Friday, December 16, 2011

2012: Your Year of BREAKTHROUGH or BREAKDOWN~ You be the judge


Wow, 2012 RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!

What do you Think about that?! Are you AMPED, PUMPED, NERVOUS, EXCITED, CONCERNED, or ANTICIPATING Something GREAT?

Every New Year brings with it many questions and of course…. resolutions, “Is THIS year going to be like LAST Year?, I wonder if I can Lose the weight FOR REAL this year? Im Gonna Save $10,000 by the end of the year! Im gonna get a Raise this year! Im gonna kick the habit this year!”

You will hear all of these things in the following weeks. Jan 1 will find people racing to the Gyms, Signing up for 30 week seminars on Financial Success, getting up and praying, eating that nice little salad with a teaspoon of ranch dressing….All for the sake of a decision and a dream to look better, feel better, and live in comfort.

Well, there is nothing wrong with these resolutions or goals. The only thing wrong is that about 2 weeks later, the treadmills at the gym will be free, that 30 week seminar will reschedule multiple times due to “no shows” and the savings account that the person started is in the negative due to an “emergency situation”.
What’s wrong with this picture? Well, Ill tell you because I was one of those people who MADE a Decision to lose weight, save more, spend less,  and eat right, but I didn’t MANAGE that Decision.

Here’s what I mean…

Making a Decision is easy, everyone makes them whether right or wrong, but MANAGING a Decision requires a few words that I used to DETEST which are: PLAN, WORK, DICIPLINE, and CONSISTENCY. These factors make a GOAL a Reality!

I was a person who wanted things to work themselves out, I didn’t want to sweat, I didn’t want to have to press. I wanted to “prime the pump” of weight loss with my temporary discomfort of running that mile, and then sit on the couch and watch the fat melt off…Well CLEARLY that didn’t happen.
This past year has taught me to PLAN ahead, which deals with literally THINKING through my intent of execution and asking myself “How is this going to happen?” It’s not enough just to write a Goal down, you have to think through its execution and the steps you WILL Take to get there.

WORK is a Dirty word to many people. Many believe that after you get saved that God is going to rain down manna from heaven every morning with a side of Orange Juice. Guess what…Its NOT going to happen! You have to WORK! The Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “if a man doesn’t work He doesn’t EAT!”  Meaning that, if I don’t WORK, I will NOT Produce, and What I Do NOT Produce, I Cannot ENJOY! Proverbs 14:23 Says this “IN ALL Labor, There is PROFIT, but mere TALK leads to Poverty”. SO THAT Scripture ALONE brings more clarity to WORK! As long as you WORK hard, there is SOME SORT of Benefit attached to it, but do NO Work and Regret will be your companion!

Discipline is the ability to CONSISTENTLY ENFORCE OBEDIENCE! This means I have to develop the mental and physical strength to DO SOMETHING That IM Not NECESSARILY EXCITED about doing at the moment!

THIS is something that is PARAMOUINT!

Many People lack results because they lack discipline! If you DEVELOP Discipline in 2011 and carry it over into 2012 YOU WILL BE AMAZED at your OWN Results, but you HAVE to be consistent! John 8:31 paraphrased says “…If you CONTINUE in my word, Then are you my Disciples.” Disciple, in short, means “learner, follower, devotee, or disciplined one”, so we see here that the key to being disciplined is CONTINUING, which leads me to my last point.

CONSISTENCY is the act of continuing doing something over and over again until the desired result appears! This is a tricky one, because you can persist at working out, lose 10lbs of your 30lb goal and STOP because you feel good! You CANNOT do this in 2012! Your body and goals are not a YO YO, so stop PLAYING with it!

You WILL hit your goals this year if you commit to these few things and I GUARANTEE you will LIVE in the reality of your dreams and Eat the Fruit of your labor. The practice of these principle will PROVE to be the determining factors of 2012 being your Year of BREAKDOWN or BREAKTHROUGH!
SO raise your Apple Cider and TOAST to 2012!!!

-TS

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

60 days to Get Er DONE!

Hello ALL!

I Know I haven't written in about a week! I have been taking a breather from everything and putting everything back in order. You know... when you change seasons you have to get the proper attire out to start the new season, and many times it takes time.

During this "wardrobe change" I've been really putting everything in perspective that I need to make a serious impact on my generation. I have counted the cost for certain things, I know what it is going to take, I understand the sacrifice it requires and I STILL believe that I will ABSOLUTELY hit my Goal 100%.

I trust that this blog will inspire you to do the same as we close out this year! There are ONLY 60 DAYS to Go! What is it that you wanted to accomplish in 2011 that is STILL left undone? What Goal is still left unattained? What relationships still haven't formed? What Mindset hasn't been developed? What is it that you've lost that you haven't recovered? What ever it is...be SURE to GO After it..you have 60 DAYS....

I've purposed in my HEART that my 2012 will look ASTRONOMICALLY Different than 2011! I will do everything on my part to ensure that I'm READY for the EXPLOSION of GOOD things, AMAZING outcomes, PROFITABLE solutions, LIFE-LONG relationships, IMPRESSIVE exposures, and AT LEAST 10,000 people making a FIRST Time decision to invite Jesus Christ into their heart though our personal ministry!

Im READY to IMPACT this WORLD! 2012 will be a Year of SERIOUS Transformation! Im Ready...ARE YOU?

Keep Running!
TS

Habakkuk 2:2

Monday, October 24, 2011

The CLUTTER is CLOUDING The CLARITY!

One of the Greatest things that Ive learned in life is the ability to seek God. When I first came to an understanding of this, I asked myself "what does it mean to 'seek Him, is He Hiding'" I quickly came to  realization that God is not hiding, but rather our circumstances have clouded out His Presence in our lives and The CLUTTER of Life is CLOUDING The CLARITY you need!!!

And THIS is why we MUST Seek Him..

Day in and day out our minds and hearts are filled with things we have to do, things we didn't do, meetings, schedules, opportunities, projects, and sermons that if we are not careful the cares of this world will drown out our relation to God, and consequently we find ourselves going through the motions of life without the reverence or guidance of God nor His Spirit. Its almost like we're on autopilot and we are aimlessly trucking through life trying to "make it happen", when all God asks us is to Seek Him....

Its much like you looking for your lost keys! You search EARNESTLY because the keys that you have lost are VITAL to you getting to the place you need to Go. SO you tear your house apart, thinking in your mind "Where Are they?" You may get a little agitated because you feel as though you should've been more careful! You search in the closet...not there...You look in all the drawers in the kitchen..not there...you look under the couch...not there...you look IN the couch...not there...you look all under the mail you have stacked on your counter...not there...you look EVERYWHERE...but you just cant seem to FIND your keys...when all the while they were RIGHT in your hand!

Much like this process, Seeking GOD is removing the clutter out of your heart to TRULY Hear His Voice. Seeking Him is to search through His Word to find the answer to the unrest in your soul. Seeking Him is Removing the Clutter, noise, and distractions out of your life so that you can TRULY hear with Clarity what He has been speaking to you! SEEKING HIM LAUNCHES YOU INTO A WORLD OF COMPLETE PEACE...because when You FIND Him....you'll realize He was MUCH Closer than you EVER Imagined!

So today, I want to challenge you to take your lunch hour and give your lunch money to a church, ministry, your favorite charity, or just randomly bless someone...and choose to give your lunch hour to Him...to Seek HIM, so that you can get the clarity that you need! I PROMISE you WILL NOT regret the time you give up, to seek Him earnestly!You don't really need to say much...just in your heart allow Him to speak to you!

If you are Up for the challenge comment on this post and if you want to share your experience feel free to email me at torrianscott@runningafterdestiny.com, Id love to hear!

