: Fear :

Fear becomes a foundation which builds a fortress around that which we are called to do. Our fear is the demon which cripples us at our peak of greatness and anchors us in falling short. As humans quite frankly everything we do is inevitably done with hesitation or in a since not done to our fullest capacity as we are always afraid or blinded by our fear. Sometimes we decide and commit to one thing or another but in the process we create doubt or run from the thought of failing. Most of us somehow or another have adopted fear through a circumstance in which we faced some point in our journey of life that has lead us to believe a fallacy, doubt our confidence, or hinder the way we view ourselves.  In order to truly overcome our fears we must follow the roots that adhere fear in our minds. Fear becomes our blinder to the gifts and callings that are in front of us and often times we even acknowledge the calling yet the power and force of fear pulls us away. At some point in our lives we have to realize the power of faith and believing that what we are pursuing holds a stronger power and weight than the doubt we have in doing it.  I have noticed over the past year of daily networking and building business relationships that it is all too common in which many people do what they do because it's comfortable yet if they could remove the doubt they have from running toward their passion they would take the leap and never think twice about looking back. This doubt becomes a continually growing endeavor which only seems to grow more intimidating every passing day.  I recently reached out to a very successful entrepreneur CEO that played a vital role in my childhood and asked him why I stay awake at night trying to find my escape into the dreams I would call my own yet cannot bring myself to actually take the torch and lead the way. He begin to express the darkest realities of running and operating a business as he described many of the adversities and decisions he has had to look dead in the face with. He went on to tell me that the risk we magnify as our largest enemy is actually the first step into walking in your passion. There is a reason some people achieve greatness and others simply vast in the mediocrity of a bland life, some peoples fear is too strong, too magnified, or sometimes just not an option to overcome. There is something truly remarkable about the business professionals who live, breath, and love what they do. Many times it's on a CEO scale and other times people feel there calling is as simple as managing a small store or working a cash register. The beauty behind it is that they love it, and even on different scales...they all took sacrifices and leaps to make it to where they are. Choosing to walk in the opportunity of fulfilling your dream doesn't come down to the salary of the job but in the heart of each individual. We cannot chase money as we all know you can make millions of dollars in a miserable industry you hate and slowly but surely we begin to drowned in our own regrets. Our gifts are what filter the calling we feel on our lives which essentially persuade us to chase our dreams.  I ask you: What are you doing to remove the fear that stands between you and your greatest dream? What can you do to begin to conquer the hurdles it takes to defeat those fears? And do you believe it is worth taking the leap?

Decide : Commit : Succeed

Take yourself back and think about your experience in high school. We all remember that one person in school that was the all around perfect athlete. It was as if they were uniquely designed to do one thing, and one thing only, sports. That person probably had a mildly muscular build, agility and speed, and an ability to adapt in any form of athletic sports. Whoever you are imagining probably was an all inclusive athlete and in a way frusturated every other aspiring football, basketball, soccer, tennis, frisbee, track, etc...you get the picture, player.

This person was dedicated and behind the scenes, spent hours on their free throw, hours on timing the track, and hours perfecting their hail mary pass, but inevitably they became a master of their skill. They decided to be athletic, committed to the process, and succeeded in their results. The commonality is mirrored in such way in our work. We must focus in on the "athlete" we wish to become to fully grasp the results of who we want to be. As an athlete perfects the prinicples of their sport and commits to being the best, we must do in our own lives. There are millions of "athletes" in the world, yet only a handful succeed to be paid the "big bucks." I'm sure there are thousands of people that work in the same industry you do, but are you the select handful that succeed among the masses. Begin to focus on the individual details that really train yourself to run the "marathon" to success while ignoring the insignificant ones. Many times we get caught up on the little details that pull us from our "core training" in the field. Success is never made over night but is a long intense training.

I would urge you to re-evalute your current role in your daily job and seek to fulfill the essentials that are actually building "muscle confusion" to better your outcome. Read the books that make your mind think outside your normal process. Listen to the podcast that essentually rocks your current concepts throws them our the door and creates a new thought process and procedure. Invest the time, money and dedication to better yourself to become the "all around athlete" in your field. Life is to short to just be a player in the game, but if we decide, commit, and succeed we can be the MVP, the heisman, or be the one that changes the game.

:Life in the Fast-Lane:

As we all know, yesterday was a huge celebration that embraced the importance of all Mothers in the world. It was a unique moment set aside amidst our busy lives to pay dues to such a significant person. As my family, like every holiday, indulged in celebration at a local Vineyard, the celebrations went on I could tell as all moms probably feel, that this is truly a moment where a mom realizes how fast time has flown by because all her kids now range from 21 to 36 years of age. It must be a surreal moment where time stands still and a lifetime of incredible moments and memories fills their minds. In no shape or form will they ever be able to get back the time that has already gone by, but its a bitter sweet reminder that the future is simply a blank canvas in which we control how the portrait looks on its final touch. We cannot change history but we can help cultivate how our future looks and where we will go.

