"THINK" A.H.E.A.D. USA

Christmas Goals To Help Avoid Crisis.

2011-12-19T07:36:00.000-05:00

This Christmas and others past and future many of us have difficult time enjoying the Holiday Season because of the problems, going on in and around our lives. Our situations could include, loss of a loved one, loss of a job or income. We could be dealing with health issues, financial issues, problems in our relationships. Whatever your issues may be, the Christmas Season is the absolute best time to demonstrate your love for the Lord, and your complete faith and trust that HE will see you through any crisis. Keep Christ in your Christmas. Know Christ, No Crisis!

This past week, a young man I mentor came to me concerned about having money to buy Christmas presents. He wanted to take out a student loan of $1,000.00 to buy presents. I immediately led him to Proverbs 22:7, "The borrower is slave to the lender." It also made me think of just how much Christians and people in general are under attack during the holidays. This young man had no means to pay back the loan, but with commercials, relationship pressures and the constant worldly reminders to buy and spend, he is "sweating" buying gifts that he cannot afford. I suggested he write out a list of all the people he really "needed" to get gifts for, and to find out ways he can demonstrate his love for them without going into debt. It was challenging, and I'm not sure if I won or lost the argument, but I do know this, too many of us lose our financial focus during the holidays, only to create a "crisis" in the New Year. Give the gift of being there, with a hug, a smile, and handmade token that will last forever. Those gifts we made as kids to our parents are the most precious gifts of all. Our house is lined with those type of gifts from our kids. Ornaments for the tree, odd colored frames and potholders, or drink coasters. Those things last forever. I hope our kids never get too old or to take the time to "make" something special. I encourage you to be creative, make something special yourself, and present it to those you love with Joy,(and not the pressure that department stores put on you).Think about this, is your goal to spread love and joy or go into debt?

The Christmas Season can present another type of crisis for Christians. At family gatherings all across our country, (and the world), families will get together having unresloved relationship issues that potentially can ruin the Holiday Season for all. We all have that one or two relatives that get under our skin, (it may be you getting under their skin). Families can fight over the silliest things, what game to watch, who sits where at meal time, what time is dinner time, familiy recipies, "why do we always have to go over to their house" etc, etc,etc. It can really be silly and ruin the fun for all. I encourage you to go into this Christmas Season with a game plan to deal with family gatherings (and those issues that divide you, if there are any). One, we all have infirmities, and weak areas. First thing we need to recognize is that Christ came into the world THIS SEASON. We need to rely on HIS example of love, patience and kindness to see us through. In James 5:12, "In acceptance, lieth peace." Accept the faults of others and you will cure yourself. We are to honor all men. (1st Peter). It is a gift to have family. We all face the challenges, up and downs of family life, I wouldnt trade mine for anything in the world. I miss those gatherings, and look forward to them each year. As Christans, its our time to communicate the love of Christ to the family members we struggle to deal with.

Game plan step one, pray to GOD and ask HIM to guard your tongue. This way you can, and will communicate with HIS spirit and not your own. In 1st Samuel 1:1-18, Hannah responded to Eli in a peaceful, graceful tone, and this was after Eli accussed her of basically being a drunk. Hannah wasnt drunk and didnt retaliate with words, but simple explained that she was troubled by her feeling her prayers were not being heard. Her kind response, changed Eli. Had she responded harshly, who knows what. Resist the temptation to respond harshly. Respond the right way, this is maybe the best way to break the ice, and improve relationships.

Game plan step two. What are your goals? Is your goal to win the family argument or to show the love of Jesus Christ? Funny how we always fight with those we love, and try to reason with people we dont really know. his Christmas, forget about being right, be effective in buildng the relationship.

Step three, is the goal to work to solve unresolved issues and differences, or simply keep on fighting? Is the goal to have a peaceful, happy holiday, relaxed and enjoyed or what? Pray for the correct goals. You already know what they are.

Step four, pray to GOD that the things that you do dont offend anyone. And ask for forgiveness if they do by chance. Make it your goal to go into the family gathering with the idea, that you are not going to offend.

Step five, pray for the safe travel for your loved ones. Pray for and with them on the matters that keep you apart. Hold hands and prayer, work to develop the relationship, with you taking the first step. Ask, "how can we make this a better exprience for everyone."

Spread love at Christmas. It does not have to cost alot of money, and it does not have to cost you in your relationships. The season is HIS season, not yours. So what if you risk being vunerable to others. You may find a a special work done in you as you try to make this a special Christmas for others. Have goals for all you do, especially at Christmas time. Show HIS love in everyway you can. You may just have the best Christmas ever.

Love and peace to all.

Don't worry, be happy!

2011-12-09T12:56:00.000-05:00

Don't worry, be happy for God has not given us the spirit of fear and worry.

I listened to a very good lesson on the radio yesterday morning as I was driving into work. The message was out of Psalms 37, versus 1-8. The title I cant remember, but the lesson was, "Christians Have Stress Too." The word was meant to encourage us not to worry, for worry chokes out the word of God. I needed that word yesterday, it came at a time when I'm dealing a few issues that had me up consumed with how to handle them.

