Pawn Shop Purple Heart September 14, 2009

I put this story off for long enough so today I sat down to try and articulate this story. My grandfather was Claude C. Smith of  Middlesboro, Ky. he was an incredible man and full of laughter and humor.  I remember summers when school was out and going to the lake and hanging out with Papa Smith  i loved  the stories he could tell and was usually assigned to get his occasional beer , typically Schlitz Malt Liquor, he loved going camping and fishing at Norris Lake just outside of Tazewell, TN,  now before you religious folks out there condemn me for listing his  beer or the fact that he even drank beer , get off your high horse.  My grandmother was a devout baptist and preached to him plenty enough. There were days when he would crack open his beer and Granny Smith would crack open her bible simultaneously.

I never knew for sure if Papa Smith was truly saved but to me he had a heart of gold .  My mom reminded me that he gave his life to the lord in the last few days of his life.  If anyone should have went to heaven it should have been him if nothing else for his humor, he could keep heaven laughing for sure.  I still can picture my Papa sitting in his recliner with  his Schlitz Malt Liquor within arms reach, his little chi wau wau dog” TACO ” asleep in his lap, his beautiful gray hear and his laughter when he wasn’t snoring. Of course my grandmother was sitting on the other side in her recliner shaking her head and a Bible within arms reach. I loved going to their house playing ball , sitting on the front porch in the evenings watching the world go buy , the laughter of kids playing all around and my Aunt Charmaine continually harassing me.  What an awesome time ? I couldn’t wait for Sundays after church , fried chicken , mashed taters ( that’s how we say it in KY )  and gravy, cornbread , green beans and all the fixings of course. Papa always had to be different – he had to have his small glass of buttermilk so he could dip his cornbread.  He always did things different.

I loved my Papa and my Granny too but Papa held a special place in my heart.  He was a good man and to me an honorable man , who taught me respect , integrity and honor. My Papa Sgt.Claude C. Smith served his country in the Korean War and received a purple heart for his selfless act of courage to save his platoon , you see the purple heart was given to those men and women who sacrificed their lives for the safety and protection of their brothers in arms and their country. A bayonet scar and the Purple Heart were emblems of his courage and sacrifice.  The scar and the war put my Papa in a place of destiny that would lead him into the arms of a beautiful young nurse named Anna Parrott of Corbin,KY., who would later become my Granny Smith and the lady who taught me the love of Christ and Homecomings at Southside Baptist Church.   Sgt.Claude C.Smith put someone else life above his own. The honor was immeasurable , the sacrifice undeniable.  A man who fought for the freedom of his country , a man truly a patriot. A grandfather , a husband , a father , a soldier , an American , my friend and my hero.

I remember getting the call informing me of my Papa’s death early in the morning and I still remember it like it was yesterday, the sorrow that left my body , the tears that rushed out of my eyes were uncontrollable , the sadness was overwhelming.  My Papa Smith had slipped away. I didn’t get to tell him goodbye , I didn’t get to look in his eyes and tell him I loved him before he left.  He had been sick for a while and had suffered a stroke , I knew this day would come but I didn’t know this would be the day.  I rushed back home to be my mom’s side and the rest of my family , it was the loneliest day of my life.  However, I will never forget the recognition and the sound of the 21 gun salute that was given on this fateful day , the sound of drums playing taps, a blast of the trumpet, the  seven guns , the seven soldiers , the 3 shots that echoed across the grave of a remembered soldier.  The echo rang across this little Kentucky town as a grandson was captured by the honor the soldiers gave to a man they did not know, aiming at an open sky. This day was for my Papa Smith – and his service to the country he loved.

A flag would now represent the service of my Papa , it was folded tightly as if to secure the memory of this now remembered soldier and given to my grandmother. I sometimes can still hear the tears that fell there on that day. The ground was saturated with memories of this incredible man and American soldier.

My Papa Smith had received the purple heart for his service to his country.  However,  his service and commitment to our freedom would soon be betrayed by a son who had fallen victim to alcohol , a son who was my favorite uncle , a uncle who had so much to offer the world , a uncle who taught me so much , a friend that loved life and loved to laugh. A uncle who like his dad could tell a story that was unbelievable , some parts true and some parts well we never really knew or never really cared. People would tell me that I reminded them of my Papa and Uncle Jamie because of my ability to talk to  anybody and my sense of humor. They never saw a stranger and could always make you laugh. I have incredible memories of my Uncle and this story has nothing to do with disrespecting his memory I loved him to much to do that. But the disease that was alcoholism took over his mind and his body.  His need for money to buy his alcohol led him to do something that no one could have imagined , Uncle Jamie loved Papa and I know he respected him but his problem was causing more trouble all the time.  He was losing the battle and control of his life.