Until Tomorrow....Keep Running!
TS

Job 8:5-6
Psalms 24:6
Psalm 63:1-3
Psalm 69:32

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Celebrating NEWNESS of Life

WOW! So I'm gonna be a Daddy of a Little Girl! My Heart is RACING with excitement, Joy, Enthusiasm, and OVERWHELMING Fulfillment! I GET to Father a Daughter!!! WOW! WHAT a TRUE Blessing! God is JUST That GOOD!

There is something so amazing about when a newborn comes into the world (or is about to, in this instance). It allows you to reevaluate a lot of things in your own personal life. Thoughts of "How will she look (Beautiful I know..because He mother is GORGEOUS), What will she be like? What will be her talents, gifts, and call? What type of personality will she have?" So Many thoughts fill my mind as I imagine me coming home and two of my babies running to the door excited as they shout with endearment, "Daddy Daddy!" Her first step, our first Father Daughter Date, Her Graduation, Her Marriage to a...*SLAMS The BRAKES* Hold on....She's not even here yet...LOL....Its all good though..you get my drift!

*Sigh*

I'm so overjoyed you all! I know this blog had nothing to do with helping you get to the finish line! But if I could say anything...it would be this...

Take the time to REALLY cherish what you have! I feel like God has really blessed us with SO much and sometimes we take it for granted because we may not be where we "think" we should be. But this is the amazing thing about God...We are NOWHERE where he doesn't WANT US to be! SO Celebrate the newness of life in your world! It maybe a new challenge, a new project, a new business opportunity, a new way to reach this next generation, but in ALL things Give thanks, and if you don't have anything readily identifiable to thank God for...thank Him for the ability to be breathing HIS breath in this day we call Today!

So I hope you are still running! Thank you for Celebrating the life of my lil princess who is growing inside my Beautiful wife! (That rhymed :o) )

Love you all...Keep Running!
TS





Monday, October 17, 2011

Whats Your Vision?



The Video above by one of my mentors, Dr. Myles Munroe, is a Powerful message on The Power of Vision. He tells us that "Vision is a matter of the Heart and not of the eyes" I love that quote because it allows us to ensure that we are seeing through the eyes of Faith and see those things that are not seen at the moment in the natural.

That is LITERALLY walking in Faith and CONFIDENCE in the fact that one day your FULL vision will come to fruition and not only will YOU see what you've ALWAYS seen in your heart...but others will get the privilege of seeing it as well!

Vision is VERY important in our lives. The Bible tells us that "Where there is no VISION, the people perish" Prov 29:18(KJV). Its interesting because the writer of Proverbs tells us that Vision is Literally a determining factor between life or death.

So, I want to ask you...What is Your Vision? Do you, as a Father have a Vision for your household....not those that just live in your home, but the ones you cannot see just yet...Your Grandchildren, and their children, and theirs. Mother DO you have a Vision for your Family, how your son's and daughters will grow up? Do you have provisions for your vision? If you are envisioning your children going to college are you saving for that NOW?! If you are envisioning your body looking a certain way after you've lost the weight, are you actively eating right and pushing your body to the LIMIT in exercise now?

I guess my question REALLY is this...Is Your VISION matching what you are WALKING out? If not...Its Just a Dream! Vision was made to be seen, while dreams just stay in your head!

We have to be SERIOUS about our Vision for our lives, businesses, ministries, families, and the next generation. Take some time this evening to turn off the TV, put the Kids to bed, and ask God ONE question tonight..."What's YOUR Vision for my life Lord, Make it CRYSTAL Clear so that I will Understand!" I guarantee you..What you'll hear will AMAZE you! Write it down, Put a date and time on it, and begin DOING what He shows you!

Love you all! HAve a Good Night!

TS

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Be FAITHFUL to Complete the Work!!


I used to be the one who would start something and would not finish it! It didn't matter how enthusiastic I was about starting a new fitness regimen, a new book, a new idea for business, or a sermon series. I would ALWAYS think in the back of my mind "I know I'm not going to finish this".


This Is HORRIBLE! 


Lets be Honest, many of us have self sabotaging habits and we totally short circuit the success that we could have if we would just PRESS forward and Finish The work! Imagine a world of people who are like this...How crazy would the world be if people didn't finish half of what they started??


Think about it... I imagine a world full of unfinished haircuts, unfinished roads, unfinished buildings, and unfinished cars. As crazy as that looks in our imagination, lets understand that it looks JUST as crazy to God when we start something He inspired us to do and don't finish it!


We have to learn to be FAITHFUL...Faithfulness is simply being RELIABLE, Accountable, and Responsible regardless of supervision, instruction, or motivation. Its a Conviction that a person possesses to BE there and operate in excellence no matter who is looking! SO Be FAITHFUL to complete the work you've began understanding that God is with you to help you in the accomplishment of your goal!


SO as we ALL have made a Decision to Start something...Lets operate in the same grace of God to be FAITHFUL to COMPLETE the Work!!!!!


Keep Running!
TS


Philippians 1:3-6

Monday, October 10, 2011

JUST MAKE A DECISION!!!!

One thing that I've found to be true is that if you are going to WIN, Be successful at you dream, Goal, or aspiration is that you have to make a DECISION and Stay Focused on that decision! I was reminded of this truth on one of my training calls last night...

Many of us wait for people to approve of our endeavors, wait for certain things to iron out before we pursue the dream or goal. Many people use the the infamous "Ill wait till Monday to start!" quote once they are inspired to do something better with their lives. Whether that be in their health, their marriage, their business, etc. Personally I believe Mondays are a Procrastinator's Re-birthday! That is the day when they stretch to begin something for the Hundredth-Millionth Time, JUST to find themselves BACK at the same place..saying.."Ill start on Monday" again...When you Make a decision you have to ACT on that decision IMMEDIATELY!!! 

My farther in the Faith, Bishop IV Hilliard says this in regard of him finding out God's will for all people of God to live blessed, "When I found out that it was God's will for my life to be blessed, I changed IMMEDIATELY" He said that he changed his actions, behavior, and thinking immediately. SO much to the fact that many people thought he was crazy, thought that pressure of lack had went to his head, and that he was on the verge of break down. 

This evidently wasn't the case...he simply got a Revelation of what God's Word said about him (and ALL believers), Made a decision, and ACTED Upon that decision and HARNESSED himself in the fact that "Although I Don't SEE everything now..Its only a matter of time before I do..." He stayed focused on this truth and lives a blessed life today.

In terms of the second ingredient for this formula of success, One of my Business Partners, Bass Grant trained on a concept at one of our meetings of Going 150MPH towards your Goals. He said When you're going 150MPH, you don't have time to look at all of the little stuff that may happen along the way, you have to stay FOCUSED on the road, otherwise, you'll Crash. And so It is with your success...When you Make a decision and chose to run 150 MPH towards the finish line you'll stop waiting for:
  • It to Be Popular 
  • Convenience 
  • The right time 
  • More money to show up
  • Your "Ship" Coming in
  • Someone to Discover you
  • Appreciation from those who don't Like you ANYWAY
  • Acknowledgment from those who you see as Superior
  • Someone to TELL you What to Do
  • You to get more education
  • You to FEEL like doing it...
You have ALL you Need RIGHT now to be the Person God created you to be! "He'll give you more on your way than when you First began!"- Bishop IV Hilliard. So "don't sweat the small stuff." Its a Daily regimen of getting up and doing what is necessary to harness your decision to lose that weight, start that business, begin that book, be that DIAMOND by January, and Live the life you KNOW you were created to Live!

So today..Stop ALL Excuses, take 100% Responsibility for ALL that Happens to you in your pursuit of your goal, and 100% responsibility of everything that DOESN'T Happen! Make the Decision, Stay Disciplined, Focused, and I Guarantee YOU you will get to the Finish line in RECORD Time!

