When you are inspired by the generosity of philanthropists, you aspire to be one of them. However, you have to be rich. In order to be rich you need to do something to bring you the wealth. What you need is a goal to turn your dream into reality. Here are the 7 P’s in goal setting:

1. Passionate: Are you fervently interested in what you intend to do. Not only that, are you able to do it easily and better than other people? Your goal is your inspiration and aspiration.

2. Positive mindset: A positive mental attitude is essential to realize your objectives. You will look at things on the bright side and work diligently towards your goals.

3. Practical: Is it achievable? Is it useful to yourself and others? Your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. When you have many; goals, set priority for each goal and work accordingly so that you are not overwhelmed.

4. Put in writing: Written goals are powerful tool. It is precise, clear and written in positive terms. It spells out in great details the tasks for each stage and the completion dates. You will be kept posted to do your daily tasks because you notice it every day.

5. Plan: You set yearly, monthly, weekly and daily tasks. Your plan is your road map. You follow accordingly to get what you want in life.

6. Pay the price: A goal is not a goal when you can get something easily. It involves time and tremendous effort. It takes blood, sweat and tears to reach your goal.

7. Perseverance: Do not be disheartened by setbacks along the way. Look at failures and problems as valuable lessons to learn. There is no overnight success. It can take many years to achieve your goals.

Goals give you meaning in life. They provide direction and measure your success. You know what you are looking for and every day you strive to reach your objectives.

As a husband and a father of two I write about parenting, work, home life, happiness, relationships, success, healthy lifestyle, self development and personal finance at…All About Living With Life.

Guest Blogger

We hear countless commercials telling us how we can get out of debt, save our home, file for bankruptcy, spend some money, lose weight, get health insurance, and save some money. We have even witnessed the plight of impoverished persons in danger of losing everything because of financial challenges. Today, with the economy in a downward spiral many people are now facing the reality that they are socially and economically disenfranchised.  There is so much despair and sorrow that many are failing to see that what you need is right within your reach.  As a matter of fact, all you have is all you need.

There is a scripture that says His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. In fact, you have more than enough. What you do have right now in your home is what you have been blessed with and if you look closer you can use it.  Let me explain…If you got a little joy, use it. If you got a little hope, use it. If you got a little faith, use it. God can take a little and turn it into a lot. He doesn’t need much. God works better with a remnant…not residue. Besides, when you use what you have, it can become a blessing to others.   I hear you saying but I barely have food in my house…okay here is  a true story.

Sometime ago, I received food stamps because I was without a job and I have children to feed.  A very good friend of mine was hesitant to share that her family was down to soup and tuna for the last 3 days. I was heartbroken and decided instantly that the balance on my card would be given to her family. Now you say the balance, yes, because I barely spent the money on my card and would have excess the following months. So for several months, after I brought groceries for my home, I shared my food stamps with her family.

The blessing that came to me was a) this family did not miss a meal b) when I ran into a rough patch financially, someone covered me in my rent and electric payments (for 6 months) and supplied things for my children that I was unable to do.  Isn’t that like God?

His heart is so big that He blesses you more abundantly and whose hearts are pure. The Bible says, to the pure, all things are pure.  Here is how you know if you have more than enough…Share it with someone else.  When you share what you have, you become a
blessing to others.  Here is something you can do 1) Believe it (in your mind); 2) Receive it (in your heart); 3)Retrieve it (go get it)

In the words of my sister Sandra, IM JUST SAYING!!!

Kijafa Parker

Ministry Consultant,

Growing People and Ministries – Not Churches

www.presenthelp.webs.com

http://twitter.com/PresentHelp

www.facebook.com/PresentHelpConsulting

Let
the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your
sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

With the advent of the elections upon us, many candidates will layout campaign strategies, slogans and make promises of transforming government. They will not only ask for our vote but ask us to believe in the change or difference they seek to make to your way of life.  The underlying theme of each candidate is the word “change.” Whether the slogan or motto is taken from President Obama’s campaign 2.5 years ago or a desire to re-establish an old way of living, there is an expressed need for change.