Yesterday's epiphany was that of a unique opportunity. I realized that life is in full gear and our lives are swiftly flying by. Only by fully sciezing every opportunity with a plan and pursuit of excellent can we really live the life we deam of. Do we work to much? Do we worry to much? Do we regret what we wake up and do every day?

You probably wont hear someone on their death bed say, "I regret not working a lot more." Our emotional analysis of our life span should be fulfilled with memories in which we chose to create. Any regrets will only be the dreams we never fulfilled or the relationships we did not go deeper with. We cannot control the speed at which the vehicle of life moves, but we can (for the most part) control the truns it takes by the decisions we make.

Plan of action: Sit down and begin to focus on life's most important elements. Dreams, family, grandchildren, travel...etc. Make the list from 1-10 from a prioity level. Write a description for each goal on what it will take to fully achieve. Begin to focus on these life goals.

Life is truly in the Fast-Lane and it is inevitable. But we can control most of the regrets we will face in our final moments on earth. I urge you to fight to complete your list and on your death bed replace regret with "I have been blessed to fulfill the following.."

Everyday....

Everyday we wake up with the opportunity to be happy, and to make a dream a reality. This notion opens the door between those that succeed to their largest dreams, and those that are born, live, work, and die. The greatest part about our lives is that we are the only ones who limit ourselves from greatness. The world we live in creates the opportunities to succeed in the impossible, but many people lack the ability and willingness to indulge in a level of discipline that it takes to do so. Body builders are not built in the shape they are in now, and in such ways, successful professionals are not just born. By all means anyone can be born into a level of monitary reform, but money is not the same as success.
Do not be the reason you do not reach success.

Taking the Stairs..

          "There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs," is a quote so in-depth with resourceful truths it can only be broken down into many levels. The essence of the quote simply magnifies that the road to success lies in the sweat and equity poured into it, and less the casual walk or "ride" to the top.
In this manner, we must realize that when we choose to be successful and set our minds to such a task that we will face the inevitabal hurdles along the way. The attitude of taking the "elevator" to success lacks the level of discipline and determination success holds. The start to our journey to success must begin with the willingness, knowledge, and preparation of what things are to come. A foolish mind believes success is within choosing YES or NO, when really the YES is only the door you open that leads you to the stairs of enduring flights.  When we choose yes, the journey only just begins.

          After attending an incredible seminar called "Success Starts Now," motivational, determined, and NY Best Seller's Rory Vaden spoke on his recent success in his work,  Taking the Stairs. In his book, Rory dives into the concepts that success is, "doing the things you do not want to do," or "Taking the Stairs."
"No matter how you define success, it requires one thing: self-discipline. But as popular speaker, author, and strategist Rory Vaden explains, we live in an "escalator world" one that's filled with "short cuts," "quick fixes," and distractions that make it all too easy to slide into procrastination, compromise, and mediocrity. What seems like an easier path is really much harder in the end...and, it won't take you where you want to go."

           Rory used an incredible analogy that utilizes the exact commonality of this topic. He created an image of 2 similar animals that against adversity act in two completely different manners while both looking to accomplish the same results. One,  taking the escalator, while one taking the stairs, or the harder path. He eluted to the reactions of a buffalo and cow moments before a storm arrives. First, he went on, the cow can sense the storm is coming from the west and quickly runs to east trying to outrun the storm. As we all know, cows do not ascend from the cat family and cannot outrun anything. Within no time the storm catches up to the cow and what happens is the cow and the storm begin to move parallel to each other creating a longer, painful, more destructive result for the cow. On the other hand, the buffalo also senses the storm on its way and the buffalo runs toward the storm from the east and waits for the storm to meet him and quickly pass over creating a shorter,less painful and desctructive experience of storms.
This analogy creates how the cow, like humans, takes the easy road of running from the adversity which seems to be the smartest idea, when in actuality many times we are far more affected by the adversity. The buffalo is an example of taking the stairs, the buffalo took the path it did not want to, but knew the outcome would be more affective.

          Simple and maybe altogether cheesy, but a very significant example of how sometimes the easy, convienient way is not the best in the end. This analogy signifies the importance of preparing ourselves to face the adversities that living a succesful life will bring. Many of the TOP producers in the world realte a magnitude of their success to the discipline they have for their everyday focus. The discipline it takes to walk the fine line of ethical and honest work. And the discipline to NOT live in an elevator world.

