Let Go and Let God!
Current mood: peaceful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie

Summer is here and for a teacher that means it is time to rest (recover from the past school year) and rejuvenate one's self for the upcoming school year, which will be filled with many new people and new experiences. Teaching has become an integral part of my life, but it is not all of who I am. I know my time in the classroom is temporary, because God means for me to teach the world one day through my gifts, which is something that cannot be done while confined in a classroom. Being a teacher can often be a thankless job, but it can also be very rewarding giving one the ability to change other people's lives for the better. My greatest role model is a teacher named Jesus Christ! When I am in my classroom I strive to be like Him. It is not easy being a Christ-inspired teacher, because you are bound to be hurt, disappointed and taken for granted by the same people you are trying to help, much like Jesus Christ experienced when He walked on Earth. I had to let go and let God deal with some of the experiences I endured this past school year, because I went through trials, which I know will lead to triumph with Christ by my side.

When you dare to care about someone you also take the risk of being hurt by him or her. Caring for someone is a choice we make. It is idealistic that all teachers care about their students, but it is not always that way. There are teachers who care about each of their students as individuals and there are some who only care about their paycheck. Many of my students tell me I am the nicest teacher they have ever known. I had students that appreciated this, and likewise I had students who tried to take advantage of it. I am not like most teachers in that I look at teaching as if it is a ministry to teach students about academics and life. I had a teacher who I still communicate with who taught me for two years in high school. She was a former nun who brought out the best in me as a writer and as a speaker. I would not be who I am today if it was not for her caring. I believe she transferred her purpose in serving God as a nun into serving God as a teacher. She helped many students, but there were some who simply did not appreciate her help. When I first entered her classroom as an 11th grader she called on me every day in class to speak. Now, if you knew who I was in the 11th grade you may assume this was a traumatic experience. Initially, I thought she was picking on me and was not sympathetic to what I was going through. I realized later that she was helping me face my fears of verbal communication while bringing out the best in my writing ability as well. By the end of the 12th grade I was transformed almost into a new person, because of her support. It is no surprise this caring teacher had such a positive effect on me that I earned three degrees and a professional teaching credential in the subject she taught, and now I teach it to my students. She was a teacher who went the extra mile for her students, and cared about their personal lives as well. I know it was not always easy for her, but I also realize it was worth it. She taught for over 30 years touching more lives than she could have ever imagined coming in contact with as a nun.

Every year I teach I seem to get a few wonderful students who put smiles on my face. Never once did they cross my path without smiling and saying hello to me. It simply showed me that they cared about me as a person and respected me as their teacher. I had students who barely had eye contact with me much less actually speak to me while walking pass me as if they did not know me. I know most people have experienced the hurt of caring for someone who does not care about you reciprocally. I feel for the parent who does everything they can to save their child from a hard life while trying to give them a better life than they had only to be rewarded with rebellion. A good teacher today is much like a parent, because not every child comes from a positive home environment. Every year without fail I give every student (often over 100 students per year) a personalized Christmas card, a gift and candy. I am sure I am the only teacher at my school that does this, but it really affected me when some of my students told me not even their parents gave them what I did for Christmas. I believe in charity (agape love), and it is something I live by. It amazes me how many teachers will not spend a dollar on their students when they make their living off of them. The charity I give to my students throughout the year (including literary books, journals, and school supplies to inspire them to be excellent writers) may cost me a few hundred dollars, but it is only a fraction of my salary. I look at it as investing in their future, and it comes from the heart, because I expect absolutely nothing in return. I know some students who may have never experienced a teacher like me might wonder why I care and give like I do, but they simply should ask themselves why did Christ care and give unto the world? I do not consider myself only a teacher, but a Christian teacher. Even though I cannot teach about Christ in the classroom I strive to be Christ-like in my teaching, which positively affects my students. Every year I have students who sit in class and do nothing but fail even though I give them every opportunity to pass. This can be very discouraging, especially when you give so much of yourself in your profession. Likewise, I have students who go beyond what I ask of them, and it lets me know that it is worth teaching 100 students simply if I have the opportunity to change one of their lives for the better.

I teach at an inner-city high school, which is not far from the one I graduated from, so it is not hard for me to relate to the students I teach. One of the main ways I keep my sanity as a teacher is through constant prayer and guidance from God to do the right thing, but there is something else I do, which is putting myself in the shoes of my students. This is called compassion and it is easy to have when I remember who I was as a high school student. I am sure I let down a few teachers and coaches who tried to help me, because I thought I knew it all like most teenagers do only to discover years later I was ignorant, because of the lack of knowledge and wisdom that comes from experience. Still today I look back and regret some of the things I did as a teenager, but it was part of my learning experience, and a lot of teenagers the way they live today will have to learn about life the hard way. In high school I was never really part of a crowd. I envisioned myself as a leader and I valued my Christian morals. It discomforts me when I think about the sinful lives (premarital sex, alcohol, drugs, etc.) many high school students live today, which will only detrimentally catch up to them in their future. I know their family and friends influence many of my students, which can be a positive or negative influence. When you are part of a crowd or clique you can be influenced to think someone who is actually good is bad, because of other people's perceptions (or ignorance), and likewise, these same people who influence you can lead you to thinking someone who is actually bad is good. Many students will one day realize some of the people they thought were their enemy were actually their friend, and some of the people they thought were their true friends will turn out to be their enemies. It reminds me how a crowd 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem chose to free a murderer named Barabbas rather than an innocent man named Jesus Christ who lived a righteous life of love. To them Jesus was bad, because He symbolized a life they did not want to live, and Barabbas was someone they could relate to, because their lives were filled with sin like his was. As a teacher you can only do so much to help students, but today there are so many boundaries that teachers cannot cross, which often leaves them helpless in changing a student's life for the better. This is when you have to let go and let God handle the situation.

I have my share of disappointments throughout my teaching career, but this year provided one of my most heartbreaking. I realized I had to let go and let God deal with it, because one should never live in the past with hurt, and should never regret the act of kindness. "I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above." Philippians 3:13-14. Being a high school teacher is a unique experience because you get the opportunity to deal with students who are between adolescence and adulthood. I believe at the grade level I teach I have an opportunity to change their lives for the better, but what is sad about it is many of the students are too immature to appreciate my efforts. I had a student who reminded me so much of myself when I was 15 years old I wanted to be a mentor unto this person, because I thought there was so much potential. When I reflect on it I showed more kindness to this student than any student I have ever taught, because I wanted so much for this person to have a positive future, but my kindness was returned with perhaps the most cruelty I have experienced from a student whether it was intentional or not. It seemed like the more I tried to help this student the more hurt was inflicted upon me. I know this student did not ask for my help, and perhaps wondered why I was so kind. It made me wonder myself why I cared so much about my students when it seemed like only a few truly appreciated my endeavors. I then had to stop having a pity party for myself and focus on the life of Jesus Christ. What I went through could not even compare to the hurt Christ felt upon the cross. He was crucified by the very same people He tried to help, but He forgave them, because as He said: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34. I realized I could not see this student as a source of hurt, but as a person worthy of grace and mercy like we all are. I believe there is no person upon this earth who has not made the mistake of hurting someone who tried to help them. I do not regret my kindness, because I know it was an act of charity, and perhaps some of the seeds of positivity I tried to plant will take root and grow by God's grace. It also made me further value the students who did appreciate my help whom I did not show half the kindness I gave to this person.

