To continue on with the history of money and who began to dominate the banking industry ever since, a goldsmith named Amshall Moses Bower opened a counting house in Frankfurt Germany in 1743. Over the door of his shop, he placed a Roman eagle on a red shield prompting people to call his shop the Red Shield Firm, which pronounced in German as "Rothschild".
His son later changed his name to Rothschild when he inherited the business. Although loaning money to individuals was profitable, he found it much more lucrative loaning money to governments and Kings. It always involved much larger amounts, and it was always secured by public taxes. He trained his five sons in the art of money creation before sending them out into the major financial centers of the world to dominate the central banking systems.
Incidently, J.P. Morgan was thought by many to be the richest man in the world during World War II, but upon his death it was discovered he was merely a lieutenant within the Rothschild empire owning only 19% of the J.P. Morgan Companies. Niall Ferguson, a 19th century French commentator said in his book "The House of Rothschild, Money's Prophets", "There is but one power in Europe and that is Rothschild".
Having conquered the European banking system, the Rothschilds set their sights on the emerging British colonies in America. There was a shortage of material for minting coins in the colonies, so they began to print their own money called Colonial Script. It gave the colonies a sense of identity and was proving to be a very successful means of exchanged for goods and services. This script was debt free paper money not backed by gold or silver.
Benjamin Franklin, on a visit to Britain in 1763, was asked by the Bank of England on why the colonies were so prosperous. Franklin replied, "That is simple. In the colonies we issue our own money. It is called Colonial Script. We issue it in proper proportion to the demands of trade and industry to make the products pass easily from the producers to the consumers. In this manner, creating for ourselves our own paper money, we control its purchasing power, and we have no interest to pay to no one."
This was unacceptable. The colonies were demonstrating that they could be free from borrowing debt, and thus, the Bank of England. Meanwhile, the total debt of the English government soared to £140,000,000 following four costly wars. The powerful independent Bank of England, backed by the Rothschilds, used its influence on the British parliament to pass the Currency Act of 1764. This act made it illegal for the colonies to print their own money, and forced them to pay all future taxes to Britain in silver or gold.
Ben Franklin commented later, "In one year, the conditions were so reversed that the era of prosperity ended, and a depression set in, to such as extent that the streets of the Colonies were filled with unemployed."
He later was quoted in his autobiography, "The colonies would gladly have borne the little tax on tea and other matters had it not been that England took away from the colonies their money, which created unemployment and dissatisfaction. The inability of the colonists to get power to issue their own money permanently out of the hands of George III and the international bankers was the PRIME reason for the Revolutionary War."
By the time the war began on April 19th, 1775, much of the gold and silver had been taken by British taxation. They were left with no other choice but to print money to finance the war, backed of course by the Rothschilds at interest.
Of course, this is not the story we learned from our history books. Do you really think that a tea tax is something to start a war and risk death over? Is it a surprise that Paul Revere was a silversmith and would have been intimately familiar with the real reasons the colonies fired on the British on Bunker Hill?
Tomorrow, I'll continue with the next resulting wars and the aftermath. Stay tuned ...
He lends at usury and takes excessive interest.
Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death and his blood will be on his own head. Ezekiel 18:13 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
History of Money Part III
To continue on with the history of money, the progress that England experienced during medieval times was about to change. In 1694 when the Bank of England was formed, individual private shareholders bought shares of the bank. They ignored the tally stick system because it rivaled they own banking system. They used the same system the goldsmiths used by lending out many times more than they had in reserve and collecting interest on the money they created.
The English Revolution of 1642 was financed by the money changers backing Oliver Cromwell's successful attempt to purge the parliament and kill King Charles. 50 years of costly wars followed - costly to those fighting them and very profitable to those financing them. This left England in financial ruin. When government officials went looking for funds to rebuild, they had no choice but to beg for loans from the money changers at interest. This resulted in a government sanctioned legal counterfeiting a national currency where a private bank created money from nothing and collected interest. The politicians could borrow whatever they needed, and the debt was secured against public taxes.
Incredibly, no one saw through this except those that benefited from it. The could use their own money and owe no interest, but no one objected to this new system. The Bank of England became the model and now nearly every nation has a central bank with fractional reserve banking at its core.
These central banks have the power to take over a nation's economy and become the real governing force because they control the money. This is actually a hidden tax for private concerns, a scam of mammoth proportions. The nation will sell bonds to the bank in return for the money it can't raise in taxes. The bonds are paid for money produced from thin air. The government pays interest on the money it borrowed by borrowing more money the same way - issue more bonds. There is not a way the debt can ever be paid, it has and will continue to increase. (Does this sound familiar to today?)
If the government ever did find a way to pay off the debt, the result would be that there would be no bonds to back the currency; so in effect, to pay the debt would be to kill the currency.
The Bank of England flooded Britain with money. Inflation reigned and prices doubled. By 1698, the national debt expanded from £1,250,000 to £16,000,000; and up went the taxes the debt was secured on.
During times of economic upheaval, wealth is rarely destroyed. Instead it is just transferred. Guess who benefits when money is scarce? That's right, the money changers, the ones controlling what everyone else wants. Depressions are created for this reason. They can create money from nothing, so they wait until prices are rock bottom, and then expand the money supply. This system again has been the model for every banking system since then.
Tomorrow, I'll continue with the dominance of the bankers and who took it to a whole new level of control. Stay tuned ...
Deliver me and rescue me
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful. Psalms 144:11 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
The English Revolution of 1642 was financed by the money changers backing Oliver Cromwell's successful attempt to purge the parliament and kill King Charles. 50 years of costly wars followed - costly to those fighting them and very profitable to those financing them. This left England in financial ruin. When government officials went looking for funds to rebuild, they had no choice but to beg for loans from the money changers at interest. This resulted in a government sanctioned legal counterfeiting a national currency where a private bank created money from nothing and collected interest. The politicians could borrow whatever they needed, and the debt was secured against public taxes.
Incredibly, no one saw through this except those that benefited from it. The could use their own money and owe no interest, but no one objected to this new system. The Bank of England became the model and now nearly every nation has a central bank with fractional reserve banking at its core.
These central banks have the power to take over a nation's economy and become the real governing force because they control the money. This is actually a hidden tax for private concerns, a scam of mammoth proportions. The nation will sell bonds to the bank in return for the money it can't raise in taxes. The bonds are paid for money produced from thin air. The government pays interest on the money it borrowed by borrowing more money the same way - issue more bonds. There is not a way the debt can ever be paid, it has and will continue to increase. (Does this sound familiar to today?)
If the government ever did find a way to pay off the debt, the result would be that there would be no bonds to back the currency; so in effect, to pay the debt would be to kill the currency.
The Bank of England flooded Britain with money. Inflation reigned and prices doubled. By 1698, the national debt expanded from £1,250,000 to £16,000,000; and up went the taxes the debt was secured on.
During times of economic upheaval, wealth is rarely destroyed. Instead it is just transferred. Guess who benefits when money is scarce? That's right, the money changers, the ones controlling what everyone else wants. Depressions are created for this reason. They can create money from nothing, so they wait until prices are rock bottom, and then expand the money supply. This system again has been the model for every banking system since then.
Tomorrow, I'll continue with the dominance of the bankers and who took it to a whole new level of control. Stay tuned ...
Deliver me and rescue me
from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
whose right hands are deceitful. Psalms 144:11 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
History of Money Part II
To continue on with the history of money, let's take a look at medieval times where our current banking system got started. The goldsmiths started offering to keep other people's gold and silver in their vaults for security and issued their customers paper receipts as to how much was stored. The people started exchanging the receipts rather than collecting the physical gold from the goldsmith when they had to purchase or exchange something. These paper receipts became an accepted form of payment and trade because they were a lot less heavy to carry around than gold and silver coins.
After a while, the goldsmiths noticed that only a small percentage of their customers ever came in to demand their gold at any one time. So the clever goldsmiths decided to make out some receipts for gold that didn't even exist, and they loaned the receipts out to earn interest. This practice later got incorporated into the banking system. They even gave it a name to make it more acceptable calling it "fractional reserve banking" which actually means lending out many times more money than you have assets on deposit. They literally create money out of thin air and charge interest on it. When the loans are paid, they repeat the process with that money and create more money.
Today, banks are allowed to loan out at least ten times the amount they actually are holding. So instead of getting 11% interest for example, they are actually getting 110% interest. As the monthly payments are made, those get multiplied as well and they get even more. It doesn't take long for huge amounts of wealth to be created this way - especially from nothing!
The Tally Sticks were very successful from 1100-1854 A.D. This money system effectively built the British empire. King Henry the First produced sticks of polished wood, with notches cut along one edge to signify the denominations. The stick was then split full length so each piece still had a record of the notches. The king kept one half to prevent counterfeiting, and sent the other half into the market place where it would continue to circulate as money.
Because only Tally Sticks were accepted by King Henry for payment of taxes, there was a built in demand for them, which gave people confidence to accept these sticks as money. As long as the people agreed it had value, it could be almost anything. Money is only as valuable as people's faith in it, and without that faith, even today's money is just paper with numbers on it.
The tally stick system worked well for 726 years. Why are most not even aware of its existence? In 1694, the Bank of England at its formation attacked the system. They realized it was money outside the power of the money changers (the very thing King Henry had intended).
Tomorrow, I will continue on with "the rest of the story". Stay tuned ...
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken. Psalms 15:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
After a while, the goldsmiths noticed that only a small percentage of their customers ever came in to demand their gold at any one time. So the clever goldsmiths decided to make out some receipts for gold that didn't even exist, and they loaned the receipts out to earn interest. This practice later got incorporated into the banking system. They even gave it a name to make it more acceptable calling it "fractional reserve banking" which actually means lending out many times more money than you have assets on deposit. They literally create money out of thin air and charge interest on it. When the loans are paid, they repeat the process with that money and create more money.
Today, banks are allowed to loan out at least ten times the amount they actually are holding. So instead of getting 11% interest for example, they are actually getting 110% interest. As the monthly payments are made, those get multiplied as well and they get even more. It doesn't take long for huge amounts of wealth to be created this way - especially from nothing!
The Tally Sticks were very successful from 1100-1854 A.D. This money system effectively built the British empire. King Henry the First produced sticks of polished wood, with notches cut along one edge to signify the denominations. The stick was then split full length so each piece still had a record of the notches. The king kept one half to prevent counterfeiting, and sent the other half into the market place where it would continue to circulate as money.
Because only Tally Sticks were accepted by King Henry for payment of taxes, there was a built in demand for them, which gave people confidence to accept these sticks as money. As long as the people agreed it had value, it could be almost anything. Money is only as valuable as people's faith in it, and without that faith, even today's money is just paper with numbers on it.
The tally stick system worked well for 726 years. Why are most not even aware of its existence? In 1694, the Bank of England at its formation attacked the system. They realized it was money outside the power of the money changers (the very thing King Henry had intended).
Tomorrow, I will continue on with "the rest of the story". Stay tuned ...