Keep Running!

Friday, October 7, 2011

YOU ARE VALUABLE!



One of The Greatest Tragedies that a person can go through is a loss of their sense of worth and value! We all need a reminder from time to time, that we are valuable to our families, businesses, ministries, and lie in general! Once a person losses their sense of value, their attitude and treatment of themselves and life begin to diminish.

Today I hope this video encourages you to keep pushing because you are VALUABLE regardless of what people have said about you, done to you, or you have dome to yourself!

No one is Exempt from difficulties and trials, but don't let that typecast you as a Failure!! You are VALUABLE!!!!

Keep Running!

TS

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Technical Difficulties DO NOT Get the Best of Me!

Ladies and Gents! After COUNTLESS times of attempting to upload my video to Blogger...It has not been successful! I will resolve the issue by tomorrow!

HOWEVER....I have uploaded a video to Facebook in which you can click HERE to View!

Stay Focused today! Keep The Faith And RUN WTH INTENSITY!!!! Your Prize is GREATER than the Temporary Pain and Discomfort your facing right now!!!

 Keep Running!
TS

Monday, October 3, 2011

90 Days of RED HOT INTENSITY!!!!

SO Here we are..LITERALLY 90 Days left in another year that we will NEVER see again!!! My Question is WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH IT!?!?!?

You know when we entered into this year many people had  great expectations of the things that would occur by years end. Some have realized the great victories, and some have suffered great tragedies and difficulties. But if truth be told and you are BRUTALLY HONEST with yourself... You REALLY haven't seen ALL that you would like to see in 2011! So Here's your time!!!

I love when the pressure is on because it really brings out that champion, that fighter, and that winner in you that is READY to get in THE GAME and WIN BIG!!!!! As the time continues to tick away and your business plans, weight goals, and aspirations sit on the shelf, there is a determination that should be arising in you!!! You STILL have enough time to put a SOLID DENT in that stack of debt, shave some pounds off of the scale, and put a solid amount in a savings account! Because its BETTER TO DO SOMETHING than NOTHING AT ALL!! SO Get Moving!!The YEAR is NOT OVER! and we have to realize that!

Now for some of you there will be the temptation to slow down and push the breaks on what you set out to do in the beginning of the year because we are moving into a Holiday Season and I want to STRICKY ADMONISH you NOT to do that! Reason being is that you would have given up on YOU.... and my friend that is THE LAST person you need throwing in the towel.

Embrace this week and these next 90 days with ENTHUSIASM, PASSION, FOCUS, FAITH and DISCIPLINE toward whatever it is that you want to SEE Manifest THIS YEAR! This is STILL the Year of manifestation, but its up to you to start, continue, and FINISH THE RACE!!!

Im with you on this! I have some weight Goals, Business Goals, Ministry Goals, Family Goals, and Personal Goals that I have yet to accomplish that INDEED ARE Accomplished before the Clock Strikes 12 Midnight taking us into 2012!

Im FIRED UP, EXCITED, and looking forward to celebrating with you!

Stay fovused..dont look to the right..nor to the Left..Keep Your EYES on the PRIZE and SURE ENOUGH you'll find that as your RUN with UNLIMITED Expectations, Focus, and Faith that ALL that you Dared to dream would have TOTALLY been realized!!!

Enjoy This Clip.......

 
KEEP RUNNING!!!

TS

Habakkuk 2:2
Job 36:11
Mark 11:23

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Keeping My Brother in Your Prayers

ON Tuesday, my Little Brother, Emmanuel Brown was involved in an accident that by God's Grace DIDN'T Take His Life! God Spared His life and I'm Grateful! Those of you who have a prayer life we are asking for you to continue to pray for my little Bro. 

To Help you in this: Please pray this out loud and often:


"Father in The Name of Jesus, I thank You firstly for Saving Emmanuel's Life! I thank you Father that you are The Healer and There is NOTHING too hard for you. I want to remind you of the miracles you did in the Bible with The Woman with the issue of blood, as well as the lame men, and all of the miraculous things you've done! I thank you that you are the same, Yesterday, Today, and FOREVER. SO Just as you Healed, Delivered, and Restored what was seemingly impossible back then, I am CONFIDENT that you have done it again in Emmanuel's Life today! We Decree  that He is Healed and made whole from The Crown of His Head to the Soles of His Feet both Internally & Externally in Jesus' Name! Every Bone, Muscle, Nerve, and system are functioning as they were created and designed to function in Jesus' Name! I Thank You Father for Healing Him, Restoring Him, and Staying with Him! I Expect to see and hear the good report of Emmanuel Walking, Talking, and Functioning even BETTER than I did before, In Jesus' Name. Amen!"
Thank You All for your prayers! 
Take some time and Read these, SImple Click and it'll take you to the Site!!!

Monday, September 19, 2011

First Video: Keeping God First!!!!!!!!!!



Putting God First is an AMAZING Way of Living. It goes beyond just mere "Principle" it is a Preference! I Prefer to Have God first, He Goes before me because He was Here before me anyway! When we PUT Him first we are demonstrating trust, confidence, and TRUE relationship.

God is SIMPLY Amazing everyone, I pray that today, no matter what you've Gone through, no matter what mess you're currently in, I want to encourage you to set ALL of it aside and Put God First! Put Him first in your business, before you step foot over that threshhold of your door, Put him first in that meeting, put Him first in your family, ministry, projects, and I PROMISE you ...He Will Come through in the way He ONLY knows How to.."Exceeding Abundantly, ABOVE, ALL that you [DARE] Ask or think!

Love you All!

Keep Running!
TS

Check These out:
Proverbs 3:9

I also write for the FIRST EVER Online Success & Power Magazine: Be Sure to check out:
Last Months Article: YOU: The Foundation of Your Success pg 25-26
This Months Article: The BIG 3 pgs 10-11!!!


Sunday, September 11, 2011

From Chameleon to CHAMPION...

I remember growing up and watching some people pull of some crazy things with their apparel. I mean you had KrisKross who wore their clothes Backwards, you had Da Brat who had like 700 Rubberbands in her head, there were people who weren't so famous that just did outlandish things and they received notoriety for it.

Me as a mediocre dresser and person who wasn't as courageous to stand out of the crowd, asked myself what was this "thing" that these people possessed that I didn't. I remember talking to two of my Best friends in THE WORLD, who had and currently have a OUTSTANDING Dressing reputation, Nova Scott (my boo), and Jimmy Odukoya a few years back and I asked them, what was the "Key" to dressing and they Simply Said "Confidence".

This really ministered to me in a weird way, because this is one thing that I had been lacking in my life. For some reason, I thought that I had this concept down packed. I thought that I had conquered this timidity that caged me in the fear and prohibited me in being the person I was created to be. As I looked over my life I noticed key areas that I could've been more confident, more convicted on who God called me to be. And at that point it went beyond clothes, shoes, and outward appearance, and landed right on the inward me that had not seen the light of day, because I was a Chameleon!!!

A Chameleon is one that adapts to whatever is around it. God created this animal with an amazing defense mechanism of changing its natural hue to blend in so that its predator cannot detect it. This is an AWESOME ability...for the Chameleon, but is TOO Dangerous for us made in God's Image. God didn't create us to blend in, He didn't create us to be TIMID, and SCALE back who we are. He didn't create us to just agree with the status quo, and the statistics, stereotypes, and standards set around us. He Created us to BE CONFIDENT!

SO My Journey out of this state of "Chameleon-dom" was one that caused me to get ridicule, misunderstanding, and backlash, because I was no longer swimming with the current, I was swimming AGAINST it, because THAT'S what He Called me to DO. I learned long ago by one of my Youth Ministers, that if I was going to be successful, I had to look at what everyone else was doing, and do the EXACT opposite! And I feel as though now is the time for us to do JUST that. WALK in CONFIDENCE and SWIM AGAINST the current in efforts to stand out as that WORLD CHANGING Agent of Change He put on the inside of you!