Throughout my life I have often saw myself as a self-sacrificing saint trying to bring out the good in people, but I realize that one should not have to beg someone to accept a blessing. Often when people do not appreciate the good we do unto them it is because they are not worthy (or deserving) of it. I am reminded of Matthew 7:6: "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." I think we all should step out on faith and help those in need, but only to the point where it is not detrimental with the person you are trying to help trying to hurt you in return, because your good can easily be evil spoken of. I have become a much wiser teacher with each year I teach, because my students often help teach me lessons about life. There is one passage from the Bible I read daily and that is 1 Corinthians 13:13. It is actually the scripture my mother told me God gave her about me when I was in her womb: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and charity, but the greatest of these is charity (love). I will continue to be a teacher of charity, because I know like Christ that even though I may not be appreciated in the present time that my positive effect upon people will be felt for ages. I will never become one of those teachers who stopped caring, because then I will have no place in the classroom. I know when living a righteous life that I will not be adored by the masses, but God will still bless me to be loved by the faithful few, so I will not change. I will only grow in wisdom from the experiences I have endured. "Do not change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect." Romans 12:2.

Letting go and letting God deal with the situation or the person is the correct way a Christian should live. The past cannot be relived or changed, so there is no need to keep living in it reminding yourself of the hurt when Jesus offers the healing of peace. Never regret an act of kindness because when you show love to a person you become Christ-like, because God is Love! When you forgive you become free from the shackles of sin called bitterness and resentment, which only destroy the bearer. Jesus Christ stated: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28. When you give charity (love) you can change the circumstances of people's lives with the humblest gesture. I believe we are all evolving into who God wants us to be when we strive to live righteously. We all deserve grace and mercy because no one is without sin, and there is hope for us all. Remember one of the greatest Christians of all-time who spread Christianity throughout the world was a man named Paul. He was also known as Saul the Christian killer before Jesus changed his life. My greatest hope as a teacher is that I can influence my students to become the best people they can be in life. The whole world is ahead of them and hopefully they will grow into who God means for them to be. I know I am nowhere near who God wants me to be, because He is by no means through with me. I plan on achieving "greatness" in life and the only way that can be accomplished is if I let go and let God! I can do all things through Jesus Christ because He strengthens me! Remember God will never allow more of a burden upon you than you can bear, so let your struggles make you stronger! I want to leave you with my latest poem, which was inspired by my experience this past school year.

Currently listening : History: Our Place in His Story By Cross Movement Release date: 05 June, 2007

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Strength, Courage and Wisdom!
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

An Inspirational Message by Shazzar Kallie

We are in the midst of the season of spring, which is the perfect time to think about "change" and "renewal". It is time to change our outlook on life to be more positive and time to renew our mind, body and soul! Spring is the time for growth and new life from plants to animals. Winter's death is now over and it is time for spring's life to begin. I cannot think of any better season for Easter to take place than spring, because Jesus died so we could live. How often do you think about what you do to make sure that Jesus Christ did not die in vain for you? If someone sacrifices their life for you then you owe it to them to live your life to the fullest, and that is something I plan on doing. Three things that are very important for living a renewed life are "Strength, Courage and Wisdom"! I first realized this very important concept back in the spring of 2001 when I discovered this wonderful album called Acoustic Soul by India Arie. Featured on this album was my favorite song "Strength, Courage & Wisdom". I found myself listening to it every morning almost in a prayer like sense to get me prepared for the day before me. It is amazing how we all have the ability to achieve "greatness" in life already within us. We simply have to have the strength, courage and wisdom to open our minds, hearts and souls to the possibilities that life has in store for us.

Strength is important whether it is spiritual, emotional or physical strength. Most people think of strength as a physical state, but it is mostly a spiritual/mental state of being. How many of us possess the strength to overcome temptation? God will never allow a burden upon us that we cannot bear. God is our protection and our strength. Endurance is another form of strength. The race of life is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures until the end. Athletes know that in order to have a strong physical performance, you must first have a strong mind and heart. As a runner I like to ponder who gives the most valiant effort in their athletic endeavor: the sprinter or the distance runner? Is it easier to run 100 meters full out or run a marathon at a steady pace? Who has given the most effort and has gotten the most contentment out of their effort? I would definitely have to go with the marathon runner. I do not know many people who take pride after having completed a 100 meter run unless they break a record, but you can finish last place in a marathon and feel utmost pride in simply finishing, because it symbolizes endurance, which is what true strength is all about. Has there ever been a time you have been tired? When you think about it I mean more than just physically tired, but spiritually tired or emotionally tired. It seemed like you were so tired you wanted to quit the race and give up. The race could be in the form of a relationship, a job or even a dream/goal in life. How many of us are strong enough to hang in there and see the race until the end? God gives strength to those who are tired and power to those who are weak. When you trust in the Lord you will be given the strength to endure. If life seems to have given you a burden so heavy that it is weighing you down, then give that burden unto the Lord, and it will become light and bearable. What is strength without faith? They go hand in hand to meet the problems in life. Remember God will never allow a burden upon you that you cannot bear, so believe in yourself and know you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You will be amazed at how strong you are when you are faced with conflict. Sometimes we do not know how strong we are until we have our back against the ropes and the only way out is to fight the good fight of faith. Just when you thought you were about to get knocked out you battle back with strength to win in the end, because of your endurance.

Courage is something we all can use. Courage is essential to my livelihood, because I actually work in a profession that requires daily and constant public speaking. If you knew me growing up then you would know that public speaking was something I dreaded and would avoid at all costs. It was not that I did not like having the opportunity to speak publicly, but I had a burden upon me that caused verbal conflicts with my speech. Sometimes God will allow a burden upon us to make us stronger, and through this I discovered my gift for writing, but that still did not give me the excuse to live in fear by avoiding speaking. Before I became a teacher I worked in the field of corporate writing, but I always wondered what I could be doing and the impact I would have on others if I simply had courage to face my fears. I faced my fears by becoming a teacher, which is a profession that forces me to speak in any situation. When I am in my classroom I am in a world filled with courage, because I realize that if it were not for my courage to face my fears I would not even be there. I actually forget my old self who lived in fear afraid to let my voice be heard, because I am so consumed with being a courageous person and inspiring my students to have courage as well. I realized how much I love to speak and have the opportunity to change other people's lives with my voice. We all have fears in this life, but you can turn your fears into courage with faith. So many of us are consumed with judgment from other people and even ourselves. We are afraid that we may fail, or that someone will not accept us. We are even afraid of success, because it may force us out of our comfort zone. When I think about courage I think of the conquering Lion of Judah in the form of Jesus Christ. As a Christian it is my duty to be like a lion that is filled with courage and boldness. Would Jesus Christ have changed the world if He did not have courage and boldness? He did not care what other people thought about Him, but was focused on What God thought about Him and accomplishing His mission. You will be amazed at how you will forget about the criticism and judgment of others when you focus on pleasing God and accomplishing the goals God has given you the ability to achieve. Read Psalm 27 and you will realize how when we put our trust in the Lord we will receive all the courage we need in life. I fear no man or no thing, but I only fear God, which allows me to strive to keep His commandments so I can be the best Christian I can be. Jesus is my confidence and I know with Christ by my side the race is won before it has even begun. How can you replace your fear with courage? People who are courageous do not lack fear, but they go forth in spite of their fears, thereby facing them and defeating them with faith. Love is a powerful opponent of fear, because perfect love casts out fear. Strive to be a person of love (even loving your enemies), because God is Love, and those who love are of God! Do you have the courage to love and be the best person you can be? It takes courage to do what is right in life, so I encourage you to be courageous on your path of righteousness!

