Last Minute...

On a different note,

Well, we have 2 more shopping days til Christmas... are You ready? hehe... This time of year I am reminded of how I am a pressure scenario type guy... I'm sure when I was younger it wasn't always as such, but I've been grown into it. I can remember playing football back in the day, and being the "Go to" guy at the end of the guy or in an important situation... also, being in the military provides you practice and training in being responsive. So, of course this is ideal for the Christmas season... In and Out, check your list... before You go, and make it happen!!
It is quite interesting how some of us might have this ability, and others are so good at planning out and buying Christmas presents months before the holidays. Kudos to them!! I am envious in certain aspects... but nevertheless It tis what it tis!! I have to remind myself these things, as it is human nature to impose our expectations, thoughts, and desires on others. We all venture through life the best we can, and hopefully pick up some wisdom & understanding along the way. God provides us a path, hurdles, trials, victories and lessons which help build us into our own person. Pretty neat if you ask me...
The key is to do enough self analyzing and evaluating to see the characteristics! To truly understand how we operate within our own skin allows us the opportunity to be fruitful in our endeavors! Example: If I know I am the type of does Not do well in pressure situations, then I probably shouldn't wait til Christmas eve to do my shopping... Why? because I would probably be stressed out, not enjoy it, or possibly even accomplish the underlying goal!
I know ME well enough to understand what is going to be fruitful for me, and what things may not. Being a last minute person or not, neither way is right or wrong... It's what is right for YOU! Take the time to understand your strong suits, and weaknesses... Oh, and time is of the essence... so, don't wait til the last minute! Hehehe... Be productive, be fruitful, Live on purpose and be the best YOU that you can be!

Merry Christmas to You and Yours... Much Love, peace, Grace, Forgiveness, to You all!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Tis the Season...

On a different note,

Oh the joys of parenting... no seriously! hehehe... I am filled with Love & Joy today simply by seeing a smile on my sons face! There is something special about seeing the ones You love Happy! It's something I've expressed many times, I'm just not sure people truly comprehend! I make the statement "Giving is much more fulfilling than receiving" and I truly mean it!
I guess trying to express the thought of choosing to give over getting is something lost in translation, but hopefully the sentiment of seeing the ones we Love truly happy will carry some weight. Of course as a parent there is a special bond, vested interest in seeing our Children happy... I think it is something that has spiritual roots as well. It also seems like a hard concept to accept the Love of our creator... Hence we make it seem hoaky, fake, or neglect to dwell on it's impact. We are LOVED like children, we were created in Our Father's image... So He finds fulfillment in seeing us live worthy & fruitful lives! Just like we do with our children!!
Unfortunately society has us believing we need so much more from life... that we must attain and maintain a certain level of material things... Personally I used to feel the same, or could at least empathize with the sentiment. Thankfully in my spiritual Journey and growing relationship with my Savior My desires have changed. I would give up EVERYTHING I have for those I love... I'd do anything to see my Wife, Kids, or Family happy!!
It is something that only comes from a sincere enlightenment and choice to put our own selfish desires aside... trust me, I know it is not easy!! But when does anything of value not come with a personal price? Thus, we must seek out and find the things that bring true joy, fulfillment, and happiness... I am also not denying the initial feeling of receiving, but I speak to the long term and deep down reward to putting others first.. This time of year is a perfect example... the spirit of giving becomes infectious... Love, Selflessness, and Giving is everywhere... If this concept seem odd, then I challenge you to give it a shot!! Find that core happiness in the eyes of your Children... in your spouse... in your friends eyes!! I doubt any present under the tree could compare!!

Good Day & God Bless,
Chris

Small things...