In Psalms 37:1-8, we receive instruction to not be agitated, to not fret people or evil doers. We receive instruction to not be agitated or fret about those who prosper by evil plans, and we receive instruction to refrain from being agitated or fretting because to do so is to bring about harm to ourselves. Worrying hurts us, internally, emotionally etc.

In this passage in Psalms 37 we receive the Word that we should, "Trust in the Lord", "Delight in the Lord", "Commit our ways to the Lord", "Rest or be silent before the Lord" and to allow His work to be done in us. I can't remember needing a Word so appropriate for the things on my plate.

Many people worry during the Christmas season, I want to encourage you not to worry, but to trust in the Lord, he can handle and will handle what you are going through. As the song, "I will trust in the Lord" says, stay on the battlefield for the Lord. Stay on bended knee in prayer, He knows your needs. "In prayer and supplication, let your requests be known to God. The peace of God which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:6-7)

Many believe worry is a sin. The belief is that we are not trusting God. I want to trust God in all ways, in the good times and the bad. I need forgiveness when I worry, I dont want to be "double-minded", believing in God, and worrying about things at the same time. A good friend of mind said it best to me years ago, "If you are going to pray, don't worry. If you are going to worry. don't pray." There are many things we need to be "concerned" about, but when it comes to being stirred up by worry, trust in the Lord, ask Him to increase your faith, then allow Him to work in your heart and your mind so that you may become happy and worry free.

Love and peace to all.

Whatever happened to I'll call you tomorrow?

2011-10-06T14:10:00.000-04:00

Whatever happened to, "I'll call you tomorrow?" I just got off the phone with a dear friend and mentor and he is feeling like many of us feel. With smartphones as the norm, we are constantly on the phone, texting or emailing. My friend made the comment, "I need to be careful, I never shut it down. I take calls at home at 900PM, answer emails until midnight, then start the process all over again." Does this sound like you?

Whatever happened to I'll call you tomorrow? Unless its an emergency most of us create more empty work for ourselves, create more stress and strain, all because we rarely shut it down. People I talk to and work with tell me all the time about the lack of time they have with family and friends etc. You see kids and they text at the dinner table because their parents are emailing and texting when the family goes out to eat. This behavior, I believe is unhealthy and not what God intended for us. The bible teaches us that patience in a virtue, yet we have little patience for the friend who wont call back in five minutes, or the co-worker who hasnt responded to our text or email right away. One of our children called frantically when we did not respond to their text when my wife and I went out for dinner one evening. We were not far from home and if their was a true emergency, our neighbors knew how to reach us.

We need to know how to "shut it down". One way I shut it down is to leave my phone in my study when I get home and try to spend time with my wife and kids uninterrupted by the phone. The way I look at it, if I can see my wife and kids in front of me, that phone ringing in my study isn't that big of an emergency. The ones I love the most and care about are right there in front of me. Another good friend of mine, as he walks into his home, turns his phone off completely when he comes home. His job is high pressure and high stress, yet he still finds time for the things that are most important. Maybe that's your answer too? Leave work alone when you get home. The extra pay maynot be worth the extra mental health strain it puts on your life.

Instead of creating more work, (one answered email leads to another conversation), simply reply in the morning and make it a habit. The more you respond, the more you'll have to respond to. The more you leave that smartphone, or computer alone, the more time you'll haveto spend with those you really want to be with. Quality time with those you love is a by product of quantity time. You cannot have quality time in 15 minutes, it may take two hours with your son or daughter or wife to get that 15 minutes of quality time. So shut it down, and I mean really shut it down. Make sure your thoughts are with your family and friends and not on work. One of the biggest roadblocks to enjoying yourself is thinking about work while you're at home, (some think about home, while at work).

Jesus needed rest, are we to think that we don't?, we do. Take time to recharge and renew. You may just enjoy your family, your job and your life a little more. Shut it down, it can wait until tomorrow.

Stop the harshness

2011-08-21T21:32:00.001-04:00

We are all faced with difficult situations, in our homes, in our work enviroments and with people in general. It can be difficult at times to say the right things in those circumstances. I quickly want to share with you a quick way to overcome those times.

1. Work to solve, dont be critical, especially verbally.
2. Stand for what you believe in, without arguing against the other point of view.
3. Work to build up the situation, do not be condescending.

We have three options in most situations. We can one, stay in and work to improve it. Two, we can stay in the situation and complain. Or three, we can walk away from the situation altogether.

If the enviroment is family or work, we really only have two options. Walking away isnt one of them. Complaining is fruitless.

Pray for wisdom and guidance. Work to solve the problem and keep the relationship. Remember too not sweat the small stuff and IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF. Maybe what we are going through is what we need to become the person that we are supposed to be. Count it all a joy when trials and tough times come your way. It may be just what you need to reach the top.

Love and peace to all.

Kids need better examples.