Wisdom is truly a divine gift from God. A person can have all the doctorate degrees in the world, which proves that they have knowledge, but it does not guarantee them an ounce of wisdom. There are plenty of educated folks who are very unwise in their ways. True wisdom comes from God. When you are truly wise with understanding you will show it by living righteously. Wisdom is choosing to remain calm when the world gives you every reason to be angry. Wisdom is choosing to give rather than to receive despite what people may think of you. Yes, some people will take kindness for weakness, but that is their loss. Many of my students have told me I am probably the nicest teacher they have ever known. When I teach I strive to be like Jesus by expressing love, tolerance and patience. I have students who put smiles on my face simply because of their positive presence, and I have some who would make the average person want to cry because of their negativity. In life you will come to the realization that there is good and bad in almost everything, and wisdom will teach you how to deal with it. When you are calm you remain in control, but when you become angry you are automatically out of control. With wisdom comes forgiveness, and if Jesus Christ could forgive those who crucified Him, then we can surely forgive those who wrong us. When you think about it the only person who suffers from bitterness and resentment is the person who has it in their heart. Wisdom teaches you to bless those who persecute you. This was something that was once hard for me to do, but when God gave me wisdom I realized there was no other way. Jesus Christ upon the cross forgave all His persecutors, because they truly did not fully understand what they were doing for they lacked wisdom. I am blessed in that almost every person in my life that ever did me wrong lived to regret it. It was not that I did anything negative unto them, but they realized I was not who they assumed I was or realized the value of my friendship too late. When you are a wise person you strive to do what Jesus would do. It is not always easy, but it is always worth doing! I thank God for my wisdom and it is truly a gift from God filled with faith! I feel I was destined to be a wise man, because even my parents named me after one of the wisest men in the Bible named Belteshazzar. You most likely know him by his Hebrew name as the prophet Daniel in the lion's den. Humbleness is a divine quality of wisdom. When you are humble God will make you great, but when you are proud in an arrogant way you will fall. "Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must be humble." Proverbs 15:33 Knowledge is learned, but wisdom is divinely given!

Strength, Courage and Wisdom are essential to my life, because I am a man of God! I know I am destined for greatness, and the only way I can achieve it is through having strength, courage and wisdom, which are attributes of Faith! The path of life will be filled with times on mountain highs and in valleys lows, but with strength, courage and wisdom you will endure until your journey is over and hopefully will hear God the Father say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" We all possess strength, courage and wisdom. It is simply up to us to look within and express it to the fullest. Personally, I can say "procrastination" has been a hindrance in my life to becoming the best I can be. Procrastination is a thief, and it is more than just delaying action, but it is delaying your destiny. Do not delay something for tomorrow that you should be doing today! I am going to strive to let my light shine bright, so I can illuminate other people's lives. I want to encourage you to not allow the darkness of weakness, fear and foolishness dim your light. "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12 Let us all strive to have our lives filled with light! I want to leave you with my latest poem, which is a quad-tanka (I invented them) about "Strength, Courage and Wisdom"!

Thanksgiving (Be Thankful)!
Current mood: thankful
Category: Life

A Thanksgiving Day Message by Shazzar Kallie

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Colossians 3:15

Today is Thanksgiving Day. I want to give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the precious gift of life. We have so much to be thankful for if simply for the air we breathe, because every breath is a gift from God. When we think about Thanksgiving Day we think about a time to feast with family and friends. It seems like everyone has to have their turkey, stuffing and all the other fixings to stuff themselves until they cannot eat another bite. It is a blessing to be able to have a feast, especially when famine is present in the world, and even in America there are families who do not have enough to eat. When I think of Thanksgiving I think of my source for whom Thanksgiving Day was created for, and that is God Almighty! Everyone knows the story of the Pilgrims who came to America for religious freedom. They would not have survived the New World without the help of the Native Americans who provided food and taught them how to be self-sufficient. Thanksgiving has been celebrated ever since those early years in the 1600s. It is America's official day to give thanks to God, but I find it impossible not to thank God every day for His precious grace and mercy!

In 1789 President George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day as a way to thank God for His many blessings. The great President Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving Day a national holiday in November, which has been celebrated annually since 1863. President Lincoln like Washington realized that America was the country she is because of God ("One Nation Under God"), so he had to give thanks where it was due: "They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy." America is the most powerful nation in the world because of our reverence for God. From the Pilgrims who came to America so they could praise God with freedom to the multi-cultural multitudes who have followed, our country is blessed because we know whom we are to be thankful unto for "In God We Trust."

I find myself thanking God many times a day, which starts as soon as I open my eyes and take my first conscious breath in the morning. I thank God for blessing me to see another day and for giving me the precious gift of life. I thank God before I close my eyes in prayer at night for allowing me to make it through another day. I thank God for my trials and tribulations, because I know they will often lead to triumph after faith and perseverance have been implanted in my mind, heart and soul. I thank God for my spirituality. It is a choice to serve Him and many choose not to, but I thank God for instilling the agape love I have always had for Him since I was a child. God is Love and I know I am a child of God because I believe in Love! The world does not have anything to offer that can even compare to the blessings God has in store. I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to do what is right instead, that which is wrong. Through God I know from whom all of my blessings flow!

I thank God for my mentality. I am a very educated person who can be proud to say that I have walked across the stage four different times in college at graduation to receive my earned educational rewards. I thank God for divine wisdom and the knowledge that is learned through experience. I get excited when I realize all the potential for "greatness" that God has given me. But then I realize that potential means I am not doing all that I can with His precious gifts, so I am inspired to be better and do better. I know God will bless me for the World to one day know my name through my gift of literary expression. It is a blessing to have peace of mind, because so many people do not. I know that my faith will conquer any fear, so when I put my mind to accomplishing something my body has to follow, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I thank God for my physical health. I can say I have never been hospitalized a day in my life unless you count the day when I was born. I have never missed a day of school or work because of sickness. I thank God for the opportunity to be of better health through exercise, eating right and the desire to run competitively again. So many people take their physical health for granted. There is a saying, " I once complained I had no new shoes until I saw the man with no feet to use." I thank God for the gift of sight, the gift of hearing, the gift of touch, the gift of taste, and the gift of smell. You will be surprised at how many millions of people in this country who lack at least one of those gifts many take for granted.

I thank God for my financial state. I am by no means rich, but I thank God that I am not suffering at the poverty level either. It is a blessing to have a job that I can say enables me to at least meet my basic needs and be able to afford many wants (desires). I realize the more I give unto God the more I am blessed. I believe in charity and I strive to share the blessings God has bestowed unto me with others. I do not forget any of my students at Christmas making sure they each get a card, gift and candy. Likewise, I strive to help those who are in need even if it means it will be a sacrifice for me. We owe God at least 10% of our income in tithes; so strive to give it in some way through charity whether it is at church or to the homeless person on the street who needs a meal to eat.

