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Your value is so great, I cannot see your flaws.

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The Queen's Garde

Do you have friends or family that have such great value to you that their flaws are inconsequential to you?  Can you imagine a life where you do not see the flaws in others? If the mindset of not seeing others flaws is to work, you have to continue to rid yourself of internal flaws. Remove and reduce the shortcomings in your life and the downfalls of others will be a blur. This work of ignoring flaws in others will cause you to leave their problems to them and God. You then can focus on becoming a greater you.

If we act like God and cover the nakedness of our friends and family there is no time for petty arguments. The Bible has a major prescription for the abolishment of flaws it is called LOVE. There are many types of Love, but the Love that covers sin is one that is gained by tapping into the heart of God through prayer.

8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine.

9 Then washed I thee with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. Ezekiel 16:8-9

God values us so much that He not only covers us, but He enters into a covenant with us. And this covenant washes away all sins that we create here on earth.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins

Generate love between you and the Father and demonstrate Love between you and those close to you. Demonstrate your Love/Charity without a grudge or complaining in order to receive the reward. Charity in the following verses can be interpreted as Love (Agape LOVE).

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 1 Peter 4:7-9

Most of our friends and family members have flaws that are evident because we are close to them. But why stir up strife when you can stir up Love. See those close to you as God sees them, washed, clean and whole.

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He is risen: What is in it for me?

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Diana Spencer 4-20-14

Romans 8:34
Who is he that condemned? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also market intercession for us

On this Eater Sunday, there are a lot of great thoughts that flood my mind. How Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins. And he gave us a way to be forgiven for our sins. One particular benefit that applies to life on earth is the ability to receive healing. Modern medicine says that the body heals itself. Believers say thanks to modern medicine God has perfected the ability of the body to become whole. Since Jesus is Risen what do we get while we are here on earth. Malachi express our healing benefit emphatically.

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 4:1-3

Fear, respect and reverence for God causes the Son of Righteous to arise with healing in His wings. This is your benefit for Him being Risen. So selfishly, I say thank you God for creating a savior named Jesus who is risen with healing for me and you on this earth.
Even more, with your healing comes triumphant victory over your enemies. These enemies are not so much people but habits and spirits that take you away from the will of the Father. Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father making intercession for your every problem especially your healing is great news. Healing is in the Risen Jesus for those who Believe.

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What if the Struggle is the Blessing?

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What if the struggle is the gift? What if God gave you the struggle as a gift to you?
Entreprenuer

What if our greatest struggles are our greatest acheivements? We are looking for struggle free days. Moments of life where we have no worries are rare. I thought when I got saved I wouldn’t have to worry anymore. Maybe when I got married then I would have no stress. For sure when I have some children I will live a life free from struggle and strain. All of these wonderful milestones have enriched my life immensely but I am still in the struggle. Struggling is what got you where you are at now, the harder you try to succeed, the more God sees your struggle, which is you to make you better.

Courtesy of www.biblegateway.com
James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
God immediately counts the person who perseveres under trail as blessed. He extends His grace further by bestowing the Crown of Life upon the person.

What a wonderful gift for staying in the struggle. Here is a quote from Twitter “@RealTalkWarrior: God has resolution for your pain, a reason for your struggle and a reward for your faithfulness. Don’t give up!”
How would you like to be strengthened with all might? This would boost your ego, I know I have often prayed for strength during an intense struggle. Sometimes the answer to the prayer is have “The Patience to Dominate”. The Bible says to have longsuffering with joyfulness. Once again the theme that the Struggle is the Blessing. On the other side of through is a blessing. is an old church song.

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Colossians 1:11 (KJV)

As soon as we began to think that we are the only ones that are going through this struggle called life God reminds us that there were many predecessor in the Struggle. In the book of James we are pointed towards the prophets. They had many afflictions in the Struggle. Patience toward the promise is part of the blessing. The peace of mind of knowing that you shall prevail is worth the Struggle. Once again the world altering mindset that Believers and God count you as a “Happy Person” if you endure. By mentioning Job I believe the Lord clarifies that no matter how hard the Struggle the faith of the believer in the Struggle causes God to have tender mercy and bestow an everlasting blessing.

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.James 5:10-12(KJV)

Normally, I write a post to complete a thought but this idea that the Struggle is the blessing has me a little perplexed. Intellectually I get the theory but my human emotions need a bit more research. What beliefs and feelings do you have on “The Struggle is the Blessing”?

