life courage

August 4, 2009 Tuesday
Courage is the first topic of my book Playbook of Champions. It takes courage to be a champion, not just a football champion, but a champion in life. It takes courage to be able to stand when stuff around you in falling apart. It takes courage to stand when everyone else has run away or abandon you. It takes courage to take the punches that life throws at you. As Rocky Balboa said, “It isn’t how hard you can hit, but how you can take a punch from life.” It definitely takes courage to be a champion in life. Take heart and you will have courage.

types of courage

August 3, 2009 Monday
I think we all have courage of one kind or another. There isn’t just one type of courage, but like the courage to change, the courage to grow personally. It takes courage to look at our lives and say, “I am tired of living like this,” and then make the changes necessary to live the life we were intended to live. It takes self courage to make life changing changes. It isn’t easy to change, to grow, to do the things necessary to live out your destiny. The courage that it takes to live your destiny doesn’t come from making excuses but from taking responsibility for our lives and the decisions we make.

Courage

August 2, 2009 Sunday
I have been thinking a lot about courage here lately too. I know that we hear the word a lot but what all does it mean? I know that courage has to do with having heart. I have heard that without the presence of fear; we would not have courage. We all have to summon our own courage at times in our lives. To begin to write and share myself for me has taken courage. I know full well that what I share about myself can easily be used in a negative way, but that’s when courage kicks in. Once I realized that the past really can’t hurt me because I had disarmed it, I had the courage to do what I needed to do. Without personal self security I don’t think we can have personal self courage.

Defining Trust

August 1, 2009 Saturday
Wow July is gone! School is getting ready to start back up; which means one thing; Football Season!!!! Won’t be long now, practice has started and it getting so close.
Trust is a strange thing sometimes, to many people. I have gotten many notes over the past few days about trust. I appreciate them all too. I have really had my eyes opened to the issue of trust. I don’t have the issues that I did at one time, but we all have some issues with trust. It is a very valuable and sensitive thing. I call it a thing, because it’s not an emotion, it’s not an object; it’s not really a thing, but what else to call it. Trust is fragile but at the same time it holds marriages together, teams together and even countries together.
I am looking into my own working definition of trust; what trust is or what is trust, so that I can eliminate any issues that I may still have regarding trust.

trust myself

July 31, 2009 Friday
The one person in this world that I have the hardest time trusting is me. I suppose that I know myself way too good. There are certain things that I know I have to stay away from because I don’t trust myself around them. For the most part people are not my problem. That’s because I don’t open up enough to be hurt by anyone; something that I am working on daily. However, I know my personality, my addictive personality, all too well. I have to stay away from alcohol, especially a cold beer on a hot summer day. I also have to stay away from smokeless tobacco. The tobacco isn’t too bad, but still I stay clear. I don’t trust myself around those things. I don’t trust myself with certain foods, pizza being the main one. It’s something how things but not people cause me trust issues with me. Like I said, it is because I don’t share myself enough. If I don’t invest myself then I can’t lose, but that is changing. I am putting myself in more vulnerable positions, mainly with my wife, my daughter, my mom, and now you guys to name a few. This is allowing my trust level with me to grow more, although it is a little bit, each day. I hope that one day I can share anything to anybody and not worry about how they could hurt me, use it against me, and stuff like that to stop me. Getting closer daily!!

Value of trust

July 30, 2009 Thursday
I can’t seem to get this trust thing out of my mind. Maybe I am still dealing with some trust issues and didn’t realize it. I have really looking at relationships that I have new and old; mainly at the level of trust in each of them. We are all on different trust levels in different relationships. I know that we all have some issues with trust, but even the worse issues can be worked through. Not having trust can prove to be a lonely place. But be encouraged there are still people that are trustworthy, probably more than you think. Start looking for folk to build trust in today. They are all around. Of course, there will be those that aren’t as trustworthy as others. But I am seeing the way to build trust is to be trustworthy and to put trust in others. When we give our trust to someone it will build trust in them many times. To be so important and vital; trust; there seems to be so little of it around. I guess that’s why it is so valuable and precious.

Fickle Trust

July 29, 2009 Wednesday
Trust in a friendship or relationship can be a fickle thing. I always want to believe the best about someone, no matter what the situation. However, there are times when folk just will not let you believe the best. Trust is so hard sometimes. Just when you think you have built some trust in a person; BAM! Something happens to really test that trust. But still I keep on trying to trust folk; knowing that it will be difficult. But I try because I know people are doing the same for me. People are placing more and more trust in me to see if I am worthy of their trust. Knowing that I will do something stupid given enough time. But don’t we all? We expect trust but do we give trust?

Trust Level

July 28, 2009 Tuesday
I am guessing that one of the main reasons we don’t establish relationships is a lack of trust. This is not always the case, but when we make up our mind not to have a relationship with someone it seems to be because we don’t trust that person. In time that may change and we build a friendship, but if we don’t trust then we will never have relationship. The only way someone is going to trust us is if we are trustworthy. If we have personal agendas and are only looking out for ourselves then we are not trustworthy. We our goal or objective is to see what we can get out of the relationship then we are not trustworthy. Trust is build on being worthy of that trust. Trust once lost is very hard to regain, I know that lesson all too well. But I am doing my best to rebuild trust in people that I have lost trust in and with people that have lost trust in me. It’s hard to do on both sides, but it is a building project that is well worth the effort put in to it.

Networking

July 27, 2009 Monday
I have been thinking about this “networking” thing. Networking for the sake of it, not trying to build relationships, to me is not right. I am trying to get you to do something for me and acting like I am your friend; that’s not me. To me that is just using people. So when I was told I had to network, I didn’t know what I had to do. Now I know and it’s simple. Build relationships to me is networking. Whether you do anytime, like buy my books or read my blogs, is not the important thing here. Establishing of the relationship to me is the most important thing. It’s not what you can do for me or what can I get out of it, but what can I do for you, what can I have to offer you in the relationship. There are all sorts of relationships and different levels of relationships. I am learning, slowly but surely I am learning.

Full Circle

July 26, 2009 Sunday
I am still learning from this past week’s trip to Jackson. No matter what we do in life when it comes right down to it; it’s all about relationships. It seems like everything I do comes full circle back to relationships. There are some old relationships that may need to be brought back to the forefront and then there are new ones that need to be established. However, I also see that the key elements to any relationship new or old remain the same. Care to guess? They are trust and forgiveness. Without these two key ingredients there can be no relationship. Both have to be worked at all the time. Trust doesn’t come easy; lose that trust and it’s almost impossible to regain. Forgiveness is the same, it seems so hard to forgive, but we ask for it so readily. Forgiveness and trust do go hand in hand; just like grace and mercy. It’s like grace and trust are close while mercy and forgiveness are close.

Take notice

July 25, 2009 Saturday
We all have a purpose and a destiny. You have heard me say that over and over again. Yet some of you look at your life and wonder if I am crazy. Well, I might be, that’s beside the point, but I will always believe that we all have a destiny. You may look at your life and not see the things you want to see. You may not be doing the things you want to be doing or dream about doing. You may see your life as insignificant and/or unimportant. We all have to go through times of growing and establishing a sound, good, strong foundation. The thing is while this is taking place nobody sees us, nobody notices us, we are taking for granted, over looked, stepped on, stepped over, passed up, passed by, forgotten, and left out. Trust me when I say this, you are being watched, but not in a bad way. You are being noticed, but in a positive way. There are folk like myself that take account of and notice people all the time. I have made it a lifestyle to take notice of people and where they are; as in their personal growth.

Getting to know you

July 24, 2009 Friday
I have spent the past two days in Jackson. I got to visit with mama which is always good, but also was able to “network” with people. I met some new folk and got re-acquainted with some folk I haven’t talked to in years. The root behind it all was the book coming out and the one I am writing. This networking as it is called it simply getting to know people. For me that is a stretch, I don’t get to know people very well, but it was been an awesome learning experience. Learning to open up to folk and just build relationships on all different levels is not something I am good at; YET. I am working on it though and it’s not so bad. The point of my rambling is that we all have areas that we have difficulty with in our lives, but we know that it is something that we have to work on. For me building and maintaining good healthy relationships is that area. For you it may be something totally else, but don’t put it off any longer. For those that I met this week and those that I got to see again after a long time; I want to thank you for allowing me into your life. I have the most amazing and awesome people around me right now and I am very thankful for each and every one of you!!!

Pick and choose

July 23 2009 Thursday
I have really enjoyed the time in Jackson with my mom. I have come to realize that life is really all about relationships. I have this mentality that I can just pick and choose who I want to be friends with and who I don’t. Funny thing though, when I get done with my list, it always seems to get changed. God has a way of rocking things. I see more and more that we all need one another. I know that some folk just aren’t going to get along that well, but when it comes down to it, we just need to love each other and don’t let stuff get in the way of relationships. I know that I have a lot to learn when it comes to people skills, but I am learning. So for all that I have offended or upset I apologize with all my heart. Even though it may not seem like it, I am trying.