"When an escalator is broker, it does not become a broken escalator, its becomes stairs."

A Structured Foundation....

skyscraper- a tall, continuously habitable building of many storeys, usually designed for office and commercial use.

A foundation is merely the basis for a successfully crafted building or structure. It enables the structure to stand strong and hold its own. The foundation of a building or skyscraper becomes the roots of its admiration in which we stand in awe. Without successful craftsmenship, architectual demensions, and mathmatical formatives a building could not withstand weather related conditions, and years of wear and tear.

In everything we do whether in our personal relationships, business relationships, marraige, etc...we must invest, nurture, and inhabit a sustainable base and foundation in all our connections. In order to create a sense of growth and adequacy we must put forth the effort in building a strong foundation. Upon a strong foundation a relationship must truly build its fortress on a lasting formation.

In your daily walk you must decide what decisions and choices will help strengthen your current relationships. Upon a firm foundation growth may run its course. A relationship rooted in a strong foundation will reap the fruit of its harvest. Think about the relationships in your life that have a strong foundation, not simply through tenured, but through a quality of true depth. Build your efforts and promises upon the outcome of these relationships. Take the qualities and atributes of these relationships and learn how to build future individuals in this sense.

A strong start can be the hindge to a stonger finish...

Whats your true value?

We all want to feel as if we somehow or another benefit the world we live in. We think if something were to happen to us that in someway our impact should be of some significance. The largest obsticle in which we must hurdle is finding what we can truly offer the world or even our small circle of influence. Whether it be in the business relm or in our personal lives, our true value is our declaration of what value we truly offer. Many business professionals consider their impacting true value merely to be a consultant and loyal friend to their clients, and other claim to be the best "_____" in their industry, in whatever it may be. Personally, we may aim to be encouragers, a good friend, an accountability partner, or maybe just a good person. Whichever it may be, we must have a true value as a focus point to who we are. Inevitably, it can in someway help us to better ourselves to focus positivly in our daily walk. A true value is simply a goal in which we have chosen a defining goal to help ourselves be the best we can.

We must find our true value, encompass a focus of attaining it in all we do, and use it to protect and enlighten others of who we really are.

What is your true value?

:Our Own Enemies:

It is truly astonishing how our minds become our largest adversaries in how we view our lives each day. We allow our mindsets and attitudes to put a lense or blinder over our eyes that seclude us from seeing clearly and accomplishing certain goals. In such ways, this blinder effects every aspect of our lives and in essence puts a parking brake on any momentum for succeeding . Through these blinders we cannot see the value of the things right in front of us and therefore, we cannot see the opportunities we are given even when they are right under our eyes. A negative mindset or attitude puts any forward progression we have achieved into reverse. Its simply running life in a vehicle with flat tires. In such ways, we may always be moving in a general direction that we need but with negativity or a doubtful mindset we will never get there when our time has come and our opportunity is at hand. The time to remove your blinders is now because your timeline of life is slowly diminishing each day. Having a clear vision and positive mindset allows use to fully enjoy our lives each day. It allows us to clearly see and achieve our goals in life. It makes you feel like you have power over your daily walk because you have a clear mind of those individually important achievements. Start each day with a positive thought and a motivated mindset. Do not allow yourself to determine what you accomplish when you have the control of how you view the world each day.

: Excuse me, do you have the time? :

"Time is free, yet it's priceless. You can't own in, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back."

How we perceive time, is more or less something we individually decern as time is something we all personally are at liberty to use. Fortunately, whether we use it wisely by carefully managing it, or we allow it to manage us it is all and all, still our choice to make. Furthermore, the concept of time is still the same in the fact that it is always there at our discretion.

When you take a few moments to really focus on it, it seems like time's number one objection is to run from us. Honestly, it always gets away, or when it is there, there is never enough. This obviously becomes an issue as we psychologically try to map out the timeline of "the rest of our lives." We have to become stewards of our time so we can proactively live the life we wish to accomplish.

If asked to walk down memory lane and distinctively walk us through your childhood or large milestones in your life you would quickly realize how fast life has flown by. So often we overwelmingly feel like we were 10 years old just yesterday. In this same way you will one day remember this article some time down the road and realize the verity it reads.

The message is simple. We must first realize how quickly time runs from us and learn how to effectively utilize ourselves to make the best of every moment. If you wash your hands in future hopes and ambitions but never embark on the adventure of achieveing them, why then do we feel the liberty of complaining why our lives aren't the way we want them to be. Let the loss and speed of time be the motivator that jump starts your productivity. We are merely born into a world where time will pursue its objection day by day, but in doing so, we are loosing the time we have to become that which we've always drempt.

