E pluribus unum...

Image Credit: Super Mario Wiki

...Out of many, one.


“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” – 1 Timothy 2:1 – 2

I've written about the New Silk Road on another blog I write for previously, and that as a nation we're focused on the wrong priorities. Our children are an example of that in their standings globally in math and science.

A controversy that should have been put to rest yesterday -- namely, the president's long form birth certificate -- only emboldened the conspiracy theorists all the more. It only proves that the problem with our nation is we're still fighting the Civil War.

Other nations either didn't have such a conflict, or have resolved their differences and moved on (together) for the common good. Hence, China's advancement while the major parties play political football on whether or not to raise the debt ceiling. We are in an era of the "permanent campaign": driven by slogan and ideology more than facts; more interested in winning the next election than governing current crisis's.

Now...the demand is for his college transcript, the suggestions of his love of basketball and his talking on his Blackberry that all African Americans are "good for" is playing sports and hustling on street corners. Sadly, many of our youth have succumbed to this modern-day "Jedi mind trick," ala a quote from Carter G. Woodson (from "The Mis-Education of the Negro"):

"If you can control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his action. When you determine what a man shall think you do not have to concern yourself about what he will do. If you make a man feel that he is inferior, you do not have to compel him to accept an inferior status, for he will seek it himself. If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door. He will go without being told; and if there is no back door, his very nature will demand one."

And, many -- like Mr. Trump -- that do not know this quote live it as their accepted, social order: "I heard he wasn't a good student," "how'd he get into Harvard?" "I have rich friends and their kids could not get into Ivy League schools."

Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; [but] ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment [is] God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring [it] unto me, and I will hear it. - Deu 1:17 KJV

From their web site: "A credit rating is Standard and Poor's opinion on the general creditworthiness of an obligor, or the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a particular debt security or other financial obligation. Over the years credit ratings have achieved wide investor acceptance as convenient tools for differentiating credit quality." The US has been seen as a poor bet due largely to our intractable, visceral politics, our educational system is not nearly as supported as our penal system, China will surpass our economy not in 2025, but in 2016 (largely due to their investments in education and infrastructure), we're fighting wars as if the Soviet Union still exists and we're taking up vital air time to discuss...an invalidated conspiracy theory. Our poor rating is because we cannot let go of our differences and work together for the common good.

The fact that physical evidence of the original long form is now public, the issue is not that: there is a black man in the White House, and for some that base their self-esteem on the debasement of an entire culture, that is thoroughly unacceptable.

Hucksters, hustlers and "carnival barkers" use xenophobia to their wallet's advantage, they prey upon the weak-minded and ill-informed by talk show schlock-jocks whose resume says "entertainer" rather than "reporter."

The fourth estate -- journalism -- has been slack, spineless and impotent, more afraid of wrath from "The Donald" than seeking after the truth and holding such provocateurs accountable for what they say in the public sphere.

E pluribus unum...stultus (out of many, one...fool).

Another late Latin term I find appropriate in this situation is "follis," or "windbag."

Nero fiddles...while Rome burns!

Failing Up...

My sons and I met Tavis Smiley, my Kappa Alpha Psi fraturnity brother in Austin, 2001 for the MLK Celebration.

I kind of parted quietly with his views during the 2008 elections. He's still my frat brother, and is entitled to his opinions.

However, this story struck me as someone that does not give up. Kappa, as the intro alludes, was founded on a white college campus, during a time of segregation, discrimination and lynchings. We celebrate this year 100 years of existence (1911 - 2011). We succeeded because we did not quit.

Bishop Hilliard and Bishop TD Jakes started their successful ministries with a handful of faithful people. I've only named two, but many in the Body of Christ also had humble beginnings.

In our push button-microwave-junkfood-convenience society, we're not used to pursuing until success is reached; we think failure is personal and we misunderstand the phrase "failure is not an option"; it would better state "quitting is not an option."

Initial failure happens in the pursuit of anything. I prefer to think of failure as "feedback." Proverbs 24:16 says "For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief."

"Just" or "righteous" is from the word tsaddiyq (tsad dek), or "righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)."

And we were vindicated over 2000 years ago on a hill called Golgotha (place of the skull).

Don't quit.

Fail UP!

Amen!

Tavis Smiley Link: Fail Up web site

...a little child shall lead them...

