Haiti: Devistation and Devilment?

A couple days after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit
the nation of Haiti, its inhabitants are yet in grave
and increasing devastation. There is still a limited
amount of medical supply, violence is increasing, and
the bodies of the deceased fill the streets.

In the midst of this disastrous situation a prominent
televangelist made the following statement,
Many years ago, the island's people "swore a pact to
the devil." They were under the heel of the French...
and they got together and swore a pact to the devil.
They said, 'We will serve you if you'll get us free
from the French.'" "True story. And so the devil said,
'OK, it's a deal.' They kicked the French out. The Haitians
revolted and got themselves free. Ever since, they have been
cursed by one thing after the other."

During the crisis that Haiti is suffering such statements
over this platform are unnecessary and do not promote the
purpose of God sending His Son into the world. When social
darkness is apparent and crisis can be identified, isn't the
responsibility of a Christian to be a light? That requires
putting down political agendas, racial differences and even
religious hang-ups though.

• What are your views concerning the televangelist's statement?
• What advise would you offer to an individual that wants to be
  involved in helping with the humanitarian efforts in Haiti?
• Do you have any words of comfort and love for Haiti?
  

Extreme Makeover Challenge

Here we are in the month of December, where has the
year went? Everysingle year millions of individuals make
New Year's resolutions after January 1st to outline their
goals for the New Year. As we embark upon this New Year
2010, let's do things a little different this year. Don't wait until
January to outline your planning and goals for the New Year,
do it today.

Join me and countless others for the 'Extreme Makeover'
Challenge. Similarto the reality show 'Extreme Makeover' every
week we will pin point areas for improvement within our lives and
work towards them. Download the challenge here.

For more information visit the C.D. Nesbitt website. It's time for
the new you! Let's join together today to make this 'Extreme
Makeover' Challenge a reality!

• If there were something you could change about you, what would it be?
• What do you plan on accomplishing in 2010?

D.C. Sniper's Execution Set For Tonight

Over a three week period in the month of October
2002, the D.C. sniper emerged along with his accomplice
and took the lives of 10 people. After the most recent
denial of his appeal, John Allen Muhammad will be executed
by lethal injection tonight.

Muhammad's ex-wife broke the silence last night as she
appeared on Larry King, and said that she feels like she
was the ultimate target during Muhammad's rampage. This
fury is finally coming to an end or is it?

• Some 7 years later what are your feelings about this incident?
• Where were you when you heard about this escapade and what were your reactions?
• Do believe that the sentence Muhammad received is fair?
  

Whitney Houston: Honesty The Best Policy?

In a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston
discussed her very private struggles with her relationship
with Bobby Brown and the battle with her drug addition.

With Whitney's resurgence and recent CD release many are saying
that the private information that she shared on the Oprah
Show may alter the public's view of her. Oprah shared throughout
and after the show that it was the most powerful interview
that she has ever done.

Being captive all those year's in an abusive marriage and living
life on the edge with her drug abuse; doesn't she deserve to
sweep out her closet? It may be true that good news isn't celebrated
and bad news is often heralded!

Let's hear it from you:

• Should Whitney have fully exposed her past?
• Can she rebound from her broken past?
• Have you been through something similar? Can you relate?
  

Obama: A Liar?

During a recent Presidential speech on the topic of
health care, South Carolina representative Joe Wilson
shouted at the president "you lie"! On Thursday, Wilson
offered a apology, but then turned around and released a
YouTube video defending what he did saying "On these issues,
I will not be muzzled, I will speak up and speak loudly..."

Of course, in America we have freedom of speech but...

• Should this kind of behavior be allowed?
  
• Should Wilson have some kind of consequence?
• What do you think about Obama's health care proposal?
  

Millionaire: Tips to Awaken the Entrepenuer Within

Do you have a business idea locked up on the inside? Have
you desired to launch your business but seem to have no support?
Here's insight from the youngest African American CEO of
a publicly traded company. The interview is brief
but very motivating. Enjoy!

Should Brides Change Their Name?

In the midst of our modernistic and technologically
advanced society a report was recently released to
prove that American's still hold true to traditional
beliefs. The study found that 70 percent of American's
believe that wives should take on the last name
of their husbands. Just 29 percent said that the wife
should keep her maiden name.

"One of the most interesting things is that a lot of people
assume that because language in general is gender-neutral,
that name change would also be one of those things in which
attitudes would be shifting towards being much more liberal."
"...Some studies have found that younger women are as likely
or more likely to change their name when they marry as their
baby boom counterparts. "It's not a straight age trend."

What are your beliefs?

From the Pits to Power: Discovering Untapped Income

Teaneck mom sells apple cakes to avoid foreclosure

Real Housewives of Atlanta coming back July 30th

To many the popular reality show seemed like it never
went off, but Bravo is bringing "Housewives of Atlanta"
back July 30th.

