Victory

Victory: "Success in a struggle against difficulties or obstacles; the state of having triumphed." Sometimes we just need a small victory to turn things around and get some momentum going again. Getting up, when we've been knocked down; saying no, when you've given in so many times; making one more call, when you're tempted to give up... Find that quiet victor in you today-- it will grow with each small triumph.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Encouragement

Somebody in your life REALLY needs some encouragement today. Just think of a person that you believe needs it, and do something for them that they really don't expect. A card, a call, a compliment, a flower-- or just a special prayer. Let them know that they are loved today-- they might need it more than you know. There are some exceptional people out there that have forgotten how special they really are.

catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Great Comebacks

I had the privilege to speak at Oakwood Open Campus High School this morning. Oakwood is the "First Choice for a Second Chance" for kids coming back... I was so impressed with these fine young people and I admire and respect their decision to get back up and try again. They were engaged, attentive and inspired-- thank you for a great experience Betsy!

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Patience

Patience: "the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, or irritation; an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay; quiet, steady perseverance." Exactly what I need is already on it's way-- in due time. If what I really desire hasn't arrived yet-- there MUST be a very good reason... Hang on, it's coming.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Great News

I have a feeling, I have a really good feeling... Something great is going to happen today. I mean, why not? You've been working just as hard as anybody, paying your dues, showing up on time, keepin your head up, doing what needs to be done... Good news is heading YOUR way-- it's just time. Do me a favor: keep your eyes and ears open, and your head on a swivel-- and when it "shows up" tell somebody about it.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Just for Today

Just for today... I'll do my best to consider others better than myself and put their needs above my own; I will walk in humility and love, the only true place of power; I will love my neighbor as myself and consider everyone I meet my neighbor; I will remember that there is a God, and I'm not Him... Just for today, I will trust that there's a grand design, and I will enjoy this wonderful adventure.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Victory

I love it when someone has the guts to call their shot. Babe Ruth pointing to the stands before his home run in the 1932 World Series. Underdog Joe Namath guaranteeing victory before Super Bowl III in 1969. Confidence, not arrogance; assurance, not cockiness... Why don't we start calling some shots in this environment of fear and negativity-- let someone know that you're gonna knock one out of the park today.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Attention

Attention: "a concentration of the mind on a single object or thought; a state of consciousness characterized by such concentration; a capacity to maintain selective or sustained concentration." Out of everything fighting for my focus today, what will get my very valuable attention? I will CHOOSE to concentrate on what I desire today, and disregard worry and fear. For whatever gets my attention, expands.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

A new day

A brand NEW day, with unlimited possibilities... Just imagine: new ideas, new partnerships, new calls, new clients, new discoveries, new goals and strategies, new inventions and creations, new collaboration and teamwork, new potential for success and victory. A fresh, CLEAN slate; a do-over, if you will... Do yourself a favor: make the most of it-- please.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Imagine

Ask yourself what you really want. Now activate your imagination and REALLY visualize it (with all the sounds, smells, feelings, tastes, etc.). Now begin to affirm it aloud-- speak of it as a REALITY... Millions of neurons must fire in just the right way, and connect with others to begin to form pathways to "see" what you have just begun to create. Now, go and find it.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Unity

Harmony: "Agreement in feeling or opinion; a pleasing combination of elements in a whole." When people come together and unite in a common purpose, there is incredible power. Most times, it just takes someone making the first move... Make a move today that promotes unity in your "group" (maybe somebody needs it much more than you do). Here's to the Peacemaker in you.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Mission

I'm proud to know and work with the "Mighty Men" of The Atlanta Union Mission... They are involved in faithful and courageous, transforming recovery work. Feel free to get involved-- somehow, someway... www.atlantaunionmission.org

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Today

Ok, yesterday is over-- good, bad, or indifferent... Tomorrow will NEVER come-- so worrying about it is pointless and futile... So, TODAY is the most important day of my life, for it is the only one I truly ever have. Today I will do my best to be the man that my dog THINKS I am.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Giving

I get to go back and see my new little friends at Whitefoord Elementary School this morning. Alesia at Project Karma and I go there to help them learn about the grief process and hopefully choose an alternative to street gangs. Or maybe I'm going there to be reminded to live life with the heart of a child today... I receive so much more than I give. (www.project-karma.org)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Winners

"Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future." Not just good advice for young people... We tend to be the collective average of the five people we most closely associate with. You know, birds of a feather... So many of the guys that I am working with trying to rebuild their broken lives say: "I started running with the wrong crowd." You want to be positive, faithful, successful, victorious? Run with winners.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Transformation

Hays State Prison. 42 inmates--white, black, hispanic. Three amazing days: in before the sun came up, and out well after dark. They were served, loved, respected; we laughed, cried, hugged, confessed, sang, studied, prayed, bonded. There was power, healing, and brokenness there--and I have deep friendships within those walls. I can't get them off my mind or out of my heart--and I don't want to.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Grace

For the last three days I have witnessed inmates at Georgia's highest maximum security prison open their hearts and minds, begin to hope, start to learn to trust, forgive, hug, cry and perhaps begin to heal and change... I am completely overwhelmed by the amazing, life-changing grace of God.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Children

Blessed are the children... Children have a lot of things on straight that we might need to figure out all over again: they focus on things that make them come alive; when they fight, they make up quickly so they can get back to the good stuff; they are quick to forgive, they make friends easily, and trust to a fault; they spend time in their imagination... Here's to finding the kid in you today.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Intention

Intention: "An act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result; the object toward which the thoughts are directed; an aim that guides action." Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea. Set your mind on what you intend to FIND today-- don't worry about the "how"... Watch the mind go to work, and find what you look for. (Just imagine)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Adventure

Adventure: "an exciting or very unusual experience; participation in daring enterprises; a bold, usually risky venture." Doesn't that pretty much describe LIFE right now? However, when you were young, wasn't that what you dreamed of (excitement!). What if everyone fully participated in this grand adventure, and quit all the complaining... Sure would make for a better ending.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Laughter

Is laughter really the best medicine? Here are just a few of the benefits: it boosts immunity; lowers stress hormones; decreases pain; relaxes your muscles; prevents heart disease; triggers the release of endorphins; enhances resilience; and eases anxiety and fear... Lighten up a little today-- "Drama" is way over-rated. Relax, and get your "laugh on" --it might just save your life.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Good News

"I have a feeling that you're going to receive some REALLY good news today. Please let me know as soon as you find it." (Do me a favor and pass this onto someone today. Why don't we get a whole host of people out there LOOKING for good news? Imagine everyone looking for, finding, and sharing GOOD NEWS with one another-- what a concept!) Beats the alternative.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.