An unsolicited word to the wise today to be careful what you pray for and how you pray for it because you just might end up confusing the one you’re praying to.  If we’re not careful we may oftentimes find ourselves praying what I call a “contradictory prayer.”  On the one hand, a prayer for strength and growth while on the other hand, at the same time praying to avoid the rain and strain of adversity can be a bit confusing to say the least. 

I invite you to consider the following thoughts if you will.  How can we expect to grow without the water and rain and strain of adversity and challenges?  The very essence of such elements are designed to make us stronger and wiser.  Falling, failing and faltering are absolutely necessary in the success and growth process.

So understand that no matter how many times you fail you’re still miles ahead of those who haven’t even tried at all.  No matter how small your steps are you’re still yards ahead of those who are afraid to move.  And, no matter how many times you fall, you’re still several feet taller than those who don’t even make an effort to get back up again.

A clear prayer definitely clears the air of contradiction.  So let’s enjoy the rays of the sunshine and embrace the strain of the rain because in it all lie’s the hope for growth and strength and a better tomorrow.  And never ever forget that life’s too short to just make it good, so let’s make it GREAT! 

My Book:    “Make it GREAT”
www.MakeItGreatNOW.com

Just when I thought I’ve seen the worst of what human beings are capable of doing for money or fame or power, someone comes along and restores my confidence in the compassion and loving capability that lies in us all.  The event and individual that I saw the other day on TV was nothing less than awesome as he demonstrated behavior that was indicative of building others up and installing hope.  It’s funny how that happens right when I need a boost in my confidence in the inherent goodness of mankind the most.  

As I look around various industries lately I see over-and-over again the signs of those who are willing to compromise their integrity and good name in exchange for what I call the M&M’s of life (Money & Material things).  I do understand that one of our inner-most human basic desires is to be significant in some way whether good or not-so-good.  With that said, it appears that the chosen source of significance for many as-of-late exhibits a reckless and even flagrant disregard for morals, ethics and common decency in many cases. 

To push the limits and create “shock value” appears to be in vogue and more-and-more common-place now-a-days and it seems the more extreme and risqué the better.  Now let me be clear, I’m a huge advocate for being true to ones self and catering to nobody else, but some of these characters and images of individuals being portrayed appear to be absent of any proper or suitable boundaries.  Some appear to have even adopted a “gain significance at all cost” type of mentality and are sold out to the extreme.

As a result, I invite you to consider the following unsolicited advice today.  It seems to me that pursuing a source of significance is a noble act in deed, but if our source of significance exhaust and compromises the boundaries of personal integrity and sewing “good” into our respective communities and the world, we probably need to rethink our path.  It may be necessary to seriously consider a new course of action, for the ill-gotten gains from such behavior won’t last, guaranteed.

We may be a lot of things in this life, but let us categorically refuse to be the ones who are easily swayed by things that won’t matter much after we’re gone.  Let us not be the ones who are willing to compromise our values, morals, ethics and integrity in exchange for a crack at riches, fame, popularity or “making it BIG”, as they say.

Bad decisions come easy but good ones are hard.  So, let’s agree NOT to take it “Easy” through this “life” thing, let’s take it “HARD” as we continue to make those hard, difficult right choices over the easy wrong one’s.  Making it GREAT can be tough sometimes, but it’s surely worth it and we can do it. 

Let’s be the example that models the basic human quality of compassion and the ambassadors of goodwill and uplifting encouragement as we build others up in a positive way.  Let’s strive to make it even GREATER today than we did yesterday in everyway!  GREAT WEEK!!!

My Book:    “Make it GREAT”
www.MakeItGreatNOW.com

In terms of doing good deeds in this world, it’s unrealistic to think that we can do everything for everybody, but I do humbly submit that we can at least do something for somebody from time-to-time.  My Good Pastor Kent Pedersen likes to say it this way, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all,” and I couldn’t agree more.

I’ve come to understand that when giving to others we can’t always be sure how people will treat our gestures of kindness.  We can’t always be sure that the neediness of others is truly genuine and as severe as they may indicate, and we can’t always be sure of others intentions with our time, talents and treasures.  But one thing we can be sure of is the reward and return we will receive based on the spirit in which we choose to give.

You see, the God-given, universal law of reciprocity isn’t specific to and for the “receiver”, it’s specific to and for the “giver”.  If we make an honest effort to cheerfully give with a grateful heart out of love and truly good intentions without want or expecting return, then shaken together, pressed-down, overflowing “good measure” is sure to visit us in the coming days ahead.  Good measure in family, friendship, physical feeling and financials.

So, not feeling like you’re experiencing any “good measure” these days?  I invite you to look for opportunities to give, Give, GIVE and not just out of your scarce and limited treasures, but also of your time and talents.  Yes friends, this too is “good” and worthy of your best efforts.  So let’s all commit to do “good” for our “good measure” as we continue to make it GREAT!

My Book:    “Make it GREAT”
www.MakeItGreatNOW.com

Like a 4^th brother to me he was not just the tall dark and handsome type, but he also had the natural athletic ability like none-other that I’ve seen to-date. 

Blessed with the super-powers possessed by many animals in nature, he was fast as a gazelle, strong as an ox and tough as a razor-claw badger.  But being stubborn as a mule and angry and uncontrollable as a bull would ultimately lead to his demise and undoing. 

Stanley was his name and his story is a textbook example of how when we let our “inner green hulk of rage” rule and run our lives, it will ultimately lead to our ruin.

As a kid I vividly remember Stanley started coming around our house in the rough neighborhood of West Dallas, Texas.  He was a delightful guy one year older than me and always looking to do something fun and adventurous with me and my brothers.  He instantly bonded with the four of us and ultimately became like my Dad’s 5^th son.  It didn’t take long after that for his true colors and anger and unwavering need for control to rear its ugly head slowly over time.

I would love to share the juicy details of Stanley’s amazing story and what was his transformational trigger-for-change but you’ll just have to get my book “Make it GREAT” when it’s released this November 2012, just in time for Christmas.  His story is guaranteed to speak to you and/or someone in your family, friends or inner-circle.
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So, Pre-Order TODAY @ www.MakeItGreatNOW.com and secure your autographed copy with an incredible audio bonus CD that’s designed to double or triple your positive outlook, attitude and outcome.

Pssss…  I know some thing’s are better left unsaid but this is not one of them.  I hate to spoil the ending of a good book or great movie so cover your ears and close your eyes if you don’t want to know because here goes…  At the end of it all, WE WIN!!! And they lose.  Who are they you may ask?  Well, those who choose to live a life exacting evil and chronic negativity upon their fellow-man and woman.

I often times find myself scratching my head and wrestling with the question of why does “evil” continue to fight so hard when it knows that in the end it will always lose-out to “good”.   Hmmm…   All I can come up with is that maybe it really doesn’t know that it’s fighting a losing battle.

Over the years the many stories may change but the end will always remain the same.  So for those who choose to instigate and perpetrate evil and chronic negativity in this world rest assure their plight is predictable.  Their future fate is a foregone fact, and their outcome and ending is inevitable.  THEY LOSE!

So if you’re feeling like the shoe fits, by all means please wear it and wise up and join the winning team today because tomorrow just might be too late to make it GREAT! 

GREAT DAY!!!

My Book:   “Make it GREAT”
www.MakeItGreatNOW.com