My Papa kept his ” Purple Heart ” locked away but my Uncle knew where it was and needed money. So he broke in and took my Papa’s Purple Heart and pawned it for $ 40.00 to a local pawn shop so he could by his supply of liquor. For $ 40.00, a soldier’s service was hocked for a bottle of Wild Turkey and whatever else would fulfill his addiction.  $ 40.00 was the value placed on a medal that represented the sacrifice of a soldier. $ 40.00 was the price placed on a man’s service that risked everything to secure our freedom. A pawn shop ticket was the only evidence that the transaction existed but by the time they found out that the medal was missing my Uncle’s time had ran out to retrieve the item. After my mom and her sister’s discovered what had happened they immediately went to the pawn shop and tried to retrieve the priceless medal but they were to late , the pawn shop owner had already sold the medal to a collector and would not reveal his name. After much deliberation and  heated arguments they realized that the ” Purple Heart ” was gone. Years went by and my mom and her sister’s were able to get the medal replaced and it is securely tucked away but it could never replace the original . The original medal bore the fingerprints of my grandfather , it bore the fabric of his military jacket , it was the original ” Purple Heart ” given to my Papa Smith’s service to his country.

There was no replacement only a fill in.

The memory of our Papa’s commitment to his country had been pawned for $ 40.00. Freedom held no value on that day.  Honor and Integrity was pawned for $ 40.00 I wrote all of that to say this, my uncle was wrong in what he did and yes we were all angry with him for what he did but his disease won out over his conscience. He made a mistake but we all forgave him and life went on. However , this story is not about my uncle , this story is not about me or my family.   I began to think about the purple heart that my uncle pawned . I always remember the stories my papa would share and though I couldn’t tell them in detail.

I do remember how proud my Papa was to be an American , how proud he was to serve his country. He was in my eyes a true American hero,a true patriot. In my eyes , Papa Smith was the Red , White and Blue, he was the image of Freedom.  He always flew his flag with pride – you knew he loved his country and the freedom it represented. There was no doubt in my mind , America was the greatest country in the world.  Papa Smith made sure I knew that. I wander now some 25 years later after the passing of my Papa. What has happened to the America i once knew , what has happened to the America  that my grandfather spoke so highly of all those years. I love America don’t get me wrong but I wander , where are the patriots , where are the people like my grandfather that instilled in me the love for a country that he was willing to die for.  I know you are still out there – I know you still exist – I can still smell the fragrance of freedom. I know you are not colorblind and you can still see the Red , White and Blue. I know you get goosebumps when you see an eagle soar majestically in the sky. We are America – We are One Nation Under God – We Are Free.

America don’t pawn your freedom and the identity of who we are as a nation for a mere $ 40.00. America we are mighty, don’t let this administration or anyone steal your freedom. Don’t lose your identity. Don’t let them steal the memories of what America truly stands for and please don’t let them dishonor the soldiers that have given their lives for you and the freedom that is bestowed upon you. America don’t tolerate their addiction of power to rob you of  your identity. America, although my grandfather’s purple heart was replaced, Freedom will not be so easily replaced , once freedom is gone , there is no replacement.

Pawned Freedom does not come with a pawn ticket – if we sell our Freedom , there is no retrieving it. America guard your Freedom. People have died and are still dying to preserve it. Freedom comes with a price but it has never been a price that money could buy or has it ? America  we all know someone that has died to secure our Freedom, don’t dishonor their memories by pawning their sacrifice. I remember the humiliation , embarrassment and ridicule my Uncle Jamie went through after he pawned my ” Papa’s Purple Heart ” but he still couldn’t stop the disease of alcoholism and it took him too early. I forgave my uncle even though I didn’t fully understand why he did it . Ironically, my uncle’s desire was to be in the military but he was never accepted , he like my grandfather truly loved his country.  I remember being at my Uncle’s Funeral , there were no guns , no salute , no flag , no trumpet or drums just memories of the man that made us laugh and cry and the Pawn Shop Purple Heart.

America – what is the price of freedom ?

In Memory of

Sgt.Claude C.Smith ( a.k.a. – Papa Smith )

My American Hero

Jamie Smith

My Uncle & My Friend

Sails of Destiny September 4, 2009

Today I believe at this time , on this day , in this very hour God new that I and a group of men and women would join together as individual sails sewn together by our master sailmaker – searching for greater purpose – searching for their true destiny.

On this day a group of explorers ready to set sail on a new journey – a group of adventurers ready to set sail on the high seas of God’s calling. Not satisfied with average , not satisfied with normal – tired of just getting by – tired of mediocrity.

A group of Navigators that have made their way to the shoreline waiting to set sail. On this day as we gather together and make our way onto the ship only one thing is missing and that is the sails. You are the sails that God has been waiting for – you are the missing piece – You are the person – you are the individual God has been waiting for. You are the piece of fabric that God has brought together on this day to be woven into the fabric of other dreamers lives.

On this day God has brought us together as individuals but united on this ship of purpose and destiny as sails that capture the wind together. Today the sail that lies within you is about to be raised. The sail that God needs to carry his word , his plan and his purpose is about to be unfolded. Every sail has a different purpose but all sails were designed to capture the wind. Your gift – your purpose – your calling may be different but vital in moving the ship forward. What if today ?

What if today we could create a sail of dreamers ?

What if today we could create a sail of inventors ?

What if today we could create a sail of business owners ?

What if today we could create a sail of entrepreneurs ?

What if today we could create a sail of creativity ?

What if within those individual sails , dreams were revealed , inventions were created , businesses were started , entrepreneurs ignited with a new passion of discovery.

What if the sails were hoisted together to capture the wind of God’s purpose ?

What if these individuals launched out on a journey together to Discover – Challenge and Empower the passions that lie within the other in pursuit of their own passion.

