All posts by steven

“Unlock Your Best Life: 5 Must-Do’s Before Life-Changing Decisions”

Faith, Family, Fitness, General

We all face choices daily, from what to wear or eat to more profound decisions that can alter the course of our lives. Let’s talk about those big life decisions, the ones that demand more than a flip of a coin.

Life decisions are the game-changers, choices that have the power to shape the trajectory of your existence. Before we dive in, it’s worth mentioning that life circumstances, like the curveballs of death or sickness, often come uninvited – we’ll save that discussion for another time.

Your choices shape your destiny. 🌟 #LifeDecisions #EmpowerYourChoice" Share on X
  1. Prayer & Spiritual Guidance: Pause for prayer or seek spiritual guidance. Connecting with your inner self and seeking divine insight can provide peace as you navigate uncharted waters. It’s a moment to find clarity amid the uncertainties.
  2. Core Values Check: Reflect on your core values. What truly matters to you in life? Are your choices in alignment with these values? Understanding your fundamental principles can be a compass guiding you through tough decisions.
  3. Outcome Investigation: Count the cost. Delve into the potential outcomes of your decision, weighing both the positive and negative aspects. How might it impact not just your life but your community? This foresight helps you make an informed decision.
  4. Emotional State Assessment: Take a moment to assess your emotional state. Is fear, stress, or impulse driving your decision? Ensure you’re in a calm and rational mindset before taking the plunge.
  5. Talk it Over: Don’t go it alone. Reach out to trusted friends or family members. Discussing your decision with others can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Different perspectives might unveil aspects you hadn’t considered.

And then, when you’ve done the groundwork, make your decision. Own it. Whether you decide to take the leap or stay put, remember, the power lies in your choice to make it right for you. It’s your journey, after all.

"In the realm of life decisions, emotions can be the navigator or the storm. Take a moment, assess, talk it over with loved ones, and then choose your course wisely. ⚖️ #DecisionMaking #EmotionalIntelligence" Share on X

Transformative Leadership

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Embrace Inward-Out approaches for excellence!

In the heart of my yard stands a slender, 40ft tree. Its branches are not extravagant, gracing the sky with only a few, yet its significance runs deep. This unassuming tree holds a remarkable secret: its strength emanates from within.

This truth mirrors the essence of leadership. Our resilience should bloom from the depths of our being, a strength cultivated within and radiating outward. In the hushed moments, we find solace in our inner bond with God, a wellspring of strength forged in the battles hidden from plain sight. As leaders, nurturing our souls becomes paramount. Just as our core gains vigor, its influence unfurls to the world beyond.

Often, we invest faith in our appearance, talents, and charisma, neglecting that they stand on the foundation of our core. Yet, a robust core births pure functionality. 

There existed another tree by my office—a picture of vitality. Adorned in leaves, it thrived. Then, a storm struck, toppling it from its pedestal. Amidst the clearing, a revelation emerged: the heart of the tree was rotten.

Scripture reminds us, “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalms 1:3) Just as these trees flourish by the river, so do leaders prosper when anchored within, ready to weather any storm.

Let’s remember, it’s from the center that authenticity flows. True leadership starts within, where roots intertwine with character, values, and conviction. When nurtured, this inner strength manifests in a life of purpose, impact, and lasting legacy.

“Finding the Silver Lining: Overcoming Pessimism and Embracing Hope”

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“Pessimism: because why settle for just being unhappy when you can be consistently disappointed by everything? #Sarcasm #Pessimism”


Someone recently asked me if I thought I was more optimistic or pessimistic. Of course, I proudly said, “I’m optimistic!” This got me thinking about the truth of pessimism.


IT’S FREAKING EASY TO BE PESSIMISTIC! Yes, I was yelling… at the HALF-EMPTY cup! The entire culture sets us up to look for the negative. It may just be me, but a negative outlook is a default. Oh wait, that isn’t very optimistic!


So how do we see the silver lining to the DARK CLOUD THAT STAYS OVER MY HEAD? Why Am I yelling? Oh boy!

Heres a few thoughts to overcome pessimism and embrace hope!

