25

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

(Romans 4:13-25)

Reconciling My Differences

Reconciling My Differences

 

...We also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation. Romans 5:11

  Many times we, as humanly possible, go through life without any restoration and adjustments to make matters beter. We become bogged down with matters, making each day more difficult to handle. Frustrations hammer at the souls of plenty, cause a horrible relapse of constant anger, termoil, and anguish.

  Reconciling differences within one's self can revitalize brighter days and better ways of living. "Atonement" is the reconciliation, exchange, adjustment and restoration of divine favor.

  How shall I reconcile my differences within myself and with God?

  Only with God through the Lord Jesus Christ shall we:

 

• be justified by faith
• have peace
• have access by faith into grace
• rejoice in hope
• glory in tribulations
• endure with patience
• develop maturity of character through experiences
• produce a habit of joy and confidence in the hope of salvation now and forevermore.

  The ultimate and ideal hope neither disappoints nor shames. The believer trusts in God's love (Christ's (the Messiah, the Annointed One) life, death, and resurrection). The Lord has saturated his heart through the gift of the Holy Spirit that has been given to him.

  Receive and enjoy the reconciliation that God has given in His love and perfection.  "...Let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord." Jeremiah 9:24

 "But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him]. It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor)." 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

 Make the change. Make an adjustment to life where the Lord is Supreme. Exchange for a restoration to the divine favor.

 

References

Romans 5:1-11

Jeremiah 9:24

2Corinthians 5:18-19

Dead Yet Alive

Dead Yet Alive

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Joshua 1:1-2
Physical death is inevitable, but not necessarily eternal . Every person has a dying day before them, regardless of age or accomplishment. The decision between heaven and hades is based belief and faith in Everlasting God.
Spiritual death is is the transformation from old evil ways to a good spiritual life. Letting go of the deadly, troubling past allows you to move on to better, brighter days. Living a strong Holy Spiritual life provides an avenue for the greatest things to occur in one's life.
Believers should look forward to gaining wisdom that kills off bad habits and ways. This sort of change is good, growing in mind, body and soul, and allows you to hear and receive God's Word and promises more clearly and effectively.

Keys to Living In God's Abundant Promises

1. Accept the dead (hardships, disappointments, losses, shortcomings, wrongdoings, etc.), not in torture, but in testimony. Regarding your past, instead of carrying a bag of bitterness, maintain a precious treasure chest of testimony you may share with others.
2. Rise up and take your place in purpose and destiny.
3. Move from your current stance in life to the unlimited promises God has for you.

By keeping your faith in Him, it accounts for righteousness. Never let it depart from you, meditating on the Word day and night, observing and doing all things accordingly. This allows maturity as more deadly ways depart from your heart, mind and soul. This also allows you to have eternal prosperity, wisdom and good success in health, wealth and soul.

References
Joshua 1:1-2, 8

Use What The Lord Gives You

Use What The Lord Gives You

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:for great is your reward in heaven:for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

"Rejoice and be succeeding glad...."

There are all sorts of matters that impact people's lives.  For some, it is like trouble on every side. When situations arise, we are described as: poor in spirit; mourners; meek; hungry and thirsty after righteousness;  merciful;  pure in heart; pacemakers;  persecutors for righteousness sake; reviled, persecuted, and spoken evil and falsely against for Jesus' sake.

All of these things bless you to have:
* the kingdom of God
* comfort
* inheritance of the earth
* fulfillment
* mercy obtained
* sight of God
* adoption as children of God
* the kingdom of heaven
* great reward in heaven

REJOICE - present supreme joy to the Lord; show joy again and again with ceasing.
EXCEEDING GLAD - have overflowing gladness that surpasses your need and meets the need of others.