What if their sails caught the wind that carried them to their destiny in God. What if today those sails have been brought together awaiting the wind of God to lift them into their purpose ? What if on this day those sails of like minds came together and set sail on a journey to pursue their purpose within this vast ocean of destiny called life.

What if a group of Navigators – set their course – determined their destination and launched into an adventure – ready to conquer – unafraid of what lies ahead – men and women of God without fear – pursuing – searching and discovering new destinations – new purpose -exploring new opportunities – sailing into uncharted waters – alive with the passion of pursuit – today our spirits come alive – destiny awakes.

Navigating through the storms – beaten by the winds that fight against them relentlessly trying to keep them from moving forward – but within the storm lies the destiny God has prepared.

On this day – WE NAVIGATE TOGETHER -

On this day our sails will be raised and our purpose revealed. On this day sails that have been beaten and torn by the winds that blew against us will be repaired and made new , holes will be replaced with a fabric of hope , tears will be mended. On this day new sails will be raised -

On this day our banner of God will be raised high. Today men and women of God we gather together and set sail united on a journey that will be recognized around the world because today new ideas will be revealed, greater creativity is unlocked – new business will be discovered.

Today I proclaim God’s creative power and wind of discovery to be unleashed on the men and women of Navigate and across the world .

Today we proclaim God’s power of Creativity and wind of Discovery to be unleashed on your life.

Today I proclaim that the wind has picked up and a current of God’s glory is about to pull us into the deep waters of his true purpose for the businesses , entrepreneurs and visionaries in the kingdom of God.

Let Us Sail Together.

Paper Crowns May 22, 2009

Today I was craving a whopper jr. and onion rings from Burger King so I decided to go in and sit down and eat which I normally never do ,  as I waited in line a grandmother and her 3 grandchildren made their way in the line behind me. The grandmother was diligently trying to keep the 3 in line and reminding them to mind their manners or they wouldn’t get their reward.

I watched with a smile on my face as the 3 were swinging on the bars and skipping from tile to tile as the line progressed towards their prize.  Burger King was offering the Star Trek figures and glasses so I assumed that was what they were excited about but I was wrong the closer we got to the front I could see them get more excited and the little girl spoke up and said I want my crown and the little boys exuberantly followed suit shouting with excitement I want my crown too “grammy” , I want my crown – I watched as the 3  ran to the counter and requested their crowns

I stood there and watched as the grandmother hastily put the paper crowns together and placed them on the heads of her 3 grandchildren. I noticed as their posture changed and the little girl rared back and stood straight and walked as the queen she now was and the boys followed behind her with chest forward and shoulders back as they made their way down the counter – a procession of kings and a queen pursuing the meal of fries , hamburger and drink that was waiting for them at the end of the line.

I continued to watch the 3 adjusting their crowns and trying to keep them from falling down their faces as they dipped their fries in the ketchup , the little girl so proper as she sat their adorned in her crown , the little boys were over it , they were now allowing their crowns to fall down over their heads and spinning them while trying to take a bite of their hamburger.  It was quite a spectacle to watch the 3 newly adorned kings and queen. They were so excited over 3 paper crowns adorned in images of gold and jewels with no value at all but you would have thought they were real crowns with real gold and real jewels adorning them.

As I sat there I heard a voice inside of me speak – Have you been pursuing paper crowns with an image of the real thing but with no value ? Have you been pursuing so hard your own version of a crown that you have lost sight of the crown that I have fashioned together and I have waiting for you ?

Is your zeal for a paper crown overshadowed your pursuit of a righteous crown ? I sat there in humility as I watched the 3 little ones discard their crowns as the burger and fries now took precedence. I wandered if I have been so consumed with trying to pursue , succeed and obtain an earthly paper crown that I had set aside my heavenly crown.  Now I am sure all you religous folks out there  have never had this problem but I wander,  If we were all honest, would we be like the 3 little ones  – would we be more  excited about a paper crown than the real thing.

In  1 Corinthians 9:24-27  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run , but only one gets the prize ? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others , I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

As I made my way out to throw my trash away I noticed several paper crowns lying there among the trash. The pursuit and excitement of the paper crowns was now discarded never to be remembered. Just moments before these crowns adorned the heads of  children who for a moment were kings and queens of the restaurant.  How fleeting our pursuit of paper crowns are. As I made my way to my truck . I sat there for a moment with tears in my eyes and I ask for God’s forgiveness. God  let me never again try and fulfill  my life with  pursuits of paper crowns that will fade  away but let my life be a pursuit of a righteous crown that will never fade away.  But I do, God ask that my exuberance and excitement to achieve that crown will be as the 3 little ones who could not wait to advance through the line to obtain their paper crowns. Let me skip , let me swing , let me dance, let me sing in line as I wait with anticipation for my crown. Everyday is a step closer to that day. Let my life be a pursuit of my heavenly crown.

Who Do We Think We Are ? April 29, 2009

Philippians 2:5-11 (The Message)

^5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

^9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.

I read this scripture today and I was humbled by the verse that says ” that he set aside the priveleges of deity ” I had to repent because I thought of the things that I allow to keep me from a more intimate relationship with him.  How I can’t set aside my own personal agenda sometimes to make time for him.

