January 2012
9 posts
7 tags
How to Make God Smile
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD. Psalm 69:30-31 (New International Version)
Do you want to please God?
Do you want to satisfy God?
Do you want to make God smile?
If you do, then
Praise Him.
Right now.
Praise Him.
For your body…praise Him. For your mind…praise Him. For your senses…praise Him.
For His...
7 tags
You Were Made For This
I will thank the Lord at all times. My mouth will always praise him. Psalm 34:1 (God’s Word Translation)
You do it all the time.
All day. Every day.
You worship.
When you wake up…you worship.
When you drive your car…you worship.
When you eat…you worship.
When you work…you worship.
When you spend time with friends…you worship.
When you go to sleep at...
7 tags
How to Make Your Story Matter
Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory. Romans 11:36 (The Living Bible)
So much is being said about stories these days.
Tell a good story.
Live an exciting story.
Write a compelling story.
You are encouraged to tell a good story with:
Your words. Your pictures. Your marketing.
But for what?
To spark interest?
To increase sales?...
7 tags
Please Avoid This Tragedy
Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. 1 Peter 2:11 (The Message)
Imagine this.
You achieve success.
You attain notoriety.
You accumulate wealth.
You reach every goal you set.
Seems ideal right?
Well, not if this is the case…
You acquire every temporary earthly comfort, only to find...
7 tags
Your Greatest Responsibility
Those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust. - 1 Corinthians 4:2 (Today’s English Version)
Your perspective is everything.
How you see your life will shape your life.
How you define your life will determine your life.
How you perceive your life will produce your life.
So what do you see?
Do you see it as a race?
Do you see it as a game?
Do...
7 tags
Why You Were Meant to Live Forever
God has…planted eternity in the human heart. - Ecclesiastes 3:11 (New Living Translation)
Though this life is important.
Though this life must be enjoyed.
Though this life should be taken advantage of.
This life is only the beginning.
So wake up.
Snap out of it.
Realize.
The 70-80 years you have on this earth are only…
A speck. A slice. A snippet.
Of all that you will one...
7 tags
The Only Source of Perfect Peace
You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. - Isaiah 26:3 (Today’s English Version)
Your current motivations will not do.
Your guilt. Your fears. Your anger.
Too unhealthy.
Your kids. Your parents. Your significant other.
Too fleeting.
Your goals. Your dreams. Your ambitions.
Too shallow.
It’s time to make you make an...
7 tags
The One Thing You Are Not
I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Isaiah 44:2 (Contemporary English Version)
You are not an accident.
Your skills. Your talents. Your abilities.
Your ethnicity. Your background. Your birthplace.
Your disadvantages. Your handicaps. Your deficiencies.
None of it is an accident.
Though others may not appreciate them, your tendencies are not an accident....
7 tags
Every Great Life Begins with Embracing this One...
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. Colossians 1:16 (The Message)
Believe it or not…
Your life is not about you.
It’s not about your fulfillment.
It’s not about your happiness.
It’s not about your goals.
It’s not about your ambitions.
It’s not...
December 2011
3 posts
7 tags
You Must Not Lose Sight of This
Blessed are the eyes that see what you have seen. I tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. Luke 10:24
Do you see it?
You are living in the most progressive time in history.
You are enjoying the most incredible luxuries in history.
You are experiencing the most...
7 tags
A Very Compelling Reason to Start Writing Again
I lived to write, and wrote to live. - Samuel Rodgers
Don’t you remember?
How motivated you were when a new concept to write about was birthed?
How invigorated you were when the words and phrases all started to “fit together?”
How accomplished you felt when you hit the “publish” button or sent in the manuscript?
The truth is, you miss it.
You miss the challenge...
7 tags
A Prayer Worth Praying
No one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins.
Luke 6:37-38
Make me new.
Rid me of my old, ineffective ways.
Free me of my old, destructive patterns.
Cleanse me of my old, unhealthy desires.
Make me new.
The old is tiring me.
The old is irritating me.
The old is...
September 2011
13 posts
7 tags
Two Words You Probably Don't Want to Hear
Patience is necessary, and one cannot reap immediately where one has sown. - Soren Kierkegaard
Your time will come.
Your moment will arrive.
Your opportunity will present itself.
Just not now.
Now is not the time to shine, now is the time to wait.
Now is not the time to display, now is the time to develop. Now is not the time to be discovered, now is the time to be patient.