  1. Practice gratitude: Make a habit of focusing on the people and things you are thankful for and expressing gratitude for them.
  2. Reframe negative thoughts: When you have a negative thought, challenge it by looking for evidence that supports a more positive perspective.
  3. Surround yourself with positivity: Seek out people, activities, and environments that uplift you and bring you joy.
  4. Focus on solutions, not problems: Instead of dwelling on what’s wrong, concentrate on finding solutions to problems.
  5. Engage in self-care: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through activities like exercise, meditation, and hobbies.

“You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can control your attitude towards it.” – Unknown

Are you more optimistic or pessimistic? Thoughts?

Are you Inspired?

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Inspiration! 

Most people, when encountered with something great someone else has built, walk away inspired. 

Honest people say maybe I can do it too. 

And they walk away feeling encouraged. 

But watch out! 

Some look at what you have built and say I want it. 

I want what you have, And I will do whatever it takes to take it away from you!

They don’t want to do the hard work of building. They want to reap your rewards.  

When my reality is your dream how do you respond? 

When my dream is your reality, I will honor you and be inspired.  

Who inspires you?  

Dating your Spouse?

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Do you date your spouse? Think about this old verse in a popular song, “You gotta dance with the one that brought you!’ Ok, maybe it wasn’t a popular song but follow the thought. Dating got you and yours to the marriage alter. Dating will help sustain a level of health in your marriage.
Here are a few essentials of a fantastic date night.
Schedule it – everyone is so busy, and we must prioritize the importance of our relationships. Write it down! Send your spouse an invitation. Highlight the calendar.

Anticipate it – talk about how much fun it’s going to be. Send each other messages leading up to the date.
“I can’t wait to spend the evening out with you!”

Protect it – something always comes up. While a few things require you to reschedule, those things must be on a concise list.

Wisdom: don’t try to work things out on date night. Don’t use a date night to end a disagreement. Enjoy your time – plan to laugh, make out, dream, or stare into each other’s eyes. Focus on enjoying each other. You may need a predate night to talk things out.

Here is a great date night idea.
Schedule a trip to a town or city nearby that you usually don’t visit.
Look for a new restaurant and enjoy some fresh surroundings.

When was your last date night?

PSA Cycling 

Family, Fitness, General

Everybody is in a hurry. Speeding tickets prove this. It seems some believe the road is made of lava, and the longer they stay on it, the worse things will be. I get it. I can be impatient. But when it comes to life and death, I think we all should and would choose life. 

So, because I value your life and mine, I wanted to give a little 

PSA concerning cyclists. 

I ride. I cycle. My main exercise activity includes miles on the road riding a two-wheeled, chain-driven, human-powered machine. 

BTW, my name is Steven. I have a family that I love. So that you know, I have three beautiful grandbabies. This is very important because, just like you, I want to make it home safe. 

As a cyclist, I’m not trying to impede your progress of getting off the lava; I’m just trying to enjoy my chosen form of exercise. 

The most important idea you can embrace is that every cyclist has a name and a story.

When you, in your car, come upon me on my bike (cyclist) or a group of cyclist (peloton), here are a few things to do. 

Give me room. Minimally 3 feet, but moving to the other lane is much better if it is safe to do so. Oh, and you don’t have to show off your loud mufflers as you pass.  https://georgiabikes.org/resources/georgia-bike-laws/

Passing on hills or sharp curves is dangerous for everyone. If you can’t see what’s coming, be patient and enjoy the ride in your car with AC, watching me struggle up a hill in the heat. 

Fourways and roundabouts. Simple, give me the lane. It won’t take much time; I want to move through quickly, and I appreciate this one. 

BTW, blowing your horn don’t make my legs move faster. If you see me on the road and want to wave, great, I will wave back. Your horn can startle me and cause a wreck. If you must blow that horn do it after you pass me. 

Flick me off.

I get it you may be having a bad day, and I and my spandex add to it. So I receive your finger with compassion and wish you the best. Just give me a little room. 

And if you are just an angry person and want to cause issues with me on my bike, please know you and your car win every time. Also, listen to the song #TryJesus -Tobe Nwigwe

Remember, my name is Steven, and I Love my family and life, most likely just like you. 