2011-07-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

I am convinced that we don't have a kid problem in this nation, we have a parent problem. Kids need better examples! Kids need behavior modeled for them. What kids see, they attempted to do.

Some things kids need to hear and see that never go out of style. One,
"saying please and thank you." Opening doors for others. Asking, "may I help you." Doing something for someone who will NEVER be able to repay you. How about accepting personal responsibilty? When parents make excuses, childern will make excuses. How about seeing a project through to completion, without quitting when it becomes too hard? When parents quit.....?

As parents, guardians, etc, we should strive for enthusiasm, persistence, optimism, moderation each day,and our lives should be organized. Children must also see how we avoid the traps of carelessness, laziness and indifference. The story of the Good Samaritan, who helps a stranger while others, in high places passes him by is a great example for our kids to see. He cared because it was the right thing to do.

Our kids need to witness forgivness, we have to model it or else, kids will never know the power of letting go of hurts and wrongs. Most of all our childern need to see that we, as parents believe in more than just money, status and things. That we believe that it is all possible because of a God who loves us.

Kids need better examples. Please be one today!

When there is passion, there is little need for motivation!

2011-07-20T23:41:00.000-04:00

Speaking with a good friend recently about parents who are having trouble understanding how to or what to do to motivate their kids. The answer can be difficult, but one thing is for sure. If your kids has a passion for something, reading, sports, music etc, they will be motivated to excel in that area. The key is to find that area, and that is not always easy. My suggestion is to keep exposing your children, (and begin early) to as many positive and challenging things as possible, yet don't push to hard, but rather gentle encourage them to be open minded and to explore as much as possible. Be excited when they are excited about something, be understanding when there are setbacks and disappointment.

We all have a purpose, we all have talents and gifts. We please God when we find, use and share our talents. Ask yourself and your child, "what am I good at without trying very hard?" This maybe your first step towards discovering your passion and purpose. Birds sing, and some fly because that's what they where made to do. I can't imagine a bird saying, "I'm tired of flying, I think I'll walk." Why, because that's not his purpose.

Are your kids good with their hands? Good at speaking? Have a passion for computers, writing, math etc? What brings them the most joy? Assist your children with finding their passion, and you'll rarely have to motivate them. Love and peace to all.

Fear not, love is much stronger.

2011-06-17T10:04:00.000-04:00

Fear not, love is the greatest and strongest force on the earth. Love is so strong that ONE MAN, gave his son, because HE loved us so much!

We do not have the spirit of fear, but the spirit of love. Love empowers, fear paralyzes. Love is strong, fear is weak. Love conquers, fear hinders. Love connects, fear disconnects. Love is kind, fear is mean spirited. Love lives forever, fear kills. Fear not, whatever you need to overcome, you can overcome it. What are you afraid of? Leave all fears behind, you can reach your goals, and have a peace about you that will last forever, when you move past fear and into love.

Love gives, fear robs and steals. Love is joyous. The enemy uses fear to hold you back from living the type of life you really want to live and should be living. Don't let the enemy steal your joy. Talk in love, walk in love, stay in love.

Love and peace to all.

Never too late to learn

2011-06-03T07:14:00.000-04:00

It's never too late to learn. I want to encourage you to develop a love for learning. Make a lifetime commitment to grow and develop. Expand your mind, improve your body, and go deep inside your soul. Many of us get too caught up in our past, our families, and our personal failings. In the movie the Lion King, (one of my favorite to watch as our kids were growing up), young Simba is trying to run from his past. He soon learns that he must learn from his past, and not run from it. We too are like that young lion, trying to run from, instead of growing from our past. "All things work to the good, for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28). Many of us have youthful transgressions, painful memories of the past that keep us from moving forward.

You can move ahead of what's behind you, more importantly, you must. Quite frankly, it's usually our failures that make us stronger, not our successes. Work daily to take steps forward. Leave your past behind, and march ahead towards all that is good in your life. Keep learning, its never too late.

Our wants must match our purpose!

2011-05-22T23:21:00.000-04:00

"When we want to be something other than the thing God wants us to be, we must be wanting what, in fact, will not make us happy." CS Lewis.

Do you want that which does not match what your purpose is? I know I do and I have, I also know that each time that's happened I get sick about it to my core. Our wants must match our purpose, if not there will be little or no self fulfillment. We can only lead "full" lives when we find our true purpose and take steps every moment, everyday to meet that purpose.

Do the things you want take you closer to or further away from your goals, dreams and purpose? Do they bring you true joy and fulfulment? Most importantly are your wants pleasing to God who delights in us living out our true purpose to glorify Him and His kingdom!

Stay true to that which leads you to please God, and not man. This world has a way of getting us to chase that which does not provide lasting joy or peace. We rationalize the things we say and do to the point that the truth is tough to distinguish. Make sure that what you say, do and want gets you the outcome for your life and the life God wants for you. Love and peace!