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken. Psalms 15:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Monday, January 28, 2008
History of Money
This week, I will cover something that most of us take for granted. Money is defined as something generally accepted as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment. It usually comes in the form of metal coins or a denomination of paper (fiat) money. In ancient times, it took many other forms as well, such as the American Indians using wampum. There are also examples of West Africans trading in decorative metallic objects called Manillas and the Fijians' economy that is based on whales teeth. As long as everyone can agree on a value, this is a sensible thing for a community to do.
Bartering has been around since the beginning of time where you trade one article to someone else for another article. But what happens when they don't have what you want and vice versa. Money solves this problem. Real value with each exchange, and everyone gaining from the convenience.
The problem that has always existed with money is who creates it. Governments have that responsibility to prevent abuse, unfortunately they themselves get taken in by abusers and manipulators. President James Madison said, "History records that the money changers have used every form of abuse, intrigue, deceit, and violent means possible to maintain their control over governments by controlling money and its issuance."
Even back to biblical times, Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple.
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Matthew 21:12-13 (KJV)
The Bible does not explain this in more detail, but I found one source that did. Here is the excerpt.
Jesus was so upset by the sight of the money changers in the temple, he waded in and started to tip over the tables and drive them out with a whip, this being the one and only time we ever hear of him using force during his entire ministry.
So what caused the ultimate pacifist to become so aggressive?
For a long time the Jews had been called upon to pay their temple tax with a special coin called the half shekel. It was a measured half ounce of pure silver with no image of a pagan emperor on it.
It was to them the only coin acceptable to God.
But because there was only a limited number of these coins in circulation, the money changers were in a buyers market and like with anything else in short supply, they were able to raise the price to what the market would bear.
They made huge profits with their monopoly on these coins and turned this time of devotion into a mockery for profit. Jesus saw this as stealing from the people and proclaimed the whole setup to be. "A den of thieves".
Once money is accepted as a form of exchange, those who produce, loan out and manipulate the quantity of money are obviously in a very strong position. They are the "Money Changers".
The problem here is usury. Usury is the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates. Interest should not be charged by the people who create money, otherwise they have almost supreme power over everything. Interest should be charged if the other party is putting up some form of collateral in exchange for the money.
This week, I will explore this further. Stay tuned ...
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Bartering has been around since the beginning of time where you trade one article to someone else for another article. But what happens when they don't have what you want and vice versa. Money solves this problem. Real value with each exchange, and everyone gaining from the convenience.
The problem that has always existed with money is who creates it. Governments have that responsibility to prevent abuse, unfortunately they themselves get taken in by abusers and manipulators. President James Madison said, "History records that the money changers have used every form of abuse, intrigue, deceit, and violent means possible to maintain their control over governments by controlling money and its issuance."
Even back to biblical times, Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple.
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Matthew 21:12-13 (KJV)
The Bible does not explain this in more detail, but I found one source that did. Here is the excerpt.
Jesus was so upset by the sight of the money changers in the temple, he waded in and started to tip over the tables and drive them out with a whip, this being the one and only time we ever hear of him using force during his entire ministry.
So what caused the ultimate pacifist to become so aggressive?
For a long time the Jews had been called upon to pay their temple tax with a special coin called the half shekel. It was a measured half ounce of pure silver with no image of a pagan emperor on it.
It was to them the only coin acceptable to God.
But because there was only a limited number of these coins in circulation, the money changers were in a buyers market and like with anything else in short supply, they were able to raise the price to what the market would bear.
They made huge profits with their monopoly on these coins and turned this time of devotion into a mockery for profit. Jesus saw this as stealing from the people and proclaimed the whole setup to be. "A den of thieves".
Once money is accepted as a form of exchange, those who produce, loan out and manipulate the quantity of money are obviously in a very strong position. They are the "Money Changers".
The problem here is usury. Usury is the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates. Interest should not be charged by the people who create money, otherwise they have almost supreme power over everything. Interest should be charged if the other party is putting up some form of collateral in exchange for the money.
This week, I will explore this further. Stay tuned ...
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Saturday, January 26, 2008
A Drastic Move
This week was very interesting in the financial world. On Monday, the markets were closed in the US because of Martin Luther King, Jr. day; however, stock markets worldwide sank drastically amid concerns about the overall health of the US economy and a pending recession. The current credit crunch as result of last August's sub-prime mortgage meltdown makes the matters worse. These concerns heightened this week due to declining corporate profits and the worse housing report on record. For the first time on record, year-over-year housing prices dropped 13% against 2007 prices. This caused the Federal Reserve to take a drastic step.
Before trading opened on Tuesday, the Fed slashed interest rates three quarters of a percent or 75 basis points. The federal funds rate now is 3.5% and the discount rate was lowered to 4.0%. This was the largest rate drop in 24 years. This move came 8 days before their next scheduled meeting suggesting that they are responding to a problem that couldn't wait. Immediate stimulus to the economy is needed to prevent the market from going into a free-fall.
The last time the Fed cut interest rates in between meetings was the week after Sept. 11, 2001. More rate cuts are expected next week as well. Additional credit is needed to prop up the sagging economy. As I have been pointing out for months particularly the week of Thanksgiving, this is a dangerous game the Fed is playing. As they lower interest rates, they are undercutting the value of the dollar and running a risk of much higher inflation, even hyperinflation.
The sudden influx of credit will spur on inflation because companies have more money to do business. Because of the losses sustain last year by the sub-prime mortgage fiasco and the rising cost of oil, companies will charge more on their goods and services to make up for the losses. Thus, consumers goods will cost more and more. On the other side, foreign investors will less likely be willing to put their money in t-bills, treasury notes, and other US government securities. The value of the dollar will go down. Now, the consumers are hit with a double whammy of goods costing more and the value of the dollar going down. Thus, consumer buying power is diminished.
So you can see the Fed is taking some drastic action to risk these consequences. They see that if the economy doesn't pick up speed quickly, a drastic recession and even a depression could start. A period of depression and hyperinflation simultaneously is the worse of all economic situations - less money available and the cost of goods going increasingly higher. This continuing yo-yo effect is beginning to spin out of control. I have been warning about these consequences for months.
Gold and silver also responded this week with their continued upward trend. Gold rose to $911 per ounce and silver closed at $16.46 per ounce. This is up from $881.20 and $16.14 respectively. During periods of economic instability, investors have repeated retreated to precious metals to preserve the value of their assets. The US dollar index again fell this week to 75.93 from 76.39 last week. This means the value of the dollar fell against a weighted average of the other major world currencies.
Think of these matters in these terms - how long can your family continue to spend money it doesn't have before your belongings become repossessed? This is what the country is headed for. This is also affecting the global economy as well.
If you are interested in checking out your available options on how best to deal with the situation, please contact me at the email address below.
"Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." Haggai 1:5,6 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Before trading opened on Tuesday, the Fed slashed interest rates three quarters of a percent or 75 basis points. The federal funds rate now is 3.5% and the discount rate was lowered to 4.0%. This was the largest rate drop in 24 years. This move came 8 days before their next scheduled meeting suggesting that they are responding to a problem that couldn't wait. Immediate stimulus to the economy is needed to prevent the market from going into a free-fall.
The last time the Fed cut interest rates in between meetings was the week after Sept. 11, 2001. More rate cuts are expected next week as well. Additional credit is needed to prop up the sagging economy. As I have been pointing out for months particularly the week of Thanksgiving, this is a dangerous game the Fed is playing. As they lower interest rates, they are undercutting the value of the dollar and running a risk of much higher inflation, even hyperinflation.
The sudden influx of credit will spur on inflation because companies have more money to do business. Because of the losses sustain last year by the sub-prime mortgage fiasco and the rising cost of oil, companies will charge more on their goods and services to make up for the losses. Thus, consumers goods will cost more and more. On the other side, foreign investors will less likely be willing to put their money in t-bills, treasury notes, and other US government securities. The value of the dollar will go down. Now, the consumers are hit with a double whammy of goods costing more and the value of the dollar going down. Thus, consumer buying power is diminished.
So you can see the Fed is taking some drastic action to risk these consequences. They see that if the economy doesn't pick up speed quickly, a drastic recession and even a depression could start. A period of depression and hyperinflation simultaneously is the worse of all economic situations - less money available and the cost of goods going increasingly higher. This continuing yo-yo effect is beginning to spin out of control. I have been warning about these consequences for months.
Gold and silver also responded this week with their continued upward trend. Gold rose to $911 per ounce and silver closed at $16.46 per ounce. This is up from $881.20 and $16.14 respectively. During periods of economic instability, investors have repeated retreated to precious metals to preserve the value of their assets. The US dollar index again fell this week to 75.93 from 76.39 last week. This means the value of the dollar fell against a weighted average of the other major world currencies.
Think of these matters in these terms - how long can your family continue to spend money it doesn't have before your belongings become repossessed? This is what the country is headed for. This is also affecting the global economy as well.
If you are interested in checking out your available options on how best to deal with the situation, please contact me at the email address below.
"Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." Haggai 1:5,6 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Friday, January 25, 2008
Pressure
As the Super Bowl looms closer, the players are continually asked how they handle pressure. One player said it's like putting a two by four on the floor and walking on it. This is easily done. If you lose your balance and "fall", you only have two inches to fall. Now, suspend that same board 300 feet in the air and walk across it. If you lose your balance now, it means death. It should not matter at all because it is the same two by four. But your mind begins to put fear into you and plays with your thoughts. You become very tentative.
NFL players are some of the most scrutinized athletes. Not only is every play watch by some 70,000 fans, but at least 6 TV cameras capture almost every angle of each play as well as dozens of professional photographers. Then, consider how many millions of fans around the world that watch the games. If you screw up, you are attacked by the media and fans alike for disappointing them. These players deal with this every week.
However, despite this attention, the players for the most part handle the scrutiny quite well. Why? Because they are trained to. They work on their profession nearly 12 months out of the year and are constantly around cameras, coaches, and fans.
Your fear and pressure that you feel each day can be handled the same way. The more times you deal with it, the less it becomes an issue. It becomes a routine occurrence. The more difficult and trying the pressure is, the stronger you become. Just as steel is hardened and made stronger with more heat and the process repeated, the same is true of your will.
How well do you handle the pressures of your job, your relationships, your financial matters, your emotional dilemmas, your spiritual well-being? Pressure hardens and strengthens.
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:11-13 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
NFL players are some of the most scrutinized athletes. Not only is every play watch by some 70,000 fans, but at least 6 TV cameras capture almost every angle of each play as well as dozens of professional photographers. Then, consider how many millions of fans around the world that watch the games. If you screw up, you are attacked by the media and fans alike for disappointing them. These players deal with this every week.
However, despite this attention, the players for the most part handle the scrutiny quite well. Why? Because they are trained to. They work on their profession nearly 12 months out of the year and are constantly around cameras, coaches, and fans.
Your fear and pressure that you feel each day can be handled the same way. The more times you deal with it, the less it becomes an issue. It becomes a routine occurrence. The more difficult and trying the pressure is, the stronger you become. Just as steel is hardened and made stronger with more heat and the process repeated, the same is true of your will.
How well do you handle the pressures of your job, your relationships, your financial matters, your emotional dilemmas, your spiritual well-being? Pressure hardens and strengthens.