:Focused:

Focused- To direct toward a particular point or purpose

No matter where we sit in life, our roads are very similar. Every person, in their own particular way has their individual aspirations and goals that define why they choose to face each day. The common disposition we run into is keeping the most important aspect of reaching our goals; focus.

Everyday as life passes by we often get trapped in the cycle of routine. We slowly loose the drive we always carried because that drive sits on the throne of a focused mind. No matter how you achieve your goals, you must create a focus. This focus is all encompassing of time management, dedication, and discipline. Without these dynamics our focus finds rest in blurry imagery. No matter whether you have an end goal in mind, focus and stand true to your largest ambitions.

: The First Impression :

As humans, we own the inherent right of self-control. We are given that ability in everything we do. From reactions, choices, regrets, etc…We choose how we react in certain situations. With that said, there are instinctive thoughts that race quickly through our heads when we experience
something new. Whether it is a taste, smell, feeling, or even an introduction, we have instinctual reactions.

Often times as humans, these instinctual reactions quickly drift to judgment as we try to analyze someone as we first are introduced. When shaking a hand and making a new acquaintance our minds quickly break down our “first impression” of this person. We decide the things we like and dislike while unknowingly our mind tries to figure out what level of trust we can allow this person to have in our lives and in this new relationship. By doing this we limit the level of influence this person could have because we put a capacity on the interaction before allowing the benefit of the doubt. This should help us on how we first not only interact with new relationships but also in knowing similar scenarios are racing in their minds about you.

Many times, we only get one chance. In this moment, we must present our, “A Game” if you will, because this is the opportunity we have to show our best. Whether this is a business transaction, a business partnership or relationship, or simply a friend to friend acquaintance, we must treat them as sacred as the rest. In this moment of first impression, I believe we owe it to ourselves to present the best. Deliver a firm handshake; lock on eye-contact and convenience them in the beginning that, you are kind of a big deal. A first impression gives you the moment to defeat the negativity or judgment that may be placed on you. You have no control where this relationship may take you so present it as a golden opportunity.

: A New Beginning; A New Mindset :

resolution (ˌrɛzəˈluːʃən) - the act or an instance of resolving; the condition or quality of being resolute; firmness or determination

As we quickly approached this new year, we unconsciously begin to work up the image of how disctinctly different we want our 2012 to be. We are soon over taken by an extreme optomistic mindset where anything and abosluletly everything we want to accomplish will in fact be succeeded. Yet, the drive that endures that optimisim soon vanishes amongst the moment we get back into the natural groove of our lives and those aspirations of yesterday are soon drifted and faded to simply an idea or unachieved "resolution."

The new year is simply a canvas of success in which we are the designer. We are giving the opportunity, which amongst our determination, choose the final production. The start of the year, is a time to reevaluate where we have come to and where we would like to be. The wall we always seem to consistantly hit is determination, or there so the lack of. Our blood pulses on the ideas of personal success and achievement, yet some emotions are merely a temporary fixation that quickly leaves the mind. We have to engrave ourselves daily about the goals in which we set forth.

A goal is essentially a vision in which gives us a reason to go to work every day. When you reach your goals, re-evaluate them and set even higher ones. Emotionally, we are the most happy when we have achieved something. Therefore, setting attainable goals is practically setting ourselves up for an emotional satisfaction. Make life goals, yearly goals, monthly goals, and even daily goals.

Our minds work in unexplainable fashions that sometimes are easier to just adhere to then to try and figure out. In other words, the mind is often times triggered by a simple form of repetition and quite often the daily reminder right in front of you can often times do miracles. Sit down and write the business plan/vision for your year and post it in your vehicle, at your desk, in your bathroom, or anywhere that your mind see's and remembers the goals and achievements that mean the most to you. Refrain from allowing your daily life be your largest distraction in reaching what you really want. You hold the brush that storkes the masterpiece of how you will complete the life you wish to live.

A new Series: Un Gentilhomme

Un Gentilhomme- A well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper behavior.
When asked to define a male figure- a fountain of characteristics flow forth from football and sports, to extreme risk and stupidity, to automobiles and fashion, to infidelity and frustrations..etc..All the aspects of a male bring both negative and sometimes positive emotions. The male figure walks with a sustaining pride and weight on their shoulders as if deciding whether to be a male or female was their own individual choice to start with. This pride marks the strength that the male society holds in their families, friends, and groups of influence.