Press On

2011-05-04T22:54:00.000-04:00

Press on! Obstacles are what you see when you take your mind (and focus) off your goals. The world is full of distractions, you must be organized in your approach to tackling, and avoiding obstacles as you march on towards the greatness that God has designed for your life. Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.......but the one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize..."

Press on! The difference between and obstacle and an opportunity is our attitude towards it. One thing we must do is forget the past and move forward. "Every opportunity has difficulty, and every difficulty has opportunity" (J.Sidlo Baxter). You must face your opportunities for success with a strong, "fear not" attitude.

To paraphrase Hebrews 12:1, "since we are surrounded by great challenges, we must set them aside and the things that hold us back and weigh us down, and run the race with endurance that is set before us." Press on, run your race, you will succeed. "...for in due season you shall reap, if you stay strong of heart." Galatians 6:9

Love and peace always.

Love conquers all.

2011-04-20T17:46:00.000-04:00

".....but the greatest of these is love." For God so loved the world, that he gave he only begotten son, so that we may have everlasting life through HIM. Our Father in heaven not only gave us HIS Son, but he loves us through our inequities, faults and failures. He loves us. We toomust also love each other through our falts failings and infirmities. I heard a it said not long ok, "accept infirmities and cure thyself. If we would simply learn, (and I need to do this badly somtimes), to love people because of their imperfections, we would heal ourselves, and not "fix" the other person which we often try to do. The best way to make the world a better place is by improving one's self, and that could begin with displaying a God heart, a heart of love towards one another.

1Corinthians 13:13, "So faith, hope, love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love." It does'nt say that the greatest of these is power, money, influence or positon, it says L.O.V.E, love. The world is indeed in need of more love today.

Peace and love to you!

Resolution Check-up

2011-03-11T08:57:00.000-05:00

Resolute, "marked by a firm determination." Resolution, "the act or process of reducing to a simpler form", "the act of determining", "a formal expression of will or intent or opinion."

It's the middle of March and I thought it would be a great time to do a New Year's Resolution Check-up. Millions of people make resolutions, millions succeed, so many fail.

I was asked to do an interview with a major news channel this New's Year Eve, and as I was preparing my remarks, it occured to me urgently to not talk about the same things we hear every year about losing weight, saving money, stop smoking, stop drinking, get out of debt etc. All of those things are very important. I believe that many fail (me included) because those resolutions lack something, and once done leave us with a short term sense of accomplishment. So I thought, "what is the answer to resolutions?"

The bible does not speak directly about New Year's Resolutions, but the bible does speak about love for God, and love for mankind. The greatest commandment, "you shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all you mind......And you shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39). With this in mind, my comments on resolutions became clear. Our focus in our resolutions should be on others and not ourselves. Instead of my goal is to lose weight, maybe my resolution should be to assist someone who has weight issues also, or better still, someone who has little food to eat. Instead of focusing on how we look, we could help someone this year who needs confidence in how they look and feel about themselves? Instead of focusing on ourselves, put the focus this year on helping someone else achieve a goal, help someone else solve a problem, help someone else in need, just simply help!

I believe we lose sight, and therefore lose focus when we make the same New Years Resolutions because they lack the power to last. In helping others, THERE IS NO FAILURE, in helpful ourselves......well, we let ourselves down all the time. In helping others there is relationships that last, there is community that grows, there is something inside of the person you help that lasts. And in you there is something that feels better than the extra pound lost or new toy you saved for.

The problem with our way of doing resolutions is that it speaks to the issue of contentment, or that there is something wrong with our lives (and yes, we all have things we deal with). If we would only stop chasing things, or what the world tells us (through TV, Radio, Magazines) what we should look like, what we should feel like, we'd be better off. When we learn to live within ourself, the way God intended, our lives would be made easier( the act or process of reducing to a simpler form).

The answer for you and me, is simple. Base your resolutions, New Year's or otherwise on principles of Patience, Kindness, Forgiveness, Caring, Sharing. Think God first, mankind second, self third. "Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, lean not onto thy own understanding, in ALL ways acknowledge HIM, and he will direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If you have not made a New Year's Resolution, or just believe it's time to re-evaluate where you are with it, here's your check-up. I hope and pray that this blesses you, so that you maybe a blessing to someone else. Love and Peace.

The Joy

2011-02-15T17:12:00.000-05:00

"Every action we take moves us closer to, or further away from our goals,and what God wants for us and our ultimate Joy.

It takes courage and tremendous effort to live purpose filled lives. Yet the reward, the Joy is worth it. What is the Joy? A deeper companionship with God. In 2nd Timothy 4:1-7, Paul, in his final words gives us the courage and reason why we should remain faithful and fight the good fight. "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own ways, and listen to teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you." (2nd Timothy 4:3-5)Completeing that what God has put in us, will give you Joy.

One of my favorite scripture readings gives a wonderful account of the Joy we find in being right with God. Romans 5:1-11, "Faith Brings Joy" The text reads. "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God.....Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of high privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and Joyfully look forward to seeing God's glory. We can rejoice, too when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us,they help us learn to endure." What a Joy that truly is.

