Monday, January 13, 2014

Desire to Gain...

On a different note,

I wonder of our desire to gain blinds us from our ability to be Thankful? Not saying None of us are thankful, or that we do not appreciate our lives... But, doesn't it seem to be a bit one sided? Meaning, the things we need, lack or desire are continually being renewed, refreshed, recycled, and stay on our minds without much choice in the matter. It is our nature to acquire it seems... Hunt & gather instincts... Conquests... survival!
So, it is a daily choice or decision that must be made in order to circumvent this aspect of ourselves... in order to Live a better quality of life. Here's the funny thing... You made end up having less, but feeling more fulfilled! How Amazing is that!?!?!
Being Thankful doesn't mean you stop seeking, working, or driving towards goals... it just keep them in a more manageable place in the priorities of your life. Anything that consumes your thoughts, time, or energy should be up for evaluation & analysis... As it could be come an idol or addiction... We should not be driven or consumed by the desire to gain... should be quite the opposite!
You've read my previous posts, and the fulfillment that comes with investing in others, giving of yourself, and putting others first! If all we are is led by our personal gains, this world would be a pretty lonely place! The understanding and acknowledgment of what drives us will provide a key to a better life. It will allow us a sense of control, sense of enlightenment, and allow for a more focused approach to our days!
We are ALL made of flesh, and will Always desire to fill the void that clouds ours worldly judgement. The goal is to fill our lives with solid, foundational, fulfilling, rewarding, and fruitful things... One that can enrich this world we live... To be thankful for family, friends, air, Love and things that truly carry more value then the material or temporary things which only weigh us down.
Let's not let our desire to gain out weight the incredible things we already have in our midst. The Love of friends & family, the Love of a Savior, the internet needed to read this blog, the air we breathe, and so on... We have MUCH to be thankful!! Or we can go around feeling empty, lonely, let down, frustrated, rejected, and such... Change the world by starting with in ourselves!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Friday, January 10, 2014

Practice...

On a different note,

The term practice makes perfect seems to be one of those statements that carries as much value as a speed limit sign... almost a suggestion, or matter of fact weight of importance. When the reality is, we must practice, create new habits, and/or patterns in our life. Things just don't magically happen for no reason... We must make conscious decisions, choices and then enact them in our lives... leaving room & time for them to be come the NEW Norm in our lives!
Think about it... we ALL have certain areas of our life that could use some focus, effort and refreshing! How many are GREAT listeners? or Great at lifting others up? Or are being a servant at heart? Maybe it's just the things of worth that take the effort to increase our ability to accomplish these things... As an example, we know we are are not going to see any physical changes unless we commit to working out every week, eating right, and making conscious choices in this regard. So, practice is needed in ALL areas we deem important... Does that mean the practice part isn't the issue, but the choosing of values?
I often speak of self analysis & evaluation... the prioritizing of our lives... validating values, priorities, and short comings... WE must be in constant tune with our daily lives... We are all growing til the day we pass on... But I guess that means we'd also have to care about being a better person! Ouch!
Unfortunately, some don't have aspirations of being increased, or having any type of impact in the world they live... or at least not a Positive impact! To be a person of influence in this world, you must make conscious choices, decision, and sacrifices in order to be one who paves the way. So, if we are only self serving or not concerned with the people around us, why would we want to leave a bigger footprint in the sand?
For those of us who DO desire to instill the ideal of LOVE to the world we live, We must spend the time to increase, grow, and practice the values we so often speak of. We must train ourselves to emulate the One We seek, and allow His reflection to become Our NEW way of living! NO Easy task to say the least... BUT, with His intercession, our focus, and daily practice these things Will become our normal more of operation!
Practice at being the person You desire to be... Gonna take time... but we gotta start some where!! Give your self grace in the effort, and seek Intercession on a higher level!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Humility...

