The Third Book - The 19th Chapter - Build Your Faith

Build Your Faith

July 18, 2020

When you begin experiencing growth and accomplishments, it’s important to keep the momentum going. Continued growth requires energy to maintain continued accomplishments.

Though sometimes difficult to maintain daily, strength may be gained through visualization. Measuring each of your decisions against the value they will bring to your life takes discipline.  It can be easy to indulge in self-serving decisions seeking instant gratification that may only keep you in the negative patterns of your past. It is much harder to make decisions that are long-lasting if you do not see instant results. It takes self-sacrifice to others and yourself. As you maintain the path of making challenging decisions that maximize your value, it will become easier as well as your exponential growth. When we make decisions that are quick and impulsive in order to achieve an immediate sense of gratification it is always linear in effect and the benefit always fades away. With the long-term decision-making, the growth is unlimited. It is only limited by ones fears and demons that are negative in nature. Faced with thousands of decisions a day, the hard part is to have the discipline and strength always to stay the course and add to your quest. It is a simple concept but can be very difficult to carry out consistently.

Growing strength may also be achieved through faith. Faith can be more challenging to visualize and realize. It requires that ones ego is secondary to achieving the gift of faith that is all around us. Christ is always providing us with what we need when we need it. We just have to recognize it. Through my mentor, I have realized how blessed I have been. I have met many people who have shared stories with me that have given me the gift of faith. It has given me the gift of knowing I am living my life in accordance with serving God.  It is through their stories that I can recognize His love that provides me with a vision that I am on the right track and gives me the strength to keep building my momentum.

In restoring my faith, I have reflected upon recent experiences. Last summer, when I felt lost and I depressed, I was drinking too much.  At the time, I was working at a safe injection site. I had been reflecting upon my place in life. I felt a lot of self-pity. However, I was able to meet many beautiful people, who were also feeling lost, and we were able to form friendships. It is often easy to look down upon people who are facing addictions. However, I was able to relate to each person’s story.  I also recognized that each person has a gift even though they may not recognize it within themselves. What I have learned is that people try to live their best life. I realized I had more in common with them and that our addictions had different levels of control over each of us.

Recently, my daughter and I went on a road trip. As we were entering the highway, a young man was standing with a sign and begging for money. Quickly my daughter gave him 2 $5 bills and we pulled away. My daughter asked me what I thought about her giving money to this young man. I anticipated she thought I might criticize her for wasting her money. I let her know that she had just taught me a lesson to freely give to someone else that is under the table. My daughter gave freely without knowing the intention of how the money would be spent. I also let her know that I know the young man and he's a good person who was just in a terrible place in his life. The $10 my daughter gave may or may not have saved this man's life, but it helped get him closer to changing his life. I thought it was a great example of what Christ would do. He would freely give love out of kindness, compassion and without expectation. Growing momentum and strength through faith allows for exponential growth.

   

Days later, while traveling to a business meeting at a local coffee shop, I saw an older man asking for money. At the time, I was late for my meeting and I didn't want the person to wait any longer. I vowed to myself if the older man were standing there when I left, I would give him money. During my meeting, the other person shared they had lost their husband the previous year.  She shared the focus of missing her husband was more than loving God. With this focus, she realized she wasn’t fully living her life. She knew in time she would once again be with her husband, but in the meantime the center had to be on loving God. Her belief caused her spirit to soften and she was able to provide the strength that someone needed in her life. Without her gift of strength, she likely would have lost the other person. In only one month from when she decided to serve and focus on God, she was able to save a life. The multiplying effect of that action has spilled into many lives and has allowed a child to know his mother longer and allowed a husband to know his wife longer.

Sometimes people ask how long it takes to change. Once you see your truth and feel the love of Christ, it only takes one breath to change your life and countless others around you. The gift given to me was providing me with more faith and the quiet confidence in knowing I am growing my relationship with Christ. I know I am living a life obedient to the Will of God. I have realized God doesn't want anything from us. He truly wants us to live a life full of love and to share that with others.

As I was leaving the coffee shop, the old man was still standing in the middle of the entryway. As I pulled up to the old man, I said hi, asked how he was doing, and gave him $20. After I gave him the money, I could see appreciation in his eyes. He kissed the bill and he put it in his pocket. At first, I thought that his display of emotion was solely about the money. However, I realized he saw the kindness in my eyes towards him. I realized he felt I valued him as a person, as someone who mattered. In that brief moment, he gave me more than I had given him. A lot of people may live a life that is based upon a foundation of lies instead of value. Acceptance and faith go hand in hand. In order to grow our faith, we need to accept ourselves and accept what God wants in our lives. Through acceptance, we can fully begin to live our lives through knowing our truths and begin building our strength in order to achieve exponential momentum.