Now don't get me wrong, I am not initiating a REBELLION against God given authority, or leadership, but a REBUTTAL against the LIES and Condemnation that the Enemy has imprisoned you in!

So what Must YOU do in times of timidity, cowardace, or fear? Understand that YOU are NOT your surroundings, you come from a Divine Stock and DNA that OVERCAME every OPPOSING Force trying to SNUFF OUT His plan!

It’s going to take you standing against the odds, getting up early, and going to bed late. It’s going to take you working on YOU more than you work on your external trophies of business or ministry. It’s going to take you developing discipline to train yourself to say NO to the delicacies of this life and SAY YES to those Vegetables and Water. It’s going to take you TRULY Digging deep and forgiving the ones who hurt you, let you down, disappointed you, left you, abused you, mistreated you, ignored you, ostracized you, abandoned you, thought little of you, and tried to DESTROY YOU!

It’s tough people, BUT. ITS. WORTH. IT! REMEMBER that YOU are NOT your surroundings, you come from a Divine Stock and DNA that OVERCAME every OPPOSING Force trying to SNUFF OUT His plan and THAT DNA is IN YOU!

So as you go through today, no matter what you face…Make a Conscious and PHYSICAL effort to move from Chameleon to CHAMPION!

Keep Running!
TS



Wednesday, September 7, 2011

You're A Candidate for Something GREAT!


Today You are a candidate for something Great! I'm not sure what it is that will happen in your business, in your marriage, in your ministry, or family. But I do know that something GREAT can happen to you granted that you do something that you probably haven’t done in a while.

You ready? BE THANKFUL! I wrote yesterday about gratitude and how we should identify 7 things that we are grateful for. But I want to take it a bit further and challenge you to actually put your feet to the things that are coming from your mouth and racing through your heart.

Gratitude deals with the condition of your heart while Thankfulness deals with your actions. There are PLENTY of people that I am thankful for. Many are still here on the earth and some are long gone. Some I've met and some I haven’t met, but I am still thankful for their existence and what their obedience to God has done for my life. Thankfulness triggers an emotional and physical response from a person.

Just think about it, let’s go way back..Back into time when you were in your Batman Pajamas that were clearly too little, but you held on to them anyway because they made you feel like you had special powers ((*Looks around* Oh…Just me again...Okay…)) So ummm back to that Christmas Eve Night as you are opening up your presents and one by one you tear the wrapping off uncovering all the things that you’re grateful for. Then Mom or dad disappears from the room and brings back a present wrapped neatly in red wrapping paper, with a big blue bow on the top, with your name plastered in big, bright, and BOLD letters. Your heart beats faster and faster with every step they make towards you until finally it’s in your hand. It’s almost like time freezes around you as you tear the once neatly folded wrapping paper off  the box, only to uncover the passion and very purpose of your little existence! You SCREAM with one of those Tevin Campbell, meets Darryl Coley, meets Tea Kettle squeals as your eyes fall on the object of your desire….TEDDY RUPSKIN!! You almost faint because the blood rushes through your head, and you barely rip your little batman cape from your back because you’re jumping around the house. Kind of Like This Guy(Click HERE to see PURE EXCITEMENT) Up and down, up and down, running all over the place, and making promises and saying words to your parents like, “You’ll never have to tell me to clean my room again” and “I love you, I Love you, I Love you!, This is THE BEST DAY EVER, You GUYS ARE THE GREATEST!!!!”

So I took you back to your childhood for a certain reason…to show you the true meaning of Christmas  (Just kidding)

No, it was to bring home the case and point that when you are TRULY Thankful, it will trigger some sort of response that is noticeable by not only the person you’re thankful for, but everyone around you! It could be a tweet honoring a person who has helped you, a card of some sort, send some flowers, send some money or a present, write a HANDWRITTEN letter, song, or poem for them. Stop by their home or office, or a publicly acknowledgement their deed to honor them!

Whatever it is, do something that will display your thankfulness for that person to ensure THEY KNOW IT! It may not be big and extravagant, but do YOUR part to let hem know how they have impacted your life…and rest assured, God will do His part in sending GREAT things Your way!!

Keep Running!
TS 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Post Labor Day


So Today You’re probably back at work after a GREAT Labor Day. Yesterday many of you all were focused on NOT working!! If you’re in Texas the chicken and the brisket had probably already been marinating since Friday. That Rack of Ribs was based and ready for the Q, you got had coolers full of off brand sodas, Capri Suns, Water and maybe a lil pitcher of Kool-Aid somewhere. Family & Friends were called and you put it ALL together and had a good ol’ time!

But today as you are there back at work after a day of hanging out with friends and family, take time to reflect on ALL the Things that you’ve persevered THROUGH in order to get to the place you are RIGHT Now. It may not be the place that you imagined, it may be tough, it may even be a little disheartening..But HEY…you’re STILL here. God has given you the sense to be able to log onto a Social Network of some sort, click on this link, and be able to comprehend what you’re reading right now.

I feel this right now…so it may be for you…You are NOT alone…God has you!!! Don’t worry about the people who are trying to snuff out your name, trying to hold you down, back biting, whispering behind your back, and the like. Stop worrying about the bills, how they are going to get paid, how you are going to get from point A to Point B. STOP WORRYING. GOD HAS YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND! AND NEVER FORGET IT!!!!

Ok...back on point…

Take this Day to be COMPLETELY Grateful to God for where He’s Brought you! ENJOY THIS Day…Make it Count…Make THE BEST of it! Gratitude is one of the first key components in being successful in this journey!!! So POP open that can of “Dr. Thunder”, or Lime Soda, take a bite into that left over succulent rib, or burnt hot dog, or burger, and fill your heart with GRATITUDE as you get ONE step closer to your destiny!

I want to challenge you to reflect on 7 things you can be GRATEFUL for! As you do this….I PROMISE…Something AMAZING will happen!!! And when it DOES…I want you to let me know about it!

Friends, you are valuable in God’s eyes and DEFINITELY Valuable in Mine!

Keep Running!
TS

Friday, September 2, 2011

The Case of The Deleted BLOG!

I CANNOT Believe that I Just Spent about an HOUR Writing and researching for the blog and IT WAS ALL DELETED by My Special little Laptop....CAN ANYONE SAY MACBOOK PRO COME NOW?!?!?!

Anyways..Sorry..Just had to vent a little frustration there.

So Im not even sure what I was talking about..its like a FLOW...The only way to capture it is to record it and thats what I was doing...So...Im a lil upset because it was actually GOOD! *Woo Sahh*...Okay...Ill be okay...

But today Im sure you've already eaten lunch or about to at least so I know that your day is practically over. But what can we learn from my little mishap with saving my work properly?You see, Blogger has this function called "auto save" in which it saves every so many seconds while you're writing to avoid what just happened...SO I gained a lot of trust and confidence in this function and what it was expected to do....

Sometimes there are accidents that we have imposed on ourselves and the first thing we try and do is blame others. And if truth be told we could've done things a little more efficiently and strategically rather than relying on something that is convenient. Case and Point...Always Have Checks & Balances in your life, they will keep you from making unrecoverable mistakes that will cause frustration & delay...

So Hopefully everyone is having a GREAT day and will have an even GREATER weekend! Until Monday Folks...You Know What to do!
TS

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

They Don't JUST Make You ITCH...


As You are looking at this picture, you are probably starting to itch. Your mind is remembering a time in your life when you've been bit by an ant before and all of a sudden you feel like something is crawling on you...so you're probably swatting and scratching and feeling things crawl on your feet right about now! LOL...