Psalms 8:1-2 "To the Chief Musician. On the instrument of Gath. A Psalm of David. O LORD, our Lord, How excellent [is] Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, Because of Your enemies, That You may silence the enemy and the avenger."



Isaiah 11:6 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them."

CNN Belief Blog Article...

Resurrection...

My Resurrection Card to you: Resurrection Card: turn up your speakers.

Documentary on "The Passion": LaMiradaFilms.com/Passion

1 Corinthians 15:14 - 20 "And if Christ be not risen, then [is] our preaching vain, and your faith [is] also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith [is] vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept."

Robert H. Goodwin
Sunrise: June 19, 1925	Sunset: August 26, 1999
Mildred D. Goodwin
Sunrise: September 15, 1925	Sunset: May 7, 2009

How-to: Clean a Toilet...

9 Steps: How to wash a toilet This was simply too much of a time saver not to share it with you.

Psa 126:2 KJV - Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close the lid. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'power-wash' and rinse'.

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift the lid.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Yours Sincerely,

The Dog

(For entertainment purposes only. PLEASE do not try this with your cat -- from a cat lover)

For balance, I'll find a joke about dogs from a cat's perspective...

Take Your Life Back...

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”

(2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)

Everyone has days when they feel like life is out of control. This usually happens when we allow our circumstances to dictate our thoughts and attitudes. You might say, “ the economy is wreaking havoc on my business.” Or “This relationship is just too far gone.” But I say, today is the day to take your life back! You can take your life back by choosing to take your thoughts back. Even though we live in this natural realm, as believers, we are not limited by this natural realm. We can tap into God’s power by making every thought line up with the Word of God. Don’t allow your circumstances to control you; instead, meditate on His Word and let His truth set you free!

Today, as you take captive every thought and boldly declare His promises over your life, you are setting yourself up for victory. You are positioning yourself to partake of His blessing. You are taking your life back, and you will live the destiny He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for empowering me to live in victory today. I choose to take my life back by taking captive every thought and submitting it to You. Help me live a life that is pleasing to You, Jesus, today and every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Poke the Penquin...if you dare...+ Sodoku

Enjoy, but mute your speakers on the penguin (especially if you're in a meeting). You're safe with the Sodoku. WHO says Christians can't have fun? The devil is a liar...
Link: Sodoku: Easiest-Easy-Medium-Hard-Hardest

Well...it explains a lot on the classroom...

Image Credit: ClassandCareers.com

As with everything I see on the news, there are some parts I agree with and some I have to disagree, or give (from my opinion and experience only) clarification to...

- I agree, Gen Y and/or "millennials" are tech-savvy, but only in a user/consumer type of way:

  -- Because video games are "fun," they will spend hours trying to master the next level.
  -- Because science and mathematics are "boring," anything not solvable in 5 minutes wastes gaming time.
  -- Because they've always had some version of the Internet and a search engine, the answer is not a thought process or intricate steps away: it's a "Google search" away.

- I agree that the "medals for everyone" philosophy from soccer to karate probably didn't get them ready for life's disappointments like: bad performance reviews & how to bounce back from them; downsizing and layoffs. They can however, neither be Mark Zuckerburg, LeBron James or Jay-z.

  -- No, it is unrealistic to think that the world must give you what you want/desire only because you want it without sacrifice or work.

  -- As pointed out, they have experienced the change in lifestyles from their parents' layoffs. It's normal and quite human to want something different for oneself.
  -- Death is something every generation experiences: death of a pet, a loved one, etc. Millennial children are not immune to this human experience.

- I concur that the Millennials interviewed were priveleged, upper middle class, and they only contrasted that with images of diversity in the office parade/tailgate party.

  -- However, the drive towards diversity has unified the music teens listen to (I'm old enough to recall a segregated top 40/black billboard listing: you made it big if you "crossed over"), the persons they consider dating and the clothing they wear. It is now "teen culture," a brilliant over-simplification.
  -- Advertisers have been inundating them with commercials ever since they could sit up and watch images. Therefore, their tastes are defined by what they've been exposed to.
  -- Hence, market forces have made them the ultimate consumers.