On the other hand,

when asked to define the figure of a gentleman the contradicting characteristics present that of a completely different array. The image of a gentleman has lost its appeal and the virtues of a gentleman have lost their zeal. The immediate emotions of the French word un gentilhomme (gentleman) trigger that of a well-mannered and often times high standardized individual. Why have we lost these characteristics and succumbed to the negativity that most men we see each day carry. Is that we have slowly wondered from the early chivalric virtues that our forefathers commended? Do we not see enough of this admiration to know how or what it takes to be a gentleman?
Aside from any religious standards the common playing field is that we are all men and all must fill the shoes we have been given. In doing so, we are called to fill those shoes with virtues of righteousness and diligence. We are called to be the leaders even in the midst of a broken and distraught atmosphere. Do not let the aspects and characteristics of the male society define how you are as an individual but be the leader that impacts the hearts of many individual hearts by the well-mannered, chivalrous men we are called to be.

: L i f e i n t h e f a s t l a n e :

Life is rooted so deep in complexity because it can be characterize as something with many parts in intricate arrangements. If life was just a walk in park, why would we need spiritual guidance and mentors? Why would we need councilors and pastors of the church? Why would we have such a high suicidal rate and addiction? Why would religion matter? Because this world we live in each day if full of corruption and deception our only hope for a healthy and fulfilling life is to find and live in the things rooted in spiritual happiness. If you want a fulfilling life you MUST find healthy soil to plant your seeds. And in doing so you must water and tend to those seeds with healthy fundamental elements. A healthy heart does not come naturally in this world we live in. We live in a dark world and must choose what we allow our hearts and minds to become desensitized too. We must create a spiritual filter and trust that only a healthy walk can decipher what is wholesome or destructive. Time flies as many people say but the actuality is that when reality takes a check....5 years have flashed by. Is it such a cliche?...time flies and that statement holds a heavy burden. What things do you do in your daily walk to make sure your heart is pure and filtered from this worlds destructive elements. A pure heart isn't given, it is earned through a strong will and the long to fight temptation. That which is pure and true is worth every second of the fight.

:: The Fatherly Walk ::

fa·ther/ˈfäT͟Hər/

Noun: A man in relation to his natural child or children.

This annual day of importance has slowly but surely found its way back around into our lives. A very important yet inspiring day, both for the fathers that currently walk the earth, as well the younger men awaiting the day to hold their own child in their hands. As a father, though I cannot speak from experience, hold a rather hefty weight on their shoulders that take an immense amount of strength and patience to endure. The "call of duty" to a Godly father figure is something that only the Word can truly lay stepping stones in which we can attempt by all means to follow. As far as scripture goes, our duties are miles wide and miles deep, yet, the message is simple. Gotquestions.org lays a very solid yet scriptural analogy of a part of this Fatherly responsibility when it says, The Christian father is really an instrument in God's hand. The whole process of instruction and discipline must be that which God commands and which He administers, so that His authority should be brought into constant and immediate contact with the mind, heart, and conscience of children. The human father should never present himself as the ultimate authority to determine truth and duty. It is only by making God the teacher and ruler on whose authority everything is done that the goals of education can best be attained.

Furthermore, a dad is the man who helped create a child, yet a true father, is the man who carefully designates a healthy and Godly walk therefore his son can endure the greatest fruits of life. A true father lays down more then his own life for the well being of his son. Nonetheless, whether we were given those Godly figures as we grew up or not, the time is now where as a young generation of men, we need to learn the basic foundations and characteristics of a Godly father figure. I look forward to the day where I can reach for the torch and bar my father has so graciously set so high for me. He has shown me what is takes to instill the principles of God and how to be a strong man against the tyranny of this world. The greatest gift as a Follower is having the gift of 2 fathers. One physically here on earth to be a daily counselor as well as with our spiritual walk. Furthermore, watch and listen to the great leaders and fathers of this world. Begin to seek and aspire the words of the Lord and the father in your life.....live diligently and walk humbly with your God.

: Investment Fund :

in·vest·ment/inˈves(t)mənt/

Over the recent weeks at work, my mind has slowly been so overwhelmed with the thoughts and insights of annuities.

an·nu·i·ty/əˈn(y)o͞oitē/Noun

1. A fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their life.

2. A form of insurance or investment entitling the investor to a series of annual sums.

Investment terms...

At work, annuities have been strongly encouraged as a vehicle to advise out customers of, through on going conversations with our corporate managers. This fortune 100 company tries to push our limits to ask and educate our clients about wisely investing in funds to later receive a sum return for retirement and family funds down the road. I by no means am opposed and in fact, love the product knowledge and persuasion to push forward, after all success is the subject matter we all want.