When I think about it, I realize I have so much to be thankful for. I may not be all that I can be, which simply means that God is by no means through with me. When we are faithful over a few, God will make us a ruler over many. What are you thankful for? People should realize that many people do not have it as half as good as they do. Try living in another country besides America and you will be thankful you are an American. When we thank God through our thanksgiving we show we are grateful for His many blessings through grace & mercy and are deserving of more. I know whenever I do something for somebody and they say "thank you" it is the reward in itself, because it shows that I am appreciated, and my charity was not in vain. God wants to be thanked as well, so give thanks, because we have so much to be thankful for!

"Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 4:20

God is Love!

Currently reading : Inspired By The Bible Experience: New Testament By Zondervan Release date: 03 October, 2006

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Independence Day = Freedom!
Current mood: relaxed
Category: Life

An inspirational message by Shazzar Kallie

Today is Independence Day for our country, which falls on the fourth of July. It is our country's birthday, which we celebrate a nation that was founded on the faith of our forefathers who were Christians and believed in God (one Nation under God). When I think about the Fourth of July I think more than fireworks, BBQs, and summertime, but I think about freedom. This is what America is all about and that is liberty and justice for all. I know it does not always work out this way, but what a great idea it is, and hopefully like the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this idea of freedom will continue to come into realization from a dream into something very tangible.

My faith gives me freedom, liberty and justice. Independence is something I believe any sane person strives for. As dependents in our adolescence we needed our parents to provide for us, but as we got older, wiser and experienced with life we sought out to become independent. It somehow was not okay to be still living at home as an adult or to be at the mercy of others for support and sustenance. As we became independent we realized it was time to stand up on our own and explore what true freedom was about. As a dependent we were subject to our parents' rules and regulations, which meant a lack of personal freedom, but with independence we became rulers and regulators of our own lives. Independence Day is not only a day to celebrate America's independence (freedom) from the rule of Great Britain, but also to celebrate the idea of "freedom"!

I think we all are on a path of independence no matter how old we are. Yes, many have material things that say they are independent (have freedom), but how many of us are still dependent? It may not be on parents, but on a job, a spouse, credit cards, material possessions, or even negative things that can be detrimental to the mind, body and soul? I can admit that even though I have independence to an extent I still thirst for freedom, liberty and justice in my life. I am not free to do whatever I like, because I have things that might constrain that freedom. I am not rich so I cannot spend a month's paycheck on a luxury, neither can I just take off a week from work to relax and just "chill out". I am dependent on a job to pay my bills; likewise, I am dependent on other things in life like having a car, a house to live in, food to eat, and other necessities. Freedom in America has a price. Ask all the countless of lives that have been sacrificed so we as Americans can have this concept and hope of freedom!

As a teacher I experience a certain freedom because it is summer and I basically get a two-month vacation. I have the freedom to wake up whenever I like and not go to work, which is a relief after a school year of making sure I was at school everyday to give my best to my students. It is good to have this freedom to relax and rejuvenate for the new school year, which will be here before I know it. In my classroom I made sure to teach my students the difference in being independent, which I am, and being dependent, which basically they all were. Being a dependent person comes with a certain freedom, because you know you have someone that is responsible for taking care of you. I found even as a dependent as a minor I strived to be independent, because I realized I could not truly put my fate and destiny in anyone's hands but my own. I learned to work each summer to buy my school clothes, learned how to cook my food, wash my clothes, etc., as a child in an effort to prepare myself for independence, because I dreamed of the freedom of having a better life, which is something I am still bringing into realization. Life often imitates art as in the poem titled "Harlem" by Langston Hughes, our dreams may be deferred, but they surely are not dead.

Independence is a powerful word, because it means freedom from control or influence of another. I pray that one day I will become truly independent from everything in this world, but there is one thing that I will always be dependent upon and that is God! I forever want to be a child in the eyesight of God in need of His love, support, wisdom, grace and mercy. I pray that we all can get independence from fear and replace it with the freedom of faith, get independence from debt and replace it with the freedom of prosperity, get independence from negativity and replace it with the freedom of positivity through the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 in the Bible: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

I am going to enjoy my independence day, year, decade and life, because I know I have been given the freedom (independence) of power, love and a sound mind (peace), because as a Christian I am no longer dependent upon fear through my faith, which defeats it. It is my goal to be more independent in life. I am by no means as independent as I desire and need to be, but that simply means that God is by no means through with me. What is the price (value) of freedom if it is not fought for? I will keep on fighting the good fight of faith, because I know in the end it will lead to my freedom (independence) from all the troubles of the world until I am ready to receive my reward from my Father in Heaven. I want to hear Him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

I hope everyone has a blessed Independence Day and remember that it is more than just a holiday, but it is the celebration of Freedom! I want to be free to be all that I can be! Stay strong and be encouraged in Christ and know that freedom comes through faith, perseverance and hard work! Fight the good fight of faith for freedom (independence)!

God is Love!

Currently listening : Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship By India.Arie Release date: 27 June, 2006

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"Peace, Be Still"
Current mood: calm
Category: Religion and Philosophy

All of a sudden because of certain circumstances that deal with nature and God's will a violent windstorm sends waves crashing against the boat as water starts to swamp it, but Jesus is still fast asleep.  All twelve of the disciples fear death by drowning and know that their only hope is a miracle from the miracle worker whom they call master and teacher.  They cry out in fear as they struggle to keep the boat afloat, it seems for certain the ship is doomed.  The raging waters and the violent winds are almost symbolic of the rage and turmoil that is going on in their minds, hearts and souls as they are overcome with fear.  They know only Jesus can save them so they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  The wind and the waves obey and Jesus turns to His disciples and said, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"  These were the same men that saw Jesus work miracles on the masses as well as in their very own hearts when they chose to give up their lives to serve Him .   Jesus' question unto them begats an unsual fear, which grips them as they say to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

The power of Jesus is the power He has given us in our day-to-day life as we sail on the sea of life.  With Jesus we can survive earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes or any natural or manmade disaster that tries to take our lives.  We don't have to fear, because Jesus even though it may seem He is asleep is always with us and is only a prayer away.  Jesus and His disciples arrived on the other shore and I'm sure the trials the disciples experienced led to triumph in their minds, hearts and souls knowing they served the true Savior who could control the natural elements.  The disciples' fear was just as dangerous as the raging waters and winds, just as our fear is the main enemy to our faith, love and peace of mind.  Sometimes, when it seems like the storms of life are raging in me I call out to Jesus to take away my fear, and all I have to do is say to myself and meditate on the words "Peace, be still" and then I feel a calm and an assurance that everything is going to be alright just as it was for Jesus and His twelve disciples on that day.  Always remember the verse 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  A sound mind to me is "peace of mind"!