How secure is your faith? In the last week, how many examples have you experienced that Christ has given you to grow your faith? Have you used the experiences to not only grow your faith but to share it with someone else in a way that exhibits the love of Christ? Whether you have or haven’t, what is your next step? The journey of life may be difficult, but the pattern of hard work replicates with hard work. I have experienced exponential growth and momentum in my faith. My prayer is that you can also feel it happen in your life and are able to share it with others. You can truly make a difference when you least expect it.      

The Third Book The 18th Chapter - Contain Your Demon

Contain your Demon

July 10, 2020

Have you ever experienced a moment of flow and accomplishment?  You work so hard and achieve so much, but life throws you a curveball.  Perhaps something you never anticipated and something so powerfully personal that you feel emotions and distress about your demons returning.  You remember that you have worked so hard for all you have accomplished, but now have to work even harder to control your demons. Your sense of pain may have you reverting back to what used to numb it. The pain may seem unbearable leaving you wonder if you will have the strength to contain your demons. I have an experience to share, which may help you realize you have the power to contain your demons and continue to become stronger.

Do you have faith in the Spirit of Christ in order to allow that spirit to work within you?  My story begins with my daughter. At 17, she became pregnant with my beautiful granddaughter. During that time, I could only imagine how she may have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of what she had learned and how she and her fiancé’s lives had instantly changed forever. She was fortunate enough to have discovered a faith-based nonprofit organization. The organization was established to help young parents prepare for the unknown. My daughter and her fiancé ended up getting through a challenging time and now my little grandbaby is nearly two years old. Recently, the organization requested my daughter and her fiancé record a video of their experience and share the emotions they encountered as they navigated their pregnancy. They had considered an abortion, but quickly realized that through the support of this organization, they didn't need to choose that option. When my daughter was first asked to record the video, she didn’t feel comfortable. Our family encouraged her to share her precious story, as it may change another’s life forever.  A few weeks ago, the video was recorded and recently aired.  It did change someone’s life.

Not long ago, a relationship ended for me that had been a very painful and uncomfortable to process. There was a brief moment in time when the relationship ended that some communication occurred. A moment in time, I will never forget, as the offer was phone number to a therapist. At the time, I didn't realize the significance of that gift until today. As I began working on my issues with my therapist, a key take away was the importance of lowering my anxiety. I have been diagnosed with anticipatory anxiety.  A way to control this anxiety is through various breathing techniques and strategies. Just before my daughter’s video aired, I was struggling with the feeling of pain, sense of loss, and feeling of confusion. I haven’t been able to piece together the puzzle as to why this has all occurred. For the first time, I was fighting to process my feelings and my demons were coming to the surface. My demons wanted me to drink again so that I didn't have to feel the pain. Implementing the new breathing strategies, I was able to control my anticipatory anxiety and recognized what was happening and had the strength not turn to alcohol. I was able to deal with the moment, though challenging. I had wondered how I would push through and not return to patterns that did not add value to my life. Our demons don’t go away after our first steps of embracing Christ, but with his strength, we can make choices so we do not repeat.

I realized this morning if I wasn't given the gift of my new therapist, my anxiety would've got out of control, and I would resort to drinking. The self-control of my anxiety allowed me to welcome the presence of Christ.  His spirit provides me strength to not repeat past troubles. I have realized, in so many ways that as you follow the path laid out for you and you embrace Christ, there are small moments in your Life that help you conquer the most critical moments. Without the gift of my therapist, I know I would not be sharing my story now.

As I was able to pull myself out of the awful feeling of depression angst of a relapse, I was able to prepare for the video presentation of my daughter, her fiancé and my granddaughter. I shared it on Facebook live.  After the presentation was completed, I received a text from a friend, who just happened to be viewing, that shared with me the value of the presentation. I gave him a call, and as we talked about the video, I realized it had changed his life forever.  I realized the importance of my daughter sharing her story. My friend has made the choice to take his first step, and he's made the choice to embrace the spirit of Christ.