Usually when one hears those words, it invokes visions and thoughts of possibilities that an idea or stance is going to affect our lives. Yet, what is often overlooked in the commercials, speeches and media blitz is one of three components to change – VISION!

A scripture says, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie, though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Vision is the first component in change you can believe in. It is not based on an ideological, philosophical or theological principle. In fact it is more than visual acuity of 20/20 of what you see.  It is God-acquired revelation of His thoughts. It is the very thing that is written in your heart.

When vision is written in your heart, there is nothing that can stop it.  It necessitates the very reason why you believe change is essential.  It cannot be self-centered, for it affects not just the people with whom you share the vision, but communities, systems, industries, nations and ultimately the world.  When your vision is shared people either believe it or they don’t.  That is why it is paramount that you do not confuse your imagination with vision.
Your imagination can be skewed but vision cannot be compromised.  Look at it this way, when painting a room there is one primary color.  All other
colors are complementary.  This is like vision. Vision is the primary color of paint necessary to paint the room.  It is what speaks volumes.

Remember the vision is for an appointed time and that it will speak.  In the meantime, what is your vision saying?  The only way you can begin to believe in change is from vision. Is yours speaking?

Kijafa Parker

Ministry Consultant,

Growing People and Ministries – Not Churches

www.presenthelp.webs.com

http://twitter.com/PresentHelp

www.facebook.com/PresentHelpConsulting

Many years ago I started writing because my doctor suggested I find a stress reliever or he was going to medicate me. Not wanting to be on medication, I began sending out short inspirational messages to my family and friends by email once a week. However, at the request of some of my readers, messages eventually were sent twice a week. I was told once a week was not enough. Things were going good with my writing endeavor.

Then I was invited to a home showing for a new business. I went to be supportive. While I was there, the conversation turned to me and my writings. I am not exactly sure how I became the center of the conversation. I believe one of the ladies there was on my email list. Anyway, the subject of me writing a book came up and the conversation got interesting. Out of the blue, a young lady, who I did not know asked me, “What made me think that I was qualified to write a book?” I asked myself would she have asked a more well-known author this question. She did not know me; so what led her to pose this question to me? I was as capable as anyone else. Needless to say, I was shocked and tongue-tied. I did not know what to say, but I gave her an answer; I am not sure if it was good enough for her, oh well. Up until that moment, I had no opposition to me writing. I had always had favorable feedback and encouragement from my readership. Actually, it was my readers who suggested and encouraged the idea of a book in the first place.

If someone was to ask me that question today, my answer would probably sound something like this, “I was born with a purpose in mind. I was ordained before I was born and my experiences since my birth have prepared and qualified me to do what it is that I do. Please talk to God if you have a problem that.” I watch my children everyday display their talents. My daughter, who is 6 years old, is already showing talent as a fashion designer. She designed and made her first pair of sandals, and my 4 year old son told my husband and me that preaching is in his blood. Yes, he said it. Who am I to dispute that or discourage either of them? So, who gives anyone the right to dispute a dream?

If someone was to ask you, “What makes you so special; what would your answer be?”  I did go on to publish a compilation of those messages in a book entitled Good Morning; It’s Dawn and today have several other book projects on the horizon.

Dawn

Dawn Courtney Mason
http://itsdawn.wordpress.com
itsdawnonline@gmail.com
D.A.W.N. – Doing All Within my Niche to Inspire Leaders to Move

You must pray and seek God for the thing that is buried so deep you can’t see it with the natural eye. That may be a scary thought for you. It may mean facing some truths that you usually try to run from. God knows the real you. He, after all, created you. Nothing catches God by surprise. He knows everything that is going to happen in all of our lives.  Whether those things are good or bad, they make up who we are. Each event in our lives can be a force contributing to our wellbeing. By contrast, each event can be a negative force contributing to our demise. It’s up to us to choose. We determine the positive or negative influence of the events in our lives by deciding to accept God’s gifts or to reject God’s gifts. It is as simple as that.

