SEAL

Powerful class up at the prison today… We taught SEAL Training techniques to inmate leaders about how to stay calm under pressure, control emotions, and visualize success on missions. It is all about Goal Setting, Arousal Control, Mental Rehearsal and Self Talk (or GAMS, as we call it). They were VERY engaged and now have new, more effective tools at their disposal to be able to better handle conflict in a tense and dangerous environment… All in all, a successful day.

Resolution

Now’s the time to begin to create your New Year’s Resolution; one that will STICK… Make a firm decision of something specific that you are GOING to change. Write it down. Create an affirmation around it, write it out and display it somewhere that you will see regularly. Begin to repeat this new “Power Thought” throughout the day, as if it has ALREADY been accomplished (get ridiculously familiar with the phrase and “wear it out” in your mind). Share your new conviction with someone you trust, who will hold you supportively accountable. Now take at least ONE step today that demonstrates your commitment to accomplishing your goal. Do something good for yourself as a reward for taking that all important first step… Now, EVERY night, end your day visualizing yourself living victoriously in this area of your life— SEE it every night as you go to sleep (the last thought in your mind as you fall asleep is what the brain will work on while you rest). DO NOT be afraid to share your new commitment with as many people as you like— as a matter of fact, shout it from the rooftops… Unless of course you are planning to fail and want to keep it to yourself as a “way out” –-your call. You CAN do this. (pass it on)

Good News

Good news: heading back to L.A. the first week of January to meet with a film maker who is interested in our "Power of Peace Project." This film is about the history of the L.A. Gang Wars and we would be featured for our work with gangs on the “inside” of maximum security prisons… Also, just got booked on a TV Show that films in April out in Hollywood as well (same subject matter). God is good, and more prayers are always welcome!

Shift

Important day up at the prison. The Deputy Warden allowed us to call out specific inmates of our choosing that happen to be very influential in their respective dorms. We had an impromptu “Peace Council” meeting and brainstormed as to how we can change the momentum and begin to bring peace to some of the most violent dorms on the compound. I respect these men so much. They take a stand in a very dangerous place, and are willing to stand out for peace and positive change. Some of the ideas that came out of today’s meeting could very well lead to a significant shift… Keep the prayers coming-- we feel the power!

The Power of Believing

There is incredible power in BELIEVING. We are always affecting change by simply believing. It matters not whether you are aware of this phenomenon, for its power is always at work. You cut your finger, and it heals because you believe it will. You plant a seed, and it grows because you EXPECT it to and believe that it should. The “Power of Belief” does not judge between good and bad, it just manifests what you expect in life… God has given us this amazing and indescribable power to co-create. So what do YOU believe? For me, I believe that 2012 is going to be the BEST year of my life; that I am getting younger; that more and more money will flow in, because money is good for the good that it can do for others; that I am healthy and getting stronger every day; that 2012 is THE year of miracles (I believe these things because of who HE is, and in spite of who I am)… What do you believe? Pay attention to your expectations— they carry unbelievable POWER.

Prayer Warriors

I’m in need of some REAL Prayer Warriors… A gang war up at Hays State Prison has caused several lock downs and has everything on edge. Gary and I really need to be able to take our program into the dorms in order to reach the ones that can turn the tide. However, right now administration will not let us go into the areas where the inmates live, because they fear that we could create a hostage situation. So, we are calling on “Men of Faith” in each of those dorms to fast and pray for open doors, and to break the hold of the enemy there. Will you join them? Please fast from something and pray for PEACE at Hays State Prison this season. Too many men have been hurt, and there a many more there who want peace than the ones who want violence—the enemy is just outworking us. This is a Call to Battle, for all who have the faith for it.

Life

It’s a WONDERFUL life… Good times and bad; richer or poorer; sickness and health. It will either make you better or bitter; softer or harder; giving or grasping; loving or leaving; more like HIM or more like them… It’s all in how you SEE things. See things the way you wish them to be; and please don’t waste ANY of it— all of it is intended to make you into the person you were destined to be: just like the Source.

Joy

What an inspiring day up at Hays State Prison… Today was “Family Day” for all the men in the Faith & Character Program, and we had a graduation program (complete with caps & gowns), breakfast and lunch, and a great time meeting their parents, wives, brothers and sisters, and beautiful little children. These times are absolutely the happiest times for these men that are doing very long, if not life sentences. To watch them hug their loved ones and show off their little children truly warms the heart. You feel a hope and joy on this day in that dangerous place that rarely if ever happens there. These men are real, and human, and there is still PLENTY of love inside of them. May God bless these “men of peace” at this maximum security camp.

Boldness

"No weapon forged against you shall prevail." Wow, what a promise and commitment from the ultimate Protector... Claim it, and walk boldly in His name-- every place you set your foot is YOURS today. I will not walk in fear, for fear is the absence of LOVE. (and I got nothin' but love for ya)

Partners

What a weekend so far in Texas... Two large, powerful non-profit organizations have become SO important in my life and my work: HOPE Worldwide and Kairos Prison Ministries International. My dream has been that these two wonderful entities can partner and help one another-- for HOPE to develop a ministry for the incarcerated and for Kairos to be able to utilize HOPE's young, energetic volunteer bas...e around the nation... Yesterday after I spoke, the dream became a reality. Both of these organizations agreed to develop a partnership and help one another continue to help even more people in crisis. God is SO good, and I'm just thrilled to be at the party. (BIG thanks to Antonio Boyd and Ed Keefer)

Belief

Why not focus on what you DESIRE today, rather than what you dread and fear? So many people will go through today focusing their valuable thoughts and attention on their worries and doubts, instead of their dreams and desires-- not knowing that they are helping build their own nightmares! What you focus on expands, and what you resist you strengthen-- so give your creative energy FULLY to your dreams today... And don't EVER stop believing-- there's magic in it.