How do you measure the significance of one small act that leads to something that is a God-like experience? All the small stories put together of choices that many individuals had to make and obstacles had to be conquered that lead to my friend’s experience. If my daughter didn't share her story and didn't push through her fear, the moment wouldn't have happened. If my relationship past didn't share with me my therapist, I wouldn't have had the strength not to drink and I wouldn't have been filled with the spirit of Christ. With the absence of the Spirit in my life, I wouldn't have shared the video on Facebook, and my friend may not have embraced Christ.

All of your actions determine where we will go and how we will experience life. God is a loving God.  He only wants the best, but it's up to us to make the choices in our lives that empower us. After I spoke to my friend, I was so excited I texted my mentor. The mentor who, on November 4, invited me to give my life to Christ, as I cautiously accepted and nervously took my first step. I was so excited because I was able to take what I learned from him and pass it on to my friend.  With our conversation, his Life is now changed forever. My mentor and I know that it wasn’t us that have changed someone’s life, but the Spirit working through us. All the glory of this Life changing event has to go to where it came from, it’s origin and that is God.

As my mentor and I talked and I shared the beautiful experience, he asked if my ex-girlfriend had the spirit of Christ. My feeling was not at this time. He asked if I would be open to praying for her and her salvation and for her to find and allow the Spirit of Christ to work within her. As he led the prayer, I began to feel strong emotions.  Three times my brain wanted to reject my emotions. My brain didn't want to deal with them.  I knew for me to grow and to grow my connection with Christ, I had to let these feelings exist within me. As my emotions grew, I had a quickness of breath and a shedding of tears as I was filled with the Spirit of Christ. I had the realization of the sacrifice of Christ sacrificing His life for me; I felt the significance of his sacrifice.  I could feel His love flow through me. I knew, in that moment, that I had to give my life just as Jesus did for me. He was put on this earth to save all of us.  He was put on this earth as an example of how to live our lives. We were put on this earth to embrace this gift. Through this gift, we are able to fully live and experience life.  We are able to fully understand the sacrifice that was given to us. Once I had this realization and awareness, I knew I had to pay it forward by giving love and kindness to everyone that has been in my life.

As time has passed, with the new skills I now have in my life, I realize that today is better than yesterday, I realize tomorrow will be better than today.  I realize it is about one step at a time. It is one step at a time to embrace this life, one step at a time to love others, and one step at a time to share this amazing gift.  The amazing gift grows daily.  You never know the value it will give someone else. Have the faith to believe this gift was given to you. This gift has no conditions and is always waiting and ready when you are. It is long lasting and will not let you down.  It will not hurt you, and if you allow your faith to grow, your positive qualities will be magnified through the Spirit of Christ.      

The Third Book The 17th Chapter - Demon of Change

                           Demon of Change

July 4, 2020

Once you identify your “whys”, you can begin implementing change towards a healthier and more positive mindset. Have you determined what triggered past choices that didn't serve your growth and development? Evaluating your triggers is just as important as your growth. It is important you understand the trauma that you went through before your rebirth. Usually, this trauma triggers you to make thoughtless choices. You may find after a contrary decision has been made, you're filled with regret, confusion, and a general feeling of “that wasn't me”, but yet it had happened. As this negative cycle becomes part of your past, sometimes a reminder from someone else may provide that little nudge so you can also turn your life around.

Do you have a story that should be told so that others can learn and grow from your experience?  However, feel that sharing your story is hard and that hiding from shame is easier. This is my story, as I have shared and grown, I have helped others through my writing. It is a story I didn't want to share, but as I thought about it, felt the need to share.

Have you ever heard about the local mechanic that makes sure that everyone else's car is running correctly, but his isn’t? Something as subtle as making sure everyone ‘s car is functioning correctly while neglecting their own is paramount. As I was writing words on paper, they came from a place of kindness, love and support. Through those words though, I was hiding a secret.  My secret was that I had spent many years as a highly functioning alcoholic.

I genuinely put in the effort to help others, but for years forgot to help and myself. My car was broken, and as I tried to function, I fooled myself into believing I didn't have a problem. I would put my all into everything I did, including drinking alcohol. I thought it was controlled, and it was hidden, but it controlled me. I had a successful career, a loving family and what appeared to be a seemingly perfect life. On Father's Day, I realized for the first time in years as I cooked for my family the value of not drinking. I felt a sense of connection with my family and the clarity of the day I hadn’t previously experienced. Fast-forward to June 24 after an extensive amount of realization, I made a decision to not drink alcohol again. 