This season there is a change to the cast with DeShawn
Snow off the set and R&B singer and songwriter Kandi
Burruss as the fifth housewife. Many say that this season
will present more fireworks and drama than last season,
and the ratings are expected to sky rocket.

• Does this show cast a negative stigma?
• Are there any positive messages that the show portrays?
• Is this reality show actual reality? Do women really behave like this?
  

Is Racism Still Alive?

The incident with Harvard's professor and scholar Henry Louis
Gates Jr. caused quite a stir this past week. The news of Gates
arrest was even spoken of by President Obama during Wednesday's
presidential address. Check it out...



What do you think about this situation? Furthermore, do you
believe that racism is still alive in America?

Gospel Artist Deny Leading Michael Jackson to Christ

On June 25th the world stood in amazement as it was announced that
pop star Michael Jackson died. Many just could not believe that the
pop icon had actually died, especially just before his newest tour was
about to kick off. To top that, what caused others to stand in
disbelief was the news that was recently shared by two well known
gospel artists.

Andrae and Sandra Crouch announced that despite the rumors
circulating that they led Michael Jackson to Christ before his
death, that it was not actually the case. According to Andrae,
"Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson 2 times,
once in the recording studio, and once at his home in the last 2 months".
At that time, "asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy
Spirit, and how he could make his music more ‘spiritual'."

• Do you have any thoughts as it relates to Michael Jackson and eternity?
• Can fame, prestige, and acclaim bring eternal security?
• If an unsaved person could read your post right now, what would you tell them concerning the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus?
  

The Book Release: Find Purpose, Find Life

Tonight is the release night of the much anticipated
book "Find Purpose, Find Life". For more information
about the book and to order on line visit
www.publishrevealed.com


Here is a small excerpt from the book:

"When you are moving in the lane of true purpose there will
be the temptation to panic, because everything around you
is changing. It is the power of change that gives birth to
expanded capacity. The reason your life is changing is because
God is switching the scenery of your life to prepare you for
what’s to come. By disfiguring your environment, He leaves
you no point of reference, no crutch that will allow you to
ever be comfortable in that place again. It is in this place
of purpose that you say things like, “I’ve come way too far
to turn back now,” or “I’m on my back and the only way I can
look is up.” You have come too far in purpose to turn back
and too close to quit. Remember this: whatever you do, just
don’t give up!"

Bishop Jakes' Brush With Death

Well known pastor of the 30,000 member church, The Potter's
House says that on June 7th he, "stood on the brink of eternity
and dangled on the cliff of destruction." Jakes reported that
there was a major gas explosion at his home that demolished
an entire portion of his home.

It so happened that Jakes canceled a meeting on the same day
of the explosion, and if he had not he and others would've been
in the same room as the explosion.

How To Remain Positive In a Negative Environment

It is not a persons surroundings that determine their success,
but instead the internal determination to persevere through
the circumstances of life.

When you are on a path for success you must have a made up
mind not to allow anything to deter you. Here are a few insights
to stick to 'plan A' and ignore the possibility for a 'plan B'.

Insight #1: Stop Eating Junk Food
Junk food is known for having no nutritional value. Frankly, there
are some associations and conversations that have no relational
value, and are nothing more than a waste of time. It is only when
you are in an environment, but are not willing to allow the junk
from your environment to become a part of your life, that you
will be able to maintain your pathway to success.

Insight #2: Remember Altitude Determines Attitude
We usually hear this statement read backwards, "Attitude
determines altitude", but it is the positioning of your thoughts
that frame your reality. A low level thought life produces a low
level reality, but a God level thought life produces God level reality.

Insight #3: Don't Get Trapped By Your Trap
Be careful to guard that little instrument right beneath your
nose. It is one of the smallest parts on the human body but
can make huge impact whether positive or negative. Remember,
think before you speak because you can never take back a word
that leaves your mouth. Words have the power to kill or heal;
it's your choice in how you use them.

Insight #4: Utilize Solution Oriented Thinking
It doesn't take a genius to identify a problem but it is definitely
genius to solve a problem. When there is dysfunction present in
a person, place or thing; the majority spend most of their time
talking about what's wrong, what they wouldn't do, and what
they think. None of that 'Problematic Oriented Thinking' will
bring change to the dysfunction at hand. We must shift from a
position of being reactive to being proactive. Next time you
have the opportunity to participate in 'Problematic Oriented
Thinking', don't waste your time speaking about the problem;
spiritual folks speak to problems.

Words To Grow By

Keys To Defeat Procrastination

Do you sense that greatness is on your life? Are you ready to
walk into your dream? Have you made up in your mind that
you're not going let anything stand in your way. Well, if that
the case, then it's time to talk about some practical ways to
get one of life's biggest enemies out of the way!

