How Much for 1 Rib????

Where will you spend?

Matthew 6:21 (NLT)

21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

It is incredibly intriguing that the familiar phrase, “Time is Money” was coined by the man on the face of a one hundred dollar bill. Benjamin Franklin was not only a celebrated inventor but also a person who understood the value of time.

Recently I read that many stores are opening the evening of Thanksgiving for the early Christmas/post Thanksgiving sales. Although I applaud their efforts at reducing the rush and having concern for crazy crowds, a part of me feels that the purpose behind Thanksgiving is being pushed to the side.

Thanksgiving day is more than belt busting delicacies that destroy diets. It is a time of togetherness that provides people pause to examine their lives and profess their appreciations.

The bible teaches us that physical possessions are not bad but should not be our greatest focus of value.  Where will you spend your time and your money this Thanksgiving?

The Bells are Ringing - I'm hungry!!!

Repetition is a powerful teaching tool. Think of all the test questions and song lyrics you have memorized through repetition and repeated hearing.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)

My son ran into the kitchen after finishing his dinner and exclaimed, “spoon!” I was confused. He had demolished a bowl of ravioli, some applesauce, and a banana – what more could he want? Again he said, “spoon!” Bewildered but intrigued, I handed him a spoon. He took a few steps back, placed the inside of the spoon on his nose, and then slowly pulled his hands away. He actually hung the spoon from his nose! After applauding and telling him well done, I nearly busted up the kitchen reaching for my phone just to take a picture.

It took a minute, but I realized that he learned this cool trick from repeatedly watching a kid from one of his favorite television shows.

There was an experiment in 1902 by a Russian Scientist named Ivan Pavlov. He concluded through using a bell to cause his dogs to salivate that a behavior could be learned. In the experiment, he would ring the bell every time he fed his dogs. Soon, he discovered that just the sound of the bell would increase salivation in his dogs, even before he handed them food.

The constant and consistent repetition of Pavlov can teach us a life lesson. Everyday we will experience good and bad things. The way we react is solely determined by the solutions we are frequently exposed to.

If we regularly see our leadership breakdown in a crisis – then we will break down in a crisis. If we see faith and trust in God from those we esteem in times of circumstance then our reaction will be the duplication of their actions.

Life will give you several moments to be the teacher or the pupil. In either case, you must be aware of what you are instructing others to do and what lessons you are allowing yourself to learn.

The bells of triumph are ringing. What will your reaction be? The bells of tragedy are ringing? What will your reaction be? Will you wallow in sorrow or salivate for the peace of your savior?

When we earnestly thirst for right living in everything we do and experience – the bible says we will be filled! The dogs had a physical reaction to the bell that ignited their hunger. The bell rang and they were filled with food from their master’s hand.

Like everything else, relying on the master takes practice and repetition.

Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

When you practice trusting God above all else in every circumstance you will strengthen you spiritual muscles. When anything occurs, you will have muscle memory to immediately do what you have trained your body to do.

As the bells of your circumstances ring, will you trust your master to satisfy your needs? Practice pursuing God in everything, because, WITH GOD, all things are possible!

Bruised apples have good seeds!

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

A young boy’s father gave him a bright red apple to take to school with his lunch. The boy placed the apple in his brown lunch sack, threw the sack into his backpack, and ran off to board the school bus.

During the coarse of the day, the apple tumbled around in the lunch sack. When it was time for lunch, the boy pulled the apple eagerly from his bag. When the boy saw the apple, his happy feelings immediately deflated. The apple, once brilliantly red and round, was now misshapen and covered with dark bruises. 

Disappointed, the boy slid the apple back into his lunch sack and tried to forget about it.

When the boy arrived home from school, he carried the bruised apple to his father. With tears in his eyes, the boy lamented over the demise of the apple’s beauty. The father then took the apple, sliced it in half, and handed it back to his son. He said, “ Son, the life of your apple is not over because inside of it are seeds that will make fresh new apples.”

Think about this. People are like the little boy’s apple. Life gives them bumps and bruises over time. Life experiences can make an individual feel worthless. Even worse, other people will cast someone off if they are too battered and misshapen for their liking.

Yet, there is hope! When you accept Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit plants a seed of regeneration inside of you. You will face hard days. Friends and family will turn their back on you. But you will not pass away. 

The Holy Spirit will give you the power to rejuvenate and flourish once more. Bruises will heal, true companions will return, and your God always lives. He gives beauty for ashes and a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness! (Isaiah 61:3)

Be encouraged – you may feel down, but the healthy lady at the opera isn’t about to hit her high notes. You have an encore performance coming soon. Plant yourself in Christ and allow him to not only renew you, but also help you encourage others to be renewed.