#everycyclisthasaname 

What can you do to make the roads safe for everyone? 

nogoalsnewhabits

#nogoalsnewhabits

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This time of year is exciting! I think this is the one time of the entire year where change is most widely accepted. I’m sure you’ve seen all the New Year slogans and hashtags… Deck the halls with new resolutions. Tis’ the season to improve yourself. #newyearnewme #thisismyyear #startagain #becomingabetterme  

We all understand our goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. #SMARTGoals. We get it! But easier said than done.

According to History.com, the practice of new year’s resolutions started some 4000 years ago with the Babylonians. They would make 

Promises to their gods to pay back debts and return anything borrowed (BTW, where’s my hedge trimmers?) They would also reaffirm their loyalties to the king.

Same story, new year.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

In January, I’m motivated to achieve my goal to run a marathon this year. (insert any goal here) after running a few feet in January, I say, “it’s too cold to run; I will start running when it’s warmer” (insert any obstacle here.)

By February, life has gone back pre-new year resolution. #tryagainnextyear 

There has to be A better way. 

#nogoalsnewhabits Our habits are what shape us! If we desire a new shape or change, we need new habits! Considering habits, Think “being” over “doing!”  Example: I want to lose weight = doing. I desire to be healthier = being. Think lifestyle over time-frames. Example: Think, “I want to run a marathon this year” Instead, think “I want to be a runner!” 

Develop new habits, see a new you.  

Here is a shortlist of ideas to help you begin to develop healthy habits. 

  • Clarify the new habit. For some ideas, here is a quick link to 192 healthy habits. https://www.developgoodhabits.com/healthy-habits/
  • Start where you are now, not where you want to be later on. You may want to be a runner, but you’re a walker right now. Small gains over some time bring huge returns. 
  • Practice keystone habits. Keystone habits can be defined as “small changes or habits that people introduce into their routines that unintentionally carry over into other aspects of their lives,” according to Charles Duhigg in his book, The Power of Habit. One of the easiest keystone habits is making your bed.  
  • Start new habits rather than stopping bad habits. Think “I want to change my diet” over “I have to stop eating fast food.” 
  • Share your habit with someone. There is power in the community!
  • Consider healthy habits for each area of your life. Spiritual, emotional, relational, financial, and physical. 
  • And most importantly, give yourself grace! We all miss the mark of the change we desire. Don’t give up! Embrace your humanity and keep at it. Someone wisely said, “Just because you miss one day of brushing your teeth doesn’t mean you give up on brushing them until next year!”

Every day you say yes to the new way, the habit you’re trying to form gets more established in your life.

If you're tired of starting over, stop giving up! Share on X

In this together,

SteveNikki

What new habits can you develop in 2021?

Ideas we are taking into 2021

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4 ideas we are taking into 2021. 

I know we are excited to see 2021. And that’s because 2020 was CRAZY. Hopes for a new year and new you quickly turned to hoarding toilet paper. Toilet Paper! Do we know yet what the need for hoarding toilet paper was all about? Crazy moments help us welcome new days. So, we welcome 2021 and say adios to 2020. 

“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” ― Rafiki

Here are 4 ideas that we learned in 2020 that we will be taking into 2021. 

Everybody needs somebody. When something is taken away, we then see it’s importance. 2020 has taught us the importance of community. We need each other! We will strive to be givers of grace in all our communities and continue to build healthy relationships. 

A rested you is a better you. Our frantic pace of life can outpace God. It was interesting to see how beautiful our world is without all the hustle during the lockdowns of 2020. I don’t want to be forced to rest in 2021 with more lockdowns. I want to be intentional with my rest and pace of life. #youareblessedifyourest

Simple is Spiritual. There is a place for the deep things of God. But it’s in the simple every day things done well and consistently that cause us to go forward in life, and help us to suffer less. Our spiritual lives are essential to our overall health.

"Hard things ain't bad things!" Share on X

Fun is Essential. “Laughter does good like a medicine.” If there is one thing 2020 has taught us, is that life is fragile. So make it a point to enjoy every single aspect of it. We often try to make a perfect life without any thought about enjoying said life. Embrace the dance even if you don’t dance; Or don’t dance well. Kool & the Gang said, “How you gonna do it if you really don’t wanna dance by standing on the wall? Get down on it!”