On a different note,

Ever try to explain to someone the feeling of humility? Hehehe... It aint easy! You see, the dictionary says "Meekness, Submissiveness" but personally I do not think that is a very good description at all! Humility isn't a sign of weakness, quite the opposite! It's is a sign of strength actually! If a personal can go against their very flesh, carnal desires, and self focus tendencies to receive a gift of Love, adoration and encouragement... That my friends, is Awesome and far from Weak!
To be humble is to put aside arrogance, to take on a perspective of unworthiness but not in a pessimistic manner. We are ALL faulty... Thankfully we are ALL loved as well! There is a transparency that comes with understanding we are ALL unworthy of the Love, Grace, Mercy, Favor, and LIFE that we are given! It's an understanding of being provided an opportunity to be fruitful, productive, influential, and be a positive part of a bigger picture! To be a member of society in a way that is enriching, of value and of purpose! We ALL have the opportunity to live a life of worth, yet still understanding we are Not worthy of it's rewards!
To be humble is the understanding of the GIFT and Not allowing our selfish ways to cloud the source of it's fruitfulness. Meaning, We have someone looking out for us... We didn't create life, thus can't take credit for it! We have a Provider, We have a Creator, And We have an Intercessor who allows us the opportunity to be of value!
So, being willing to give credit where it's due is a characteristic of honor, selflessness, and integrity! I do Not think You will find those definitions with the word weak or submissive! They are ones we should strive for... So, to be humble or to seek humility in your life is one of honor! Scripture speaks of the meek inheriting the earth, of the first allowing others to be lifted up! Humility is something that goes against the world's standards, against our very carnal nature... thus Not always an easy task!
Now we see why it is so hard to try and explain the feeling of humility... it is foreign by the world's standards... it engulfs so much more that one word can describe! It also has such an impact on those capable of it...I pray we ALL have the opportunity & ability to find ourselves and take on the view of humility! It allows others to feel the Victory, It allows the credit to be given to the Provider, and it will align us with a path of righteousness! WIN WIN!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Expectations...

On a different note,

One of our biggest challenges in life is coming to the understanding that Life happens even when we might have other expectations. I love the saying "Men Plan and God Laughs!"... Such a true statement! Whether it be a job interview, fun wknd plans, an important call, or like me... a song which was supposed to be released on a certain day, which Didn't happen! hehehe... Life happens, God has a plan which sometimes goes a different route than our expectations!
I gotta say, this one has been a tough road for me... God has really had to have some patience...LOL... I am probably not unlike anyone else, but being in control, methodical and planned out is something I pride myself on... So, it's something I had to learn... Life didn't ask me for my opinion, or at least not all the time! It's a revelation when you can truly understand, comprehend, and accept that there is a BIGGER picture than the one we plan!
When managing a business, a family, or just getting excited for a specific result, it is disheartening when it falls through. I think we can all agree to this... But for me, prior to truly understanding that God pad a path for me, it was defeating... I walked around thinking I was jinxed, bad luck or God was mad at me... When in general, It was my expectations and even my choices which were leading me down a road of fruitlessness. Personally, my drive is gonna get me most places... but after a while, that road narrows and ends abruptly! As God is going to let You do as You will, but He also has a plan if Your willing to follow it!
I think thats why they say the average person changes careers, homes, etc a certain number of times... We All have to get to that place of "Ah Ha!" in our own time!
Think of it like this... If I have a relationship with the Provider... the Creator... and I am willing to let Him lead... HE then owns it!! hehehe... Meaning, HE will be the one to carry the weight of it... I can relinquish the feelings of doubt, failure, or expectations!! Not sure if this is actually sinking in... but that would alleviate so much heartache in our lives!! It's something I still have to be conscious of for sure... It's been a long road, and still will be.. BUT I now Know this life doesn't hate me... It's understanding that OUR expectations do not equate to Fulfillment every time... or even the majority of the time... BUT, if I find the path laid out for ME, then it's one paved with Love, Support, Encouragement, Fulfillment, and Intercession!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Celebration...

On a different note,

This week I have had much to celebrate! Might not be 100% what you might expect... Instead of it being focused around My birthday, My music video or my song release, it is actually a reflection of the Love, Favor and Support I see in my life! That is a Real reason to celebrate!!
We belong to a society that shines a light on personal gratification, on self focused goals & objectives, versus the investment and encouragement of those around us. This is not a negative reflection, but one of honesty. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to surround ourselves with those who appreciate us, and we have an innate desire to please and give. We must continually choose to put others first, and celebrate them regardless of our circumstances!
I know this is not always the easiest path, or even the hardest... but it is one of specificity! Meaning, it is an absolute choice to inspire, encourage, invest, and put others in front of our own personal needs. It is also an absolute emulation of our Creator. I have been humbled and filled with Love by this weeks events by those around me. My wife making sure I had the best birthday ever... My children going out of their way to make sure their gifts were ones I'd truly savor. My friends sharing my music with the world around them, for no reason but to appreciate my efforts and pay it forward. You see it's not the shiny stuff, or the most expensive that creates the ripple of love throughout our parts of the world... it's the thoughtful, sacrificial, and choices of selflessness that resonate. It's the path of righteousness that brings forth fruit!
So often we celebrate the world we live, versus the people who create the foundation of our lives. We should be choosing to encourage, lift up and prosper those around us.... and Yes, it will be difficult at times... but wait til your on the other end!! Love inspires LOVE!! There is No joy bigger than giving to others! There is No better feeling of completion than having the people in your life choose to Love You, choose to Lift You above themselves, and choose to Love You right where You are! You see, it's not a popularity contest... it's one moment at a time, for as long as we venture this earth, each step with an opportunity to create a ripple in time... one that sends Love out like a beacon for All to see!
Thank You from the very bottom of my soul for the Love & Celebration this week... I have not the words to describe the Joy in my heart! Thank YOU!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Friday, January 3, 2014

Accomplishing Life...