Jesus is a TEXAN! He does everything Big!

Celebrate the small stuff! Every blessing from God is a big deal!

James 1:17 (NKJV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

 

A vibrant “Hallelujah” echoed through the office like a Sunday church bell. I rushed over to my friend to see why he was experiencing such jubilation.

“I found my sunglasses.” He was beaming uncontrollably as he waved the sunglasses in the air.

I was both confused and surprised. “What?! That was it?”

After the initial surprise of the moment had passed, I realized that life was full of fragmented blessings.

Others may view your personal blessings as small, but it is perfectly okay for them to be a big deal for you! On top of that, small blessings often accumulate into bigger ones.  I rarely pass up the chance to pick up fallen change because my grandmother once told me that if you collect enough pennies, eventually you would make a dollar. Many of us are waiting for that one big blessing from God – when, in actuality, every blessing we receive is not only good, but also a part of a giant and perfect plan for our lives. We must learn to celebrate every gift we receive from the Lord.

Take some time today to tell God “Thank you!” You have received some great gifts from the best giver. Everything adds up, so count all of your blessings and be grateful!

The 2nd Strongest Man Ever!

Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

Standing on the side of a hospital bed comfortably sandwiched between two bunk beds in a second floor apartment, I heard the most profound statement. 

One of my teens from church that is unreservedly fighting for his life, rested under a Spiderman blanket sipping water through a straw and talking after a few swallows. His body is emaciated and each word that loosely falls from his lips is barely over a whisper. Despite his physical condition, his heart and attitude are stronger than Floyd Mayweather in an unfair fight.

The boy’s father and mother are also in the room with me when he asks for us to unite hands in prayer. The teen boy directs his father to hold his hand. As the warmth of his father’s hand pressed into his son’s hand, the boy admits to his dad, “You are the strongest man I know - next to God.”

His dad isn’t a millionaire nor is he the cover model for a muscle magazine. Yet, the fact that he is consistently in his son’s life, taking care of him, praying with him, and loving on him, his strength is beyond measure.

As a parent, I want my son to see me that way. I want to be his picture of strength. I used to hang from my dad’s arm as a child and marvel at his strength but I was more impressed by his love. It doesn’t matter how many hours you spend in the gym, how many supplements you take, or how powerful you are as a business professional. Your strength as a dad, a parent, or caregiver is in your compassion and love.

The young boy’s mom told me something also while I was visiting. She expressed that her son has outlived many other youth who carry her son’s same sickness.  I now believe that that boy’s strength to survive is in God as well as in the way he honors his parents who love God and have given him a reason to live. 

Your love helps your children live!

Coverage for Falling Rocks!!

Psalm 3:3

Amplified Bible (AMP)

³ But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

Recently, there was a story in the news about a group of hikers that were buried under falling rocks. Because of torrential rain, the once stable paths of six hikers became unsure. Boulders tumbled from their broken positions and fell at a rapid pace. There wasn't enough space or time to escape. A father instinctively leapt to cover his daughter as the others attempted to shield themselves. When rescuers arrived at the scene, they were unable to locate five of the hikers. However, they discovered the one young lady whose father shielded her. He was not located.

Although this is a tragic story, there is a message in the mess of those fallen rocks. In life, we could be traveling a familiar path without fear of impending danger. Yet, right when we feel that our steps are secure, the floor could fall out and we can see the proverbial world collapsing upon us. There is hope though!

Just as the father of that young lady instinctively leapt to cover his daughter, our Father in heaven is shielding us with His love! God sent His only son, Jesus, into this world to protect from all hurt, harm, and danger. He is proof that His love is our shield and strength to survive. Be encouraged - YOU ARE COVERED!

Here is the story: http://news.yahoo.com/lone-survivor-colorado-rock-slide-saved-her-dad-190927436.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CVdQ0xSUGsAVAjQtDMD

You Gotta Keep Your Head Up!

When I was younger, I really enjoyed early Saturday morning television shows. One of my favorites was The Adventures of Superman. The show opened with the announcer saying, “Look! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Superman!”

No one  looked for superman to come in on foot, in a car, or on his or her ground level. When people wanted the help of Superman, they had to look up!