Can you hear me now

July 22, 2009 Wednesday
When I was at Open Door, one of the programs that I worked to establish was a mentoring program for the students. Mentoring is a lost art in a lot of ways. However, it is still around in some circles; although it may not be called mentoring, we still do it a lot these days. Who are you being mentored by? Who are you listening to? I am a firm believer in that we all should have a mentor and in time be a mentor.
There have been some awesome men that have taught me incredible lessons during my life. I can remember Tommy White, Johnny Waddill, Danny Steed, and Houston Broadhead, just to name a few. These men taught me things that I still use today. However, are there still people today that are pouring into our lives the stuff that we need to know? There are plenty of folk that will teach us the wrong things, that’s easy and anyone can do that. We need folk that will teach and model for us the right stuff!!

confident not arrogant

July 21, 2009 Tuesday
We can be confident and not be arrogant. I have always believed in myself, but doubted that anyone else believed in me. I know I can do whatever I am supposed to do, but never believed anyone else believed that I could accomplish anything worthwhile. It is time that we begin to believe in the ability that God has placed in us. God, I don’t think, would give someone all this awesome ability and talent; then just forget about us. We need to find out what is in us. We have to know who we are and why we are here. However, does the self-confidence come before, during or after we realize these things?

Confident not controlled

July 20, 2009 Monday
This self-confidence thing really gets at me. I know that when I have trouble with my self-confidence that I let folk control me. Self-confidence is truly a powerful tool when used the right way. Not allowing self-confidence to escalate into arrogance is a key. But when we have self-confidence then we won’t let other people control our actions nor our emotions. When I dealt with a lack of self-confidence I found some folk; just a couple, that would help me to build my self-confidence. I didn’t let those that would use it against me get close enough to hurt me at that time. Now, I can allow anyone to get close because my self-confidence is now strong enough to where others can’t control me any longer.

Tub bottom

July 19 2009 Sunday
“Every tub must sit on its own bottom” my grandfather once told me. I had no clue as to what he meant. For years that statement has been in mind, wondering what in the world did he mean. I think what he was saying was; that we all have to walk out our own lives. As much as we want to help and we can to a point, but it is our responsibility to make decisions and to carry them out ourselves. No one can do that for you. We do help one another that is true, but we must take responsibility for our own actions and take responsibility for our lives. We have to have enough confidence in ourselves that we can make the right decisions and carry them out. Something is lacking in so many of us today; self-confidence.

Choo choo

July 18, 2009 Saturday
Every person’s life counts for something. We all do have a unique purpose here. I really do believe that; even though I see folk all the time not living to their fullest. Not to say that they are any less because of it. It doesn’t matter if your life looks like a train wreck it is not too late. We all have made mistakes and made bad decisions. Trust me I have made some insane decisions in my life. I have made some massive mistakes in my life. There are people that will never like me or listen to me because of the things that I have done, but I know that there is still purpose and destiny left in me. The same goes for you, if you are waiting until you are perfect, it ain’t gonna happen. Start make the necessary changes in your life, sure, but know that perfection isn’t the goal. Destiny is the destination!!

Life is too short and too long...

July 17, 2009 Friday
I often say life is too short to be angry, bitter, mad, etc… also life is too long for those same things. Why we walk around with all that stuff tying us up and keeping us so controlled by all that I don’t know. I know that not everybody is going to be friends with everybody else, but why not be pleasant and peaceful? I hate it when I have to walk on egg shells around people because of what they think, what they may say, how they feel, and so on. Sometimes I understand, it is my own fault that they feel that way. Even if I have apologized and tried to make things right; some folk don’t want to make things right. Let it go is all I know to do. I am too tired to try to remember who’s mad at whom, who’s not talking to whom, who is offended and who isn’t. I have been all those things at the same time too. So I really do know how it feels to be all constipated on messed up emotions. But not any longer! Peace, grace, mercy, forgiveness are too good to live without.
A side note here. Five years ago this week my dad began a battle with cancer. Now at this same time five years later, my mom is beginning that same fight. We are much better prepared this time around. I thank you for your prayers; we are going to be just fine no matter the outcome. We will make it through this; for God is with us and I can’t ask for anything more than that.

Still Growing

July 16, Thursday
To say that I have had a lot on my mind the past week and especially the past few days is an understatement of massive proportions. Most of the stuff I will write on here about and some is just for me. This thing with relationships and trying to fix or repair folk has really hit home with me. Also, the fact that people are the most important resource we have. Yet we spend so much time in unforgiveness mode, mad at folk, trying to get even with folk, withholding ourselves from folk, and I could go on and on, because I am guilty of all of these. I will be the first to admit that my people skills still stink. I am actively working on improving them. It’s amazing, I clear one obstacle and there sits another. Ahhh, such is life, I know it’s all part of growing and maturing.

Celebrate Others

July 15, 2009 Wednesday
Back when I was in Jackson I can remember that this week was a week of celebration. The whole week something would be done to celebrate today, the birthday of Pastor E. C. Russell. We would have a ball all week long. We would celebrate together.
When you have relationships you love to celebrate with the other person. It’s about them, not about us. In the case mentioned it was fun for everybody. However, sometimes we have to be the giver. We tend to base relationships on what the other person can do for me. I am finding out that it is not necessarily that way. I often hear “Well, they did this or they did that to me and I am going to do this or take to them.” Relationship is not about retaliation but about giving of yourself to others. There are boundaries and parameters of course, but it is not what can I get, but what can I give. There is a balance, so be careful that we don’t get too out of balance. Like I mentioned yesterday, I have to watch that I am not trying to fix or repair everyone, but just give of myself.

Dent and Ding

July 14, 2009 Tuesday
Most of us have been involved in a car wreck or know someone that has been in one. I have had a few, nothing too serious, but I always attempted to get my vehicle fixed after it had wreck. Even if we get a dent or a ding in our truck or car we go and get it repaired. The thing that hit me this morning was this; when I get a ding or a dent in a relationship I just let it go. I am more interested in getting my car fixed than I am getting relationship repaired. When there is a relationship wreck no matter how small or large, how quick do we try to repair it?
One of my major mistakes is that I am a fixer. I think that I need to fix things when they aren’t broken, which in turn usually breaks them. When I talk to people, it’s not always about fixing or repairing them. I have got to change my outlook on relationships and learn from people. I know that everybody I talk to can teach me something. I know I have some apologizing to do to people that I have had to attitude of “I need to repair you” when that was not the case. So let’s check our relationships and see what shape they are in and make the necessary changes, but be careful at how we go about it.

Grace and Mercy

July 13, 2009 Monday
How we treat others is so important in regards to our destiny. It is important in every area but we are talking about it in regards to destiny. For goodness sake why can’t we treat people the way they need to be treated, not how they may deserve to be treated? We tend to judge others by their actions, but we judge ourselves by our intentions. I know folk that have dropped the hammer on someone just because it was the way they were dealt with. What makes that right? Or just? I am a firm believer in discipline but I believe discipline has a distinctly helpful outcome in mind. Discipline gets the person back on track and back on the journey to their destiny. We tend to just kick ‘um out and throw them away. Remember though, what goes around comes around. I would rather be guilty of showing too much mercy and grace than not enough.

What goes around...

July 12, 2009 Sunday
I read a poem once that said:
There is a destiny that makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone;
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own.

There is nothing that we do that is for us and us alone. Everything we do affects someone else at some time. Sometimes it’s immediate; sometimes it may be longer. We are not in this alone. Your destiny never is for you and you alone but your destiny involves other people. Everything that you invest into someone else will come back to you one day. Be very, very careful what you invest into someone else’s life. Pour into them positive, encouraging, meaningful, helpful stuff. I see so many people will issues that come from other people. I myself have had to deal with issues that were the result of what others invested in me. Sow love and you will reap love, sow bitterness and you will reap bitterness. Let’s work together in this, help one another in this. Because we are all in this together.

today determines tomorrow

July 11, 2009 Saturday
When we are making our decisions that determine our destination, we have to realize that what we do today determines where we are tomorrow. What is written today will be read tomorrow is one of my motto’s. Most of the time with this blog, what you are reading today was yesterday. The same is true in life; the decisions you make today will determine your direction tomorrow. It is so hard for us to understand this when we are young. Sometimes I still have problems with it, must mean I am still young, huh?
Anyhow, remember that what you are doing right now today, whether anyone knows about it or not, will determine your tomorrow. It may not always be in 24 hour increments, but there is escaping it. I live by the silver rule; you will reap and reap more than you sow. Another way of saying it is; what goes around comes around. So make sure you are making wise, smart, intelligent decisions today because the results of them will come see you tomorrow.

set your course

July 10, 2009 Friday
Continuing from yesterday; talking about decisions lead to direction leads to destiny. Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough to accomplish your destiny. If you know that you are destined to accomplish a certain goal in life; then never let someone talk you out of it. The key here is; know it is what you are supposed to do. Make sure it is in line with the overall good of yourself and others. Then set your focus on it and don’t let up.
Setting your course or direction is very important. You will have adversity along the way; there will be some hiccups that you will have to overcome. But don’t get sidetracked and off course. Keep you focus on what lies ahead, not so much on what is behind. If your past is clearer than your future, something is wrong. If yesterday is what you live on; then something is out of line. We draw from the past, but we don’t live from it. Don’t be like the Springsteen’s song, “Glory Days”!

