Faith And Fantasy

Faith And Fantasy

"They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord."

Many people have been sold a bill of goods when it comes to dreams. The saying, “If you believe it, you can achieve it,” is simply not true. Just about every child dreams of being able to fly like a bird, but it’s not going to happen, no matter how much they imagine it. Every watch American Idol? Some of the contestants are clueless when it comes to their ability. They sing off key, they screech, they bellow, and then howl. And when they’re told that they’re not good enough by the judges, these wannabe stars throw tantrums and say, “That’s just your opinion. I’m great.” We all need a reality check. Faith is not fantasy. It’s not mind over matter. It’s not having a lottery mindset. People who think this way believe that if they somehow show up at the right place, at the right time, and make the right connections, then presto!—their fantasy will come true. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy? But it isn’t. Ralph Waldo Emerson observed: “Shallow men believe in luck…strong men believe in cause and effect.” When God gives you a dream you need faith to bring it to pass. So the question you need to ask yourself is, “Is my dream from God?” When it is, you’ll have the necessary gifts and talents to fulfill it. And what you lack, God will provide in additional relationships and resources. The trouble with chasing a fantasy is, while you’re doing it you’re not fulfilling the dream God has given you for your life.

Fear is a LIAR!

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Fear is something you will experience each time you try something new, like a new job or a new relationship or a new investment strategy. You will never succeed as long as you keep giving in to fear. The corporate world risks failure every time they launch another product. The fashion world risks failure with each new clothing line. Yet they’re willing to take multimillion-dollar risks to improve their merchandise and boost their sales. Do they always win? No, but without taking a risk they’ve no chance of succeeding at all. The poet wrote: “There was a very cautious man who never laughed or played; he never risked, he never tried, he never sang or prayed. And when one day he passed away, his insurance was denied; for since he never really lived, they claimed he never died!” The fact is, we all fail! The failure rate of the human race is one hundred percent, and everyone (you included) qualifies for membership in this club. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with the fear of failure. Faith in God is what gives you the courage to confront your fears and live the life He meant you to live. If you don’t, you’ll suffer the regret of “what could have been.” You’ll never be perfect, so you’ll never be perfectly successful. That doesn’t mean you will not succeed in life—but you must try. Fear is a “spirit,” and if you let it, it will control you. God offers you three better options: “Power…love…a sound mind.”

Love Each Other

READ : Jn 13:35 NCV

"You are my followers if you love each other."

Before Andrew Jackson became president of the United States he was a general in the Tennessee Militia. During the War of 1812, his troops were fighting and bickering among themselves so he called them together and said, “Gentlemen, let’s remember the enemy is over there.” We’d all do well to remember that. It’s easy to love God because of everything He’s done for us; it’s harder when it comes to loving those we have to live with. A respected Bible teacher says: “If there’s anything that would keep me away from Christ if I was lost…it would be the attitude of Christians toward one another…When I was a kid and an argument broke out…my dad used to say, ‘We may have a few differences inside these walls, but remember, we’re family. If your brother or sister needs you…take care of them…love them…and pull for them.’ Everything we need to know…can be found in these two verses, ‘Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself…look out…for the interests of others’ (Php 2:3-4 NAS)…In others words, think about the other person…Don’t be selfish. Sounds like something a teacher might say to a roomful of kindergartners…yet how many adult problems could be solved if that was the driving force in our relationships?...How many couples could reconcile their marital differences?’ Jesus said, ‘People will know…you are my followers if you love each other.’” In the hours before He died He was still praying for us to “become one heart and mind” (Jn 17:21 TM).

Give Him Your Problems!

"Lessons From Lazarus (2) "

READ : Jn 11:1 NKJV

"Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany."

The third lesson is about relinquishment. As long as you believe you can handle the problem on your own, you will not reach for the miracle-working power of God. You have to be in a situation so bad that you pray the prayer of relinquishment: “Lord, I’ve done all I know and things aren’t getting any better. So I’m through trying to fix it. I turn it completely over to You. I don’t know how You’re going to handle it, but I know You love me and want only what’s best for me. So here it is, Lord; it’s all Yours.” This is not a prayer of defeat, it is one of total trust. David wrote: “Though I am surrounded by troubles…The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever” (Ps 138:7-8 NLT).