Throughout my day today I slowly realized how my work life is so significantly similar to the life I walk at home. Each day as a husband we have multiple choices in our relationship. We can choose to be a significant other to the woman in our life, or we can be investors in the most significant relationship we will ever have, aside from our Godly walk. As husbands, we want so many specific insignificant details of our "ideal marriage" and many times we get caught up on how our wives aren't living up to the way we wish, or falling short of what is expected, while in all the mean time, we are sitting back doing very little, yet expecting so much. Like retirement and long-term investment funds, we too must invest in the Godly union between our wives. That which is worth wanting and having, is worth working and fighting for. A covenantal relationship is the highest level of loyalty and sanctity. I encourage all men to put their wife on the highest pedestal and those things that you so wish from her or expect, we must set aside. Invest the time and love into her, and her feelings. I did something sweet for my wife yesterday and she broke down and cried because i broke my daily routine of life we all get caught up in and I stopped everything and spent hours and money setting up a special date and it made her feel more valuable then any diamond on earth. It hit me, in the midst of it all, if i just invest in my wife and the relationship the Lord has so generously placed in front of me, the happier my wife will be and thus, in return, my walk with God is stronger, and my life seems whole.

"Invest in that which is worth having, today, tomorrow, and forever. Where you spend your money buys things that come and go, but where you wisely invest your time, love, and thoughts can last forever."

What is success...

suc·cess/səkˈses/Noun

1. The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.

Everyone that walks the earth has similar, yet oddly different definitions of the word success, due to the image of their own distinctive walk in life. Success is a gift customized in personality of what is important to an individual. If something is important and self-appealing, it has a zeal to be reckoned with. Why aim for such an accomplishment of that which is of minimal importance. Success isn't just a walk on the red carpet, or a multi-million dollar financial bang in the stock market of wall-street, yet many peoples heart beats to the sound of such success, therefore those accomplishments are key to their personal intuition.

Each of us must search deep for what we feel is our true purpose because those are the times when we feel we've succeeded. Yet when such aims for accomplishment are reached, its then the bar must be lifted to another in level, so that growth may run its course.

Sometimes the spectacular success stories are overflowing moments of risk. If its worth accomplishing, sometimes its worth the danger of trying.

Dale Carnegle said it well, The person who gets the farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore. If where you are at feels accomplished, then maybe its time to fall from the nest and spread your wings yet a little wider.

Take time to narrow out the distractions of life and find the key elements of life that bring your mind to a state of appeasment and "accomplishment'' and put your whole heart into it. Never look away from that which is important.

"The great successful men of the world have used their imagination?they think ahead and create their mental picture in all its details, filling in here, adding a little there, altering this a bit and that a bit, but steadily building - steadily building."
Robert Collier

: The distance between....

Its been many long-awaited months since I've taken time to write on this blog, which i strongly regret. This is the moment when i can try to transform the mind of a young man and seemingly attempt to translate it into words.

This moment in time reflects the distance between us:

My wife has left me for a two week school related trip to the country of Italy. Jealousy aside, I've enjoyed these moments the past few days. I've given myself time to dig deep and really search God in the times where I felt like running to the airport and flying my butt to Italy. This distance has aloud me to truly live out all the cliche quotes we constantly hear in life. I.E. People say distance makes the heart stronger, which I've become a strong believer in. I truly believe as a human i take for granted the passing-time clock of life and over look the blessings and people the Lord has significantly placed in my life. Sometimes removing the beloved values in life, helps you actually see the value.

My hearts longs to step up and be the steward the Lord has created me to be.

Since babe has been gone, I think each day how blessed I am for her, and with her gone and being around my truly-amazing friends I as well have seen the true value of their relationships and what they mean to me. The people in my life are so enriched with deep meaning-full passion that the time I invest just opens my heart to dig deeper with them . I look forward to how this next year of my life will reveal itself to me and how God will continue to shape Kayla and I's lives. I want to unravel life's deepest emotions and truly begin to love every morning on behalf of the fact i've been given a new day.

I am blessed beyond all comprehension with where life is to this point, and the constant unforeseen blessings awaiting to be revealed.

The time is now, let life begin.

Tonight's Inspirational Song: "Down Towards The Healing" - Lovedrug

::Life and the Stories that make is ours:::

Here we go, on with our lives, seeking what we want and focusing yet on nothing else. Life becomes an overwhelming pursuing job of fulfilling what we truly believe to be happiness and fulfillment. Truth be told these key elements we admire to behold become something of the past in a matter of moments. Yet one thing we want and need in life that is extremely important regardless of who you are, is a relationship we call a friend. A friend or friendship is a personal relationship shared between each friend for the welfare of other, in other words, it is the relationship of trust, faith and concern for each other feelings. It is a relationship of mutual caring and intimacy among one another. A friend is one who knows you as a person and regards you for what you are and not what he or she is looking in a good friend. Best friend is one who accepts the good as well bad qualities of his friend and also takes an initiative in correcting and mending them. Friendship is a distinctive kind of concern for your friend, it is a relationship of immense faith and love for each other. Find those people in your life you would love no matter what they did, the ones that would love you no matter what you did, the one who wants a friendship that digs deeper each and every day-not digs deep only when you need each other, but constantly. Find a friend who relies on you to do whats right for you own good - accountability is keys. Keep close accounts and be the friend you wish to have. I have slowly drifted and loss sight of true friendship, but God has worked through me to create the wholesome relationships i need through both new people and mending and rebuilding weak spots in the old. As you can see in the photo above, there are millions and millions of people in the world, thus, there may be a reason you've been given the friends you have. Find em, and tell them what they mean to you.