What is not mentioned (or maybe, avoided) is how profoundly society has changed since the advent of first 24-hour cable television that allows access to views of lifestyles children were not exposed to a generation ago unless they traveled -- usually with their parents as a counterbalance to what they were exposed to. I've experienced in England (for example) Barney followed by a show that displayed full nudity (at the time the boys were young, and I had FAST reflexes on the remote).

At risk of sounding "old and crotchety," there was some shame at a teenager getting pregnant out of wedlock at least a generation ago. It is an accepted norm now to know someone who's had a child before the age of twenty. Studies have shown that "Children born to teenage mothers are at risk for more physical and cognitive problems than those born to adult mothers." That's no longer a preachy "family values" edict: it is researched scientific fact that this generation is going to have to deal with.

This reflects in what teachers have to deal with in the classroom and the maturity of the parent -- say parent 32, student 15 (do the math) -- the teacher has to call to get assistance on discipline issues encountered in the same classroom.

I originally attributed what I saw in the classroom to the "entertainment industrial complex." Again, other cultures seem to do things "old school" to rousing success that can only be attributed to the old maxim: "hard work pays off."


In the US, teachers must have "stage presence," throw in a few jokes, play Physics Jeopardy as they present concepts as intricate as thermodynamics and nuclear physics.

I'm not against that (and, have done it), but science and math demand an adherence to mastering basic concepts. These cannot be rendered to pure entertainment only. Learning what to do solving for "x" in an algebra problem is the same mechanics one would use to balance a chemical equation, solve a physics problem of motion/momentum, architect a skyscraper or designing an integrated (soon nanoscale) circuit.

That is the foundation of creating a class of productive citizenry, be they boomer, buster or the current millennial generation.

Unity...

Psa 133:1 KJV - [[A Song of degrees of David.]] Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psa 133:2 KJV - [It is] like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, [even] Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

Psa 133:3 KJV - As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.

Eph 4:3 KJV - Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:4 KJV - [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Eph 4:5 KJV - One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Eph 4:3 KJV - Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:4 KJV - [There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Eph 4:5 KJV - One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Eph 4:6 KJV - One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all.

Eph 4:6 KJV - One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. **********

When I was nineteen years old, I attended briefly an Apostolic Church.

This was a source of contention in my household, since my background up to that point had been as a member of Galilee Baptist Church. I had fond memories of church attendance at Galilee, but that wasn't my motivation to attend...

Her name was Linda.

She was the Pastor's oldest daughter. Another member of my high school track team had dated his younger daughter. She invited me to church, and I came. My intention may have not been too spiritual.

I was surprised at the practice of Glossolalia, or speaking in tongues. Baptist don't teach it because they don't practice or believe in it.

I had a rival for the affections of Linda: his name was Ricky.

Ricky decided one Sunday to ask me an obvious question: "were you baptised in the name of Jesus, or in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost?" I said: "I'm baptist, so it was in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost." I turned my attention back to the sermon by Linda's father.

Ricky decided to "help" me by soliciting the help of two deacons, and the three of them crowded me about the state of my salvation after service. The church was otherwise empty.

One of them said: "if you don't go in the back and get baptised in the Name of Jesus, if you died tonight, you might go to hell!"

Angry, but in my full wits, I replied: "the only thing I'm going to do now is go out that door and go to dinner!" Ricky helped me leave that church. He neither dated nor married Linda. The turn of both of our affections is probably the best thing to happen to Linda!

In North Carolina, it's called the "dog and the persimmon tree." The dog is chained around the tree. The fruit is falling all around him. As a meat eater, he has no nutritional interest in persimmons, but he will block anyone who tries to pick the fruit from the tree.

At the beginning of this blog, I mentioned that the job that I now have "my flesh did not produce." So, I find myself away from what has become familiar to me, New Light Christian Center Church, who freely teach about tongues, faith, marriage, prosperity, relationships and ministy.

So, last Sunday I attended a baptist church here in Wappinger Falls, New York. It is a black church with predominately black members; some Hispanic and Anglo members. I attended their Sunday School in which they discussed the Book of Jude.

The Sunday School teacher meant well, but to illustrate her point, she made a negative reference to not being like "prosperity ministries."

I hung my head. I got through the school and the service. They had a female minister in the pulpit praying during service (not a common missionary baptist practice), and practice footwashing on Maundy Thursday, also not a commom baptist practice.