Isn't it crazy that you can feel all of these things knowing that in reality there probably isn't an ANT in sight or even around you? I find it interesting because when we see ants or a swarm of bugs of some sort, we immediately interpret bad, but what if we looked at our fiery little friends and saw THE GOOD that They Do?!?!?

I watched a documentary a few months ago covering exactly how the ant works and constructs his home. It was interesting to see them in action up close and personal. It reminded me of the movie "Honey I Shrunk The Kids" Because I had a face to face view of what goes on in the ant world on a daily basis.

As I was at the bus stop again. I observed the little creatures in their element raiding a trash can and it got me thinking about the scriptures in the bible where it tells us to look at the ant as an example and it struck a real life lesson for me that day.

They're up before we awake, everyone synced in line like a swiss army, everyone doing his part. You rarely see them working by themselves or lagging around. They are one of the tiniest creatures in this earth yet one of the wisest and hard working. They have a structure and system setup in which there is rare competition because everyone knows their place and their role. They have a sense of order and authority that rivals the US Army and have communication down to a science!

I admire them for their ability to forecast and gather in the summer even though winter is 2 seasons away. They are savers and have a heart to rebuild no matter what the weather conditions are! They are an inspiration to me and should be to you as well as to what it really takes to be successful in all aspects of life.

SO How does this ALL Apply to our RUN? We have to open our eyes to see the little things that we can draw strength or encouragement from. It may be as small as the ant, but it can teach us weighty lessons that will carry us through to success. Take the time today to notice the small things that you normally look over or take for granted. Get inspired by looking at the small "seemingly" insignificant aspects of our day and TRULY pull out Meaningful lessons that will impact your life and others lives for years to come!

TS

Proverbs 6:6
Proverbs 30:25-29

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

DO you Have ENOUGH CHANGE?!?!?

I was riding the bus yesterday and Its just amazing to observe people. ((If you ever want to study the behavior of people, just ride your city bus for a week!)) It's so funny because someone threw a water balloon at me while I was waiting for my bus, ((In all Honesty, I wish it wouldve hit me bc it was so HOT outside))

But I was on there yesterday morning and it was PACKED...I MEAN SERIOUSLY PACKED!!! I was about 3 blocks from my transfer and a guy and a girl got on and were scrambling to find their money so we all could proceed to our places for the day. The Guy put some coins in the machine and many coins were rejected. It seemed like an eternity as we all waited for them to find their money so we could all to get to our respective places. I Imagine some were going to work, others were just going home, some to school, and others who knows, but we all had something in common..we were al trying to GET somewhere and we were held up because someone didn't have ENOUGH CHANGE!

Whether you acknowledge it or not, we are all linked together some way or some how, just like my fellow passengers on that bus, and many are waiting on US to get ENOUGH CHANGE in our lives so that we can usher others to their destiny! Its a Hard truth, but our decisions, both bad and good, effect others in various ways...We Can invoke change or hinder a person from getting to their place of fulfillment all because we didn't make the decision to be disciplined enough, daring enough, or discerning enough to find the hindrances in our lives and eradicate them!

The CHANGE you need may be different from the CHANGE I need...but it is inevitable WE ALL NEED CHANGE IN ORDER TO GET TO OUR DESTINY! This Change may require you going out and finding it, it may require you to get up and CREATE IT, It may be somewhere where you frequent. But CHANGE is necessary!!! We cannot stay the same and reach this generation, our family, or our community without it!

When it all boils down to it...WE ARE ALL Being Watched by SOMEONE...not just the Government..but the people AROUND you..the people in your family, the people you work with, or who work for YOU, the people who you don't know, and the people you DO know, and they're looking for some significant amount of CHANGE in your life that will give them the right to Change! I can look back over my life and pinpoint the people who's lives I observed, and as a result made necessary changes in MY life some good, and some bad! We are ALL Discipling SOMEONE and if there is NO FRUIT of change in your life..they will NEVER get to partake of the TRUE Fulfillment they were called to walk in.

SO Today...Take A GOOD Look at yourself...Have you MADE The Necessary CHANGES to Cause a ripple effect of effectiveness in your workplace, your business, your family, your community, your marriage, and the list could go ON and ON!

Remember..If you don't have ENOUGH Change...Just like My friend on the bus...you could possibly DELAY Someone's fulfillment of their destiny!

Keep Ya Stride!
TS

Hebrews 6:12

Monday, August 29, 2011

Failure is Not an OPTION....Its a Decision

You've Heard people say that "Failure is NOT an Option". Many people quote it in the wake of tremendous difficulty and struggle in efforts to maintain a high level of confidence that will sustain their optimism on a subject.

This is true HOWEVER, in life, I believe that Failure, much like success, is a definition that is totally left to an individual's interpretation. You see, I used to think that the definition of success and failure were universal. That everyone had the same mindset when it came to the attaining of a goal or the lack thereof. I figured that everyone thought like me, but I was soon to realize that I was sadly and ridiculously mistaken.

Success & Failure are tricky topics. Where one person sees success another sees failure. Its much like tomato/to-MAH-to, Potato/Po-TAH-to, its all in perspective. When I see success I interpret it as the attainment of an individuals heartfelt goal or dream. I interpret failure as the lack of achievement in that same goal. Here comes the trick...an individual can be a failure in Success and a Success in failure...Paradox I know...But we wont tread that deep..

The purpose of this blog today is to show you that your definition for success or failure...is your perspective on the matter, not anyone else's. I've learned that winners create the conditions in their mind to win. For Instance, when I was a kid, we would race in the neighborhood. Now this was before the gaming systems, and internet, and Facebook..so we actually PLAYED outside! Well it would be in one of these races that before we started, I would imagine that the neighborhood terrorist, a Rottweiler by the name of Tango, was behind me. "On your Mark, Get Set, GO" Everyone took off... but I would be in another mindset.."if I don't win, Tango will TEAR me UP!" So I would go on to either win or tie with another person. Case and Point...Its all in your mind on how you interpret a failure or success...Its Not an Option....Its a DECISION!

This is why I said that Failure is not an option, it's a decision. You decide to fail or succeed by your own interpretation. What I've heard someone say in the past few weeks is that they "dont experience failure, only levels of success." I thought that that was so profound because it gives room for both, the person who may be starting out in goal setting and the veteran to give themselves some room. Maybe you didn't hit that goal of losing the certain weight, or getting the promotion, or making a certain amount of money, but in the process as you prepared for it, you got a bit wiser, maybe a little stronger, maybe a little more disciplined, and as a result a little closer to your goal than before.

So I just write to encourage you, that if you've done ALL that you can do, if you've been intentional in your pursuit, focused, disciplined, and you've kept your inspiration at a peak..You My Friend..in MY BOOK have been successful...now its up to YOU to decide if you agree or not.

Have a GREAT DAY Folks....You said it..Keep RUNNING!
TS

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Is This Just Ecstasy....



Many people are unaware that ALL relationships go through stages. Stages in which if people are not ready for, can really take them for a loop. Years ago my pastor, taught us the difference in seasons of relationships, and it never fails that when faced with a new relationship...I walk through them in view of what he taught us years ago. He said that all relationships whether it be a business relationship, a parenting relationship, a marriage relationship, or church or organization relationship goes through several stages. I've found out in various times in my life that these stages are lived out in progression. But if you keep the end result in mind, they'll all pan out the way they should.

#1. The Ecstasy Stage: This is where you fall head over heels with her curves and great personality and quirky little nonchalant-ness (if that's even a word), and his muscles and his attitude, the businesses ability to earn more money for the family, and the positions possibility for increase. These are all great and ALL relationships should start off like this. I believe that it is healthy because in the progression of the relationship you may need to refer BACK to this place as a reference point on your feelings of "Where have you been ALL my life?"