::Life:And how we go about it:::

Each day we choose. We choose who and how we want to be. We learn from every decision and everyday we go on, but still the fundamental lessons of life hit us square in the face. Sometimes in life we have to go to a certain place in order to get to the one we are in. Everyone has the secrets, decisions, and moments in life they wish they could erase or take back, and most of those non-erasable thoughts come to us due to a pleasant state of mind and-or moment where we currently are. Yet, those harsh or unforgettable and more then usual hateful memories often times are yet, the reason we are the way we are. Don't be afraid of where you've been, especially if your happy and pleased with the current moment in life, in which you reside. Often and more then not, those moments help shape and mold you and your personality for whom you are now.

Life goes on and this fact is uncontrollable to us, time ticks and regardless with or without, we must attain to this fact, BUT we can choose how "life goes on," and this is the fact I stress. If we must continue on no matter what, why not go about life the best possible. The "best" continues us to the better, and who amongst us wishes for anything but the best.

:: Keys to a successful Marriage:: PART 1

There are endless elements to success, as well as endless definitions of success. Physical. Mental. Physiological. the list is never ending. To whom it may concern there are few that become most important to each individual. In my own, healthy and successful marriage of only a short 7 months I realize many things I would love to share.

(no specific order)

1. Keep short accounts each and everyday.

-Each individual must know their spouse inside and out. You must learn short fuses and the temper arousing triggers to better live a conflict prevented day. When you come to grasp with the covenantal commitment encountered between you , your spouse, and the divine Lord and Savior you realize that from that day on, this beautifully created woman holds your heart, as well you hold her's. Live each day like its your last and Love every moment because its gone so fast.

2. The way you say it, can "Make it or Break it"

At the beginning of each morning take a few extra second to uplift the value and sacredness of the woman you share life with, go to her, make eye contact, smile, give her a deep meaningful hug and kiss, make her feel that she is all you really need. This lets her know that you are thinking about her, and that she is important to you! At the end of your day even in the midst of stress and or exhaustion, do it again! Let her know that you are glad to be home, and that you're glad she's there.

"I do not have the words to make you understand how powerful this is. I don't know everything about women, but I do know that they are guided by emotion, where we guys run more on logic. Taking the few minutes required to say a proper "Goodbye" or "Hello" will reinforce powerful positive emotions in her, and that, my friend, can only be good for you!"-Squidoo LLC

Remember that Love is a never ending journey and you choose how it ends. Be the Love you wish to receive. Love is about laying it all down for the One you love.

::W h o W e A r e::

Who are we? Before we can fully grasp life we must figure out why we are alive. The easy part of life is living, the hardest is finding out why we are alive.

The question:

"How do we make a difference for eternity, does anybody want to know we're alive? What's the purpose of this life.

Before I die and I leave the world behind I want to know why I'm Alive." - Paul Wright

One may focus deep on this fact, others look past it and believe that we're born, we live, we die. But those that focus on it realize the deeper message in life, which is this, we were born for a reason and each individual is called to search deep and figure out their part in this world. God knows your first and last breath.

Living a Holy life means- living a life where nothing in your life would keep God from using you at any moment in time for His purpose.

Hows your life?

:Bliss::

I walk each day still feeling like I'm living a dream. Even when things in life seem yet entirely flipped upside down or as far from normal as you thought was possible, I come home to face the same loving wife and realize the married walk of life with her is complete bliss-a state of profound satisfaction, happiness and joy. I always thought marriage would be like a new christmas or birthday gift, or even like a new vehicle. When you receive something new, the gift overwhelms your thoughts and everything you do. You begin meditating and enjoying this gift, until, the day comes like a new pair of shoes when the newness wears off, you love it still, yet its just not the same as new. I cant say i really thought "marriage" would stoop so low, yet i thought by now life would just seem back to normal, only with a beautiful women there everyday. Boy was i Wrong. Everyday I wake up and automatically say wow, I am blessed beyond measure and more then I ever thought I could be nor deserve. Kayla Is My Bliss.

