Just Believe

Just BELIEVE… Believe that you CAN make a difference. Believe that the world CAN be a better place. Believe that people really CAN change. Believe that miracles really DO happen. Believe that you CAN "teach an old dog new tricks". Believe that your BEST days are ahead of you. Believe that you’re always in the RIGHT place at the RIGHT time, and you're the luckiest person in the world... Believing changes everything: it opens doors, creates possibilities, unleashes potential, and releases the magic. Be a Believer in 2010: EVERYTHING is possible for him who believes.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Resolution

Have you ever noticed that the huge crystal ball dropping in Times Square every year doesn’t magically fix everything? Even the best and most sincere New Year’s resolutions tend to slowly fade away in January… Why? Because deep thought patterns are "grooved" into the network of our brains, and beliefs and habits are always THOUSANDS of times more powerful than our desires. If we want something we’ve never had this New Year, then we’ve got to do something we’ve never done: think new thoughts. “If I can conceive it, then I can ACHIEVE it.” How about this for a New Year’s resolution: a NEW MIND.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Fear vs. Faith

Fear versus Faith: which one makes more sense as a life strategy? Faith is being SURE of what I hope for and CERTAIN of what I do not see. On the other hand, Psychology tells us that 99% of the things that we fear, NEVER materialize; still, so many people live their lives obsessed with what MIGHT happen next... As a strategy, I would rather keep my eyes and mind fixed on what I DESIRE in my life, and assume that the setbacks along the way are there to better prepare me for all the good that lies ahead. Of course, if fear works better for you as a life plan, then knock yourself out. (It IS an effective motivator, if you can just get past all the paralysis, stress and general anxiety)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Perspective

What if we looked at things differently today? What if I CHOSE to see the good in everyone I meet, and disregard their “faults”? What if I chose to see challenges as opportunities, instead of obstacles? What if I chose to focus on the things in my life that I HAVE, instead of what I lack? What if I filled my head with things I desire, hope for and dream about, instead of what I dread? What if I completely flip the script, and view the world from a new perspective today: I don’t know, let’s say GRATITUDE and HOPE… You think that might change the kind of day I'd have? Let's give it a shot, shall we?

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Faith

I can’t imagine life without faith… There is so much about life that is a mystery to me; so many things that I can’t understand, touch, feel, see or comprehend. Some things I just have to “know”. I KNOW that there is someone watching over me. I KNOW that He has my back, and that ALL things are under His control. I know He doesn’t make mistakes, never overlooks the details, and always shows up on time. He ALWAYS has the patience and concern to listen to my problems, and always comes through with the EXACT thing that I need— EVERY time… I can’t explain it, I just KNOW. I can’t imagine living life without faith. (I’ve tried, by the way, and it's exhausting)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Worth

You are LOVED... Whether it feels like it, looks like it, seems like it, or if you're in a place where you just have to trust-- YOU are loved... It's what today's all about. You are worth MORE than you can ever fathom. My wish to you: that you "role around" in that love today. Merry Christmas.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Joy

I believe everyone longs to experience true joy; that’s why the holidays can be tough for many people. We’ve all been there at times in our lives, but unfortunately it seems rare these days; I think a lot of people are looking for it in the wrong places... You definitely won’t find it in “things”, and it doesn’t come from more money (although we’ve all searched there). I believe true joy hides in COMPASSION, and is triggered by GRATITUDE—some of the last places we’d look… I sincerely hope you find some this holiday season, for it is buried deep inside of every one of us.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Second Chances

I’m very grateful to be going to spend some time with a new, good friend today… He's just been released from Hays State Prison, and will now begin his new life in the “free world”. He’s a good man who made a mistake, paid his debt, and will start to rebuild his life again. He has a wife and child, and sincerely wants to change. Thank God for second chances… Where would we ALL be without them?

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Peace

Peace: “freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, or obsession; a state of mutual harmony between people or groups; freedom from any strife or dissension; tranquility, serenity.” Everybody wants it, yet so few truly possess it. It seems so elusive, but it hides inside of EVERY one of us… Just relax: everything ALWAYS works itself out in the end— does worrying really hurry up the process? Here’s to the "peacemaker" in you today.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Just LOVE.

Just LOVE... When it makes sense, and even when it doesn't; when it feels good, and also when it hurts; when they deserve it, and especially when they don't. True love is loving the seemingly "unlovable". Love breaks down barriers, heals the deepest wounds, repairs broken relationships, overcomes monumental failures, and forgives the most hurtful transgressions; Love is the whole deal, period... Just love, love, and then LOVE some more-- the rest are just details.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm: “absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; an occupation, activity, or pursuit in which such interest is shown; God in us.” I LOVE to see enthusiasm. We see it in athletes, actors, musicians, dancers, and especially in children… Why then, does it seem to be so rare in every day individuals that we meet along the way? Do so many dislike their profession, or are they just having a hard time really loving LIFE. Here’s to that enthusiastic “God in you” today, that wants to break out and really LIVE. (Remember where you come from.)

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Potential

Potential: “possible, as opposed to actual; capable of being or becoming; a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.” Sometimes used as a negative, potential is what CAN be. I believe in potential; why would we embrace potential in children, but have a hard time believing that WE can become? I believe that there is an awesome, authentic, totally unique individual striving to come out of EVERY one of us—let’s let 'em bust out of there, shall we?