Be patient. Be...
7 tags
A Very Necessary Motivation
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross… Hebrews 12:2a
In whatever endeavor you are pursuing…
There is a joy that is set before you.
A reward. A pleasure. A satisfaction.
As a writer, it may be the joy of being read.
As a leader, it may be the joy of growing people.
As a mentor, it may be the joy of...
7 tags
I Wish More Writers Would Do This
Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always to aim at, with originality, which they should never bother about. - W.H. Auden
Be real.
Reveal a real hurt. Explain a real struggle.
Share a real disappointment.
Be transparent.
Describe a real concern.
Illustrate a real emotion.
Express a real frustration.
Be vulnerable.
What do you really feel?
What are you really thinking?...
7 tags
Why Your Work Matters
Regardless of its’ present obscurity.
Regardless of its’ perceived validity.
Regardless of its’ temporary mediocrity.
Your work matters.
Though it has not reached the height of its’ impact.
Though it has not reached the depth of its’ influence.
Though it has not reached the width of its’ inspiration.
Your work still matters.
I know it’s not as well...
7 tags
One of the Most Encouraging Phrases Ever
Failure is not falling down but refusing to get back up. - Chinese Proverb
It’s OK, just try again.
It’s OK that you missed your deadline.
It’s OK that you failed your assignment.
It’s OK that you disappointed your spouse.
It’s OK, just try again.
It’s OK that your team didn’t win.
It’s OK that your plan didn’t work out.
It’s...
7 tags
An Urgent Message for Ambitious Husbands Only
Let marriage be held in honor
(esteemed worthy, precious, of great price,
and especially dear) in all things. Hebrews 13:4a (AMP)
If your wife resents you… Who cares if you’re respected by thousands?
If your wife feels neglected… Who cares if you’re helping hundreds of people?
If your wife hates your schedule…
Who cares if you’re working extremely...
7 tags
You Can't
Not by might nor by power,
but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6b
You can’t.
You can’t fulfill every dream.
You can’t satisfy every desire.
You can’t please every person.
You can’t handle every request. You can’t chase every ambition.
You can’t accomplish every goal.
You can’t meet every expectation. You can’t develop...
7 tags
The Fulfillment of Your Destiny Depends On This
Responsibility is the price of greatness. - Winston Churchill
Your leadership could save a life.
Your passion could solve a problem.
Your mission could start a movement.
Your creativity could support a community.
Your existence could make a positive impact in this world.
But a very important truth must first be understood.
Your “could’s” will never become a reality...
7 tags
Why Your Opinion Isn't Always Necessary
Do not speak unless you can improve the silence.
- Chinese Proverb
You don’t have to “weigh in” on everything.
Unless you can edify…
Unless you can educate…
Unless you can encourage…
Please don’t post another status update.
Unless you can add value…
Unless you can provide a solution…
Unless you can start a conversation…
Please...
7 tags
If Your Blank Page Could Talk, This Is What It...
I’m waiting.
For your time.
For your effort.
For your attempt.
I’m anxious.
For your ideas.
For your passion.
For your creativity.
I’m prepared.
For mistakes to be made.
For concepts to be changed. For rough drafts to be written.
(Don’t worry, I can handle being erased on!)
But most importantly, I’m expecting.
A convincing message to be delivered.
A creative...
7 tags
This Is What You Need To Do When Your Message...
Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument. - Desmond Tutu
If you’re not enjoying the rewards…
If you’re not eliciting the responses…
If you’re not experiencing the results…
Don’t do this.
Don’t just try more.
Don’t just try louder.
Don’t just try harder.
And definitely don’t do this.
Don’t just get more...
7 tags
The People that Should Matter Most to You
[caption id=”attachment_4764” align=”aligncenter” width=”568” caption=”Christina, Ernest and Elias - My Siblings!”][/caption]
My definition of success: When those closest to me love & respect me the most. - John Maxwell
My perspective has changed.
I used to think that my parents’ opinions of me weren’t very valuable.
I used to...
7 tags
11 Reasons to Rest
Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest. - Ashleigh Brilliant
As you may or may not have noticed, over the last month I have been on, what I now call, a “writing sabbatical.”
Though I started out the year with the goal to write and post one inspirational blog entry each day of this year, after writing 200+ consecutive posts, I started to...
August 2011
3 posts
7 tags
The Professional's Enjoyable Distinction
Professionals get paid.