“It’s the rain that makes the flowers grow.”

What are you taking from 2020 into 2021? 

Thanksgiving

Faith, Family, General

Psalm 50:23 (a)
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me

It is the human condition to complicate things. I raise my hand. As a person who sometimes teaches the truth to others, I have been very guilty of this.
After all, it seems like such a huge thing to share the very word of God. To have God himself speak through you sounds very overwhelming to me and a little scary. There are situations recorded in the Bible where ppl have been struck dead on the spot for misrepresenting God. Sign me up, right… ?? ha, no thanks.
But the cool thing is we are the ones He has chosen to use—all of our faults and all of our humanity. Also, the cool thing about grace is that if we offer it with a pure heart, He honors it. Like a kindergartener offering his parent a masterpiece that he drew in art class. (Think back to making a turkey out of your traced hand) the gospel message is straightforward; it’s just not easy. We are the ones that put rules and regulations and qualifiers on it. The message is simple… Love me, love others, help those in need, and truly be thankful.

This is the season to pause and reflect on how good our Father is to each of us. His goodness goes way deeper and way beyond accumulating“stuff!”
He has made hope and peace and healing and strength available to us. He helps us carry our burdens and those things that are too hard for us to carry on our own. He promised to be right there with us even if we have to walk in the very shadow of death.

Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

He promises to love us unconditionally when we don’t deserve it and to never leave us no matter where we may find ourselves. There is no darkness that is too dark to Him.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
(Psalm 139:11)

As we bring all our things to Jesus in worship and as a sacrifice this thanksgiving season,
Let us remember the power of a genuinely thankful heart.
Thankfulness makes what we have enough.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season?

Nikki

Stretchy pants can be deceiving.

Faith, Family, Fitness, General, ,

One thing I’ve learned in quarantine is that stretchy pants can be deceiving.

See, the thing with stretchy pants is the elastic in the waist allows them to expand. Therefore, our expanding waistline under the stretchy-ness of those comfortable pants can increase without our knowledge. 

It’s not until you go to put on actual pants (without an elastic waist) that you realize, um, “these jeans use to not be this hard to button!”  Who put my pants in the dryer?

Our bodies are made for tension. They grow under stress. Whether it’s birthing babies, trying to finally get those coveted abs, training for a race, or studying for a test. It’s in the hard things we do that keeps our minds sharp and our bodies healthy. 

From growing plants to forming diamonds, most good things only happen under tension. They have to be broken down to come back, and they come back better and stronger. 

When my son broke his collarbone playing football, the doctor told us that he most likely would never break that bone again. Why? Because after it’s been broken, it heals stronger than it was before. Our creator designed us that way. 

It’s not His will that we stay broken. 

The thing with comfort is that it can be deceptive because our minds and bodies need rest to heal. Here lies the tension. 

If we stay in something comfortable too long, our muscles will atrophy, and we will become weak in our ability to do hard things. And life, my friend, is full of hard things. 

Comfort in itself isn’t bad. I’ll be the first to say how much I love my stretchy pants. And we as humans all need to be comforted. It just can’t become our way of life. 

Being comfortable has a way of lulling us to sleep, and giving us a false sense of security, making us want to camp out. It’s a nice place to visit; you can’t build your house there. 

Being comfortable has a way of lulling us to sleep, and giving us a false sense of security Share on X

I dare to say all of us this year, in one way or another, have found ourselves in places where we have become too comfortable for too long. One more brownie, one more Netflix original series, ah, maybe we will catch church next Sunday. Can anyone relate? It is way to easy to do. 

But I would ask you to consider embracing the tension between comfort and growth. Absolutely enjoy a dessert and a good movie. By all means, take the time to be with your friends and family. But also make it a point to grow!

Go for a daily walk. Read a good book. Eat a vegetable every now and then. And most importantly, spend time in the presence of Jesus and the Word every day. This is where real change happens. We all want change; it’s just harder (uncomfortable) to do the changing. 

But, no doubt, it’s worth the effort. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Where have you gotten too comfortable?