My prayer is that wherever God plants Cassandra and I, that we not be "persimmon dogs," that we use what we've learned to build up the Body of Christ regardless of denomination (or, non-denomination); that we are there to serve.

Saturday: Unemployed Confession...

Unemployed A Memoir Prayer

Father, in the Name of Jesus: I thank You for Your Word. Your Word says in James 5:16 that we are to “confess [our] faults one for another, that [we] may be healed.” I have confessed my faults to You NOW. Your Word says “the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” For Your Word says in 1 Peter 3:12 “Your eyes are on the righteous, and Your ears are open to our prayers.” Since I AM the righteous, You are open to MY prayers! Now Lord, I pray that what You have put together, let no man put asunder. I pray that _______ reconcile their marriage in Jesus’ Name! I pray for ___________ and his family in Jesus’ Name! I pray that Cassandra and I keep OUR marriage strong in YOU in Jesus’ Name!

I thank You Father, that through the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ, You count me as the righteous and a joint-heir with Christ. I speak life into the lives of _____, _____, _____, ______, _____, _____, ______, _____, _____, _____, _____, ______, _____, ______, _____, _____, ______, ______, _____, _____ and any fraternity brother, any brother in Christ, any sister in Christ, anyone that has recently lost a job due to this economic downturn.

Lord, for THEIR sake: I ask that You move swiftly on their situation. That if employment is their desire, they find it in the Name of Jesus; if entrepreneurial success is their desire, that they find it in the Name of Jesus.

Lord, for MY sake: I accept the ministry to the unemployed You’ve given me. I thank YOU that I am employed and still have a heart for those in this economic night that JOY comes in the morning. Your Word says in Job 42:10 – 11 that You turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends and that You gave him TWICE as much as he had before: every man gave him a piece of money; every man gave him an earring of gold; that YOU blessed his latter end greater than before: Job had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen and 1,000 female beasts of burden. That was DOUBLE for his trouble, LORD!

Father in the Name of Jesus: I AM no longer a captive to August 26, 2003. I command my year of Jubilee NOW, and my freedom NOW! I thank You for Your provision throughout these many, many months and years. We, the Goodwin’s, celebrate seeing Your mighty works! I boldly pray for my TWICE as much: that as Job, I prayed for my friends, that as Job: my latter end is greater than my beginning when the devil began afflicting me. He is defeated and beneath my feet! Father, You know he sees where my destiny lies, and he is afraid of me reaching it, AND he CAN’T STOP ME. I resist him, therefore by YOUR Word: he must flee! I have YOUR strength and Delegated Power and Authority seated in Heavenly places to withstand the temptations that he brings. I AM Abraham’s Seed. As such, ministering Angels are put to flight by the words of my mouth that speak in agreement with the Word of God. I thank God for this FACT in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Friday: President Faith Confession...

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” – 1 Timothy 2:1 – 2

Father, in the Name of Jesus, we give thanks to You for America and the leaders You have given us. Your Word declares that we should pray for all men especially those that are in authority over us that we may live a quiet and peaceable life. We thank You Father for our President Barack Hussein Obama, that he has the wisdom of God to lead our country into CHANGE.

We thank You that President Obama, First Lady Michelle, Sasha and Malia are covered by the blood of Jesus and no hurt, harm or danger comes to them. We thank You the Obama family hears Your voice in every situation and You surround them with people of integrity and righteousness who will give them wisdom, so that they make righteous decisions concerning me and my family. We declare that You expose, reveal and remove anyone or anything that is not right in their lives and protect them from every force of darkness.

We declare that Your Spirit rest upon our President and all those in his administration so that decisions are made that we will continue to live in honesty and godliness. Father we remind You that Your Word declares blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and we declare America is blessed in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Thursday: Youngest Son Faith Confession...

Father, in the name of Jesus: I pray for My son in this next endeavor using the talents that you’ve given him. Father, Your Word says “blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight [is] in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. You said he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” And My son has done that since being a small child. I pray that My son will seek Your face in all that he does. I pray that he develops a heart for Christian Rap Music as a teenager and into his young adulthood.