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:11-13 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Special Tribute - Brett Favre
Today, I want to make a special tribute to one of the best football players ever - Brett Favre. He is one of the best players, not just because he is a quarterback and he holds a lot of records, but because he plays the game as it should be played. He plays with unbridled enthusiasm, a kid like spontaneity. He plays with respect to the game, the other players, and the fans, for which he is adored by everyone.
Brett has just completed his 17th NFL season, 16 of which has been with the storied Green Bay Packers. It's quite rare in this day of free agency, multi-million dollar per year contracts that a player will stay with one team. Brett was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991 and just played in two games for them in mop up duty at the end of games. He only threw 4 passes that year with 0 completions. Ron Wolf, new GM for the Packers, liked what he saw in the 2nd round draft pick from Southern Mississippi and traded the Falcons for a 1st round draft pick in 1992.
Favre and the team Wolf put around him added many more chapters to the most successful franchise in NFL history with another Super Bowl win in 1997 and another Super Bowl appearance the next year. The win in 1997 was the 12th NFL championship in club history. Mike Holmgren, the Packers coach from 1992-1998, never had a losing season with Favre at the helm. Favre only had one losing season with the Packers during his 16 years.
Favre now hold most of the NFL records for quarterbacks, including most touchdown passes (442), most wins (161), most yards (61,655), most completions (5,377), and most attempts (8,758). He was the NFL's Most Valuable Player three consecutive years from 1995-1997. Another record that is probably the most remarkable is 273 consecutive games started at quarterback including playoffs. This is a position that routinely gets hit in a defenseless, prone throwing position by 250 lb linebackers and 300 lb defensive linemen running at full speed. Best of all, he routinely downplays personal achievements and records for team goals.
These records may be why a lot of people respect and adore Brett Favre. But what really makes me respect him is what he does off the field and the challenges he has overcome. Favre has had many personal challenges throughout his life beginning with a near fatal car crash his senior year in college. Even before that, Favre almost did not get to play in college. Southern Miss already had 6 quarterbacks on roster his freshman year. He only got a scholarship because another player went to a different school the last week of the recruiting season. He was not heavily recruited because his Rotten Bayou high school team rarely passed in their T-wing offense. Also, his hometown of Kiln, Mississippi is a metropolis of 150 people, hardly noticeable.
He has had many personal challenges during his tenure in the NFL as well. He submitted himself during the off season to a drug clinic for becoming dependent on the pain killer vicodin in 1996. His father, Irvin, died in a car crash in 2003. His brother-in-law was killed in a ATV accident in 2004. His wife, Deanna, is a breast cancer survivor. Through all of these tragedies he continues his excellence on the field and off.
He generously commits his time and money to many charities in Wisconsin and Mississippi.
Brett embodies the persona that you want to look up to and emulate. This is why we can take many lessons from him to apply to our lives. Throughout the challenges and obstacles he has faced on and off the field, he continues to persevere. He ignores temporary setbacks and failures as if they never happened. He has the heart and drive of a champion.
These qualities fit in every aspect of our lives from financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Have we used our talents to the utmost? Have we overcome obstacles in our everyday life? Have we enjoyed life as a kid at play? Live like a champion!
You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Revelations 2:3 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Brett has just completed his 17th NFL season, 16 of which has been with the storied Green Bay Packers. It's quite rare in this day of free agency, multi-million dollar per year contracts that a player will stay with one team. Brett was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991 and just played in two games for them in mop up duty at the end of games. He only threw 4 passes that year with 0 completions. Ron Wolf, new GM for the Packers, liked what he saw in the 2nd round draft pick from Southern Mississippi and traded the Falcons for a 1st round draft pick in 1992.
Favre and the team Wolf put around him added many more chapters to the most successful franchise in NFL history with another Super Bowl win in 1997 and another Super Bowl appearance the next year. The win in 1997 was the 12th NFL championship in club history. Mike Holmgren, the Packers coach from 1992-1998, never had a losing season with Favre at the helm. Favre only had one losing season with the Packers during his 16 years.
Favre now hold most of the NFL records for quarterbacks, including most touchdown passes (442), most wins (161), most yards (61,655), most completions (5,377), and most attempts (8,758). He was the NFL's Most Valuable Player three consecutive years from 1995-1997. Another record that is probably the most remarkable is 273 consecutive games started at quarterback including playoffs. This is a position that routinely gets hit in a defenseless, prone throwing position by 250 lb linebackers and 300 lb defensive linemen running at full speed. Best of all, he routinely downplays personal achievements and records for team goals.
These records may be why a lot of people respect and adore Brett Favre. But what really makes me respect him is what he does off the field and the challenges he has overcome. Favre has had many personal challenges throughout his life beginning with a near fatal car crash his senior year in college. Even before that, Favre almost did not get to play in college. Southern Miss already had 6 quarterbacks on roster his freshman year. He only got a scholarship because another player went to a different school the last week of the recruiting season. He was not heavily recruited because his Rotten Bayou high school team rarely passed in their T-wing offense. Also, his hometown of Kiln, Mississippi is a metropolis of 150 people, hardly noticeable.
He has had many personal challenges during his tenure in the NFL as well. He submitted himself during the off season to a drug clinic for becoming dependent on the pain killer vicodin in 1996. His father, Irvin, died in a car crash in 2003. His brother-in-law was killed in a ATV accident in 2004. His wife, Deanna, is a breast cancer survivor. Through all of these tragedies he continues his excellence on the field and off.
He generously commits his time and money to many charities in Wisconsin and Mississippi.
Brett embodies the persona that you want to look up to and emulate. This is why we can take many lessons from him to apply to our lives. Throughout the challenges and obstacles he has faced on and off the field, he continues to persevere. He ignores temporary setbacks and failures as if they never happened. He has the heart and drive of a champion.
These qualities fit in every aspect of our lives from financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Have we used our talents to the utmost? Have we overcome obstacles in our everyday life? Have we enjoyed life as a kid at play? Live like a champion!
You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Revelations 2:3 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Team Accomplishments
To continue on with the football theme, today's focus is the power of teamwork. I've mentioned before that the acronym of TEAM is Together Everyone Achieves More. It's true that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The collective cooperation of a group working together can achieve so much more than individuals.
The New England Patriots are a timely example. This is their fourth trip to the Super Bowl in the last seven years. They are clearly the dominant team of the decade, and maybe for the ages. The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared as many times, but in six years from 1975-1980. San Francisco 49ers also appeared four times, but in nine years from 1982-1990. To achieve the ultimate goal in football that many times takes an alignment of great players, great coaching, a common belief, and a team focus to consistently execute successfully the thousand plus plays that make up the season. Everyone must do their job for the goal to be achieved.
Bill Belichick, the coach of the Patriots, constantly instills with his team the message of "do your job". The Patriots are on the verge of completing the first 19-0 undefeated season as a result. Only the 1972 Miami Dolphins completed a 17-0 perfect season due to a 14 game regular season schedule. Belichick's teamwork philosophy has had repeated successes. Only 20 players of this year's roster of 53 have previous Super Bowl experience. Even Randy Moss, one of the best wide receivers, has fit into Belichick's team concept. He has always been a team distraction with other teams he's played on because of his attitude, work ethic, and massive ego.
The point applicable to us is that our goals in life must have the same components. No matter how gifted you might be, how driven you are, how much wealth you have; you must have others cooperate in achieving your ultimate goals. That could be a spouse, a family, an investment team, a company, a support group, or even a combination of all of the above.
So if you begin with the end in mind, the ideal result you want to achieve in life, you must always look for people that are willing to cooperate with your vision and the skills to advance the goals. The more they benefit along with you, the more they will be willing to contribute toward the goals.
There is another example in the book of Nehemiah. They were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, but were fearful that they would be attacked while the rebuilding took place. How could they restore the wall for protection?
So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work. From that day on, half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows and the breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah. Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
The New England Patriots are a timely example. This is their fourth trip to the Super Bowl in the last seven years. They are clearly the dominant team of the decade, and maybe for the ages. The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared as many times, but in six years from 1975-1980. San Francisco 49ers also appeared four times, but in nine years from 1982-1990. To achieve the ultimate goal in football that many times takes an alignment of great players, great coaching, a common belief, and a team focus to consistently execute successfully the thousand plus plays that make up the season. Everyone must do their job for the goal to be achieved.
Bill Belichick, the coach of the Patriots, constantly instills with his team the message of "do your job". The Patriots are on the verge of completing the first 19-0 undefeated season as a result. Only the 1972 Miami Dolphins completed a 17-0 perfect season due to a 14 game regular season schedule. Belichick's teamwork philosophy has had repeated successes. Only 20 players of this year's roster of 53 have previous Super Bowl experience. Even Randy Moss, one of the best wide receivers, has fit into Belichick's team concept. He has always been a team distraction with other teams he's played on because of his attitude, work ethic, and massive ego.
The point applicable to us is that our goals in life must have the same components. No matter how gifted you might be, how driven you are, how much wealth you have; you must have others cooperate in achieving your ultimate goals. That could be a spouse, a family, an investment team, a company, a support group, or even a combination of all of the above.
So if you begin with the end in mind, the ideal result you want to achieve in life, you must always look for people that are willing to cooperate with your vision and the skills to advance the goals. The more they benefit along with you, the more they will be willing to contribute toward the goals.
There is another example in the book of Nehemiah. They were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, but were fearful that they would be attacked while the rebuilding took place. How could they restore the wall for protection?
So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work. From that day on, half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows and the breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah. Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.
So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared. Nehemiah 4:6,15-17,21 (NASB)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Facing the Giants Part II
Yesterday, I recapped the NFC Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants. Today, I will continue on with a football theme, but in different arena. There is a movie called "Facing the Giants" released in 2006. This movie is about a down-on-his-luck high school football coach who is also having many problems with his life as well. Not only has his team never had a winning season in 6 years, he starts hearing rumors that he is to be fired and that his assistant will become the new coach.
His home life also is in turmoil. He and his wife are unable to have children. His car breaks down frequently, they have no money to buy another car or fix the current one. His house is falling apart, just like his life. The team lost their first two games, the most recent was the against the weakest team on the schedule. At his lowest point, he prays for direction. The next day, an old man who visits the parochial school daily and prays for the children, stops by the office of Coach Taylor. He shares a story of two farmers during a intense drought whose crops are failing. Both farmers prayed for rain, but only one prepared his field for rain. Only one received rain. Which one did you think received it?
Coach Taylor finally changes his focus from despair to the Lord. His new attitude is first shown with his team. The team has no confidence and appears to be going through the motions at practice. He challenges his best player to a grueling drill while wearing a blindfold. He encourages the player every yard of the drill to keep going. On and on the player continued, many times past the points of stopping as the pain level increased. Finally, the player collapsed in the end zone, twice the distance he ever thought possible.
That display of heart and faith carried through the team. They won their next game, and the next, and the next. At the end of the season, they had their first winning season and earned a berth in the state playoffs. After advancement by a disqualification and another victory, they faced the undefeated Giants for the state football title. The Giants had not lost a game in two consecutive seasons and lived up to their name in stature and numbers against the smaller school. No one gave Coach Taylor's team a chance.
Well, I won't spoil the ending. Miracles in everyday life are many times unbelievable, but they happen more frequently than you imagine. What about your life? Have you prepared your life for the blessings that you want?