#2. The REALITY Stage: This stage is where you figure out and realize that those curves that you were in love with have a bad attitude sometimes and Mr. Muscles and attitude's breath is not ALWAYS the best. The Business you started may not be as easy as you though it would be, and the goals you've set may not be as in reach as you thought it would be. Its that day when you realize that the person, business, or relationship that you've entered into may not be as perfect as you thought they/it would be and it is in THIS stage that you MUST make a decision because the NEXT Stage will MAKE or BREAK that relationship.

#3. Problem Stage: Uh OH...Mr. Muscles got caught looking at Suzy Q, and Ms. Curves got caught not telling the FULL truth about Her "Big Brother" ((Sidenote: Single people if someone says 'Oh Thats Just my Brother/Sister' Your response should be is that 'Yo Brother/Sister or A Brother/Sister?')) This is where you as the person have to work through those tough situations that no one wants to face. But you see there is one thing that I've learned about trouble...it doesn't last ALWAYS...Its like the rainstorm. Its here and it seems pretty bad, but you weather it...because you remember what the sunlight felt like, and you are eagerly awaiting its return! This is the time you ride it out. Stay committed to your goals and dreams and reflect back to #1...Remember what it was like when you first SAW Him/Her...Remember what it felt like when you first held your son/daughter in your arms...reminisce on the day when you were so optimistic about your future...and the present problem will soon be bearable. It is in this stage that you TRULY make a COMMITMENT!

#4. The Commitment/Covenant Stage: This Stage is ONLY for the STRONG at HEART & Soul...you can ONLY make it here when you have a FULL perspective on the prior 3 and STILL have the wherewithal to continue to the End. Sometimes this decision has to be made QUICKLY, but some cannot make the decision to continue going forward to where God has called them to be in that business, relationship, or job because the pressure is on. But its in the HEAT where the Gold is made pure, Its in The HEAT where the raw materials of flour, eggs, sugar, and spice make the PERFECT Cake...Its in The HEAT where the TRUE WINNER is Birthed!

I love working through these processes because it just goes to show that there is nothing new under the sun, there is nothing too hard for God, and there is NOTHING that You CANNOT DO!

So today before you give up on that person, business, job, opportunity...Take a minute to see where you are in the process Ecstasy, Reality, Problem, or The Commitment/Covenant Stage!

Keep it Movin....Love YAll!
TS

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Public Success but a Private Failure

Imagine waking up one morning going through your daily routine. You Jump out of bed, get some breakfast, brush your teeth, and start getting ready for your day. On your way out the door you grab your coffee mug and head out the door. But instead of the freshly landscaped lawn and lush tulips and annuals greeting your eyes when you open the door. You are met with terror and calamity as the outside world you know totally has went far South between you lying down last night and stepping foot outside your front doorstep.

You want to go out of your home, but the picture to the left is what meets you...a Sink Hole HUNDREDS of feet Wide and who knows how many Feet or MILES deep!!! What Horror would fill your heart, what thoughts, what actions, what plans of survival would be rushing through your mind as come face to face with danger and possibly your demise?

While I wish that this revelation was mine to truly communicate, I have to give recognition to one of the authors that I have grown to love, Mr. Gordon MacDonald who brought this reality to the forefront in his book, Ordering Your Private World. MacDonald does an AWESOME job detailing the effects of sinkholes in our daily lives.

It was such an inspiration that I had to share my thoughts with you. MacDonald tells the story of the Floridian Sinkhole that happened some years ago. Sink Holes happen when the underground currents of water dry up during seasons of drought and the surface above caves in due to the lack of it's underground support, instantly swallowing up homes, cars, buildings, and people. He tells the reader that this sinkhole can be related to the caving in of our "outer-world" because there was no spiritual depth to keep the pressures of this life from causing a cave in, a break down, or a sink hole.

I thought it was so interesting to read and understand that so many of us have build great exteriors of our lives. We've gotten a certain level of success, recognition, applause, accomplishments, and awards...but many times we receive the reward but inwardly we cannot appreciate and accept what has happened because our "inner world" is disorganized and many times compromised.

We've seen it over the past few years, preachers, politicians, musicians, business leaders, and the like experiencing abyss like craters in their ministries, careers, marriages, businesses, and finances. This is all due to a neglect of the inner world (thoughts, will, imagination, emotions, spirit, and intellect). They are what i call a Public Success but a private failure.

Their private lives have no substance, no depth, and little meaning. Most of their efforts are external and focused on acquiring the recognition that they forsake the TRUE meaning of success...Wholeness in EVERY Area of life...Spiritual..AND Physical.

MacDonald tells us that our spiritual life is one that sustains the strength and foundation of our physical lives and all that we build on the surface of our lives. So today...I encourage you to do 2 things:
#1. Go Get This Book
#2. Think about how much time you are spending building things on the surface, but if truth be told some of us are just one degree away from experiencing a sinkhole in which EVERYTHING you thought was strong caves in and is lost for ever...

Take about 15 Minutes today to attend to and strengthen your inner man through prayer, reading The Bible, journaling, or just simply visiting your future through your imagination. Whatever you do, make sure you take time out for yourself...You Need it..and DESERVE it!

Love Ya'll....Keep Running!
TS

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Questions EVERY Dreamer Should ask Themselves!

What are your dreams? I am seriously curious as to what they really are? I want you to really think about it. Are you staying true to those dreams? Or have you placed them on the back burner of your mind and postponed them for some time in the future?

Many people pawn off their success and the fulfillment of their dreams on the boss giving a raise, people in their circle applauding their every decision, and some strangers coming by to drop that million dollar check in their hands.

This would all be so much easier than actually working for it, and sacrificing for it, and building a story that will bless people. You see, 100% of my personal success depends on my effort! My thoughts tonight are rather to the point....they are actually Questions, and I really want you to SERIOUSLY ask yourself these questions!!

What have you done with your dreams?
Where are they? Why haven't you lived in them yet?
Who is stopping you?
Why are you letting your past write the script for your future?
Why do you let others talk you out of what you believe God told you?
Why do you need their acceptance anyway? When did it become so difficult for you to dream?
When did it become too hard?
Why did your dream house get scaled back in size?
Why did you diminish why type of car you wanted to drive?
Why did you say you only want 2 kids instead of 5?
Why did you stop singing?
Why did you stop acting?
Why did you stop PUSHING?
Why did you stop swimming Against the current?
When did you become such a conformist?
Why Did you cower back and not say anything?
Why did you fail to prepare yourself for the opportunity?
Why haven't you written your Business plan?
Why haven't you written down your vision?
Why haven't you wrote that book?
Why haven't you lost that weight?
Why haven't you forgiven them?
Why haven't you forsaken your own way of doing things?
Why haven't you finished that book?
Why Haven't you cleaned that garage?
Why didn't you start that 501C3?
How did you feel when they said no?
How did you let your grip slip?
How did the pressures of this world, cloud out your pursuit for your dreams?
How would it feel to have ALL of your Bills Paid at the BEGINNING of The Year?
How would it feel to be applauded for your input & contribution?
Did you know that people are waiting on You?
Did you know that EVERY decision you make effects SOMEONE..SOME WHERE?!
Did you know that your idea is VALUABLE?
Did you know that you have an edge and perspective that NO ONE else has?

You are Unique! You are intelligent! You are successful! You are Valuable! You are Beautiful! You are NEEDED! You Are Worthy! You are an asset! You make my day! You are truly amazing! You Can DO THIS! If anyone else cant do it..YOU Can because you have IT!

Today...Understand your worth...Ask yourself these questions...and be truthful! We all have areas in our lives where we need a lil' encouragement, a little PUSH, and someone to tell us...YOU ARE the BOMB dot COM!

