Why I'm Voting for Obama

It's been said that you can tell alot about a person by how they treat their mother. I would like to add to that.

You can tell alot about a person by what they learned from their mother that they don't want to repeat in their own lives.

Obama sets an example in both respects. Taking the best of his mother and taking the hurts that he's experienced in his life and making sure he starts a different legacy for his family.
According to a Time article called "The Story of Barack Obama's mother"

Today Obama is partly a product of what his mother was not. Whereas she swept her children off to unfamiliar lands and even lived apart from her son when he was a teenager, Obama has tried to ground his children in the Midwest. "We've created stability for our kids in a way that my mom didn't do for us," he says. "My choosing to put down roots in Chicago and marry a woman who is very rooted in one place probably indicates a desire for stability that maybe I was missing."

Passing down a legacy that takes the diamonds that our family provided, along with creating the diamonds that were in the rough for the next generation, is what keeps a nation getting better and better.

King David in Psalms said:

That the generation to come might know them (the love, power, and mighty acts of the one True God), even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: Psalm 78:6

This story is a living example of this verse.

Many of us, stay in a fairy tale world of who we wanted our family to be. By doing this, we miss a unique opportunity in our lives that could transform our world.

When our world is transformed, we can transform the world.

I remember telling my mom about 10 years ago that I wanted to be a good mom just like her one day. What she said in response both surprised me and awed me.

"I hope that you will be an even better mom", she said.

That statement brings tears to my eyes still today.

God used that experience to show me that there is courage in our embracing imperfections. Even more courage in expressing them. She was and still is a living example of God's love and power. Both my mom and dad.

Knowing these things from our families allows us to let go of self-defeating patterns that we embraced early on in our lives.

Our brains not yet matured tried to make sense of the world in the best ways possible, while being influenced by peers, media, and society.

Each influence had a different requirement for inclusion or acceptance. We developed a pattern of living that best met the needs we had at that time.

The problem is, those patterns were formed by an uninformed mind.

And if not recognized and confronted when we reach adulthood, these patterns take a life of their own.

We become the pawn in a game we don't like and think there is no way out.

Barak Obama's life is one example of " there is a way out".

Could this happen as well in our own lives? Does this give you hope that your life is not destined to what your history dictates?

Contrary to the display of Christianity in the 21st century, focused on "sowing a seed" and "Bling Bling" theology - God sent Christ to give you a way out of the life that pronounces you "not worthy."

Jesus came not to limit you from fun by giving you a list of rules. He wants to show you what is possible when the world tells you differently.

Barak Obama and Joe Biden, thank you for living your examples out loud with courage and transperency so that we can see that "regular people" not born into wealth or using wealth as a crutch to avoid telling ourselves the truth, can actually hope for a better future.

Vote for hope knowing that change is possible.

It starts with you.

Joe Biden: Real Men Do Cry

Jesus Wept.

One of the shortest and most powerful verses in the Bible.

Why is this so important?
Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. Amen
What Jesus displayed shows the heart of our Heavenly Father.



Joe Biden portrayed this heart of compassion in last night's debate.

Compassion transcends gender.

In an age where any display in public is frowned upon, something happened struck the heart of American men and women alike: the show of paternal love.

I want people in the White House that can feel the afflictions that "average people" who don't have jets and trust funds feel. People who can look into your eyes and say "I've been there, and it's hell" and can feel your heart because they understand not because its a sound bite.

Aren't you tired of sound bite politics?
I am.

Think about it. How many times have you heard the phrase, "Real men don't cry." And so what happens, we take the well tattered hand me down phrase as truth. Throwing out the window the possibility that maybe its not true. Maybe the person who said this phrase didn't get the love they needed.So this phrase hung onto the rafters as a bullet proof vest to the soul.

Let's reverse the phrase.

What if real men do cry?

People with compassion running the nation will take you and I into consideration when making decisions for the country instead of protecting the "Enrons" of the world and realizing the devastating effect that hundreds of people lost their only pensions for their senior years because exploitation was protected instead of exposed.

Obama and Biden thank you for showing what real men with hearts can do for the climate of a chilled nation.

May God's love be with you and your families and may He give you strength in the face weeks to come. My prayers are with you.

Make War: John Piper's Call to Authentic Christianity

Remembering Bernie Mac: Life Lessons

"The world just got a little less funny. He will be missed dearly." says friend George Clooney of Bernie Mac who died suddenly of Pneumonia.