I thank You Father that My son manages his time wisely – between the Word and the world – with a GPA of 3.5+ with honors. I pray for optimum scholarship opportunities in Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. My son has waited patiently upon You and You have heard his cry, his mother’s and mine as his earthly father. You have set his feet upon a rock and established his steps. Many will see it and fear and trust in You, Lord. Raise My son up Lord, in stature among his peers, because I know You are pleased with him. Bring unto him in the fullness of time and spiritual maturity, the wife of his youth that will support and delight him. Uphold his integrity and set him before Your face forever.

In this present darkness we do not wrestle with flesh and blood, coaches, and campus politics, but against principalities, powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual host in high places. We therefore take on the whole Armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace for our feet, the shield of faith to withstand the fiery darts of the wicked, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Lord, before You formed My son in Cassandra’s womb, You knew him and You named him before his birth: “God has given.”

We will enlarge our tent and expect a harvest despite our current circumstances. For “Your thoughts are not our thoughts, Your ways are not our ways,” O Lord. My son shall wait upon You, Lord, and renew his strength: he shall mount up on wings like eagles, he shall run and not get weary; he shall walk and not faint. No weapon formed against My son shall prosper, and every tongue that raises against him in judgment You shall condemn. He is Your servant and this IS the heritage of the servants of the Lord. We are not anxious and have the peace of God that passes all understanding in this faith fight and trial. We will meditate on whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in My son will complete [it] until the day of Jesus Christ.

You make My son’s feet like the steady [feet] of deer, and set him on high places. You teach My son’s hands to make war on the basketball court, so that his arms can bend a bow of bronze.

We pray for professional and college exposure, high academic achievement, recognition as Point Guard with the highest percentage at the free throw line; coolness under pressure and “double-double” performance from him for the Crusaders – points, rebounds, assists, and steals in Jesus’ Name.

We pray for healing, health, optimum performance and 10+ wins in Jesus’ Name. Lord, we have the faith as a grain of mustard seed and we shall say unto this mountain: REMOVE hence to yonder place and it SHALL remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto My son. We follow this faith with prayer and fasting in Jesus’ Name, AMEN!

Wednesday: Eldest Son Faith Confession...

Father, in the name of Jesus: When My son was a child, he spoke as a child, he understood as a child, he thought as a child: but now that he is a man, he put away childish things. My son’s steps are ordered by God, he hears the Father’s voice and the voice of the stranger he will not follow. We know that death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit. His mother and I love it, and we speak LIFE into My son in Jesus’ Name. We are not moved by what we physically see, only by the WORD of God.

It shall come to pass, if My son diligently obeys the voice of the LORD his to observe carefully all His commandments which He commands him today, that the LORD his God will set him high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon My son and overtake him, because he obeys the voice of the LORD his God: “He is blessed in the city, and he is blessed in the country. Blessed is the fruit of his body, the produce of his ground and the increase of his herds, the increase of his cattle and the offspring of his flocks. Blessed are his basket and his kneading bowl. Blessed is My son when he comes in, and blessed when he goes out. The LORD causes his enemies who rise against him to be defeated before his face; they shall come out against him one way and flee before him seven ways! The LORD commands the blessing on My son in his storehouses and in all to which he sets his hand, and He blesses My son in the land which the LORD his God has giving him.” The LORD established My son as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to him if My son keep the “commandments of the LORD his God and walk in His ways.” Then all peoples of the earth shall see that My son is called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of him. Bring unto him in the fullness of time and spiritual maturity, the wife of his youth that will support and delight him.

And the LORD grants My son plenty of goods, in the fruit of his body, in the increase of his livestock, and in the produce of his ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to his fathers to give him. The LORD opens to My son His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to his land in its season – THIS IS HIS SEASON, and to bless all the work of his hands. My son lends [to] many nations, but he shall not borrow.

And the LORD makes My son the head and not the tail; above only, and not beneath, and My son heeds all the commandments of the LORD his God, which He commands him today, and are careful to observe [them]. My son can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who strengthens him. Amen!

Tuesday: My Personal Faith Confession...

Father, in the name of Jesus: I thank YOU for Your Word. Your Word says money answers everything, so I call those things that are not as though they were: MONEY COME TO ME NOW, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS UPON HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN JESUS’ NAME! I know that death and life [are] in the power of my tongue; and those who love it will eat its fruit. I LOVE it! I have found a wife, Lord and my good [thing] is Cassandra Lynn Goodwin; and according to Your Word I obtain favor from YOU. Your Word says: If I obey and serve You, I shall spend my days in prosperity, and my years in pleasures. Your Word says: If I am willing and obedient, I shall eat the good of the land.