Now maybe all you religous folks out there never have this problem and if so please give me your formula. I wander what we could accomplish if we could set aside our own agendas and focus on his agenda. If Christ could set aside his priveleges of deity shouldn’t we be able to make it through more than an hour of church without complaining , shouldn’t we be able to withstand the song that is being sung even if it is one we don’t like.

Is it such an inconvenience if we have to park a little farther away from the church , is so hard for us to have to walk an extra few yards.  So what if the pastor preached the same message just a few weeks ago. The word is still relevant. This scripture rocked me today to think that – Jesus Christ set aside the priveleges of deity for me ,knowing that I may not always set aside my own agenda for him. He took on the status of a slave – when we only focus on our own status.

God remove my own agenda and increase yours within me. With that I repent – Jesus thank you for taking time for me !!  God teach me , the only agenda that is truly important is the agenda of the Kingdom. I am humbled in your presence and by your word.

April 3, 2009

Behind the Clouds

I was working in the  yard the other day planting some new flowers and plants. Trying to do a little spring cleaning. I was listening to Ricardo Sanchez’s song ” Moving Forward ” while I was working. The song is so anointed but there is something so powerful at the beginning that just get’s me. I have to rewind it over and over again , there is an atmosphere that you can feel . As I was listening and working there was something that caught my attention as I looked up into the clouds.

There was something just beyond the clouds as if someone was watching me. I glanced backup to see if something was there and tears began to roll down my face as I could sense God peering around the clouds. It was like he just wanted to let me know he was there but then it was almost like he was letting me know that he was coming to get me.  Maybe this sounds crazy , but I think  God checks on his children just like we do our own , he is ever so near but just like our own children they like to know we are there. Isn’t it awesome to know that a omnipotent God an all powerful creator would care enough to peer from behind the clouds and whisper through the wind a feeling of peace. I have been going through so much trying to figure things out in my life and my business. I have had feelings of doubt and failure. I know God has a plan for me to reach the business people in the world . I know the plans he has for me but sometimes the loneliness and frustration seems to be bigger than I can bare. I am so glad on this day as he was passing behind the clouds that my worship was enough to get his attention. That on this day the sun seemed brighter -  Thank you God for peering in from behind the clouds and reminding me of your presence and your goodness.  Father I thank you for the grace and mercy that surrounds me each and everyday. I praise you father for the beauty of your creation. Forever I will worship you. Let me always notice the clouds. I hope to see you looking down on me.

What’s In Your Bag ? March 13, 2009

What’s In Your Bag ?

This is a little long but I hope it will bless you. I have heard the story of David a hundred times maybe more but i was struck by the words that says that David stopped and chose 5 smooth stones. I Samuel 17 -Vs.40 -Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

Armed with a sling and 5 smooth stones he advances towards the enemy. I began to wander if his shepherd’s bag was empty or were the stones that he carried in his bag not suitable to bring down the giant he now would have to face. You know what, the battles and giants in our life require different ammunition and weapons to win the war and bring down the giants but God will reveal the right weapons of our warfare when we are engaged in a specific battle. I don’t believe David would make the journey to the battle ground without stones in his pouch but we do know that once David got to the battle and heard the defiant rants of the giant that something within him rose up and he proclaimed ” Is there not a Cause ” the reward was just a bonus for David, he was more concerned about the mockery and defiance of goliath against the army of god.

Business owner,entreprenuer , visionary , right now I feel like in my heart like never before that now is our time to advance to the foreground of the battle. We can’t accept the defiant rants of the media , the rants of the economist, and the government entities that are speaking death over our nation.There words are casting shadows of fear and doubt across the world. The people of God must rise up with the standard and power of God’s word. We are a nation founded on the faithfulness of an almighty God. We are a mighty nation , We have always been and will always be.

We first must begin to proclaim again that we are. We cannot accept defeat we must rise to the occassion , there are David’s out there under the sound of my voice, that are advancing towards the enemy lines right now and God is about to reveal the weapons that will bring down the giants that are coming against this nation and the lives of millions. Why I was writing this message I believe this with everything in me that there is going to be new businesses , new opportunities , new products , new concepts , new inventions , new leaders that are going to rise up within the kingdom of God within the next 90 days that are going to change the kingdom of God forever. What I mean is that God is about to send Davids to the front lines of the battle and the concepts and ideas that they are dreaming of will help change the face our economy and the kingdom like never before. I know that sounds like a bold statement but I am telling you that we as the church and the people of the living God should be the ones that are lending to the nations of this world.

The government should be carried upon the broad shoulders of our God. – they shouldn’t be caring us we should be carrying them. We as a nation of believers need to rise up and recognize the cause and believe in the ability that God has given us to take down this economic giant that is defying this nation. Jesus went to the cross , he alone overcame death hell and the grave. Yes I know there were mistakes made but I still believe in the ability of our God to restore. He became poor that we might be rich. Not just in material blessing but in spiritual blessings as well. The war on poverty was conquered 2000 years ago on a cross. Why do we keep fighting th same battle. He came that we might live and live more abundantly. God’s name is on the line.

We have a purpose – We must rise up. God deserves the glory.
People are lost and dying and going to hell and we are distracted by a economic meltdown that is defying the power of our God.