Reading about his life brought to mind how much we miss seeing the whole picture of someone's life because of their fame.

We start thinking that his character consisted of only what we see on television.

While reading about Bernie Mac this morning I saw several things that can help what he brought to the world be continued.

I'm not referring to being a comedian. I speaking of the qualities that made up who he was and how he got there.

Mom Believed in Him

Mac's mother died of cancer when he was 16. In his book, Mac said she was a support for him and told him he would surprise everyone when he grew up.

"Woman believed in me," he wrote. "She believed in me long before I believed."

People in our life can effect us two ways: either to quench the fire that burns in our souls or fan the flame. His mother chose to fan the flame. It was that flame that kept his dream burning at times when the world seemed cold.

Estranged relationship with Father

Mac had only seen his dad about dozen times.

This where we could make a choice about the legacy we leave for our own families.

Do we follow the road of pain? Or do we set the foundation of a new legacy. He chose the latter.

His daughter described he as a great dad. In one of his books he described how he felt about being a dad and said he couldn't stop looking at her. He would wake up in the middle of the night just to see her face. He didn't understand how anyone would leave a child.

He broke a legacy that could have continued by making a choice to be a great dad to his daughter who was by his side when he died.

Husband for 30 years

His wife who was also at his side when he died said that he was

her best friend. They were together through the ups and downs of his career. What impressed me about his wife was from his autobiography. When they had to move into his grandfathers apartment he felt like a failure. He told his wife one night he was sorry. She told him that he didn't have to be sorry and that they were going to make it.

How awesome to see support in the midst of feeling humiliated. Impressive and true to self of Mac was being able in that time to be honest with what he was feeling with her. He spoke about trying to keep the poison of feeling like a failure from effecting his family, but it seeped out anyway. The important thing is that the end result was honesty to reality surrounded by the love of someone who believed in him.

Bernie Mac the Producer

Actress-comedienne Niecy Nash, who played Mac's sister on The Bernie Mac Show, recalls his knack for making fellow actors feel at home on the set.

"When I showed up to work, he said something to me that had never been said to me on a set before," she says. "He said, 'Baby girl, the script here is not the Bible. Do you, and I'll follow. I got mine, you get yours.' When he said that, I knew everything was going to be all right. I was happy to have the freedom to make up some funny with him. It was simply delicious."

Adds Nash, "My working experiences with Bernie were so amazing, that from that point on, I wouldn't have cared if he called me in the middle of the night to come and be in a scene where I didn't have anything to do but sit in the background and eat cereal. I would've just done it because I loved him like that."

What I loved about this focus on his life was how he related to his fellow actors. God used this quote from the actress to impress on my heart what Biblical Submission looks like. Whether it is in marriage, career, etc.

I cringed when I looked at the word submission. It reminded me of when I was told by clergy to submit to an abusive spouse because "God hates divorce."

That's until I met the true God of the Bible for myself and found a Church that shows his character with truth and Grace. Like God intends.

Going back to the Bernie Mac example, He gave this new actress a gift that seals submission: freedom and kindness.

Notice Niecy Nash's response - "I wouldn't have cared if he called me in the middle of the night to come and be in a scene where I didn't have anything to do but sit in the background and eat cereal."

True submission personified!

Authenticity Need Only Apply

Bernie Mac refused succumbing to altering his personality for television.

Bernie Mac is a comedian that refused to change his image for Hollywood and says that his life in Chicago is who he is and there is nothing that will change that.

The TV and film industries of the 1980’s were not interested in Mac;

While success was a long time coming, he is now a household name.

Mac said: "I'm not a star, and I don't want to be a star. Stars fall. I'm an ordinary guy with an extraordinary job."

He traveled a road that many of us try to hop and skip over today: building his success while shaping his character. Many times we fall prey to movies like the secret that tell us that all we have to do is imagine this and that and poof- out comes millions of dollars. I got swept up in this whirlwind for a quick second. Knowing you have a desire in your heart that you feel its fire with no place to release the heat. This primes us ready for two options: Marketers that know you want to make money and live the life of your dreams so they cater to your needs without fulfilling their promises. I reaped the consequences of a promise failed and off to the next victim they go a little richer and you a little poorer in both funds and hope.