I am blessed in the city, and blessed in the country. The fruit of my body is blessed, the produce of my ground and the increase of my herds, the increase of my cattle and the offspring of my flocks. My basket and my kneading bowl are blessed. I am blessed coming in, and blessed going out. The LORD will cause my enemies who rise against me to be defeated before my face; they shall come out against me one way and flee before me seven ways! The LORD commands the blessing on me in my storehouses and in all to which I set my hand, and He blesses me in the land which the LORD my God has given me. The LORD established me as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to me, if I keep the commandments of the LORD my God and walk in His ways. Then, all peoples of the earth shall see that I am called by the name of the LORD, and shall be afraid of me. And the LORD grants me and my family plenty of goods, in the fruit of our bodies, in the increase of our livestock, and in the produce of our ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to my fathers to give me. The LORD opens to me His good treasure, the heavens, giving the rain to my land in its RIGHT NOW season, and blesses all the works of my hands. I lend [to] many nations, but I shall not borrow. And the LORD has made me the head and not the tail; above only, and not beneath, I will heed the commandments of the LORD my God, which He commands me today, and be careful to observe [them].

I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor my seed begging bread. I will remember the LORD my God, for [it is] He who gives me power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to my fathers, as [it is] this day. I give my Tithes and Offerings, so Lord; YOU are obligated to open for me the windows of heaven and poor me out a blessing that I don’t have room enough to receive. And YOU promised YOU will rebuke the devourer for MY sake! Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law, having become a curse for me (for it is written, "Cursed [is] everyone who hangs on a tree"), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, I AM a Gentile, in Christ Jesus, and that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. I speak unto mountains in my life and they MOVE in Jesus’ name. I believe I receive when I pray and I thank God for the reward. I forgive my brothers and sisters quickly so that my God can forgive me and answer my prayers. I AM: a prosperous Tither, a Teacher and Preacher, I AM Abraham’s seed. As such, ministering angels are put to flight by the words of my mouth that speak in agreement with the Word of God. I thank God for this fact in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Monday: Cassandra Confession

Father, in the Name of Jesus: I thank YOU that YOUR Word says: “Husbands, likewise, dwell with [them] with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as [being] heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

It shall come to pass, if Cassandra diligently obeys the voice of the LORD her God to observe carefully all His commandments which He commands her today, that the LORD her God will set her high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon Cassandra and overtake her, because she obeys the voice of the LORD her God: “She is blessed in the city, and she is blessed in the country. Blessed is the fruit of her body, the produce of her ground and the increase of her herds, the increase of her cattle and the offspring of her flocks. Blessed are her basket and her kneading bowl. Blessed is Cassandra when she comes in, and blessed when she goes out. The LORD causes her enemies who rise against her to be defeated before her face; they shall come out against her one way and flee before her seven ways! The LORD commands the blessing on Cassandra in her storehouses and in all to which she sets her hand, and He blesses Cassandra in the land which the LORD her God has giving her.” The LORD established Cassandra as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to her if Cassandra keep the “commandments of the LORD her God and walk in His ways.” Then all peoples of the earth shall see that Cassandra is called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of her. And the LORD grants Cassandra plenty of goods, in the fruit of her body, in the increase of her livestock, and in the produce of her ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to her fathers to give her. The LORD opens to Cassandra His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to her land in its season – THIS IS HER SEASON, and to bless all the work of her hands. Cassandra lends [to] many nations, but she shall not borrow. And the Lord has made Cassandra the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, and Cassandra heeds all the Commandments of the Lord her God which He commands her today, and is careful to observe [them].

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. My heart safely trusts Cassandra; so I will have no lack of gain. She does me good and not evil all the days of her life. Cassandra seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes; she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. Cassandra makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. I AM KNOWN in the gates, when I sit among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. Cassandra opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; I her husband also, and I praise her: "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman [like Cassandra Lynn Goodwin] who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands Lord, and let her own works praise her in the gates."