This truly is our opportunity for us as the church of God to dismantle the enemies attacks. We cannot , we must not retreat in the face of the enemy. This is exactly what Satan wants us to do. No more. We are blessed , we are highly favored. We are prosperous. We are a blessed nation. We are more than able. God is able. Now is our time. Now is our season. Rise up nation of God.

Now trust me I know that the battle is real but I also know that on a day when the armies of the philistines defied the armies of God and intimidated them with the words and stature of a massive giant that stood on the other side of the valley , the armies of Israel fled from his sight. Right now the words that are being spoken through the media and newspapers across the nation are causing the men and women of god to flee from the face of the enemy. We must recognize that our ability to conqueror lies within the words of our proclamation. Our ability to conqueror lies within the Shepherd Bag of our souls that is full of the stones of the word of God. I think that once David proclaimed ” Is there Not A Cause ” and then in verse 32 “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” that immediately the angels of heaven and the hand of God went into action inside the heart of David. Suddenly this little shepherd boy became a giant of his own through the power of God and the words of his mouth.

He brought down Goliath with stones from the brook that were on his way to the giant. I think God needs to see us advance towards the enemy so he can reveal the ammunition to take him down. He needs us to trust in him and advance when everything in the natural says to wait. We have to trust What’s In Our Bag We must find our way through the valley and to the brook , there are still stones in the brook. We are a royal priesthood , a chosen generation. Let’s act like it. Fear is faith in the ability of the enemy. He needs us to proclaim our ability and purpose to those around us. I can only imagine the intensity that was in the air when this little shepherd boy makes his move towards the giant. Was there something different about these 5 smooth stones , in the king james it says that he chose 5 smooth stones , so he took his time and chose the right stones for the job. I think it is crucial that we hear from God I believe he is revealing the smooth stones that will bring down the goliath in our lives and in our nation. Listen to the words of our pledge of allegiance “

” I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all. “

One Nation Under God – 50 individual states are united as a single Republic under the Divine providence of God, “our most powerful resource” (according to the words of President Eisenhower)

Let me tell you this that David came to the fight with what was familiar to him, the weapons of a shepherd were his shepherds staff, a small club , a scrip or a backpack to carry his provisions and his sling and a shepherds bag to carry his stones. The things that changed on that day was David’s proclamation of purpose, his ability to recognize the purpose and the cause. 5 stones that would be chosen in a unfamiliar valley and placed in a shepherds bag to be chosen at the right time. It says that Goliath came towards David and then David ran towards him. With no fear he advanced towards a giant that was defying the armies of Israel.

If i can see this picture right David would have to have dropped everything that was familiar to him in order to conquer a giant that was unfamiliar. He would have to drop the shepherds staff and the club in order to position the sling and reach into the bag that contained the stone that would change the course of history and change the destiny of a shepherd boy. I believe that we are in fight in a unfamiliar valley and facing and unfamiliar giant in our lives. But God is causing us to stop at the brook on our way to the giant – I believe he is showing us through the word , through prayer and through our worship in the midst of the battle the right stones to choose. We must recognize the stones that are able to bring down the giant , but we must know what’s in our hearts. What’s In Your Bag ? We have a purpose , we have a reason to stand up.

We must pray for our nation , we must pray for our leaders , We must believe in the power of our words. David’s words of proclamation was more powerful than the sling that he carried in his hand or the stone in the bag. His power was established in his words. Let us today begin to proclaim and declare our victory over this economic giant that is defying the people and this nation under God. Recognize your ability – Check What is in Your Bag ? Advance – Don’t Retreat. Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow you all the days of your life.

I proclaim that the defiant giant that is standing against their life is coming down, that there are still stones in the brook and today on their way to the battle you are about to reveal the 5 smooth stones that will be bring down the giant in their life. Today there business will prosper , there business will increase , they will operate in abundance. The visions,inventions and dreams that you have placed in their heart will be discovered. Today God their giant is coming down by the proclamation of purpose that burns in their hearts. Today God our nation , our president and the leaders that run this country will get new vision for this country. I pray for conviction to come on their heart and any decision that they are about to make for this nation will be done so by calling on the god of this nation. I pray god for supernatural favor to fall upon the christians in congress , in the senate and other positions of power to be put in a place of favor , that there voices will be heard. I pray that this nation recognizes the strength of your mighty power. I pray God that you use me god and the to change and shape the very face of this nation. God let our voices be heard – Stir up the people of God. Let us recognize the ability within our shepherd’s bag and believe in the ability to bring down the giant that is holding this nation in defiance. We will advance – We Will Conquer

Needle In A Haystack February 25, 2009

Needle In A Haystack – A Needle in a haystack is something that is difficult to locate in a much larger space.

Do you ever feel like you have to go through a million pieces of straw just to find your needle in the haystack ? Then to find the needle you have been using no longer serves the purpose it once did ? Maybe the fabric of life that the needle was used to sew it together has changed and now you need a different needle. You know with fabric it takes different size needles to make the fabric come together. If you are sewing silks or more delicate materials it may take a thin needle to penetrate through the material or if you are sewing a thick cotton,wool or heavier material it will take a thicker needle and heavier thread to hold the fabric together. I think there are times in life when the fabrics that God is weaving into our lives are more delicate.