On a different note,

This time of year it seems food becomes a huge part of our culture... I smell cookies, I see candy canes, and the infamous fruit cakes begin to breed! The sweet things in life, the little things that fill our hearts. Please tell me you can reminisce over the first taste of a delicious treat... Mmmm, that first taste resonates in your mouth and seem to touch the very tip of your fingers and toes. We can find such glory in an appreciation of food, in something truly of minimal value. I wonder what it is that allows for such fulfillment?
Do we think it is simply perspective that allows us such freedom, or possibly the expectation based on previous situations? Once we have tasted chocolate, or maybe a few times (like lab rats) we become conditioned to react to its sight. I find life is similar, and it can be quite useful to take advantage of this personality trait. Do we not get conditioned in other areas of our life? Maybe a better term outside of food would be "Habit"... Either way, we tend to be cyclical and routine in our lives... If that's the case, I wonder what other things we have been conditioned to respond to without even realizing it?
You've heard me speak of self awareness and self analysis, and the value and power that comes from understanding. I typically do not partake of sweets, but at times I am tempted because I might be hungry or in the wrong place at the right time. But, I have also learned my weaknesses in this regard, so I can avoid certain things to maintain awareness... I know I am not strong enough to say NO every time, so I must be conscious of those times and act accordingly.
Take the time to learn your triggers, your weak points, and reactions to certain circumstances and gain control over your life! This is not an easy road, but is one filled with wisdom, knowledge, power, and reward! When I began following the Lord, I then began seeing clearly... He shined a light on my path and in my heart, thus allowing me the opportunity to know the Real me! We are creatures of habit, so instead of falling prey, use it to your advantage to live a more controlled life. Sometimes the smallest things can carry the most weight!
Happy Holidays, and enjoy those treats! Many blessings!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Season of Giving...

On a different note,

This time of Year everyone seems to have an easier time sharing some Joy and getting into the giving spirit! It's an infectious time for sure... I wonder though, is it only because of the knowledge of receiving that inspires? And trust me, I'm not stating that to be such a horrible thing, but it sheds a light on the worldly perspective versus one of actual Love and selflessness...
There are things we should be doing every day, not just during birthdays, holidays, vacations, anniversaries, and so on... We tend to lean towards the easiest path, versus choosing to push through our personal hurdles. Think about it, we are so willing to judge, point fingers, and condemn those who do not align with our interpretation of what Life should be. Think about the amount of effort that takes... emotionally, spiritually... there is No reward in that, none!! By calling someone out, or making them feel inferior, it serves no purpose in the core spiritual commandments! We are called to Love God first, and Love thy neighbor as thyself... That should be a constant in our lives, not a situational happenstance.
As easy as it is to find others faults, it comes with baggage and lots of emotional weight, and even repercussions if not done in a graceful manner. Let me ask You... how hard is it to LOVE? How hard is it to give someone a compliment, or a statement of encouragement?!? Imagine if we gave at Christmas cause we truly wanted to see the Joy on someones face and in their heart with NO expectation at All! Not only are we sharing love, we would all be filled with Love, and we'd be creating an infectious, inspirational and Godly wave of personal sacrifice. Loving is clean, Loving is easier, Loving is our very nature, and Love is God!
So, if we are to celebrate something this Christmas season, let's celebrate the gift of Love... Like Jesus, it is reflected in personal sacrifice! Being selfish is hard, and brings much pain, heartache and emptiness... But giving creates a warmth that softens hearts and fills them with Love!!
Choose to Love, Choose to Sacrifice, and Choose to be bigger than the easiest path of ME! Merry Christmas!!

Good day, God Bless,
Chris

Believable...

On a different note,

Ever notice the most influential people just seem to be able to express the things they are truly passionate about? They are able to express their sincere love, belief, and complete dedication to a specific topic. You see, that is the power of testimony... meaning, if we do not truly believe in something, how could we ever influence others to do the same? I remember my days in sales, and after years of learning that specific area I knew it like the back of my hand... I felt very confident in speaking about it, handling questions and addressing any concerns. So, when I spoke on it, it was believable!
We ALL have things which we are experts... Could be music, could be God, could be Star Wars, or even making Chicken Pot Pie... Stop and ponder what it is you feel strongly about... and think of the value that you could provide in this area... Think about if You could pass this on, and enrich others lives in this regard... Influence is a powerful tool... something we ALL need to be conscious of!
Now of course, being an expert on Chicken Pot Pie is probably not going to change someones life...LOL... But, it could change their dinner! But there are things in this world which have a large affect on the better good! There are examples of Love, Faith, Grace and Mercy that could be shared by which to show the world these things are Real, and are still valuable!
When people speak of the Love of the Lord, and the impact He's had in their life... that cannot be taken away from them! Quoting scripture means nothing with out the expression of Love, Grace, Compassion, Empathy, and such! We believe things that are delivered with confidence... and if we think about it, things of importance should Not be wishy washy!
Be a person of Influence.... doesn't mean you need to go change the world like Tony Robbin's... it means having an impact in your family, at your job, in the world you live!! Discover the things you believe it whole heart-idly, and leverage that knowledge and Love! Be believable and put yourself out there!! You Too can change the world you live!!