The Word tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” and that, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen?” (Hebrews 11:1). Scripture says, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world….” You were born of God to succeed, not to fail. But by faith you must receive and walk in your deliverance in order to obtain your victory!

God can turn all things, even the most negative circumstances or events we have experienced, around for our good. (Romans 8:28) I accepted that promise and God has made it to be manifest in my life. Stop blocking your blessings! Release that which you have been carrying and open your heart to receive the flow of abundant blessings.

I’m just sayin’

Love you to life!

Sandra

 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Romans 12-2a (Msg)

It’s summer! It’s hot! The air is thick and it seems hard to physically breathe at times. The record breaking temperatures are taking their toll on mankind. Gas prices are high. Our government is gridlocked. The debt ceiling debate is a national debacle with international consequences.  And if Boehner and Obama don’t reach an agreement, some predict the world financial system will experience an economic “Armageddon” and bust. I mean really? Don’t we have enough to deal with in our own individual lives? It’s tempting to get frustrated and join in on the senseless rhetorical banter of the stress in our lives. But I was reminded of better way to deal with the emotionally draining stimuli that we may encounter on any given day, the other day…

I awakened earlier than usual. It was still pitch dark out. I glanced at my clock. 4:30am. At 5:00am my alarm would fill the room with the sounds to wake me up so I decided to stay up and “be still” under my covers.  Ahhh. Nice and comfy.  And then I heard the noise. I looked over out the window and saw the dark beginning to give way to dawn. The noise was actually delightful and nice. I smiled.  Audibly, I said, “Good morning Holy Spirit! (I start every day like this) wow, the birds are waking up also I guess? “Who let the birds out? Tweet….tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet! I immediately thought of a familiar song but in my mind I changed the words, to fit the melody and similar to the lyrics of, “Who let the dogs out? Woof….woof, woof, woof, woof.” They were loud for 4:30am. At least I thought so.  I’m sure my neighbors heard me laughing; but what about those birds tweeting at this early hour? They were loud and seemingly in tune with the time.  My different and peculiar lyrics were in my head all day. All the chaos around me seemed calm from my perspective as I pondered my funny early morning experience with tweeting birds. To make matters worse, later that night, I was turning out the lights in the kitchen getting ready to go to bed and I stopped as I heard the night creatures having what sounded like a concert outside.  I paused. Smiled and quietly whispered, who let the crickets out? Chirp….chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, and danced my way to bed. From dawn to dusk to dark, my chaotic hot day seemed cool and calm.

I know that may seem simple and silly, but over the years I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of  simple things. That experience produced laughter and joy that drowned out the mundane cares of life for me– work, stress, the heat, more work and every other responsibility I had.  Dogs, birds and even crickets have breath just like us and that day simply reminded me, “Let every thing that has breath, praise ye the Lord.”  The creatures God created get it.  Why do we forget? Think about it.  When a dog has been locked up, alone all day and then his owner comes home and lets him out, what does he do? He runs, jumps and barks up a storm. I can only imagine the joy God gets when he hears their sounds.  What about our sounds?  How are we acting?  because every time I paused to think about my unique rendition of a popular melody, I simply smiled.  David tells us in Psalm 37: 12-15 that even though the wicked are plotting against the godly, snarling in defiance, our Lord just laughs.  He knows their end is coming.  God is omnisciently aware of all things. If God finds laughter appropriate in the midst of heated circumstances, why can’t we?  It’s good for us – mind, body and soul! Solomon summed it up perfectly in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.” (Message).  I couldn’t agree more.  Pause, sing, tweet, or chirp but let’s keep our minds on God’s perspective of things and allow the breath He gave us….to do what it was created to do.  A dear friend of mine said it best, “all this heat……forces us to slow down and take a breath.”

Living in a delightful place,

Shelly

Shelly L. Burgess is an ordained Elder in Columbia Family Worship Center in Columbia, MD. Passionate and committed to prayer and the diligent study of God’s word, she currently oversees the Teaching ministry and is a member of the Intercessory Prayer Team.

