Something to think about...

So often when we are young we fail to plan and many times if we do plan we don't plan properly.

We see other people's successes and seek to obtain the same. That being said, please listen to what I believe is sound advice.

Our attitude is - live for today and let tomorrow take care of itself. But you know what? Tomorrow is right around the corner and will be here before you know it.


Many of us were never taught how to save for our future because many of our parents were never taught and therefore could not teach us. But that is still not an excuse, so please don't you let it become an excuse you will use.


Listen, no matter what you accomplish, and in all of your accomplisments, do not let your family slip by the wayside. Always guard and protect the sanctity of your home. No matter how wealthy you want to be or may become.

We want to buy bigger house and raise smaller families. We work to achieve more conveniences, but we spend less time enjoying them. When we do have an excess funds we spend reckelessly without any thought for tomorrow.

We work hard to multiply our possessions, but we reduced the value of who we are. We fight hard to learn how to make a living, but we fail when it comes to building a life of quality.

We say we want the best for our family, but we give them things to compensate for our giving them the best of who we are.


Listen, it is okay to get wealth, but without wisdom it is like a fool with a gun, it's like Poison Ivy in a child's ice cream cone, it could be as bad as a rapist in an all girls dormatory. It can be very dangerous, if you don't understand wealth.

In all our profitable achievements, our relationshipships can become shallow, if we are not careful. we now have two income families, more divorces, more unhappy people living in beautiful houses, and please notice I said beautiful houses , because a home is a place of completeness, warmth, Joyfulness, comfort and fulfilment.


Understand that life is a gift from God and is a chain of moments and enjoyment. Life consists of much more than just survival. A relationship when it is healthy can make you feel rich and fulfilled.

I hope you understand this statement- A home is built from the foundation up, not from the roof downward. therefore make sure you have a solid foundation before you build anything. {including wealth}

Now...

I wasn't trying to discourage you from being wealthy, or not to plan. I just want you to understand that whatever you do, please be Wise. And, Wisdom comes from God. Wisdom creates wealth.

Please read: II Chronicles chapter 1: 7-12...See what King Solomon asked God for, and then see what all God gave him... Aslo James chpt. 1: 5-6


So, plan and build wealth, but please remember the things that were mentioned above.



Now ... lets talk about planning...& Saving...


This is what I've learned over the years. The best and safest initial investment and savings plan is to invest in the kingdom of God.


Here this:



Proverbs 3:9 - 10 says: Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruit of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.


In other words when you honor God first with your finances, He will seal up the hole in your finances that you do not see and may never see. This is a fact, He will always provide in a time of need. But, you will need to trust in Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledeg Him and He will direct your path.

Also:
Luke 6:38 (Whole Chapter) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. So you see, giving also builds wealth.


Our problem is that we trust more in the World's system, than in God's system. Now you must have a relationship with God to understand what I'm talking about here.


So, honor God first with your finances, invest in yourself second. I didn't mention about paying bills because I am sure you know to do that already.


If you can, at least pay yourself 5% per pay period, and more if you can. Use credit cards only as a last result, pay cash if you can. This is something you must decide and it is called discipline.


Investing in yourself is just as important as paying that bill, so do both! But remember, God comes first...

In this order:


1 - God

2 - Me

3 - Bills

You can save so much more when you have less bills to pay... So pay them off...
Remember, we were created to have fellowship with God. God's method verses man's method is far more rewarding, safe and secure.
Lastly, this is what I have learned, so please read and listen to this with a sifter in your mind. Keep what you think is right and throw out what you think is bad.

Happy reading ...


I would talk about investing, but sense I'm not an expert I think it would be wise for me to withhold my opinion and suggest that you seek professional assistance in this area...

Man and His Emotions

Two nights ago I was sitting in my office thinking about past events that happened to me and remembering the emotions I felt, based on the things I heard, saw and was told.


I also remember being told that a man wasn't suppose to cry. Over the years that statement has been proven to be a gross misconception, that if a man cries, it is a sign of weakness. {Totally False}

I remember when painful issues arised in my life as a young boy. All I knew to do was find away to close down. I felt that I had to close down my mind, in order to deal with that present situation. I'v seen so much in such a small town where I lwas rasied. So many heartaches, so many dirty things, you wouldn't ever believe.

I kept those things inside, not knowing how to release the pain, not being able to cry, never telling a single soul. I did not understand how to handle my own emotions.

Let us view the definition of the word emotion.

I - A mental state that arises spontaneously rather than through conscious effort and is often accompanied by physiological changes; a feeling: the emotions of joy, sorrow, reverence, hate, and love.


2 - A state of mental agitation or disturbance:


3 - The part of the consciousness that involves feeling; sensibility.


Sense we see that emotions can in fact affect all of us, lets continue to explore Man and His Emotions...

Many men fail to understand that emotions are an intracate part of who we are and as men we must learn when to express - release the correct emotion (s) at the precise time.



We hold things inside that hurt us the most, trying to maintain a macho state, and deep down we are in pain.

The greatest pain is the lack of knowledge of expression.




Where is the source of emotions to be found in a man. is it in his Physical or Animal nature? Yes I said animal nature, and if you think for a moment you will conclude that man does have an animal like nature.



Question, Do we cry because we are sad, or are we sad because we cry? This is of course is a twofold question. We do cry because we are a sad, and we are sad because we have the physical ability to cry.
Yet, most men would choose not to - {cry}.

It is healthy for a man to cry!!!

Lets look at anger:When man becomes angry he will either enter an aggressive state of attack or a state of discuss and retreat.



Lets look at fear:If a man becomes afraid, he will either go into an attack mode or a mode of retreat.


Lets look at sadness or hurt:If a man becomes sad or hurt, he will either become passive, aggressive, or retreat.


As men we must learn to properly handle: * Dissappointment, Hurt, Pain, Jealousy, Fear, Guilt, Hate and Emotional Expressions.


As men we are responsible for the Spiritual welfare in our homes, the rearing of our children, and we are responsible for our own emotions.


As men we must understand when to be a man of - Velvet - { Soft-Tender-Understanding-Forgiving}, and when to be a man of - Steel - {Firm-Direct-yet always with an understanding, merciful and forgiving heart}.


The way we handle our emotions can also help determine the state of our health.


Lastly, We must always be ready to say 'I'm sorry when we are wrong {Men}.



Men, please listen very attentively to this last statement. And understand this. Whatever situation you are in or have been in. Whatever emotions you are feeling or have felt. The right decision and the right attitude must always in be in order.


Therefore:Every man must live with the decisions he make in this life. And, you have two choices; {1} to excercise the spirit of a boy or {2} the wisdom of a man.


The choice is yours...




Happy reading....

A man after your heart...

Lord, I know that you know all there is to know about me. This is my heart which is opened to you.


So often I hear your voice and I continue to walk in the path I choose, yet my heart is continuosly directed towards you. So Lord, hear my desire...

Oh God, Father in Heaven and Earth. I call you like deep calls to deep water. Show me you're in this measure of Grace. Let tender mercies shine once again, from your Holy place.

{In my heart}

• Deep in my soul, there is a craving to please the one who has saved me.

• Oh God, though I have wondered so far, you know that I'm still a man after your own heart.

I am driven by the rivers of pride; you are my rescue, the maker and keeper of my life.

• Lead me by the still waters again, use me in spite of the prodigal child that you know I am. Just as a Deer runs to water, so does my soul to you Lord; Oh God, though I have fallen so far, You know that I am still a man after Your own heart...

• Lord, You know all there is to know about me...

Happy reading...