 

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Vision: A peaceful destination

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We have clear picture of what Nelson Mandela believed was his duty but what do the rest of us consider our duty to our people and our country.

When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace

Nelson Mandela

As a business owner I believe my duty is to provide quality products to customers and to cultivate a positive work space for all of the people who help provide these products and services. But even deeper I feel a responsibility to show a positive example to the greater community of what real role models and visionaries look like. This idea feels more like a calling than a desire.

As a leader for your family and in your community you have to define your goals and decide what is a satisfactory finish line.  When you are deciding goals and what drives you don’t take it lightly. Be serious and take some time. Be sure about your calling.

 

 

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall 2 Peter 1:10

 

One word that stands out in the original quote from Mandela is “considers” because it implies volumes of thought. To consider takes some time and patience. Patience that will guide you to a clear future. To “rest in peace” as a result of patience towards your duty is reward along the way. Think about your duty or calling and put it into visible words. Place your goals and duties before your eyes. Now you have a road map and a finish line.

There are a lot of instructions in 2 Peter, Chapter 1 but “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” highlights the seriousness of consideration in regards to your duty or calling. Be sure of yourself in this life and you will rest in peace and never fall.

 

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I’m Black First

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I am Black First
That’s what you see
That’s how you judge

What do you see in my dirty jeans? What about these nails? Does the dirt turn you off or do you see the strength of mother earth going with me everywhere?

Describe the ideal husband… What is the shade caramel or chocolate?
I am smart. I am funny. I speak four languages, and can say hello in 13.
“Hola!”
I know business. I play wind instruments. The harmonica is jazzy.
Walking across the street to make a deposit at the bank. What do you see at the intersection? Why do I smell fear on you and see you clutch your purse? I’m so happy.

God has met a need. He gave my pockets a “pot-belly”. Can we make them slightly overweight like most Americans?

If I shed a few pounds would you forget my mahogany and wish it ivory?

Beauty shares no stage. Look outside and feel inside it is okay.
I’ll be PRESIDENTIAL or maybe MVPish. I’m Still Black First.

If you are so scared or I’m so equal, let’s view equal. Have you been to a factory? What do you see?  SEE no evil – Speak no evil.

What about Football?
Run boy Run          We the Best            But don’t stop running
Still be proud when WE win

I am Black First. Mix it with anything and I am still Black First.

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Dream the Impossible

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It always seems impossible until it’s done. Nelson Mandela

On April 26, 1994, more than 22 million South Africans turned out to cast ballots in the country’s first multiracial parliamentary elections in history. An overwhelming majority chose the ANC to lead the country, and on May 10 Mandela was sworn in as the first black president of South Africa, with de Klerk serving as his first deputy.
The possibility of a Black president in South Africa had to seem silly but once it was done it now seems common. When Nelson Mandela was fighting for a free South Africa he had to imagine this society free and believe in the people and the process. Part of this particular process resulted in in lengthy jail time. Of all the dreams I have none of them involve jail time. When we first started our business we had a dream of financial independence. This seemed impossible because In had no real knowledge on the subject of business. Twenty years later it seems impossible to envision another lifestyle.

Dream big, think the impossible and then go do it.

Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible

Our Father helps living Man create possibilities here on earth. Do not wait until you get to heaven to receive your glory work on it now. Expect great results and that is what you will have. Do not look at the size or difficulty of the task but look at the possibilities of the dream. Nelson Mandela came from a small village and influenced the world by focusing on what was possible. You will change your situation by acting in the same matter.

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How to do a lot of things at one time

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info@mikolji.comWrite it all down
Write all of your project and to-do things down on paper. I say this over and over and over again. Electronic notation in your phone or on your pad is fine also but set frequent reminders. Even set a reminder to review your list. Write down small things in a consistent visible place and you will have a better chance of completing them. If your list are large it is okay because at least you will not forget anything. Write down the major and the insignificant because the insignificant will cloud your brain at the most inopportune time. Remember to keep a consistent place for you list: sticky notes and little pieces of paper get lost. Finally, date all of your list.
Attack the hard stuff first
This is difficult to me because I like volume. I always try to do a lot of projects at the same time. So sometimes I will do the little things to prepare for the big thing. And what always happens is the big thing gets pushed to the next day. Do not procrastinate, Procrastination leads to bad karma. Sometimes the hard stuff needs a list of its own. This is quite aright and possibly preferable because another list will cause you to do it right. The premise of this step is to attack the hard stuff, do not wade in gently: you may get cold feet.
Let nothing wait
Are you ready to dominate, than stop waiting? Sure patience is a virtue but writing an action list requires action. Keep moving forward. Do not be proud of your to-do list, be proud of the action it inspired. Phone calls are the easiest, just take the first hour of the day and call everyone including the people that you know will not answer early. This will promote proactive action and most people will feel obligated to talk with you the second time around. Patience takes action and waiting takes time. Don’t waste time.