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. II Corinthians 1:5-7,10-11 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
His home life also is in turmoil. He and his wife are unable to have children. His car breaks down frequently, they have no money to buy another car or fix the current one. His house is falling apart, just like his life. The team lost their first two games, the most recent was the against the weakest team on the schedule. At his lowest point, he prays for direction. The next day, an old man who visits the parochial school daily and prays for the children, stops by the office of Coach Taylor. He shares a story of two farmers during a intense drought whose crops are failing. Both farmers prayed for rain, but only one prepared his field for rain. Only one received rain. Which one did you think received it?
Coach Taylor finally changes his focus from despair to the Lord. His new attitude is first shown with his team. The team has no confidence and appears to be going through the motions at practice. He challenges his best player to a grueling drill while wearing a blindfold. He encourages the player every yard of the drill to keep going. On and on the player continued, many times past the points of stopping as the pain level increased. Finally, the player collapsed in the end zone, twice the distance he ever thought possible.
That display of heart and faith carried through the team. They won their next game, and the next, and the next. At the end of the season, they had their first winning season and earned a berth in the state playoffs. After advancement by a disqualification and another victory, they faced the undefeated Giants for the state football title. The Giants had not lost a game in two consecutive seasons and lived up to their name in stature and numbers against the smaller school. No one gave Coach Taylor's team a chance.
Well, I won't spoil the ending. Miracles in everyday life are many times unbelievable, but they happen more frequently than you imagine. What about your life? Have you prepared your life for the blessings that you want?
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. II Corinthians 1:5-7,10-11 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Monday, January 21, 2008
Facing the Giants
Yesterday was championship Sunday in the NFL playoffs. The New England Patriots continued on their quest for an undefeated season beating the San Diego Chargers 21-12 in the AFC Championship game and earned their place in Super Bowl XLII. The NFC Championship game was held in historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI with the favored Packers taking on the New York Giants.
There were many sideline stories to this game. Brett Favre, the certain first ballot future hall of fame quarterback, was playing in his 17th year with the youngest team in the league. The Packers have compiled a 18-3 record dating back to December of last season. Ryan Grant, the new star running back for the Packers, just had a career game the week before against the Seattle Seahawks where he set Packer playoff records with 3 rushing touchdowns and 201 yards gained. Ryan Grant, incidently, was on the Giants roster on September 1st of this year before he was traded to the Packers for a 6th round 2008 draft pick.
Favre, Grant, and the Packer offense never really got in sync during the game despite a 90 yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver, also a Packer playoff record, for a 10-6 lead at halftime. The Giants offense chewed up the clock and the yards most of the game. With 4 lead changes, it was looking like whoever ended up with the ball last would win the game. The Giants had several chances to take the lead late, but two missed field goals ended regulation time tied 20-20. Only one other time has the NFC Championship game gone into overtime.
The Packers won the coin toss and took first possession. On the second play, Favre had his pass intercepted by cornerback Corey Webster. 3 plays later, Lawrence Tynes redeemed himself for the earlier missed field goals with a 47 yarder with less than 3 minutes elapsed to win the game 23-20. This was the Giants' 10th consecutive road win and earned them a spot in the Super Bowl against the Patriots.
What does all of this have to do with building wealth or the meaning of life? Many things. First, the inexperience of the young Packers showed up many times when they didn't execute their game plan well and failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented. You have to make the most of opportunities. Also, despite having great players on both sides of the game, many times things are decided by the little things in life. Little mistakes can mean much bigger consequences later with investing and with relationships. Also, is there any better feeling than that of redemption? Ask Lawrence Tynes.
No matter what your past is, the most important day of your life is today, and every day after that.
Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice. Proverbs 16:8 (NASB)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
There were many sideline stories to this game. Brett Favre, the certain first ballot future hall of fame quarterback, was playing in his 17th year with the youngest team in the league. The Packers have compiled a 18-3 record dating back to December of last season. Ryan Grant, the new star running back for the Packers, just had a career game the week before against the Seattle Seahawks where he set Packer playoff records with 3 rushing touchdowns and 201 yards gained. Ryan Grant, incidently, was on the Giants roster on September 1st of this year before he was traded to the Packers for a 6th round 2008 draft pick.
Favre, Grant, and the Packer offense never really got in sync during the game despite a 90 yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver, also a Packer playoff record, for a 10-6 lead at halftime. The Giants offense chewed up the clock and the yards most of the game. With 4 lead changes, it was looking like whoever ended up with the ball last would win the game. The Giants had several chances to take the lead late, but two missed field goals ended regulation time tied 20-20. Only one other time has the NFC Championship game gone into overtime.
The Packers won the coin toss and took first possession. On the second play, Favre had his pass intercepted by cornerback Corey Webster. 3 plays later, Lawrence Tynes redeemed himself for the earlier missed field goals with a 47 yarder with less than 3 minutes elapsed to win the game 23-20. This was the Giants' 10th consecutive road win and earned them a spot in the Super Bowl against the Patriots.
What does all of this have to do with building wealth or the meaning of life? Many things. First, the inexperience of the young Packers showed up many times when they didn't execute their game plan well and failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented. You have to make the most of opportunities. Also, despite having great players on both sides of the game, many times things are decided by the little things in life. Little mistakes can mean much bigger consequences later with investing and with relationships. Also, is there any better feeling than that of redemption? Ask Lawrence Tynes.
No matter what your past is, the most important day of your life is today, and every day after that.
Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice. Proverbs 16:8 (NASB)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Karate Kid
One of my favorite movies from the '80s is "The Karate Kid". Most people have seen this movie and enjoyed it. It is about a New Jersey boy who moves to California and has trouble adapting to the surroundings. Local tough guys start beating him on a regular basis. So, he wants to continue karate lessons for protection, only to find out that the bullies are karate students as well.
The handy man in his building one day saves him from getting a severe beating by the local toughs. This old man from Okinawa reluctantly agrees to teach him karate the way his father taught him. However, the agreement has stipulations that he will teach, and that the boy will learn, with no questions asked. He then gives the boy a number of tasks with specific instructions on how to perform the tasks. The tasks are washing and waxing cars, painting the fence, painting the house, and sanding wooden floors.
Finally, the boy is exasperated with doing all this work for the man without compensation and without learning any karate. The boy turns to leave, and then the old man calls him back. He demands the boy show him the specific instructions as he attacks him in various ways. Each attack is deflected by prescribed movements he performed doing the laborious tasks. Within 30 seconds, he realized he learned more karate and ways to defend himself than he ever thought possible. Obviously, the relationship between teacher and student grew very strong from that point on.
The point here is that not all lessons are learned in the classroom, or in a normal way. Even if we don't understand some things as they are happening to us, we can and still do learn from the experience. Even profound truths can be found in simple things.
What do you say to someone who just lost his job and has no means to support his family? "This could be a blessing in disguise" or "this experience will make you stronger"? Even though hindsight may prove that to be true, he won't see it and will even likely resent you for saying it.
As I have pointed out the last several months that the economy is in for a very bumpy ride, there are a good many things we can learn from the experience as it is happening. The bumps are only starting and are going to get much worse. As the economy falters, investors are shifting their assets to historically proven safe havens such as gold and silver. Gold prices topped $900 per ounce for the first time ever this week before retreating back to $881.20. Silver also reached a 28 year high this week before retreating back to $16.14 per ounce. The US dollar index also retreated slightly from it's plunge to close at 76.39. The stock market also had a horrendous week.
What lessons can we learn from these periods of economic trouble? First, where there are problems, there are opportunities. Even if you can't see them, they are there. If needed, find someone to help you see them. This not only applies to the financial world, but in every aspect of our lives - spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
What can you learn today?
If you falter in times of trouble,
how small is your strength!
Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 24:10-12,32-34 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
The handy man in his building one day saves him from getting a severe beating by the local toughs. This old man from Okinawa reluctantly agrees to teach him karate the way his father taught him. However, the agreement has stipulations that he will teach, and that the boy will learn, with no questions asked. He then gives the boy a number of tasks with specific instructions on how to perform the tasks. The tasks are washing and waxing cars, painting the fence, painting the house, and sanding wooden floors.
Finally, the boy is exasperated with doing all this work for the man without compensation and without learning any karate. The boy turns to leave, and then the old man calls him back. He demands the boy show him the specific instructions as he attacks him in various ways. Each attack is deflected by prescribed movements he performed doing the laborious tasks. Within 30 seconds, he realized he learned more karate and ways to defend himself than he ever thought possible. Obviously, the relationship between teacher and student grew very strong from that point on.
The point here is that not all lessons are learned in the classroom, or in a normal way. Even if we don't understand some things as they are happening to us, we can and still do learn from the experience. Even profound truths can be found in simple things.
What do you say to someone who just lost his job and has no means to support his family? "This could be a blessing in disguise" or "this experience will make you stronger"? Even though hindsight may prove that to be true, he won't see it and will even likely resent you for saying it.
As I have pointed out the last several months that the economy is in for a very bumpy ride, there are a good many things we can learn from the experience as it is happening. The bumps are only starting and are going to get much worse. As the economy falters, investors are shifting their assets to historically proven safe havens such as gold and silver. Gold prices topped $900 per ounce for the first time ever this week before retreating back to $881.20. Silver also reached a 28 year high this week before retreating back to $16.14 per ounce. The US dollar index also retreated slightly from it's plunge to close at 76.39. The stock market also had a horrendous week.
What lessons can we learn from these periods of economic trouble? First, where there are problems, there are opportunities. Even if you can't see them, they are there. If needed, find someone to help you see them. This not only applies to the financial world, but in every aspect of our lives - spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
What can you learn today?
If you falter in times of trouble,
how small is your strength!
Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw:
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-
and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 24:10-12,32-34 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Friday, January 18, 2008
Confidence
This week we've been going over the formula to success. Although it starts with your attitude, beliefs, and thoughts; the action is necessary. The consistent and persistent drive down the path toward your dream unveils the last element of the formula, that being confidence.
This element is so critical because it is the answer for your doubts, the will to continue on, the power to overcome obstacles. Confidence must be learned and experienced. This comes from identifying the positive steps made toward your goals and realizing the process can be repeated. Celebrate your gains to reinforce your new found confidence. This is why so many people have trouble with their goals. They are surrounded by doubt, beaten into the ground with defeat from prior experiences, so they retreat back to their comfort zone.
Another problem that people run into when trying to develop their confidence, is that they think it will lead to pride, conceit, and egotism. As always, balance in life is a good thing. Too much of anything can lead to a downfall.
As always, the choice is yours. You can choose to continue on toward your dream, each step gaining confidence, stamina, and determination. Or you can fall back to your comfort zone and be forever bound by the contracts of indentured servitude.
What will you decide?
"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him." Luke 8:16-18 (NIV)
"Is not your fear of God your confidence,
And the integrity of your ways your hope?" Job 4:6 (NASB)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
This element is so critical because it is the answer for your doubts, the will to continue on, the power to overcome obstacles. Confidence must be learned and experienced. This comes from identifying the positive steps made toward your goals and realizing the process can be repeated. Celebrate your gains to reinforce your new found confidence. This is why so many people have trouble with their goals. They are surrounded by doubt, beaten into the ground with defeat from prior experiences, so they retreat back to their comfort zone.