I remember seeing the concert, which was inspired by the seventh year anniversary of the Watts Riots.  The concert took place in 1972 and was held at the Los Angeles Coliseum with The Emotions performance held at a local church, which the documentary shows.  I don't think the Spirit of the Holy Ghost would have been felt as much in a big place like the Coliseum as it was felt in the church on that day.  I was blessed to grow up in the church, and my mother made sure I always had a chance to know who God is.  I first remember the yearning to know Jesus for myself came at the age of four years old, which was the same age I got baptized.  The chapter in the documentary starts with showing various churches in Watts as one of The Emotions narrates the story of Jesus Christ being nailed upon the cross as two thieves were nailed beside Him.  One of the thieves mocked Jesus like so many people do today daring Him to use His powers, but the other one cried out for grace and mercy asking the Lord to remember him as so many of us do today.  In that moment that doomed sinner is promised forever in paradise with Jesus, which is something I believe we all hope to realize one day.  Here's the transcript of the chapter, which cannot even compare with actually seeing it.  Tears come to my eyes as it did for many in attendance almost every time I view it and listen to the song, because I'm reminded of God's grace and mercy through the gift of giving us His son Jesus Christ!

"PEACE BE STILL"

SPEAKING:

I'm reminded of the two thieves nailed beside Him. I believe one of the thieves said, "If thou be the Christ, why don't you save thyself and us" and the other said. "Lord remember me" and the Lord said, "This day thou shall be with me in paradise".

I remember He and His twelve were on a ship sailing afar. When, all of a sudden the skies were filled with darkness, the sea was raging, the lightning flashed, the thunder roared. The ship was rocking back and forth. They were so afraid, so afraid. I believe I heard, a voice, I believe I hear this voice crying out now. I believe I hear this voice crying, crying, saying...

THE SONG BEGINS:

"Master, the tempest is raging, the billows, the billows are tossing high.   The sky is over-shadowed with blackness. Oh yes it is. No hope, no help is nigh. Wake up Jesus! The wind and the waves shall obey thy will. Peace, be still. Peace, be still. Peace, be still. No matter the wrath of the storm tossed sea. Or demons, or men, or whatever it be. No waters can swallow the ship right now.  But Master of ocean and earth and sky, they all, shall sweetly obey thy will. When you're burden. "Peace, be still."  If you need him, call on him. Be still, oh be still. Peace, be still."

Well, I hope this passage and the song "Peace, Be Still" touches your life as it has mine.  Remember when fear tries to overcome you and drown you in doubt call on Jesus and say "Peace, be still" just as the Lord did, and I guarantee if you believe you will be calm knowing that we serve a living Savior who still hears our cries and will save us in time of need just as He did long ago on the Sea of Galilee for His twelve disciples.  I love and thank you Jesus for saving my soul and for giving me peace!

Currently listening : Wattstax: Highlights from the Soundtrack By Various Artists Release date: 31 August, 2004

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A Prosperous & Blessed New Year!
Current mood: cheerful
Category: Religion and Philosophy

I want to wish all of my "My Space" friends and friends around the world a prosperous and a blessed new year in 2006! If it is prosperous and blessed then it will surely be "happy"! I spent New Year's Eve at my church, which is Faithful Central Bible church in Inglewood, CA. It had to be about 12,000 people there, including thousands of young people. I truly enjoyed myself. My church is not like most churches in that we hold our big services in the Inglewood Forum where the Lakers won all of those NBA titles in the 80s. I guarantee this is the only church in the world where you'll look up and see Lakers championship banners and the retired jerseys of the Lakers basketball greats. It seemed like every seat was needed, because the place was packed. Faithful Central puts on a good show, and everyone knows (including lots of people from other churches) it's the place to be on New Year's Eve!

Jesse Campbell started the show singing "Amazing Grace" which simply amazed everyone. He's a former secular singer who now sings for God with a beautiful voice. Donald Lawrence took the stage and did pretty well. Then there was a surprise that put a big smile of my face. One of the well known "spoken word" poets from HBO Def Poetry took the stage and did his thing only to introduce four break dancers (yes break dancers) who amazed everyone with their moves. And who thought break dancing was dead? I could tell this was for the young folks! After that the youth ministry took the stage called "The Takeover". It surprised me but they started dancing and playing this "crunk" music. The youth ministry at Faithful Central is a sight to see. After they did their thing for a couple of songs the youth pastor took over, and he is none other than Kirk Franklin. He did a few songs from his new album and had the whole place on their feet. The youth ministry at Faithful Central numbers in the thousands. Kirk Franklin preaches at the church on each 2nd and 4th Sunday, which is called "The Takeover". He did his song/testimony called "Shout" and afterwards he called for all the youths to come down to the pulpit, and thousands came from everywhere in the building. Not only did he ask for them to come but to throw their drugs, condoms, pills or whatever else that was keeping them in sin upon the stage. He told the young women that a condom was not going to protect them from having a broken heart and the young men about getting the only real "high" from Jesus and not from weed. It took some encouraging, but people started throwing these items upon the stage (and remember this was a "Praise Party" at a church). Just to be funny as in the Capital One commercials: "What's in your wallet?" or purse even in church?

Kirk Franklin is truly a trailblazer, and he said "50 Cent or Mahalia Jackson?" He was silent, because he wanted everyone to think. How are you going to get these young people in the church? "By any means necessary!" Gospel music wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for another trailblazer like Thomas Dorsey, and Kirk Franklin has truly carried the cross to reach millions of more souls. If you ever come to a Takeover service you'll see thousands of young people dressed in their regular street/hip hop clothes dancing and celebrating Jesus even though it might be to some popular secular song (without the lyrics) that they replace with their own spiritual lyrics. These kids could have been anywhere on New Year's Eve, but they were in church getting their "praise on", which was a good thing. "By Any Means Necessary!" Mary Mary then took the stage. It was Erica's second time on stage; because she sung with the church choir before since she's actually a faithful member of the church. Mary Mary was truly a blessing and they had everyone on their feet, and not only did they sing, but they ministered as well. These young women are an example of what God can do for you when your serve Him! Take the shackles off your feet and dance unto the Lord like David danced!

It was nearing midnight so Bishop Ulmer took the stage as he always does and brought in the New Year right! As the minutes were counting down everyone couldn't help but to start praising the Lord. With all the hurricanes, wars, crimes, and natural disasters, etc. in the world so many people didn't live to see 2006, so it was truly a blessing to see it! I might have been dressed in a black and red leather Nike baseball cap with a red and black Nike Limited Edition leather motorcycle jacket on, but it didn't stop me from standing on my feet with my hands raised up high to the sky giving the Lord praise. It's not about how you look on the outside, but how you look on the inside that counts! My eyes were closed in reverence to the Lord as midnight hit, but as I opened my eyes I saw confetti falling from the rafters and bright lights everywhere. Kirk Franklin came back to do another hit from his amazing album "Hero" as everyone continued to praise the Lord into the New Year.

The only thing that can top Faithful Central's New Year's Eve service is their Easter services which are truly inspired they could be on Broadway! I started my new year off right, and you have to realize that a new year symbolizes a new start. You don't have to carry your baggage from 2005 into 2006. Leave it behind so your hands will be free to accept the Lord's blessings in your life. I have some goals that I know I will accomplish. I want to seriously work on my novel so one day soon the world will know my name. I want to lose weight and get back into competitive running, and I want to change the lives of so many, including my students and the people I come across whom I have an opportunity to change or at least touch their lives for the better. I'm not going to carry the baggage from 2005 into 2006. Some of us are still bearing baggage from '04, '03, '02, '01, '00, '99, etc., etc. Leave it behind so you can have free hands to get all the blessings God has for you in 2006. "Be opened!" Make this the best year of your life so far, because today is the first day of the rest of your life. You cannot relive the past so don't try to live in it! Focus on the future and don't be held back with the past! Step out on faith and be a blessing to others! We live because of God's grace and mercy, so give it to others as well!

