Keep Going...

Challenges, Struggles, Stress, Financial Worries, Relationship Troubles, It's One Thing After Another..... Any of these sound familiar? One of my mentors once said, "If you are going through Hell, KEEP GOING...." Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation …” (John 16:33).

So, how about it? Do you believe that growth happens during those times of our greatest struggles and hardships? Have you ever heard of the expression, "Lesson continued until lesson learned?" Or, "That which does not kill us, strengthens us?" Or, "God only gives us what we can handle?"

In truth, life is definitely not easy!!!

However, if we analyze these statements, can we find peace during times of hardships? In essence if we are struggling, regardless as to the circumstance, is there a lesson that we are supposed to learn from the experience? Looking back on our life it is evident there is truth to this. We never appreciated an abundance of money, until we experienced the lack of it. We didn't appreciate family living close, until we moved 800 miles away and had no family nearby. Just to name a couple.... Early in our learning about Prosperity we heard our mentor say, "In order to truly experience and appreciate prosperity, you must also experience poverty."

Another saying which I remember hearing many times growing up was, "You don't appreciate what you have until it is gone." Or, "The grass isn't always greener on the other side." Again, to experience both sides of any situation seems to offer a better sense of understanding. Indeed a lesson learned...

Life is definitely a learning experience. Over the years we have learned that no matter the situation you are facing, stay strong, expect the unexpected, and most of all, have Faith, that you will overcome it. Embrace each experience as a life lesson and learn to enjoy the ride.

Everyone will experience peaks and valleys! Time does not slow down for anyone. Stay strong and keep going.....

In Christ,
Ron

"Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." Arnold Schwarzenegger

Are you a dream stealer or dream encourager?

Have you ever had a dream? Of course you did, and probably still do! Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and made the decision to pursue it? If so, then this article will hit home.

One of the first books I recommend anyone starting out on a new business venture to read is "The Dream Giver," by Bruce Wilkinson. If you do not currently have this book in your library, make a point to visit Amazon.com today and purchase it.

Making the decision to change your life is very uncomfortable. It will require growth and leaving behind the familiar. This perhaps is the main reason why so few people chase after their dreams. After all if you are making a decent living, and are comfortable, why would you want to take a risk of leaving that, even if the new destination would provide a more fulfilling life experience, one that you have always dreamed of having?

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE...

Living a life of gratitude...

Everyday is a new experience. Some mornings as we awake the sun is shining, birds are chirping, there is a nice cool breeze blowing through the trees..... Yet there are other mornings, like that of today, when you are literally woke up by the sounds of crashing thunder, the sky is lit up with lightning, and the rain is pouring down. Power surges throughout the house. What incredible power God can display! Nature is truly remarkable...

Each morning, regardless as to the circumstances with the weather, employment, financial challenges, relationship issues, and so on, it is important that we see the good of our situation. To learn to appreciate the blessings that we currently have and get to experience. The fact that we are alive and have the incredible ability to grow, change, love, care, prosper, see, taste, touch, and live life! To have a roof over our head, food on the table, clothes to wear, car(s) to drive, and much, much more!

To live a life of gratitude is to spend time noticing that which you do have. Those in your life that you do love and they love you. All the opportunity and material pleasures that each of us have been blessed with. It is consciously making the decision to love life and embrace change. Every morning we are given another gift! How do you choose to use your gifts?

Many people seem to get caught up on the negative events, or circumstances, of their life experience instead of focusing on all the good. It is easier to see the negativity in our lives, as opposed to the positive. I challenge you today to unplug your mind from any negative, focus on the positive side of life. Not everything in life will be perfect. You won't always be able to keep a positive attitude. There are times on our journey when we will be confused and have a lack of understanding why certain events are occurring. However, all this will come to pass, and in the process you must be grateful for the person each adversity has molded you to become.

When you come to a place of understanding that we are constantly growing, that challenges and struggles are part of everyone's life, then you can learn to embrace these situations. You can learn to live a life of gratitude, giving praise for every blessing, big or small. Nobody said life was going to be easy, however, it sure is one heck of an experience. There is no better movie, than that of the one you are currently filming, everyday of your life.

We are a blessed people! Give God some praise this morning. Thank Him for all your blessings and start to live your life with more gratitude today!

"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change!"

You are awesome!
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage

Modern day language and professionalism?

Am I just old fashioned? It seems the modern day language contains profanity as the main adjective regardless as to the situation or circumstances when engaged in conversation.