D=D=D

July 9, 2009 Thursday
I have a book, as many of you know, at the editor now; Embrace Your Destiny. I haven’t look at it for a month or so now. I have been putting together another project. But the past couple of days I have been thinking back about destiny and how to reach it. If we were in church I would call it Decisions = Direction = Destiny. If we were in church…
I have heard many times that the world is full of good intentions. I have found that this is true. Many of us intent to do great things, we have dreams; we have goals, but never make the decision to do it. The point of it is, our decisions will determine our direction which in turn determines our destiny. We can have great intentions but if we never make the decision to act on the intention and put it in action we will never have direction. We will just sit still or go around in circles. So step one is to make the decisions necessary to get our direction. If we want to get from Tuscaloosa to Orange Beach, then we need to make the decision to go and then head south. If we get on the road heading north we aren’t going to be sunning at Orange Beach eating at Lulu’s.
Make the decision then get your direction. Decisions then Direction then Destiny.

do the impossible

July 8, 2009 Wednesday
We have been talking about when life is unfair, how to respond. We respond by not giving up, but keep on driving forward. You have what it takes to accomplish your goals; that is, if you have set goals. Just surviving today so that you can do it all again tomorrow is not a goal. Although, I too, have been in that same exact place; it’s no way to live. Set your goals for your life and go after them.
If your life is boring or has no direction, then set some direction to your life. Know where you are heading. Know how you plan on getting there. Don’t let others just pass you by in life. Not that it is a race or competition, but make the most of the life that God has given you. Stretch yourself, do something that is impossible for you to do. If you can do everything you do then you aren’t trying enough. You have to go beyond you. God has you here for a specific reason; find that reason and go do it!

Easy living

July 7, 2009 Tuesday
When you find out that life doesn’t fight fair, but you resist the desire to give up and quit, that when life really begins. During this time of my life, I am finding that I am truly living. So many times I hear people at the end of their lives saying, I wish I had, I should have, I could have, I wanted to; but I never did. That is not life in my thoughts. I don’t think that life is just having a good time, only living for vacation and the weekends. It is in fact fulfilling your life’s plan. Then even hard work is a vacation. You don’t dread Monday’s, you love what you do.
Taking what life dishes out to us is necessary, but it’s what we do with what it dishes out. How do you look at it? Are we victims or victors? Don’t give up! Don’t quit! You can be victorious in life. You have what it takes. We just have to use what we have inside us.

Life

July 6, 2009 Monday
Life has a way of busting our chops. If you are trying to accomplish anything with your life, you will find that life will do all it can to stop you. Life will hit you and keep hitting you, even when you are down it continues to hit you. It is so unfair; life.
It is when life is giving you body blows that you really find out what you are made of. This is when you either give up and quit or you keep getting back up. Don’t you ever quit and give up! When life is treating you unfair; you keep getting back up, dust yourself off and keep fighting. If you stay down life will keep hitting you relentlessly. You have to decide to make a stand. Make up your mind that you will not give up, you will not throw in the towel. You have to stand your ground and make a difference.

Focus on...

July 5, 2009 Sunday
I am still on the focus thing today. We really need to focus on our strengths. Focus on the things that we do best. If something is a weakness; then let it go, unless it’s a character weakness. I will never be able to sing well, no matter how hard I work at it. So why would I focus on my singing? I need to focus on the things that I do well. I do focus on my poor people skills because that is a character weakness. That is something I have to work on. However, I focus most of my attention on my strengths. Don’t worry about the things you don’t do well, that is someone else’s area of strength. Work in your strong area that is what will bring you the greatest return, the greatest joy. Put your biggest effort in your best area. Work hard at it and also work smart at it. Focus on your strengths not your weaknesses.

4th of July

July 4, 2009 Saturday
Hope that everyone has a wonderful and fun 4th of July!!!!
What are you focused on right now? What has your attention? What occupies your mind and thoughts the majority of the time? Those are questions that I answer each day. I know that whatever we focus our attention on and think about will be what we move toward. Just like in sports you must be focused and concentrating on the ball or your opponent; whatever the case may be. Just like driving a car; if you focus on the middle line then you will move toward the middle line.
So what has your attention today? What do you focus on and think about? Those are the things that have a hold of you. Make sure that you are moving toward the right stuff and not a disastrous collision or off a cliff.

Direction = Destiny

July 3, 2009 Friday
Your intentions will never determine your destination. Many people have the best intentions but never get there. Your decisions will determine your destination. In other words, your direction or path will determine your destination. If you want to lose weight you may have great intentions but keep eating fast food then you won’t lose weight. You may want to reach your destiny but if you never use your gift/talent then you will never reach your destiny. Make sure you aren’t just talking about whatever it is you want to do, but you are taking action. Make sure you are going in the right direction. The world is full of good intentions but only those that turn intentions into actions get anything done. Don’t be afraid to step out in your gifted area.

What a place

July 2, 2009 Thursday
One thing I have been searching for is to be released to do what I do best. I have worked for various groups and organizations, but was never released to do what I really could do better than anyone. The key is that they didn’t know what I could do best. That is mainly an error on my part. The point is; release those with you, including yourself, to accomplish what they do best. Start with yourself; what are so good at? What is your passion? What do you do better than anyone? What were you put here to do? When you are doing that one thing, you are in the zone. Work places that do this have the highest retention of workers. They release people in their zone. Work in your strength area. If you find that you are constantly aggravated and frustrated at what you are doing, then it may be you are doing the wrong thing. Get in the zone! Find your niche and stay with it. There is no greater place to be.

I can't

July 1, 2009 Wednesday
It’s amazing how we sometimes let little things stop us dead in our tracks. Whether it’s fear of unknown or fear of failure, even insecurities, which all are tied together with the fears. One phrase that I hear that I can’t stand is, “I can’t.” That one statement will stop great things from taking place. When we say “I can’t” we essentially are saying that what God intended on us doing, what He put us here to do, we aren’t able, in other words, God was wrong. Don’t give up and quit because you don’t think you can do something or another. It may take some time, practice, effort, hard work, and determination to get it done, but you can do it. We are too quick to judge ourselves on what we think or feel. You got to know you can do it. You have to know that it can be done and it can be done by you! Keep trying! Don’t quit! Never give up! You are more than able!!

Brokeness

June 30, 2009 Tuesday
Can you believe that June is gone already?! We are over half done with ’09 now.
I was thinking about a book I read some years ago about being broken. The power of brokenness is awesome. It is only when we have been broken can we put back together in order to do what we were created to do. Just like a football practice. The players have to be broken down physically and mentally, and then put back together as a team, as one unit, many members but all acting as one. The basis is though; don’t feel bad when we are broken. It is the time of brokenness that we find the real us. Some don’t want to know the real them, but it is not so bad. You really need to get to know the real you; go through the brokenness and allow it to shape you and mold you; to make you the person you were created to be.

Believe in hope

June 29, 2009 Monday
You ever just feel like no matter what you do or what you say it’s just wrong, I am disastrous wrong. The more you try to do and say the right things; it never turns out the way you intended for it too. You try to comfort someone and make things worse, you try to encourage someone and make them feel worse. Maybe I am the only one that has that gift of offense. But you know what? Even when those things happen we still have to believe in ourselves and stand in hope. Never lose hope in yourself. When things just never seem to go right; believe in hope. When the money is short, the weather is not right, your spouse or bf or gf of kids of parents seem to on your case; believe in hope. When your boss or teacher or neighbor is getting in your grill; don’t lose hope. When nothing at all seems to be going your way; believe in hope.
There have been dozens of times that all I had to believe in was hope. But that was more than enough. Hope is not wishing, but when you believe and you know things will turn around. Don’t ever give up on hope. Hope will be your best friend!!

Together we stand

June 28, 2009 Sunday
I have sent the final copy of the manuscript to the editor. It shouldn’t be too much longer now before we have a book.
I think often about destiny and purpose. Exactly why are you and I here at this time? There has to be a reason for us being alive during this time. Don’t ever feel like you are a mistake or have no purpose. We all have a destiny to fulfill; unfortunately many never do fulfill their destiny. Be one of those that finds their destiny and then walks it out. There is no other feeling like knowing you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. We are all in this together, no one is out there all by themselves. So let’s work together and help one another. Learn to forgive quickly and completely. Misunderstandings will come during our lives together, but don’t let them stop you from forgiving and loving each others. Forgiveness we have said several times is so important to your life. To have peace in your life; you must learn to forgive others. It is a priority!

Failure

June 27, 2009 Saturday
With the feeling of hoplessness that we talked about yesterday can also come the feeling of failure. When you don’t have hope you will feel like a failure. Another reason not to allow hopelessness to enter into your mind. The only person that is a failure is one that quits and gives up. I have battled the sense of failure for most of my life. There are times when something will happen in my life that opens the door to that feeling of being a failure. It is a fight but one that we must win. Do not allow the sense of being a failure to take control of your mind. You are not a failure just as I am not. You would not be reading this each day if you were a failure. Keep on trying, learn from your mistakes and move forward. Don’t stay down, keep getting back up.
If you have friends that would like to get this please feel free to invite them to join, it is an open group. Thank you for taking time to read this each day. I appreciate each of you very much.

Hopeless

June 26, 2009 Friday
There are times that I feel like there is no hope. But I know that as long as I have breath in my body I still have hope. Hopelessness is to me one of the worse feelings there is. There is no doubt that it comes straight from the pits of hell. There is nothing good that comes from feeling hopeless. When all hope is gone then you are dead. Sometimes it is a mental death and sometimes a physical death. But know this: there is hope. Hope is not wishing but the earnest expectation that something good is coming your way. Never lose hope in yourself or others. Be a dealer of hope to others too. Always give encouragement which is a form of hope.