I want to wish everyone a Prosperous & Blessed New Year! If you're in debt then work on getting out of debt. Give unto God through tithes and offerings and you'll be surprised how God will give back unto you. Work on turning that "dream" into an accomplishable goal! You are the only one who can make sure you are successful in life. Be your own number 1 Fan! Remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Greatness doesn't happen by accident! It comes from faith, perseverance and hard work! I know I'm going to be prosperous and blessed this year, and pray that 2006 is the year of "Change", which means it will be the year of "Growth" in my life! You are so blessed if you're reading this, because you are "alive" and breathing, and that's something so many people cannot say. You have the resources to be able to use a computer and be online. Do you know how many people in the United States alone have not even operated a computer much less been online? I'm so blessed! I'm no where near where I want to be in life, but I know that God is by no means through with me! When we're faithful over a few God will make us ruler over many! Remember, never to forget to thank God if simply for each breath you're able to breathe! Thank you Jesus for giving your life so I can live! You are my reason for living! I'm going to ask myself in 2006 WWJD? I'm going to continue to talk to God (through prayer), and I'm going to make this year the best year of my life so far, which each year to follow only getting better!

We're all traveling on a road called "life". Is God your "steering wheel" guiding you in the right direction, or is He only your "spare tire", which you turn to only in time of despair? Let God lead your life, and I guarantee you'll end up going in the right direction to your final destination (your destiny) in life. Remember, the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one who endures unto the end! I’m a winner in life! Glory to God! Praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus! Hallelujah & Amen!

God is Love!

Shazzar Kallie

Currently listening : The Thesis By Ambassador Release date: 17 May, 2005

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My Dream of Christmas
Current mood: loved
Category: Dreams and the Supernatural

A Christmas Message
By Shazzar Kallie

Today is Christmas and I want to wish everyone a Joyful Christmas day and a Blessed New Year in 2006. I pray that your Christmas is filled with the gift of love, and that 2006 will be the best year of your life so far with each one to follow only getting better. Christmas is actually my favorite time of the year, because it seems people are more loving, more forgiving and in essence, more Christ-like around the world. What better way to celebrate Jesus Christ's birth than to live as He would want us to? Christmas and Easter are my two favorite times of the year, because this is when we celebrate and give homage to His birth and His death as the sacrificial Lamb of God. We should celebrate Christmas and Easter every single day!

Our Savior Jesus Christ is the greatest man to ever walk the face of this earth. He was in essence, God in the flesh. I wonder what the world was like 2009 years ago in a small town called Bethlehem. Jesus was born a humble birth and was even placed in a manger, because there was no room for Him in the inn. He was destined for greatness before He was born as foretold in a dream. There were three wise men (Magi) who were guided by a star and brought gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. These were the first Christmas gifts unto the baby Jesus, and for ages throughout history mankind has given gifts to family, friends, and even strangers in honor of this charity (love). God gave His only son unto the world, because of His "love", so lets celebrate the greatest gift anyone can give on this day, and throughout the new year, and that is the gift of love. It is a priceless gift that doesn't cost anything to give. Always remember those who love are of God, because God is Love! Like the Magi, 2009 years after the birth of Christ "wise men and women" still seek Him!

Since 1994 I've written an annual Christmas poem, which goes along with my annual Christmas card, which only a few select people in my life receive. I want to share my 2005 Christmas poem with you today. It's called "My Dream of Christmas" and was inspired by my card this year, which has a quote on the cover from my favorite author's (Langston Hughes) poem titled "Dreams". Here's his poem for reference:

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes

Expressing myself through poetry has been something I've been doing since I was 12 years old. In fact the first poem I actually wrote was published. During my senior year at USC I created this poetic form called the "quad-tanka", which was inspired by my need to express more than what the typical tanka poem would allow me to do. Since then I've written many quad-tanka poems, and they're actually my favorite form of expression. This year's Christmas poem is a quad-tanka. I hope everyone has a dream or dreams and will be willing to put in the faith, perseverance and hard work to see them come into fruition. Realize the only thing that comes to dreamers are dreams, so work on turning your dream into a vision that will give you purpose and passion to realize it. Here's my Christmas poem:

Currently reading : Amazing Peace : A Christmas Poem By Maya Angelou Release date: 01 December, 2005

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God is Good!
Current mood: accomplished

God is good yesterday, today, and everyday!  I am blessed.  I may not have everything I want in my life, but God provides for my needs.  I have my health, a sound mind,  and a good job that allows me to positively affect the lives of others.  I'm on the road of my destiny where God wants me to travel on my journey of greatness.  This week in my English-Language Arts classes we've been reading a story about someone thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.  I've learned to be thankful for what I have and not be envious of others, because so many people are not as blessed as I am.  I may not be able to afford everything I want, but I thank God I can afford everything I need.  It makes me reflect on the victims of the hurricanes who lost everything from cherished family photo albums with the history of their family in it to homes, cars, and jobs, etc.  These are just material things, but what about the ones who lost a family member, a dear friend or even their very own life?  Every morning when I wake I thank God for blessing me with the gift of life, and for allowing me to see another day.  I know I have a purpose to fulfill, and as long as I am on the right path God will make sure I will reach my destination (fulfill my destiny). 

A month has passed in the new school year, and I realize that time passes by before I know it.  When I was young and in school it seemed like it would take forever for me to reach 18 years old, but after I finally reached that age the years seem to pass by to the point I can almost visualize the future years ahead of me, because I know they will be here before I know it.  We all have goals in this life, but some people like to think of them as "dreams".  The only things that will come to dreamers are dreams, because dreams are rarely attainable.  How many people had a wonderful dream while sleeping that seemed to be so real that it evoked all of your five senses only for you to wake up and forget what the dream was about?  I tell my students instead of having "dreams" that they should have "goals", because goals have attainability.  With a goal you can make a plan for achieving it with faith, perseverance and hard work.  It's like I have a goal to have a million dollars one day.  That goal will inspire me to plan by having faith in God that it is my destiny to have that million dollars, have perseverance to bear the times when it seems like I have been burdened with brokenness, and put in the hard work to actually make that million dollars even if I have to earn every dollar of it.  A dream to have a million dollars is like wishing on a star while wasting money that could be spent on more practical things (like investing or starting a business) on lottery tickets and gambling with the hopes you will beat the one in forty million odds to win, whereas with having a goal backed with faith, perseverance and hard work you can have a one in one chance to realize that goal if it is God's will.