- rejoice and count it worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of the Lord
- rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
- Count it all joy, testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

References: Matthew 5:3-12; Acts 5:41; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 12:10; James 1:2

Smart Investments Beyond the Stock Market

Smart Investments Beyond the Stock Market
  As major stock market indexes continue to climb, so too are concerns on the “fear market” – VIX, the CBOE S&P 500 Options Volatility Index, says entrepreneur Dean Anastos.
  “Advances in the market have been relatively thin in volume, and the declines have been heavier; in general, there seems to be too much complacency among investors, and there are hints here and there that the market is not as bullish as many have supposed,” says Anastos, who specializes in real estate, computer programming and trading data communications equipment.
  “Now may be a really good time to look elsewhere for smart investments,” says his business partner Ricky Brava.
  Anastos and Brava review some of those options.
• Real estate is still growing. No area was hit harder by the recession than real estate. Since then, however, the getting has been good for prospective buyers looking for a profit, yet many remain gun shy due to the hard lessons of 2008-09. Meanwhile, the housing recovery continues as prices are getting back to where they once were. In many markets, buying is still cheaper than renting, “although this is not true everywhere,” Anastos says. “Ultimately, it depends on the area, the loan and how long you may be looking to live on the property – or, if you want to rent a property out, which continues to be very lucrative today.”
• Banks have plenty of distressed debt; consider a deal. (www.apollofinancialgrp.com). “We buy distressed debt bank portfolios that aren’t generating cash for the bank and work with the families in the homes to refinance at affordable rates,” says Brava, senior partner at Apollo Financial Group, founded by Anastos, who adds, “If we can’t work it out with the owner, the property gets a second chance, rather than sitting vacant, when we sell the loans as non-performing first or second lien bank notes.”
  Conduct a thorough title search of the property to reveal any liens. Check with the county to ascertain what, if any, outstanding property taxes are due. Contact a local real estate agent to get an estimation on the property and its as-is resale value.
• Keep in mind tax-advantaged investments. Tax-advantaged investments can include real estate partnerships, oil and gas partnerships and suitability, which refers to how appropriate an investment may or may not be to an investor. Two of the most common types of real estate partnerships, for example, are low-income housing and historic rehabilitation. The federal government grants tax credits to those who construct or rehabilitate low-income housing or who invest in the rehabilitation or preservation of historic structures.
• Pay attention to possible changes to Roth IRAs – still a good option, so far. This is still a good investment option for retirement, even though significant changes have been proposed by the White House. Your allotted money goes into a Roth after it’s already been taxed, but earnings aren’t taxed. Unlike traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, Roth owners currently don’t have to take annual distributions after turning 70½ — which means the money has even more years to grow if the owner doesn’t need it. And once the Roth owner dies, the beneficiary inherits the money tax-free. President Obama says this isn’t what was intended in a Roth and wants to change this advantage, yet his proposal continues to face mass opposition and many think it won’t pass.

Here's Credit 101 for Your College Freshman

Thanks, Jason, for presenting this article. Readers, please share with others, including your college students and every person who earns, receives, saves, spends, and gives money.