Cash.
Currency.
Compensation.
Moolah.
The quality of their craft demands it.
So much so that one would feel silly not paying for the services of a professional.
The reality is…
Professional actors get paid to act.
Professional writers get paid to write.
Professional dancers get paid to dance.
Professional speakers get paid to speak.
Professionals get paid....
7 tags
The Professional's Biggest Commitment
Professional practice.
All. of. the. time.
In the morning…they practice.
In the afternoon…they practice.
In the evening…they practice.
Professionals practice.
When they’re tired…they practice.
When they’re “busy”…they practice.
When they’re sick of practicing …they practice.
Professionals practice.
When it’s...
7 tags
The Professional's Greatest Risk
Professionals are “All-In.”
All their time.
All their energy.
All their resources.
Professionals are fully invested into their profession.
They’re not waiting for another opportunity.
They’re not considering other options.
They’re not holding anything back.
Instead…
Professionals sign the contract.
Professionals take out the loan.
Professionals make...
July 2011
29 posts
7 tags
The Professional's Uncompromisable Approach
Professionals are focused.
They have clearly identified the skill, talent, or ability that they desire to become a professional of and they focus on it.
Completely.
They do not have “many irons on the fire.”
They do not pursue expertise in multiple disciplines.
They do not resonate well with the phrase, “Jack of all trades and master of none.”
Professionals are...
7 tags
The "Professional" Series
There is a specific purpose for which you were created.
But it is very likely that in order to fulfill your purpose, you will need to “Go Pro.”
With that in mind, it is my goal in this series of posts, to encourage you to develop the 5 character traits that separate the “Pros” from the “Amateurs.”
The Professional’s Uncompromisable Approach
The...
7 tags
Two Very Encouraging Words
If we are not ashamed to think it,
we should not be ashamed to say it.
Cicero
Say it.
Because no one has said it with your style.
Because no one has said it with your energy.
Because no one has said it with your passion.
Say it.
Because no one has said it to your tribe.
Because no one has said it to your audience.
Because no one has said it to your followers.
Say it.
Who cares if...
7 tags
This Is Your Problem
You have a problem.
You want the results professionals get,
But you don’t want to put in the effort professionals put in.
You want the accolades professionals receive,
But you don’t want to make the sacrifices professional make.
You want to make the money professionals make,
But you don’t want to take the risks that professionals take.
You want to experience the...
7 tags
A Writer's Confession
The truth is, there are many days, I feel as if the words I write don’t matter.
I feel as if they are written in vain.
I feel as if they will never have their intended impact.
I feel as if they have already been better written by somebody else.
And so I want to quit.
I want to quit writing words that uplift.
I want to quit writing words that encourage.
I want to quit writing words...
7 tags
Three Random Words of Encouragement
1. Finish Well
The task which you have been giving your life to over the last several weeks is almost complete. The finish line is nearing. You are closer to the end than you have ever been.
Therefore, finish well.
All your previous work will mean nothing if you don’t.
2. Listen Carefully
The answers you desire are available to you. Believe it or not, people are actually anxious to tell...
7 tags
How to Save Your Life
If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. - Jesus of Nazareth
Things not going your way?
Are your negative circumstances frustrating you?
Find yourself facing the same “issues” over and over again?
The remedy is not easy, but it’s simple.
Surrender.
Every concern…
Every problem…
Every...
7 tags
Three Things I Know About You
1. Your best days are ahead of you.
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. -Thomas Jefferson
Joyous days. Exciting days. Memorable days.
Anticipate them.
2. Your best ideas are inside of you.
The brain is a commodity used to fertilize ideas. - Elbert Hubbard
Fresh ideas. Unique ideas. Brilliant ideas.
Share them.
3. Your best opportunities are in front of you.
...
7 tags
The Most Effective Negative Inspiration
A deadline is a negative inspiration. Still, it’s better than no inspiration at all. - Rita Mae Brown
Deadlines define time lines.
Deadlines decide due dates.
Deadlines determine priorities.
Deadlines demand commitment.
Deadlines devalue procrastination.
Deadlines develop a sense of urgency.
Deadlines deliver results.
So when’s your next deadline?
It is very unlikely that your...
7 tags
The Question All Leaders Should Be Asking...
Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish. - Sam Walton
As a leader, there are many questions you should be consistently asking yourself to ensure that you are leading well.
Questions like:
How am I leading by example?