The pastor of a great church tells of running out of money when they were only halfway through the construction of their new sanctuary. The congregation was growing and there was no doubt that they needed the extra space. But the bank wouldn’t give them any more funds. So the pastor prayed and said, “Lord, personally speaking I don’t need this big building. I already have a place for all my children. You need a place for Yours. I don’t know how You’re going to take care of this, but those are Your kids, Lord, so I’m turning it over to You.” God answered, the money came through, and with a few years they were worshipping in a beautiful sanctuary, debt free. So give your problem to God and don’t take it back!

What Would Be Possible For You If You Really Believed?

Life Building Nugget of the Month What Would Be Possible For You If You Really Believed? If you really believed in your dreams... that what you wanted most in life was possible, that you had everything you needed within you to achieve it already, that you were supported and loved immensely and would continue to be even if you made a mistake, that you were deserving of nothing but the goodness of life... What would change in your life? What could you achieve? Would you move through the day-to-day activities differently? Would your life look different in some way? Would you take more risks and trust and follow your intuition more? Would you put more solid action behind what you say you want? Would you stop trying to be perfect and put more focus on learning and growing? Would you stop settling for simply saying "YES" to life while your actions scream "NO!"? Would you enjoy and savor the journey more? Worry less? Take better care of yourself? Give yourself permission to honor and follow your passions and deeply held desires more? If so, then what's required for you to believe? What do you need more of or less of? What needs to change within you to help you step into the power of believing...the magic of living fully? - Pamela Y. Smith

Doing What You're Suppose To Do

Doing What You're Suppose To Do

READ: 1Co 3:13 TLB

"Everyone's work will be put through the fire."

One day an ox said to a mule, “Let’s play sick.” The mule said, “No, we need to get this work done.” The ox played sick and the farmer brought him fresh hay. When the mule came in from plowing the ox asked how things went and the mule said, “Okay.” The ox asked, “What did the farmer say about me?” The mule replied, “Nothing.” The next day the ox played sick again. When the mule came home the ox asked, “How did it go?” The mule said, “Okay.” After a week of this, the ox asked, “Did the farmer say anything about me today?” The mule replied, “Well, he said nothing to me personally, but he stopped and had a long talk with the butcher!” Understand this: you were born to fulfill a divine purpose. When you don’t, there are consequences, both here and in eternity. Paul focused on his calling. Shortly before he was executed he wrote, “I have finished the race” (2Ti 4:7 NIV). Notice, Paul didn’t retire, he “finished!” In the parable of the talents, the man who buried his talent paid a huge price. That’s because in God’s eyes the greatest failure of all is failure to invest the time, talent and treasure He’s given you into His purposes. One day you life will be audited. It’s called “the judgment seat of Christ.” Paul writes: “Everyone’s work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss” (see 1Co 3:13-15 NLT).

How To Be A Great Mentor

"Each part...helps the other parts grow."

A good mentor will: (1) Affirm in public, correct in private. Your goal should be to help, not hurt. When you rebuke someone in public you humiliate them, destroying their self-esteem. But when you affirm them in public you build their self-esteem, confidence and incentive. Of course, your praise should be genuine, not just empty words. By affirming sincerely and publicly, you plant the seeds of growth and greatness in the learner. (2) Build an allegiance to relationships, not issues. We tend to build an allegiance either to relationships, or to issues. We become primarily concerned about other people, their feelings, and the relationship, or we become focused on rules, agenda, quotas, tasks and results. A good mentor always puts relationships ahead of issues. In his book, Mentoring: The Strategy of the Master, Ron Lee Davis writes: “My father was that kind of mentor, both in his own family and in the church he pastured for twenty-five years. Many times I heard him say, “The individual is always more important than the issue.” He lived this principle daily and he built it into my life. Today, I try to pass on this principle to others.” God has called each of us to run our race and finish it successfully. He has also called us to keep the torch lit and hand it off to the next runner. Don’t merely be satisfied with doing the job, make sure the job keeps getting done by teaching and training someone else. Jesus, the Master-mentor, said: “The works that I do shall [you] do also; and greater works than these shall [you] do” (Jn 14:12).