Here's Credit 101 for Your College Freshman
by Jason Alderman
  To parents with a freshman entering college this fall: You're probably expecting to shell out major bucks for tuition, room and board and a million other necessities over the next few years. But before you send your kid off, make sure you share one gift likely to steer him or her along the road to financial security – a sound understanding of how credit works.
  You probably learned the hard way yourself that young adults encounter many unfamiliar expenses – and temptations – upon entering college or the workforce. So it's important to help your kids avoid early financial missteps that could damage their credit for years to come.
  The first step in managing personal finances is mastering the basic checking account and debit card. A few tips you can pass along:
• Look for a bank or credit union that charges no monthly usage fee, requires no minimum balance and has conveniently located ATMs so you don't rack up foreign ATM charges.
• Enter all transactions in a check register or in a budgeting tool like Mint.com and review your account online at least weekly to verify when deposits, checks, purchases and automatic payments have cleared.
• Avoid writing checks or making debit card transactions unless your current balance will cover them – such transactions often clear instantly.
  A good way to build sound credit is to demonstrate responsible credit card use. But people under age 21 must have a parent or other responsible adult cosign credit card accounts unless they can prove sufficient income to repay the debt. So how can parents help their kids begin building a credit history if they can't open their own account? A couple of alternatives:
• Make them an authorized user on one of your accounts. They'll get their own card and you can usually restrict the amount they're able to charge. Authorized users are not legally responsible to pay balances owed – that's your responsibility, so tread carefully.
• You can add them as a joint account holder to a new or existing account – preferably, one with a small credit limit. Joint account holders are equally liable to pay off the account.
• Just remember, any account activity, good or bad, goes on both your credit reports, so careful account monitoring is critical.
 If your kids haven't yet demonstrated financial maturity they may not be ready for an unsecured credit card or loan. Other alternatives include:
• A secured credit card, where users can charge up to the amount deposited to open the account. Purchases are charged against the account's revolving credit limit. As they pay off the balance the available credit rises, just like a regular credit card. After a period of on-time payments, ask the lender to convert it to an unsecured card, or to at least add an unsecured amount to the account.
• A prepaid debit card, where you load the card with money in advance and they use the card for purchases or ATM withdrawals. You monitor account activity online or by phone.
• With each, fees and restrictions may apply so shop around for the best terms.
  If you need help educating your kids about personal financial management, a good resource is What's My Score (www.whatsmyscore.org), a financial literacy program for young adults run by Visa Inc. It features a comprehensive workbook called Money 101: A Crash Course in Better Money Management, which can be downloaded for free.
  Bottom line: Getting your kids off on the right foot, credit-wise, can make all the difference to their future financial health.

Low Summer Temps

This run was mixed with 4x2 stair climbers; 100 pushups; planks; and some power walking. A short midday workout in an extremely rare 80-degree and lower humidity summer day in Memphis! 

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Golden nuggets from this morning's devotion:
* I have learned to be content in whatever situation I'm in.
* The way I view circumstances is more important than my actual circumstances.
* God is all I need because with Him all things are possible.
*Read Psalm 16:11; & Philippians 4:11

Tuesday morning workout

Created with Photo Collage Maker. http://goo.gl/RpSVMx

Independence Day Represents Being Free To Live

Independence Day Represents Being Free To Live 

by Trennie L. Williams, Sr.   

This year marks the United States of America’s 238th year as a single nation. Battles were fought, and a war was won for the benefit of creating a country that is like none other.   

Independence Day, July 4th, highlights the glory of establishing the stars and stripes of America’s red, white and blue flag. The holiday also represents every citizen’s freedom to live abundantly from one generation to the next.   

To be independent is to be free from outside persuasions and authorities. That means no other’s dictatorship should control another person’s livelihood.   The Declaration of Independence documents the course of our nation’s journey. As the United States parted ways with Great Britain, a sense of equality was being birthed. Those who began 13 colonies were looking for, and gaining, respect that Europe’s royal kingdom had refused so many people for a long period of time.   

What holds true several centuries ago still holds true today. The U.S. is a nation where all people should be created equally. God has given each person rights such as “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” When a governing body tries to over shadow such rights, we have the right to change or eliminate it, putting a new government in place that maintains and enhances the safety and joy of the citizens within its boundaries.   

So often we see how political leaders and the communities they serve become numb to the evils of this world. Sufferings become the way in which some people take advantage of the less fortunate. Those who capitalize on wrongdoings would rather heighten corruption than to do what is right and just for a moral and honest society.   

The public good is hindered when darkness is seen as the only way for systems to operate. Service becomes a disservice as long as common people are not included in the prosperity and progress of any nation.     