I'm enjoying the new school year so far.  I have some wonderful students who make teaching worth it, but where there is good there can also be bad.  I have some students that really test my tolerance & patience, but I realize God is just allowing me to be tested.  Being a teacher is an awesome opportunity to change lives forever.  I am where I am today, because I had a teacher that changed my life for the better in high school.  She didn't give up on me; neither would she let me give up on myself.  She let me know that failure was not an option, and that she would not cater to my fears.  She encouraged me to face my fears with faith in myself, because I was capable of achieving anything I set my mind to achieve. I realize now that often fear is the seed to having great faith, so believe in God and turn your fears into faith! I will not give up on any of my students because I know they all have hope.  Perhaps, they simply need that rare teacher who will instill in them confidence and give them purpose for living the life they have been given by God.  I strive not to only teach my students about the academic subjects I teach in English-Language Arts and Journalism, but I strive to teach them about life.  I often use myself as an example for what an achiever can overcome if they have a positive attitude that will allow them to see the glass half full instead of half empty.  I admit that I'm an optimist.  As long as I am a child of God who is destined for greatness and to be with my Father in Heaven one day; I know I have every reason to be optimistic about the life I have been given by God to live. I am on this earth for a reason!  So I am going to live my life with divine purpose fueled by my passions.

There is good in everyone even if it's hard to see at first.  I thank God for my wonderful students who put a smile on my face everyday, and for whom I see the results of my hard work immediately, but I also thank God for those challenging students who make my job a bit harder.  Some don't even want to bring their textbook to class or do any work.   Does this make my job harder?  Yes, but unlike a lot of other teachers I won't just fail them with a “I don't give a care attitude" towards them, but I strive to inspire them to see their worth, and understand how valuable an education is to every person on this earth.  Life is basically one big classroom, so a wise person will never stop learning.  Instead of seeing my "bad" students as terrors from hell sent to torture me, I strive to see them as tutors from Heaven whom God has sent to test my Christ-like virtues and make me a stronger Christian, teacher and overall person.  One of Jesus Christ's foremost titles was that of Teacher.  Do you think His job was easy?  He tried to teach people who wanted to kill Him. In these days and times I wouldn't be surprised if some teachers go through that now, but Jesus didn't give up on anyone.  In fact if you asked Jesus back then if given a choice who would He want to teach to a class filled with honor students with excellent citizenship or a group of rejects filled with problems who other teachers gave up on?  I guarantee you He would choose the latter, because He didn't want to preach to the choir, but He wanted to take His ministry to the streets and change the lives of those who truly needed it.  I know my teaching will one day become the foundation of my preaching!  The best preachers are also good teachers!

Pray for me and I will pray for you.  Life is not easy living, but I guarantee you it is worth living.  I will continue to thank God every morning I wake up for giving me the gift of life and for allowing me to see another day, which so many people upon this earth don't have the opportunity to see.  Today is the first day of the rest of my life, so I'm going to live it as if each day gives me a brand new start to be about God's purpose while pursuing my passion.  Remember, we serve an awesome God who created the heavens and the earth.  So has a child of this awesome God is there anything you think our Father will not give to His good children who truly do love and seek Him?  Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened unto you.  Stay strong and be encouraged, because we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us!  By faith Victory is already mine before I even step to the starting line in the race (journey) of my life!  Peace & Blessings!

God is Love!!!

Currently listening : Hero By Kirk Franklin Release date: 04 October, 2005

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Success: Spiritually, Mentally, Physically and Financially!
Current mood: thankful

Written by Shazzar Kallie

What is the nature of success?  I believe we all want to be successful, but at the same time we sometimes fear success.  What if God gave me everything I desired?  What would I work for then?  What if we were given our divine mates?  Would we deserve them?  Would we know how to keep them?  What if I actually accomplished a goal or realized a dream could I handle it?  So on and so on the voices of doubt, which leads to fear trying to creep in.  I believe God wants us to be successful not only spiritually, but mentally, physically and even financially as well.  I mean how can a person truly be successful spiritually if they allow the mental and the physical to go to waste?  I learned the more disciplined I became physically with working out even when I didn't want to, the more I became disciplined to read my Bible, to pray and to even feed my mind with knowledge.  Likewise, the more spiritual you are, the more you're willing to keep the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is called your body in shape mentally and physically wise. I believe God even wants us to be successful financially wise as well.  It's not God's will to owe no man, and that's biblical.  We're not supposed to be in debt and living from pay check to pay check, because then our prosperity and fate is in someone else's hands.  I believe all of these states of being are related, and when we work on one, we can work on the others.   Life is a very reciprocal thing in that we give and take; we teach and learn.  It's allowing the circle of life to be unbroken.  The spiritual, mental, physical and financial are all interconnected.

First of all the "Spiritual" is most important.  We must have a person relationship with our creator.  A person can be intelligent, healthy and rich, but if they do not have God in their life then they have absolutely nothing.  A person can have God and none of these other aspects of well being, but to me they'll still have everything, because they would have what is most important of all.  I realize the more I pray the more power I have.  Prayer changes things.  I look at prayer as my personal conversation with God.  I can call Him up anytime of day or night in my joy or sorrow.  The more I pray (talk to God) the more I know His will and purpose for my life.  Have you ever tried to have a relationship with someone you hardly communicated with?  It's extremely hard and a lot of doubt, uncertainty and assumption take place.  But when you talk to that person often and have open lines of communication, then the uncertainty fades away, and it's replaced by peace of mind, trust and stability in knowing that you have something that is real and can be counted upon in time of need no matter what the circumstances are.

Second of all is the "Mental".  I mean we must be mentally sound.  This is called "peace" of mind!  This brings in the psychological, which deals with the mind and the emotions.  Are you mentally sound?  How about emotionally?  Do you live in the past, present or the future?  The mental aspects of our lives are important.  It gives you wisdom and knowledge.  It provides common sense and tells you right from wrong.  I mean there are people who have the mental aspect of being strongly sound, but they lack the spiritual, which leads to plenty of problems.  How many educated fools are walking around?  How many brilliant people are morally broke?  The mental is very important to me, because through my mentality, which produces creativity, ideas, passion and even purpose I strive to be successful in life.  I can make choices and decisions that are based upon with where I was in the past, where I am in the present and where I want to be in the future.  When I write I use the mentality God gave me, which is enriched by all the education and experiences I have had, but foremost the spirituality dictates what I write and produce through my mentality.  Have you ever met a gorgeous person who was rich, but they didn't have the mentality to even hold a meaningful conversation?  Or they were so shallow and self-centered you simply didn't care what they had to offer, because you knew it was only on the surface level?  We must first strive for the spiritual and then the mental.  How many scientists believe in God?  I believe a lot of them have simply forgotten about the spiritual aspect of life and are devoid of faith.  Their degrees, titles and awards will not get them into Heaven.  When I teach I make sure I do it on the mental level to enrich my students academically, but I also base it on the spiritual level so my students will have a divine meaning to it all.  When I bring in the spiritual aspect, and when I say this I'm not talking about religion; I'm making the lesson somehow have a substantial meaning to the student. They can relate it to their own life. Perhaps, I'll use an analogy or teach in parables like Christ did, who was the greatest teacher who ever walked this earth.  My students know there's purpose in what I'm teaching them as I teach with a passion for changing lives for the better.