15 Freedom Truths; 40 "I AMs..."

From: “My Thoughts on Victorious Confessions,” Dr. Bridget Hilliard, pages 102 – 105

15 Freedom Truths

1. I am a New Creature predestined for greatness. II Corinthians 5:17

2. I am a Child of God fully accepted by the Father. John 1:12

3. I am loved by God regardless of how I perform. Romans 5:8

4. I am forgiven and will not be tormented by my past errors. I John 1:9

5. I am an over comer and my faith is changing my circumstances. I John 5:4

6. I am a giver and God is causing people to help me prosper. II Corinthians 9:8

7. I have authority over the devil and no demon power can hurt me. Luke 10:17

8. Abundance is God’s will for me and I will not settle for less. John 10:10

9. I am healed and sickness will not lord over my body. I Peter 2:24

10. God is on my side; I will not fear. Psalms 118:6

11. The Holy Spirit is my helper; I’m never alone and I have the Peace of God. Philippians 4:7

12. I’m blessed and it’s a matter of time before things change. What I see now is only temporary. Ephesians 1:3; II Corinthians 4:18

13. I have the Wisdom of God; I hear the Father’s voice; my steps are ordered by God and the voice of the stranger I will not follow. John 10:5

14. I am set in the Body of Christ and I know I am valuable and important to the Work of God. I Corinthians 12:20 – 25; Ephesians 4:11 – 12

15. I choose not to be offended and I am being delivered out of all afflictions and persecutions. Matthew 5:10 – 12

40 “I AMS”: I am…

1. A Child of God. Romans 8:16

2. Redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Psalms 107:2

3. Forgiven. Colossians 1:13 – 14

4. Saved by Grace through Faith. Ephesians 2:8

5. Justified. Romans 5:1

6. Sanctified. I Corinthians 1:2

7. A New Creature. II Corinthians 5:17

8. Partaker of His Divine Nature. II Peter 1:4

9. Redeemed from the curse of the law. Galatians 3:13

10. Delivered from the powers of darkness. Colossians 1:13

11. Led by the Spirit of God. Romans 8:14

12. A Son of God. Romans 8:14

13. Kept in safety wherever I go. Psalms 91:11

14. Getting all my needs met by Jesus. Philippians 4:19

15. Casting all my cares on Jesus. I Peter 5:7

16. Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might. Ephesians 6:10

17. Doing all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

18. An Heir of God and a Joint-Heir with Jesus. Romans 8:17

19. Heir to the Blessings of Abraham. Galatians 3:13 – 14

20. Observing and doing the Lord’s commandments. Deuteronomy 28:12

21. Blessed coming in and blessed going out. Deuteronomy 28:6

22. An Heir to Eternal Life. I John 5:11 – 12

23. Blessed with all Spiritual Blessings. Ephesians 1:3

24. Healed by His Stripes. I Peter 2:24

25. Exercising My Authority over the enemy. Luke 10:19

26. Above only and not beneath. Deuteronomy 28:13

27. More than a Conqueror. Romans 8:37

28. Establishing God’s Word here on earth. Matthew 16:19

29. An over comer by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of My Testimony. Revelation 12:11

30. Daily over coming the devil. I John 4:4

31. Not moved by what I see. II Corinthians 4:18

32. Walking by Faith and not by sight. II Corinthians 5:7

33. Casting down vain imaginations. II Corinthians 10:4 – 5

34. Bringing every thought into captivity. II Corinthians 10:5

35. Being transformed by renewing my mind. Romans 12:1 – 2

36. A Laborer together with God. I Corinthians 3:9

37. The Righteousness of God in Christ. II Corinthians 5:21

38. An Imitator of Jesus. Ephesians 5:1

39. The Light of the world. Matthew 5:14

40. Blessing the Lord at all times and continually praising the Lord with my mouth. Psalms 34:1

Sunday: oURLife Faith Confession

"Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' And to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth." Let every seat in the sanctuary at New Light be FILLED. Let every seat in oURLife Austin be FILLED in Jesus' Name. Let us bring disciples to YOU, Lord from the hands of the enemy. (Isaiah 43:4 – 6)

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I pray for the children YOU give us to minister to and teach. That they all be "Children in whom [is] no blemish, but well favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as [have] ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.” (Daniel 1:4)

Father, in YOUR Word, Jesus said: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

Father, our children are assaulted daily by what they see as “acceptable” lifestyles, reinforced by television, the music they kick on their I-Pods, the fashion they wear, the proverbs and bywords they debase each other with, and the Internet that allows them to practice as a “secret voyeur,” then as a participant. (Deuteronomy 28:37)