Back to the story, Mac allowed his character to shape his career. He didn't form a television persona to project to the world based on "trends" he set the trend. God didn't make any two of us a like. Yet in our society we strive to be the same while profession individuality.

True success is driven by God with laser focus on his will. No one can take that away from you. Society ebbs and flows on trends. God remains the same yesterday today and forever. Amen.

Last Words from this Bernie Mac Brief:

"I came from a place where there wasn't a lot of joy," Mac told the AP in 2001. "I decided to try to make other people laugh when there wasn't a lot of things to laugh about."

What broken things from our past can we give to God today through Christ that can be turned to glorify him in the earth? Start today. And live fully.

How Great is our God - Jaysonhillmusic

I love to see gospel singers sing from a heart that's been rocked by the Grace and Love of God. It makes you want to know the God he is singing about.

Better is One Day in Your Presence God

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalms 84:10 (NIV)

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 31:20
In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.

Psalm 41:12
In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.

Psalm 51:11
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Psalm 61:7
May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

Psalm 89:15
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

Psalm 102:28
The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.

Psalm 139:7
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

Psalm 17:2
Let my judgment come forth from Your presence;

Psalm 42:5
Why are you in despair, O my soul?And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.

Shout God's Fame- Living a Life of Worship

What's with all this craze of worship?

Worship of the Lord fills stadiums, homes, churches, and hearts with
joy and hope.

Some ridicule this present day worship to God, calling it secular and non-biblical.

The bible has an answer for critics who attack the worshipper for their
style of worship to God. It comes from 2 Samuel when King David
brings back the ark of the covenant back to it's home.

King David leads the procession rejoicing and dancing with boldness
in front of the Lord "with all his might."

Not everyone liked this display from a King with his status, namely his wife Michal.
All she saw was her husband dancing, shamelessly in front of "peasant girls."

Later that day when David met with his wife Michal she voiced her contempt and
disgust for how her husband appeared.

David answered like the man after God's own heart " I dance because of what God has done for me and I will be even more foolish in my own eyes to praise God"- paraphrased









What has God done for you that causes you praise like David?

These worshippers have an intimate experience that's between them and God.

Maybe we have to cast our crowns of pride and bow before the throne of Grace
before we can experience the wonders of His goodness.

I say praise on! Let the world know "How great is our God."

He is knocking at your door because he has a gift that can quench the
desert of your soul, so that you will never thirst again.

Answer your door today. He will never turn you away. After experiencing the
taste of God, you won't turn him loose either.

Satan Made Me Do It: Dad Microwaves 2 month old Baby

"Left alone with his 2-month-old daughter in a Galveston hotel, he is accused of punching her and then placing her in the hotel room safe. Authorities alleged he took her out of the safe and put her into a refrigerator before stuffing the infant in a microwave oven and turning it on for between 10 and 20 seconds."

Investigators say what they saw in Galveston is unbelievable.

“I've been doing this for a lot of years and it actually brought tears to my eyes. The baby is burnt all on the left side here. It is just really bad. Her hand is so swollen. If you ever touch something, you know, you get that ball in your hand. It is like holding a ball in her little hand. It was just heartbreaking and I am sitting here looking at the pictures and looking at him and there is nothing I can really do about it, but just keep my composure."



Watch the video and look at this precious little girl.

Imagine someone doing this to you.

Helpless and unable to help yourself.

The saddest part of this video is hearing the Mom defend her husband
that did this horrible crime. Blaming "Satan" totally takes the blame from
Joshua Mauldin.

This is the reality of Domestic Violence and Battered Woman Syndrome. It's
a vicious cycle and it's very sad. When it's not confronted, innocent victims
are wounded.

Until we can confront the truth about our condition through self examination we
will continue to delude ourselves. Delusion becomes reality.

I am praying for this little girl. Who didn't ask to come into this world in the first place.

Melinda Murphy, grandmother of the baby girl agrees and says is making no apologies for her son-in-law or daughter.

"If she loved her enough, she wouldn't have let this happen,” she says. "I don't know why my daughter and son-in law did this. I don't understand. If they didn't want the baby, they should have gave her to somebody who would. I would."

I pray for the parents that God's truth be made evident to their hearts and that
God's will be done.

The White Lie is not a Lie: Huh?

On The Today Show: We learned this morning that telling a white lie isn't really lying it's protection for hurting someone's feelings.