They may require a smaller needle and thread to hold it together, maybe learning to love , gentleness , kindness and fruits of the spirit require a more delicate approach whereas the warfare in our minds , financial pressure , depression and other warfare may require us to use a heavier fabric , thicker needle and heavier thread to hold this fabric together. Although the fabrics that are woven into our lives maybe different in texture , color and thickness, all of the different fabrics are vital in becoming the garment that God is trying to make us. He is choosing the different pieces of fabric to place in our garment. We have to choose what needle and thread will be best to make those pieces come together seamlessly and able to withstand the different pressure the garment may be under.

Not every piece of a garment is under the same stress,maybe the arms of a garment don’t experience the same pressure as maybe the shoulders or back may experience because everytime you move your arm the pressure is on the shoulders and the back therefore more stitching may be required at these points. These stresspoints require more strength and additional stitching. Maybe sometimes bringing the fabrics together require a double stitch. One stitch is just not enough. Sometimes in life we may need a double stitch to hold us together. The same in life , there are times in life where the fabrics and threads that are required,although important, may not have to have the same strength as other areas in your life.

The changes you are going through, the pressure you may be under , the decisions you may have to make , the friends you may have to leave behind all are a part of the fabrics God places in your life. Maybe you have to go back into the haystack to find another needle to sew a different piece of fabric in your life together and maybe some of the fabrics that have been placed in your life just want fit into the garment you are creating. I remember my grandmother sewing a quilt together when I was young. She would take different materials , maybe a piece of old jeans , maybe a old shirt, old sheets whatever she could find that would work. She would cut all the pieces up in individual squares and begin sewing the patches together, using different needles and different thread to make the quilt come together. When done it was beautiful and so warm , I am sure you have experienced a grandmother’s quilt.

Life is the same way , however, God is the one finding the patches of fabric and placing them in our lives allowing us to choose what pieces to use. Patches of hope , patches of promise,patches of fond memories, patches of joy and lost , patches of sorrow that remind us of the faithfulness of God, now just like in my grandmother’s quilt not every piece she chose was the right choice, even though she chose to use it , it just wasn’t the right piece so she would undo the stitch and replace the piece with the right piece. Not every choice you make is right for your garment or quilt and maybe you have to replace it with the right piece but that piece taught you that the choices you make affect the garment you are becoming.

Your life truly comes together as a garment or a grandmother’s quilt brought together by the thread of God and a needle in a haystack. Your choice of needle is up to you. Life may present you with tougher and sometimes delicate fabrics and each will require different size needles but know this that each piece will complete the garment you were created to be. Don’t give up on your Dreams – Don’t give up on your Destiny – Don’t give up on Your Purpose – use the fabrics you have been given and find the needle in the haystack that will bring the pieces of your life together. If you can’t find the needle – find a different haystack. You just need the right needle to continue sewing the pieces of your life together. Don’t be afraid to change needles – Don’t be afraid to try a new haystack. The choice is yours.

Go Fly A Kite February 18, 2009

What would you think If I told you to “Go Fly A Kite” chances are you would get a little upset and maybe even offended. Typically , if someone tells you to go fly a kite , they are telling you to get away from them or go do it yourself , basically “Go Fly A Kite” means that’s not going to happen anytime soon. You probably pick up that mess and get on up out of here.

Well , God changed that meaning for me the other night, now this is the short version of what happened but at 2:00 am in the morning a knock at the door woke me out of a dead sleep and I was surprised to find no one at the door. I go back to bed and again I hear a knock at the door but more intensely ,again I checked the doors to find no one there , so one the way back to bed I felt the presence of God calling me to prayer , I felt he wanted to talk , as I sat there in his presence – I heard God tell me ” To Go Fly A Kite ” I was like what in the world does this mean , I immediately begin to repent because I knew what the meaning of the term meant in the world but God revealed a different meaning to me this night. This may sound crazy but I am telling you the presence of God and the words he spoke were as plain and tangible as the words you see before you. God is available for conversation. Try it sometimes make yourself available.

I had been praying and thinking about a book idea i had about dreamers in the word of God, the dreamers that have shaped our nation, the dreamers that have perservered through insurmountable odds and accomplished their dreams. So when God spoke these words to me ” Go Fly A Kite ” I was like man what did I do. But God began to reveal a story to me about someone that we all learned about in history class . Benjamin Franklin – and his infamous kite flying experiment . On June 10 , 1752 Mr. franklin goes out in the middle of a thunderstorm , with string in hand , a key tied to the string and then attached to a jar , he was trying to catch lightning in a jar , he was trying to prove that lightning and electricity were one in the same , he had been pursuing his theory for over a decade, Franklin was 46 when he ” Flew His Kite ” you know the rest of the story – he went on to invent several things and coined several terms and things we use today. When most people think of Ben Franklin, they think of electricity.While he did not “invent” electricity, he did make the important discovery that lightning and electricity are the same. He proved that lightning is an electrical current in nature.