My daughter had mentioned a few times she was concerned about my drinking. However, I rationalized that I didn't drink and drive, I always got my work done, and my family was healthy, so I didn't have a problem. As I thought about it more, I began to realize that the many impulsive choices and actions that I made while I was drinking never served to provide value to others or myself around me. The drinking pushed people away, causing me more pain resulting in drinking even more. All the while on the surface, I pretended I was in control and didn't have a problem. Even though I knew I was making positive changes in my life and becoming a better person, the alcohol was slowing down this process and kept my mind in a fog.

After Father's Day, I was once again alone with a clear head. I realized for me to actualize the value of the changes and begin to build upon them, I had to make one more change. With clarity, I knew my next step on my continued growth and my continued relationship with Christ; I had to stop abusing alcohol.

On June 24, I did. I have since felt I couldn't share in writing until this morning. I was speaking with my mentor and shared that I thought “my car was broken” and I needed to repair it before I started to share again. He asked me why I wouldn’t share my story.  In a moment, my mind changed and realized I had to share this painful experience that I hid for so long.

As each day passes, sometimes it is challenging to honour my commitment, but when times are challenging, I remember the benefits I have already received in the short time since this positive choice. Something as simple as being able to walk soberly to board an airplane, not pretending to be sober. Something as simple as enjoying a lunch conversation at a level of connection that it wasn’t possible under the fog of alcohol. Something as simple as being in the moment and realizing the positive changes I have made is more valuable recognizing them “when”, not “after” they happen.

Whatever you strive for in your life, your desired outcome is set into motion with the decisions you make in every second. If these millions of timely decisions are not in alignment with your desired outcome and your passion for your life, you'll never arrive at your destination of success. You might want to blame others for your lack of progress or talk yourself into denial like I had, but for valuable change to occur in your life, you need to ask yourself honest questions. If you haven't completed flushing out your demons, your choices will then make it nearly impossible to enjoy life fully and live in the moment. We were given a life of free will and a life that is up to us to live with abundance, love, and kindness. All we have to do is make each decision count to where our happiness lies.

Trust me, one of the most challenging decisions you will make is to conquer your demons and make the decision they will no longer control your life. Once that happens, the changes you have made will magnify and you will gain strength. You will also feel uncomfortable. Embrace this feeling because once you feel it, you will know you are changing and growing. If you haven't already experienced it, you will feel a better sense of satisfaction in your life. It is so worth the hard work and dedication you are putting in to repair yourself.

I am so grateful that my kids and family didn't give up on me. I have realized they believed in me the entire time. So if you feel stuck and you haven’t reached the uncomfortable feeling of growth, pause for a moment and listen. Listen to the words of someone that cares about you as they're speaking your truth. Embrace that gift, build your momentum, and never look back.                   

The Third Book The 16th Chapter - Growing Your Change

Maintaining Your Change

June 15, 2020

While you are moving in the direction you want to go, you are learning, growing, and feeling your momentum building. You begin sharing your experiences with friends and family. You also begin sharing some new ideas that you would like to accomplish that align with your new growth. You may feel a bit confused, not sure how to move forward with your new ideas because of the static that may be coming from your friends or social norms. This barrier is more significant than your wall of fear you have just crossed over.

Often, there is a barrier to growing your competence in your new life. It is easy to listen to others that provide caution and information that challenge your ability to push forward. With any new experience and growth, it is essential to gather insight and direction from others around you, but most importantly, you need to follow what is right for you. Most people around you will have your best interest at heart and will share what they think is best for you based on their experiences and lens of communication. If the information aligns with your growth, great; however, if the advice doesn't sit well with you, perhaps it’s advice you shouldn't follow.

I would like to share a story that happened not long ago, it was the ending of a beautiful relationship. With time, I realized I began the relationship in the wrong order. I followed what was most comfortable and convenient, but missed the essential part of really getting to know them. I realize now The Bible speaks of the importance of handling your intimate relationships in a specific order. Although I knew of this teaching, I didn't follow it, nor did I understand the importance of it. I rationalized that I'm a good person, I'm old enough, and it just made sense. I ignored that I needed to follow a tried and true method. I felt it would last forever because I had never previously experienced meeting a person so unique. However, I was wrong, and it didn't last. I know I can't go backwards in time to integrate what I've learned now and the importance of doing things correctly, but I can go forward with what I have learned.

