The Life Journey and Matters of Money

He who knows how to be poor knows everything.
Michelet, French historian

            My beginnings as a ‘poor black child’ provided me a few insights about all things financial. Watching my mother and grandparents constantly trying to ‘make ends meet’ was a tricky as well as tedious process. But they did it— we were sheltered, fed and clothed. For them money wasn’t just about the dollar bills. There were many non-monetary ways that helped our family survive.

        Connecting with neighbors to borrow and lend were well used methods that mattered. “Can I get $5 from you until I get paid?” was a question that could come from anyone. There was no ATM; instead it was ‘ANM - Ain’t No Money.’ Checks floated and crashed. Reserve funds were limited to quarters tied up in a handkerchief that the adults pulled out as a last resort. I watched my family share resources such as food or household items with others in need even when we didn’t have much—literally ‘counting pennies’, or measuring cups of sugar.  

            As kids, when we went to the local store, we learned how to bargain with each other or make loans when someone else didn’t have enough for their treat. Sometimes we were entrepreneurial—collecting soda bottles to turn in for money. A nickel could buy you a soda or candy bar back then.  If you had a quarter, you felt your ‘ship had come in’!

            My mother and grandmother sold boxes or tins of candy and at times used the ‘green stamp’ exchange to acquire funds or household items. Lay-a-way programs with the local merchants gave my mother and grandparents a way to purchase needed clothing or household items over a period of time. This was their planning method, requiring them to look ahead for our needs. Stewardship in church, whether it was putting a nickel in our offering envelope or helping count money from the collection plate, was emphasized as a way of giving to the Lord.

            These experiences provided a mindset for elements of my financial strategy: Share, improvise, prioritize, identify resources and plan when you can.

            When I worked for fifty cents an hour at my first job at the Waverly Diner, I used my $20 dollar a week salary to buy my school clothes and share some of the money with my family.  The next summer I got a raise to sixty cents an hour because I moved up from dishwashing to grill cooking. Boy was I excited. A 20% salary increase!            Financially, my attendance at William and Mary was made possible through the existence of educational grants, academic scholarships and national defense student loans that were available as part of a federal education thrust for minorities in the early 1970s. Yes, government handouts got me through college with the funds for tuition, room and board. It was definitely advantageous for me to be poor, black and smart.

            A part-time job at the college post office provided through a work-study program helped me pay for other educational and personal survival expenses.

            Mirroring what I’d seen in our household growing up, I willingly worked hard, used available resources and shared.

            During the summers between my years in college I worked at the chemical factory with my mother. This was definitely a better opportunity for making money to keep my school needs met and still help my family. That foundation of principles and skills to use in other monetary situations that I’d learned in my youth continued to build. Sacrifice and don’t hoard. 

But as the years went by I also started the gaining and losing cycle of dealing with money.           Even still I went back to school, realizing another degree would help in my career and business pursuits. I decided to use my MasterCard over a two-year period to finance this master’s program. I was also able to secure a part-time job on the campus. Win-learn! Once my training/consultants projects stabilized and rewards were reaped, I was able to pay off my credit cards. “Money spent on the brain is never spent in vain,” according to an English proverb.

            In continuing to watch my own and others’ financial issues through the years, I’ve come to several conclusions. We can’t separate ourselves from living life by building our personal Fort Knox. Yes, in looking out for our financial future, saving and finding ways to create wealth is important. However, ‘tomorrow isn’t promised’ so enjoy what you can for today and splurge a little. Earn money while reaping joy and making memories too. 

            Share, improvise, prioritize, identify resources and plan when you can.

Excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey in print and Kindle eBookhttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

            

Never Too Late: Lessons for Life Transformation

Sunset Over The Dead Sea in Israel

I recently read Ernest Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying for a seminary class. In this book the author unleashed a gripping and symbolic work on a host of enduring challenges as transformation hovered. In the novel’s various scenes, themes of love, family, faith, and expectations pierce the pages with lessons displayed in courage and testimony, then ultimately degrees of transformation for each character. From reading the actions of Grant, tortured teacher, to Jefferson who anxiously awaits execution, or Reverend Ambrose, conflicted support provider, the relevant question emerging for me is: How many learn what they’re supposed to learn between their sunrise and sunset? Taking place in the backdrop of familiar segments of racial realities, the African American journey around human identity and dignity, transcends place and time in Gaines’s words.

