Gone in September . . .

It's official, the end of the year is here. Tomorrow is the beginning of the fourth quarter and it brings to mind all of our New Year's Resolutions.

Why am I bring it up now when there are clearing 3 more months or 92 more days, or need I count the hours? 2209, in case you wanted to know (I did).

Because, we still have time to do something about it. It is no fun to face Dec 31 with a list of dreams undone. Now is the time to review our best desires and to recount our passions for the year.

Are we closer to that most important dream? And if we are not, then what needs to be done to make it so?

You know what, that's far to passive: said another way, "What do I need to do in order to live more now". That's better, now that we can hear ourselves clearly, pull out a notecard and make yourself one simple promise: "I will do something new before this year is over. "

Write down the words, "I have always wanted to . . ." and then you complete the phrase, grab a road warrior friend and then get to it.

Is there something you have always wanted to know? Look it up right now. It will give you an immediate sense of success.

Is there some book that you always meant to and actually wanted to read? Start reading or listening (audio books), right now.

Are you still here?
Excellent. Start reading it, right after this blog entry =:-). Then, read a little every day and keep going until you're finished. I read seven books this month. Well, two were audio books and most of them have been sitting on my selves for months. I feel "successful." Now isn't that funny. The simple things that make us feel successful.

I went salsa dancing this weekend. And now I feel a little sassy. I recently went to the theatre which has create a feeling of culture darling.

But that's me. You dive into you. And if you discover that you hate that book that has been sitting on your shelf for years, then donate it to the library and go on with your life. If you find out that you simply cannot understand it on your own, then find a savvy friend and let them talk to you. I call that "relational cliffs notes." You learn something new and you get to know someone better at the same time. Whatever you choose, as long as you choose, you will feel decisive and free because that particular "someday I will . . ." is no longer hanging over your head.

It's the beginning of the rest of the year. Do something exciting. Alright, get to it, and don't hurt yourself!

MizJAI
(the picture below is my sister, preparing for a photo shoot and dreaming out-loud)

What the H are you talking?!

What is your dream-speak? that of nightmares or hope? What is the conversation that your heart exposes? Are you talking HOPE or Hell? Which of these "Hs" are you talking?!

And here is the last one. The "H" in faith has a meaning too = HOPE in & HEAR the Word

Keep the promises in your ears.
1) Go where the Word is . . . Sermons, Bible Studies, and Television shows are just the beginning, but they are necessary.
2) Bring the Word with you . . . audio cds, dvds, and mp3 recordings of your favorite scriptures are the next level. You need to walk with the Word in your ear, so that you can hear and hear and hear. Faith only comes this way (Romans 10:17).
3) Put your word on it . . . record yourself saying your scripture of the day, your pocket scripture, your birthday scripture and keep the recording with you. This step changes you because you take the time to say and hear. Your Pastor cannot live for you. You have to do some things yourself; like your secret time with God, your personal Bible study, doing 'homework' so that what you hear at church sticks with you.

So there it is. Are you talking HOPE or Hell?

That's it. Thanks for sticking with me and as usual feel free to leave your comments as you see fit. But remember this, consider each step of the process to be a part of a whole that limps when one of the key areas is missing. You want to have "it" all, then take the time to do "it" all. An exceptional life requires exceptional action . . .

MizJAI
Things to use the faith process for: exceptional joy, exceptional travel, exceptional impact on your industry, exceptional relationships, exceptional service, exceptional dreaming, exceptional living, (you add the rest). . .

the FAITH recap

First, let me recap the process (so far):

F-Find & Study the promise
God has a-lot to say about your life. Take the time to discover his thoughts and plans for you. Find & Study the promise, discover His word on the matter of you

A-Ask & Confess the promise
Once you know then start talking like a new man, start conversing like a new woman. Request the life you want, confess the life you desire. It's dream-speak

I-Internalize the promise for the long haul
We are exposed to so much daily and most of it just rubs off and never becomes a real part of us. Do something to ensure that the best things stick with you, change you, elevate you. Check the original post for some simple tips and reminders.

T-Train and Take action for the reality of the promise
Truth has to be applied in order to change us. Take action, prepare yourself to live the life of faith, of a dancer, of a writer, of a lawyer, of a doctor, of a horse whisperer . . . (you know your dreams better than I do)

. . . and finally . . .

MizJAI
I remember . . .

No secret FAITH here

Faith is not a secret. You can see it if you want. You can touch it if you choose. You can live in it and it in you. It is up to you. Faith is not an outfit that you save for special occasions. It's your heart, the way that you live, and it becomes your style. What do you do? You faith.

Faith is the thing that changes the dream into a tangible form. You faith that fire right out your chest and into reality. Faith is the truth taking shape in your heart in such a real way that you can't help but live your heart's desire out loud. Faith allows you to see things that others cannot. To know things that others do not. To find things that others have yet to discover. On this side of heaven F-A-I-T-H is.

My personal goal is to make sure that it never becomes a catch word for me. That I live the kind of dynamic life that God wants me to live, that I never hold back the hand of God in my life, and that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit be more than just a Sunday morning thing, but a pulsating part of my life. That being said, I know that there is at least one more action required in order to keep the process of faith alive and kicking . . .

MizJAI

There's a storm on the horizon

You hear the thunder long before you feel the rain. You know that there's a storm coming. It's just beyond that last white cloud. You see the weight of rain in the bellies of full skies and you get ready for it.

You move the party to the inside. You grab your umbrella and for some country girls who wait for this, you take your shoes off so you can feel every drop between your toes. Yes, there is a storm on the horizon. And you may not be able to change that reality, but what you do in the face of that storm is all you.

You hear it in the wind. The skies tell. Your mother whispers . . . faith

MizJAI


Tracy Arm, Alaska