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I’m not one of those guys that usually makes comments like, ‘the problem with this generation is (blank)’.  However, I do feel that we can do one simple thing that will make a difference to other people.  In our society, we don’t do a good job of showing gratitude.

Most of this can be remedied by just simply saying ‘thank you’.  It isn’t hard and doesn’t take any effort or time but allows people to be appreciated.  Whenever someone does something for me or for Freedom, I always try to make it a point to let them know that I am grateful.

Often, I will even send them a card and possibly a gift to know just how grateful I really am.  The moral of this story…. say ‘thank you’.  It’s just that simple!

Below are some principles that I learned while reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad that really resonated with me:

Five Obstacles to Financial Independence

1. Fear. Don’t play it safe and cling to what you think is secure. If you don’t
   go for it and think big you won’t be able to earn big.
2. Cynicism. Don’t listen to advice of others who are not doing what you intend
   to do. Listen to your self and those who are doing what you aim to do.
3. Laziness. A little greed is good and fights laziness. Think about the freedom and
   money you’ll have and you will make the necessary changes. Adapt your thinking.
   Instead of saying “I can’t afford it.” Ask yourself “How can I afford it?”
   Challenge your mind to create solutions.
4. Bad Habits. Spending habits should turn into saving and investing habits.
5. Arrogance. Don’t think you know everything there is to know about money.
   Listen to others.

Good things to avoid in regard to finances.  Now time to put them into practice.  Ready…GO!

I just finished reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.  Since you asked, I’ll give you my thoughts:

1.  The book was an easy read.  You can knock out the chapters quickly.

2.  It challenged me to think differently about money. Not major shifts, but little tweaks.

3.  Kiyosaki thinks you are stupid and a hamster if you don’t agree with him.

4.  It was motivating to save more, spend less, and make my money work for me.

5.  I would recommend the book.  It is well worth the time it took to read it.

Here are a few of my thoughts about the recent death of the King of Pop:

1.  He was unbelievably talented.  No one can question that.

2.  He was the Elvis of my generation. He will be greatly missed.

3.  Personal issues can trump talent and ability.  He is either known by people for 1 of 2 reasons:  His musical ability or his family and personal issues.

4.  His life is a reminder to me of a couple of things:

a.  Money can’t fix everything.

b.  Be careful who you hang out with.  All weekend long I have heard about how he died deep in debt because the people around him took advantage of him.

5.  Life is short.  Make it count…shmon!

1.  I am surprised how much I have been affected by the death of Michael Jackson.  I have been listening to his music non-stop since yesterday.  He was one of the most prominent voices in my generation.  More thoughts coming in a post next week.

2.  Joni and I had dinner at Two Urban Licks last night.  GREAT place!  The atmosphere and food were amazing.  We’ll certainly be going back.

3.  Busy weekend ahead.  We kick it off with a party tonight for our groups leaders.  Good times!

4.  Had the opportunity to hang out with the Executive Pastors’ from a couple of area churches yesterday.  I love networking and learning from what God is doing at other churches.

5.  You don’t want to miss Sunday.  Week 2 of the Rebel series is going to be awesome!  You won’t believe what song you are going to hear.

6.  Presley will be here any day!  I forgot how crazy it is knowing that a baby could be here any minute.  For people who like to plan like me, it drives us crazy!!

7.  Joni and the kids are napping.  I think I am going to watch a movie.  See ya!

Check out these verses.  They contain a very cool Bible story with a lifechanging principle.

My Pastor says all the time that “the issue is not in God’s ability or willingness to give but in our ability to contain the blessing of God.”

How does this translate to real life?  Most of the time, God cannot give us what we are  praying  for because we do not have the systems to handle what we are praying for.  What are you currently doing to add ‘jars’ to your life?  If you are looking to improve in a certain area, why not call the best and spend some time learning from them?

At Freedom, we talk to people all over the country where God is moving in an incredible way so that we can learn from them.  This helps us to be prepared for what God is going to do in our future!

How are you adding ‘jars’?

We serve a powerful God.  There’ s no question about that.

After all, He created the universe.  He makes the sun come up every morning.  He even defeated death!

One of the things that I’m being reminded of constantly is that SAME POWER lives in me!  As a follower of Christ, I can handle any situation because of that promise.

Struggling with sin…the same power lives in you!

Big decisions to make…the same power lives in you!

Health issues…the same power lives in you!

Relationship problems…the same power lives in you!

God is trustworthy!  Look to Him, no matter what your current situation is like.  He will bring you through!

1.  We will literally be having a baby any day now.  I can’t wait for Presley’s arrival.

2.  Brayden has discovered video games.  He can’t wait for me to get home each day to play Mario Kart on Wii.

3.  I had a great Father’s day!  I got to spend 1/2 the day at Freedom and the other half with the people I love the most.  Doesn’t get much better than that!

4.  We took some time to Shoot the Hooch on Saturday.  7 of us tubed 6 1/2 miles down the Chattahoocee River.  It was extremely relaxing.  However, everyone was quite red and very hungry after 6 hours on the river.

5.  We are probably getting ready to buy a new car soon.  We’ll probably get something a little better equipped to handle 3 kids.  We’ll sell my Grand Am, which has no AC.  That won’t make me very sad:)

6.  The stage set-up for our Rebel series is SWEEEEET!  It involved motorcycles and a steel cage.  Very nice look!

In one sentence, what would you want people to say about you after you die?

Morbid thought.  Great question.  Let me hear it!