Being a contractor there was a time, before finding Christ in my life, that this form of language was acceptable to a certain degree. However, even during the days of my "potty mouth" there was a time and a place where it was just plain unacceptable.

Just going in for a simple oil change these days at the majority of mechanic shops you have to keep your windows up to protect your children from hearing these obscenities. I can recall one particular instance when we needed to get our oil changed and our usual mechanic was booked for that day. So, instead of waiting, we stopped at a new shop which had just recently opened. I felt like we were in the middle of a Rated R Infomercial. The mechanic meant well, I am sure, however, every word that came out of his mouth was preceded with a 4 letter adjective. My wife and I were both very thankful that our kids were sleeping in the back of the van during this occasion. Interestingly enough once he looked in our van and seen the kids he did acknowledge that his language was unacceptable and apologized. Needless to say we have not returned to his shop since.

This is not just a random occurrence either. Everywhere you go people use profanity as acceptable language. As a matter of fact, recently I had a young lady request I measure a carpet job for her. We set a time to meet and when I arrived she was not there. On our third attempt to connect with her via the phone, she answered and once I reminded her of our appointment she said, "Holy S??!, I forgot." Now I am not being judgemental, however, it just seems that there should be a certain level of professionalism and courtesy, especially when dealing, or meeting, with people you don't know.

Again, that might just be it though, since it is "acceptable" language in today's culture, nobody sees anything wrong with it. Personally, I beg to differ.

That raises my second point about Professionalism. Is it too much to ask that when a contractor, or anyone in the service field, is meeting with, or working with, a customer that they display a level of professionalism. Like I mentioned earlier, when I used these same adjectives fluently when engaged with friends, or not around children, never would you catch me talking in that manner with potential clients.

Perhaps I am a 30yr. old, behind the times, husband and father of 4, whom still believes in moral values and good ethics. Or, perhaps we live in a day and age where illustrating good character and integrity just don't seem all that important anymore?

Either way, how about we have a little consideration for those of us who don't appreciate the use of profanity in conversation.

In closing I am reminded of a family that was interested in our Networking Business. We went to their home and shared with them the opportunity and products.

While we were there one of their children came into the room. He was a young white male, probably 14 or 15, and told us he was going to be a professional rapper. I asked him to rap for me, so he did, you can imagine the language he used. Once he finished his little rap I then proceeded to ask him if he could rap for me without using any profanity. Interestingly enough he said, "I can't rap without swearing, it wouldn't sound right."

It seems many people these days can't talk without swearing, after all it wouldn't sound right?

Blessings,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage

Time to take action...

When it comes to building a business, asking for a promotion at work, raising your kids with the right principles, becoming a better Spouse, and so on, you must take action!

Taking action is the only way to achieve a goal. However, once you have set the goal, it seems there are many distractions which will try to prevent you from accomplishing your desired result.

One of the biggest distractions will come from your own thoughts. You will be surprised at how you begin to doubt your ability to follow through and reach your desired goal. Keep in mind this is common, and for that reason, it is imperative that you take immediate action.

In the Entrepreneur world this is the exact reason why Spiritual and Personal Growth is of huge value. It is in the early stages of your new goal that you are most vulnerable, therefore you want to be sure you only share your goals with people of like thinking. One of the many mistakes made by people soon after they decide to make improvements in their life is to share their new ideas and/or goals with people they know, such as friends and family. Unfortunately, this is not always the best idea. Statistics show that those closest to you tend to shoot down your newly found ambition. They try to "protect you" from "getting your hopes up." Any negative criticism at the start of your new venture will massively influence your own "second guessing" of your goals.

Your thoughts are your biggest adversary, or they can be your biggest asset. You must decide which of these two you prefer. It is said that, "what goes in is what comes out." Therefore, should you decide that your thoughts are going to assist in reaching your goals, you must continue to feed your mind, through reading and mentoring, information that will fuel your ambition. Reading from books such as, "the Bible," "Rich Dad Poor Dad," "The Cashflow Quadrant," "The Magic of Thinking Big," "Think and Grow Rich," "Personality Plus," "The Five Love Languages," "The Richest Man in Babylon," as an example, can increase your confidence in achieving your goals.

Orrin Woodward said, "You must develop a soft heart and tough skin." If you are going to achieve your goals, it is imperative that you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that your goal is worthy and no matter what you will persevere until the desired result has come to pass.