Give it back

June 25, 2009 Thursday
Sinice I am working for myself now and not on a clock I find that I really have to dsicipline my time more. I can't stand to waste time. However, sometimes it can be hard to determine what needs to be done and when. During my workout this morning I was just being quite and listening. It came to me that if I give my gift/talent to God, He will honor it. I don't have to worry about time, about finances, all the things that I tend to concern myself with. If I honor the One who gave me the talent'gift then all is good. I will continue to discipline my time and resources accordingly but all worry is gone. So from me to you, give your time back to the One who gave it to you. You may not consider God the Leader of your life, but all I am suggesting is that you give honor, time, your gift/talent to where it came from. Be careful you don't get like me and start thinking you have to do it all. I have to realize that I am so limited and don't know it all. Sounds easy but for some reason that pride in me wants to be on control. So just a thought today, give it back

Let it go

June 24, 2009 Wednesday
Here in Addison for Melissa's grandfather's funeral. It is not as hot or as humid up here. But it's still Alabama summer.
We have been talking about humility and forgiveness the past few days. I have noticed that when I forgive people I get more secure in who I am and that makes a tremendous difference in all areas of my life. It is amazing the power that forgiveness has in our lives. I see so many people that are so bound up in unforgiveness and how it affects other areas of thier lives. Please let go of unforgiveness before it has time to take root in your life. Be the stronger person and let it go. It does take strength to forgive and live a humble life, but it is so much better than being tied up in bitterness and resentment.

No matter what

June 23, 2009 Tuesday
During times of lose, such as death, we sometimes examine our own lives and what we are leaving behind. I wrote yesterday about humility. But what is humility exactly? The best definition that I have heard is it is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. We have to realize that everything is not about us, but their are others in the world. When we hold on to every little and in some cases big thing that people have done to us, we get more and more self absorbed and go into protection mode. Humility is saying even though I have been hurt I will still give of myself. It says, even though you have hurt me I will still give myself to you, I will still serve you with my gift/talent. Humility says that my destiny is more important than anything else. Because we have to realize that our destiny is all about other people. So humility in a sense is still loving and caring about others no matter what they have done or said. Hurts and disappointments will come there is no doubt about that, but the humble person will not allow those hurts and disappointments to stop them from loving and caring about others in words and in actions.

Humility

June 22, 2009 Monday
Wow is it hot!! It's summer time in Alabama!!
Tomorrow Melissa, Gloria and I will be going to Addison. Melissa's, PawPaw Powell, past away Sunday morning. As I briefly mentioned yesterday, he was one of the most humble men I have ever met. I wasn't around him very much. We would go and visit he and Mrs. Powell at Christmas time each year. We would sit at kitchen table in their small home in Addison and talk about everything under the sun. I always look forward to visiting the Powell's at Christmas. There home reminded me of my own grandparents in some ways. For one thing it was 85 degrees in the kitchen, just like home. However, the thing that stood out to me the most was the humility this man walked in, it was incredible. You could tell from the minute you met him, that he was genuine, the real deal. He opened up his home to me as if he had known me for many years. He always had kind words to say about the people we talked about, no matter what the situation or circumstance they were being talked about. He always asked about my family even though he had never met them. I felt at complete ease and peace around Mr. Powell. He was a humble man through and through. I learned from him the power of humility and how it gave him peace right up to the end. I hope that people will one day say that I am a humble man just like Mr. Powell.

Tough Times

June 21, 2009 Sunday
Happy Father's Day!! It was on Father's Day 2003 that my dad first got to see Gloria. She was 2 weeks old. He and mom drove up to NC to visit. He already had the cancer that would take his life at that time, but didn't know it yet. Today, Father's Day 2009, Mel, Glo and I will go to Cullman to see her grandfather, PawPaw Powell, for the last time. Father's Day has left me with some difficult memories, but incredible lessons. It's only through the hard times that we learn. The passing of our loved ones is an especially hard time, but we can learn from it. There is always a something there to help us grow. So I the lesson here is; don't despise the hard times. Don't complain, don't whine, don't make excuses, don't blame, don't criticize, but learn from it. Gleam something during the tough times, the hard times that you could not get when things are going smooth. When you are in the valley that is when you learn. My grandfather used to say, "The valley isn't that bad, it's where the lillies grow." So no matter how bad things may look at times, take heart, they will get better, they may get worse before they get better but they will. Learn from it, so that next time it won't be so hard.

Bad Decisions

June 20, 2009 Saturday
We can never let our circumstances get us down or worse yet stop us. Too many times I hear myself and others saying, "Well, I can't do that because..." We need to stop making excuses based on our past and/or our present circumstances. Just because you didn't finish high school, go to college, had a child at an early age, got a divorce, or any other decision that now doesn't look good, that doesn't mean you are not fit. Too many times those people telling us, "No you can't do that," are not right. Stop believing the negative and the poor mouthing about yourself. You made have made some bonehead decisions in your life, but who hasn't. I certainly have made some insane decisions, but I still have breath and that means I still have destiny in my life.

Worth

June 19, 2009 Friday
Well, I won't be a Mac daddy. The Mac didn't workout. So I am in line to get a Del now. So I don't know when I wil get it. I can use Melissa's and my IPhone in the mean time.
There have been times in the past week that I have wanted to throw myself a pity party. Thinking that I can't ever get this right or that nobody really cares if I write this stuff or not; what's the use. However, I know that if nobody else by me reads it, it is worth it. I am getting some things right and I am worth it. This is an attitude that we need to take more often. If you ever don't think you are good enough or not worth it; know that you are!! You have a purpose and a destiny, when things go wrong and bad, that is just a time for us to grow and mature.

No pain

Still no computer. Maybe tomorrow. I am doing this from my Iphone which has been up graded to 3.0
Forgiveness has been the topic. The question was asked, how do I know if I truly forgiven someone. The answer that I give to that is this; when the memory of that situation comes up the pain associated with that memory is gone. We never forgive and forget everything, but we can forgive.
That's how I know I have forgiven,when my pride or selfishness gets in the way I have to go back and make sure I truly forgiven. Your way maybe different and that's cool,but that's how I know I have forgiven.

Quick to Forgive

June 17, 2009 Wednesday
Still no computer for me. It is taking forever to get the Mac updated so I am still reading and just listening to what to do next. It has not so bad, just hope it operates like I want it to.
I was thinking about the forgiveness issue and how we can forgive someone even when they don't ask for it. A concept that I am really trying to use. Just living in an atmosphere of forgiveness in the past few months has brought me a lot of peace. There is nothing like it. It is undescribeable to say the least. Peace that comes from forgiving others whether they deserve it or not, even if they never ask for it or not. There is no greater peace than a clear, clean, and open conscious. Forgive quickly and completely!

Doing Right...

June 15, 2009 Monday
Have you ever noticed that the harder you try sometimes, the harder it gets? I can tell you that when you are doing the right thing, that is when you will run into most of the opposition. I have noticed that when I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, that is when things seem to be the hardest. So don't let it confuse you when things seem to be going against you. If you are doing the right thing, then it is expected. The world seems to be opposed to people that do right no matter what the situation. It seems contrary to common sense, but common sense isn't so common anymore.
I encourage you today, to examine your motives and your heart, then your actions. If they are all pure then you are doing the right thing. Don't let the obstacles, the hick ups, the stuff that comes against you to stop you, confuse you, or discourage you.

What Now

June 14, 2009 Sunday
I was able to send the manuscript to the editor once again. I was able to use a friends computer since I am still trying to get set up on Mac. Thanks to Mark and Wendy though they saved the day!!! Next up, "What Makes a Winner?" Using athletics as the back drop for a book that talks about the characteristics of winners. I will be at Tuscaloosa Academy, Jackson High School, UA, and USM to get the resources for this project. That's where we are as of now.
Once again I want to thank everybody for all the comments and notes. I hope you will continue to give me the feedback, both the good and the bad. Thanks also to those that have invited their friends to join the group or by email. There are several different methods of getting the blog now.
Each one of you has a special part in this blog and in the book project. I may be the one writing it, but you have a part as well. From those that read and those that read; then comment, to those that invite people. You are all a part of the process.
Thanks again for making this a fun, exciting, and a learning experience. I look forward to much more to come!!!

What A Day

June 13, 2009 Saturday
When I started to back up my book manuscript and blog yesterday my computer died, and I mean died. Had to take it to Wycomp to try to save the data. I got most of the data, the book and blog, all of my documents basically. But I had no computer, but they had a MacBook there and I had really wanted one, so the dealer worked a sweet deal with me. I have a new Mac. Not the biggest or the best, but just what I needed.
It is times like this in the past I would gone to pieces, not knowing what to do, but all I could hear was my mom saving,"Scott, if it is meant to be then not even you can mess it up". I know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, so why worry. This is a minor hick up in my life, nothing major. It is good to know that even when things go wrong that we still can have a peace and rest that only comes from being right where you are supposed to be, doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. Being in the pocket! For me that comes from being in God's perfect will. I think that is the only place we will ever have that peace and rest that we all desire.
Hope you have a great weekend! love you guys!!!!

No Place Like...

June 12, 2009 Friday
Had a great time with a good friend yesterday, we met for coffee at 9 and ended up having lunch too. It was a great time of talking about stuff, not business stuff, but just guy stuff. We don't get to do that enough.
One thing that I did get from talking to him was; finding your place. We talk a lot about findin your purpose, spouse, job, school, and other stuff. But what about finding your place? Place could have several different interpretations I suppose. It all depends on your perspective of who you are and where you are at in life. As a man, finding my place is a major objective, whether driven by the male ego or God; who gave us the ego, I don't know. What I do know is that finding my place in life is huge for me. Unless you are looking for your place in life this probably makes no sense to you, but for those of us that are looking for our place, you know exactly what I mean. I believe right now, without a doubt, that I am in my perfect place. It's like when stuff is going crazy all around you, but you feel safe; you are setting back and resting in the pocket, protected on every side. That is the security of knowing your place. There is no place like being in the pocket.