God Is Getting You Ready

God Is Getting You Ready

READ: Lk 14:28

"No man builds without counting the cost."

Before God gives you more, He observes you with what you have. Furthermore, when He speaks a word over your life it’s like a seed; it needs time to take root and sprout. If God has planned it for you, don’t get into a hurry. “Wait for it; because it will surely come” (Hab 2:3). Patience develops in us the ability to stand up to the pressures that accompany blessing. Look back; aren’t some of the things you’ve been through, the very things that have equipped you to handle what you have now? Had God given them to you sooner you couldn’t have handled them, and He loves you too much to let that happen. Think: if you’re having difficulty handling criticism from a few people, how would you do if God made you pastor or company president? Are you ready to pay the price? And more importantly, are you able to pay for it? The more God gives you, the more He holds you responsible for. Jesus said: “No man builds without counting the cost.” Sometimes we want things because others have them. You say you want a husband and children, but are you ready to start living sacrificially? You say you need a wife, but are you ready to “give yourself for her” (see Eph 5:25)? Whatever you’re going through today, there’s great peace in knowing that nothing the enemy does can preempt God’s plan. So, “Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing” (Ps 37:34 TLB). Rejoice; God is getting you ready.

What Is Your Destiny?

"I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not."

Only when you accept failure as final, are you finally a failure. Any time you learn from failure, you’ve taken a step toward success. You can’t hit a home run unless you step up to the plate and face the pitcher. Baseball legend Babe Ruth hit a record 714 home runs, but he also struck out over 1,300 times. During a low period, an interviewer asked him how he overcame discouragement. He replied, “If I just keep swinging the bat, the law of averages says I’ll catch up. In fact, when I’m in a slump, I feel sorry for the pitcher because I know that sooner or later he’s going to pay for it.” When Benjamin Disraeli attempted to speak in Parliament for the first time they booed him into silence. But he said, “Though I sit down now, the time will come when you will all hear me.” And they did! He became one of Britain’s best orators and prime ministers. Today Disraeli’s critics are forgotten, but his contribution to history lives on. You say, “How can I recognize my destiny?” First, your destiny is a desire that won’t let you go.Paul said: “I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not.” Second, your destiny will be more than a job, it will be joy. The Psalmist said: “I delight to do thy will” (Ps 40:8). Third, your destiny will unlock your creativity. When God called Gideon a “mighty man of valour” (Jdg 6:12), he was hiding in a cave. But God wasn’t addressing his present state, He was speaking to the potential within him. So, what are you called to do?

From Bedros K. Love it! You gotta read this!

For me these are the 7 universal truths of success
in all aspects of life:

1) Understand the laws of the universe

This might sound a little woo woo to you, that’s fine with me, but I
can tell you that you’ll ALWAYS get what you deserve in life,
because you always get that which you focus on most – good or bad.

If you’ve seen the movie “The Secret” you might know what I mean.

Sure, you can’t just sit there and wish for millions and expect
the universe to manifest it for you. If that’s what you got from
The Secret then just stop reading this now.

What I can tell you is that you have a lot more control in what you
get in life than you think. Here’s how the universe works… if you
want financial freedom in life, then make it your goal to helps others
get financial freedom.

You want a thriving training business? Help 100 people get into the best
shape of their life and watch what happens… connections happen,
opportunity appear, and business will almost effortlessly grow.

Ever think of an friend and suddenly your paths cross out of the blue?

That’s the universe at work.

2) Relentlessly manage your time and energy

When I was operating my five training facilities I realized that I personally
had two assets that had to be ruthlessly protected if I wanted a successful
training business; my TIME and ENERGY.

If I allowed others to eat up my time with bullshit stuff then I had to barrow
more time from else where, like from my family time.

And if I used up my efforts or energy on trivial stuff that I could have outsourced
for $10/hr then I’d end up putting in half hearted effort in the critical things
that mattered.

Once you prioritize your time and energy, delegate trivial tasks and start
saying NO more often to the things that aren’t aligned with your values,
you’ll get more of what you want out of life, faster.

3) Be a value creator

At our most primal level we are designed to be attracted to those who add
value to our lives, just like we’re designed to repel value extractors, people
who only want to take and take.