Another problem that people run into when trying to develop their confidence, is that they think it will lead to pride, conceit, and egotism. As always, balance in life is a good thing. Too much of anything can lead to a downfall.
As always, the choice is yours. You can choose to continue on toward your dream, each step gaining confidence, stamina, and determination. Or you can fall back to your comfort zone and be forever bound by the contracts of indentured servitude.
What will you decide?
"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him." Luke 8:16-18 (NIV)
"Is not your fear of God your confidence,
And the integrity of your ways your hope?" Job 4:6 (NASB)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Persistence
This week I've been going over the formula of success. Much of the discussion has been around your attitude, beliefs, and thoughts. The reasons for this are simple - if you believe you can't accomplish your dream, you won't put forth the effort necessary. Little things will distract you, big things will stop you, and even worse, discourage you from ever trying again.
Yesterday, I laid out the reasons why nothing should stop you. If you give in and stop dreaming, you will stay in the rut that so many do - indentured servants. We become slaves to the system, our lifestyle, our job, our boss, and the credit cards. We mortgage our future for the daily pleasures we indulge ourselves to temporarily forget about our rut. Every day the cycle repeats.
In October, I discussed many things that will stop you from trying. Fear, self-imposed limitations, perceived risk, comfort level, and even our friends can discourage you from pursuing your dreams. This is why finding a mentor or support group can assist you in overcoming the negatives and distractions you encounter on a daily basis. Having someone who you can be accountable to is extremely important to maintaining your focus. The week before Christmas, I discussed time management techniques that can also help in this area.
Consistent effort and continued persistence are the next elements in the formula. Without these, your dream will never become a reality. Every day you must continue on your journey. Rest when you need to, but don't let it become an excuse. Your efforts can be tracked by written goals used as stepping stones and as a guide to your path. But formal plans are not always necessary. Some people are so committed that nothing will distract them, even though they have no written goals.
Persistence is in the heart, not on paper. Success attracts more success. Repeat what works for you.
Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.'
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Yesterday, I laid out the reasons why nothing should stop you. If you give in and stop dreaming, you will stay in the rut that so many do - indentured servants. We become slaves to the system, our lifestyle, our job, our boss, and the credit cards. We mortgage our future for the daily pleasures we indulge ourselves to temporarily forget about our rut. Every day the cycle repeats.
In October, I discussed many things that will stop you from trying. Fear, self-imposed limitations, perceived risk, comfort level, and even our friends can discourage you from pursuing your dreams. This is why finding a mentor or support group can assist you in overcoming the negatives and distractions you encounter on a daily basis. Having someone who you can be accountable to is extremely important to maintaining your focus. The week before Christmas, I discussed time management techniques that can also help in this area.
Consistent effort and continued persistence are the next elements in the formula. Without these, your dream will never become a reality. Every day you must continue on your journey. Rest when you need to, but don't let it become an excuse. Your efforts can be tracked by written goals used as stepping stones and as a guide to your path. But formal plans are not always necessary. Some people are so committed that nothing will distract them, even though they have no written goals.
Persistence is in the heart, not on paper. Success attracts more success. Repeat what works for you.
Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and from inside he answers and says, 'Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.'
"I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs."
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened." Luke 11:5-10(NASB)
If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Follow Your Dreams
To continue on with the formula for success, today's topic will be the catalyst for your wants. That is your strongly desired goal or purpose; in other words, your dream. This goes way beyond mere goals that can be quickly discarded or altered. New Year's resolutions pale in comparison to anyone's dream. It is your life-long purpose and aspiration. Your dream is what gives you ultimate persistence despite all odds against you. Time, finance, and relationship hardships can not stop you from what you ultimately dream about.
The problem is that most Americans have forgotten how to dream. Our aspirations exist as a child; but through the school system, college, and then entering the real world, our ideals and higher purpose that we wanted for our lives are systemically stripped. We become a cog in the wheel of business, government, and politics. It is virtually unavoidable. We need that job to pay college tuition bills, rent, and living expenses, which eventually turn into indentured servitude agreements. This is in the guise of credit card agreements, loan payments, and social security deductions. This is further complicated by settling down with a spouse, children, mortgages, and car payments. We fall into the grind, the rut, the daily routine.
What ever happened to America being the land of opportunity? Instead, we have become the land of employment. We automatically and even involuntarily become a servant to someone else's dreams of financial security. That's because we are taught that financial security is a steady paycheck. It fits with our obligations, our budget, our social norm. Meanwhile, the innovators, the entrepreneurs, and the dreamers recognize that the only way the "pursuit of happiness" can be realized is through their own efforts, not under the direction of others, to whom you are nothing but an employee ID number. In turn, the employee benefits and retirement plans that we told were vital are eventually stripped away.
Why does this invariably happen? Because even the head strong dreamers that want to be musicians, or actors, or athletes are beaten into the ground, and are held up as examples of failures to others who dare try. Only the best of the best are rewarded and are treated as "American Idols". Meanwhile, the immigrants and foreigners who enter this country continue to exemplify the American spirit by starting their own businesses , just as our ancestors did 100 years ago. Generation by generation the creative and innovative spirit is demoralized and left bankrupt.
You might ask how has this developed into this despondent state. Easy. Make sure the public school system does not teach financial and money concepts. Money is not the most important thing in the world, but it ranks right next to oxygen and water when it comes to living. As children grow up, indulge them to be consumers of the latest gadget or fad through advertising. Feed big business with money to dominate their lives in every sense of their existence. Then, add complicated stipulations and additional fees on their credit card agreements, tax filings, and even their paystubs to tighten their shackles and strip away their independence. Multiply this by generations and the widening generation gap, and you get an entire population that is mass producing debt that they will never escape from. Voila! You have indentured servants.
So what is the escape from this demise? Your dreams are not dead, but dormant. Your education and desire for learning can be resurrected. Information is not knowledge without action. Sacrifice and effort will be required, but what are your other options? Servitude? Knowledge creates choices. Choices allow us to change our lives. Live your dream, your life-long purpose. Find others to assist you. Work together to accomplish common goals. It is possible.
This doesn't just apply to financial matters; but spiritual, emotional, and physical dreams as well. Balance in life is essential for true "pursuit of happiness".
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
The problem is that most Americans have forgotten how to dream. Our aspirations exist as a child; but through the school system, college, and then entering the real world, our ideals and higher purpose that we wanted for our lives are systemically stripped. We become a cog in the wheel of business, government, and politics. It is virtually unavoidable. We need that job to pay college tuition bills, rent, and living expenses, which eventually turn into indentured servitude agreements. This is in the guise of credit card agreements, loan payments, and social security deductions. This is further complicated by settling down with a spouse, children, mortgages, and car payments. We fall into the grind, the rut, the daily routine.
What ever happened to America being the land of opportunity? Instead, we have become the land of employment. We automatically and even involuntarily become a servant to someone else's dreams of financial security. That's because we are taught that financial security is a steady paycheck. It fits with our obligations, our budget, our social norm. Meanwhile, the innovators, the entrepreneurs, and the dreamers recognize that the only way the "pursuit of happiness" can be realized is through their own efforts, not under the direction of others, to whom you are nothing but an employee ID number. In turn, the employee benefits and retirement plans that we told were vital are eventually stripped away.
Why does this invariably happen? Because even the head strong dreamers that want to be musicians, or actors, or athletes are beaten into the ground, and are held up as examples of failures to others who dare try. Only the best of the best are rewarded and are treated as "American Idols". Meanwhile, the immigrants and foreigners who enter this country continue to exemplify the American spirit by starting their own businesses , just as our ancestors did 100 years ago. Generation by generation the creative and innovative spirit is demoralized and left bankrupt.
You might ask how has this developed into this despondent state. Easy. Make sure the public school system does not teach financial and money concepts. Money is not the most important thing in the world, but it ranks right next to oxygen and water when it comes to living. As children grow up, indulge them to be consumers of the latest gadget or fad through advertising. Feed big business with money to dominate their lives in every sense of their existence. Then, add complicated stipulations and additional fees on their credit card agreements, tax filings, and even their paystubs to tighten their shackles and strip away their independence. Multiply this by generations and the widening generation gap, and you get an entire population that is mass producing debt that they will never escape from. Voila! You have indentured servants.
So what is the escape from this demise? Your dreams are not dead, but dormant. Your education and desire for learning can be resurrected. Information is not knowledge without action. Sacrifice and effort will be required, but what are your other options? Servitude? Knowledge creates choices. Choices allow us to change our lives. Live your dream, your life-long purpose. Find others to assist you. Work together to accomplish common goals. It is possible.
This doesn't just apply to financial matters; but spiritual, emotional, and physical dreams as well. Balance in life is essential for true "pursuit of happiness".
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Going After It
To continue on with the success formula from yesterday, once you have in mind what you want and you believe that you can get it, you're ready for the next step. You are now going to add action to the formula.
As I have pointed out a number of times in previous posts:
Information is not knowledge without action
Knowledge creates choices
Choices allow us to change our lives
If you begin with the end in mind, you can visualize exactly what you are looking for. Whether you set up intermediate goals as stepping stones, or enlist the aid of a coach or mentor, you will need a path to follow. But you must take the steps, no one can do it for you. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Tracking your progress along the way can help motivate you. It can also let you know if you are deviating from your path. If you deviate too far, you will not get where you want to go. Every positive step can get you closer. Inevitably, you will encounter problems and obstacles. This is normal and should be expected. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. This is where a coach or mentor can help you overcome the problem, but you must be teachable. I've seen many people give up at this point simply because they don't trust the guidance given to them or are unwilling to do the necessary steps to overcome the problem.
Another important item of assistance is to find others going on the same path. The group can always encourage each other during difficult times. It can also make celebrations of milestones so much more enjoyable. Success is truly a journey, not a destination. Why not share the rewards?
There will be more on the success formula this week. Stay tuned ...
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
As I have pointed out a number of times in previous posts:
Information is not knowledge without action
Knowledge creates choices
Choices allow us to change our lives
If you begin with the end in mind, you can visualize exactly what you are looking for. Whether you set up intermediate goals as stepping stones, or enlist the aid of a coach or mentor, you will need a path to follow. But you must take the steps, no one can do it for you. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Tracking your progress along the way can help motivate you. It can also let you know if you are deviating from your path. If you deviate too far, you will not get where you want to go. Every positive step can get you closer. Inevitably, you will encounter problems and obstacles. This is normal and should be expected. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. This is where a coach or mentor can help you overcome the problem, but you must be teachable. I've seen many people give up at this point simply because they don't trust the guidance given to them or are unwilling to do the necessary steps to overcome the problem.
Another important item of assistance is to find others going on the same path. The group can always encourage each other during difficult times. It can also make celebrations of milestones so much more enjoyable. Success is truly a journey, not a destination. Why not share the rewards?
There will be more on the success formula this week. Stay tuned ...
The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Monday, January 14, 2008
Attitude
This week, I'm going to go through the process of how to get the things that you want in life. That may sound ambitious, but it really isn't. It all comes back to a basic formula or process that every successful person goes through in one form or another. Many times, they don't even know they went through a process, they just do it.