How often after something has failed in your life, whether it is a relationship, a job, or a task, you wonder why it failed? As you process, you typically turn to experts and your ones closest to you. They often provide very valid technical information based upon your experience and how not to repeat the same failures. As you have grown through experiences, how often have you felt the need to do something different than the advice given to you? You may have felt confused as others have told you not to do what you think is right. This concept is so essential for your growth and not repeat the same mistakes, and you need to master it. Remember, as long as you act in kindness, love and sincerity, you must act on your feelings. The moment you stop making it about yourself and begin making it about somebody else is when Christ and the Holy Spirit are moving through you. If you can honestly tell yourself that this is in your truth, then move forward. As you move forward, whatever you are sharing was meant to be shared, and on the other side, someone will receive value from you operating from a place of love.

I felt the impact of this the first time over the last few weeks. I had been struggling with the thought that I needed to share my true feelings with my ex. As I read more on the subject, more often than not, the reference was not to go back and share, as it would impact my self-worth. As I struggled with this concept, I was given the gift of insight, and that came from my daughter. She suggested I had nothing to lose and I had no reason not to share my feelings. I realized she was right. She was right because it's how you share this information and is not about losing yourself; it is about finding yourself.

Traditionally we're taught never to go backwards and share with an ex the feelings we have. The explanation is that by doing this, you give away your power, which results in lowering your self-esteem. I've realized through the gift of Christ this is only true if you make it about you. The moment you remove the “me” in the scenario and truly make it about the other person, this sharing will empower you. When it comes from a place of love, it also provides value to the other person. Through the action of following in the perfect example of Christ, you can feel love, and others will feel the love of Christ flowing through you. This example is not about self-preservation. it is about is Salvation, and by doing this, you will be living and replicating the model given to us by Jesus.

I am so thankful for my daughter’s simple advice that made a difference; that made a difference to understand the love of Christ. It made me know it truly is not about me, and it truly is not about my power, but allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to be within my life. I knew my next step, even though it might end with rejection, hostility, and pain, I crossed my barrier. What I unfolded was a gift that keeps on giving, and I am so grateful I was able to share. I started with an apology for my actions followed by sharing my feelings, and I realized that is OK. After I shared, I didn't feel I lost anything of myself in reality, I feel I gained a friend. I think the foundational work that I should have taken in the beginning occurred in that moment. The beginning work in truly getting to know someone and realizing the value they are giving, I am giving back and realizing that it is appreciated. 

That is a secret of a foundation that all relationships require and knowing there is momentum building in you life. Are you listening and communicating in a respectful meaningful way just in the same way Christ has modelled for us? All of what we need is right in front of us as soon as we get rid of that little word “me”.  

The Third Book The 15th Chapter - Discover Your Change

Discover Your Change

June 14, 2020

So, you have identified what you want to do in your life to live more fully. You've identified how and why you want to make changes. You are now taking baby steps and taking action. Now what? This is a brand new journey for you. Do you know if the “how, what, and why” the gift you have identified within yourself is truly making any difference?

I would like to share a story of my journey that started about three years ago when I wrote my first book. The “how” of how I wrote my first book and format remained similar as I wrote the following two books. Until this book, I knew my technical writing ability was novice. In the past, I had overlooked that because it was always something I truly wanted to do and truly wanted to share with others. I remember the first chapter I wrote was hardly a page and I had nothing more to write.  As I thought about this, I asked myself, “How am I supposed to fill all the empty pages of this book”? The strategy I developed was a simple goal to fill two pages at a time. By doing that, I was able to finish my first book called “Climb Your Mountain”.

I remember a sense of accomplishment, but also knew I could do so much better. How do you become better, you may ask? Practice, practice, practice, practice all with the foundation that is based on truth and integrity. Identify what you need to do to improve and listen to the feedback others provide. This is a slow process, but picture yourself gathering little golden Nuggets scattered through the years of your life. Meltdown and combine these little golden Nuggets that will allow you to provide the currency to grow your accomplishments. One of these small golden Nuggets was a story told by John Maxwell. He shared that his first book was made up of many short chapters and the reason it was made like that was that he had nothing more to give. He didn't know how to write; he didn't know how to make words flow; he didn't know how to make a complex idea sound easy and straightforward for the reader.

