Mother’s Day takes on a deeper meaning as we get older. When we look back through our life, we can see how much our moms have given us every step of the way. A heartwarming tribute to moms.

Personally, I want to say “I LOVE YOU MOM” – THANKS for being there. THANKS for taking care of me through sicknesses, lonely times, through life’s fears, troubles, challenges, rewards – you were there for me. THANKS for the many bedtime stories and endless hours spend in the rocking chair to put me to sleep. THANKS for making a spot for me between you and dad in your bed to get me through a night’s sleep. You have shown me the path of Righteousness, Discipline and Honesty. You have displayed upon me more times than I can count – GRACE and MERCY. Your love has kept me warm at night. Your hugs are always comforting. Your kisses heal all wounds. Your marriage to a Godly man has allowed me to follow in life’s journey to find a Godly woman and I now carry your traditions on to my own family.

I could go on forever and that still will never be enough and I realize that. Happy Mother’s Day Mom! (Includes you too sis!)

Technorati Tags: facebook, Instagram

There is a rather fabulous find on Amazon today.  You can download not only 1 but all 3 of Francis Chan’s books for your Kindle or Kindle App.  I’ve heard Francis Chan speak a few times and have been challenged by his approach to faith and life.

The books available for download are:

• Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
• Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit
• Erasing Hell: What God Said about Eternity, and the Things We’ve Made Up

• iPhone
• Windows PC
• Mac
• Blackberry
• iPad
• Android
• Windows Phone 7

The three days of Easter contain the highest and lowest points of humanity. “Not The End” takes us through those 3 days and allows us to connect with the human condition and the hope of a living savior. Featuring music by Gungor.

Technorati Tags: Easter

FINALLY, Instagram is now available for Android. Keeping with tradition, the app itself is free to download, and the outfit seems overjoyed with finishing up what it’s (accurately) calling “one of the most anticipated releases on the Android platform to date.” It’s also clear that the team has done more than a simple port, and while the exact same filters will be found here as on the iOS version, the team has worked to make the app responsive and fluid on Android’s vast landscape. There are a few features that will not be included in the first version of the Android app (Tilt Shift / Blur, Share from Feed, Live Preview and Share to Flickr), but upcoming versions are intended to bridge any differences.

For now, any phone running Android 2.2 or above (with support for OpenGL ES 2) is compatible, but Android tablets are not. There’s a maximum resolution support of 2,048 x 2,048, and the company assures us that the “exact same filters and algorithms are implemented on both [iOS and Android builds], so there is no difference in the output other than the raw image quality that differs between phones.” Eager to get going? Head to Play on your device, or visit the source link here.

One of the core elements of your character is being a person of your word. There are very few subjects more important than your personal character. Being known as a person who honors your word is as simple as doing what you said you would do when you said you would do it.

Why Your Word Matters

In short, honoring your word plays a powerful role in how you are viewed by others. In the longer-term, it also plays a large part in how you view yourself. And, quite frankly, it dictates whether you are a person who is respected and accepted or disrespected and scorned.

It’s ironic that although nearly everyone will admit to valuing the importance of keeping your word, fewer and fewer people actually do it. As a result, when I see people who consistently live up to their commitments, my respect for them soars.

While honoring your word does include big things like marriage and business agreements, it also includes the little things you say you will do—such as calling when you said you would, remembering to let your neighbor’s pet in as you promised, and getting the report turned in on time.

Just as there are benefits to doing what you say you will, there are repercussions when you don’t. When we allow ourselves to back out of our commitments, it usually results in guilt and time wasted in our attempt to avoid those we’ve let down. I’ve learned it takes more time and emotional energy to circumvent or repair a damaged relationship when we’ve shirked a commitment than it does to keep it!

Keep Your Commitments

Undoubtedly there have been and will continue to be times when you agree to do something that you later regret. However, once you have agreed to do something, don’t back out or procrastinate. Don’t hope the other party will forget or wait for them to remind you. When you have given your word that you will do something, you must do it and do it when it is expected.

After you have fulfilled your obligation (however painful), learn from the experience. Why was it so hard to follow through? Was it a matter of time, or were you ill-equipped in the first place? Whatever the reason, figure it out and know that it should factor into the next time you are asked to do something similar.

Not only is living up to your commitments vital in building the trust and respect of others, but it is critical in building your own self-respect. Whether you realize it or not, when you fall back on your promises, it erodes your self-image and self-esteem. Think of the last commitment you failed to fulfill? How did this experience make you feel about yourself?

Think Before You Commit

Becoming a person whose word can be trusted and relied upon boils down to a few basic things.

1. Think before you commit. With very few exceptions, you don’t have to immediately say yes or no to a request. Take an hour, an evening, or a day to think it through. Consider all that is involved and decide whether or not it’s something you are willing to commit your time and energy to. If not, politely decline.