Keep Running!
TS

Sunday, August 21, 2011

You Can Count on God's Integrity!!

Wow....It seems like FOREVER since I've been with you all! Its only been 3 Days!

SO Much has transpired over the past few days of my life! There is so much to share that I want to just encourage everyone to stay tuned to The Blog. I may release some things.

For those of you who know about our journey out to California, it was a TOTAL leap of faith and extreme obedience on our parts. We sold our home, resigned from positions, went through a process that stripped me of everything I had confidence in. I lost some things along the way, things that were necessary to be lost, I found some things, Things that were desperately needed to be found...but overall it has been a Great run!

We were faced with a decision over the past week and it was probably another one of the hardest "tests" that I had to endure, but it was one of the most peaceful! Walking with God, and walking in FAITH on this journey brings strength and wisdom. So on the onslaught of the decision, instead of fear...we worshiped, instead of worry...we confessed...instead of crying...we REJOICED!!! Knowing, that if God Said It...He WILL Perform it! I had to actually take my own advice and TRUST God No Matter what it looked like, no matter what it felt like, no matter what it sounded like, and no matter what anyone else said! It was hard, but we obeyed God once again and it PROVED to be the right decision as God's TREMENDOUS Blessings poured out on us!

God is awesome. I cannot tell you how Faithful God has been to us through our journey! Like I said there is SO much to share and SO much to tell. I will be putting it all in the book, Running After Destiny. Here in the next few days you will be given the opportunity to subscribe to an "EXCLUSIVE" email list for this blog and be the FIRST to know when the release of the book is. You as faithful readers and supporters of this blog are well worth me investing into! You have supported me and this work for a couple months now, and the reviews, encouragements, and testimonies we've been getting have been PHENOMENAL to say the least! So, Thank You! You are truly appreciated!

SO What piece of advice could I give to you as my fellow Runners? I give this to you... If God Said it...He's GONNA DO it!

Now I know that sounds a little cliche, but I'm serious...God's Integrity is IMPECCABLE!!What God Said He is Going to do...or has already DONE for us..Take Him at His Word! This week I really spent time getting to know The Bible. I began memorizing verses and not just for the sake of adding verses to my memory, but for the sake of having something to SAY when the devil came with his stupid accusations and temptations. One of the scriptures that I meditated on is one I believe that you can as well. its found in Romans 8:18, which says:
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us"
This Scripture was so Dynamic because it was a prophecy against the challenges that I had been facing. The main thing is that God was giving me confidence that what I'm GOING Through...Is What I'm GOING Through...not staying IN...SO I had to take this scripture and tell my circumstances...you're NOT WORTHY to be compared to THE Glory that will be revealed in Me and my family!

I don't know about you all...but I'm GOING ALL THE WAY! ALL the way to the place where God has already predestined me to be!!! And today I just want to encourage you..it may not look like it will happen, it may look a little bleak, and dark, and cloudy, but understand this...there is a place that only YOU can fill...It was reserved for you...no one else can occupy YOUR place(unless your forfeit and quit)...So If God Said it...He's Gonna DO it...BELIEVE HIM!

God is amazing you all...Just trust Him...know that He has the FINAL Word about EVERYTHING going on in your life...He's NOT done with you, He's very well taking you on the path that HE's prepared for you!

Keep Running!
TS


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Jumping to Conclusions!

Have you ever had a situation where you judged a situation prematurely and JUMPED to Conclusions?

I know I have PLENTY of times. As a matter of fact I did, JUST Yesterday! In the whirlwind of circumstances it’s very important that we STOP, BREATHE, and Consult Wisdom! But not many of us naturally think like that…It’s almost like in those times there is such a haste to take things into your own hands, that you’re like a bull in a china shop, that no one can tell you anything! ANY major decision that is founded in haste will backfire horribly and in turn hurt many people, including you.

The anxiety of sharp decision making that we are sometimes driven to make are normally founded in FEAR and not TRUST! All to find out that the situation could’ve been handled in a more peaceful way! Why did this happen? It’s because you didn’t get ALL of the facts, rushed into a decision, and as a result offended and possibly hurt someone else.

It’s a shame that many times we end up doing THE SAME things to others that we have experienced ourselves, and it’s just a red flag that maybe we weren't as "perfect" as we thought in the first place! In times like these we need to consult wisdom to see what we need to do about the matter instead of hastily taking things into our own hands, making erratic decisions, and possibly losing the confidence of a partner, employee, boss, family member, or friend.

So I learned a HUGE lesson yesterday! It was a hard lesson… but I accepted the rebuke and made a heart change and turned in the opposite direction. So today, although it wasn’t filled with examples, and stories, I challenge you to get wisdom and understanding before you make a decision. It is VITAL that we get ALL of the facts and firsthand knowledge so that we are able to make sound decisions that will benefit our lives and the lives of those around us!

Run HARDER!!!!!!!

TS


Proverbs 4:7

Proverbs 8:11

Proverbs 9:8

VIDEO BLOGS COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

WARNING: Comfort Zone Ahead!


When you see a warning sign or a hazard sign like the one to your left..... what's the FIRST thing you think about? When I see one many things go through my mind!

For instance, If I see one while driving I start to think that ahead there may be Danger, Death, Destruction, Disaster, Derailment, Devastation, and "AHHH DON'T DO IT!"

In driving, warning signs are placed up and down the road where we are driving to ensure that the driver is aware that that up ahead there is a sharp turn, or a dip in the road, or a Dead end. They are necessary to get the drivers attention so that driver and their passengers get to their destination in one piece safely!

Much like the roads that we travel up and down day after day, month after month, and year after year, we all have inward warning signs that will give us these same types of red light/flags that warn us from the impending danger. Its up to the driver if he/she will adhere to the warning sign or drive any way he/she wants to...and in turn crash, burn, and in a way, fulfill the "prophecy" that this warning sign gave a few miles back. We have to be careful of the warning signs.

We understand the danger of warning signs that we can see, but what about the one's that we don't quickly recognize? You know... its those signs that you "didn't see" when the cop stops you and writes you a ticket..mhhmmm those! And sometimes signs are merely blocked by shrubbery! So its not that it wasn't there but it's the FACT that you ignored it, or were so distracted that you didn't SEE It!

Many signs tell you about the Work Zone ahead, or a testing zone ahead, but one of the MOST Dangerous signs to look out for on this road to destiny is The COMFORT ZONE!

Comfort is on Success' Most Wanted List because it robs you of the courage, willingness, and confidence it takes to step out and be successful! Lets Be REAL this morning, okay....Success takes risks! It goes against the grain because while everyone is going one way, a successful mind sticks out and goes it the opposite way. A Youth Minister of mine, years ago, told me something that I've lived by since the day I HEARD it. He said to us one Thursday Night,
"If you want to be successsful, look at what everyone else is doing...and do the EXACT Opposite"
So I began practicing that at my job at that time. Everyone was coming in late, taking long lunches, and leaving early or on time. What I began to do is get there early, skip lunch, and workOVERtime...Success was the result. But it took me getting out of my COMFORT ZONE to yield the results of monetary success, respect, and responsibility!

All of us want to be successful in various things. There are A LOT of people around the GLOBE who read this blog and I cant tell you what measure of your success you desire, but I'm sure that it deals with a life that is far above mediocre and mundane. There are HUNDREDS of you that want to be a great Father, Teacher, Mother, Sibling, Aunt, Business person, Christian, Boss, Manager, Employee, Pastor, Writer, Minister, and ____________(you fill in the blank). But we will NEVER reach our destination safely if we IGNORE THE COMFORT ZONE WARNING SIGN!