No cowering down

June 11, 2009 Thursday
I got the contract from the publisher yesterday. All I have to do now is finish the editing and we are ready to go to print. Won’t be too much longer now and the book will be available for you. Hope you all buy 5 copies for ya mama, on the cover of the Rolling Stone…
Thank you all for the great comments you are sending, I really appreciate it. If you want to send in a note to put in the forward of my book you still have time.
The more I write in the book the more I am learning about myself and others too. I am learning how we think and act in certain situations. You never really know how someone thinks until there is a crisis or adversity. I am a firm believer in that we are made in the tough times. Whether we take responsibility or blame others, whether we step up or shrink back, whether we have solutions or offer excuses, whether we encourage others or ridicule them. It’s in the tough times when we find out what a person is all about. We discover how strong we are mentally, physically, and spiritually. I don’t like the tough times, but I am so thankful for them. It is a time to grow and mature not cower down and run away. Be glad in the tough times, because it is a time for you to shine.

First thing

June 10, 2009 Wednesday
I have gotten the chance to do some reading this week and everything I have read and even listen to has been about setting the attitude for your day first thing in the morning. I do know that when you wake up you are in alpha stage, whatever happens first thing stays with you through the day. I recommend that when you get up, don’t have a tornado siren of an alarm clock wake you. However you wake up, do so more gentle and peaceful, it is possible. As a last resort have the air raid siren wake you.
Once you are up I highly recommend that you have some sort of routine, after the bathroom, which you follow. I have some stuff that I am going to put on note cards and laminate. Decision for the day! Anyways, the decision for this week is to have an attitude of love. I haven’t got it on paper yet but I will soon. This only takes a couple of minutes. Even if you are not a morning person, this will help you through the day immensely. Your daily routine is a habit you have formed, so why not make the first thing in the morning a good habit.

Fail or Succeed

June 9, 2009 Tuesday
How do you feel about the unknown? Especially when it is the unknown of your life, your future, your family, your destiny, your everything? I will be honest and say that I have moments when I know all is perfect, the planets are lined up just right, God is on the throne, and pizza has no calories. Then I wake up!!! I do have moments that I think I have lost my mind, what am I doing with my life? How can be a writer, a speaker, a personal development coach? I have never done this before! BUT, I know this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life. I just know that I know that I know. As long as my determination to succeed is greater than my fear of failure then I will succeed. The same is truth for all of us. No one person is created any better than another. We all have our issues, but at the same time we all have our gift/talent that we are to use. It’s all in how you look at it, your perspective. What is the perspective of your life right now? Failure or success; the choice is yours and yours alone.

Fair or Foul

June 8, 2009 Monday
Vacation over and back from the beach, birthday week behind us, back to work for all, and Gloria at Summer Camp. I am now getting really busy on the book again. I have gotten the editorial review back from the publisher and now making the improvements.
I was watching something, college baseball I think, and there was a line drive down the right field line; the only question was fair or foul. The umpire ruled foul; the place went nuts. He had ruled against the home team in a sense. However, replay proved he was right. However, there were several angles shown on TV, each one different. It was the same line drive, but each angle or perspective was different. Not different by a whole lot but yet different.
I was reminded that some time back we had talked about perspective. How the same event can have so many different angles. When there is a divorce or law case there are so many different angles, many different perspectives. The angle or perspective that we have is probably not the same as the person sitting next to you. Not to say one is right and one is wrong, but different. Let’s be considerate of other people’s perspective, they see things differently because of their past and where they are now. Just like the people at that game, all the seats offered a little different angle. Always remember, we don’t know all the facts, there are some things we don’t know or see about a situation. Be careful how you voice your perspective.

Join hands

June 7, 2009 Sunday
You may be thinking that life and all it brings with it is hopeless and it’s no use to try, well, I am telling you it’s not hopeless and there is use in trying. Don’t you ever give up! Nobody said life was going to be a cake walk and be easy all the time. I know it’s tough and unfair at times. I know life can be cruel and treat you really bad, but there is more on the inside of you than there is in the world. You have a destiny inside of you and that’s what life sometimes tries to steal from you. Don’t let stuff stop you from your destiny. There are going to be bad days, I have had bad years, trust me I feel your pain, but I know I have destiny and I know you do too. We are a team and we, together, can walk through anything. There is nothing that can stop us, but us. We just need to join hands, lock arms, and move forward. You are not by yourself!!! I love and appreciate you guys very much! Each of you is a vital part of my destiny.

Crutches

June 6, 2009 Saturday
I was watching some folk the other day on crutches, looked like they must have had knee surgery. Anyways, I was thinking about how we sometimes have crutches in our lives. Some of the time we may need a crutch for a short period of time, but there comes a time when you have to put down the crutch and walk on your own. I have had crutches and they do offer security. However, if we keep using them our muscles will atrophy and become useless. There comes a time when we have to put down the crutches and walk on our own. There are different crutches for different people. Some times our crutch may be another person even. Crutches come in all shapes, sizes, forms, and types. The thing is don’t become dependent on that crutch. You have to recognize if you are using a crutch; if you aren’t sure just ask a close friend. Then we have to lay down the crutch and walk without it. It is going to be unsure and somewhat painful at first, but you will learn to walk without it very soon. It will be a mental battle more so than a physical battle. Throw down those crutches and walk!

Beach Week

June 5, Friday
Well, our Birthday Week ’09 Beach Trip is over. It’s good to be home though, but we had a blast at the beach!! The only thing I don’t like about the beach is the sand, I can’t stand sand, but that’s all part of it I suppose. We will be back down there before too long I am sure of it.
The publisher sent me the editorial reviews for my book about destiny. They really liked it, didn’t want me to change anything, just to add some stuff. The stuff I need to do is not hard at all. So now we begin the editing of the book, I am excited about it. I will give you updates as I get them. Still not sure what the title of the book will be.
You all can help in the promotion of the book if you want to. You just tell people about it; you can invite people to this group page; this page is right in line with the book. If you read this, and like it, then you will like the book. So invite others to join the page and the book will get promoted. Some are already doing just that and I thank you!!
I do want to hear your thoughts, many send me stuff each day, don’t stop, but if you are thinking about it, then go ahead and tell me what you think. I do want to hear from you.
I love and appreciate you guys very much!! I am very thankful for you. Each one of you brings something different to the table. You each have a special gift or talent and you need to be using it. If you aren’t sure what that gift or talent is, then we need to determine it. Don’t doubt that you are gifted or talented, because you are. Age doesn’t disqualify you, nor do past mistakes, not even mistakes made yesterday. Don’t count yourself out; you are not out of the game. Let’s get you operating in your gift/talent today!!!

Words

June 4, 2009 Thursday
Today is Melissa’s birthday. For those that might not know, Melissa is my wonder, awesome, incredible wife. She is the one that brings perfect balance to my life. God knew what He was doing when He put her in my life. For those that know me, you know that’s true. It’s great to be able to spend, not only her BD, but Gloria’s BD too, at the beach. What a week!!
I was thinking this morning about being a person of your word. When you say something, are those words good? Does it mean anything when you say something? The old saying, “You are no better than your name,” means a lot. Simply said, are you trustworthy? It’s more than just telling the truth or not, but do your words have weight? Is there any depth to what you say? Is there any meaning to what you say? I have really been checking my words. I am making sure that when I do say something it has meaning and weight. I want my words to have substance, not just to be fluff. Not trying to flatter people but to sincerely encourage folk.

Are You Sure

June 3, 2009 Wednesday
There is a deodorant commercial that says, “Raise your hand if you’re sure.” There are times when I wonder; am I sure I am doing the right thing; am I sure I am where I am supposed to be; am I sure this is the plan for my life; am I sure I am doing what I am supposed to be doing… Thoughts like that often try to get me distracted from what I am focused on at the time. Heading into this summer I have really had to deal with those thoughts because of the changes taking place in our lives. I think we all want that assurance that we are doing the right thing. Like I tell you all the time, I know there is a plan for my life and I have to believe in that plan; then go work the plan. I, too, have to trust and know that God has my best interest in mind. But do I have my best interest in mind?

Others

June 2, 2009 Tuesday
From the sandy beaches of beautiful Gulf Shores. One of the major points of destiny is other people. Your destiny is not just about you, but about other people. The thing with destiny is; it’s about relationship. No one has a destiny that is just about them. Sometimes I think we overlook this aspect of our destiny. We are here for each other. If you are all focused on you and yours then you are missing your destiny. You can’t just focus on what you want; if you plan on accomplishing your destiny. Look around today, most of the people are self minded, but destiny folk are others minded. Take a look at your mindset and see what you find. That will tell you a lot about your destiny at this point.

Family

June 1, 2009 Monday
We had a great, although brief stay in Jackson. I was able to spend some good time with mama. Also, Gloria and I were given the royal tour of the Athletic facilities at Jackson High School by Landon Hilt. Very impressive, JHS has come a long way and looking really good. Landon is an awesome man; I swear he knows more people than anyone I have ever met. What a guy, a lot of the people that are reading this right now are because he invited you. I can’t enough good stuff about Landon Hilt, what a guy!!
Today is my daughter’s birthday 6 years old. She is the greatest gift God ever gave me, her and Melissa; a package deal. First Melissa and then Gloria, I don’t deserve it!
On our way to Gulf Shores today, we will get to stay until Thursday. There is nothing like some good family time at the beach. I never want to take my family for granted. They are my support, so very important to me. Make sure that you never take those in the house with you for granted; it is easy to do if you aren’t careful. Take a few minutes today and make sure you give your family some love. Family, although they may drive you bananas are your heart and soul.