When I first started to write, I allowed myself to fool myself, saying that I strategically chose short chapters to engage new readers. I rationalized that people are often too busy to devote three to four hours a day to read a book and if they had three to five minutes, they could read one of my chapters. I now realize this was a lie I told myself in order to justify my short chapters. I would have been much better off at the time just to tell the truth. The truth was I didn't know what to write. The truth I was feeling overwhelmed. The truth I was feeling insecure. The truth that I wanted everybody to know I knew what I was doing. Unfortunately, in reality, I didn't. I did believe at the time I was doing my best and I did feel there was value in what I was writing, but it would have been better if I had just told the truth at the time. Wayne Gretzky didn't become a superstar in one day at the age of 18. He spent years of his life in the preparation of becoming one of the youngest professional hockey players. Once he got there, he didn't stop. He kept practicing, growing, and giving to others. Those actions combined, allowed him to become one of the all-time greatest professional hockey players. How often when we start something new, do we have an unrealistic expectation about the technical level we should achieve? How often do you lie to yourself that impacts how quickly you are able to grow?

My journey changed when I hit rock bottom. We all have different experiences when we hit rock bottom, but the impact is tremendous to each of us. My experience was after years of building a successful leadership career, I ran out of work. I was surrounded, and I'm still surrounded by an amazing, loving family, but my career had run out of steam. I had searched, applied, and refined my resume but did not receive one call back for a formal interview. I had spent hours and hours trying to move forward, but not one opportunity. I remember the warm day, last August, when I broke as if it only happened a few moments ago. I remember a sense of desperation, despair, low self-esteem, and a sense of utter uselessness. Quickly, that was replaced by a wave of anger that I had never previously felt. Questioning, “Why am I going through this experience? What have I done to deserve this experience? Haven't I worked hard enough to grow my skillset? Haven't I worked hard enough to raise my kids? Haven't I worked hard enough to provide value to others? So now, when I need the opportunity the most, how come I cannot catch a break?” I realized at that moment, I had to change. I had to do something different. I had to find a different way to build my strength.

I remember riding home that day in silence with the full realization I had a gift to change my life. It was sitting in front of me the entire time; the gift of a relationship with Christ. That gift was provided to me by my great friend and spiritual mentor, Mark. I had met Mark about 2 1/2 years ago at a John Maxwell training seminar. Since then, we have become close friends, and he has been coaching me for a year and a half now. He gave his gift freely many times, intending to serve me and for me to become a believer of Christ. There have been many occasions I have felt God speak directly to me through the words of Mark. It happened again the first time I spoke with him after hitting my rock bottom, and he asked me if I was ready. With tears in my eyes, I said yes, and he formally asked me to give my life to Christ. At first, I felt a little uncomfortable, followed quickly by this is the right thing to do, but I had no idea how to do it and how to measure it. I thought, “What do I do now? How do I go forward? How do I put this gift in my life to benefit others? How do I show others this is something different, this is something lasting?” I had this conversation with Mark on many occasions, now that I have this gift of Christ, what now? Once I allowed myself to let go of my ego, once I allowed myself to believe I didn't know how to do it on my own, it was OK. Once I allowed myself to believe in faith and that things would happen when they were meant to happen, things began to change.

Once I realized to turn to everlasting life, the momentum started to grow. So how do you know and how do you measure your change? Here is another story. For the first 2 1/2 years of my writing, once I posted it to my blog, I would share it with others. I would see a small number of views on my blog after I shared with others, but shortly after that, it would fizzle. Once in a while, there might have been a random view but overall, the pattern was the only time there was an increase in views was when I would actively push the blog. My thoughts went back to the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Daily, I had to go back to the well to create hits to my blog; although that worked, it was very time consuming and not very sustaining. Then I recognized a change in this pattern once I started writing again after I found Christ. I still share new posts with family and friends, but things have shifted. I have noticed views are growing, not only on the day I post, but also on the following days. As I have watched this change occur, I have been fascinated; I don’t actively push the blog, and I asked myself, “why do I see new views?” Then I realized, the spirit is providing the momentum shift. The spirit is doing more than what I am able to do alone. There is a measure of change to my “how” and my “what” and that my “why's” are coming together one nugget at a time and beginning to move the momentum needle.