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How to choose a Super Bowl quarterback: Leader

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super bowlThe NFL had a great introduction segment to Super Bowl XLVIII. Written on a chalk board was the saying I WILL and each player had an opportunity to write in the blank a statement for the ages. At the end of this brief segment they gave us the voices of both quarterbacks. After I heard both leaders I promptly asked my children, who were not watching at this point, a question. Which quarterback would you rather have leading your team, the one who said, “I WILL, Compete my butt off”, or the one who said, “I WILL, Play the best 60 minutes of football in my life.” Both of them said individually and independently that they would prefer the leader that made the second comment.
Before I revealed the answer I asked them why they made this choice. The answers were profound. They said the “Compete my butt off” answer meant that this leader would rise to the level of his opponent. Whatever effort the other team put out, is what he would give back. The second leader that said, “I WILL, Play the best 60 minutes of football in my life.” Meant that this leader would give everything he had and more. They said he would determine his own fate with his actions and effort.
These answers were so profound because Denver Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning said the first statement and that is exactly the effort we saw. The future Hall of Fame leader competed and let the other team determine his fate. Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson on the other hand gave the performance of his lifetime. Making passes that seamed far above his 2nd year skill level. His decisions in this game were masterful, knowing when to run, when to move and when to be patient in the pocket. His leadership effected the whole team and every Seattle Seahawk seemed to play the Best 60 minutes of football in life.
We respect the efforts and accomplishment of those who compete their butts off. When you have one chance to lead your team to big dreams think like Super Bowl Champion Russell Wilson. Before your next big test or meeting say:

I WILL, Play the best 60 minutes of _(insert your vocation vision)___ in my life.

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Difficulties Break: You Arise

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“Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.” Nelson Mandela

In life we all encounter difficulties that bring us to the edge of our patience. It is here that we find what our true character consists of. Into every life problems fall, some people scream, some people run away and others just give up. All of these options are viable but will not aide you in accomplishing your life’s dreams. Let nothing break your spirit to win and nothing taint you will to live life to your satisfaction. I would rather be cold and free than warm and entrapped. Free your mind from your troubles and you will find a solution.
The axe of life is sharp and seems that it is designed to bring all humans down. We are made blunt and hard to with stand the difficulties of this world. The axe that cuts at us is designed to drive us closer to our true purpose and the Father who fashioned us.
Why does Mandela choose the word sinner? I believe he chose this word to signify that we all have fallen short of the Glory of God but we can rise above any self-inflicted challenge. Seeing your short side does not define your character it shows you what to work on. Pull yourself together face life head on and never back down.
Arm yourself with Hope
Hope is focusing on something that you do not yet see. Hope is an armor that can deflect the axe of life’s problems. You have to pick up hope and hold it. To pick it up requires positive confessions and a positive mental attitude. Mandela teaches that hope is focused on the fact that you “will rise even in the end”. Have patience and “You shall rise in the End”.

Keep trying, never give up, you shall arise

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Dominate Fear

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I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.    Nelson Mandela

Fear is ever present especially in the life of a leader. Fear has a thousand tongues and no hands. You will hear voices and think thoughts that come to disrupt your confidence. Confidence comes from knowing that you are on the right path and doing the right thing. If you are doing the right thing and on the right path the only other element for success is time. Patience knows that fear is along for the ride but ignores all the chatter.
Courageous people seem to walk in a zone of no fear. One popular saying that was turned into a brand is called “NO Fear”. The only reason that people of courage appear to have conquered fear is that they have accepted the fact that fear accompanies all achievement. Courageous people live out loud and their courage talks more than any fear.

Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “Courage is the first of the human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all the others.”
You can be nothing without first demonstrating courage. It takes courage to learn how to walk and talk when you are an infant. And it takes courage to walk and talk about your vision when you are mature. And it definitely  takes courage to tackle another major project when you are old. Dominate fear and you will dominate life.

Maya Angelou said, “Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without it we can’t practice any other virtue with consistency.”

How will you use courage to dominate fear?