Let me start off by saying, I am not perfect. As a Christian, I learn that God doesn't like lying. A matter of fact He hates it. In the creation story, the first lie lead to a fall in a relationship between humans and God. I am thankful that Christ forgives me when I repent and ask forgiveness of my sins in this area. So I can see where my fear is and where I am not trusting God.

I found a great bible study on Honesty and the Bible here is an excerpt:


4-LYING: DON’T WANT TO REVEAL THINGS BECAUSE OF FEAR

Perhaps, you are invited to go out witnessing, yet you refuse to go and lie about the reason. You may tell them you have an appointment or have to go to lunch, when, in fact, you do not have to go right now. Do you lie, because you do not wish to reveal that the real reason you will not go is because you are afraid? Perhaps, someone has persecuted you, and you are a bit uptight that you could get kicked out of your apartment or fired from your job. Your mom, dad, sisters, relatives, or friends may mock you. So instead of telling the truth, you lie to cover up your fear. Adam and Eve were afraid after sinning. They hid. When it comes to witnessing, the Bible shows why you do not go, in the parable of the "unprofitable servant"-Mt 25:25. The servant that would not witness or serve Jesus, said, "I WAS AFRAID." This is further backed up in Jn 12:42, which shows us people who did believe on Jesus, yet because they were afraid, they would not confess Him as their Saviour. As it is written, NEVERTHELESS AMONG THE CHIEF RULERS ALSO MANY BELIEVED ON HIM; BUT BECAUSE OF THE PHARISEES THEY DID NOT CONFESS HIM, LEST THEY SHOULD BE PUT OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE. They were afraid they would be put out of the church. You may be afraid of being put out of your church or losing your friends, if you go overboard for Jesus. You may be afraid you could lose your job or house, if you witness for Jesus. Be warned—if you are ashamed of Jesus, He will be ashamed of you (and you will go to the lake of fire)-ref Mk 8:38.

To put things of the world before the work that Jesus has for you to do is a form of denying Him. Come out and be honest. Be willing to admit, "Yes, it is true, I am afraid." You are under commandment to obey what Jesus says to do and trust Him. If you get put out of your apartment, God can give you a better one. If you lose your job, God can get you a better one. If you lose your friends because of the Gospel, then God wanted it that way, as you are not to keep company with unbelievers.

You see, many will not witness, because they would not have compliments from people anymore. People would turn against them. They are afraid of losing their friends. As the Bible tells us, in Jn 12:43-FOR THEY LOVED THE PRAISE OF MEN MORE THAN THE PRAISE OF GOD. Jesus warns us, Jn 12:48-HE THAT REJECTETH ME, AND RECEIVETH NOT MY WORDS, HATH ONE THAT JUDGETH HIM: THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY.

Ask yourself today: Am I really able to know God and trust God if I lie to myself and others regularly? How can you trust God today?

Strength to Face the day God is the Answer!

Hosanna Lyrics (Paul Baloche)


Paul Baloche - Hosanna Lyrics


Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You, we turn to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Pres- ence all our fears are washed away, washed away

CHORUS
Ho- san- na, ho- sanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Ho- san- na, ho- sanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to You
In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Pres- ence all our fears are washed away, washed away

CHORUS
Ho- san- na, ho- sanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Ho- san- na, ho- sanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Pres- ence all our fears are washed away
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Pres- ence all our fears are washed away, washed away

CHORUS
Ho- san- na, ho- sanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Ho- san- na, ho- sanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
(Repeat)
Ho- san- na, ho- san- na
Ho- san- na, ho- san- na

What are you standing on?

Are you standing on sand or on the "Solid Rock"?

I bet these guys learned a lesson.

Sometimes the easiest material on hand at the time due to
complacency,the path to least resistance, or lack of knowledge and understanding is
the material that won't stand the storms of life.

I held on to fear for such a long time to build my life and
like the first 2 houses that the little pigs built, it crumbled
and shattered when the storms of life came.

What I thought all along was a shelter, was in fact an illusion.

This was until I totally surrendered my fears,insecurities, and flaws
to the One who made me.

I found unconditional Love and Grace.

This is the basis and hope of Christianity.

We have a God who by His Grace gave Christ for a life of freedom
and hope of joy and abundance....even when we mess up.

He is always there with His arms wide open to receive us.