What struck me the most in this book, weaving in these segments and themes, shows up in a conversation between Grant and Jefferson on p. 193 as Gaines writes, “And that's all we are Jefferson, all of us on this earth, a piece of drifting wood, until we - each one of us, individually- decide to become something else. I am still that piece of drifting wood, and those out there are no better. But you can be better. Because we need you to be and want you to be. ” At this point I cried as Jefferson cried: a transformative moment for reader, character and work with rich symbolism appeared. I thought about a conversation with my late favorite uncle about five years ago on the topic of family challenges, especially during crisis, where some don’t step up but instead rest in their ‘ this is how I am’ stance. My uncle’s statement was, “Sometimes it’s time to be something else.”  A situation now calls for this new posture as was the case for Jefferson, to walk to his earthly finality as a man, for his godmother Miss Emma, the community and himself, and not take on the hog label which his persecutors attached to him. Throughout his imprisonment, Jefferson had many drifting thoughts, one noteworthy as the context for the time of his execution led up to the Easter holiday, as he repeated the phrase, “And he never said a mumbling word.” In the end Jefferson had learned to be strong in the Lord, modeling certainty in his identity as a man and the bravery of Jesus on his journey to Calvary, to fulfill the expectations of his Father. Actions which left transformation for those on the edge of this narrative such as the deputy Paul as a witness to Jefferson’s execution, ‘saw the light’ in the jail’s own ‘Damascus Road’ experience, and shared Jefferson’s bravery in the end with Grant. Then the ultimate story for the preaching and believing community emerged.

On a death bed or tragic accident or sudden illness, has one grasped the totality of those Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth (BIBLE)? The inevitable journey after our drifting days, we can only hope we learn the critical ones that God has for us to learn, packaged for us; being open to the process. 

Birth of a Book: Navigating Life's Roadways

My first booksigning of Navigating Life's Roadways in 2011

 

Life is a message – listen to it. Life is a belief – trust it. Life is a gift – accept it.

Life is love – think about it. Life is an adventure – dare it.

                                   Northern Sotho proverb, South Africa

 

 

My first book, Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight From My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey, was a charge and blessing from above.

Writing it had been on my radar for a while.

I remember first mentioning my authorship intent to family and friends about 16 years ago. Then I started writing—capturing life’s glories and challenges as I saw them.  A few years later as I exclaimed this vision to others, the comments ranged from supportive to discouraging—but I wasn't necessarily deterred. Continuing to write, I cataloged more stories as my life’s map unfolded.

 Just speaking the words of my writing goal gave this project life – sprouting the seeds. God gradually put a series of experiences in my life—some great and some not so great with professional, spiritual and personal accounts—to get me to this point. Responses and residue from the issues of family and friends gave me new insights for addressing the travails of my odyssey. Participants in my workshops—through their comments and questions—validated my thoughts of writing this book and alerted me that so many of us are struggling and looking for answers. The rollercoaster nature of the social, political and economic climate of this country pointed to a need for new maps to circumvent these troubled times. My own life's missteps started to reveal instructive destinations…and this book evolved.

Through the years I stayed on Persistence Parkway—revisiting what I’d written, attending writer’s groups and keeping the goal alive. I also stopped at Waiting Wall to assess where I was on my path and then tweak my manuscript. The original writings focused on everyone else's story. When I showed this manuscript my oldest brother, he asked me why I didn’t share more of my life. He said, "People like to read about other people’s lives…” and I'd done many positive things in spite of our rough beginnings and he was proud of me. My brother reemphasized the fact that we all have a story to tell. Not long after that conversation I attended the funeral of a saved saint—an old friend of my family's. The choir sang her favorite hymn, "Tell it When You Get it Right”.

God was allowing me to tell my story and the time is right.

             Along with the other teachings from my journey’s wanderings.