Good Day, God Bless
Chris

My Own CEO...

On a different note,

Have you ever stopped to ponder the reflection you have in the world around You? Probably not something we typically do, or might not even want to... hehehe... If we look at the representation of corporate America, we see the value and importance of an organizational figure head. Well, even though we may not be the President of the United States, who's to say we don't have an even bigger impact on our local communities?

So, understanding the impact on the world around us provides us a few things that can help define our daily walk. Think of it like this... What do You think people like Oprah or Bill Gates have to go through on a daily basis? What things must they be focused on, concerned for? So, we'd have to be accountable to out reflection to others around us... we'd have to be accountable to our decisions and our actions... We'd have to be considerate of our relationships, as they are the foundation of our existence... meaning, without our friends, fans, family, and consumers these businesses would be broke... Now I ask... shouldn't we be even slightly concerned with these same things?

Where would we be with out the people around us? Would we gain success with out supporters to be considerate of? Are we not held accountable to our action by those we care for? You see, we have a life... and we are accountable for how it is being cared for, and how it is reflected to those in our lives. I would Not be who or where I am today with out the intimate relationship I have with the Lord... No question... and He has provided me incredible people, opportunities, and I should be conscious and protective of all my blessings! 

Now, You and I both know None of us are worthy of being idols... but, we are should be concerned of how we reflect in the world we live! We should also be aware of of our foundation, and be sure and give back to those who provide us true fulfillment! Sooooo, personal accountability will change our daily choices/decisions... being thankful and conscious of those in our life will change how we invest and appreciate those in our vicinity... and we should take our lives serious, living on purpose, and by giving credit where it's due! We are the CEO of our life, how would your company do? 

Good day, God Bless,

Chris

Driven by Pain...

On a different note,

Growing up I was a bit clumsy, ended up with a lot of scars and most I didn't even remember getting. I also recall many emotional scars, none unlike what we all endure growing up. The learnings that came from those times has been invaluable, and I am thankful for the Life I've lived... I know I wouldn't be who I am today other wise!
I wonder how many of You would agree with me that pain becomes numb after a while... Meaning, after enduring the pain becomes the norm at times... I think this is common, and would explain a lot of behavioral issues we face as we get older. You see, we forget the weight, heartache, trials, pain, emptiness and unfulfillment that comes in living in this carnal world. We begin to think pain is a way of life... I stand here before you today remembering those times... Wanting it all to end... Not wanting to carry this weight any more!
I remember praying to a God I didn't know for Him to remove me from this Life as I was exhausted! Well, guess what... He did! It was after the anger, I began to allow Love in... I allow clarity, wisdom knowledge & understanding to enter my heart! We cannot hold on to the past but learn from it, and we must be accountable to ourselves in the NOW. Once I took my eyes full of pity of ME, Myself and I, I could then focus on the one who could actually provide and redirect my life! For the first time I wasn't living for pain, but living for a great purpose! My fulfillment wasn't based on the world, but on my spiritual journey!
Pain is a great motivator and catalyst... but if we are grounded in the world, it only becomes a lead weight. Pain reminds us of our need for a Savior... It reminds us how Amazing LOVE is to give & receive. These very trials help us to refine our faith, not get lost in the hate of this world.
I felt like I was alone, I felt I was the only one feeling this way... That "Self" focus only drove me to continue selfish, unhealthy, dysfunctional, and destructive decisions! You are NOT alone, You are Loved, and there IS a bigger purpose for your life! We must let go of the ME, and live for the WE... God has a plan for all of Us, but we must make the choice to seek Him every day!
We are driven by pain... but its our choice of whether we end up face down at the alter, or face down in the dirt!

Good day & God bless,
Chris