Appreciation

May 31, 2009 Sunday
Well, we are leaving today for Jackson to see mom and then to Gulf Shores. It is birthday week for us. Gloria is June 1st and Melissa is June 4th so we celebrate all week. It is a fun week for us!!
I am currently finishing up the conclusion for the book project. I have been asked by the publisher to get as many endorsements as I can get to put in the book. So if you want to endorse me and the book please do so, I have had some of you do that already. Thank you! I feel awkward asking people to endorse, or in other words “praise me”. But you got to do what you got to do.
If there is anyone you know that would like to get this blog each day; if they are on facebook invite them to join, if they aren’t we can email it to them, just have them email me so I can have their address.
I want to thank all you again for being so supportive during the past 8 months; that’s how long I have been doing this blog. A lot of people have come and gone, but I was not expecting the numbers that stayed. I am over whelmed by you guys! You all are so awesome and I am very thankful for each of you. I could not do this without you.
I am excited about the book project and will give you more details when they are available. I hope you will all be ready to get a copy when it’s ready. Have a great Sunday and we will get back on track tomorrow from beautiful Gulf Shores!!!!

Wondering

May 30, 2009 Saturday
Have you ever been confused, frustrated, aggravated, agitated, un-sure, scared, about what you were doing in life? There are times when writing about destiny that I wake up and feel all those things. I am no different than anyone else. The more I write about destiny, the more often I feel that way. However, I know then more than ever that I do have a purpose and a specific destiny in life. The same goes for you. Every one of us has felt like that at one time or another. If you feel that way right now, rest assured that we all have been there before. You are not alone!! Trust me; I feel that way at least once a week, but I know it’s a lie. The prophet Jeremiah said, that God has a plan for your life and it’s a good plan. That’s enough for me. I don’t always know what to do, I am there right now. However, I just do what the last thing I was told to do. Right now it is writing this blog and writing on destiny. I am also getting ideas about the next project about athletics building character.
So be encouraged you are not by yourself. Be of good cheer! We might have gotten here on different ships, but we all in the same boat now!! Encourage someone today! Speak life to someone! God bless, love you all!!

Driven

May 29, 2009 Friday
The past two days have been an adventure to say the least. I find out that the publisher I was going with is not the publisher that I will be going with for various reasons. So I find myself in a position that I don’t know what to do. Seems like everyone has an opinion and I don’t know who to trust. Then my mom calls, never know what’s going down, but she simply lays it out there for me. Relax; if it is God then it will work out. No worries. Then Melissa basically tells me the same thing. I also got several texts and messages through the day with the same message. Thanks to all who have listened and responded with great and awesome encouragement.
I am a driven person, which can be great and be terrible. When I set my sights on something, I don’t stop until it is accomplished. If it is the right thing, then awesome, if not then it is terrible. I am learning to slow down and allow God to operate in my behalf. I have a destiny, so if I am going to write about it, I have to walk in mine as well. I know that all things will work out in due time. Not always my time, but in DUE time. I sometimes don’t like due time, but when all is said and done, due time is the best time. So learning to relax and do my part, but at the same time allowing God to do His part. That way I don’t have to re-do it, who has time for that? Thanks again for all your encouragement!! I appreciate and love you guys!!!

Stretched out

May 28, 2009 Thursday
Wow! Why in the world did I write about being stretched? I know that what I am writing is what I am going through at that time, at least 90% of the time. I only thought I was being stretched. Stretched was not the word, torn into pieces would be a better description. I am seeing that what I have chosen or been chosen to do as a writer/speaker/coach is far more than I ever expected. I knew I was in for hard work, long hours, and a definite learning experience. That was the first bottom level. I am seeing that I am in way over my head, no more walking on bottom. I am treading water now! However, I also know that it is only when we get in the deep end do we learn to tread water, and then swim; Peter even learned to walk on water. I know that what I am learning now will be with me for a lifetime. I will be able to pass on what I learn to others that are in the same position that I am right now. I might not like the not knowing and the unknown, but that is why they call it faith. I have to trust in the gift that was placed in me before I was ever born. I have to believe that I am doing what I was created to do. God didn’t put us here to be failures and disappointments, but to trust and fulfill our destiny. I refuse to give up, I will learn and I will keep on keeping on!! Thank you all so much for the support you give me, for the notes, for the texts, for the emails. I appreciate them all, even the ones that tell me how they don’t like what I write, I learn from them all. Hope to have some book news before too long, I have the conclusion and introduction to write. Still looking at publishers, that is the hard part. But all in all I am loving it!!!

Stretch

May 27, 2009 Wednesday
Yesterday morning when I was working out I was thinking about after doing all the strength training and the cardio it would be time to go up and stretch. Most of the people that come and train may do some preliminary stretching, just a little before they get on a treadmill or start lifting. I do a little bit before I workout but after my workout is done I spend up to 15 minutes stretching. I go to the upper deck at Northridge Fitness, where there is no one else usually, to do my stretching. Stretching can hurt some, but it is one of those hurts that feels good. It really feels goo after you are done. You see, it doesn’t matter how strong you are, how muscular, how cut, how buff, if you don’t stretch the muscles after doing all that work, you can’t use them. A muscle shortens when it is worked out properly; however, a muscle doesn’t perform what it was intended to do until it is stretched. You have to stretch before you get maximum benefit from your hard work. Those of you that know me know exactly what I am thinking. A person is not able to use their talent/gift, your muscle, until you are stretched. You can work and work until you are big and strong, but until you stretch that muscle you are not going to be able to use it. You will be muscle bound, of no use. Stretch yourself and move right into your destiny. When you are stretched you are able to do wonderful things with your life.

Dream on

May 26, 2009 Tuesday
I wanted to touch on dreams at least one more day. From the point of view of don’t ever let anyone steal your dream from you. Don’t let others impose limitations on your dreams. Don’t let others stop you from dreaming big. You have to innate gift to dream and dream big, so don’t let someone else’s lid prevent you from reaching your wildest dreams. You have the ability and the know how to accomplish your dreams. Go back to the dreams you had long ago, when you would lay in bed and dream about your future; your destiny. Those dreams can live if you will give them live. I understand that sometimes we make decisions that destroy our dreams, but dream again. Don’t let past decisions and lost hopes and dreams rob you of your destiny. Don’t let failure and disappointments keep you down and stop you from dreaming. Your dreams can live!!! Your dreams can come to life. Yes they can!!! Free yourself and your mind to dream!

I Know

May 24, 2009 Sunday
I had wanted to stay on the dream theme, but something occurred yesterday that I can’t get off my mind so I will say it now and get it out, and then maybe I can get back to dreams.
Anyways, I was at the Bama Softball Super Regional game yesterday, thanks for the tickets Coach Murphy, and there were some people talking and one person in particular was doing most of the talking. The thing that stuck out to me was that every time someone said something he would respond, “I know.” It didn’t seem to matter what they were talking about, he already knew it and would go on to tell how much he knew about it. I don’t doubt for a second that he is a very intelligent person, but didn’t show wisdom. The take that I have on it was this, wouldn’t it be just as easy to respond, “That’s right,” when someone make a comment? I mean that puts the credit or the crown on them, it makes them look like they are intelligent; it makes them look good and feel good about themselves. There is nothing wrong with saying “I know,” but be careful of the attitude when you say it. Don’t do it in such a way to belittle the other person. Don’t come across as, “Why are you telling me this? “I already know all that.” Tell them they are right. This makes us feel like we are important too.
I know all this make seem trivial to most, but it was just something that I couldn’t get past. May be that I have come across in an “I know” attitude. Not my intention and I will do my best not to do so, because of all people, I know I don’t know it all by any means.

Destiny Dream

May 23, 2009 Saturday
Now that my schedule has changed I may need to send out the blog message early some days. I know that some get this on their phone as a text message, I don’t want to wake anyone with the message, I know that I have in the past. If me sending this out early is going to cause problems let’s look at another way of you receiving it. My sending it early should not be a reason for you not getting it any longer. We can make it work for you.
I want to thank Ryan Fellman for all he has done for me. He is responsible for much of the success of spreading this blog out across the country. Awesome young man he is!!!
Dreams are the subject we have been talking about. You are seeing my dream reveal itself day after day. I have a dream that my family will be taken care of far beyond what I can do for them. When I say family I mean Melissa, Gloria, my mom, even my in-laws. I dream of being able to take care of them that far exceed our dreams. A few years ago I was told by Troy Miller that I was going to be blessed far beyond my wildest dreams. I can really dream so watch out!!! My dreams rarely are about myself only but about my family and you guys. I want to see each of you reach your destiny and accomplish everything that you dream. I know that if your dream is from God, then there is nothing that can stop you, nor stop me. Just be sure it’s from God, and then move on it. Hold on tight to your dreams is what ELO said. I firmly agree. Let’s dream the dream and live it!!!

