New Beginnings

I'm glad this year is coming to a close. Really glad. This year especially the latter part of this year, a lot of changes in my perception, acumen, and life has occurred. I've learned that this year I moved from living in the fear of religion, other people's thoughts, and "saving face" to a life of newness and freedom. To be honest, I had enough of a lot of things. As one of old mentors (Paul Williams - RIP) used to tell me when he was teaching me how to play pool ( while kicking my behind in pool), "when you get tired of getting beat down, you'll fight back." It's funny, because I showed him a thing or two, and "he didn't like that at all." Haha. This year, my wife and I had to fight to get our lives back that was sucked dry by things of little to no value. For myself, I broke out of a lot of manipulation, coercion, bitterness, lies, foolishness, churchiness, and various types of abuse. This has been the year I fought back and won. Have people lately been "offended, hurt, shocked, etc.?" Yep. But where I'm from, there's an old saying that says, "real recognize real." When other know there's a change in you and know its time for you to move forward, there are going to be two responses, support or suppression. When the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s occurred, leaders in that era faced a lot suppression at first but then received support. So many other happenings in history I can name but don't have the time (for if we don't know our history, we will repeat it - Mr. King - 1995). I've faced and experienced a lot of suppression but now I'm free from it. I can finally be who I'm supposed to be and don't need anyone's validation except for God's. Thus, I'm walking in my new beginning. Before we walk in a new chapter, we must finish the preceding one. Everyone and everything that was in one chapter can't go into the next chapter of life. If they do, you might as we'll stop writing your book (I.e.- stop living). Something I've learned is that you van t put new things in old situations, it just doesn't work. I've tried and many times this year, I've failed. But I've learned my lesson. New beginnings means starting fresh, starting over. This may include changing the way you believe things, changes I'm relationships, job changes, etc. Change is inevitable. As human beings, we are not supposed to be the same, in the same place, or in the same situation. If we stay the same, how can God Himself bless us with newness. Think about that. Right now, I'm going thru changes and though some don't like it, I really don't care. I understand evolution, the metamorphosis of the human life. We are called to go from one change to another change. This is how we experience new beginnings. We must prepare for them and when the time comes, roll with it. Noah had to prepare an ark and though many people didn't hear him, all the animals and 8 folks heard the call for change. Only 8 of them survived and were blessed with a new beginning. For new beginnings to happen, the old has to get phased out. Word of advice, if people who know you try to deride you, tell them and yourself, "what you think about me and my decision is none of my business." My friends, embrace the new beginnings with joy and only walk with those who will support you wholeheartedly without judgement, inconsideration, gossip, and without jealousy. Well this is it my friends, 2013 is out. 2014 is in. Til next time, esta luego.


References:
Read the Bible, history books, and wisdom from the old school.

Don't Let Life Pass You By

There's nothing worse than an unfulfilled life. That's nothing that my momma or daddy told me; it's something I've learned. Many of us let grand opportunities for personal, financial, educational, career, and spiritual successes slip by because of fear. Sometimes, we fear of being successful because of what others will say or think about us. Or maybe that these successes require much work after achieving to maintain them. So many factors we can weigh in to make since of our foolishness. That's including me. I remember growing up how I used to see the old schools play with us young bucks countless games of 21. Back then, I used to wonder, why are they scrounging to make ends meet for themselves? Why are they providing or attempting to provide a better life for themselves and their families? Easy answer, they let life pass them by. At that time, they were trying to relive their glory days through pummeling us at games of 21 taps (dudes from Raleigh know what I'm talking about). Lately, I've found myself thinking and thinking hard about my own life. God, haven't I let my 32 years of life pass me by. Being caught up by foolishness around me. Being distracted and embattled by drama. Allowing fear, doubt, and procrastination hinder various forward movements to obtaining the five areas of success. But today, I've made up in my mind be and do what God has laid out for me. As I learned earlier, you can't be afraid to be you because God has predestined you to do and be something above all you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Wow, what a statement. Here's the kicker. We've got to make the choice of not letting our lives go to waste. As Paul would say, not frustrating the grace of God. Jesus is the perfect example of not letting his life pass him by. Every opportunity, every moment he took hold of and became extremely successful. No matter how the Pharisees tried to throw him over cliffs. No matter how many times the disciples said or did things out of selfish ambitions. He continually moved forward and became the greatest success story of our world history. My question is to you, will you let life pass you by? Or will you waste and later on be filled with regrets? I hope this makes you think. I know it does for me.

Til next time (and not a long time from now, my friends, I promise) dgwo

References:

Acts 10:38

Coming of Age: The Small Steps

American culture prides itself into "doing it big." Big stage play productions. Big houses. Big cars with new shiny wheels. Big bank accounts. Big amounts of fame to our name. This is what we have been drawn and in my opinion reduced to. I won't lie man, this is how I see. Maybe some of you feel the same, too. In my little two cent opinion, there's nothing wrong doing it big but I do believe there's more to life than this. Many of us have dreams, goals, and all other sorts of aspirations we have for our lives. Maybe it's to be rich or be a headliner on a music show. I don't know. However, we don't see the hidden costs to "doing it big" or becoming one of the greats. It's called steps. Steps, sort of like a project building in Manhattan (peace to my "peeps" in NYC), are many, long, and arduous. Plus, the elevator didn't work. We live in a microwave generation when we expect to go from level one to level 28,0000 divided by 6.2, carry the one (sorry, got that line from the Jamie Foxx Show). We want things to happen now without putting in the work. I did my daily post for my MBA program, a Finance class. One of my fellow students talked about the Occupy Wall Street debacle of last year. He talked about his conversation with a young guy who had big dreams. He had all of these wants and expected at the age of 20something, others should pay him 80k a year. However, the dude didn't have the capital of skills, experience, and character to be an 80k employee. Hmmmm. That's many of us today. We want the finer things in life but have no idea of the costs of time, money, failures, and mistakes we have to experience to get to that level. For instance, one of my good friends from the Army is now a drill sergeant. I remember back in Germany, you knew he was in the building. But we wouldn't hold no punches about the Hades he went through. The disappointments, setbacks, bad decisions, hatred from others (to name a few). I'm pretty sure, it wasn't easy for him to become a drill sergeant. One thing I noticed about him was that he took the steps, the small steps to fulfill his dream. He researched, asked questions, and walked closely with those who stood where he wanted to be. He paid the cost to be the boss. This is what I'm saying, it's okay to think big but do your research. Write it down on how to achieve your dreams. Get with those who've already mastered what you are planning to master. Don't take short cuts. Most importantly, don't despise small beginnings. I hope this helps; I know this is helping reevaluate my lofty dreams and how to achieve them.