        

            The starting point of my odyssey is my hometown of Waverly Virginia, where the stories focus on the foundations laid on the roads I first trod with my family, faith and community structure.  Proceeding to other major avenues such as school (because I liked Williamsburg so much I wound up going to college there), relationships and careers — I then periodically circle back to my childhood in later narratives.

I also penned the major parts of this book in the year of some personal and extremely pivotal life events.

My mother passed away on March 10,2010  and the agonies of the grieving process were tremendous; a surreal event that’s been devastating on all fronts for me.

In this process I discovered that we give to fill a void. I am single and don’t have children, so birthing this book is one of the ways I hope to leave a footprint on the world. Since my mother passed, I’ve felt a chasm of many emotional proportions. Yet the process of grieving her transition gave to this book in ways I couldn’t recognize at first. She left a legacy in the circle of life.

             Once I was led to and committed to writing, energies from everywhere cooperated—seems like phrases, memories and lessons abounded at every corner. My mother knew of my writing aspirations and I feel this creative force was her way of working through God to stir up my spirit. While out walking, ideas would flood my head as I looked at the sky or the landscape around me. I’d hurry back to my office and quickly capture the thoughts—adding fresh words to the manuscript on my computer.

 

            This journey to publication continued and I've since written four other books, they too part of a birthing process that started over 20 years ago.  Remember birthing can be painful, but the yield worth it.  Keep pushing on!  Be clear on a destination for the results....

  Excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey in print and Kindle eBook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

Spock Factor: Seven Lessons To Live Long, Navigate Strong, and Prosper Well

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” (or “the one”).

Mr. Spock, from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

The passing of Leonard Nimoy last month, known for his TV/movie character Mr. Spock on the Star Trek series, brought special memories of this logical Vulcan and key member of the USS Enterprise star ship from fans everywhere.

And as many celebrities whose on screen performance expertise gives life to unforgettable icons, important lessons also ensue that can be helpful as navigate our own journeys.

Mr. Spock’s actions represented elements of the daily realities of people, how to get along and use your talents for a purpose.  Drilling a bit further down on these lessons, seven of these insights are:

1. Being Different is fine and needed. Recognize the gift of your uniqueness and use it for the good of others.
2. Take risks and adapt to new situations as you ‘boldly go where no man has gone before.’ Claim your enterprise.
3. There are times to sacrifice for the needs of others in the various roles we have in life, from parent, family member, citizen, leader, neighbor or colleague.
4. It’s good to have a BFF who accepts you as Mr. Spock did in the persona of Captain James T. Kirk
5. Explore and engage life. Leonard Nimoy’s intellect and interests beyond his Mr. Spock portrayal were evident in his passions for other art forms.
6. Keep head and heart connected but logic yields the answer at times… And so do feelings.
7. Understand all the different parts and origins of yourself – Mr. Spock was very much aware of his Vulcan and Earth inclinations and managed them as best he could.

 

Make your voyage a strong one, navigate it to the fullest, and prosper in all you do!

 

Charge! Four Routes to Your Leadership and Life Purpose

There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why…I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?
Robert F. Kennedy

What centers and lights the way for you at your place of being in charge? How do you map your way through life?

Organizational mission statements and strategic plans are designed to provide this scope. In life, we may be faced with many battles. Going up our own rough side of the mountain, it’s important to know why we’re climbing. Is there a vision?

Many events in life are ordained, part of our purpose, and they may involve suffering before victory. Leaders need to be on point. Parents need to be focused. An outcome must be sought, dreams turned into reality. Both are sources for guidance and direction, all for achieving the objective.

For the military, no war is fought without a purpose and a plan. During battle, the purpose is to support and defend while staying alive, willing to sacrifice if necessary, proud to serve!

Cause and direction are essential. This scope is to be drilled down to the lowest level, orienting soldiers to the mission and how to take action. Trickling even further, soldiers are issued a compass as a tool to help them orient themselves to where they are and traverse the battlefield. GPS technology also supports this effort in current times. You can’t win without direction and battle orders.

            Driving was also another area that surfaced quite often in our family gatherings. With two uncles that were long haul truck drivers and another one who traversed the country for his military assignments, I too took on the messages from the open road.  Metaphorical and purposeful, driving offers insights geared to continuing the charge in leadership and life.