For example, there are times when politicians have refused to pass or follow laws; played biased games that exhaust financial and physical resources; dissolved organizations that sought justice; withheld elections in effort to avoid defeat; endangered innocent lives; created unnecessary wars and rumors of wars; caused havoc among diverse communities; embargoed goods for the sake of selfishness; implemented and raised taxes without constituent consent; manipulating the justice system in favor of a select few; and attempted to constrain the hopes and dreams of those who wish perform in a more diplomatic way.   

The U.S. Representatives of 1776 sought to separate this country from such tyranny. As the world continues to fight similar battles, our nation stands as a powerful representation of peace, alliance, prosperity, protection, and allegiance that our countries seek to follow.   

I asked my children “what does independence mean to you?” What they shared were words like: having a home; standing in situations; having a voice; being able to make choices; and celebrating family.   

One word that each of them shared was “freedom.”

Everyone wants to be free. Being independent of degrading parliaments is what we need. You and I appreciate the right to live our dreams. Each of us pledge to do whatever it takes to reach our highest peak, while paving a way for our children and children’s children to enjoy.   

Independence is an honor to exhort in our daily living, having the freedom to continue carrying out the declaration of what was signed over 23 decades ago.   

Have a glorious and momentous Independence Day.

Saturday morning fitness

Great workout! Good time, pushing the limit of the first half, walked most of the second half with family. What a way to start the day!

Brick By Brick

This evening's workout:  focused on the core with dumbbells. #BrickByBrick

Father’s Initiative: Bringing Stability To Children’s Lives

This week's focus is on the power of fatherhood. Share your comments, along with putting words into action.

Father’s Initiative: Bringing Stability To Children’s Lives

  This is the season to especially honor fathers. People, as part of the Father’s Day weekend, prepare delicious meals; purchase nice gifts; and make special visits for their fathers.

  An initiative fathers should take in light of the holiday is: bringing stability to their children’s lives.

  Fathers are the seeds of progress for their future generations.

  Fathers are the bows that embed firmness and flexibility to point their arrows—their children—in the proper direction they should go.

  Without a bow, an arrow is lifeless. God Almighty is the Steady Hand who holds the bow and arrow in place for a perfect bull’s eye shot.

  A child’s stability, security, acceptance and guidance come from his father. This does not mean mothers may not carry the same traits. There are a host of mothers who have raised children to become productive citizens.

  What must take place is fathers taking responsibility for the children they help bring into this world.

  There are some amazing statistics that warrant a serious and immediate change in society.

  The U.S. Census Bureau reports 24 million children in America—one out of every three—live in biological father-absent homes. Nine in ten American parents agree this is a “crisis.”

  Consequently, there is a "father factor" in nearly all of the social issues facing America today. But the hope lies in the fact that children with involved fathers do better across every measure of child well-being than their peers in father-absent homes.

  In a study examining father involvement with 134 children of adolescent mothers over the first 10 years of life, researchers found that father-child contact was associated with better socio-emotional and academic functioning. The results indicated that children with more involved fathers experienced fewer behavioral problems and scored higher on reading achievement. This study showed the significance of the role of fathers in the lives of at-risk children, even in case of nonresident fathers.

  Children in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor. In 2011, 12 percent of children in married-couple families were living in poverty, compared to 44 percent of children in mother-only families.

  Data from three waves of the Fragile Families Study was used to examine the prevalence and effects of mothers’ relationship changes between birth and age 3 on their children’s well being. Children born to single mothers show higher levels of aggressive behavior than children born to married mothers. Living in a single-mother household is equivalent to experiencing 5.25 partnership transitions.

  Infant mortality rates are 1.8 times higher for infants of unmarried mothers than for married mothers.

  Even after controlling for income, youths in father-absent households still had significantly higher odds of incarceration than those in mother-father families. Youths who never had a father in the household experienced the highest odds.

  A study of 109 juvenile offenders indicated that family structure significantly predicts delinquency.

  Being raised by a single mother raises the risk of teen pregnancy, marrying with less than a high school degree, and forming a marriage where both partners have less than a high school degree.