Til next time, dgwo.

P.S. - Shout out to SFC Michael "Big Mike" Brown.

References:
Zechariah 4:10 (even those who had to rebuild Jerusalem had to small and rigorous steps to achieve this goal - ok, I'm done).

Saturday Edition: The Sinking Ship

I've been reading a lot about what's going on our beloved nation. The break up of Defense of Marriage Act. The great city of Detroit filing for bankruptcy. The "I told you so" verdict of the Zimmerman trial. Congress' failure to make a deal to prevent the rise of student loan rates. The now rebuttal to "double jeopardy" because of the Zimmerman verdict. The lowered standards of education, especially in Texas, my new home state (but I'm a Wolfpack N.C. man at heart, Lol). All these things and more have sort of got me in meditation mode, you know. I'm trying to figure out, how in the world did we get here? Where did all of this chaos come from? For most of us, we can say the old catch phrase, "the devil made me do it." Yeah, the so-called "prince of the power of the air" does have a lot of influence in this world. Even in the garden of Eden, he made Adam turn a blind eye while Eve made a deal with him to become "a god." But do you want to know what I really think, my friends? It's the fragility and darkness of men's hearts that has orchestrated this chaos. How could Detroit, once the premiere city for music, big business, and sports turn into a real life version of "The Walking Dead?" How did a man who knowingly shot a young boy out of prejudice because his appearance rather than his heart get away with murder? How did the "powers that be" influence the jury's decision find him innocent, now opening the door for the Department of Justice to one day decimate "Double Jeopardy" (remember, they couldn't get OJ for the '94 murders so they had to frame him)? How come now everybody is on the bandwagon supporting gay marriage when it's not only the divine law of God but the working of nature that marriage is between a man and a woman (even the people of Mesopotamia knew this-do your research)? Why is it that our now generation is being lied to in their history classes and made to take tests that even their teachers can't pass (hello Texas State Board of Education)? All of these things and many more are the product of allowed chaos? Where is the voice of reason in all this? Where is truth? Where is real justice? Where's the standard? These past few weeks, I've been dealing with a lot of "indecisiveness" in my own life. All of these things happening around. I feel like sometimes, I'm in a sinking ship, sot of like the Titanic. I remember my 9th grade History teacher Mr. King (Enloe High School '95, Raleigh, NC- YayYay!) told us that by the time we get his age, things in law, education, finances, and morality would change. Wow, was that man right. By all means y'all, I'm not a "holy roller" who has an "inverted view" of things. I'm very cultured and I do believe America is that sinking ship. Just like Rome. Just like Ancient Egypt. Just like Babylon. I guess Lecrae was right, "everything is falling." When the world is off course, somebody, just one person has to shake themselves and go back to the One who put things back on course. You know the name. And it's by it that we can be saved, from the sinking ship.

Til next time, Love, peace, and soooooouullllll!  - dgwo

References:
Psalms 82
Acts 4:10-12

Coming Of Age: Prioritization

I've been thinking a lot lately over my life. About a couple of weeks ago, I turned 32 and at that moment, life hit me. You see, I've been going through changes, a whole lot of changes. A lot of things I would allow or condone, I don't anymore. A lot of things I used to do, I don't do them anymore. There have been many people I used to hang with, well, we're not that close anymore. It's the natural order of things. Changes. Coming of Age. Now, I've reached a point in my life where I want more out of life. I'm not saying that I'm going to sell my soul over money, things, or fame. I'm saying that it's time to start building an inheritance for my future children, building up my household, investing into other people's lives who are younger than me. It's time for me to start traveling a whole lot more and live a full life. It's time to do all that God has put in my heart. I'm pretty sure you guys feel the same way but many of us wonder how we can get to that place of ultimate fulfillment. It's all summed up in one word, prioritization. For the past couple of days, I've been researching a lot of information through studying the Bible, reading professional comments on certain topics, and talking with my wife. I've come to realize that we Americans and even abroad lack in the skill of prioritization. We love to multitask; meaning, we love to plan out all these lovely ideas and think to do them all at the same time. We love being "busybodies" because we feel like we have something to prove to others (and maybe to ourselves to rid thoughts of regrets/unforgiveness of misdeeds). We love "overstuffing" ourselves (our time) with things so we can feel important or "fulfilled." In all actuality, at the end of the day (a common saying on Love & Hip-Hop - Lol), we feel torn, abused, wrecked, tired, and scattered in our thoughts. We feel worn down, confused, regretful, and lastly unfulfilled. These feelings and more are the result of lack of prioritization. Many of us,  to be honest with ourselves, have no priorities. That's why we're going no where in life. Many of us are multitasking, over-filling our time with things that don't matter. Maybe we've got all these great ideas but do them out of time. We focus on things and people that don't matter. We try to be Superman, saving the entire world or the world of people who aren't trying to save themselves. We try to salvage things that need to be scrapped. We hustle and bussle to the point where we're on the side of the road because we didn't put gas in our cars (let that marinate). We're killing ourselves and keep deceiving ourselves that we're living. We're shaving off years of our mental health and it's going to be one event that will cause us to blow up. Many of us don't even spend time with our family and loved ones because "we have to do this." We abandon our kids, our parents, or a project we know that's really important we continue to neglect. We lack priorities. And most importantly, God is out of our life's equation altogether. Jesus, who is the chief cornerstone is now laying in a field somewhere waiting to put in place to hold our building. Without a foundation built on the rock, the house will crumble. Since He is not number one, all of these other things have taken His place and we wonder why our lives, governments, churches, families, businesses, and communities are in ruins. Today, He's allowing all these crazy laws, environment catastrophes, and relational breakups to happen to get our attention (but many of us have yet to read to text message - Lol). He's telling us, "hey dudes and dudettes, put Me back as first in your life." Once He's first, we should take care of ourselves by cleaning our houses, getting our finances in order, taking vacation time, and treat yourself to video game or something. Then we need to take care of our families as we take care of ourselves. Then it's our job, which is a source of income, and the list goes on. Prioritization is knowing what's the most important, most essential thing that needs to cared for or attended to. Prioritization is nixing those things or people that are time wasters, unimportant, and distracting. Prioritization is realizing we only have one life on this earth and how we need to walk in wisdom more than ever. Yes, others are not going to roll with you when you begin to prioritize your life because many people love "out of course" living. That type of living is for people who'll never be nothing or ever achieve greatness in life. You my friends, are called for greatness and it takes prioritization to achieve it. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, achieve many great feats. He became rich without measure. He had it all and he kept getting more and more. However, all of his doings put a heavy weight on his mind. His life was spinning out of control. It got to the point when he was becoming more of a pimp than a husband. He started to put more taxes and other burdens on his people because of his ambition. His once blameless life became the hall of shame. He lost the essence of what life is all about and lost himself in the process. His life's tree withered. Then he realized, wow, my life's in shambles. How can I get it back on track? Then he learned one word, vanity. Vanity is more than the love of money and things of this world. It's chasing after something or someone not meant for you. It's something that's going to do more harm than good, even if it is a great benefit for others (but not for you). Solomon learned that his decision to chase after vanity brought misery to his life. That's when he smelled the coffee and started to prioritize his life from the ground (read Proverbs, you'll see). I know I've said a lot here and maybe went on a tangent but that's because I'm tired of living a life without priorities. I hope after downloading this, you'll feel the same way, too. It's unfulfilled and full of regrets. My friends, let's do better. Let's be better. Let's grow up by prioritizing our lives the right way.