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Just Ask

It has been said: “Ask, and it WILL be given to you; seek, and you WILL find; knock, and the door WILL be open to you.” Could it really be that easy? Why not try it today… Children understand the principle, and they keep it very simple—they ask, seek and knock incessantly! Many will explain it away, and not give it a try, as they walk right by the miracle… Here’s to the “asking, seeking, knocking FOOL” in you today—just go get it.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Attitude

Attitude: “the way that I see life; my relationship with the PRESENT moment.” For many, the present moment will be an obstacle today; something to get past, so that they can get to the next thing. Or the present moment will be an enemy; keeping them from where they really want to be. Or it will be simply a means to an end; something to be used, but not LIVED... If I can be at peace with the present moment, however it comes, then I can be at peace with life; and that changes EVERYTHING. Today, the present moment will be my friend—I will choose to live life IN the moment.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Stand Up

"Give me a place to stand, and I will move the world." (Archimedes) Where will YOU stand today? So many people talk about what they stand against, while so few really stand UP for anything (it's a lot easier to tear down than to build up). This world needs people to stand up, and stand together for the RIGHT things... When you take your stand, you really do "move the world". Make a difference in someone's life today-- you know you were born to.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Good News

I have a feeling. You know what I mean, sometimes you just KNOW… Something really good is going to show up for you today: the phone’s going to ring; that email is finally going to show up; that check that’s been “in the mail” will arrive; a knock at your door, or just a chance meeting; the elevator door opens, and out walks someone that you REALLY need to see. TODAY is the day, I just know it… I just hope you’re awake when it happens, because it WILL happen (miracles happen ALL the time; sometimes we’re just sleepwalking through the magic). Here’s to your gift showing up at just the right time today—trust me; it’s already on its way.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Gifts

There has NEVER been another you… You are the culmination of generations of DNA being passed along, in a unique combination that can never be duplicated. We each have special and specific gifts that are blended in such a way that ONLY you can give that gift, the way that you give it (IF you choose to give it)… When we give it, two things happen: something in us “wakes up” that was meant to be ALIVE, and someone else comes alive when they receive our special gift… Give yourself away today—the world needs what only you possess.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Forgiveness

ONE thing has the power to change EVERYTHING… If you can find it, receive it, give it, accept it, and understand it. It’s not complicated, but for some reason it is so difficult for many, many people. Those that possess it have power, and experience a healing that so many others seek. Those that give it away are blessed beyond measure. Although it is elusive, it’s not so hard to find; it just takes a little humility, desire and the willingness to LET GO… What is this life changing force? Forgiveness. Find it today—it’ll set you free.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Dreams

You were created to Dream... Big ones, little ones, crazy ones, ones that make no sense; the ones we can't explain, not sure where they come from, even silly ones that we've never told anyone about... We NEED to dream, because something inside us dies when we stop. Kids are dreamers, because they are still relatively close to the One they come from: the Ultimate Dreamer. Chase it, follow it, imagine it, pursue it-- just don't ever, ever give up on it... You were meant to dream, it’s in your nature. Dreams DO come true-- now please, go get after it again.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Perception

Perception: “the act of apprehending by means of the senses or the mind; a single unified awareness derived from sensory processes.” It is said that perception IS reality... The way that we see life makes ALL the difference. Two people can see the exact same thing, at the exact same time, from the exact same spot, and have two totally different stories (because we don't see with our eyes, but with our brains). Today, consider the lens through which you are looking: change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Love

You are LOVED… Love, the most powerful force in the universe; covering over a multitude of sins, mistakes, failures and shortcomings; life changing, redemptive, unconditional , transforming love… Whether you’re aware of it, grateful for it, deserving of it or even care about it— it’s always there. Bask in it, roll around in it, share it, give it, absorb it, or just let it be; you can run from it, but you just can’t escape it. This love is what it’s ALL about, and you’re smack dab in the middle of it. Get used to it, because you most definitely ARE loved… Now, let’s try not to forget it.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

I am...

"I am..." One of the shortest, but most powerful of all sentences. Why? Because it defines me in the PRESENT moment-- the only place of true power... How are many people going to finish that sentence today? "I am sick... I am tired... I am broke." That's why you'll run into so many people today who are sick and tired. Why not finish that sentence in a way that honors and empowers you today? You can finish it HOWEVER you want to... Me? Today, I AM invincible.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Mission

Mission: "an assigned or self-imposed duty or task, calling, vocation; a sending or being sent for some duty or purpose; the business with which a group is charged." Can you imagine a successful company or organization not having a clearly defined Mission Statement? Many unsuccessful groups have one, but rarely look at it. "If you don't know where you're going, then any road will get you there..." I believe there is incredible power in Purpose. Individuals need Mission Statements as much, or more than companies do. Today, try to remember why you're here-- you'll come ALIVE.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Intuition

Call it a hunch, a gut feeling, or just intuition... You know what I mean: someone pops into your head out of nowhere, or a feeling that you just can't shake, or an idea that just won't go away. There are very real forces at work that we might not ever fully understand, that are REAL none the less... Go ahead and make that call, send that email, drop by and see the person that has been on your heart-- you never know, it could be the ONE thing that you've been waiting for, or the person on the other end might just be looking for you... Trust your instincts-- they're there for a reason.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.

Paradigms

Paradigm: "A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them." As a community, I would say we're in need of a serious SHIFT. Last week a professional football player donated $2 million to a children's hospital-- but went largely unnoticed. The focus instead? A fender-bender in Fla... Don't believe the hype; beauty and goodness abound-- go look for it.

Catch it, come alive, pass it on.