On a different note,

We are creatures or habit, but also made to thrive off accomplishment! Meaning, we were not born to be stagnant. Even mild mannered people find reward, fulfillment and joy in finishing, accomplishing or reaching a goal. It's in our blood!!
So often we allow circumstances, distractions, bad habits, or confusion to get us off track... We all have lazy tendencies, but it's those who push through and persevere that get the cheese! There are many reasons some of us DO accomplish and some of us don't! I'm not talking the lottery, I'm talking Life... every day life!
We can sit in our homes and wait for Life to happen TO us, or go out and make Life happen FOR us! I have witnessed the demise of people lives by being scared of commitment, scared of rejection, or scared of the world we live! That is a defeat-us attitude, and honestly is just an easy way to hide. If You truly want fulfillment in your lives, You must set goals... push yourself to Live a lil... Now, that doesn't necessarily mean go sky diving tomorrow... But, it Might!!
Each of us has a path... a journey... a life by which we are stewards of! We can sit back and watch life pass us by, or grab it by the horns! We have a new year in front of Us, what are your plans? Are you going to put off the same stuff you've been putting off for years? Can You muster up some faith, trust, gumption to take on a personal challenge?
Life is happening... there are every day things which need focus, effort, and sacrifice! ARE YOU WILLING!? You relationship needs you to step outside the box sometimes to keep it fruitful, exciting, rewarding, and reciprocal! Your spiritual growth is based off focus, investment, intimacy, sacrifice and the desire to follow the right path... EFFORT! What I am speaking of is not living a complacent, easy, too comfortable life but expecting certain results on the back end! Relationships die if you do not feed them... Dreams die if you do not pursue them, and We physically decay as we become sedentary! We've all seen the studies on post retirement... We must get up each day with a goal.. a goal to Live life to it's fullest... the life we have right in front of us! And sometimes set a goal that might even take some work! There is too much blame, and not enough personal accountability!
Happy New Year, so now what!?! Who are You? Who do You want to Be?!?! I challenge you to be the best YOU that you can be!! Cheers, good luck, you will Not succeed at everything, BUT... You WILL feel ALIVE and fulfilled in your journey! Good Luck, God Speed, and I'll see You at the finish line!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris

Thursday, January 2, 2014

What Drives You...

On a different note,

I wonder how many of us have actually taken the time to ponder what drives us? What motivates us? I remember years ago as a manager seeking ways to inspire my workers, and realizing everyone has different needs, wants & desires. What is it that gets you to a place of pushing through the hurdles in order to reach your goals?
I would imagine most would initially think it's money... although I would challenge you to work to another level. Money is a staple, it's something we all need... In reality the money would be used for paying bills, travelling, hobbies, toys, etc... SO, is it the money, or what You could do with it? Maybe you fulfillment comes in serving others, or time off from work to spend time with family. Could it be the journey that provides the sense of accomplishment, or just finishing in general? Think about it... if You don't know what drives you, how can you leverage in times you truly need to accomplish a goal?!?
Part of setting a goal or objective is creating a plan to achieve it. Hopefully we are setting challenging goals, thus we will definitely need a plan to push through the hard parts.By knowing your strengths & weaknesses, you are better prepared for the mountains and valley's this life provides. As we endure, we should be learning! And typically we are keen on our failures, short comings, weaknesses, but we should be just as aware of our strengths... That is Power!
As we venture into this new year, we will set new goals, and we know we will endure trials. God provided us all different gifts, different skill sets to accomplish His goals. So, as we mature and align our lives with His plan, these traits will be required and utilized. Think about watching a super hero movie... they all spend the tie to understand and control their strengths, as they provide opportunity! Whats inspires You? Time, Money, Talents, Gifts, Giving, Learning, etc?
It's time we take control of the life we live... start living on Purpose! This life will never be a cake walk, so knowing what hinders us, what motivates us, and Who is actually leading makes ALL the difference!! If we can adhere to these factors, our life will be much more fruitful! Let's be productive this year... Prosperous, Victorious... and persevere instead of pouting! Life's happening right Now!!

Good day & God Bless,
Chris