I’m sure we’ve all wondered at some time or another why some things take longer to materialize or manifest in our lives? I sure have. And then I realized to achieve and receive great things, it takes time.  Keeping in mind that time is relative to God, different things require different timeframes to materialize. The timing is dependent upon the purpose and what is required to fulfill that purpose.  And then of course, it is dependent upon us.

I’ve played the piano for more than 35 years and continue to play and even teach small children today.  I recently began working on rebuilding my own repertoire and decided to learn Chopin’s Concerto No. 1 in E minor.  The process of learning this piece showed me something beyond its musical melody. There are 3 musical movements or parts to the whole entire composition.  Each part requires different speeds or tempos.  The first was moderately fast and majestic, the second was slow and sweet, the last was to be played at a lively and vivacious tempo.  In order to be able to play perfectly for my enjoyment and others, all 3 would need to be learned completely with the noted musical directions and tempo.  I paused. Yes, in order to get to the end or manifest a beautiful piece of music, the process would be one of different speeds. It would require time to master and perfect.  After all aren’t we all after God’s perfect will?  Not just the good or acceptable?

I pondered this process and looked at those desires and prayers requests in my life and my perspective began to change and grow into an appreciative understanding.  Like the concerto, where each part was meant to be enjoyed at the instructed pace, I believe getting an understanding of the pace at which God moves in our lives is deliberate and designed on purpose.  If I didn’t properly prepare and practice and rushed through learning the Concerto, ignoring the musical direction, all that would result is a bunch of notes sounding like unappealing noise to me and others; instead of soothing and inspiring music.

God knows what will ultimately manifest something great to behold and that will ultimately give him glory in the earth.  In learning the concerto, I also learned to seek understanding and embrace God’s way of bringing things to past.  Sometimes it’s fast, sometimes slow, but He always provides direction and guides us to a perfect end; if we follow the requirements and embrace the pace. There are many days I ask myself, why I’m doing this? I mean really, there are some hard note passages that require me to take additional time to learn and perfect. After all the training I’ve had, shouldn’t I just be able to learn this quickly? I just simply want to play the song I heard on a CD.  Sigh.  Some days are easier than others. But, I know that in the end, once the process is complete, there will be a manifestation of something truly divine and unique.

King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”  He goes on to say in verse 11 that, “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time…” I don’t know about you, but I trust what God is saying here through his word and I am daily walking out my life at the tempo he sets with an expectation of something beautiful.  I haven’t finished learning the Concerto, it is a work in progress. It’s something that I am consistently working on – little by little.  I’m enjoying the time it is taking me to learn.  It is indeed teaching me far more the music.

Living in a delightful place,

Shelly

Shelly L. Burgess is an ordained Elder in Columbia Family Worship Center in Columbia, MD. Passionate and committed to prayer and the diligent study of God’s word, she currently oversees the Teaching ministry and is a member of the Intercessory Prayer Team.

God is always saying something, what we hear him say depends on many things.  First, it depends on our openness to how he speaks. God speaks through his word, our pastors, our friends, families and even foes.  He also speaks through our co-workers, strangers, or even the good and bad situations we may encounter on any given day.  Second, it depends on our expectancy of when he speaks. Always expect God.  Life happens and sometimes life’s daily distractions keep us from hearing him. Listen, God always has something to say.