Franklin developed the single-fluid theory of electricity, introducing many of the terms used to describe electricity today: battery, conductor, condenser, charge, discharge, uncharged, negative, minus, plus, electric shock and electrician.
And because he understood both the power and danger of lightning, he invented the lightning rod to protect ships, buildings, and even people against it.
Franklin became a scientist because he was insatiably curious about the world around him. He wanted to know how things worked and figure out ways to make them better. He was one of the founding fathers of our nation. He is the only politician to have signed all four documents fundamental to the creation of the U.S.: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), the Treaty of Paris (1783), which established peace with Great Britain, and the U.S. Constitution (1787).

Not bad for a guy who 24 years earlier was flying his kite in the middle of a storm , trying to catch lightning in a jar. Kind of funny that he used a key to attract the lightning , he could have used anything but he used a key, because in his mind lightning was the key to electricity. Well you are probably wandering what flying a kite has to do with your dreams , well here is the answer to your question , it wasn’t so much that the kite,or the key , the string or the jar was the answer to his theory but it was the storm that he had to go through to get his answer , you see if there would have never been a storm , if there would never had been the wind , if there would never have been the rain , there may never been the lightning. What God revealed to me is that sometimes to get the answers to our questions , to get direction for our business , to achieve the dreams we have inside , we may have to ” Go Fly A Kite ” and we may have to chase our dreams in the middle of the storm. While others watched from inside the shelters of their homes , Benjamin Franklin , was chasing his dreams in the middle of the storm , I know you are in the middle of a storm and I know the pressure you are under but I am telling you in order to get your answers , you will have to fly your kite through the storm when everyone else , and every bone in your body is telling you to hide from the storm. I am challenging you today to ” Go Fly A Kite ” I am challenging you today to chase your dream in the middle of the storm – I am challenging you to catch lightning in a jar. What if Franklin wouldn’t have flown his kite ? What if you don’t fly yours ?

There are people that pursued their visions , dreams and purpose in the storm. I began to think about the men and women in the bible that pursued God’s plan for their lives. I began to think about the men and women of our present world that have never abandoned their dreams even when the storms of life flashed its lightning of doubt, failure and fear in the middle of the storm. I want to challenge you to ” Go Fly a Kite ” in the middle of your life’s storm. God is letting you know that the answers to your questions may be in the storm that you are in right now. The storm will reveal the character of who you are ,it will challenge you to never abandon your dreams even when every bone in your body is telling you to come in from the storm. When the storm is prevailing over every thought in your mind. When every flash of lightning reveals the fear of failure in your eyes. When everyone that says they believe in you is hiding in the shelter of their homes. Peering through the windows to see you in the middle of the storm wandering if you will get struck by lightning. Not realizing that in the middle of your storm when everything that surrounds you is the darkest , and the rains and winds are overtaking your dreams , suddenly a flash of lighting reveals the answers.

Answers you have been pursuing are now illuminated by the presence of God. Your dreams are now captured in a jar. There is more that God wants us to pursue – he is an adventurous God. Everything we are – is created in his image. Why can’t we see ourselves in the image of God. The passion that is God , Is Alive within us. Yet we hide in the shelters of our lives avoiding the storm , when God is calling us out in the middle of the storm. I challenge you to come out from the shelters that contain you in comfort and experience the majesty of his presence. Your shelters of doubt , fear and failure have contained you from experiencing the revealing lightning of God’s power. If you are hearing this you are hearing it because of a challenging destiny that cries out from within you. A destiny contained in a kite waiting to fly, a kite abandoned in the corner of your heart. Your answers will only come if you ” Go Fly a Kite ” in the middle of the storm.

Now although there is speculation about Benjamin Franklin and his kite flying experiment and whether or not it actually took place in the storm will have to be left for debate by someone else. So for the sake of this story and the revelation of God’s experience with me. We are going to assume that the experiment is true. I wanted to get that out of the way so any historians or those of a critical mindset can rest at ease. This story is not about Benjamin Franklin although I am inspired by his persistence and would encourage people to get enlightened on his accomplishments. Benjamin Franklin’s persistence changed the world as we know it. Maybe a dream you have could change the world as well. Come out into the storm. Your dreams are waiting – the lightning is flashing. “Go Fly Your Kite “

Spinning Out of Control January 28, 2009

Spinning Out of Control

Do you ever get the feeling that things in your business and your life are spinning out of control. The more you try to control the rotation the faster you make it spin. I don’t know about you but sometimes the spinning makes me naucious. In my business between the phone calls , people needing money, me calling people who owe me money , me driving around giving bids , me driving around trying to find work my head feels like it is spinning out of control. When I get home in the evenings I have to lay down just to get my bearings straight. I don’t  want to talk to anybody sometimes. I feel like I have said everything I have to say. Now maybe I am the only that deals with this spinning out of control thing but if I am not then this show today is for you.

I was reading the other day and it says that the rotational speed of the Earth at the equator is about 1,038 miles per hour. The atmosphere at the equator is also slightly thicker due to rotation, and you weigh slightly less. At mid-latitudes, the speed of the Earth’s rotation decreases to 700 to 900 miles per hour. The earth hardly spins at all at the north and south poles.

The circumference of the Earth at the equator is 25,000 miles. The Earth rotates in about 24 hours. Therefore, if you were to hang above the surface of the Earth at the equator without moving, you would see 25,000 miles pass by in 24 hours, at a speed of 25000/24 or just over 1038 miles per hour(1669 kmph).