When you choose to live an unaverage life, be prepared to face criticism and rejection. Be sure to surround yourself with a supporting cast who help feed your ambition. Consciously protect your thoughts by reading good books, listening to audios of people who have succeeded already in your chosen field, and attending live events to associate with like minded people. Most importantly, TAKE ACTION!

You are blessed and highly favored by an Almighty God!
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage

Ready to start living your dreams?

So when is it time to start living your dreams? Are you, like many, living a "settle for" lifestyle, or have you decided that since we only get one chance at this life, you are giving it everything you got?

Einstein said, "We are all born geniuses and programmed to be idiots." Man, how sad is that?

Everyone of us come into this life experience with the ability to live and create an incredible life experience. Yet, many of us choose to buy into the fact that in order to live an abundant lifestyle we have to somehow be lucky, or born rich.

In the book, "The Millionaire Next Door," it says that 80% of the Millionaires in America are 1st generation Millionaires. In other words, they were not born Wealthy.

If that is the case, then who, or what, is stopping you from achieving your dreams? Why in the world would you work a job you hate? Live in a home too small? Drive a car that is not dependable? Associate with people who are not good for you? Drink beverages that confuse your thinking? Put drugs in your body that cause long term, even life threatening, circumstances? Use words that are offensive?

Should you actually realize how powerful your thoughts are, how incredible your potential is, how realistic your dreams are, and how possible it is for you to achieve greatness in your life, you would be unstoppable!

Life is a gift from God, stop taking it lightly and start living to the best of your ability.

With everything in life, you should give it your best. "Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn" - Robert Kiyosaki

You are not getting any younger! Time is flying at what seems to be lightning speed, there has never been a better time than RIGHT NOW for you to realize there is more to life than just getting by. Though I understand everyone's circumstances and current reality varies, and many of you will justify why it just isn't possible, I am here to tell you, God makes no mistakes, and you, yes YOU, can achieve great things. Your dreams can become a reality!

No one said, and will not say, that it is, or was, going to be easy!! There is a price that will have to be paid. However, in the end, the results are worth the investment!

Stand strong this day! No matter what you have been told, no matter what you tell yourself, no matter the impossibility of your current circumstances, always remember, "With God all things are possible!"

Your dreams are so worth it! Go for it, after all, you only have one chance! Make the most of it.......

In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage

Conference Call with Pastor Dwaine Chapdelaine

Dwaine Chapdelaine, Youth Pastor from Cornerstone Pentecostal Church was the guest speaker last Wednesday on The Unaverage Average. If you missed it, listen to it now online! Simply visit, http://www.theunaverageaverage.com/

Thanks again Dwaine, powerful message well received!
In Christ,
Ron

Freedom isn't free...

Ahhhhhhh, many went back to work this great Tuesday after spending time over the weekend celebrating Memorial Day!

This weekend offered all of us the ability to really think about how blessed we are to be FREE. To give thanks for all those who have served in our Military and fought for our Freedoms. Many have given their lives and they deserve to be remembered since we are the beneficiaries of their service.

We live in some difficult times, our Freedoms are being stripped from us almost daily, it seems. What a shame it would be to forget the price that has been paid for our Freedom.

In addition to the great fellowship, all day volleyball tournaments on Sunday, new friendships, great food, and time relaxing with the family, Memorial Day really hit home when you seen the Red, White, and Blue flags flying high in the sky.

Tears were rolling down our cheeks as you seen the soldiers saluting the flag. Goosebumps up and down our arms and legs when you heard the National Anthem playing in the background. A sense of appreciation and gratitude for what we have that is so easily forgotten and taken for granted in today's culture.

Ladies and Gentleman, Freedom isn't Free!

God bless our Soldiers, God bless America, God bless you...

In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage

Don't wait, time is ticking...

Ok, so this is just as much a reminder for me as it for you reading this right now.

Tick, tock, tick, tock, do you hear that? Every second that goes by, tick, tock! How many seconds do we have left in our lives anyhow?

That is the question of all questions, and the reality, no one knows the answer. I raise this question, are we doing everything we are capable of while we are still here? Or, have we somehow become passive and taken life a bit for granted?

Honestly I think all of us have moments in our lives when we could do more, yet there are other times when we are in the zone and really going at it!

Which scenario are you currently experiencing?

Let's talk about being in the zone, that is where I prefer to spend most of my time anyhow. Have you ever played a basketball game and just knew you were unstoppable. It seemed as if every time you touched the ball it was guaranteed you would make the shot. That my friends is being in the zone!