Til next time, dgwo

References:
Ecclesiastes 1-3
Proverbs 4
Matthew 6:33

Coming Of Age: Stop Wasting Time

A friend of mine told me a couple of days ago that I'm tired of the foolishness and that I'm ready to live. She was correct. I am tired and ready to live. Most importantly, I'm tired of wasting time (as well as money) on things as well as people that are useless. As cold hearted as it may sound, this is where I am today. I'm making a choice to live and live it abundantly. We as human beings, especially in my weekly surroundings don't see that. Only a few and their tired of life as they have been experiencing it , too. My friends, I've wasted most of my life especially my adulthood (so far) on things and people that are useless. I remember hearing one preacher on a television program share some real talk a out this thing called life. He said the most valuable thing God has given mankind is time. Time worth more than money because it takes time to make it. However, we can't make money or raise our families or work on achieving God's dream in our lives if we waste our time. I've learned throughout these past three years that time will go by quickly always being sucked up by others' drama. We people allow it. I know I have done it for a long long long long time. Recently I made a decision to stop allowing things like fear and stupidity keep me from living that abundant life.  When others see you making that decision they are not going to like you. So what? At the end of our life story we all have to stand before God and tell him what we did with our life that he gave us. Did we travel? Did we help our friends come out of the gang life? Did we start that multimillion dollar business? Did we start a community center to help those who are less fortunate get their education and their computer skills? I decided to live God's dream inside of me and remove every mountain in my way.  My friends, this is our time, the greatest time in earth's history to make a difference. When things are the darkest that's when he light will shine the brightest. So I encourage you as well as myself to stop wasting time. Make something out of your life and don't procrastinate. Let the haters hate because they decided to be lazy but you were diligent to attain what  you want and need in this lifetime. Now that's the abundant life.

Til next time, dgwo.

Reference: 

John 10:10

Coming of Age: Drama Free

Anyone who knows me know I hate drama with a passion. I remember back in the mid 90s how the word drama became related to the word mess. Here is the definition of the word, drama:

Drama -  an exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events or set of circumstances.

For anyone who has been through childish games with people, drama only stresses out the nerves and destroys patience. Drama destroys relationships. Drama destroys destiny. Drama destroys vision. If you're a person who's about something, I think you hate drama, too. Drama happens when one or some people are going somewhere in life and their supposed "friends" begin to hate on them. Or maybe there's a minor conflict at the job and someone who lacks maturity or foresight takes the conflict to a level where it shouldn't go. Wow. Drama occurs when someone walks too much in their emotions, which leads to selfishness; therefore when someone is trying to "help" them, they get into their emotions. Now everyone is the enemy. Everybody is against them. Everybody is trying to tell them how to live. Drama occurs when people don't communicate with one another. Matter of fact, one side has their arms wide open to the other party. However, the other party (from being a hard-head) refuses to come to a common (meeting) place to handle the situation. Hmmm. Just as Isaiah said, we should come and reason together. People who are addicted to drama start lousy arguments and say stupid things that ignite beef; thereby births drama among two or more parties. I gets real messy. I guess in this day and age, reasoning isn't a part of everybody seasoning (if you feel where I'm knocking). It's sad man because drama in our lives doesn't have to be so. We shouldn't have all these tribal and cold wars amongst each other but we do. We shouldn't be tearing each other down because of lack of communication but we do. Within the past 6 years of my life, the amount of drama I've experienced supersedes what I experienced in all my years in middle school as well as high school. A couple of months, drama made me mad but now, I'm like Shawn Carter; brushing my shoulders off. Nothing good from people who start drama ever comes to the forefront. It's messy. You'll always see people forsake others, even in the time of need and encouragement because they can't let go of drama. If we would learn to be adults (this even go for you kids in the latter part of high school), sit down, humble ourselves, and come to an agreement (even agreeing to disagree -thanks Mrs. Overton), drama becomes nonexistent. Drama loses its place in our lives and allows maturity to settle in our spirit. When the Pharisees were hating on Jesus out of their selfishness and lust for power and fame among the people, they started drama. Everywhere Jesus went to effect change in the lives and thinking of others, here go the Pharisees starting drama. To put this into layman's terms, every time a father is trying to support and be there for his kids, the baby momma is finding some way to sabotage his efforts. Every time an executive of firm is warning his or her conglomerates of poor financial decisions, their out to kill them. Every time a politician stands up to Congress and calls them out for their inappropriate decision-making, other politician cook up dirt from their long buried past to keep them quiet. Drama and trust me, Jesus faced it (and still facing it), too. One day, He stood up in boldness and told the people the time of their spiritual and mental freedom had come through the move of God in Him. Thereafter, the Pharisees stood up  and tried to kill the man. But Jesus was a smooth dude, escaping their clutches, moved through the crowd and disappeared. How did He do this? Through His years of observing maybe what His parents went through and His surrounding society, He knew how to handle drama. Sometimes, we have to learn how to bow out gracefully and let those who continue drama hang themselves. THAT'S RIGHT I SAID. The other side of loving people is allowing them to learn from their mistakes. Sometimes, watching a bunch of Pharisees killing themselves (not literally) doesn't feel like an act of love but it is. That's who we learn; its through our experiences. So, as this blog comes to a close, I'd like to tell all me people out there who are ready to move forward in life, travel the world, start a business, getting married, writing that book, and running that ministry, be drama free. It's the best thing to be. And when you start thinking like that, no type of drama will harm thee (get it, it's a rhyme). As for Mr. and Mrs. Overton, we're going to do just that, be drama free. And to all you haters and drama-makers, grow up already, stop keeping drama going, and let God set you free. This is what coming of age is all about, being drama free.