  A study using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study revealed that in many cases the absence of a biological father contributes to increased risk of child maltreatment. The results suggest that Child Protective Services agencies have some justification in viewing the presence of a social father as increasing children’s risk of abuse and neglect. It is believed that in families with a non-biological (social) father figure, there is a higher risk of abuse and neglect to children, despite the social father living in the household or only dating the mother.

  Even after controlling for community context, there is significantly more drug use among children who do not live with their mother and father.

  The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth found that obese children are more likely to live in father-absent homes than are non-obese children.

  Father involvement in schools is associated with the higher likelihood of a student getting mostly A's. This was true for fathers in biological parent families, for stepfathers, and for fathers heading single-parent families.

   The statistics are not a tell-all for every single child and parent in America and around the globe. The data does show the desperate need for father to step up and fill the huge gap that fatherlessness brings to communities.

  There is no excuse for a father not fulfilling his daddy duty: providing children the resources to live positive and productive lives.

   Millions of males have been given the keys to fatherhood. Now is the time to use the key to unlock the potential in the lives of their children as well as other children they come into contact with.

  Take the initiative to put the bow into action, pointing arrows in the direction of divine purpose and good success.

Top 10 Ways People Go Broke

Top 10 Ways People Go Broke
Self-Made Millionaire Shares Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

You don’t have to come from a wealthy family, have the next billion-dollar idea or work 18-hour days to become rich, says self-made millionaire Mike Finley.

 

“You don’t have to be extraordinary in any of the headline-grabbing ways; what you need is the self-awareness to avoid wasting money on short-term, retail-priced happiness,” says Finley, author of “Financial Happine$$,” (www.thecrazymaninthepinkwig.com), which discusses his journey to financial literacy and the principles and practices that allowed him to retire from the Army a wealthy man.

 

“Money used wisely can give you the financial security associated with the good life.”

Finley lists 10 of the most common money traps that lead to consumers going broke:

 

•  Make the appearance of wealth one of your top priorities by acquiring more stuff. The material trappings of a faux lifestyle, as seen in magazines and advertisements, are not good investments either financially or in long-term happiness. 

•  Work a job you hate, and spend your free time buying happiness. Instead, find fulfilling work Monday through Friday so you’re not compensating for your misery with expensive habits during the weekend.

•  Live paycheck to paycheck and don’t worry about saving money. Live for today, that’s all that matters. Have you already achieved all of your dreams by this moment? If not, embrace hope and plan for tomorrow. (Appreciating your life today doesn’t require unnecessary expenditures.)

•  Stop your education when someone hands you a diploma; never read a book on personal finance. Just about any expert will tell you that the most reliable way out of poverty is education. Diplomas shouldn’t be the end of learning; they should be a milestone in a lifetime of acquiring wisdom.

•  Play the lottery as often as possible. While you’re at it, hit the casino! Magical thinking, especially when it comes to money, is a dangerous way to seek  financial security.

•  Run up your credit cards and make the minimum payments whenever possible. Paying interest on stuff you really don’t need is a tragic waste of money.

•  When you come into some free money, spend it. You deserve it. By that logic, you’re saying that a future version of you doesn’t deserve the money, which can be multiplied with wise investments.

•  Buy the biggest wedding and the biggest ring so everyone can see just how fabulous you really are. Nothing says “Let’s start our future together” like blowing your entire savings on one evening.

•  Treat those “amazing” celebrities and “successful” athletes as role models. Try to be just like them whenever possible. As far as we know, there’s only one you the universe has ever known. Don’t dilute your unique individuality by chasing an image.

•  Blame others for your problems in life. Repeat after me: I am a victim. The victim mentality is an attempt to rationalize poor habits and bad decision-making.

 

“If you’re feeling uncomfortable with your financial situation, don’t just sit there in a malaise of ‘If only I had more money,’ ” Finley says. “Instead, use it as motivation for a better life; that’s why the discomfort is there.”