Third of all is the "Physical".  This is something I'm still working on and will spend plenty of hours this summer getting back into top physical shape.  Growing up I ran track & field and cross country.  I mean I could eat anything because I would work out up to four hours a day.  When my competitive running career ended after college, and I didn't have a coach making sure I was doing my workouts anymore, things started to slip.  My washboard stomach wasn't anymore, and it was easy to gain weight and even harder to lose it.  I realized like daily prayer and daily mental stimulation is important, so was daily exercise.  I mean when I exercise I have so much energy.  When I was out of shape, it was easy to be out of shape spiritually and mentally as well.  Hey, if I didn't have the motivation to exercise everyday or at least as much as possible, where would the motivation come from to read my Bible daily or even to stimulate my mind with wisdom or knowledge daily?  When I slacked on the physical, then it was also easy for me to slack on the spiritual and mental as well.  When I really examined it I realized it was simply a state of laziness and procrastination, which is a thief!  How many of us are "out of shape", and I mean more than just the physical aspect?  Exercise is truly a small price to pay for a healthy body and a healthy attitude.  When you're in shape physically it provides confidence to face the day.  You know "you look good" and are worthy of that blessing in a mate you deserve.  I mean I've seen guys like Usher woo all the women with his physical presence.  I mean I have to ask myself, would I want a woman who is in shape and cares about her body or would I want a woman who is a couch-potato and lets her body go.  Stars like Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry or even Beyonce are not where they are because they let themselves go physically.  In fact their physical health and fitness helps them to be who they are.  I use to tell myself I'll "try" to lose some weight and get back into competitive running shape where I had no qualms about taking off my shirt and running a few laps around the track when it was hot.  But some guys today will swim at the beach with a t-shirt on, because they don't want the world to see their belly.  I no longer "try" to do anything, but I "do" it.  When you "try" to do something you give yourself a reason to fail.  Do or do not do, but never simply try!  I went from missing a day, to missing a week to missing a month of steady workouts.  During this time my spiritual and mental state of being was not in the best shape it could be either. 

When you are spiritually sound it'll lead to you being mentally sound, and any true athlete knows that Athletics are 90 percent mental and only 10 percent physical.  Some of the greatest athletes not only have the best of physiques, but they also are spiritually and mentally sound as well.  I look at Joanna Hayes who won the Olympic Gold medal in the 100 meters hurdles in Athens last year while breaking the Olympic record.  She has the physical world-class body like all the rest of the runners in the race had, but she had something more important than the rest, which made her stand out, and that was the spiritual (she's a strong Christian who proudly professes  her faith), and she's mentally strong with the utmost faith and belief in her God-given ability.  She actually knew she would win the Olympic Gold medal and her exact winning time before it even happened.  Her spiritual and mental state of being helped produce the confidence and the winning drive she needed along with her excellent physical fitness to win the race.  She knew God's purpose for her life spiritually and mentally wise, defeat for her was not an option.  I learned myself when I was a competitive runner that I could have all the physical preparation in the world, but if I didn't have the spiritual (a purpose for winning) and the mental (the confidence that I could and would win) I didn't win.  I feel we should be the best we can be, and that's even physically.  We may not be able to be world class athletes or be able to run ten miles for fun, but can we all walk for an hour, watch what we put into our bodies when we eat, and strive to be the best we can be physically.  Running is something a person can do for the rest of their life, so I'm striving to be a competitive runner again, and I will be because I plan on running my first full marathon this year.  I realize every time I ran a mile or more it all started with the first few steps.  Let's start taking the first few steps on our journey of success no matter how far we have to go, because when we're allowing God to guide us you'll never know where it may take us!  I strive to find at least an hour each day for exercise, because I know it'll start my day off on the right path.  "A strong body makes the mind strong." Thomas Jefferson.

Lastly, is the "Financial".  How many people want to be broke?  I know there are some religious people who take a vow of poverty, but I believe God does not have that vow for me.  How can I help other people when I cannot even help myself?  Is it God's will to be in bondage to debt, unpaid bills and working two or more jobs just to make ends meet?  I'm a teacher so I'm use to working for others, but I long for the day when I am the employer.   I will work for no man or thing, but only for God!  It's wonderful to buy whatever you need, and to go anywhere you need to be.  Just last week I spent a few days at Sequoia National Park.  I had no doubt my Jeep Grand Cherokee would get me from Long Beach to Sequoia National Park five hours and 260 miles away, because I had spent almost a thousand dollars the week before in buying new tires, getting a major tune-up and having other work done to my car to make sure it was mechanically sound.  The last thing I wanted to do was to be calling AAA hundreds of miles away up in the mountains somewhere.  I also had the money to buy whatever gear I wanted, and to do whatever I wanted to do while I was there.  They say money is the root of all evil, but also lack of money can be the root of all evil as well.  Jesus Christ was not a poor man, and He never wanted for anything, because God always provided His needs, plus He took offerings.  Some of us are so enslaved financially we cannot even pay our tithes and offerings.  We live pay check to pay check, and that is not God's will.  I mean I know it's not God's will for everyone to be rich.  Even most Christians are better off with only what they "need" and not what they "want", because they couldn't handle it.  Money has destroyed a lot of people's lives.  Most people who have taken vows of poverty are better off because of it, because they don't allow the desires for material possessions to cloud their views.  I'm saying that God may not want us to go out and buy the newest Bentley, but do you believe He wants us to be taking the bus either?  I have seen people with money, but they didn't have God (spiritual), they didn't have peace of mind (mental), and neither did they have good health (physical), so what did they have?  I admit that if I could have a strong spiritual, mental, and physical aspect of well being then the financial would not be as important, because God would have given me my basic needs, but God also wants us to be free from debt and enslavement to this world.  How many of us are still paying off credit cards, car notes or even mortgage payments (those of us who even own homes)?  When we work on the spiritual, mental and the physical then the financial aspect of healthy being will start taking shape.  I'm a teacher who is very educated, but I don't make enough money to meet my desires even though I can at least meet my basic needs, and by no means am I satisfied, because I believe God wants me to be the best I can be, and that's not only spiritually, mentally, physically, but financially as well!  I want to be blessed and be a blessing unto others!

What is success?  It is a journey and not a destination.  It's following your dreams and being led by your heart.  Life is never easy, but when we combine faith, perseverance and hard work in our life then we cannot help but to produce good fruits to feed ourselves and to feed others.  God wants us to be successful spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially.  I ask God daily to bless me to be the best that I can be spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially.  I mean this will not happen over night, because being the best that I can be is an ongoing process.  The Bible says "Be Perfect".  That doesn't mean that we should actually expect to be perfect while living on this earth, which is simply impossible.  We should strive for perfection and even in this imperfect act we will become more Christ-like the only perfect person to ever walk this earth and that is Jesus Christ.  Christians are not perfect, but we are forgiven!  I hope everyone strives for success in their life.  The more successful you are, the more successful you can help make others.  I'm still working on my spiritual, mental, physical and financial aspects of healthy well being, and I'll probably be doing it for the rest of my life.  Because when we stop striving for success then we might as well stop living.  Nothing in life is worth having if you didn't work hard to earn it, or had faith to receive it.  I'm proud of the job I have now, because I know all my years of going to college, hard work, perseverance and faith are paying off.  But I'm not satisfied, because I know God will bless me with even better!  I hope God blesses me with a wife and family that I deserve.  Likewise, I pray that God blesses me to strive to be all that I can be spiritually, mentally, physically and financially so I can live the best life on this earth until the trouble of this world is over.  We are not in Heaven while living on this earth, but as true Christians we surely don't have to live in hell while on this earth either!  Believe in the impossible, because with Jesus Christ on your side you can conquer any obstacle!  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"  Philippians 4:13

Always keep God first in everything you do, and everything you need in your life will soon follow!  Stay strong and Be blessed!

God is Love!

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