The other day, I was working out with a great friend of mine. It was a very difficult workout that physically took our breath away. My workout partner finished strong but felt weak. He was bent over attempting to take deep breaths. Before long, he stood up and said, “When I played football in High School, after a difficult workout my coach would tell us to pick our heads up and lift our hands in order to breathe.” He continued to say, “You can’t breathe while bent over and looking down, there’s no air down there.”

Many of us are seeking some sort of provision from God. However, in our efforts to receive provision, we have become exhausted and are hanging our heads. Keep reading - your provisional relief is coming. Understand that provision is not limited to finances. God provides peace, comfort, love, attention, relief, and more.

Genesis 24:63-67

63 And Isaac went out to meditate and bow down [in prayer] in the open country in the evening; and he looked up and saw that, behold, the camels were coming.

64 And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel.

65 For she [had] said to the servant, Who is that man walking across the field to meet us? And the servant [had] said, He is my master. So she took a veil and concealed herself with it.

66 And the servant told Isaac everything that he had done.

67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her; thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Isaac, the son of Abraham was by himself in an open place praying fervently. It wasn’t that Isaac was without resources (his family was rich) however his life was about to experience an area of lack. I can imagine Isaac kneeling down and praying to God, closing his prayer, then looking up. In the distance he saw the camels.

Camels carried provision. Camels carried resources. Camels carried what was needed to survive in a dry and deserted area.

Rebekah is on one of the camels. Isaac doesn’t know that he will need Rebekah, but his earthly father (Abraham) knew what God promised him and Isaac’s heavenly father (God) knew what the future held for Isaac.

Rebekah, away from her family and probably worn by the journey, is looking down as well. But, at the right and divine time, she looks up and at her provision.

Isaac needs Rebekah and Rebekah needs Isaac – God’s provision was presented to  both of them in this Camel moment.

After they meet, Isaac introduces Rebekah to his mother, Sarah and he marries Rebkah. When Sarah dies, Rebekah is the comfort he needs!

Here is the point. In our moments of desperation we tend to look down. Some look down and take a moment to pray. Others look down as if they are too worn to continue. I am challenging you to readjust your focus. LOOK UP! Your provision is on the horizon. Don’t give in – the further you push a spring down – the higher it jumps! If you continue to stay down, you are obstructing your ability to live. You can’t breath if you constrict the breathing process. You have to open up to fully receive what you need. The provision you need is not just for today it is for your future as well. Get to your place, away from the madness, and pray. God is ready to provide what you knowingly and unknowingly need.

Your CAMELS are coming! Look Up! 

If God is counting Hairs - what about the one's I've lost??!!

(Matthew 10:28-30)

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Fear is a prevailing emotion. With earthquakes, escalating gas prices, wars, and lackluster job security, people are just as afraid to live, as they are to die. When I was in junior high, number 72 for the Chicago Bears, William “Refrigerator” Perry was the greatest player alive. He was a big guy and I was a big guy - sort of. He was 6’2” and weighed 382 pounds, I was 4’9” and weighed around 110 pounds. Determined to use my weight to gain popularity and somehow discover my purpose, I joined the football team and made sure the coach gave me the number 72 jersey. My first day on the field, I was shocked to see how hard the other guys were running into each other. 

I thought, how is that fun? I don’t like being hit and I for sure don’t want to hit anybody! Given all of my prior football experience, I was placed on the “B” team as a second string lineman. The day I was told to get in the game, I was elated. I ran to my position, stood with my legs shoulder length apart, bent my knees a little, then put my right hand down balanced on my thumb and fingers. The ball was hiked and this giant man-child ran over me like truck. I walked off the field, removed my pads and exclaimed “this is not for me - use someone better!” My coach came over to me and explained that pain and persistence are apart of the game. He also said that in the game each player is important. 

The other team is going to attack at every opportunity and their goal is to get you to quit but players on and off the field are vital to victory. The coach made me put my pads back on and put me back in again. But, isn’t that what God does for us.

At our moment of desperation, He says just the right thing to remind us that even in our weak points he will provide the words that will give us the strength we need (2 Corinthians 12:9). I completed the game and the season more confident than ever. Although at first I thought my role was seemingly insignificant – I knew that if I didn’t do my part there would be no one to give the first string a break or to step in when needed. 

As Christians, we must grasp the undeniable truth that God passionately cares about us – so much so that he counts every hair on our head – even the ones that won’t grow back. You are important, invaluable, and priceless. Even though people may act like bullies and attack your character to make you feel inferior, your value is not determined by their words. God labeled you with a price that could never be paid by man and your persistence through the pain will give you victory! Remove fear and replace it with the God given confidence that you can do ALL things through Him that gives you strength.