I recently had to deal with a potentially career ending situation — I do most days as a spokesperson for an agency that regulates .25 cents of every dollar we have in our  pockets.  And, like most believers, I ran into the throne room.  God help!  How did I get here?  What could I have done differently? What is this about?  I bombarded heaven with questions.  I got silence and I became silent.  After I rushed into my heavenly father with my hysteria and then got quiet, only then did He begin to speak. And boy, did He speak. “What is this about you ask? This is all part of my plan and process in answering your prayer request and declaration, ‘Mold me and fine tune me to be exceptional in all I do, to be all that you’ve purposed me to be in the earth and so that you might be glorified.” Sigh.  I mean really, what do you say to that.  He said a lot more but the most important thing I will tell you is that my heart beating with fear of the unknown, immediately returned to a healthy pace and peace engulfed me.  I guess He could have spoken over my ranting, but I doubt that I would have heard His heart, His wisdom and His instructions for responding to the situation and His assurance that this too would pass and  that all really would be better than well.  One month has passed and today all is indeed better than well. What He said, He did.  The instructions He gave me instantly resolved the situation, broke down long-standing barriers and ultimately re-established things for me professionally and personally. Today, I am thankful to God that I had a heart to hear and obey.

Do you? It doesn’t have to be a crisis situation, it could be anything we want answers to – answers that God desires to give to us.  We have to purpose in our hearts daily, throughout the day to hear him clearly and freely, without distraction. And when life happens – good or bad, lets take our cue from the prophet Elijah, who heard God’s still small voice, not in the wind storm or fire, but in a cave.  Take a brief break.  Find a stairwell at work or simply close your door.  Retreat to your “quiet place” in your home.  Or, if the house is full of family, go to your car. Go for a walk. Find a park bench.  You get my point.  Go wherever you need to in order to hear God and hear what he has to say. You just might be pleasantly surprised by what you hear Him say and ultimately do in your life. I know I sure was!

In a delightful place,

Shelly

Shelly L. Burgess is an ordained Elder in ColumbiaFamily  Worship Center  in Columbia, MD.  Passionate and committed to prayer and the diligent study of God’s word,
she currently oversees the Teaching ministry and is a member of the  Intercessory Prayer Team.

The Bible tells us in Habakkuk 2:2-3:  Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.   For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. We have associated this word with so many things, but not the right thing.  We’ve been told this means to right down our goals and plans. However, to really understand the true meaning, we need to look back at the beginning of this word. Habakkuk stood at his watch tower and waited to hear from God (Habakkuk 2:1). In other words he got into his prayer/meditation room to hear from God. He did not try to figure out the vision. He wanted God to show him the right vision for his life.

Too often we listen to others about what we should or should not do. And when it does not work out the way we think we blame others. What does your vision say about you? Can I tell you, I have rewritten the vision God gave me so many times and each time I remained stuck. Not to mention the vision that God had already written on my heart was clouded by negative things such as, unforgiveness, hurt, pain, and low self-esteem.  Seek God on the true vision of your heart. When you write it upon tablets, you are writing it upon your heart. It becomes of part of who you are. The angels are the ones who read it and help you to manifest that which has been written. Is your vision written by God or self? Today, seek God for what is written on you heart.  If the vision on your heart is full of pain, hurt, unforgiveness, lack, etc., then release it, so that you can see the true vision God has written on your heart.  For God knows the plans he has for you, plans for a GREAT future. What does your vision say about you?

I’m just sayin’

Love you to life!

Sandra

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Romans 12-2a (Msg)

For a long time I looked to people, places and things to make me feel good. I would look at others to try and figure out what the secret was for having it all together. However, each and every time I went searching I only ended up disappointed. At the time I did not realize I had everything I needed.  I was not lacking or missing anything. All I needed to do was to look within. Every time you seek others, places or things you put yourself in a place of despair, disappointment, sadness, etc.  I think you get the picture. You have everything you need within you. You are complete in God.

The bible tells us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdomof God. The kingdom is within you – not outside of you. When you begin to tap into what is already there you will find that you are already complete and whole. The true healing, love, abundance, and peace you seek is within. Most of us have built our lives around seeking things or people to complete us – when we’ve been complete all along. Whatever it is you think you are lacking can never be found in others or things. You will continue to be disappointed and never feel whole and complete. Today, tap into the one place true completion can be found – the kingdom which is within you. When you do that, all else will
be added. There is NO lack in the kingdom. You are all ready complete!

I’m just sayin’

Love you to life!

Sandra

 Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Romans 12-2a (Msg)