Articles of Encouragement

Realizing Your Dreams in Twenty Minutes a Day

We all dream. It’s part of the unique nature of every human ever born. We are procreators, innovators and inventors by nature. There is no limitation whether by age, race, economic status, educational achievement or social standing. Dreaming is a part of who we are. We have all had dreams of doing something creative, important or meaningful in life at one time or another. Some choose to act on their dreams. Some choose not to. Most typically, people who give up on their dreams do so because of doubt or…

Relationships

Real Life Accountability with Real Friends

Character, Leadership0 comment

My friend and former pastor Max Wilkins recently shared a photo of a small group of men with who he has been in a covenant relationship with for a few decades now. They came together to hold each other accountable to a life of service, integrity, and character – to God, to family, and to the world. This group of men made a pact some 26 years ago to get in each other’s faces and to live out what, King Solomon’s wisdom found in Proverbs speaks of Iron sharpening iron…

Personal Development Relationships

Revenge is Never Sweet

Character, Forgiveness, Race Relations, Relationships4 Comments

Tigers are known for their vengeful nature. When they are wronged, they will seek out whomever or whatever was the cause and take revenge. Just like the tiger, people live with an inability to let go of offenses done to them or others. Interestingly, most people are the same way. Here’s why.

Personal Development

Attitude Does Not Get the Job Done

Productivity, Success0 comment

Having a great attitude is important, but all the great attitude in the world won’t amount to a hill of beans unless you take initiative to get off your butt and do what you have been called to do.

photo of woman contemplating failure and disappointment

Personal Development

Out of the Rubble of Our Lives

Empowerment, Mediocrity, Relationships, Starting Over1 Comment

Another lost job. Another failed relationship. Another major setback. That feeling like everything is falling apart or closing in on life as you know it. Frustration. Painful memories. A spinning carousel of emotions that make you feel out of control. Ever been there? You are most likely reading this for this very reason. I know that I have. So, let me be real here. Let me strip away the cancerous nature of my outer shell and the personna that says, “nothing phases me or gets me down.” Let’s be real…

Personal Development Stewardship

Fast Jets, Exotic Cars, Big Boats, Rust, and Moths

Greed, Success0 comment

I love the idea of having private jets, exotic cars, big boats, and all the other trinkets of luxury living. I love yachts, private jets, and sleek exotic sports cars probably as much as any other guy. I think it is the secret ambition to be James Bond or at least live at that level of adventure in exotic places as the character of James Bond does.

Personal Development

The Upside to Helping Others

0 comment

It’s an interesting phenomenon in life that when you sow into the lives of others, your investment into them brings a substantial reward back into your life. While this reward can at times be a financial return, most often it is a reward far greater than what any monetary reward can bring. The more you are outward focused and given to helping people, the greater the joy of living becomes, and the more filled your cup of satisfaction, happiness, joy, peace, and contentment becomes. Another thing happens too. The more you…