Til next time, dGwO

Reference:
Luke 4:16-32

Coming of Age: Learning From Life's Lessons

It's me again, friends. It's been a while. Since the last time I posted something "fresh", I've been in a couple of battles within this war called "adult" life. Being an adult is more than making money everyday on the job, having the freedom to do what you want, and making your own decisions. Being an adult is having some sort of basis or "foundation" to stand on. It's about having facts or truth that will help guide you in what James Brown called "A Man's World." It's a cold one, too. Throughout these past two months, I've been on a journey and man, it's been a long one. A couple of days ago, a good friend of mine and I were talking about some real issues. Then, wham, a thought came to my head. It was called "Coming of Age." What is coming of age? Coming up, I remember listening to a song Jay-Z had on his first LP "Reasonable Doubt" that had the same title with Memphis Bleek (don't act like you guys never heard it). The moral of that song was the younger dude's need to come up, grow out of some things and grow into some things. Now, I'm not saying we chase after that dollar because the love of money is the root of all types of evil, which many of us thirst for (1st Timothy 6:10). What I am saying is that we need to seek to get better. Our attitudes, our ways, our thinking, our associations, and paths. We learn to come of age or mature when we learn and meditate on life's lessons occurring in our lives. One thing that I love about God is that He allows us to experience the good, the bad, and the ugly to draw our attention to what's really important. About ten plus years ago, my focus was copping that new Cam'ron joint, getting blitzed after work, and chasing after women. Fast forward to 2013, my focus is on serving God, getting my financial house in order, taking care of my wife, and building my career. Things within these past ten plus years have caused me to change my focus. They've caused me to grow up. The last time I was in B-more, one of the most meaningful conversations I had was with my Jermaine (LaVar to some). Seeing all of his scars help make him become the business man he is today. Experience. Some people believe that we can actually escape the hard times but that's further from the truth. God sort of directs our path to those harsh experiences to put our trust in Him and to move forward from the foolishness. Have you ever seen 30, 40, 50, or older people still act like middle school kids? The answer is that they never learned to mature from their life's lessons. I'm planning on not making that same mistake. God allowed Joshua to see all that Moses did and what he experienced. One thing was for sure, he saw his mentor miss out on the "promise" given by God to Israel. Joshua took it to heart and crossed that river. Although things was perfect in the promised land, he lived out the promise given to him. He didn't make the same mistakes as Moses because he learned from life's lessons. How many of us are learning from life's lessons? If we don't we'll never grow. Those things and people (or those jokers) will continually frustrate you until you kill your own dreams and goals. My friends, let's learn from our lessons and our experiences. Let's grow, let's mature, let's be counted among the eagles that soar about this earth's worthless drama. You know what I'm saying?

Til next time, DgWo

Reference:
Joshua 1
Romans 5: 1-5

Refocus - May 1st, 2013

Sometimes in life we get caught up on everything that's going on around us. Problems, problems, and more problems. Distractions, regrets, shiesty people, worries, and all the other cares of life I can't name. All of these are blindfolds from keeping our vision closed to God's purpose in our lives. Here in the United States alone, we are the most overworked and most mentally stressed people in world society. It's like we're doing all these things and still have no piece of mind. We think that PTSD is only for soldiers who've been in war but that's further from the trouble. Over here, we believe in multi-tasking and doing it big all the time. Eventually these acts of "business" breaks us down and in the long run we are broke down. A lot of times we allow good for nothing people and things run our lives. This can happen directly and indirectly, you know. We continue to align ourselves with these that only make us waste God's precious time and resources. We get nothing accomplished. We get nothing done. We lose focus. There's a man known as Samson who lost focus on his purpose, to lead a people out of bondage from their enemies. There was another man known as Eli who was a holy man called to lead a nation to relationship with God. However, these men lost their focus on who they were supposed to serve and what they were purposed to do. Many of us are like these men. We have lost our focus. Today it's time to refocus. It's time for us to cut off those people who year after year hinder what God is attempting to do in our lives. If we don't, we'll to be on a vicious cycle that will cause us to waste our lives. It's time discipline our eating habits so we can live healthier lives. It's time for us to take charge over our of financial matters from spending, saving, and investing (in the right things). It's time for us to build our families on the Rock. Most importantly, it's time we refocus our eyes on Jesus, who is the wise master builder of our lives. When we zone into reaching a goal we do whatever it takes to achieve it. We assassinate anything else that tries to stop from doing so (Satan knows this better than us and that's why he stays successful in what he does). My friends, it time to refocus. Let's get our vision back. Let's refocused on raising our kids and loving our spouses. Let's break the monotonous cycle of setbacks we can overcome with just one choice not to give in. This is going to cause us to feed people with a long handed spoon (love people who mean us no good from a distance-something my father would say). This means when we feel mess invading our lives we need to stop, fight, and pray. So much to say but I can't say it all.