            There were four strategies I gleaned from him for the long haul:

 

1.      Define where you are going. So set the coordinates.

 

It starts with a vision.

. “Keep your eyes to the sky,” one of my uncles advised as I took on my first long distance road trip. “Read the directional signs and know the name of the next big location or city you’re headed to. Continue to check your map before you get on the road, and each time you stop for a break, familiarize yourself with your route. This will keep you from getting lost out there. You’ll be all right.”

I was—trip successful.

Lesson link. Put a plan in motion with relevant and actionable steps. Where do you want to go and how do you get there? Be very clear on your coordinates.

 

2.      Open all lanes for learning.

Mistakes, setbacks, and disappointments are inevitable. What will you do with that knowledge? Gridlock and resistance show up. We will have learning curves for him when it comes to earning buy-in from those we lead.

3. Don’t be afraid to change destination.

Steer on in spite of roadblocks and potholes such as the economy, a career shift, or lost resources. Find a new route. Use another skill to still be of service.

4. Crank your motivation motor constantly.

Be driven and self-motivated to remain on course. Keep the fuel ignited. Think about why you’re there as a leader. Do you have a passion for your deliverables? Is there a link to your life purpose? Does it afford the flexibility or income potential you seek?

Excerpted from my book, Hardcore Leadership: 11 Master Lessons from My Airborne Ranger Uncle’s “Final Jump”   http://www.amazon.com/dp/1479324760

 

 

Mistakes Matter: Reviewing Lessons from Milemarkers of Life's Journey

There is no foot that does not stumble.

Zulu proverb

 

            There are times when I've felt it was important to do a review of my life journey and ponder not just the successes but ask: How many times have I messed up?

            So in the name of being self-aware and not afraid to go there, I continue: Let me count the ways (a few for starters):

·         Acted like “a chuckle-headed fool” (one of my grandfather’s favorite terms) 

·         Made wrong decisions resulting in unfavorable circumstances in my career

·         Said things to people I wish I could return to my mouth and mind

·         Operated at the whims of my emotions - carelessness (at times)

 

All of my mistakes have cost me in some way—spiritually, physically or financially.

There are always consequences for actions or inactions. Our faults rack up.

             In life we face our natural disposition to do wrong, intentionally or unintentionally. Slips of the tongue and bad judgment calls follow us. Employees make errors on their jobs so we comb over our bills to make sure they’re accurate. Politicians spout gaffes that offend. We’re breathing, spirited beings operating from our inclinations and prone to struggle with the mix of our own divine and demons. We fear making mistakes, but there’s no way to avoid them. It’s ingrained in the human condition that there is no perfection.

            “What did you learn from this?”

            We’ve all been on the receiving end of that question from parents, bosses or friends. There is a place for thoughtful consideration as we revisit our mistakes. We can regroup from the aftermath of the misfortunes of our actions. In The Odyssey there is a major theme running through it, teaching us that the human spirit with the most growth and strength is the one that is tested and weakened through the process. Though instructional yet ambiguous, we don’t always see the fall-out from our mistakes.

             Some consequences of our wrong deeds show up much later. A few of mine are permanent markers. I’ve revisited many of my own blunders in hindsight, wishing I hadn’t done certain things.  I can’t change what I did, so what’s the answer? What is most motivating to me is that I didn’t count myself out ISO (In Spite Of) them.

            So what do I know in review?

            Goof-ups come with growing up and have their place as a phase of life’s passages. When I’m having my ‘auntie talks’ with my nephew or nieces, I tell them mistakes are inevitable. I tell them they’re going to make them and that the key is not to make too many of them with consequences that are hard to recover from.

            To constantly teeter on ‘to do or not to do’ would make us too fearful to take risks and live fully. As God’s creations we are beautifully and wonderfully made—with our flaws. But there’s help. Lamentations 3:22 tells us, “It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” We can count on “Him, who is able to keep us from falling”— always watching and protecting us.

            Yet there are times to rack up our own experiences to learn perils versus positives. Second chances and forgiveness over and over again can decrease the major and minor count.