Exposed!

John 13:3-4

3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

My son struggled with a cold one evening. He sneezed, cried, and demanded attention throughout the night. The next morning, I struggled to get him prepared for school. He was tired, I was exhausted, and we both had somewhere to be. Eventually we loaded the car and headed to our first stop.

We arrive at a stoplight and I glance over my right shoulder to check on him. He was sitting feebly in his car seat with tears welled up in his eyes. His face was covered in mucus.  He had sneezed and then tried to wipe his nose with his hands, rubbing mucus all over his face while I wasn’t looking.

I looked feverishly for a napkin, tissue, or some sort of soft material, to wipe his nose. Nothing. In desperation to clean my son up, I removed my shirt, wrapped a portion of the shirt around my hand, and proceeded to clean his face and nose. I wasn’t worried about who was looking into my car – my concern was cleaning my son’s face.

It was just enough to bring somewhat of a grin to my son’s face. Here was his dad in traffic half naked and doing anything to clean him up and make him smile.

Reaching back to the moment Jesus was with his disciples at the last supper is a great correlation. Before Jesus served them supper, He removed his outer garment, placed a towel around his waist and washed their feet. This was His ultimate act of service before the cross. He removed his garments, washed their feet, and then dried them with the towel he was wearing.

Before Jesus went to the cross, the bible says they removed his clothes leaving him exposed before the onlookers. But in that exposed state He was more concerned with the sins of humanity than his physical appearance.

In 1 John 1:9 we learn that “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus wants to clean you up. He sees your tears and the mess that you are covered in – let Him cleanse you and place a smile back on your face. He has exposed himself for you and his main concern is you.

Pick your friends like you pick your nose! Very Carefully!

Picky Picky!

1 Samuel 16:11

So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

My favorite professional football team, The Houston Texans, recently selected a player that wasn’t in the line up.

Elliot Coffey, a Sugar Land native, star player for the Baylor Bears, and current employee with Enterprise Rent a Car got the call when he wasn’t even on the field. After playing for Baylor, then going undrafted in 2012 and signing as a free agent to the Denver Broncos he had no playtime last year. He returned to Houston and went to work. I believe that in the back of his mind He knew he had a gift; he just needed the right people to recognize it. According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, Coffey was cleaning a car and preparing it for a customer when his agent called and said he had five days to get ready.  The first Texans preseason game had already taken place and many of the player selections had already begun but the story was not over for Coffey. Now he is a linebacker in his home city in front of those who saw him cleaning cars.

David, the great giant slayer has a similar story. When God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint the next king, Jesse brought out seven of his prized boys. David was still in the field working. David's own father didn't even consider him worthy of the anointing. God told Samuel that none of Jesse’s selections, despite size, stature, or strength were the one. God knew there was one more – the least expected. David is called forth and Samuel immediately knows that David is the one. He was the last one called and the least likely to get the position but God’s choices are not predictable.

I am encouraging you to take these two real stories and apply them to your life. David was not asleep when he got the call. Coffey was not at home or in the streets when he got the call. David wasn’t practicing being a king and Coffey wasn’t knocking over foam players. Nevertheless they were busy and every work we do can be applied to where we are going. (Romans 8:28) 

Maybe you feel like the last one left and everyone else appear more qualified for the position. God said, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) You are pre-qualified, hand crafted, and the perfect choice. Remain humble, keep working, and when you get the call – go get your blessing!

How to Survive the HEAT

“Look!” he answered. “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” – Daniel 3:25

HEAT is powerful! It burns, purifies, molds, refines and removes. Anyone living in Houston can attest to the overwhelming strength of heat. We can also learn a lot about HEAT from the three Hebrew boys who were thrown into the furnace.

King Nebuchadnezzer was so HEATED at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that he demanded they be thrown into the fire... Fueled by anger, the king had the furnace HEATED to such a degree that it INCINERATED the individuals who threw the boys into the furnace. After a short while, the King noticed the once bound boys walking around in the midst of the HEAT with a cool companion.

I encourage you to think about four quick things:

1.     Haters get heated, but they will only destroy themselves, and those they conspire with, if YOU stay cool.

2.     You may feel bound while in a hot place, but you can still call out for help.

3.     God is with you always, and He can use every heated situation for your benefit.

4.     God also uses heated situations for his glory.  God did more than perform a miracle for the boys. He also sent a message to the king and any onlooker about His power!

There is always a way to stay cool in hot times. 