My Dream

May 22, 2009 Friday
As you probably know I am in the final stages of writing my first book; Embracing Your Destiny. That is one of my dreams. I have been dreaming about being a writer, speaker, personal development coach for a long time. Now is the time for me to see my dream, speak my dream, believe my dream, and live my dream. I am very excited about this season in my life. I am equally excited that I have the greatest wife, daughter, mom, in-laws, and you guys encouraging me along the way.
I am giving you invitation to send me a note that could go in the book, something about what you think about my writings. It would be in the acknowledgements or the ‘about me” part of the book. Just be sincere, and of course, this would only be for those that like what I have written. Just a few sentences would be great. Thank you for doing this for me. I will have more details about the book in the near future. So far I have 5 complete chapters and I am currently working on the 6th. After that I will do the conclusion and intro. I have changed the name for now to Embracing Your Destiny. The publishing company will have the say so on that. Thanks again for all your support, you guys are so awesome!! I love each of you very much! Go ahead and send me your notes and comments so that I can get them to the publisher.

Dream

May 21, 2009 Thursday
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave the greatest speech I have ever heard. His “I Have a Dream” speech is awesome. The fact that he had a dream, expressed his dream, and went after his dream is the truly amazing part. Let me ask you, “Do you have a dream”? I do! I have a dream of writing, of helping people reach their destiny, of helping people with personal development of adding value to people. Those are the things that I dream. If you have a dream are you willing to express it? I do so everyday, I make my dream public so that I am accountable and so that I can remain focused on it. If you have a dream and you voice it, are you going after your dream? I am actively pursuing my dream. My decision to start writing, speaking, and doing personal/leadership development coaching is pursuing my dream full time with all that I have within me. Be a dreamer!! Voice your dream!! Go after your dream!!
If you know anyone who would like to read this each day, invite them join the group page. It is an open group. If they are not on facebook, I can email it to them as well; all they need to do is send me their email address.
If you are on Twitter you can add me if you want, scottwimberly is my user name.

One Thing

May 20, 2009 Wednesday
I have been thinking a lot here lately about gifts/talents, those things that we are good at. I see people that seem to have so many talents, so many gifts. Then there is me, folk with one gift or talent. In the movie City Slickers, there is a scene with Billy Crystal and Jack Palance, they are talking about life and such, Palance tells Crystal to just concentrate on one thing, Crystal asks Palance what that is, and Palance tells him that is up to him to determine. I really, really like that scene. It reminds us to concentrate on the one thing that we were placed here to do. Don’t lose focus on trying to do too many things. We are only capable of focusing on one thing at a time and still be effective. When we add things we start to break down and are not very efficient. Find that one that thing, that one thing that you are good at, that you were created to do. Find the one thing that you are good at, you are passionate about and you live to do. What is that one thing in your life?

Pressure

May 19, 2009 Tuesday
Pressure! How do you react when you are put under pressure? Some people say they do better under pressure than when they aren’t. I think most of us do better under a little pressure, but when things are added we don’t do as well. Some of us just shut down when the pressure is on. There are very few that I see that really do better when under pressure. When the heat is on how do you perform? I would like to believe that I do better under pressure and then when things are added that I still react efficiently. I try to stay on an even kiln, meaning I don’t go to pieces when put under sudden pressure or on a deadline. When something happens all of a sudden how do you handle it? I would like to think that I handle it well. With changes taking place this week I hope that I do handle it well. How do we handle pressure? How do we handle sudden changes in our lives? How stable are we? How mental tough are we? How grounded are we? All of these are questions that are being answered everyday by how we handle life.

Growth

Monday 18, 2009 Monday
Ok, here we go, last week of school here at OD. We have today and tomorrow, then half days Wednesday and Thursday. I have no finals so I am technically done after Tuesday. However, I have to hangout til Thursday and then my tenure here at Open Door will be over. It’s been fun and a good experience, but I have to move on now.
My purpose in life requires that from time to time I have to make these kinds of changes. We all have purpose, however, some of us get too comfortable where we are and don’t want to change. Comfort Zone can be detrimental to purpose and change. You have to be willing to make the necessary changes if you are going to fulfill your purpose. Growth can only take place if you make room to grow. I am not saying to change for the sake of change, but change for the sake of growth and purpose.
So it has come time for me to make some room for growth toward my purpose in life. It is time for some of you to do the same. See you in route to destiny!

Finding Nemo

May 17, 2009 Sunday
I think I have been watching the Finding Nemo marathon. Every time this weekend that I have seen the TV, Nemo was on. Gloria loves Nemo, especially the Starfish when he says, “EBay.”
Anyways, during one of the scenes, Nemo and others, are caught in a net and are being hoisted up by a block and tackle onto the boat. But Nemo’s dad begins to encourage the fish to swim downward. As the fish slowly begin to hear him and then listen to him, against all odds they begin to respond. He encourages them not to give up, not to quit, but keep trying, to keep swimming. As the fish begin to swim, at first reluctantly, but now with more energy, the net begins to stops ascending and begins to lower, the block and tackle give way under the strain and the fish are free. All because they kept swimming and wouldn’t give up, even when it looked like all hope was gone.
If Nemo and his friends can beat the odds, then so can we. So keep swimming and don’t give up no matter if the odds are against you or not!! I love that Nemo…

Push, Pull, or Drag

May 16, 2009 Saturday
I can’t seem to get away from the excellence vein that we were talking about the other day. I really desire to have excellence in my life. The only way to have excellence is to be around excellence. I try to put myself in the company of people that show excellence in their lives. We seem to conform to our environment. If you are around excellent people you too will become excellent or you won’t stay around them. I find myself being drawn to people of excellence. This pushes, drags, pulls, and leads me to be more excellent as well.
I am seeing the having excellence is a full time project. Doing things right the first time around is the best way. It takes more time on the front end but saves you time on the back end, because you are not having to go back and re-do it. I want to be pushed and disciplined in these areas of my life. I am at a point now to where I want the best for my family and myself. Didn’t say I want the most expensive, but I want the best, for us, but ask anyone I demand that we give our best too in everything we do. I can’t expect the best if I am not giving my best. That would not be integrity or excellence.

Don't take it for granted

May 15, 2009 Friday
What!? Did someone say it is Friday?!! Finally Friday… These last few days of school went slow when I was a student and they still do as a teacher. I do want to enjoy my last few days as a teacher here at Open Door though. It has been an awesome experience here the past three years. I will never forget the feeling of those first few days three years ago when I came here. I was very unsure of how it would go and I never imagined it would be as great as it has been. I will never forget my time here and the memories I have locked away.
Never take for granted where you are right now. You may be there for a long time or for a short season, just as I was here. However, always learn from those around you and be sure to give back to them as well. Just as you receive from others, be sure that you are giving to others too. We are never in a place where we can’t learn, sometimes we simply choose not too. Learn so that you can teach too. I have been in places where I was miserable, but I learned from the experience. Never stop learning. For when you stop learning you stop living!

Getting Smarter

May 14, 2009 Thursday
This week is over half over now. It seems like the clock was running backwards a few times yesterday. I don’t want to wish my life away, but I am so ready for next Friday to get here.
I am so amazed at how smart my students seem to be. I was listening to some of them talk yesterday and how they knew everything there is to know about life and college, stuff like that. I am sure that I was the same way when I was in the 10th grade. I remember that when I was 14-16 years old at how dumb my parents were. I was couldn’t believe how stupid they seemed to be. However, I must have been an excellent teacher, because by the time I was 20 they were two of the smartest people I knew. The things they were now telling me were dead on. As I have gotten older, I now see how smart my mom is, I taught her so well. I think now, if I had listened more when I was 14 or so, how much smarter in the ways of life would I be now.
Well, I don’t know exactly what the point is today, other than; I see how dumb I was when I was 14-15 years old. But nothing I can do about that now, except listen more and learn from those around me. I have learned that I learn better when my mouth is shut and my ears are open.

Motivation

May 13, 2009 Wednesday
School is so close to being over, so why am I finding it hard to be motivated. Usually motivation comes easy for me. I am a self starter, don’t need coaching up; I am usually ready to go, ready to get started, ready to get the job done. However, today is not one of those days. It goes to show that you have to be ready in all situations, no matter what your strengths.
It is during times like this that I really have to watch my actions toward other people. When we are dealing with someone, tired, not feeling well, un-motivated; we tend to take it out on others. Usually the ones that get hit are the innocent by-standers that meant no harm. It is during this time that we really need to watch our actions. Take extra precaution before you say something or do something; make sure it is the right thing to do or say. Because once it is said or done there is no taking it back. I make no excuses when I mess up, only that it is my fault and I apologize; and make every effort to see that it does not happen again. Don’t brag about how you go off on people and leave a wake of devastation behind you. That is nothing to brag about, but that is stuff we should feel ashamed of. Come on, anyone can do that, it takes a stronger person to stand quiet and stand strong; doing what is right no matter how we feel or what the situation.

excellence

May 12, 2009 Tuesday
I have been writing about excellence in chapter 5 of my book project and then yesterday morning I listen to some stuff by Bo Schembechler about excellence. I thought I was a person of impeccable excellence. I thought I was… I am seeing how little excellence I do have, along with most everyone else.
The things that still trip me up are the little things in life. Being neat, proper, courteous, polite, things like that. Be on time, which to my grandfather meant being 5 minutes early. Tucking in your shirt tale; that is hard for me, being casual doesn’t mean being sloppy. Sitting up straight and not slouching, paying attention. Those are things I guess I have been taking for granted. You can be relaxed and laid back, but at the same time not be sloppy and messy. I think I just need to work on the little things that add up to the big things of being excellent in all that I do. Being a person of destiny requires us to be people of excellence. So to me it is well worth the price to be excellent.