I used to think that I had to be perfect in order to be loved and accepted by others.

This leads to a life full of acting.... from a false sense of security. Never knowing that when God
lives inside of your heart your light is worth shining. Just because He Loves You.

Today, open up your heart to God and shine on! Stand on the Rock of Christ for your
foundation.

The storms are bound to come.

But Joy cometh when we remember the Rock of Christ.

In His Love and Grace,
Your Coach to Living the Desires of your Heart,

Yukio

Our God will reign forever
And all the world will know His name

Everyone together
Sing the song of the redeemed

I know that my Redeemer lives
And now I stand on what He did
My Savior my Savior lives
Every day a brand new chance to say
Jesus You are the only way
My Savior my Savior lives

The King has come from Heaven
And darkness trembles at His name
Victory forever
Is the song of the redeemed

My Savior lives
My Savior lives
My Savior lives

words and music by Jon Egan and Glenn Packiam
© 2006 Vertical Worship Songs
c/o Integrity Media, Inc., 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695
All rights reserved. Used by Permission.

Do you Really Know Him?

Where is God in your life?

It's easy to attend Church and memorize Scripture.

Here's my question for you: Are you living the light of God or hiding your
light under a bushel?

For years, I hid my light.

Then last year God said no more. And I surrendered.

I challenge you to let your light shine. You're here for a reason.
There is so much woundedness in the world.

My prayer is if I can help to heal one heart that feels hurt, confused,
and needs encouragement, I ask God to work through me.

Not as I want. But as he wants. No matter how small you think your
gift is, it could be the biggest gift you could give a person.


A smile, at a stranger......the stranger feels hope after losing a loved one
and feels warmth that someone else in the world cared enough to share a smile.

That's a gift that's costs you nothing. Yet means everything!
This video touched me tonight and I wanted to share this with you.

The Lead singer is Jayson Hill.

The Song is "How Great is Our God"- Enjoy and know that you are worthy of love!

Your Coach
Yukio

American Idol Blake Lewis says it's okay Be a Legend in your own mind

Okay, So I couldn't resist sharing this story with you.

MSNbc reported the following story today:

As you read this story over carefully, tell me if you see something

missing here.

Blake Lewis is a major celeb

— in his own mind.

The “American Idol” runner-up was at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on June 7 when he was approached by four elderly ladies who politely asked him if he was the guy from the hit television series, according to the National Enquirer.

Lewis curtly insisted that he wasn’t.

“My, my, young man, you look so much like him,” one disappointed woman reportedly said.

Although no one else seemed to recognize Lewis, he whipped out his cell phone, called someone, and complained about being mobbed by fans, according to the tab.

“Hurry up and get down here fast!” an observer heard him grouse. “You wouldn’t believe all the people bothering me here!”

Okay, so I did see that this was reported by the National Enquirer to MSNbc news which isn't ranking among the highest of all trusted sources.

Here is my point: If Blake can think he is a legend, so can we.

Go about your day with some gusto.

You are somebody. God made you!

That makes you important and valuable. Go ahead be a legend in your own mind.

You never know. You may be asked for your autograph. Watch out!

Your Coach, Yukio

Tear up your people pleasing membership card today!

Calling all People Pleasers- This Message is for you!

Are you ready to give yourself a break, and live the way you want for a change?

God helped me to give up my People Pleasing Membership card in exchange for His Love and Grace.

Now it's your turn!

My desire is to help you find your voice in the world.

Imagine Waking up in the morning and jumping out of bed excited for another day. How would that feel to you?

God made you to express your unique gifts and shine your light. Abundance is your birthright!

Discover how to break free from the grips of people pleasing to the freedom of loving yourself.

Be Bold in living your life on your own terms because you are worthy.

Start today by signing up for the free mini course on developing an bold mindset for living an extraordinary life. The sign up box is on the right hand side of this posting.

The Choice is yours! Please yourself today!

Bold and Worthy Video Message on Loving Yourself

Have you had your helping of Self- Love today?

Huh?

That's right, in case you didn't realize it, self-love is part of the Food Pyramid. You are required to have a healthy portion of it daily. This is the true balanced diet.

Okay, so maybe I'm dreaming about it being on the food pyramid. But wouldn't you agree
that loving yourself wouldn't be a bad addition to life on a daily basis?

Watch my video here on how to easily incorporate self-love in your diet everyday!