Zig Ziglar sums it up best by saying: “help as many people as you can get what
they want, and you’ll get what you want.”

This goes back to #1 above… the law of the universe. Plus it just plain feels
good to add value to the lives of others. If you haven’t noticed, folks are willing
to part with large sums of money if you can demonstrate a REAL value
proposition.

4) Cut out the crabs and energy vampires

Look, we all have these people in our lives, people who are negative,
always criticize, piss on your dreams, are scarcity minded, and
have this bad energy about them that just kills your mojo.

They could be family, friends, co-workers, or a spouse. Harsh words here…
CUT THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE.

You’ve probably heard this before: You are the average of the five people
who you surround yourself with the most.

5) The burning desire formula

Don’t just want something. Come with the burning desire that hell or high
water YOU will achieve what you set out to achieve.

When I used to dabble in person training I had two other jobs just to
make ends meet.

But once I committed to the thought and lit the fire of burning desire within
me I created the most bad ass personal training business in the area.
I charged the most, we delivered amazing results and practically every client
referred their friends and family to us.

Commit to your idea… don’t just ‘try’ it out.

6) Give a shit

This universal truth is actually the most simple, most powerful, and yet
most misunderstood. Give a shit… I mean truly give a shit about what
you do, the people you work with, your customers and clients, the people
you love and how you interact with them, like REALLY GIVE A SHIT.

It’s easy to act like you give a shit when people are watching, but what
really counts is how you are when no one is watching.

Just look at Facebook. If aliens came down from Mars tomorrow and only
read Facebook status updates on all of us they’d conclude that we’re the
most compassionate, caring, thoughtful and considerate beings in the
solar system.

Why?

Because it’s Facebook and we know that everyone is watching.

You get my point here, right?

7) Be cool

In my late teens and twenties I was a different person; scarcity minded,
blamed others for my failures, and never took personal responsibility.

I was anything but cool.

These days my motto, if I chose to have one, is when in doubt, be cool.
Over deliver on value. Exceeds people’s expectations. Don’t sweat the minor
things. Learn to let go, and take time off to chill.

Live in abundance, be prosperity minded, manage your emotions, and take
personal responsibility.

Like I said, these 7 universal truths have helped in all aspects of life.

Hope one or two of them will do the same for you

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!!

I’m so proud of myself and what I’ve achieved. I never thought in a million yrs I would being saying “I did a Figure Show”… Well now I can and I DID!! I DID IT!! J YAY!! And I placed how awesome and what a great feeling!! It was one hell of a ride but it was ALL worth it. I’ve never looked/felt better in my life. All the support from my family and friends was just amazing! They say this kind of sport is not for everyone but in my book anyone can do anything if you put your mind to it!  

I’m so looking forward to training the next group of girls…I’ve learned so much and I can’t wait to share it all with you ladies!!  It’s going to be another challenging journey for me but I’ve never been more ready than I am now!! LET’S GET IT LADIES!! J

I want to personally send a BIG THANK YOU & CONGRATS to Elena Munzo!! I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished throughout this journey.. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than you. Not only did we become a two sum but I got an AMAZING new best friend out of all this. If you don’t know Elena Munzo you should!! Words can’t even express how amazing she is not only to me and the BABs team but to her family!! I also was very blessed to meet her family and WOW now I know where Elena get’s it!! Elena you have a wonderful, loving family and whenever I was at your house or around you and your family you ALL made me feel like a part of your family and so welcome… So I thank you again and again for everything you’ve done for me and E I’m sorry but like you said we are FOREVER STUCK TOGETHER and I’m looking forward to long happy healthy!!! Friendship!! Love ya Girl!!

XOXOXO
V

THANK YOU :) TO ALL!!!!!!!

I can now say I have been there, done that!!!! And GOD knows I am so happy I took this journey. I started because I knew I could. And I need to tell you all that you too can do it :) we all have it, it's called "will power/choice."

I know that anyone reading this blog is reading it for a reason. To see what my journey has been like, don't let me tell you about my journey, make your own. I have always said this, "don't let anyone tell you how nice Italy is, go visit, don't let anyone tell you how breathtaking bungee jumping is, do it." I know we are all go-getters in personal and professional life.