Now I don’t know about you guys but if God can keep the earth rotating on it’s own axis at a speed of 1000 mph without losing control then I am pretty sure that he can keep your world in control as well. Now I know that life can get a little crazy but I have to believe that a God that created the earth and designed it to rotate is fully aware of the circumstances you are facing. The wind , the hail , the storms, tornadoes , earthquakes , typhoons , everything that mother nature throws at the earth, still it is able to rotate. Spinning at a rate of 1038 miles per hour.

I talk to a lot of business guys and ladies and they all are saying the same thing. They don’t have the answers, they don’t know what to do , everything that use to work is no longer working. We have got to get our businesses and our lives under control. For to long we have been spinning out of control , running , chasing and consuming. I believe that God through all of this chaos is trying to get our lives back under his control. I believe that God is saying enough is enough , slow down get your life in control. Take time and meditate upon my word.

Jos. 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Ps. 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Ps. 104:34 “My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.”

We have been flying around like loose meteors and debris in our own atmoshperes and we have no control over the things in our lives. It says that the atmoshpere at the equator is thicker due to the rotation maybe the atmoshpere in our lives and the problems that we face , the stress that we are under , maybe is due to the speed of rotation in our lives. Joyce Meyers said the other day ” That we are Human Beings – Not Human Doings “ How true is that !! We have become humans in a race – not the human race. We judge the success of our lives on the busyness of our lives. Slow Down.

It takes roughly 365 days for the Earth to go around the Sun once. This means that the Earth is rushing through space around the Sun at a rate of about 67,000 miles per hour! Yet God still has it all under control. You say, he is God of course he can , yet we are created in the image of God and we can’t. Come on !! WE CAN !

Yesterday I got up and for an hour I just sat in my front room and just thought on the things of God and things that I needed to change. My life has to rotate on the axis of God not the axis of Dennis , not on the axis of my own self indulgence or my selfish pursuits.

The Earth currently has an axial tilt of about 23.44° (23° 26’). The axis remains tilted in the same direction throughout a year; however, as the Earth orbits the Sun, the hemisphere (half part of earth) tilted away from the Sun will gradually become tilted towards the Sun, and vice versa. This effect is the main cause of the seasons. Whichever hemisphere is currently tilted toward the Sun experiences more hours of sunlight each day.

hem⋅i⋅sphere 
–noun

1.	half of the terrestrial globe or celestial sphere, esp. one of the halves into which the earth is divided. Compare Eastern Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere.

Isn’t it funny that God designed the earth slightly tilted and the orbital motion causes our seasons. I began to think about all of this and I got stirred by the part that said the hemishpere tilted away from the sun will gradually become titled towards the sun. In our lives the degree that we are tilted toward God will determine the amount of exposure we experience from God. The axis of our lives was designed just off center to tilt towards God. We control the rotation of our lives. The seasons in our lives are determined by the degree of tilt and rotation of our lives. We are in someways in control of the seasons of our lives. If God can control the earth’s rotation at a 1000 miles per hour , traveling at 67,000 mph through the galaxy , surely we can gain control of our lives.

If there is anything that I have learned this past year is that my life has got to be centered own God. If you look at the situations of the world around you it is easy to be overwhelmed by the media blitz of doubt and fear that is being hurled at your mind.

Yet in the middle of  spinning out of control God is reaching into the very atmoshpere of your life and he gently touches the world you are in thru his word and his presence. God is trying to get you into a place of rest a place of controlled rotation.

The season of your life is about to change because the orbital motion of your world and the rotation of your life is tilting you ever closer towards the son of God. Your world that has been spinning out of control is about to pass thru the atmoshpere of the presence of God. Your heart and your soul is tilting just off center towards the presence of God. You are about to be eclipsed by an almighty God covered by his glory. Your world is about to be obscured by the light of God and the light of God will make his world more relevant and yours less obvious.

Life is a Vapor January 23, 2009

What is life ? according to scripture our life is but a vapor ? James 4:14 – Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. ( Va . por – barely visible or cloudy diffused matter, ) I have read and heard this scripture before but when i read the definition of vapor that means that we are barely visible and a cloudy diffused matter !!  I began to reflect on  my 43 years hear on this round ball -( it is round right ? Just kiddin !! ) I can honestly say that 43 years truly does seem like a vapor. It seems like the bottle that contains my life was just opened yesterday. Unbelievable !! I began to reflect on the things I want to accomplish. Do I have time to imagine my dreams ?  Is it ok to dream new dreams . The answer is a resounding yes -

“Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into connection with action. They must be woven together.”

I dreamed of living my life for the lord – fulfilled or better yet – fulfilling . Still more i dream of doing.

I dreamed of marrying a beautiful tall – blonde – fulfilled

I dreamed of being a good father – fulfilled – still learning.

I dreamed of having a son – fulfilled – truly a beautiful journey to be a father.

I dreamed of being a good husband – still in progress but very attainable.

I dreamed of a successful business – fulfilled – continuing dream.

I have more dreams that have been fulfilled but these are my top 5. I have realized this past year that every dream i dream is nothing without the lord. My life although a vapor – is meaningless without him. If our life is a vapor – let us add some fragrance to our life so that we will not go unnoticed. While we are hear let us make a difference – let us make a impact on those around us.

“Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.”