            Let’s proceed on the miles of our journey and thoughtfully watch our numbers—we don’t want a pile up of mistakes with no lessons as an out... Periodically do a life review.

           

Excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

Ramp Up! Find Your Life's Reliable Resources

When you have no choice, mobilize the spirit of courage.

Jewish Proverb

 

Driving highways paved through hills and valleys with their times of ascent and descent can be challenging to navigate. The series of moves to accelerate and brake while rounding these hilly curves is hard if you’re behind the wheel of a car—much less a large vehicle such as an 18-wheeler. Due to the design and load of these big-rigs, a more significant increase in speed happens as they head downhill. This could cause these vehicles to run out of control. For this reason there’s a special sign for the big trucks, designating a run-a-way landing area to the side of the road—a safety pull off.  This ramp is a reliable resource. We’re all glad these extra lanes are there and can count on them to serve their purpose—an out allowing time for the driver to regain control of his truck.

            There are life situations in which we need an out as well—to get off the road for a while. After one of my lowest life moments I knew the next phase involved God’s stamped and reliable plan to bring some control back into my journey. The road to entrepreneurship was now beeping on my radar as a likely destination. My trust in His word and presence ran firm in my IPS (Internal Positioning System), but until the plan was fully revealed, I needed income. I’d been working a series of part-time jobs, telemarketing and substitute teaching, but the pay wasn’t meeting my financial needs. I was staying with a friend, but wanted to move into my own place again. My checkbook resembled a rollercoaster of numbers running from a high of some money to a low of no money.

            Then it came to me.

            Maybe I can temporarily return to active duty in the Army while my consulting business was in its gestational period.

            I put the word out to my friends—does anyone know of this need.

            One of my active duty Army friends knew of a defense department director who’d requested a reserve officer to come in and support technology issues in his office for about four months (known as a TTAD—temporary tour of active duty). My friend put us in touch and I was selected for the opportunity. This TTAD fit my goals well and once I was done with that assignment, others became available over the next few years. Those few months of army officer income kept my finances under control until my business could sustain me. I was glad to have this option to depend on during such a critical phase of my career journey. My service to the army was a reliable source in many ways.

            We all need something to fall back on—family, friends, things, opportunities or skills.  These are valuable life resources.

            FAITH 

            This is such an important message in today's world. What was once secure in work and institutions…not so much now.  It does us well to keep all options open. As the saying goes, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Watching for our own skid marks, let’s sense when life is heading out of control in one of our lanes.

It’s then time to pull over or off and take temporary refuge on solid ground.  

           

            Identify what we can count on when there’s a need to pull off the road.

 

 

Parts excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

 

 

 

Be Victorious! Find Your Village to Celebrate

 

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Frederick Douglass, Abolitionist

Celebrating victory at my first book signing in July 2011

 

            The paths we’ve trod tell our stories of triumph and we should tell them one by one, stride by stride. Whatever these stories are— no matter how big or small, they are ours.

             When I wrote my autobiography Navigating Life's Roadways, the anecdotes from my childhood and adult experiences reveal a plethora of  my struggles and successes. For instance, because I was raised in a house with no indoor bathroom or running water, it was certainly a glorious moment when I had a toilet inside the same place I lived. Now I even have a few. The flush is a win! My first job as a dishwasher at the cafe in my hometown of Waverly Virginia paid fifty cents an hour and now I make a little more than that! (Although between my schedule and the hours I keep being self-employed, there is no doubt there may be times when I still make fifty cents an hour!)

            At our family gatherings we laugh and reflect on the extremely difficult challenges of our past and revel in the at times not-as-difficult skirmishes of today. As the expression goes, “It’s all relative.” 

            Most of us can glance back and be in awe of the conquests made within our community of family and friends. Kids graduated. Promotions came. Cancer went into remission. Grandchildren finally arrived. Wrongly accused were exonerated. Churches were joined. Houses bought. Loans came through. Good jobs came along. Car started—again. Checks are in the mail. Opportunities are open. Laws passed. Times changed.

            I stop and rejoice in the overcoming—reaffirming the progress in our gathered and appointed places.