2. Once you have given your word, don’t give yourself the option to back out.

I have asked myself hundreds of times, “What was I thinking when I made that commitment?” When this happens, I muster everything I have to uphold my end of the bargain. I do that because I feel so strongly that honoring my word is essential to who I am. It’s one of my core values. As a result, I am very careful with the commitments I make.

My Challenge to You

• Starting today, become a person who lives up to your word and does what you say you will even when circumstances change.
• Uphold your word with a good attitude. Remember that it was you who said “yes” in the first place.
• Take every opportunity to learn from your commitments so that you can make better decisions in the future.
• Finally, do you have any unfulfilled commitments? Do them now. You will feel better.
• Keeping your word is one of the most effective ways to earn the respect of others and build a solid reputation, both personally and professionally.

About the Original Article Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 30 years and founder of Little Things Matter. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are ranked #27 in America’s top 100 podcasts and #1 in the personal and development field.)

Inviting someone to your church’s Easter services doesn’t have to be complex, or driven by guilt. Hear the voice of someone who could be sitting in your church this Easter.

We are all naturally competitive, that is why I am inviting you to join me in taking a 90-day challenge to lose 15-20 pounds (the right way) – and I’m confident if you join me you could set AND meet your own 90 day health goal.

Health, especially as it relates to nutrition has become a #1 concern in our personal lives, the news, and in the calls to reform in our food systems. Obesity is no joke; more than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. Thirty-six states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25%; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia) had a prevalence equal to or greater than 30%. (http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html)

I’ve realized the need for help in my nutrition goals for a while and have researched systems and options available. There are so many out there, but which one is “right” for me? That’s exactly what I am doing in my 90 Day Body by Vi Challenge. I have already seen and heard first-hand testimonies of my friends who have shed the extra weight and this has motivated me to join the 90-day challenge because I have a few pounds I desire to lose. They are going to be my support system along the way so I am not alone. What gets even better with the 90-day challenge is the opportunity to save a lot of money by going with a meal replacement shake. If you know anything about me, I am all about saving money; from $0.25 at the gas pump to 50% at the department store by using a simple coupon I clipped from the newspaper. For 30 days of Vi Shake you spend $50, but effectively save $50 in your budget (at least) and pounds off your weight – and you are eating better then ever. My personal plans involve a shake in the morning for breakfast, eat a nutritious FULL lunch, have a mid afternoon healthy snack, and end the day with a shake. I am committing and challenging myself to this for 90 days and measure the results.

A cyclist friend of mine who is currently doing the challenge has noted what 10 less pounds has already done for him – “it makes you get up to speed out of corners faster and gives you a better power/weight ratio for the key climbs. That’s a no brainer.”

Does it take thinking differently? Yep! Anything that is going to have different results from the way you are living now is going to involve different thinking. Obviously, what you are/ have been doing is not getting the results you thought, so join me in a 90-day challenge that is sure to radically change your life and outlook on what you eat.

If you are interested in taking this challenge with me I’d encourage three things.

1. The first is to write down what goal, what change if possible, would you’d like to see happen in your life in the next 90 days.
   2. The second is to check out http://www.90DaysofVi.com website about the Body by Vi system I’ve found (and am using).
   3. The third is to make the 90 day commitment to go after your challenge. Sign up for the challenge by clicking on “Join the Challenge” on the 90DaysofVi.com website – and leave me a message there. I want to be your biggest fan during your 90 day journey.

QUICK FACT : 

in just 1 shake, you would have to eat: 1.5 cups Chopped Broccoli, 13 Whole Eggs, 5 Medium Peaches, 2.5 Chicken Breasts, 1.5 cups Frozen Yogurt, 1.5 cups Bran Flakes, 18 oz. Tomato Juice, 1.5 cups, shredded Romaine Lettuce, 5 oz. Cheddar Cheese, 3 cups Cooked Lima Beans, 15 Slices Whole Wheat Bread, 20 Spears of Asparagus, 1 cup Brown Rice, 2 cups Sliced Mushrooms, 30 Apples, 5 cups Chopped Celery (~10 stalks/whole), 3.5 Medium Tomatoes, 3 Pineapples, 30 Prunes

Any result, any real life change goal doesn’t just take the “want to.” It takes action, the first step to invest in what you need to get you from “here” to “there.” The Body by Vi (Visalus) system is legit – it’s no fluff – it’s the right tool, for the right time for you to make the changes you want.

*** People on Weight Watchers can choose to consume a Vi-Shape Nutritional Meal Replacement Shake as part of their food intake and include it with their points for that day. (2 points when mixed w/ water; 4 points when mixed w/ milk)

*** The ViSalus meal replacement shakes can provide diabetics with a low carbohydrate option for someone who is both overweight and has diabetes.