The first step is to identify what it is you want. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised that a lot of people forget about or don't know what they want, because they have been conditioned to think that they can't have it or can't afford it. The apathy in this country keeps growing year by year.
The second step is what stops most people. It is the belief that they can get what they want. You must have the belief that you can do it, or you will quit at the first obstacle. This is where attitude is so very important. Your thought are things. Many success gurus say this, including Napoleon Hill, author of "Think and Grow Rich". A negative attitude will cause doubt, and doubt has a unique ability to automatically show up. This can stop you in your tracks, or at least distract you away from your goal. A positive attitude will give you power to overcome obstacles and continue on. It will allow you to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Every time you overcome the obstacle, you get even more confidence and power to continue on.
Your attitude has nothing to do with your environment, where you were raised, how you look, where you live, or who your parents are. Your attitude is all controlled by your thoughts, which are uniquely yours. We are what we think we are, not what we appear to be on the outside. Your self-image will attract others like you. You've probably heard "a bird of a feather flocks together". If your self-image is negative, it will attract negative results. If it is positive, it will attract positive results. There is another common saying that's true - "necessity is the mother of invention".
So if you think that you can not have or do something, it will never happen. Henry Ford said, "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right."
Whatever is possible begins between your ears.
There will be more on the success formula this week. Stay tuned ...
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
The first step is to identify what it is you want. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised that a lot of people forget about or don't know what they want, because they have been conditioned to think that they can't have it or can't afford it. The apathy in this country keeps growing year by year.
The second step is what stops most people. It is the belief that they can get what they want. You must have the belief that you can do it, or you will quit at the first obstacle. This is where attitude is so very important. Your thought are things. Many success gurus say this, including Napoleon Hill, author of "Think and Grow Rich". A negative attitude will cause doubt, and doubt has a unique ability to automatically show up. This can stop you in your tracks, or at least distract you away from your goal. A positive attitude will give you power to overcome obstacles and continue on. It will allow you to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Every time you overcome the obstacle, you get even more confidence and power to continue on.
Your attitude has nothing to do with your environment, where you were raised, how you look, where you live, or who your parents are. Your attitude is all controlled by your thoughts, which are uniquely yours. We are what we think we are, not what we appear to be on the outside. Your self-image will attract others like you. You've probably heard "a bird of a feather flocks together". If your self-image is negative, it will attract negative results. If it is positive, it will attract positive results. There is another common saying that's true - "necessity is the mother of invention".
So if you think that you can not have or do something, it will never happen. Henry Ford said, "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right."
Whatever is possible begins between your ears.
There will be more on the success formula this week. Stay tuned ...
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Reprise
In the music industry, a reprise is a duplicate song on the cd or album, but may be represented with a different sound, such as an acoustic version. Well, today I will highlight a topic I discussed a on Dec. 1st, and mentioned a number of times before.
The topic on Dec. 1st was silver and gold. I mentioned that the price of both silver and gold was positioned to go up significantly over the next six months. Since then, the price of gold has gone up over $100 per ounce to $895.60, a 14.5% increase in 6 weeks. The price of silver has gone up to $16.28 per ounce, almost a 15% increase. Were you one of those that capitalized on this information? I hope so. These prices are not done going up.
On Dec. 1st, I mentioned many of the technical reasons why gold and silver would go up, as well as a number of fundamental economic reasons. Each Saturday, I've recapped what has been going on in the economy and attempt to make sense of it for the average person. You can check the Saturday posts and see that gold and silver has progressively gone up since Dec. 1st.
The points I've been making over the last couple months is that once you understand what to look for, you can recognize not only what is going on in the market and what it means, but also what is likely to happen in the immediate future after that. That is how people create wealth consistently. They recognize opportunities and they act on them.
I've also mentioned that the US dollar has been losing its value over the last year. This has been one of many reasons why gold and silver has been appreciating significantly. The dramatic steps that the Federal Reserve has taken to prop up the dollar has risen the value of the dollar temporarily, as stated in previous Saturday posts. However, since Christmas, the value has started to plummet again, just as I pointed out it would. This week, the US dollar index fell to 76.02.
This is having a ripple effect on other markets as well, as I have also pointed out in previous posts. The stock market is starting to feel the pinch of the sluggish economy. Since the beginning of the 4th quarter, the NASDAQ has fallen more than 6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has also dropped 5.6%.
The point I am reiterating is that the economy is headed for a fall. Over the past several months I've given many reasons for this, but the facts are being validated each week. The signs are there. Do you pay attention to signs on the road? Or do you drive wherever you feel like it?
Your financial health is in the balance. Pay attention or you will likely experience a serious "accident". These signs can work for you or against you. If you need help identifying solutions for you, contact me.
Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Mark well the path by which you came.
Come back again, my virgin Israel; return to your towns here. Jeremiah 31:21 (NLT)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
The topic on Dec. 1st was silver and gold. I mentioned that the price of both silver and gold was positioned to go up significantly over the next six months. Since then, the price of gold has gone up over $100 per ounce to $895.60, a 14.5% increase in 6 weeks. The price of silver has gone up to $16.28 per ounce, almost a 15% increase. Were you one of those that capitalized on this information? I hope so. These prices are not done going up.
On Dec. 1st, I mentioned many of the technical reasons why gold and silver would go up, as well as a number of fundamental economic reasons. Each Saturday, I've recapped what has been going on in the economy and attempt to make sense of it for the average person. You can check the Saturday posts and see that gold and silver has progressively gone up since Dec. 1st.
The points I've been making over the last couple months is that once you understand what to look for, you can recognize not only what is going on in the market and what it means, but also what is likely to happen in the immediate future after that. That is how people create wealth consistently. They recognize opportunities and they act on them.
I've also mentioned that the US dollar has been losing its value over the last year. This has been one of many reasons why gold and silver has been appreciating significantly. The dramatic steps that the Federal Reserve has taken to prop up the dollar has risen the value of the dollar temporarily, as stated in previous Saturday posts. However, since Christmas, the value has started to plummet again, just as I pointed out it would. This week, the US dollar index fell to 76.02.
This is having a ripple effect on other markets as well, as I have also pointed out in previous posts. The stock market is starting to feel the pinch of the sluggish economy. Since the beginning of the 4th quarter, the NASDAQ has fallen more than 6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has also dropped 5.6%.
The point I am reiterating is that the economy is headed for a fall. Over the past several months I've given many reasons for this, but the facts are being validated each week. The signs are there. Do you pay attention to signs on the road? Or do you drive wherever you feel like it?
Your financial health is in the balance. Pay attention or you will likely experience a serious "accident". These signs can work for you or against you. If you need help identifying solutions for you, contact me.
Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Mark well the path by which you came.
Come back again, my virgin Israel; return to your towns here. Jeremiah 31:21 (NLT)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Friday, January 11, 2008
Other Credit Report Info
This week we've been discussing credit scores. Today, I will share some information on how to obtain a free credit report on you and how to correct any errors that you may find.
The three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, run a website www.AnnualCreditReport.com. This entitles every American to request a free credit report within a 12 month period. This report is normally without credit scores, which can be included for an additional fee. You can also request one by phone by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by mail after downloading the request form and mailing it to the address below. The request will take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
You will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address. To maintain the security of your file, each credit bureau company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.
If you happen to find an error on your report, you should get it corrected as soon as possible. Why is this necessary? Because your credit report contains information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. The credit bureaus sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. As stated in earlier posts, this can prevent you from obtaining credit or getting unfavorable terms or interest rates when getting a loan.
It is also important to review your credit report periodically to prevent identity theft. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.
To dispute an error, write a letter by certified mail with "return receipt requested" to the credit bureau so you can document what the consumer reporting company received. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures. State to the credit bureau what information you think is inaccurate. Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position. In addition to providing your complete name and address, your letter should clearly identify each item in your report you dispute, state the facts and explain why you dispute the information, and request that it be removed or corrected. You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the items in question circled.
The credit reporting companies must investigate the items in question, usually within 30 days. After completing the investigation, the consumer reporting company must give you the results in writing and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. This free report does not count as your annual free report. If you ask, the consumer reporting company must send notices of any corrections to anyone who received your report in the past six months. You can also have a corrected copy of your report sent to anyone who received a copy during the past two years for employment purposes.
The second step is to notify the creditor or other information provider, in writing, that you dispute an item. Be sure to include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position. Many providers specify an address for disputes. If the provider reports the item to a consumer reporting company, it must include a notice of your dispute.
Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. Phillipians 4:17 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, you can contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
The three major credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, run a website www.AnnualCreditReport.com. This entitles every American to request a free credit report within a 12 month period. This report is normally without credit scores, which can be included for an additional fee. You can also request one by phone by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by mail after downloading the request form and mailing it to the address below. The request will take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
You will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you have moved in the last two years, you may have to provide your previous address. To maintain the security of your file, each credit bureau company may ask you for some information that only you would know, like the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. Each company may ask you for different information because the information each has in your file may come from different sources.
If you happen to find an error on your report, you should get it corrected as soon as possible. Why is this necessary? Because your credit report contains information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you’ve been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. The credit bureaus sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. As stated in earlier posts, this can prevent you from obtaining credit or getting unfavorable terms or interest rates when getting a loan.
It is also important to review your credit report periodically to prevent identity theft. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.
To dispute an error, write a letter by certified mail with "return receipt requested" to the credit bureau so you can document what the consumer reporting company received. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures. State to the credit bureau what information you think is inaccurate. Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position. In addition to providing your complete name and address, your letter should clearly identify each item in your report you dispute, state the facts and explain why you dispute the information, and request that it be removed or corrected. You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the items in question circled.
The credit reporting companies must investigate the items in question, usually within 30 days. After completing the investigation, the consumer reporting company must give you the results in writing and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. This free report does not count as your annual free report. If you ask, the consumer reporting company must send notices of any corrections to anyone who received your report in the past six months. You can also have a corrected copy of your report sent to anyone who received a copy during the past two years for employment purposes.
The second step is to notify the creditor or other information provider, in writing, that you dispute an item. Be sure to include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position. Many providers specify an address for disputes. If the provider reports the item to a consumer reporting company, it must include a notice of your dispute.
Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. Phillipians 4:17 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, you can contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What Lenders See
This week the topic has been credit scores, how they are derived, and how to improve them. Today, I'll shed some light on how lenders interpret those scores.
For example, if your score is 713. You apply for a refinancing mortgage and the bank has a table that has eligible interest rates for each score band. The band from 700-720 allows you to get an interest rate of 5.85%. If you would improve your score to 721, you would qualify for a rate of 5.70%. On the other hand, if your score would drop to 695, you would qualify for a rate of 6.35%. Every bank and credit institution has their own rules and eligibility guidelines for lending. Terms will vary. If you are denied credit, they are required to give a specific reason as to why you were denied. This is to prevent discrimination and a chance for you to correct the problem in due time.
Here are some general indicators that your credit report will tell a lender. If you have too many consumer finance accounts on your report, they may feel that you have the ability to spend more than you could potentially pay back. They may deny credit or charge a higher interest rate because of this. Or if your account balances are too high compared to your credit limits, this can signal that you are spending more than you can afford. It is recommended that you keep your balances below 35% of your credit limit.