The Paralysis of Analysis

The Price of Pushing forward 

The Paralysis of Analysis

Someone once said…”I made 6 resolutions last year and I kept them all Year long. They are in an envelope at my house.

A decision not to decide is still a decision. Frequently, the uncertain consequence of decisions is more intimidating and paralyzing than the decision itself. My Pastor likes to refer to the extended pause in pressing forward as the “paralysis of analysis”.

This pretty much sums up my decision making process. Some decisions are so difficult for me that it is almost comical. I get bothered when a restaurant has too many choices. Don’t let them have pictures to coincide with the food. It makes me want to order half of the menu! Thank God for patient wait staff.

The Bible says:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Based on these two verses it can be ascertained that God is already prepared to graciously pour out wisdom when we ask for direction. The catch is that we must ask according to His desire for our lives and not our selfish intent. We can’t be halfway into something that we know isn’t right and simultaneously asking God to guide us on the same path. That is just seeking justification for bad judgment.

Godly wisdom is the understanding of what pleases God; because God is the source of wisdom, He unselfishly doles it out when we ask with a pure heart.

Recently, a very popular basketball player was faced with a difficult decision. Pride, pay, popularity, and promise were sizeable factors in his impending decision. His current team and teammates had their influence. His past team and performance had their influence also. However, when asked how Dwight Howard chose to play his next season with the Houston Rockets, he removed every influence but one. Ironically, Dwight’s decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers took place on a day designated to celebrate freedom and independence from the past.

“It was on the Fourth of July,” said Howard. “That’s when I felt it was Houston. I was in Colorado. It seemed like every person that I met was from Houston. It was just so ironic. I’d walk around. Someone would ask for a picture. They’d give me a business card and it would say Houston on it. I was like, ‘Is everybody in Colorado from Houston right now?’ It was unbelievable.

“I was like, ‘You know what, this has to be from God.’ You pray for things to happen. You pray for signs, for God to show you things. It just seemed like, this was it.”

Howard is supposedly taking a 3 million dollar pay cut to play with the Rockets.

Howard continued, “I chose to go to Houston. I wasn’t traded. I was just like I had an opportunity to do something for myself and it wasn’t anybody’s else’s choice. It wasn’t a friend or fans or based off anybody but myself. In Orlando, I wanted to do everything for everybody else and I wasn’t happy inside with what I did. I just wanted to see everybody else happy. This time, I wanted to make myself happy and get back to being who I am, being Dwight, having fun and being happy.”

When you accept Jesus into your life, The Holy Spirit moves in and plants stakes. You have all that you need, living inside of you, to make the right choice. Every choice you make is worthy of God’s opinion. God will grant you wisdom and He will also give you confirmation. Three million is three million despite your level of wealth nevertheless PEACE IS PRICELESS!

Keep shouting!!

When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. (Joshua 6:20 NLT)

Don't underestimate the power of your SHOUT! There is a popular cleaning agent that has the ability to destroy dirt, set stains free, and  clean the most caked on issues! The product's slogan says it eloquently! "Let life happen. You've got shout".

Catch this! When the people opened their mouths and released their triumphant shout - the walls crumbled. The boarders, barriers, blockades, or hinderances in your life will lose their hold when you loose your shout!

SHOUT IT OUT!! God is in control and will crumble your concerns. Stop stifling your praise - the music is calling you to say something - allow God to bring down those walls.

And even if your issues lie within you and have built a boarder around your heart -the bible says that if you would just open your mouth to communicate with Christ, He will cleanse. (1john 1:9) Are you ready to shout yet??

There is power in you! Shout! 

I love TONY CHACHERE SEASONING!!!!!!

How to not grow weary and add spice to life!

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

I walked through the front doors of the school, down the sidewalk, and to the parking lot where my car was parked. Everything seemed normal almost predictable. It was another opportunity to speak at a school that went well and now I was prepared to leave.

I remember asking God during my midnight New Year’s Eve prayer to open more doors for me. Yet somewhere in the midst of all the school events and opportunities to be a mouthpiece for Him – it became normal.

Today, something changed! A lady met me in the parking lot. She said, “I know you don’t know me but I have seven children and a couple of them attend this school. Today is the second time I heard you speak.” She went on to say, “I enjoyed what you had to say and these kids really need to hear you more often.”

It was just what I needed. Her humble yet pure words were confirmation. There is a harvest of youth that need encouragement and I must excitedly stand my post. God sends little angels to remind us that we are doing a good job. Don’t stop doing what you are doing for Christ – someone’s life is being affected – even if you don’t know who he or she is!