Technorati Tags: Vi Shake, ViSalus

It has been nearly one year since a monstrous earthquake triggered a tsunami that roared across Japan’s coast on March 11, 2011, transforming once-pristine and thriving towns into waterlogged wastelands and sparking the world’s worst nuclear crisis in a quarter-century.

As we embark on the 1 year anniversary week, maybe these downloadable graphics can be use as a nice reminder to not forget to Pray for those still recovering from this devastation.

Incredible design that I have adapted and resized for sharing among the most common monitor sizes for a nice touch for your computer wallpaper; also included an iPhone, iPad & Android version. Please feel free to download and use immediately as we keep those affected by the recent tragedies in Japan in our thoughts and prayers.

• PrayForJapan-iPad
• PrayForJapan-iPhone
• PrayForJapan-Android
• PrayForJapan-800x600
• PrayForJapan-1024x768
• PrayForJapan-1440x900
• PrayForJapan-1600x1200

** You may download for your personal use, but please share link back to this website and original file link when sharing in email, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Tumblr, Quora, Posterous, or any other “blogging” site. Afterall, it is only fair as I am linking back to original graphic file by designer – David Biederbeck **

Walking around a piece of property as advertised as a “Prayer Walk” might not mean much to you, or you might think just walking will not result in anything except a good exercise workout if you are not inclined to daily cardiac activities. Yeah, I am there too – the skeptic to this unusual manner of behavior. But, walking around a “wall” actually has Biblical reference. Ever hear about the walls at Jericho?

Joshua 1-6

After many years, Moses died. And God said to Joshua, “Lead My people across the Jordan River. Each place you set your foot will be yours. Just be strong and do not fear. For I am with you wherever you go.”

So Joshua sent two men ahead to spy on a town called Jericho. When they got there, they stayed with a woman named Rahab. But when the king of Jericho heard they were spies, Rahab hid them on her roof. And when it grew dark, she helped them to escape.

“I have heard great things about your God,” explained Rahab.

“Please promise me that you will not hurt my family when your people take Jericho.”

God told Joshua exactly what to do in order to take the city of Jericho. First, Joshua gathered men into an army to march around the city. Then came seven priests, each one carrying a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. Behind the priests came the ark of the covenant, and following the ark came more armed guards.

They paraded around the city of Jericho one time each day for six days. During this time, the priests blew on the trumpets, but everyone else marched quietly.

On the seventh day, the Israelites paraded around Jericho six times. All the while, the priests blew their trumpets, but everyone else remained quiet.

At the sound of that noise, the walls of Jericho began to crumble and then they fell, tumbling to the ground. And all who were inside the city ran in fear. All except for the woman Rahab – the one who had helped the two spies. She knew she would be safe. And she was.Then on the seventh time around the city, Joshua called out a signal. Everyone yelled and screamed and shouted – with all their might!

The Walls Came Tumbling Down!

I have witnessed one wall in the life of my family (wife & kids) having already been knocked down. The sale of our home this past November. We were literally walking around our home and on making our 7th trip around the house we got a call from our real estate agent notifying us our counter-offer was accepted and the house was S-O-L-D! We did not make the profit that we had hoped for, nor did we even break even. We actually lost some money with the sale, but praise be to God we have moved on and can look optimistic on the future God has in store for our family.

(You could probably say that the earlier mention of our house being sold was the second instance of a wall falling down. Before our house was sold, and that was not revealed to me until later, my wife was lead one morning to place her hands on the front door of our home as she was leaving for work and asked God that we get an offer on our house. Guess what? Within a relatively short period of time, 1 day or 2, we got a phone call with an offer to purchase.)

This brings us to our family activities for this evening. We are going to walk around our property and earnestly seek God’s favor on the appraisal of our land. We really need the value to be more than what we paid for it back in 2009. We need the additional equity value to offset our closing costs since we are building the house ourselves. We have been moving forward seeking God’s ultimate direction for our family and the next steps in our ministry that he is calling us to.

He is indeed stretching us and teaching us to walk more intimately with Him. It is not easy and we still do not fully understand all that He is calling us to. We are simply being obedient. Often we think that God’s instructions don’t make sense, but let’s follow the Israelites’ example and take one day at a time as we follow God. Often, we will not see the logic of God’s plan until we have completely obeyed His Word. The Israelites may have felt foolish marching around the city of Jericho for a week instead of going into battle, but the LORD instructions were clear and the Israelites chose to obey.

Could I ask that you join with us in prayer?

I would personally love to hear from you and return the favor if I can be in prayer in God meeting for you a need.

Blessings!