On the other hand, if you don't have enough history or the data is really old, lenders may be suspect of your ability to pay punctually. The more recent history gives the lender the best gauge on your creditworthiness because your credit report is just a snapshot. Financial conditions can change significantly in a year, whether good or bad.
Also, many lenders will use a median score from all three credit bureaus. Each have slightly different scoring systems and may get data from their information resources at different times. This can result in the score being 50 points or more off from another credit bureau.
There are advantages of this credit scoring system for both the lender and the consumer. Scores allow automation of loan applications so you can get an approval faster. Credit decisions are also fairer because they don't take demographic information into account such as gender, race, religion, marital status, and employment history. Credit mistakes in the past can be overruled by more recent good credit history. With the automation of the approval process, costs are reduced for the lender and more credit is available for the consumer. Also with the lender making better credit decisions, this keeps the defaults down and can allow for more favorable interest rates.
Tomorrow, there will be references on where to get credit reports and consumer information. Stay tuned ...
He is a merciful creditor, not keeping the items given as security by poor debtors. He does not rob the poor but instead gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others, and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign Lord . Ezekiel 18:7-9 (NLT)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
For example, if your score is 713. You apply for a refinancing mortgage and the bank has a table that has eligible interest rates for each score band. The band from 700-720 allows you to get an interest rate of 5.85%. If you would improve your score to 721, you would qualify for a rate of 5.70%. On the other hand, if your score would drop to 695, you would qualify for a rate of 6.35%. Every bank and credit institution has their own rules and eligibility guidelines for lending. Terms will vary. If you are denied credit, they are required to give a specific reason as to why you were denied. This is to prevent discrimination and a chance for you to correct the problem in due time.
Here are some general indicators that your credit report will tell a lender. If you have too many consumer finance accounts on your report, they may feel that you have the ability to spend more than you could potentially pay back. They may deny credit or charge a higher interest rate because of this. Or if your account balances are too high compared to your credit limits, this can signal that you are spending more than you can afford. It is recommended that you keep your balances below 35% of your credit limit.
On the other hand, if you don't have enough history or the data is really old, lenders may be suspect of your ability to pay punctually. The more recent history gives the lender the best gauge on your creditworthiness because your credit report is just a snapshot. Financial conditions can change significantly in a year, whether good or bad.
Also, many lenders will use a median score from all three credit bureaus. Each have slightly different scoring systems and may get data from their information resources at different times. This can result in the score being 50 points or more off from another credit bureau.
There are advantages of this credit scoring system for both the lender and the consumer. Scores allow automation of loan applications so you can get an approval faster. Credit decisions are also fairer because they don't take demographic information into account such as gender, race, religion, marital status, and employment history. Credit mistakes in the past can be overruled by more recent good credit history. With the automation of the approval process, costs are reduced for the lender and more credit is available for the consumer. Also with the lender making better credit decisions, this keeps the defaults down and can allow for more favorable interest rates.
Tomorrow, there will be references on where to get credit reports and consumer information. Stay tuned ...
He is a merciful creditor, not keeping the items given as security by poor debtors. He does not rob the poor but instead gives food to the hungry and provides clothes for the needy. He grants loans without interest, stays away from injustice, is honest and fair when judging others, and faithfully obeys my decrees and regulations. Anyone who does these things is just and will surely live, says the Sovereign L
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Raising Your Credit Score
To continue on this week's theme of credit scores, today I will share some pointers of raising your credit score. Your credit score is a relative indication about your financial health, since most transactions today use credit through credit cards or loans of some type. The higher the score, the more likely you are to paying it on a timely basis.
Yesterday, I mentioned the factors used in determining your credit score. If you make a few improvements, especially in the areas that carry the biggest weight, it can make a big difference. First, there is punctuality of payment. If you have any outstanding payments past due 30 days or more, this is a serious problem. Eliminate and prevent new occurrences will raise your score up significantly over time.
Then, if you carry balances over from month to month and they are near your credit limit, this will drag your score down. Also, a high number of accounts you have open with balances will also hurt you. Pay some of the lower amounts off and close the accounts to raise your score. The higher the ratio between outstanding revolving debt (credit cards) and available credit (credit limits), the lower your score will be. Even having a lot of credit cards with $0 balances is not the best thing. Only use what you need, and close the other accounts. You can also request them to lower your credit limits, which can raise your score. In this case, you are less likely to overspend.
Meanwhile, maintain low-to-moderate balances and be sure to make your payments on time. Your score should improve as your revolving credit history ages. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will usually not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed.
The next item is fairly obvious, but needs to be stated. Avoid bankruptcies, foreclosures, and judgments against you. If you have these and apply for credit, you will almost surely be denied. If you are given some credit, it will usually be very high rates, sometimes around 30% per year interest. This is like giving a drowning man a cement block to hold. Bankruptcies won't usually come off your credit report for 6 or 7 years.
The next area can be grouped around length and type of credit used. Consumer finance companies (including collection agencies) are the worst type of credit to have in relation to your credit score. It signifies that your credit health is very weak. Installment loans are the best type of credit concerning your credit score, because of its regularity. Here are some other pointers. A long credit history is better than a short one. Recent credit information is better than really old data. A lot of credit inquiries over time is also bad for your score. Only apply for credit when you need it.
There will be more this week regarding credit. Stay tuned ...
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken. Psalms 15:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Yesterday, I mentioned the factors used in determining your credit score. If you make a few improvements, especially in the areas that carry the biggest weight, it can make a big difference. First, there is punctuality of payment. If you have any outstanding payments past due 30 days or more, this is a serious problem. Eliminate and prevent new occurrences will raise your score up significantly over time.
Then, if you carry balances over from month to month and they are near your credit limit, this will drag your score down. Also, a high number of accounts you have open with balances will also hurt you. Pay some of the lower amounts off and close the accounts to raise your score. The higher the ratio between outstanding revolving debt (credit cards) and available credit (credit limits), the lower your score will be. Even having a lot of credit cards with $0 balances is not the best thing. Only use what you need, and close the other accounts. You can also request them to lower your credit limits, which can raise your score. In this case, you are less likely to overspend.
Meanwhile, maintain low-to-moderate balances and be sure to make your payments on time. Your score should improve as your revolving credit history ages. Consolidating or moving your debt around from one account to another will usually not, however, raise your score, since the same amount is still owed.
The next item is fairly obvious, but needs to be stated. Avoid bankruptcies, foreclosures, and judgments against you. If you have these and apply for credit, you will almost surely be denied. If you are given some credit, it will usually be very high rates, sometimes around 30% per year interest. This is like giving a drowning man a cement block to hold. Bankruptcies won't usually come off your credit report for 6 or 7 years.
The next area can be grouped around length and type of credit used. Consumer finance companies (including collection agencies) are the worst type of credit to have in relation to your credit score. It signifies that your credit health is very weak. Installment loans are the best type of credit concerning your credit score, because of its regularity. Here are some other pointers. A long credit history is better than a short one. Recent credit information is better than really old data. A lot of credit inquiries over time is also bad for your score. Only apply for credit when you need it.
There will be more this week regarding credit. Stay tuned ...
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken. Psalms 15:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
More on Credit Score
To continue from yesterday's post on credit scores, today I will shed more light on what makes up the score. Banks and other institutions using such scores as a factor in their lending decisions may deny credit, charge higher interest rates, demand more collateral, or require extensive income and asset verification if the applicant's FICO credit score is low.
Although the exact formulas for calculating credit scores are closely guarded secrets, the Fair Isaac Corporation has disclosed the following components and the approximate weighted contribution of each:
There are other special factors which can weigh on the FICO score.
Many lenders will check an applicant's score from each bureau and use the median score to determine the applicant's credit worthiness.
Tomorrow there will be more information on how to improve your credit score. Stay tuned ...
Solomon replied, "If he shows himself to be a worthy man, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die." I Kings 1:52 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Although the exact formulas for calculating credit scores are closely guarded secrets, the Fair Isaac Corporation has disclosed the following components and the approximate weighted contribution of each:
- 35% — punctuality of payment in the past (only includes payments later than 30 days past due)
- 30% — the amount of debt, expressed as the ratio of current revolving debt (credit card balances, etc.) to total available revolving credit (credit limits)
- 15% — length of credit history
- 10% — types of credit used (installment, revolving, consumer finance)
- 10% — recent search for credit and/or amount of credit obtained recently
There are other special factors which can weigh on the FICO score.
- Any money owed because of a court judgment, tax lien, or similar carry an additional negative penalty, especially when recent.
- Having more than a certain number of consumer finance credit accounts also carries a negative weight (critics say that this causes a vicious cycle, locking people into continuing to use consumer finance companies).
- The number of recent credit checks also can weigh down the score, although credit agencies usually claim to allow for credit checks made within a certain window of time not to aggregate, so as to allow the consumer to shop around for rates.
Many lenders will check an applicant's score from each bureau and use the median score to determine the applicant's credit worthiness.
Tomorrow there will be more information on how to improve your credit score. Stay tuned ...
Solomon replied, "If he shows himself to be a worthy man, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die." I Kings 1:52 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Monday, January 7, 2008
Credit Score
Now that the holidays and year end parties are over, it's time for everyone to get back in the routine of their daily lives. Since all the holiday parties and gifts purchased carry extra expense, that usually becomes due with January's credit card bills. So this week I will shed more light on how the credit system works and what makes up your credit score.
First, your credit score is a number based a statistical analysis of all your credit information designed to represent your creditworthiness. This means the perceived likelihood that you will pay your debts in a timely manner. Most of the information will come from credit bureaus or credit reference agencies. There are three primary credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
You may be curious on how your credit score is used. It is the primary method used to determine whether to offer you credit when you apply for a credit card, or get financing when buying a vehicle or consumer product, or go to a bank for a loan, or obtaining or refinancing a mortgage. It will also likely be used to determine the terms offered and the interest rate you will pay. This will make a huge difference in the total cost of the credit offered, or how much you will pay in total until the entire loan is paid off.
It is also being used now for other purposes, such as by insurance companies to determine whether you would be a good risk for auto, home, or business insurance. So, whether you realize it or not, your credit score has affected you in some way virtually any time you pay for something using credit or even make a major financial purchase.
Credit scores are often called FICO scores because most credit agencies use software developed by Fair Isaac and Company. These scores will range from 300 - 850. The higher the credit score, the lower the risk. Many companies will have a cut off, like 650, that if the score is lower than the cut off, you either won't qualify for the loan or service, or the interest rates charged will be significantly higher. But there are usually additional criteria used as well. 73% of Americans have a credit score of 650 or higher.
There will be more on credit scores this week. Stay tuned ...
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. Romans 4:4 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
First, your credit score is a number based a statistical analysis of all your credit information designed to represent your creditworthiness. This means the perceived likelihood that you will pay your debts in a timely manner. Most of the information will come from credit bureaus or credit reference agencies. There are three primary credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
You may be curious on how your credit score is used. It is the primary method used to determine whether to offer you credit when you apply for a credit card, or get financing when buying a vehicle or consumer product, or go to a bank for a loan, or obtaining or refinancing a mortgage. It will also likely be used to determine the terms offered and the interest rate you will pay. This will make a huge difference in the total cost of the credit offered, or how much you will pay in total until the entire loan is paid off.