Til next time, dgwo.

Reference: Habakkuk 2:1

Go Get Your Life Back!!!!

What's up my friends, it's been a while. I've been through a lot of changes in my life, a lot of challenges. However, I thank God because I've got a renewed purpose in my life and that's getting my life back on track. I've been low but now I'm climbing up the mountain, not in pride but in confidence in God. Sometimes, we allow the comments and childishness of others to pull us down from being who we need to be. We allow the circumstances of life to tear us down and stranded in the city called stuck. We allow past and even present predilections keep us from moving forward in life; now we're like Lot's wife. A lot of us have wasted time with wasteful things and wasteful people. But today is a new day. This is a new season. There is change all around us not because we're heading into spring. God has opened His mouth and waved His hands to open opportunities for us to grasp. You know, we like to judge people who are successful; such people like Donald Trump. The man has been through a lot y'all but he fought to reclaim the dream that he saw in his heart. Look at Joseph, over a decade living as a slave and a cellmate. He ended up recapturing the dream that was put in his heart to become. My friends, it's time for us to go get our life back. It's time for us to stop the nonsense and get to living again. Parents, it's time out for being selfish trying to reclaim the glory days of times past when we were younger. It's time to raise our kids and fight for our families. To married couples, husbands and wives, it's time to rekindle the romance in our relationships that God has put together. To those who've been used and abused, forgive those who've trespassed against you that bitterness doesn't harden your hearts. Let go of the hurt and the pain and live again. To business owners, pastors, politicians trying to affect change, and to those who've been down, go get your life back. It first starts with taking hold of the name of Jesus Christ, following His instructions, and moving forward from taking it one step at a time. God is able to redeem the time that we've wasted or has been stolen from us. It's time for us to live and not die and let the world know God strengthens those who've been beaten down. When we get our lives back, don't let nothing or nobody take what God gave to you.

Til next time, dgwo

Isaiah 40:28-31
Joel 2:25-27
Revelation 3:11

Handling Changes

I'm in a new place in my life. Some places in my life I buried deep in the dirt. Other places I allowed weeds to grow up and take residence. Some places I've neglected because of laziness. However, those days are @ a close. I'm learning that being an adult is taking responsibility of all that happens in your life the good and the bad. Many of us don't like that. We want to stay in baby stages so we can point the finger @ others when we mess up. It's easier to blame the man and woman who've done you wrong or gave you the wrong advice. But as the old schools say, it all boils down to what or who you let influence your life. Right now, I'm trying to surround and listen anyone with the voice of reason and wisdom. Without these, we won't make it in this cold world. God has given us His Holy Spirit to not only dwell in us but in others to lead us, guide us, and correct us in truth, righteousness, and judgement. I guess what I'm trying to say also is that we need to ensure we spend time in prayer, Gods word, and meditating on each enlightenment His gives us. David said His word is like a lamp unto our feet and light unto our paths. It's true. To all my people going through changes, know that God is with you. We have to put our trust in Him even when we don't see our next step and the bridges all around us have crumbled. God is here, we just have to make the time to seek Him.
Til next time, dgwo

References:
Psalms 27
Psalms 119

Sabotage!!!!

My friends, sabotage is in the air. It's floating around like a stench of baby poo in the trash can (laugh somebody). I can honestly say that my senses have been heightened to understand sabotage when it rears it's ugly face. We are seeing sabotage occurring more and more on planet Earth no matter where you go. For example look at President Obama. I didn't get a chance to see the 2013 State of the Union address but I can probably envision seeing certain congressmen hating on his views. He probably made some great points and some jokers in the audience probably didn't clap their hands or give honor to where it's due. Then after the man was finished, they "conspire" to stop every agenda he's trying to push (to help Americans) for their own dishonest gain (let's pray for our President). Now that's sabotage. We've seen sabotage occur throughout our world history. The Senate publicly killing Roman emperor Julius Caesar. The sergeant being left for dead by another soldier in Platoon movie. A new leader of a company trying to move it to new levels of innovation but his/her team members are irreverent in their disapproval. A father trying to instill discipline in his children to follow rules but they're cussing him out. A teacher in a high school classroom is trying to educate her students but has to deal with one knucklehead interrupting the whole class. It's crazy, dude. But that's the work of sabotage. I recall an instance of sabotage Jesus was marketing a new strategy of ageless principles in the land of Israel. He chopped it up with those who the Pharisees looked upon as rotten, grimy people. However, Jesus reached out to them and they listened. However, the Pharisees didn't like that because they felt their influence in Jewish society was being threatened. So what do these jokers say about Him. Oh, that dude must be a drunkard. Oh, he's this and he's that. Sabotage will try to ruin others' reputation through lies, deceit, which is all stemming from jealousy. Sabotage. Or what a a out that time when Aaron and Miriam spoke evil about Moses' leadership skills along with dissing his wife (probably called her everything under the sun, too)? They were trying to sabotage Moses from leading the people to the promised land. Even Paul dealt with religious leaders smacking him against the head while he was witnessing the grace of Jesus Christ to roman officials to keep him quiet about the truth. My friends, especially those who are destined for greatest, keep your antennas up, because sabotage is present around you. Like Paul says, we can't be ignorant of Satan's devices and they are readily made to sabotage destiny, purpose, and focus. Sabotage can come from anybody, anywhere, or anything. My friends, I allowed a whole year (2012) to be ruined because I allowed sabotage to take me not from behind but right in my face. Instead of fighting against it and strategies, I laid down and died. But now, I'm like a warrior, sort of like William Wallace, I'm fighting against sabotage. As my man Starnes told me, you've got to fight. So, let me leave you with these words from my man Peter and let it make you wise:

1st Peter 4:1-2:
"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."