I am convinced that if we only knew what we really have, we would rejoice with Joy all the day long. What do we really have?

One, we have assurance that we can handle the problems in our life. (Romans 5:3, James 1:2-4) Our trials can make us into what God wants us to be. That should bring us Joy, that God is working in us, around us, to produce in us what HE wants, not what we want.

Two, we have the assurance of God's love. God's love is in our hearts, through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5)

Three, We have the assurance of God's Friendship. God love's us and will be with us during our problems. "When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. No one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is mostly good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:6-8)

Some points to consider. The victory is won. That is the Joy.
We have peace through our faith in HIM. That too is the Joy. We should, let go of the past, lay it all down. We must trust God and demonstrate our faith daily. We must know in our hearts that God is with us always, and that our trials produce of us what God wants us to be. That is the true Joy.

As the old song says, "What a friend we have in Jesus." What a Joy!

The Spirit of Christmas

2010-12-24T08:40:00.000-05:00

'It's truly amazing the spirit of Christmas." One of my favorite Christmas songs, by one of my all time favorite musicians, Ray Charles.

During this Christmas Season I am reminded, like you, of the gift of family and friends. What a great thing it is to have real and true family and friends. "No man is poor, who has friends", another quote from my all time favorite Christmas movie(maybe all-time favorite period), "It's a Wonderful Life."

In the book of Luke, Chapter 2, versus 8-14, the true meaning of Christmas is revealed to us. "...for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you. You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men."

"Good will toward men." What a powerful statement, what an awesome gift. The amazing thing about the birth of Christ is that we can celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in our lives 24/7/365. For the Baby born that night is unlike any Baby in history. The Baby born that night was not created by a human father and mother. HE had a heavenly beginning. In the birth of Jesus, the eternal, all powerful and all knowing Creator God came to earth in the flesh. It is truly God's greatest gift to us.

In this Season of celebrating gifts, we all have the opportunity to accept HIS greatest gift, the most precious gift of all, the gift of Jesus. That is the Spirit of Christmas.

Here's wishing you and your families a very special Christmas. Much love, peace and joy to you all.

The cream rises to the top

2010-11-30T06:54:00.000-05:00

A funny thought was shared last week as we sat around the diner eating breakfast. A colleague suggested that the cream always rises to the top as he poured cream into his coffee.

Life is similiar to that cream rising to the top. A very small amount of attention, concern, love and compassion can affect one's life in a very positive way. Imagine, it only takes one pebble, one rock thrown into the sea to affect it's movement.

I believe the cream does rise to the top and no matter what you're going through, what you're fighting to overcome, you will rise to the top. What makes us special, "the cream" if you will is God's signature on our lives.

Character versus reputation. As the John Wooden always said, "Reputation is what other people think of you, character is who you are, be concerned more about your character than your reputation." Here's why, the adversary will always try to make you out to be something that you are not. Your character will be under attack simply for standing for the things that you beleive in. You have to stay strong in what you believe, you will rise to the top.

The cream rises no matter when you put it in your coffee, it does so because it's rich, made to balance and enhance the flavor. It adds to, it does'nt take away. You too, add life, you enhance life, you mix well, continue rising to the top. It's what you, "the cream" was meant to do. So continuing making an impact, one drop, one person at a time. Not only will you rise to the top, those you affect will also. Have a great day.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T06:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Today begins the official Holiday Season for many. We all have so much to be thankful for today and always. This Thanksgiving and the many days ahead, let us all give thanks in all situations, the good and the not so good. We are blessed everyday. In subtle ways we are blessed and we can sometimes take for granted how God blesses us in the frantic pace of our lives. Maybe it's simply enjoying a quiet morning and the fresh air of a new day. Maybe the blessing is the health of our children, family members and those dear to us. Maybe it's our homes, jobs and material comforts we are blessed with and thankful for. One thing we all know for sure, we are truly blessed. Even in our troubled times and weak moments we are blessed to have a FATHER who is always with us.

We are all blessed to live in a country that celebrates such a day as Thanksgiving. What a moment it is to stop, reflect and enjoy all the wonderful things in our lives. As we pray today and this entire Holiday Season. Let us pray for our family and friends. Let us pray for our military. Let us pray for our local, state and national leaders. Let us say a prayer for those less fortunate. Mostly, let us us pray a prayer of thanksgiving asking GOD for a grateful heart, grateful mind and a grateful spirit. Most of all, let us remember to pray.

All good and perfect things come from HIM. Happy Thanksgiving.

Steel is made by going through fire.............

2010-11-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

We say it quite often in sports to motivate our teams. "You can't make steel without going through fire." In other words, if you're going to be good, or great, you have to work hard, overcome your weaknesses, improve upon your strengths and stay with it. Another one we toss about is, "that which does not kill us, makes us stronger."

We know that GOD wastes no experience in our lives. In Romans 8:28, the bible says, "And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love GOD..."