When you have hit your rock bottom and start moving your life to where you need to be, small changes begin to happen. Once you have discovered your change, you become more aware of where you need to be. You realize the first few steps, after pushing through your barrier fear, are in alignment with your goals. Then if you want to supersize your vision, add in the most powerful ingredient, that is Christ. Only then, will you see and feel how your change becomes more prominent than you are. This change will provide you with the strength that you have used to have to contribute to yourself. It will allow you to move faster and enable you to help others. You will be in awe. The discovery of change will allow you to move forward no matter the obstacle you face, no matter what social media barrage you may face. It will allow you to sift through the garbage, identify the truth, and see the golden Nuggets before you.

Now, more than before, and depending on where you are on your journey, is the time you need to make that conviction. Have you hit rock bottom? Have you started to make some changes? Have you started to discover some of those changes have moved your momentum? Right now, think of someone that is your “Mark” and I guarantee you this person is patiently waiting to give you the gift. It doesn't matter what you went through in the past, it only matters right now, and you are worthy of this gift of everlasting love.     

The Third Book The 14th Chapter - My Mesa

My Mesa

June 12, 2020

In the last chapter, the theme was removing fear barriers in order to receive your gifts of life and provide value to others. The small decisions you make can lead to moments that are greater than yourself. Your greatness happens through building your momentum, "the mighty mo", as referred to by John Maxwell. When you initially put your plans into action, a small speed bump can stop you. However, by continuing to make decisions that add to your life's work, with momentum, you can overcome significant life obstacles. Remaining still, you will not gain the momentum needed to overcome them.

I will share a story about how fear held me back for many years and how it changed my life once I conquered it. Over the last 15 years, I have been blessed with a few incredible life and business mentors. One is my great friend and mentor, Joe P. Joe P and his wife have a 2^nd home in Mesa AZ they enjoy as a getaway from the cold winter months in Western Canada.

As our relationship developed over several years, Joe invited me numerous times to visit in Mesa. I politely declined, as I was fearful that if I visited, I might have overstayed my welcome. I was afraid that I would lose an incredible friend and mentor. As the years passed, I finally realized someday Joe might stop inviting me. The opportunity would be closed, and even though I might still have a friend, the gifts of what may lay in Mesa would never be discovered.

On a cold winter day, I reached out to Joe and asked if they were open to me making a visit. His immediate response was, "absolutely, and we can't wait to see you, pal." Fast-forward a few months; I was on my way to Mesa. As the trip was approaching, I was nervous about how the visit would go, yet excited about the adventures that lay ahead.

One of the gifts I experienced, I hadn't anticipated when I walked through Joe's front door. Have you ever had a meeting or an experience that you knew was significant, but didn't realize it's meaning at the time? The only thing you did know was that something out of the ordinary had just occurred. As I met the other people in the room, one stood out from the rest, and that was Melanie. During the time I stayed, the group of newfound friends and I enjoyed many conversations full of sharing, laughter, and each other's company.

A few months prior to the visit, my first book had been published. I knew I needed an editor to help polish the words I had put on paper.  As time went on, it became more apparent that I needed an editor, as I was aware I was missing a vital piece of the team. I knew from my business career the importance of having team support, and without it, it was challenging to experience success and accomplishments.

Over a three-year period, I had searched for an editor but was never able to find the right person. In August, I gave my life to Christ and resumed a relationship that I had ignored for my adult life. It during that time that my writing began conveying the message of Christ to continue providing value to others. When I wrote the 12th chapter of this book, the thought came to me to share it with Melanie. However, I ignored the thought and didn't act upon it because of fear of rejection, and once again, the possibility of losing a good friend. I was afraid the quality of my work, combined with a spiritual-based tone, would create a response of nonacceptance.

As time went on, I still felt I needed to share the 12^th chapter. So one afternoon, I drummed up the courage and asked Melanie if she would read a short section on my current book. She agreed and responded shortly after sharing her opinion; this was good. The next thing that happened I couldn't believe and I was utterly shocked. Without me asking, she provided several edits to my work that made it easier to read and much better than the raw copy I had sent. The gift that was flowing before my eyes was incredible, and I had no idea that would have been the outcome of sharing chapter 12.