Comfort is a DANGEROUS place when it comes to this journey towards your Destiny!!! You have to get uncomfortable!!! The old saying says "No Pain..no Gain" and it is SO true because without an exertion of conscious, physical, spiritual, and mental effort, your life remains in the mediocre state of existence that goes unnoticed...You Show me a Gold Medalist, or a top CEO, or an UBERLY Successful person who stayed in their comfort zone and rose to the Top and STAYED there...cant find many...or ANY for that matter....

My Point is that, maybe your goal isnt to be a world leader, or a top exec, or a business owner. Maybe its just to live your life "Unafraid" like my wife would say. Well, you will never rise from obscurity without you getting out of the comfort of the huddle and get on the playing fields of life and GET ON to Greatness!

So as you're sitting there today..invest 5 minutes into YOURSELF and ask yourself...Where am I TOO comfortable concerning my goals...identify them...and DO Something INTENTIONALLY today to get just a step closer to the fulfillment of your DESTINY!

I know ya'll have been running...but RUN HARDER this week!
Love ya!
TS

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Missing Ingredients to Your Success

One of the things in my life that I wouldn't trade FOR ANYTHING is hearing The Voice of God.

Most people cannot live without their Blackberries, their Iphones, their coffee, their boo, or favorite pass time...but I can honestly say that the ability of hearing the voice of God is one of the single most valuable asset I own. Ive been preaching The Word for about 9 years now..and I can tell you that Hearing His voice is what makes the difference in EVERY one of my messages...but not only in the pulpit..in Business deals, in relationship choices, in major life choices..His voice is the determining factor of my peace in every situation.

But along with hearing the voice of God comes GREAT responsibility because just as clear as I have heard Him... I MUST obey Him just as rapidly. One of the most valuable lessons He taught me years ago is that a person has to have 3 vital ingredients in order to fulfill His call for their lives. These ingredients are to:
  1. Listen and Hear Clearly
  2. To OBEY Swiftly
  3. Submit Uncompromisingly
We talked about Hearing God yesterday, so we'll deal with # 2 & 3 today because they go hand in hand.

While some people recognize and can hear the voice of God...Many don't OBEY The Voice for various reasons. One of the highest reasons is that normally what God tells us to do is contrary to what we WANT to do, or FEEL Like Doing because it challenges our comfort zone for example... Forgiveness....

If we ALL be BRUTALLY honest with ourselves, forgiveness doesn't really feel good. We want the offender to PAY the FULL penalty for their wrong doing, we want them to suffer the same way we did, and get the revenge that is do to them, and WE want to do it...or sit in eye's view while they get their "payback"...but this is NOT forgiveness...

Forgiveness deals with YOU releasing that person both physically, emotionally, and MENTALLY from the "payback" you feel is due to them. It deals with you not having ill feelings towards them when you see them, hear their name, hear their voice, or see their feed on Facebook or Twitter!!! Forgiveness is HARD...but its something that we must extend if we ourselves will be forgiven by God! SO obeying God doesn't always FEEL GOOD...But it's NECESSARY to succeed in your life, and we have to obey SWIFTLY in this!

When we obey swiftly we position ourselves for the blessing far earlier than if we would wait, and postpone, and delay, and procrastinate, etc! I love it when I get fast service at the auto shop and the restaurant because it frees me to get along with my day. Same thing with obedience..the Faster we obey..The closer we get to the realization of our destiny!

When you obey Swiftly, you have the responsibility to submit uncompromisingly!! So, after I have heard God, Obeyed Him, I have to submit to His directives no matter what challenge, struggle, or opposition comes. His instructions to you may be to focus on being a better husband, father, mother, employee, boss, business owner, or leader. It sounds GREAT at first, and you are willing to obey...but are you STILL committed when the challenges come? THAT'S What Submitting Uncompromisingly encompasses..having the "stick-to-it-iveness" to see the end result of you hearing, and obeying God.

SO today I want to challenge you that after you have heard clearly to obey swiftly, and submit uncompromisingly so that you can get to your destination...Faster!

Until tomorrow...Run HARDER!
TS

Monday, August 15, 2011

WARNING: Comfort Zone Ahead!

When you see a warning sign or a hazard sign like the one to your left..... what's the FIRST thing you think about? When I see one many things go through my mind!

For instance, If I see one while driving I start to think that ahead there may be Danger, Death, Destruction, Disaster, Derailment, Devastation, and "AHHH DON'T DO IT!"

In driving, warning signs are placed up and down the road where we are driving to ensure that the driver is aware that that up ahead there is a sharp turn, or a dip in the road, or a Dead end. They are necessary to get the drivers attention so that driver and their passengers get to their destination in one piece safely!

Much like the roads that we travel up and down day after day, month after month, and year after year, we all have inward warning signs that will give us these same types of red light/flags that warn us from the impending danger. Its up to the driver if he/she will adhere to the warning sign or drive any way he/she wants to...and in turn crash, burn, and in a way, fulfill the "prophecy" that this warning sign gave a few miles back. We have to be careful of the warning signs.

We understand the danger of warning signs that we can see, but what about the one's that we don't quickly recognize? You know... its those signs that you "didn't see" when the cop stops you and writes you a ticket..mhhmmm those! And sometimes signs are merely blocked by shrubbery! So its not that it wasn't there but it's the FACT that you ignored it, or were so distracted that you didn't SEE It!

Many signs tell you about the Work Zone ahead, or a testing zone ahead, but one of the MOST Dangerous signs to look out for on this road to destiny is The COMFORT ZONE!

Comfort is on Success' Most Wanted List because it robs you of the courage, willingness, and confidence it takes to step out and be successful! Lets Be REAL this morning, okay....Success takes risks! It goes against the grain because while everyone is going one way, a successful mind sticks out and goes it the opposite way. A Youth Minister of mine, years ago, told me something that I've lived by since the day I HEARD it. He said to us one Thursday Night,
"If you want to be successsful, look at what everyone else is doing...and do the EXACT Opposite"
So I began practicing that at my job at that time. Everyone was coming in late, taking long lunches, and leaving early or on time. What I began to do is get there early, skip lunch, and work OVERtime...Success was the result. But it took me getting out of my COMFORT ZONE to yield the results of monetary success, respect, and responsibility!

All of us want to be successful in various things. There are A LOT of people around the GLOBE who read this blog and I cant tell you what measure of your success you desire, but I'm sure that it deals with a life that is far above mediocre and mundane. There are HUNDREDS of you that want to be a great Father, Teacher, Mother, Sibling, Aunt, Business person, Christian, Boss, Manager, Employee, Pastor, Writer, Minister, and ____________(you fill in the blank). But we will NEVER reach our destination safely if we IGNORE THE COMFORT ZONE WARNING SIGN!

Comfort is a DANGEROUS place when it comes to this journey towards your Destiny!!! You have to get uncomfortable!!! The old saying says "No Pain..no Gain" and it is SO true because without an exertion of conscious, physical, spiritual, and mental effort, your life remains in the mediocre state of existence that goes unnoticed...You Show me a Gold Medalist, or a top CEO, or an UBERLY Successful person who stayed in their comfort zone and rose to the Top and STAYED there...cant find many...or ANY for that matter....

My Point is that, maybe your goal isnt to be a world leader, or a top exec, or a business owner. Maybe its just to live your life "Unafraid" like my wife would say. Well, you will never rise from obscurity without you getting out of the comfort of the huddle and get on the playing fields of life and GET ON to Greatness!

So as you're sitting there today..invest 5 minutes into YOURSELF and ask yourself...Where am I TOO comfortable concerning my goals...identify them...and DO Something INTENTIONALLY today to get just a step closer to the fulfillment of your DESTINY!

I know ya'll have been running...but RUN HARDER this week!
Love ya!
TS