I heard a preacher profess that it is easy to maintain momentum when doing something wrong. But how often do you hear people confess that they are tired of getting up early for work, frustrated with eating properly, or challenged about making proper choices financially? As fun as it is it appears to live carelessly there are consequences.

Remember the end results of your efforts. The greatest returns come from long term and consistent investing. The party is always more fun than planning it. Quick results are fleeting.

If what you do is right yet feels mundane – revive it! Look for creative ways to do the same thing differently. Change your wake up routine. Instead of that cell phone chime – set your alarm clock to your favorite worship CD or workout mix. Drive a different way to work, go to a unique aerobic class, research different healthy meals with flavor, discover how to stretch your dollars through do it yourself projects. Redecorate your work environment. Take advantage of the creative people who post their ideas on the internet – their ideas can inject energy into what has become lazy living.

You have to find the right seasoning to spice up your life! Don't get tired, add the right ingredients - or TONY CHACHERE - and keep it moving.

Your harvest is coming! Keep working the ground. Your wave is coming. Keep paddling. Your breakthrough is coming! Keep charging! 

Weapons in The Closet?!?!

Weapons in the closet?

Matthew 6:6

 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Last week, a man in southwest Houston had his home invaded while he was still there. I can imagine the trepidation that came over him as they forced their way in and attacked him. The story said that once the burglars grabbed the man, they dragged him upstairs, and shoved him into a closet.

Many people feel that they have been helplessly attacked. Their life has been abruptly interrupted and they have been thrown into a closet.

Yet, the very place people have shoved you to get rid of you, hide you, or belittle you can be your place of power.

After the homeowner was thrown into the closet, it didn’t take him long to realize which closet he was in. This wasn’t an ordinary coat closet – this was where he kept his weapons! He escaped from the closet with a renewed strength.

The bible teaches us to go to a secret place to pray. A place that is located behind a closed door. Don’t despise a closed door. It is behind that door, in the dark, that you will find your firepower. Whether you were involuntarily placed in that dark place or you walked there yourself - find God in that place and experience the life altering strength of your Father!

Here is the news story - http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9102486

Because I Said So!!!!!!!!!!!

Is that what you really want to do?!

Luke 6:46-49

46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.[h] 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.[i] And the ruin of that house was great.”

When did, “Because I said so” stop being good enough?

Discipline has always been an interesting topic in my family. My mom had a quick hand and did not tolerate my brother or I getting out of line. My father was stern and tough but never laid a hand on my brother or I. Not that one form of correction was better than the other. A child has to be corrected and you must use what works best for you and your child. My father has a deep baritone voice and a scowl that could strike fear into the boogey man. That was enough for me!

It’s funny that in my home we are repeating that same scenario. I am not the disciplinarian but mommy knows how to get it done. Recently my son woke up in the middle of the night screaming for attention. His mother went into his room, told him to go back to bed, and laid him back down. A short while later he yelled for his mom, she retorted, “Go to bed William!” He paused then repeatedly yelled, “Daddy!” She looked at me and said, “ You better not move! He has to learn.”

God gives us direction daily. But, when we aren’t comfortable with His direction, we tend to look for other solutions. He doesn’t want us to fail however gives us free will and He will chastise us for disobedience. The solution is easy. Listen to God’s direction and establish a firm foundation. Start listening and simply do what HE TELLS YOU TO DO! Your rear end and your life will thank you later.

I'm not Cocky... I'm CONFIDENT!

Get your swagger back!

Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

I read a story by Luis Marquez that said:

A child is watching his team play baseball. A man walks up and asks, "How is the game?" The child replies, "We're losing 18 to 0." The man tells the child, "Oh, don't be discouraged." But he didn't expect the child's answer: "Why should I be discouraged? My team hasn't been up to bat yet!"

You were born with confidence and the ability to win in all circumstances. Somewhere along the way doubt and disbelief entered your psyche and planted stakes – today you must serve an eviction notice and remove the stakes.

I have never seen a game forfeited in the first quarter or ended in the first inning especially when the other team has the ability to play.

It doesn’t matter how far the others seem to be ahead of you or how far behind you think you are. When it is your turn, you must gather all of the GOD given confidence you have and DO WORK!

Remove complete self-reliance and trust the TRUE GAME CHANGER! You are next at bat, point to the fences, swing and connect!

“When I was a child my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk, you'll be the pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.”

― Pablo Picasso

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”

― Mahatma Gandhi