In the case of Job, no one lost more or whose faith was tested more. GOD used Job to show the devil just how strong Job's faith was. Job, one of the wealthiest men in the bible lost it all, his family, his home, his land, his livestock etc. etc. Yet he continued to praise the name of GOD.

Others in the bible were used, Moses, Joseph, Peter are some examples. All went through hardship as GOD used their life to HIS glory.

Are you committed to having GOD use your life? I ask this question because GOD oftentimes "breaks us" and strips us of our lives as he uses us to HIS glory. He may put you through an experience so difficult that the only person you can rely on is HIM. As you and I pray to have God use our lives we need to know that HE may place us in the midst of storms we can't imagine. We should count it a joy, when trials come our way. For trials test our faith and produce patience. (James 1:2-3).

We all want the product at the end, maybe it's the championship for "your team." We can only get there by "going through" and "overcoming" the tests, challenges and bumps along the way. You can't win the prize ultimately without going through the process.

GOD will test our lives, only because HE loves us, and wants us to live a life that's pleasing to HIM. He makes us steel by sending us through fire. Consider it the ultimate blessing to have GOD use your life.

Soar with the Eagles and avoid the chickens

2010-10-29T11:22:00.000-04:00

It takes courage to lead. Yet you must,especially if God has equipped you with leadership qualities. It can be difficult however, especially in some work enviroments where there is negativity and people who want to coast, rationalize why things don't get done, instead of doing them. And the attitude is, " that's the way it's always been done around here." Or one of my favorites, "that's not my job."

It reminds me of a story a good friend shared with me. When a new person walks into a job they usually see all the possibilities, not limits. When they go to work the first day they notice that there's a unique and not so pleasant smell, but they ignore it because they're new. Days pass, weeks pass, months pass. The "Eagle" still notices the smell, and inquires about it, but no one else, people who have been in their jobs for years never notice the smell. The reason why is that they have forgotten what the "stink" really is and just keep on working and complaining, yet without trying to find the source of the smell and solve the problem(s).

As Eagles, we cannot get use to the smell. There was a man walking through the forest and found a young eagle who had falling out of a nest. So he took him home and put the Eagle in his barn with his chickens. Pretty soon the Eagle was behaving like a chicken. A natualist visited one day and notice the Eagle acting like a chicken and asked his farmer friend if he could take the Eagle and help it regain its righful place in the sky as the best of all flying creatures. The naturalist took the Eagle on top of the tallest building he could find telling the Eagle, "stretch your wings and fly." But the Eagle was afraid and reacted like a chicken. The naturalist took a second and third attempt, but the Eagle continued to act like a chicken and not fly. One his fourth attempt the naturalist prayed for the Eagle, took him to that building again and said, "you are an Eagle, you belong in the sky, this is your purpose, stretch forth your wings and fly." At last the Eagle soared into the heavens. As the Eagle was in the air he passed that barn he was in, but kept on flying. Yes it's true, he may remember the chickens with fondness, but he will never revisit because he realized once he was in the sky, that he was an Eagle, but was raised as a chicken. He was not meant to act like them.

I believe you must remind yourself in work enviroments that pull you into the barnhouse, that you were meant to soar. Avoid the negative, work to solve problems that others really don't want to. Find ways to improve your work enviroment in spite of the "smell." Enjoy your work, and realize that God wants you to fly.

Differences

2010-09-25T07:51:00.000-04:00

I read a statement today that said, "The Differences that matter to us, don't matter to God." What a great statement. In the times we live in, there seems to be more division than I can ever remember. And on all sides, Left, Right, East, West, Conservative, Liberal, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..... We only use lables to SEPARATE us not to BRING us closer to each other and to our creator God. Each day I am going to try to work to settle a difference with someone. Even if it means opening myself up to being labeled or hurt. I know, and I know you do also, that when our time is up in this world, it won't matter what our disagreements were, the only thing will matter is what we did to solve them in the name of our Father. Love thy neighbor...(Leviticus 19:18, Matt 5:43, Luke 10:29, Romans 13:9)

Walk in Love. Walk in Light. Walk in Wisdom.

Pursue your purpose

2010-08-02T21:55:00.000-04:00

"Do you not know that those who run the race all run, but one recieves the prize? Run in such a way that you obtain it." 1 Corinthians 9:24

I was talking to a couple of good friends today, one shared a story of his Hall of Fame Major League Baseball buddy, a twenty plus year veteran who never had a major contract dispute. My friend asked his buddy why, and the reply was short and sweet, "I simply pursued what I loved and what I wanted to become. I loved baseball, and I wanted to be the best I could. I knew that money would come."

A second friend, more of a spiritual mentor and I had a similar conversation earlier in the day, and he simply laid this on me. "Pursue your purpose, and your purpose will lead you to your goals, and your dreams."

Sometimes we allow money, attention, fame and headlines to distract us. One principle of "THINK" A.H.E.A.D. is Determination. I encourage you to have a focus and spirit of success. Be relentless in the pursuit of your goals, dreams, and aspirations. Be single-minded, even narrow-minded if you have to. You'll need to be to overcome all obstacles. Ready, set, go!