Father, our children deal with the same three factors that cause sin in adults: “For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16)

Father, we thank YOU that YOUR Word says: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Father, we declare in the Name of Jesus that we “do not provoke YOUR children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

We pray for every teen female upon reaching spiritual and physical maturity, reaching the age of marriage and motherhood that they are Proverbs 31 women; that their worth is far above rubies, that their households will have no lack of gain, that their children will rise up and call them BLESSED; their husbands also [as they will say]: “many daughters have done well, but you EXCEL them all!”; that their husbands names are known among the elders of the land and (as women) THEIR OWN WORKS will make them known in the gates! (Proverbs 31)

We pray every teen male upon reaching spiritual and physical maturity, reaching the age of marriage and fatherhood as “husbands; likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that [their] prayers may not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)

We thank YOU for the awesome stewardship you have given us over the next generation. We speak a blessing over them that “If they obey and serve YOU, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” (Job 36:11) Amen!

My Flesh Did Not Do This...

A letter to my youngest son:

Gen 11:26 NIV - After Terah had lived 70 years, he became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran.

Gen 11:27 NIV - This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot.

Gen 11:31 NIV - Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans (Modern-day Iraq) to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there.

Gen 11:32 NIV - Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.

Terah is not as well known as his son, Abram, who became Abraham "father of nations." This passage was pointed out to me when we went to our previous church.

Terah was the first to get the urge from God to go to Canaan. He settled for Haran, a land Abram's brother (and his son) owned and did not make it to the Promised Land.

In black culture, "Canaan" and the "promised land" was in reference to the Underground Railroad that thousands of slaves escaped the south to the north & freedom. One of those destinations: New York.

I sometimes get nervous when I think that my life will be so utterly different in just 2 weeks: that I won't be planning lessons or managing teenagers.

I will leave a church -- New Light -- I've learned so much of the bible from and friends I will count as brothers and sisters for the rest of my life. Also, I won't be at the mercy of the Texas Legislature that will decide the fates of so many teachers that will be laid off; I know what that feels like...

Then I pray...it gives me the strength and the peace to do this.

My flesh could not produce this...this is the same resume I used at Cree Semiconductor, this is the same resume I've posted on countless job sites and here at Samsung, Freescale, Dell, etc.

The financial "war cry" at New Light has been: "by intentionally praising and glorifying God at ALL times, I expect real, real soon to have more money than I've seen in a long, long time."

2003: Laid off, middle class salary lost

2011: Hired NORTH to Applied Materials: & a 17% increase from my 2003 salary (doubling my teacher's salary) to the point I would have been had I NOT left.

It has been 8 years: 8 is the number of "new beginnings" (http://carm.org/what-biblical-numerology).

Part of my anxiousness has been "not knowing" anyone up in NYC. We know God, and God knows US. I heard this on "The Candle," http://www.candle88.com/ from Pastor Irene Castaneda:

Psalms 68:6 NKJV - God sets the solitary (lonely) in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

This church is 12 minutes away: http://www.bethelwappingersfalls.org/.

It's normal to feel a little unsettled when you go off to college. It's quite normal to feel you no longer have a "home." As I've told you, that's never the case, especially with you in this household or us as believers. Home is where "the hearth" is. The original saying was "heart." Another definition of "hearth" is "a vital and creative center."

I pray in the outline of the Lord's Prayer DAILY: Praise and Worship/Submission/Request ("Freestyle")/Confession/Fight the Good Fight of Faith/Ending with Thanksgiving and Praise.

Then, I say faith confessions in the following order for each day of the week:

Sunday: Youth/oURLife Ministry

Monday: Your mother

Tuesday: Me

Wednesday: Your brother

Thursday: YOU

Friday: President Obama

Saturday: The Unemployed

After each confession, I say the 15 Freedom Truths and the 40 "I Am's." I get up at 4 in the morning. This is how I START my day.

It takes about one hour:

Mat 26:40 NKJV - Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?

Mat 26:41 NKJV - "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

I end with Jesus' words. I hope this has ministered to you and blessed you:

Mat 6:31 NKJV - "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

Mat 6:32 NKJV - "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Mat 6:33 NKJV - "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Love,

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