It was in that moment I realized I found my editor. It was in that moment I realized if I hadn't taken that first step over three years prior to visit Mesa, I would not have found my editor. The next big hurdle was asking Melanie if she would become an editor for my book. Initially, I assumed she would decline, as she is a very successful businesswoman and wouldn't have time to devote to such an undertaking. Once again, I was surprised by her response, "I have always wanted to be an editor." Remember when I noted that once you conquer your fears, not only will you receive the value of your accomplishments, but usually someone else does too. A gift was given to both of us that could not have been foreseen many years earlier when I had initially declined the invitation to visit Mesa AZ. I realized a pattern of accomplishment could not be achieved alone. It truly takes multiple people aligning, working together and sharing a vision of achievement.

I have realized if you want to supersize your accomplishments, allow Christ to be the one partner you never go without. Since I have allowed myself to get closer to Christ, I have felt my accomplishments and value to others grow at a higher level than ever before. One of the greatest gifts I have been able to realize at a higher level is the gift of my family and the moments we share. Christ will allow you to build strength that you wouldn't have on your own. Christ will allow you to take that first step to build your momentum and confidence so you can achieve more than ever before.

The Third Book The 13th Chapter - The "GosPill"

The Gos"Pill"

June 11, 2020

Have you ever wanted to be like someone famous? Have you ever had an idea that was in alignment with your passion and wanted to change your life? Did you act and change your life to be like someone you admire, or did you implement your new idea to pursue your passion? Now take a moment and think about this question and ask yourself why didn't you move your gift forward?

I'm going to write about fear and how fear limits our ability to live life fully and receive life's unconditional gifts. I have experienced first hand the accomplishment of pushing through my self-imposed barrier of fear and realized the reward is always waiting on the other side of that barrier. The gifts you receive by driving through your boundary of fear exceed your wildest imagination and provide value to you and, usually, someone else. I found more strength, knowing that I can provide value to someone else by pushing through my barriers and gaining confidence. I am going to share a recent life experience to illustrate the importance of getting out of your comfort zone.

Just a few days ago, I met a fantastic couple by the names of Deb and Glenn. Through my work, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of people. On that day, I was going to meet Deb and Glenn for the first time in person. I didn't have any expectation about how the meeting would go. As I knocked on the door, and the door opened, I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth, comfort, kindness, and love. As I remember in that moment, tears filled my eyes in reaction to the impact their passion for all Christ's people had on me.

We began talking about current events, weather etc. Then quickly, the conversation changed as Deb posed a question. She asked me if I would be able to have eternal Salvation and a relationship with Christ forever. I replied, "absolutely!" She immediately handed me a small pill. The top of the pill was white, the bottom was blue, and across was a sticker that read "Gospill." They shared the fact that they were starting a ministry based upon the teachings of Christ with a vision to share those teachings with everyone who would listen. They were in the process of selling all unnecessary worldly possessions, including their home. They had a goal of having everything sold within three months after which, they would hit the road sharing the Gospel of Christ. In that moment, I immediately wanted to open the pill to see what was inside. However, I chose to wait, as I was fearful of ignoring my beautiful hosts.

Later in our visit, I asked permission to open the pill, which they allowed. Inside was a scroll. It was rolled in a way you may envision an ancient biblical scroll that had been rolled for safe storage. As it was written, it began with The A.B.C. Salvation message. "A" to "admit or acknowledge" that I am a Sinner. "B" to "believe" in my heart that Jesus died, and God raised Him from the dead. "C" to "call upon" the name of the Lord or "confess" with my mouth Jesus Christ is Lord. By following the A.B.C.'s of Salvation, one is able to enter into everlasting life and enjoy all the gifts that are freely awaiting all of us to experience through Christ.

I pause again as I remember that experience and Deb and Glenn's passion for genuinely helping others. To experience true love without condition, without judgment, without expectation is truly a gift. What we are experiencing in our daily life broadcasted through our mainstream media is entirely the opposite of what I experienced in that moment. It was an experience of genuinely uplifting another human through truth, not pushing one down. Though it lasted nearly 2 hours, it only seemed like minutes. Not only did they share their vision, but also personal stories about their lives, stories of triumph, stories of struggle, yet now they have a love that they are sharing with others. As I was leaving, I asked them if there was anything I could do to help serve them on their quest. 

As I went home and finished my day, I was so moved that I felt a need to write about it. Early the next morning, I asked permission to share the story and their names. I hope that these few words will help them in their transition. As I wrote about the experience, I was moved to tears, very similar to my first meeting Deb and Glenn.

The white and blue pill is now sitting on my desk beside my John Maxwell leadership Bible, and every time I sit down, I look at it and remember the gift I was given on that June day.