God, Show Me A Sign

Golden nuggets from today's message: God, Show Me A Sign

In the worst conditions, we look for signs that God is with us. Having a sign gives us assurance and confidence that we are headed in the right direction of blessings.

Here are some characteristics that prompts God to show you a sign of progress:
1. Fearlessness - not afraid to stand in God's name against the enemy, regardless of the troubles of the world.
2. Focus - paying full attention to your God-given purpose and goal to deliver the best and right outcome.
3. Faith - having the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.)

Showing Godly fervor in your endeavors makes the difference in successfully living the good life.

References
Judges 6-8
Hebrews 11:32-34

Trennie L. Williams, Sr.

Meditation is a Key to Success

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

How To Be Delivered From Messy Situations

Golden nuggets from today's message:

How To Be Delivered From Messy Situations
(How To Be Delivered From Your Mess

Life has its problems. Some situations are more messy than others. There is a way, though, to live a clean, pure life just as each day is intended.

What is a clear way to get rid of bad stuff/mess/problems whether physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, etc.? This is how you will be delivered from your mess:

1. Realize you have a problem
2. Have a desire to be delivered.
3. Allow God to deliver you, giving you the resources for ultimate living.
4. Treat your body as a holy sanctuary in every area of life.
5. Know God walks in, with, and among you because you are His (perfect, blameless, wholehearted, complete) child.

References
Deuteronomy 23:14
Genesis 17:1
Leviticus 26:12
2nd Corinthians 6:16

Inspiring To Greatness In Every Area Of Life: How To Be An Above-Average Man

Inspiring To Greatness In Every Area Of Life: How To Be An Above-Average Man: How To Be An Above-Average Man   What kind of man did you think you would be as a boy? Are you that man, or are you even the guy you’d li...

Inspiring To Greatness In Every Area Of Life: The Secret Sauce of Success

Inspiring To Greatness In Every Area Of Life: The Secret Sauce of Success: Golden nuggets from today's message: The ingredients to the secret sauce of success 1. Be Strong (confident, strengthened, fortified, ...

How Entrepreneurs Can Increase Profit with a Hands-Off Approach

How Entrepreneurs Can Increase Profit
with a Hands-Off Approach

  It’s a common occurrence among the most talented people in the corporate world – highly skilled and qualified workers make the leap from valued employee to uncertain business owner.

  Unfortunately, rather than becoming a master of their own business, many of these entrepreneurs work twice as much as they did in their safe corporate job, unwittingly committing themselves to becoming the lowest rung on the ladder, says Zenovia Andrews, founder and CEO of The MaxOut Group, a company devoted to empowering and teaching entrepreneurs development strategies to increase profits.

  “People believe that starting a new business is supposed to mean they’ll have to work much longer hours, and that’s why most new businesses fail early,” says Andrews, author of the new book “All Systems Go – A Solid Blueprint to Build Business and Maximize Cash Flow,” (www.zenoviaandrews.com).

 “Entrepreneurs need to be the brains and oversight of the operation. It’s not wise to work for your own business. Sixteen-hour days get entrepreneurs lost in the minutiae. The lose perspective and burn out.”

  Business owners need distance for perspective, and the best way to create that is by knowing how to delegate duties to employees, she says.

“Owners need to be the strategic visionary who hires, trains and develops the best talent available, and then delegates work,” says Andrews, who discusses the five keys of delegation.

•  Understand that your team is made up of human beings. No one can work nonstop, so get your timing right. Know what each employee can handle, and never overwork them. Most people perform at their best when they are consistently busy but not rushed or pressured.

•  Focus on the strengths of your team. Delegation is not a dump-and-run tactic. Know your employees and how they fit into your business puzzle. Allow them to do what they do well, and give them responsibilities and authority. They’ll be happier and so will you.