Life is an Investment

2010-07-12T08:10:00.000-04:00

Life is an investment, not a gamble. Long term results are better than the "Blame", "Entitlement", and "Quick Fix" attitudes some of us have. Everyone wants success, few want to work for it. In this reality TV world of instant fame, or stupid tv moments, not many believe in the value of hard work and sacrifice. We want to blame others, our parents, teachers, coaches. We feel someone owes us something, and we gamble foolishly on schemes and games. Life is a gift, we must take responsibility for that gift, own that responsiblity, and later enjoy the fruits of OUR labor. Microwave success does not last very long. Invest in yourself for the long haul, you'll be so happy, wealthy and wise if you do. Love and peace.

The Heart of a Servant

2010-07-03T14:23:00.000-04:00

In athletics people talk frequently about the heart of a champion. I'd like to state that the true champions in this life are servants. Those who live to give to others more than they look to receive themselves. There is greatness in serving others. Mother Teresa, Ghandi, King, and so many others. They stand tall because they kneeled to serve. The Heart of a Servant. "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28) That is the heart of our true servant, and our goal in life is to work towards having a heart like His. KAA, those people live daily the servants heart, a champions heart, a Jesus heart.

Turnovers

2010-06-10T08:54:00.000-04:00

As a basketball coach I really disliked turnovers. As a matter of fact, I'd much rather take a quick good shot than turn the ball over to the opponent. In life we are so forunate. We turn the ball over time and time again and we know that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the best coach that there ever was, will pick us up, if we let him. Even when we worry, we can turn them over to Him, he can handle it. As the song goes, "what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. He can handle our turnovers. Allow Him to, so turn it over.

Memorial Day Rememberance

2010-05-31T06:58:00.000-04:00

"Thank you God for people who help with no thought of recognition or reward, help me to be one of those people".

Thank you Lord for those who serve our country in time of war and time of peace. Thank you for their families who sacrifice so much for us. Please bless the men and women in our Armed Forces and bless the leaders who command them. Please bless this nation and all the nations of the world who desire to live in peace with each other, but most importantly in peace with you.

Make it a great day by remembering those in your family, your neighborhood and your community who serve or has served.

If we only knew what we had

2010-05-27T13:45:00.001-04:00

If we only knew what we had. In these times, difficult for many, prosperous for others, it's easy to look at the ings we do not have instead of the many wonderful things that bless us everyday. Our families are blessings, our health, our friends (value them), are wonderful things to have. A friend gave me a great quote the other day, "you gotta bloom where you are planted". What a wonderful comment. No matter what you're going through, or where you are, or what you do, make it bloom, make it grow, make it happen. Take joy in the small things and the small victories. The most important step in a marathon is the first step, not the last. God sends us blessings everyday, man defines them as big or small. Yet we need to be happy about each and every blessing. You have alot more than you think...

Enemies coming to bless you.

2010-05-14T21:49:00.000-04:00

Matthew 5:44, ".....love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

I love this verse.....Don't fear your enemies. They cannot stop your dreams. Your enemies can lead you to your dreams and your destiny, and in ways we can't explain, your enemies can be the best thing for you. Live your passion, find your joy, and be strong in your faith and yourself.

Every day is cause to celebrate

2010-05-06T22:55:00.000-04:00

"Every day is cause to celebrate." That comment really is true today as me and my family celebrated the 95th birthday of my grandmother. What a wonderful life she has lived, and it is made even more special sharing it with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. No doubt we enjoyed the day more than she did, to her it was just another day. To me, it is truly a blessing and cause to celebrate. I hope that you find reason to cherish each and every day, and all that that day brings. Love and peace.

Value Menu

2010-05-04T13:36:00.000-04:00

Make a list of all the things you value the most. Really put your heart into the excercise, commit to paper what's important to you and pay careful attention to those things. Now ask yourself, how much time in your day do you spend on those things. Spend thou time wisely. We can always make more money, we can never make more time. Love and peace.

Self Talk

2010-04-28T07:26:00.000-04:00

When you say you won't because you say you can't, chances are also that you can't because you also say you won't. Be careful what you say to yourself, ever heard this, "that's just the way I am", or "that's how I was raised?", or "I can't help it", a couple of those maybe true, but also damaging, unless you want to stay where you are. Love and peace.

Get Motivated

2010-04-27T19:52:00.001-04:00

What an unbelievable time today at the "Get Motivated" Business Seminar. Great speakers, Colin Powell, Lou Holz, John Walsh, Tamara Lowe, Zig Ziglar and Robert Schuller and others. I am motivated more than ever to bring you the best thoughts ideas and assistance for the solutions you need. A small investment in "THINK" A.H.E.A.D. will pay off big for you in the future. Love and peace.