Loving every minute of it

May 11, 2009 Monday
I had a great Mother’s Day with Melissa and Gloria. I hope that all you mother’s had a great day.
When you are doing what you love doing everyday you will never work another day in your life. Even the days that you work hard will not even be like working. When you love what you do; you would even be willing to do it for nothing, then you are where you should be. However, rarely do we get in this place. People work and work and never enjoy what they do, because it was not what they were created to do. Use the talent/gift that you have and enjoy what you do. Your life will never be the same again. You won’t have to dread Monday’s ever again. When what you do and who you are, are the same thing, you have reached a point in your destiny that most don’t reach. It is attainable; don’t think you can’t be one of these people, because you can be.

Where am I

May 10, 2009 Sunday Happy Mother's Day!!
Well, I am back in Tuscaloosa now, looking forward to going back to Jackson this summer. I want a samich from Kellie’s deli; I heard they were the best in town. Have to find out for myself.
While I was walking around McKee drive yesterday morning, soaking in the humidity, I was thinking about doing what you love to do. Many people go through life hating what they do; by that I mean their life, their job, their location, things about them. Why would we spend our lives being miserable? We are where we are due to the decisions and choices we have made during our lives. However, isn’t having peace and joy more important that other stuff? You can all the stuff you can think of and not have peace and joy. If that is your case, I can only imagine how unhappy and miserable you are at times. Stuff is ok to have, but to me happiness, joy, peace, content; the satisfaction that I am doing what I love to do most; what I was created to do, is more important that anything.
It’s good to take inventory of your life from time to time and make sure you are where you should be and doing what you should be doing. Not just surviving, but living! If you are not where you want to be in life, then it’s time to make some changes in yourself, not others, but yourself. Life is too short and for that matter too long not to be living your destiny!

De-Clutter

May 9, 2009 Saturday
I had a great time in Jackson Friday. Was able to see one of my best friends I have ever had; John and I go way back. Spent some time with Pastor R and Mrs. B too. Best of all was getting to visit with my mama though! Also got some awesome seafood from Mater’s; a really cool place to eat. Ready to head by to Tuscaloosa today though, be back down soon though.
I am seeing the older that I get how cluttered people can be, myself included. I am a self-proclaimed packrat. But I am also seeing now that it is better to de-clutter your life, both in physically and mentally.
We hang on to stuff thinking that one day we will need this and if and when we need it we can’t even find it. So what’s the purpose of hanging on to stuff we are never going to use? Get rid of the clutter in your life. That doesn’t mean your spouse by the way. But clean out “the room” that we all have in our house and de-clutter your life.
Most of all de-clutter your mind. We really hold on to stuff in our mind that does us no good at all. The stuff that I am referring to is the stuff that is cluttering our minds and is causing us so much regret and pain. Let go of the clutter that is slowing you down mentally. The clutter of worry, regret, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, missed opportunities. Those are things that you can’t do anything about, except let them go and move forward with your life. Let it go! It is time to de-clutter our lives and take a step up to a new level of destiny in our lives.

Truth to truth

May 8, 2009 Friday
I will be in Jackson today and some of tomorrow. I am excited about getting to go home for a little while. It is always good to get to see my mom, family, and good friends. But then it is good to get to come back to Tuscaloosa.
We have been talking about truth; I have gotten some very good comments from you about truth too. Many have made mention that the real Truth is Jesus, and you are correct, but He also gave us other truth’s that we have to know. Notice that one is capital letter T and the other is lower case t. There are truths that we need to recognize during our lives that will enable us to reach our destiny. But in our search for truth don’t fail to recognize that the Truth is the way to truth.
Most of the time the truth was right before our eyes the whole time, but we either refused to recognize it or we were looking so hard we couldn’t see the forest for the trees. Either way we miss out on awesome truths if we aren’t careful. So let’s take the time to take a truth inventory of our life and see what we are missing. If you can’t seem to find the truth you are looking for; together we can find it.
Remember that in June I am giving you the opportunity to ask questions that you might have. Some have already started and that is fine. But if you have anything you want to ask me go ahead and we will set aside some time next month to answer them.
Don’t forget Sunday is Mother’s Day!!!!

Graduation

May 7, 2009 Thursday
This is a very busy time of year if you are involved in school in any way. The seniors are getting ready to graduate, the other kids just wanting to get out for the summer. I am ready to finish the year and move into another area of my destiny. I do want to encourage you to look at this graduation time of year for yourself too. Think of it as a time of year for you to graduate and move into another level of your destiny. We have a time to learn, as in school, but there comes a time when we are to move up. Don’t stay in the same grade year after year after year. It is time to learn what you are supposed to learn and take that walk across the stage. Move up to the next grade of your destiny.
We are not all on the same level and that’s fine, don’t compare yourself to everyone around you. Compare yourself to where you should be and where you are going; then make the necessary adjustments in your growth pattern to get there. It is an exciting time of the year for seniors, make it an exciting time of the year for you as well!!

Truth hurts

May 6, 2009 Wednesday
I want to stay with the truth topic today too. I always want to know the truth. There are times when it really hurts, or makes me have to change. I might not always like it, but I want to know it. The truth hurts is a very accurate phrase. What about you; do you like to know the truth about yourself or had you rather believe a lie? I used to say, if I don’t know it then I am not responsible for it. But I am finding that even some things I don’t know I am still responsible for, because the information was there, but I chose to ignore it or not believe it.
The truth will set you free, is also a correct phrase. Freedom will come to those that know the truth. There is no doubt when you have the truth, because truth doesn’t change on you. However, truth will change you. I had rather be changed by the truth than stay the same because of a lie. So truth is true all the time. I love the truth, even when it hurts me. The reason is hurts is because it makes me change.

Truth is True

May 5, 2009 Tuesday
I have found out that truth is truth and it’s true. No matter what the situation; truth is always true. Sometimes in life we have a truth moment. That’s when we realize something for the first time. We get that revelation of truth. And from that moment on, we know that particular piece of information is the truth no matter what.
Often times though we don’t want to know the truth. We try to stay in the dark regarding the subject. Not wanting to know the truth doesn’t mean it isn’t true though. It is true whether we like it or not. It’s like when we have been in a dark room and go outside in the bright sunlight. We can’t see for a few seconds until our eyes get adjusted to the light. However, once adjusted we can see clearly; that is truth. Some though, turn and run back inside and stay in the dark, not wanting to face the truth. They will never accept that fact that they are in the dark. However, truth is truth, no matter what we do.
I like knowing the truth, even if I don’t like the truth that I know. At least I know it is true and I can stand on it no matter what happens.
Today, step out into the light and adjust your life according to the truth! The truth will never fail you.

Diversity

May 4, 2009 Monday
I was looking at the members of the facebook group, the email recipients, those that follow the blog; in other words, all those that are receiving this each day. One thing that jumped out at me was the diversity of the people. There is a wide range of people that get this each day. I see saved folk, unsaved folk, black folk, white folk, country folk, city folk, male folk, female folk, younger folk, older folk, inside folk, outside folk, school folk, working folk, retired folk, War Eagle folk, Roll Tide folk, even some USM folk. I saw hunters, fisherman, chefs, moms, dads, grandparents, beach lovers, mountain lovers, water skiers, and snow boarders. I saw all sorts of folk.
The one thing that I want to be sure and get across to each of is this; I care about each and every one of you. I care about each group of people that read this blog. I try to be fair and just to each of you. I know that everyone is not going to like what I write, but that’s fine. The main thing is that you know how much I do care about and love each of you. You are all very special to me. I love the diversity of the group and welcome your input. Thanks again for everything!!

Direction

May 3, 2009 Sunday
I had the experience of my first full-scale garage sale yesterday. It was quite an experience. I give all the credit for the success of the sale to my wife, Melissa, she did a great job.
There were a lot of people walking around the neighborhood all morning looking for bargains. Some knew exactly what they were looking for, while others were just walking around looking for something, something that they didn’t know what was at the time. I see this in people in regular day-to-day life. Just walking around looking for something out of life, not sure what, but something. At the same time there are others that know exactly what they need and are in search of it with intent.
The question is; which one are you? Do you know what you are looking for in life or are you just walking around aimlessly? Do you have direction or just guessing which way to go? How will you know when you find whatever it is you are looking for if you don’t know what it is? Take time to know WHO you are. Take time to discover your destiny, your purpose, your calling if you will. Find yourself and then you will know what it is you are searching for in life. You will know what your destiny is when you discover who you are.

Yes you can

May 2, 2009 Saturday

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that one person can’t make a difference. Don’t ever fool yourself into thinking that you can’t make a difference. Yes you can!!! One person, that person being you, can most diffidently make a difference in the world. Don’t ever think that you aren’t good enough, significant enough, smart enough, or important enough, to make a difference in the world around you. You are good enough, significant enough, smart enough, and important enough to impact the world. The size of your impact is up to you. Your name may not be in the papers or on the news or even on the internet. You may not be known by millions, but that does not mean you can’t make a difference. You may question how you would make a difference. That is up to you. If you release the God-given, world changing gift/talent that is inside you to its fullest then the difference you make is unlimited.

It may seem like a small thing at the time, but in time the changes that occur from what you are about can be enormous. Don’t let anything or anyone, especially yourself, get in your way and stop you. Do listen to wise counsel, enlist the guidance of a mentor, but don’t let the doubters and underachievers around you stop you. Choose your friends well, because they will determine much about you and your destiny!!