What can I do to get better at what I do?
How clear...
7 tags
How to Get Discovered
The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. - William James
So you wanna’ be discovered?
Produce art that is so creative.
Tell a story that is so compelling.
Create content that is so consistent.
Share a message that is so convincing.
Take an approach that is so courageous.
That people can’t help but talk about it.
Because when enough people...
7 tags
Your Dream is Unattainable Unless You Have THIS
The first wealth is health. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
You may have an incredible team.
You may have a world-class talent.
You may have a crystal clear vision.
You may have a wealth of resources.
But unless you have your health, those other things mean nothing.
It’s time to stop messin’ around.
Your lack of exercise - unacceptable.
Your unhealthy eating habits - unacceptable....
7 tags
The One Thing Committed People Do Better Than...
Commitment: Doing what you said you would do even when you don’t feel like doing it anymore.
If you don’t feel like going, but you committed to going…go.
If you don’t feel like trying, but you committed to trying…try.
If you don’t feel like caring, but you committed to caring…care.
If you don’t feel like writing, but you committed to...
7 tags
A Necessary Key for Increasing Your Influence
The man who cannot endure to have his errors and shortcomings brought to the surface and made known, but tries to hide them, is unfit to walk the highway of truth.
- James Allen
Everyday you have a choice.
You can be fake or you can be real.
You can withhold or you can disclose.
You can have duplicity or you can have integrity.
You can try trickery or you can try transparency.
I recommend...
7 tags
My 5 Favorite Inspirational Words
Words — so innocent and powerless as they are,
as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become
in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Dream
Desire more.
Envision change.
Imagine possibilities.
To dream is to believe.
Start
Start moving.
Start creating.
Start becoming.
To start is to act.
Persevere
Through lulls.
Through trials....
7 tags
The Mentor's Manifesto
The Mentor’s Manifesto
I am talented.
I enjoy what I do.
I do what I do very well.
I am proficient at my work.
I excel at the tasks I am given.
I am recognized for the quality of my craft.
I exceed the expectations of all those around me.
But that is not enough.
I must pass on my talents and abilities to the next generation.
I must replace myself with someone more capable than I.
I...
7 tags
I'm So Honored By This
It’s not everyday you meet someone like Jeff.
Someone who shares more than he takes.
Someone who gives expecting nothing in return.
Someone who cares about your success just as much as his own.
The truth is, if it wasn’t for Jeff,
Many of you who have been reading my blog would have never heard of me.
And, today, true to form,
Jeff is graciously featuring, on his blog, a guest post...
7 tags
A Few Thoughts About Consistency
The benefits of consistency are many.
Consistency reveals passion.
Consistency overcomes odds.
Consistency improves ability.
Consistency develops resolve.
Consistency builds credibility.
Consistency creates discipline.
Consistency shows commitment.
Consistency kills procrastination.
Consistency sustains momentum.
Consistency is powerful.
Develop it.
The fulfillment of your life’s...
7 tags
How to Live an Inspired Life
Inspiration favors the faithful. Michael Warden
If you desire to live an inspired life, I have one piece of advice.
Be faithful.
To the skill that you’re learning.
To the craft that you’re perfecting.
To the discipline you’re developing.
Be faithful.
To the projects you’ve started.
To the endeavors you’ve begun.
To the commitments you’ve made.
Be...
7 tags
A Dream Come True
One of my wildest dreams is coming true.
As you can see from the screenshot above, at this very moment, I am in the process of becoming a published author!
I am so excited!
Stay tuned…
Original Article
7 tags
Immediately Become More Productive By Doing This
A distracted existence leads us to no goal. Goethe
Unsubscribe.
From blogs.
From rss feeds.
From email lists.
Unsubscribe.
From alerts.
From updates.
From notifications.
Unsubscribe.
Un-friend. Un-follow. Un-connect.
Unsubscribe.
You’re being impacted by too many ideals. You’re being influenced by too many voices.
You’re being inundated with too many messages.
And...
7 tags
The Most Unappreciated Ability
To live is to think.
Cicero
It is a lost art.
A forgotten skill.
An overlooked talent.
An unappreciated ability.
It is…
The ability to THINK.
To reason.
To ponder.
To consider.
To synthesize.
To contemplate.
Thinking is beneficial.
Thinking can save you time.
Thinking can save you energy.
Thinking can save you money.
Thinking is powerful.
It is the instigator for ideas.
It is...