Spring is in bloom

2010-04-21T10:26:00.000-04:00

Springtime is such a great time of the year. One reason is because of the colors of spring. We plant bulbs in the late Fall or Winter, so that they may bloom beautifully in the Spring and Summer. There are perennials that we plant throughout the year that come up wonderfully each year, and then there are annuals that we plant in the Spring and Summer, that give us instant color for a season and have to be replaced each year. In your life what are you planting? What are you sowing and is it "producing" for you? Make sure your "bulbs" are great ones, and come back postively for you each year. Those "perennials" you planting, are you reaping a good harvest? Are you re-planting the right annuals? Life is similar to a beautiful Springtime garden, our lives reflect that which we plant. Make sure you plant in rich soil, plant a variety of "good things", and your "garden" will be beautiful also.

Penny for your Thoughts

2010-04-18T06:01:00.000-04:00

A penny for your thoughts? Why so little? If our thoughts are truly who we are, and what we hope to become, surely they are worth so much more? Should'nt we say, "a million for your thoughts"? Aren't yours worth that much and more? Yes I understand it's only a figure of speech or a way to break the ice with someone. Next time let that person know that their thoughts are very important to you, and worth a bundle. No one will expect the million or whatever dollar amount you decide, besides, you ever collect a penny? Just a thought!

ATTITUDE

2010-04-14T07:41:00.000-04:00

They key principle of "THINK" A.H.E.A.D. is Attitude. Your attitude will affect your altitude and improve your life. If we simply "think" about how fortunate we really are, even in the midst of the storms of our lives, our attitudes will change and our fortunes (literally and otherwise) will rise.
I believe that having a "gratitude attitude" will ease the anxienty in your life. Be happy about this day, and all the good in it. Greet those you meet with a smile and firm handshake or hug. Respect yourself always as well as those around you. Today is your day to give out all the positive vibes, others will respond in kind.

Success vs. Successful

2010-04-07T22:28:00.002-04:00

Do you know the difference or are you a "one hit" wonder? Most people can win once, at "THINK" A.H.E.A.D. we teach you how to win for a lifetime. Based on the old principle, "give a man a fish and he eats for a meal, teach him how to fish and he eats for a lifetime". I want you to begin developing and finding that which is in you, to make you a champion for life.

Late to bed, early to rise...

2010-04-03T06:26:00.002-04:00

Up and at it since 5:00 am this morning. That would be great if I went to bed a 8:00pm, but if you know me, it was after midnight before i went down. I don't advocate this, get your rest (I'll catch up on mind over the weekend...promise). Trying to put the finishing touches on my website: www.thinkaheadllc.org. After a long, yet productive week, which included playing a limited but important role in an Easter play, I'm really excited about the next phase in my life, my career and the prospects for "THINK" A.H.E.A.D. Thanks for joining me, and remember, "for a brighter future tomorrow, "THINK" A.HE.A.D. today." Love and peace.

Five Principles of "THINK" A.H.E.A.D.

2010-03-29T20:48:00.002-04:00

1. ATTITUDE
2. HARD WORK
3. EDUCATION
4. ACCOUNTABILITY
5. DETERMINATION

A breakdown of each principle to come soon. What do you need work on?

Website Coming Soon

2010-03-28T17:49:00.001-04:00

Please look for my website at www.thinkaheadllc.org coming soon. Thank you.

Final Four

2010-03-28T12:53:00.002-04:00

This time of year most people get excited about the final four, their bracket picks and the tournament in general. It is an exciting time. Have you ever asked yourself what's my final four? What four people do I care about the most? What four people do I need to reconcile a difference with before the differences get blown out of proportion and pride makes it too late to turn back? What four places would I love to visit the most (start planning to do so, life is short). What four mistakes have I not fully recovered from? What four this and what four that, you make your list and, "get busy living or get busy dying right?" The very best to each and everyone of you.

Four Easy Things to Be.....and two more.

2010-03-16T22:38:00.003-04:00

Four Easy Things to Be.......

One, its easy to quit, especially when things dont go your way (but does it help?)
Two, its easy to complain (or be negative, without looking at all the good around you.
Three, it's easy to be critical, without offering a better way.
Four, it's easy to be complacent without being complete in your task.

Two more things that are difficult to do BUT WE MUST DO THEM.

One, to love the day and all the good in it.
Two, to simply enjoy the moment, and I guess three, to enjoy the skin we are in.

Hsve a great day. Love and peace.

2010-03-11T10:43:00.002-05:00

Are you dealing with your issues? The things we struggle with arent items we struggle with just once. We dont just solve them once and are done with them. We need strategies to handle our issues for a lifetime. As they say in golf, when you see a golfer struggling, his bad habits show up. Such is true in life, when we battle something we need a plan to win....for a lifetime.

2010-03-07T08:08:00.001-05:00

To be truly transformed, you must change positions. Change the position of your mind, change your thoughts, adjust your actions, be different, and your results will be different.

2010-03-05T22:32:00.001-05:00

Make your plans as if it's all on you, go into battle as if it's all on God. Prepare for conflict, but the victory comes from God.