I heard this a couple years ago in church :)

"One cannot die, if you have not lived."


And I take this to heart, I will not pass any challenge put in front of me, I will not pass a chance to go on a trip, I will not pass an invitation for a beer (except when I was in training).

I just want to say, :) Good Luck on your Journey

PSYCHO V HERE!!

Sorry I’ve been MIA on the blog but I’ve just had a lot going on not just with the training but with my personal life and it’s just been tough to fit everything in!! Okay maybe these are excuses but I’m here now!! J

WOW!! I can’t believe I MADE IT THIS FAR!!! Only 3 Days until show time!! I just can’t believe it!! Thank you ALL for ALL your WONDERFUL SUPPORT thru this crazy and exciting journey!!! I can’t express it enough as to how AWESOME the BABs Team is.. What a FABULOUS group of ladies!! I mean we ALL really ROCKED this journey and still are! We’ve all made some serious changes to our bodies and our lives!! Sometimes I look in the mirror and I have to take a double take and ask myself who is this person? I NEVER thought in a million yr's I could change my body the way I did but as they say “If you put your mind to it you can DO ANYTHING” and that is so true!!

Thank you Dre for EVERYTHING!! I’ve said it before but I’ll keep saying it!!… You’re not only an amazing trainer but an amazing friend and I’m so honored to have you in my life!!

Stephanie – You’re also an AMAZING woman and I seriously don’t know what I would’ve done without all your help, support and keeping my crazy A&& in check!! So many times I wanted to give up and you were right there to remind me that I can do this and that meant so much to me. You have no idea how much you mean to me!! So THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for everything you did and are still doing for me!!

BABs Team!! You girls are a BLESSING to me!! You all had to see me every day and put up with my PSYCHO CRAZYNESS and I LOVE YOU ALL FOR DEALING WITH ME AND LOVING ME BACK!!

To ALL the D3 Members THANK YOU for all your kind words and support thru this entire journey!! I hope to make you ALL PROUD!!

Until Saturday!!  J

Xoxo

V

WOW!!! This is it :)

Well its been an amazing journey, I cant put it into words. I can just show it in my actions. b Thank you for all your help to my BAB's and all at D3


Dre- Thank you
Stephanie- Thank you

And with out a doubt my angel Diva Maria (Cuquis my sister).

I will post after the show :o

Whatever It Takes

Had to share this....amazing and so true!

03/05/11COMMENTS 2

Whatever it takes … an incredible group of words when you think about it.

I’ll do whatever it takes.

To what?

Whatever it takes to become a success?

Whatever it takes to lose the weight?

Whatever it takes to pay my bills?

Whatever it takes … even if it means giving something up?

I was watching Oprah a while back, and was told a story about two young men who saw an oil tanker go off the road right in front of them. As the truck burst into flames, they pulled their car over and without thinking ran down the embankment, raced through the flames, and pulled the driver out to safety. Seconds after they pulled him out the truck exploded. The amazing part was that they did it without thinking! They told Oprah it never occurred to them to not do it, they simply saw a man in need and reacted. She just sat there in awe.

Whatever it takes.

Personally, I’ve lived by this mantra for years. I’ve done whatever it took to get our company up and running with no budget. Whatever it took to get my mother help when she was sick. Whatever it took to help our neighbors when they were in need. Whatever it took to get the association I run back on its feet. And when I ran into a wall, I did whatever it took to get back up.

It never occurred to me to NOT run into the fire when someone or something needed me … I just did it without thought.

I’ve also been known to do whatever it takes to BELIEVE that I can do whatever it takes.

My husband Ron does whatever it takes. A few summers ago, he ran into a nasty undertow to save someone from drowning. He saw the lifeguard race into the water and instinctively ran in after him. He also saved two people from choking to death when he was in his twenties. He’s done this sort of thing a lot over the years. It’s who he is.

Whatever it takes … no matter what the topic.

So do whatever it takes to become a success and reach your dreams! NEVER give up!!! Do whatever it takes to be kind, loving, generous and warm. Do whatever it takes to help someone out this holiday season. Do whatever it takes to spend time with your family.

How much should you do? How hard should you work? What should you change?

Just do whatever it takes.

Until next time,

Katharine Giovanni