Here a few keys to defeat procrastination:

Key #1: Morning Can Happen At the Night Time of Life
The Latin meaning of procrastination is, "until the morning". Many
people wait "until the morning" of their lives to live out their dream,
and ignore the night-time moments before the morning. Remember,
it's not what you don't have that makes the difference, but it's
learning to use what you've got.

Key #2: Raise Your Standards
Don't allow yourself to settle in the place of mediocrity. Make up in
your mind that you will not accept anything less than the best for
your life.

Key #3: Connections Occur When You Make A Move
In traveling all over the country, I understand now that the only
way to catch a connecting flight is to move from the city that you
were last in. There is a lot of opportunity out there, but you have
to get off your seat of 'do-nothingness' and make a move. You
can't connect with anything or anybody sitting still, it's time to
get on the move. The next move is on you!

Key #4: Remember That Success is Intentional
No one just wakes up one morning and says, "Wow I have my
Master's Degree"! The truth of the matter is every accomplishment
that you will make in life happens through setting goals and releasing
strategy.

Key #5: Train Yourself To Think Ahead
Don't wait for anyone to hype you or help you. In order to accomplish
anything great there has to be a measure of self-motivation down on
the inside of you! The key here is; seeing yourself in the future and
making the necessary sacrifices to get there.

Key #6: Stop Fearing Success and Don't Lean Towards Failure
Deprogram yourself from any negative apprehensions relative to
what you desire to ascertain. Remember, everything that you do
from now on; you've been destined to prosper at!

Words To Grow By

5 Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before Committing To A Relationship

You are valuable and it's important to recognize that. In order to
maintain and increase the value upon your life it is in your best
interest to connect with people that will celebrate you and not
tolerate you. Whether the prospective relationship is platonic or
romantic. Ask yourself these five questions before entering into
that relationship.

1.) Is it Worth My Time?
Contrary to popular belief, money isn't the most valuable thing
one can have in a lifetime; time is! Remember this your not getting
any younger and you just don't have time to waste time at this point
in your life. Time is God's gift to us, but what we do with that time
is our gift to God.

2.) Am I Operating Out Of A Lopsided Perspective?
This is another word for the 'rebound syndrome'; you know
something to do because something else didn't work out. The
best thing to do after you've just had your emotions shaken by
a situation or relationship of the past is to take sometime and
"DO YOU"! You'll thank yourself in the long run.

3.) Do the Withdrawal's exceed the Deposit's?
In the banking institution, an overdraft occurs when there have
been more withdrawal's than deposits. Frankly, many relationship
look exactly like a bounced account; just flat out broke! Never
connect with someone that is taking and never giving. Remember
love gives, and lust takes! The people that you've got to have in
your life for this season must come loving you just for who you
are, and not for what you have.

4.) Is This A Past or Forward Move?
It would be surprising, to look back over your life and see the
cycle of insanity that persists in various areas. Insanity is
defined as doing the same thing over and over again, but
expecting a different result. Remember in order to get a
different result in your relationships ask yourself, "Does
this choice feed into a cycle or pattern within my life?"
Determine not to go backwards, it's time to move forward!

5.) Is This A Compete or Complete Relationship?
People that are for you never compete against you, but instead
understand that they have been sent to complete you! Watch
out for people that try to get within your enter circle too quickly,
they could be there to attempt to steal the greatness upon your life.
Relationship aren't a competition; they are for completion.

Love Challenge...Day 5

Transformation is defined as, "An act, or process, or instance in
change of structure, appearance or character. A conversion,
revolution, makeover, alteration or renovation." There is nothing
like seeing someone's life transformed for the better.

Love Challenge #5: Take the time to contact someone and invite
them to church with you tomorrow (that means you will have to make
plans to go yourself...smile). Remember all things are possible!

Happy Love Day!

Love Challenge...Day 4

Many times our discomforts are someone else's blessings. We often
find ourselves complaining about what we don't have, but fail to
realize that we are better off than we realize. My grandmother would
always say, "Boy, there is someone that is worse off than you".
Remember that true acts of love won't always be convenient. We
must learn to sometimes be inconvenienced for someone else's
convenience.

Love Challenge #4: During the course of the weekend (Friday-
Saturday) pull out your clothes that don't fit you anymore or ones
that you don't wear and donate them to a local outreach.

Happy Love Day!

Love Challenge...Day 3

There is a idiom that refers to being "the Good Samaritan". "The
Good Samaritan" refers to someone that assists others when they
are at the point of need, with no discussion of compensation, and
no thought of reward."

Love Challenge #3: Throughout the course of the day perform an
act of "the Good Samaritan" and buy someone a meal. Remember,
there's always someone worse off than you.

Happy Love Day!

Love Challenge...Day 2

We live in a very fast paced society, and it can become
easy to forget that there are actually others around us
that have various needs and pressures just like we do.

Love Challenge #2: For everyone that you encounter
today, find something nice to say to them. You can
build a person up by the power of the words that you
speak.