As we commit more of ourselves to God, this means we've got to up our wisdom to war against sabotage. Stay alert. Stay alive. And remember, no matter who or what you are, sabotage is always looking to take you down. Through wisdom and strategy we will defeat this foe.

Til next time, esta luego, dgwo.

References:
Luke 7:33-35
1st Peter 4:1-2

Manipulation

Manipulation: 1 : to treat or operate with or as if with the hands or by mechanical means especially in a skillful manner
2 a : to manage or utilize skillfully
b : to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage
3 : to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one's purpose

I think this is becoming more prevalent as the days go by in our society. I was just driving down the road and bam, the word manipulation gets into my head. This skill is used primarily to hide the track of a person's real agenda. A little while ago, I was talking about intentions. Well, I guess this is part two. Manipulation is a common skill used in warfare strategy to get the upper hand of one's enemies. We see the movies where a beautiful woman entertains a king, seduces him, and when opportunity knocks, they take his life. Nowadays, for certain people to get ahead in life, they play on the love and emotions of people. Some people use money or investment plans to get others to buy into their mumbo jumbo. Some people will use their supposed gift of fab and knowledge to overthrow one to gain position. Some people simply use their good looks to entice others; thereby keeping their sight from seeing the real picture. Some people love to get close to others and then ruin them. I've seen it, I've done it, and I've experienced it. Manipulation has the power to destroy. It's another form of rebellion against ones authority/leadership. It's a form of lust, pride, jealousy, and anger because somebody can't get it their way. Manipulation I believe is one of the top 10 destiny killers in the history of man. From Adam and Eve, to Genghis Khan, to Adolfo Hitler. I'm telling you my friends, we gotta be like one reggae artist St. Matthew says, Wise up. Like they used to say back in the day, it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. Even Nehemiah dealt with manipulation from his enemies but told those jokers he wasn't going to stoop to their level. You know, we live in an interpersonal relationship world. We have to be careful of the bones that's in our closet we share with others. They'll see them and tell everybody your "sacred" business. We have to be careful of how we conduct ourselves especially those of us in management positions. People are praying for our downfall and like vultures, will feed on the dead (I'm learning momma, I'm learning). So how do we overcome manipulation, this thing that will cause us to compromise, to lose heart, to castrate our purpose? We study the Word of God, we pray, we walk in the Spirit, we link up with those who've been where we're trying to go. Most importantly, we come to grips with the fact those who are employed with manipulation are trying to dominate you and make you feel less than. Trust me, I dealt with this all my life and now at 31, I'm standing up straight to confront it with ease. If your businessman and your successful at what you do, don't let nobody make you do anything different. If your an educator who's got a successful track record of teaching, don't let those who are jealous swipe you down with their lies. And married couples, don't let everybody in your business especially when your having "heated fellowship." I know this is a long post but I just couldn't put this in the back burner. Much luv to everybody and get manipulated; be educated!!! (Knowledge with love is power!!!!) Don't let nothing or nobody take away your purpose!!!!

Til next time, gdow

Reference:
Romans 16:19
Revelation 3:11

Grow Up

Maturity:
noun
1 her progress from childhood to maturity: adulthood, majority, coming-of-age, manhood, womanhood.
2 he displayed a maturity beyond his years: responsibility, sense, levelheadedness; wisdom, discrimination, shrewdness, sophistication.

This word is what we need. This is what we should aspire to achieve. This is what we should covet to become and discipline ourselves to obtain. But to be quite honest, a lot of us in American society aren't trying to get that at all. As the definition of this word maturity shows, "responsibility, sense, levelheadedness, wisdom, sophistication", is what we run away from. Maturity also entails accountability, an open mind (an expanded view of life), and learning new tricks (despite if we're old dogs). Why do we run from maturity? Why do we love the comforts of acting like 12 year-old middle school kids always starting something? Why do we hate to listen and apply the wisdom we receive on the daily? It's crazy but it's true. Within the past couple of years, maybe the past two years, I've seen immaturity in my immediate surroundings at an all time high, even within myself. The gossip. The lying. The cheating. The brown-nosing. The disrespect. Etc. Etc. We see this happen from the business world, to the college rooms, to the executive board meetings, and to the professional basketball team (i.e. - look at Kobe's plight with the Lakers {Dwight Howard}). Immaturity is like the worst form of malignant cancer for business relationships, friendships, church communities, and teachers providing valid information to his or her students. Those who are mature have to pray two hours more to deal with them and their complaining. Mature people can't hang with those who are immature because they already know it's like making a stubborn mule drinking fresh water from a well. Those who are mature are always in forward motion, looking to help someone as they as going somewhere, and desire to leave a mark of success (even in the midst of failure) before they're six feet deep. But let me give you all a bulleted list of immaturity:

• sensitive and takes offense when corrected
• shuns wisdom
• selfish and moody
• untrustworthy and messy
• busybody and unaccountable
• acting like a fool (in other terms, ghetto)
• no respect for authority (God, boss, laws, etc.)
• shameful and off the chiz-ain

So what is the definition of immaturity:
noun
the state of being immature or not fully grown.
• behavior that is appropriate to someone younger: they were shocked by such immaturity in a grown man.

My friends, I have some good news for us. It's time for us to grow up. It's time for us to be children and be men and women. It's time for us to step up to the plate and be responsible people (i.e. - taking care of our kids and making others raise them for us, admit when we're wrong, being real with ourselves, etc.). It's time for us to stop the gossip because on the real, our words of death are rendering death to the person we're yapping our lips about. It's time for us to stop disrespecting our bosses at our jobs and say yes sir/ma'am, no sir/ma'am (and if they're wrong, pray for them!). It's time for us to stop being and acting ghetto. Be respectful of ourselves and for others for a change. Ghetto-ness is keeping us from going to that next level. It's time for us to stop being so sensitive that people can't even tell us that our shoes are untied. Man, I can go on and on but I'm not inexhaustible. What I'm saying here guys, grow up. We need to do it now. Don't wait until tomorrow because it's not promised. Work towards maturity while its day. Jesus Himself could only achieve favor with God and with man through one thing, Maturity (Luke 2:52). So, let me leave you with these words from my long gone mentor Paul:

1st Corinthians 13:11:
"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

As my man Stephen the Levite said years ago, "It's time for the children of God to grow up..."
Indeed my brother, indeed.