:A C o v e n a n t:

May 15, a day that changed it all. The wedding was the most beautiful, holy, and glorious event in which I've ever been involved in.Though people see and hear about weddings all the time, being a main component inthis special event is entirely different. The vast circumstance of this covenant is beyond comprehension of many sitting in the audience, for there is no greater experience then watching your life long partner walk her way down that isle starring deeply into your eyes. But no accurate description can justify the experience one undergoes as a groom. I can truly say from that day on, my life was changed, my world was rocked, and my mind was blown. For all you other men out there awaiting your covenant. Be patient, pray hard, and realize you wont find her until the Lord has prepared her for you. The distance of time standing between today and the time you find her, God is training and strengthening her especially for you, furthermore, if you are still alone, wait and pray, be happy that God alone is sculpting and preparing you for the best gift this world can hold. ...Mexico....

: : L o v e T a k e s F l i g h t : :

Take my hand and lead the way, tell me all you want to say. Whisper softly in my ear,all those things I want to hear. Kiss my
lips and touch my skin, bring out passions so deep within. Pull
me close and hold me near,take away my pain and fears.In the
darkness of the night,be my guide, shine your light.In the
brightness of the sun,show me that you are the one. Give me
wings so I can fly, for I can soar when you're nearby. Enter my
heart, break down the wall, it's time for me to watch it fall.I've
been a prisoner, can't you see? Break my chains and set me free. Strip me of my armor tight;
you'll find I won't put up a fight. Release my soul held deep within ..I'm ready now, let love
begin...

: A L i t t l e A b o u t H e r :

If asked why i love Her, this is what id say,Its the sway in her hips, the tone in her thighs,Its
the lust in her lips, the love in her eyes,Its the softness of her skin, the silk in her hair,Its the
twist in her walk, the sweetness in her talk,Its the heart she has, her passion for others, Shes an honer to me, one im glad i discovered. God took pride when he created this girl,Her beauty, her heart, out of this world.Its the way she loves me,that makes me love her each day, and that is truly what I would say..

T h e E s s e n s e o f B e a u t y.

The defiance of beauty embarks a rather different image in every individuals mind. Beauty isnt just a sight. Beauty is faith, its emotion, its feeling, its longing, its powerful, its an overwelming blanket of passion. The world captivates beauty as a single face on an individual, yet beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and even the blind man shall find beauty in a woman for her beauty may lay deep in her emotions and feelings which a only a curious ear may find. One must truly seek and find beauty for what it really is. The humble will see His beauty and know that it is real and in such way, created Imagio Dei (Image of God) we to, strike an astonding measure or beauty. Society teaches us beauty by the candid snapshots on the cover of your daily magazine at every major check out register, yet the message lays deep inside. The foolish will be blinded by the trickery of the world, but the rightous will know the truth.

Therefore, in my eyes, I see what beauty lies deep in her. She is a shining projector of light, which beauty is shone. Inside and out God's creative hand bleeds evidence and an overflowing sight is at steak. He has opened my eyes to a world unknown, and for her, I am thankful.

-O u r S t o r y B e g i n s -

- In all honesty I can't tell you a mythic fairy tale of Prince Charming and the Princess but instead a story of true, devoted, and conquering love that was established in August of '07. She was always someone I thought was beautiful and true, inside and out. Little did I know I was always on the back of her mind. I believe love will have its way, no matter how complicating or in some ways impossible, and the divine appointment in which we encountered one another was rather peculiar. Long story short, a great, honest, and highly respected individual introduced me to her. Quickly our story began. She hit home in my heart from day one. Life was frankly an endless race to endure each day just to see one another the next. As months flew by the chapters of life's stories and events constantly grew longer. We began to reach new levels on this vulnerable language of love. Life felt complete and I new from the beginning God had given me His humble, gracious, and blessed gift. With that in mind she did not belong to me, but to the Lord.

As our journeys grow longer and our lives vastly stretch their course from beginning to end, I truly know we will continue to grow deeper and the longing and desires of our hearts will continue to sprout into something good, beautiful, and true.

A l i t t l e a b o u t M y s e l f

Heaven's not a place that you go when you die. It's that moment in life when you actually feel

alive.. The Lord is my savior. Music, Poetry, Friends. All aspects of who I am. I have alot of respect for women and their utmost value. The amount I write never translates into how much I speak outside this website. Im humble but proud of myself for the accomplishments I've reached and the success of my family and all that they mean to me. The musicians I could list are futile in defining who I am. Dont be afraid of who you really are. God is my savior and Ive never been the same since the day I realized that. My name is Joshua Isaiah Ellis, and I strive for a life well lived.

.L O V E.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or

boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on

its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.