 

            We have earned the right to stand back and admire our fortitude. After all, finding the way forward requires much effort.

 

Excerpted from my motivational autobiography, Navigating Life’s Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey in print and Kindle eBook http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FQDPYE

 

Tend to Your Turn: Greens, Victory and Gratitude Await

 



With my late grandparents and tending gardeners at their 50th wedding
anniversary celebration in June 1982

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

You must judge a man by the work of his hands.

African Proverb

 

 

Fresh collard greens reign as the caviar of the rural South, and no self-respecting African-American family gets through Thanksgiving or Christmas without some on the table. This was especially true in our household. I could count on the presence of these healthy greens at our holiday feasts, mainly because they grew in our garden.

My grandfather prided himself on producing the best bunches in town. In tending to that particular crop, he explained that the key was to never to pull them until after the first frost, usually sometime in November, right before Thanksgiving. Other vegetable-watchers agree that collards seem to be sweeter, tender, and more nutritious when nature’s timing and work restores them after a frost.

But what does this collard greens philosophy mean for us in life?

§  Nothing before it’s time.

§  Lay the groundwork, plant seeds, and plan.

§  You can reap the benefits of the best, if you but wait.

§  Let the natural order of life guide you.

       This concept falls in line with something our society is not used to these days, delayed gratification.  This notion that you will ‘have what you’re supposed to have when you’re supposed to have it’, doesn’t always fit in the multi-tasking, want it now behaviors of today.   Waiting tests our patience, particularly when we’re just ready for situations to be over, for news to come, or for something to fruition.

I also learned a lot about waiting from my family, particularly in our pre-Civil Rights era and small-town beginnings.  Because I was raised Baptist, I was also taught about the power of faith. Core to our religious beliefs, hope was the standard. As part of our ABC’s (always be constant) in praying for God’s plan and timing to be revealed, we stood fast. We had held out for opportunity, for laws to pass, and for a better day. Activists had boldly laid out a strategy, spreading leaves for change. And those better days did come, when it was our time and turn. The roots of a plan have righted and yielded sweet victories!

How can we further apply these principles to our own harvest?

 

If you believe within your heart
You'll know that no one can change
The path that you must go

Lyrics from “Believe in Yourself”, Performed by Lena Horne in The Wiz

 

As this banner year of 2013 made its way in, I experienced a few other truths about timing and turns. I attended New Year’s Eve or ‘watch night’ service at my church. The guest minister’s topic was “It’s My Time and My Turn.” She used Ecclesiastes 3:1, To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:, which I referenced in an earlier chapter of this book. One week later as I was listening to a radio broadcast from another church’s ‘watch night’ service, the preacher used the same scriptural reference. Then the following week, the same scenario of my listening to a religious programming from New Year’s Eve service and the preacher used the same scripture and same topic. Three times equal confirmation!

What did this mean?

So I’ve had an increase in work from the previous year (some greens) and published another book. One of my goals in waiting was to start doing more motivational talks to different groups. I was honored to speak at the Martin Luther King holiday program, on the day of President Obama’s 2^nd inauguration in my town of residence, Leesburg Virginia. Journeying back to my hometown, I spoke for ‘Women’s Day’ at one of the local churches. One of my other books, For People of Strength, Soul, and Spirit: Seven Guidelines for Life & Career Success, was listed as suggested reading to an Ebony magazine article in March 2013. Just to name a couple of other victories, I attended the dedication of a statue to Frederick Douglas in Emancipation Hall of the US Capitol on Juneteenth and positioned myself at both 50^th anniversary programs for the March on Washington. And….God called me to preach His word! I’m currently working on the process of getting licensed through my church, Mount Pleasant Baptist in Herndon Virginia.

My love of history, the Lord, my people, and my work has showed up in amazing ways— when He said so. A motto I developed for this year is Be Heard, Be Seen in 2013! With the Lord’s blessings, all of these pursuits will ‘enlarge my territory’ in the years to come.

So what are you waiting for? Plant it in your mind and reap in His appointed time.

 

Excerpted from my book, Tools to Cultivate the Promised Land: Working Wisdom from My Grandparents' Garden, November 2013 https://www.createspace.com/4302667