•  Focus on your own strengths, then plug the holes. Few of us are great at everything! If bookkeeping’s not your thing, hire an accountant. If you don’t have marketing experience, find someone with proven skills. Trying to perform jobs that you don’t do well will require twice as much effort with less-than-satisfactory results.

•  Be the resource king or queen. Your employees are only as good as the resources they have. Make sure that they are equipped to always do the best work for you on a daily basis. Running out of stock, not having new software and not shelling out for that desperately need printer is NOT good delegation.

•  Become the fire, ice and motivation behind your team. When they need guidance, give it to them; when they need appreciation, offer it to them. Inspire, motivate and lead by supporting your delegated decisions and following up on them often.

  “Business owners need to be the big thinkers: to identify patterns both good and bad; to become an idea machine and testing fanatic; to fill out details from outlined strategy; to be aware of market trends; to always have one eye on the competition; and to develop an instinct for the people with whom you like to work,” Andrews says.

The Secret Sauce of Success

Golden nuggets from today's message:
The ingredients to the secret sauce of success
1. Be Strong (confident, strengthened, fortified, conquer, encouraged)
2. Good Courage/Very Courageous (physically, mentally and spiritually alert and steadfast)
3. Live according to the Word/GoodBook/Bible without wavering or departing from it, staying focused on the Lord.
3. Meditate on God's Word day and night, observing and doing all that is written in it.
4. Have no fear,  be not dismayed because God is with you wherever you go.

These ingredients provide an prosperous inheritance of good success throughout eternity.

References:
Joshua 1:6-9
Deuteronomy 6:3-5
Psalm 1:1-3
Luke 10:25-28

Cranking It Up

Elliptical rate at 100 calories per 7:58 minutes; 190 watts of power. Better than earlier this week. ***also a variation of 300 crunches; weights, squats, lunges, pushups, planks, etc. #CrankingItUp #BodyMindSoul

The Boldness Within

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well- timed help, coming just when we need it].

Midday Exercise

Some midday exercise is better than no date exercise! Feels great! #HumpDay

Facts Matter When Your Heart Health is at Stake

 

Facts Matter When Your Heart Health is at Stake

  The heart is one of the most complex organs in our body, affecting many other parts of our body and our health. Having a healthy heart is a key to having a healthy body; heart health and a healthy life go hand-in-hand. This makes having reliable, accurate information about your heart health so important.
  Reliable information is even more important when you or your loved ones are facing questions about issues or conditions affecting the heart, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, or other related diseases. This is especially important for African American and Hispanic communities; heart disease is more prevalent among African Americans[i] and Hispanics[ii]—as are some of the factors that increase the risk of developing it, including high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, and diabetes. But there is a resource to provide you with the information that you need to talk to your health care provider and make informed decisions about your treatment.
  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) encourages you to start exploring the facts. On our Treatment Options page, you can find easy-to-understand summaries and answers to your questions to help you compare the evidence on your treatment options. Here you will find information on different treatment options for high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation or “A-fib,” stable coronary heart disease, and other heart and vascular diseases.
  Learn how to work with your health care provider toward better heart health in three easy steps:
1. Explore: Visit www.ahrq.gov/treatmentoptions or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/yourtreatmentoptions to engage with us about heart health.
2. Compare: Learn about the benefits, risks, and side effects of different treatment options. Think about your treatment goals and what matters most for your quality of life.
3. Prepare: Write a list of questions and concerns to take to your next medical appointment. This will help you and your health care provider decide which treatments will work best for your heart or related condition.
  Caring for your heart is one of the most important things you can do for your health and the health of your family. To learn more about protecting your heart health, visit www.ahrq.gov/treatmentoptions and select “Heart Conditions.” To order free print copies of treatment summaries on many health conditions call 1-800-358-9295.

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[i] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2012). Who Is at Risk for High Blood Pressure? [Fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbp/atrisk.html

[ii] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among US Hispanics [Factsheet]. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/millionheartshispanic