We live in a world that is rife with negative news, negative outlooks, negative reports, and an overall gloom and doom perspective on everything. There is a constant barrage of negative information being thrust on us. On one hand we have swine flu, and on the other we have the recession. This pundit thinks this, and another thinks that. Reporters don't really report anymore, rather, they tell us what to think and what to expect. It's almost like a weather forecast, but for your life; TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE, CLICK TITLE

Famine comes to everyone at sometime in their lives. If you live long enough, you will likely experience more than one season of this nature. The question is not, will I experience famine? The question is, what will you do when it comes, and what is God trying to accomplish IN YOU through the process? TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE, CLICK TITLE ABOVE

"As a man thinketh in his HEART so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) This is a very familiar proverb; one that you have no doubt read, or heard, many times. I have come to believe over the last several years that there is more truth in this saying than what we may have realized. You see, the 'heart' is at the heart of the matter, indeed. The Bible say much about the heart, and yet we spend so little time understanding and caring for it. I submit that the 'heart', as discussed hear, is synonymous with the SOUL. As we shared in our last posting, the soul is that arena of our being that houses the emotions, the memories, the beliefs, the hurts, etc. It is that area that governs so much of the actions and outcomes we experience. (Read more by clicking article title).

One of the most powerful truths I've ever been exposed to is that each of us are formed after a pattern. We are made in God's image. We are crafted in His likeness. We are, as He is, tripartite beings. We are SPIRIT, SOUL, and BODY.

As I am writing this week's entry, I am flying at 32,000 feet in seat 4C, enjoying the last leg of a very long trip home. As many of you know, I spent the last 7 days in the great nation of Zimbabwe. While I went to be a part of an annual international conference, I was touched by the contrast between my first trip there 13 years ago, and now. What a difference a few years makes. The economy of this nation came to a grinding halt last year, and is just now showing signs of leveling off. While there are still many who are struggling, it is obvious that faith has carried the people there through.

I'm off today to one of my favorite places in the world ... Zimbabwe. Since 1996, I have made 15 trips to southern Africa, and every time I go, I am reminded that we have so much to be grateful for. You see, most Americans have a very limited view of the world, and really have not taken the time, or, have not had the opportunity to see other perspectives as it relates to economies, lifestyles, cultures, and nations.

Everyone of us are BORN to be leaders. Our created purpose is to LEAD, MANAGE, RULE, and GOVERN the earth and all its facets. This leadership potential should manifest in direct correlation with our God given purpose. You see, You are wired for a specific purpose and assignment. Your life is not about simply existing or biding time. You have a destiny, and it is to LEAD in some area, some arena, for some specific assignment.

I came across this article by Lou Tice that I found to be very helpful. Many times we work so hard "doing things right", but still seem to get nowhere. In Lou's article, he states that we must seek to do RIGHT THINGS, right! I encourage you to take a look. This really challenges me to take a look at what I am doing in every area. Effectiveness brings results!

In a world where our core values and beliefs are being challenged every day, it is crucial that we explore and examine, ‘what do I believe’? (Click Title for complete article)

This article addresses one of the most key questions that we all must deal with if we are to have good success in life. The question ... "What Do I Want?" This is a question we MUST address if we are to succeed on any level in life. CLICK TITLE FOR FULL ARTICLE