Til next time, Tchuss, gw (exit dgwo).

References:
Proverbs 17:25
1st Corinthians 13:11
Hebrews 6:12

Changes

We can (but some to many of us won't) agree about us homosapiens (humans) is that the word change scares us. I'm not talking about a political change or what we work (or dream) for to come into an abundance in our bank accounts. I'm talking about the change where we have to grow up, man up, make better decisions, take on responsibility(ies), and learn to stop keep the masks in our lives. Changes are something that we are afraid of seeing, of embracing, of walking into, and accepting. I know I am sometimes because I realize when one thing changes in my life, everything has to change. About 95% or more don't like and we don't like when people express views of changing "the way we do things." The Pharisees didn't like Jesus' message and come to find out, that some way of thinking hasn't changed much in 2013. Within the past couple of months, I've seen so much resistance to the change that He's bringing into the world (saved and unsaved) it's a dog-on shame. Why do we resist something that is made to better us? I know why. We don't like the inevitable, the unknown, the places and times we can't control. We don't like to have to let go of the past as well as the comforts of the present we worked so hard for to escape the hardships of our past; though we say we're working towards a better future (don't front). Food for thought, my friends, this is how we think and some of you may say, wow Dave, who are you to judge me? That means God's pricking tool is at work as He pricks me to write this (which I've tried to hold back for almost two weeks; the reason why I haven't posted a blog for so long). Change is essential for us to go to that next level in our lives. While the doors are open, why not move from where we are and walk through it? But we see that we have to leave those security features of messy friends, messy relationships, messiness, messy attitudes, messy bad habits, that we've become so accustomed to. Who woulda knew that thoughts like these are presently reigning in me and you (in correct terms, you and I)? I see more resistance to change more in our churches, more in our workplace, more in our school systems, more in our races, and more in our governments like never before. Like an old man tells me, some people who act idioticly intentionally create platforms from dissallowing necessary changes to make life better from happening. We are sabotagers of our own destiny that Christ desires so much to give to us. I think this is why Paul did so much in his life because he learned to adapt to wherever and whenever the Lord lead him. Now that sounds like an old tune by Robert Blair and the Fantastic Violinaires (extreme old school). We hate the fact we have to mature; meaning learning to trust God more in more tight situations, keeping our mouths shut when people have worked past the last strands our patience, and at times, you've got to pick up that book (Holy Bible) to input wisdom so we can overcome the comforts of laziness. Changes, changes in how we perceive things and how we treat even the worst of our enemies. Seeing our enemies can be closer to us because they put on sheep's clothing with the fairest of ease. Changes are in the air, can't you smell them? The call to maturity. The call to get closer, the call to leaving behind childish things? Even those friends we think are good for us but by our love they take advantage us and transfer poison, which is slowly killing our dreams. Then when our dreams are dead, oh now we realize they are, our supposed friends move on without apology, as we have to pray to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives. Don't be like me. Go ahead and accept the changes God is making in your life. We're all spiritual beings who have been given the power of free will to make a choice to listen to the voice of God or listen to the voice of the other lesser one(s).
Changes are necessary. Changes are good. Changes are God's purposes for man so that we don't become dependent on us. But that we learn to be dependent on Christ Jesus. Now let me leave so I can apply what I just shared with you all.

Til Next Time, FKA....

References:
Psalms 90:1-12
1st Corinthians 13:11
Philippians 4:11-13

Listen To The Old Schools

I'm glad for the jobs I've worked in my recent work history. I've had the pleasure of taking in a lot people whom I refer to as the old schools. What are old schools? These are people both men and women who experienced things a newer generation hasn't. They have a lot of wisdom, insight, retrospect, and intellect new schools don't have. They go another route when they see danger rising rather than a younger dude who's inquisitive will keep on and get maimed. From handling finances, to treating your family right, to beating you down at the pool hall to help increase your acumen; they are priceless. Solomon said it best that we should never take down the landmarks our predecessors set. We are to look on them and listen to them even when it feels like they are telling us what's wrong with us instead of our accomplishments. This is what they are hear for to tighten our shot group and make us better. They are our groomers and shapers. I think many of us avoid being around them because they're always teaching us about some aspect of life mainly from their own experiences. Life on life as J'son would say. However, these are teachable moments we need to grasp because in these times we're living in, they are few, few, and in between. They can teach us a thing or two about how to be better husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, business people, students, etc. Me, even in my thirties, I'm around a lot of old schools. When I talk to my dad he'll spend about 2 hours telling me what and what not to do in my family life. My godfather will always tell me to take pictures because every part of life is precious and time is something we don't get back. My first and one year ahead of me cousin always tells me to live life to the fullest the way God instructs you to do. Even old schools at my job will share with you some jokes that most won't get but see hilarious! We need to stop stopping our ears to what they are saying and listen. Get our heads out of our third point of contact and listen. Whether they cuss like sailors or respectful in all their manners, dig through the coals to find the diamonds they hold. God is the giver of all wisdom and knowledge and He uses many people to store them. Let's not be like Balaam who refused to listen to a dumb donkey trying to keep us from doing something stupid. Let's not be like Rehoboam who listened to his peers rather than his elders concerning important issues. Let's be like Paul who sat at the feet of Gamaliel and learned many things about life from him. Let's be like Moses when his father-in-law Jethro was spitting game to him on how to structure leadership within the people of Israel. Let's be like Solomon who sat by the bedside of his dying father David to hear his experiences, wisdom, and the need to love God before anything or anyone else. These are the treasures of the old schools still hear today. They may walk a little slower than us and may be a bit frugal, but we will learn how to live well and long as them. They may seem strict and old fashioned in how they handle situations but look at the respect many give them. Some of them may be in the gutter but the pearls they hold inside and share with us will make our lives smooth as butter. They may walk with a gangster lean or tell dry jokes but I assure you they'll bless your life beyond measure. They are our mentors and warn us that history repeats itself; that those who experience will not get lucky if they don't listen to their instructions. So much to say about them. I thank God for the old schools in my life. You should be thankful, too. If you don't have any, well, I know what to ask God for concerning you. We need wisdom because it's the principal thing, ya heard?! Listen to the old schools, my friends. TRUST!!! snap, snap (rich Valley girl voice)