I don't know about you, however, there is no better feeling than knowing you give your best at everything you do. At the end of the day when you lay your head on your pillow, exhausted, knowing that you met all your responsibilities head on, that is a feeling you cannot replace.

Think about it this way. If you were to leave this planet tomorrow, did you give it everything you had while you were here? Would your family be taken care of, or would life as they know it completely fall apart? (Yes they will miss you, that is not what I am asking here)

Would you be remembered or quickly forgotten after your funeral?

Tick, tock, tick, tock, time keeps on ticking. Life is way too short, let us choose not to take it for granted and maximize what time we do have left right now!

If you are reading this, then I thank you for spending the last couple of minutes with me. Now, I challenge you to start living your life on purpose!

In Christ,
Ron

P.S. That thing you have been wanting to do but keep putting it off until tomorrow? You know what I am talking about, tomorrow never comes does it? Make the decision to do it NOW! You can thank me later.... :-)

This article was originally published on Qondio.

The "ah-ha" moment

There comes a time in everyone's life, for most there will be many of these while on their journey, when you say, "Ah-ha" and you realize one of the many lessons you have been taught from life experience.

I was chatting on Facebook the other night with my niece who recently turned 15 years old. Today while I went out for my afternoon think and drive I had an "ah-ha" moment myself reflecting on our conversation.

Do you remember when you were 15 years old? Looking back on it now, can you see how the things you learned back then, knowing what you know now, might not have impacted your life at the time you learned them?

In other words, I believe one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our young people is for them to realize the advice they receive from an older mentor in their life may not sink in right away. To simply be open minded and listen carefully to the advice you are giving them. That it is ok for them not to quite get what you are teaching them right then, but there will come a time when they will have an "ah-ha" moment and the lesson will become real.

Of course there is an element of "Trust" that must be established with these young people you are mentoring. The fruit on your tree must be reputable in order for your advice to be worth taking. After all you wouldn't take advice about marriage from someone who has been divorced 8 times, would you?

There are lessons that we learn everyday, however, because we are human, most times those lessons do not become realized until we have an experience that makes them real in our own lives. What is fascinating however is that once you start having these "ah-ha" moments, you begin to listen more attentively to other people's stories/advice. There is a hunger inside of you to learn as much as you can. For each time you have an "ah-ha" moment your thinking expands and you become a new person.

"The human mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

I realized that the advice I gave my niece was extremely solid, and I am certain she listened. However, she is still just 15 and what I shared with her might very well have been a bit over her head for the moment. That is OK though because I gave her indicators to look for which support my advice. I know that once she notices any one of those indicators, she will have an "ah-ha" moment, and then she will become aware of the real lesson which she was taught. That one lesson alone will save her years of hurt and regret as she continues to grow on her life experience!!

Once you understand how these "ah-ha" moments work in your own life, you can then become more effective when mentoring with people whom come to you for your guidance, wisdom, and advice. All of us influence others, lets choose to become the person responsible enough to take on such an incredible honor.

God bless you!
Ron

This post was originally published on Qondio.

In times like these....

It is times like these when your Faith can be put to the test. No one said life was going to be easy, however, it can definitely be one heck of an awesome ride!

Life is like several chapters of a book. Everyday you are writing another page in your book. What chapter are you currently writing on this phase of your journey?

Whether you are going through trials and tribulations, or you are at a peek in your life experience, your book is a continuous work in progress. We all know there is a beginning, your birth, and an end, your death, to everyone's story. What is not known is the contents which is found in between. This has also been known as "The Dash."

Now, since you know that you are writing a book, what chapters do you want to write? In other words, if you had the ability to manifest the perfect life, since you are the author after all, what does that life look like?

Would you affect the World in such a way that after your book concludes it becomes a best seller for many years to come, positively affecting and inspiring millions of lives who read it? Or, will you quickly be forgotten?

It is times like these when people just as you and me are called to positions of Leadership. We are called to be the light in a dark world. We have been given great responsibilities to spread Truth all across the world, sharing the good news with everyone everywhere! Are you up to challenge?

For some a new chapter is about to begin, others your chapter is coming to an end, and some your book will soon be complete. With this in mind, become more aware of your life experience, your purpose, your goals, and start living your life with a sense of urgency.

"Many are called but few are chosen." Your book could have a bigger impact than you might currently think. Do not underestimate the greatness that each one of you has inside of you. Tap into your potential and begin to realize your power while you continue to author your best selling book.

You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish during your dash! I look forward to reading your book and passing it on for generations to come.

In Christ,
Ron

P.S. This article was originally published on Qondio.