It is also being used now for other purposes, such as by insurance companies to determine whether you would be a good risk for auto, home, or business insurance. So, whether you realize it or not, your credit score has affected you in some way virtually any time you pay for something using credit or even make a major financial purchase.
Credit scores are often called FICO scores because most credit agencies use software developed by Fair Isaac and Company. These scores will range from 300 - 850. The higher the credit score, the lower the risk. Many companies will have a cut off, like 650, that if the score is lower than the cut off, you either won't qualify for the loan or service, or the interest rates charged will be significantly higher. But there are usually additional criteria used as well. 73% of Americans have a credit score of 650 or higher.
There will be more on credit scores this week. Stay tuned ...
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. Romans 4:4 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Uncertainty
For the first report card of the economy for the year, I thought I would also tie in the theme from this week on setting goals. Now that the new year has started and people are getting back to work from the holidays, the markets have continued their trends.
Gold and silver both continued up from last week. Gold went from $839.50 per ounce to $863.70 this week, a 2.9% increase. Silver went from $14.81 per ounce to $15.35, a 3.6% increase. This was also a short week.
The significant rise in precious metals the last several weeks is confirming that there is a lot of uncertainty about the economy. The Dow fell to 12,800, it's lowest point since mid-November. The NASDAQ fell to 2504, it's lowest point since August.
With a lot of uncertainty in the stock and real estate markets, you had better be certain about making changes away from those markets. As pointed out in previous posts, the wealthy understand that markets go through extended cycles where they don't perform well. When this happens, they move their assets away from the poor performing areas in ones that are performing well. Precious metals obviously is one good choice.
If you need assistance in finding what options to take, or what direction may be the best for you in setting up your investment goals for 2008, send me an email. I will help you find what the best options for you to meet your goals.
Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Gold and silver both continued up from last week. Gold went from $839.50 per ounce to $863.70 this week, a 2.9% increase. Silver went from $14.81 per ounce to $15.35, a 3.6% increase. This was also a short week.
The significant rise in precious metals the last several weeks is confirming that there is a lot of uncertainty about the economy. The Dow fell to 12,800, it's lowest point since mid-November. The NASDAQ fell to 2504, it's lowest point since August.
With a lot of uncertainty in the stock and real estate markets, you had better be certain about making changes away from those markets. As pointed out in previous posts, the wealthy understand that markets go through extended cycles where they don't perform well. When this happens, they move their assets away from the poor performing areas in ones that are performing well. Precious metals obviously is one good choice.
If you need assistance in finding what options to take, or what direction may be the best for you in setting up your investment goals for 2008, send me an email. I will help you find what the best options for you to meet your goals.
Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Friday, January 4, 2008
Sense of Purpose
Yesterday, I mentioned that our goals should align with what is most important in our lives. Also, that as we grow older, our priorities and perspective changes. If we focus on how we would like our lives to turn out, we will likely have a much more fulfilling life.
This is where sense of purpose comes in. Our purpose guides our actions. It is our roles that we play in life. We can play multiple roles at once such as a husband, father, and employer. The more roles we play, the more complicated our lives become. But as stated earlier, if we align our goals with who we want to become, our true sense of purpose takes over. Do we want to be known as a loving father or a businessman? Do we want to make a difference in the lives of others or do we want to accumulate wealth for ourselves? Do we want to be loved and revered by many or do we want independence? Not all of these must be either or scenarios, but one main dominance will emerge from our heart.
Emotions drive our purpose. The strongest emotion will govern our true sense of purpose. What drives you - love, hope, gratitude, happiness, acceptance, curiosity, pleasure, fear, ambition, power, greed, anger, or grief? What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to be remembered for? Only your heart knows.
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
This is where sense of purpose comes in. Our purpose guides our actions. It is our roles that we play in life. We can play multiple roles at once such as a husband, father, and employer. The more roles we play, the more complicated our lives become. But as stated earlier, if we align our goals with who we want to become, our true sense of purpose takes over. Do we want to be known as a loving father or a businessman? Do we want to make a difference in the lives of others or do we want to accumulate wealth for ourselves? Do we want to be loved and revered by many or do we want independence? Not all of these must be either or scenarios, but one main dominance will emerge from our heart.
Emotions drive our purpose. The strongest emotion will govern our true sense of purpose. What drives you - love, hope, gratitude, happiness, acceptance, curiosity, pleasure, fear, ambition, power, greed, anger, or grief? What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want to be remembered for? Only your heart knows.
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters,
but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Alignment
This week I've been discussing goals and the New Year. On New Year's Eve I mentioned the importance of reflecting back on what we may want to change in the coming year. Well, here's the other side. Do the things we want to change really align with what we want our lives to mean? Do our resolutions actually lead toward the person we want to become and contribute to our life's pursuit?
Many times we get so caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of our lives, that we forget in a sense of who we are. And more importantly, who we want to become. There's a popular sentiment in project management of "begin with the end in mind". In other words, what do we want the final outcome or result to look like? So if we project into the future to when we are old and gray and reflect back on our lives, what do we want to see in the reflection? Do you want to see great accomplishments in your chosen field, a large family to pass on a legacy, huge wealth, many great trips to exotic places, many lifelong friends? In other words, what is really most important to you?
I think you will observe that the most important thing in your life will change as you grow older. As you experience life, priorities and precious memories change. Do we proceed too cautiously in our life decisions? Do we take too many risks? Do we focus too much on work and not on family and friends? Do we neglect our health, physically and spiritually? Do we burn ourselves out trying to accumulate wealth that you can't take with you?
The answer to all of these solely lies in that reflection in the mirror, and the corresponding one in your heart.
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Many times we get so caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of our lives, that we forget in a sense of who we are. And more importantly, who we want to become. There's a popular sentiment in project management of "begin with the end in mind". In other words, what do we want the final outcome or result to look like? So if we project into the future to when we are old and gray and reflect back on our lives, what do we want to see in the reflection? Do you want to see great accomplishments in your chosen field, a large family to pass on a legacy, huge wealth, many great trips to exotic places, many lifelong friends? In other words, what is really most important to you?
I think you will observe that the most important thing in your life will change as you grow older. As you experience life, priorities and precious memories change. Do we proceed too cautiously in our life decisions? Do we take too many risks? Do we focus too much on work and not on family and friends? Do we neglect our health, physically and spiritually? Do we burn ourselves out trying to accumulate wealth that you can't take with you?
The answer to all of these solely lies in that reflection in the mirror, and the corresponding one in your heart.
In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
What Nail Are You On?
I've heard this story a number of times and is very pertinent, so I thought I would share it.
There was a man who was walking by a house and heard a Basset hound howl. The dog was sitting on a porch with his owner sitting there whittling a piece of wood. The dog continued to bellow, so the man walking by asked the owner, "Is that your dog?"
The response from the owner, "Yep."
The man tried a different tack. He asked, "Is there something wrong with your dog?"
The owner replied, "I suppose."
The dog howled again, a long drawn out moan. The man couldn't help himself and asked, "What is wrong with him?"
The owner looked up from his wood and then at the dog, "Well, I suppose it's the nail he's sitting on."
The man already engaged asked, "Why doesn't he move?"
The owner replied, "I suppose it doesn't hurt enough."
I think we can all relate to this. Many times there are things in our lives that we don't like, and maybe even incessantly complain about. However, the problem is that it is not painful or uncomfortable enough for us to do something about it.
The New Year is about change and starting over. What nail are you sitting on? What will it take for you to move off the nail? Unfortunately, the nail won't move. You have to.
But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind?
Whatever he wants to do, he does. Job 23:13(NLT)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
There was a man who was walking by a house and heard a Basset hound howl. The dog was sitting on a porch with his owner sitting there whittling a piece of wood. The dog continued to bellow, so the man walking by asked the owner, "Is that your dog?"
The response from the owner, "Yep."
The man tried a different tack. He asked, "Is there something wrong with your dog?"
The owner replied, "I suppose."
The dog howled again, a long drawn out moan. The man couldn't help himself and asked, "What is wrong with him?"
The owner looked up from his wood and then at the dog, "Well, I suppose it's the nail he's sitting on."
The man already engaged asked, "Why doesn't he move?"
The owner replied, "I suppose it doesn't hurt enough."
I think we can all relate to this. Many times there are things in our lives that we don't like, and maybe even incessantly complain about. However, the problem is that it is not painful or uncomfortable enough for us to do something about it.
The New Year is about change and starting over. What nail are you sitting on? What will it take for you to move off the nail? Unfortunately, the nail won't move. You have to.
But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind?
Whatever he wants to do, he does. Job 23:13(NLT)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Good Intentions
Happy New Year!!! Everyone gets a new start at the beginning of the year. Last year is history. Many people have good intentions and set up resolutions to change something in their lives. The problem is, very few resolutions are ever kept. Why is that?
There are many reasons for this. Probably the most obvious is that people don't really make the effort to change. The good intentions are there, but the commitment is not. IBM has had a very popular advertising message, "stop thinking", "start doing". Change is work. If it was easy, change would not be necessary because you would have already done it.
I've never been a person for resolutions. To me, change is constant. Why set up one day to say you're going to make a change, and before the week is out, you've already given up? To me, a resolution is a promise. I strive never to make promises I can't keep.
Some people don't know the steps in change. They don't know how to set up milestones to track their progress, to make stepping stones along the way. Life is not all or nothing. There will always be obstacles, challenges, curves, setbacks, etc.; but if something is really important to you, you will never stop. This is what change is about - never stopping, never quitting, learning from disappointments. Temporary setbacks are usually a springboard for leaps ahead.
However, if you're one to have difficulty setting up the proper steps, visit www.mygoals.com. This website is all about setting goals. There are a lot of good ideas and step by step processes to achieving goals in many areas of your life. There are also pre-made goals to achieve common specific achievements.
Success in life is really about fulfillment. Good intentions don't count.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
There are many reasons for this. Probably the most obvious is that people don't really make the effort to change. The good intentions are there, but the commitment is not. IBM has had a very popular advertising message, "stop thinking", "start doing". Change is work. If it was easy, change would not be necessary because you would have already done it.
I've never been a person for resolutions. To me, change is constant. Why set up one day to say you're going to make a change, and before the week is out, you've already given up? To me, a resolution is a promise. I strive never to make promises I can't keep.
Some people don't know the steps in change. They don't know how to set up milestones to track their progress, to make stepping stones along the way. Life is not all or nothing. There will always be obstacles, challenges, curves, setbacks, etc.; but if something is really important to you, you will never stop. This is what change is about - never stopping, never quitting, learning from disappointments. Temporary setbacks are usually a springboard for leaps ahead.
However, if you're one to have difficulty setting up the proper steps, visit www.mygoals.com. This website is all about setting goals. There are a lot of good ideas and step by step processes to achieving goals in many areas of your life. There are also pre-made goals to achieve common specific achievements.
Success in life is really about fulfillment. Good intentions don't count.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NIV)
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com
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