Special thanks to William "Dad O" Overton, Kevin Holt, Pastors "Q & C" Scott, Al McAllister, Jermaine "Lavar" Carmichael, My parents and Pastors "A&A" Scott, Starnes & Starnes, Beenie Freeney, Big Sam, and my music teacher William "Bassman" Mayo. You all have impacted my life in a major way.

Til next time, dgwo

Reference:
Exodus 18
Numbers 22:22-35
1st Kings 2:1-4
1st Kings 12
Proverbs 22:28
Acts 22:3

Hurt People Hurt People

"Oh you injuring, oh you're injured, huh, hurt people hurt people that's what I heard..."
That's a lyric from a lyricist by the name of J. Johnson (The Struggle on ITunes). I really didn't hear this part of the second verse until I was going through some hurt myself. It's one thing to get wounded by your enemy but it's another thing to be wounded by those who say they love you. Jesus' own people cried for the Romans to crucify Him. Paul was chased down down by his own people. Anne Bolyn was betrayed by her own father as so she did to her own sister. Nothing hurts more and when we allow the hurt to fester we hurt other people. Now it becomes more than what we heard it becomes reality through our actions. There have been many people I've hurt in various ways than I can imagine. At times, I don't get much sleep and I pray to God for His forgiveness. Some people wonder why people do certain things. Why do fathers leave their families? Why do husbands divorce their wives to be with another woman who's using them for monetary gain? Why do kids kill other kids in schools? Why do women sleep with other dudes unprotected as they spread the virus? Why do certain rich people create laws to destroy the working class? One word explains it all; hurt. A bleeding heart ad a wounded mind will cause any one of us to hurt others. It breeds unforgiveness and malice. We become a god in our own right as we meet out punish to others we deem evil. We exact revenge. For others, we hurt people just because. Our hearts have become hard without love, emotion, or feelings to what we do to others. Hurt people hurt and it's getting worse day by day. When we're living hurt, we want to share the wealth of it. We see someone who's doing something with their life and what do we bleeding hearts do? We instigate something and finally get them to crack to lower themselves to our hurt. Now they lose everything the way we lost. That's a law of attraction for you, my friends. Our hurt drives even our loved ones who are trying to help us out of the pit away from us. Sometimes, this experience causes them to turn hard-hearted too and never seek to help anyone else again. Parents abandon their kids because their parents abandoned them. The list goes on, people. I hate to say it but Jesus was right. Evil will abound and the love of many of us will become cold. So what is the solution? Love is God, and God is love. Right now, I'm in a transition from my hurts to experiencing His love again. Of course the careless, vile, decrepit, and heartless side of myself doesn't want this to happen. However, for me to live is to live and experience His love. Love is the answer and if everybody doesn't get it, well that's ok. Everybody ain't feeling Jesus message but those hurt people who hurt people are tired of the hurt and want change. Jesus' love brings change when we allow ourselves to experience it. I know I've said a lot in this post. I'm just going through a healing process. I'm not the only one. One thing I will say, don't be like me, a man who at times when he is hurting looks to hurt anyone in my path. Learn God's love and do right by others; even on those who hurt you. This is what Jesus did, even as He was dying on the cross.

Til next time, dgwo

Reference:
The Gospel of Matthew (that's right, the whole thing)

Motives

I was reading something this morning and it really hit me hard. Still is. You have not because you don't ask and you don't have it because you ask in amiss to use what you ask for to please you. Ouch. But as I think further, this is how I've been for a long time. The heart of the message is motive. Motives are intentions, plans, or prospective plans we make in life to achieve a certain goal. Whether it's starting a family, expanding a business, or buying a new car, there are inner motives behind our plans. We all have motives whether they are good or bad. Some call them intentions. Others call them predilections. But in al, they sum up to be motives. Lately, my level of understanding has been getting upgraded through insights of introspection, retrospection, and observation. Just recently, an old school was telling me about a class he took a couple of years about how people operate. He told me that when we just sit back and look, we will see what's really in a man's heart. Now as I think on his words and much study, I believe those words are true. We have to be careful of our motives and the motives of others. Sometimes, we do things to impress others, to show our superiority over others , or rob others of great opportunities because of our selfishness and greed. We have to watch others by certain comments they make about us or certain situations. Some people will do good things for you but will only do things to get you off guard. Once they see you are open game, the knife slits the throat. Some of us have wrong motives and csn get away with a lot of hidden acts but God knows our hearts. if we don't check our hearts, bad motives will kill our life lines. Jesus would sit back and see what really was in men's hearts. He knew their thoughts because their actions spoke louder the words. Their words of self righteousness expelled wrong in their hearts. He referred to them teaching others so poorly to lord over others that they would become twice the devil in hell. He exposed their supposed piety for their community to give them a place of honor. But that's honor. In today's world people create laws, make business deals, or even share teachings only to enslave others for their benefit. This has been occurring since the beginning of time. If we're going to do things, let us do them only to bless others seeking nothing else in return. Let's have the right kind of motives that please God alone instead of always trying to impress the fair weather friendliness of man. When we pray asking God for something, let us learn to seek to do His will instead of trying to coerce Him to do our will. Most importantly, let's discipline ourselves from hurting others by our intentions of greed and power. Motives. We've got to watch them. They're deadly. Trust me.

Til next time, dgwo.

Reference:
1st Samuel 18:1-15
Matthew 9:4
1st Timothy 4:16
James 4:1-4