The Choice
by Max Lucado
He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground.
All of the Garden’s inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed. Butterflies paused on petals and watched.
“You will love me, nature,” God said. “I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me. This one will be able to choose.”
All were silent as the Creator reached into himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed. “It’s called ‘choice.’ The seed of choice.”
Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.
An angel spoke, “But what if he … ”
“What if he chooses not to love?” the Creator finished. “Come, I will show you.”
Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow.
“There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter.”
The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters. He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth.
“Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation.”
“Ah, but you’ve only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter.”
A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed, “What is it?”
The Creator spoke only one word: “Selfishness.”
The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths.
“This is the result of choice?” the angel asked.
“Yes.”
“They will forget you?”
“Yes.”
“They will reject you?”
“Yes.”
“They will never come back?”
“Some will. Most won’t.”
“What will it take to make them listen?”
The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until....
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Like it? ReTweet it!My world it moves so fast today
The past it seems so far away
And I squeeze it so tight, I can't breathe
And every time I try to be
What someone has thought of me
So caught up, I wasn't able to achieve
But deep in my heart the answer it was in me
And I made up my mind to define my own destiny
I look at my environment
And wonder where the fire went
What happened to everything we used to be
I hear so many cry for help
Searching outside of themselves
Now I know His strength is within me
And deep in my heart the answer it was in me
And I made up my mind to find my own destiny
And deep in my heart the answer it was in me
And I made up my mind to find my own destiny
Lauren Hill (my girl)
... is the motto of a female gem named The DIAMOND Coach ( http://www.socialurl.com./TheDIAMONDCoach ) and applies here so well. 2009 was painful for millions, myself included. A non-economy produced by minds deciding there wasn't enough to go around are flights of fancy ill afforded this year. Hunger, empty pockets and depression were baggage collectively carried in '09. Pain either is a hammock upon which ones ambition lies or a trampoline springing you toward new achievement. 
Pain is also a Divine hint that you need to stop habits producing intense discomfort. The DIAMOND Coach' motto placed extra focus on my pain into passionate enterprise record these 43 years: freelance writer/poet; freelance crime fighter; inspirational speaker; security consultant; safety rights activist; real life superhero, etc. the beat goes on, energized by dreams and discomfort.
Anthony Robbins built an empire transforming pain into power. Between him and The DIAMOND Coach are mental life times of life changing advice. I'm hungry to live my dreams and pain sometimes factors into this equation. It comes in various flavors: sour pain from obstacles encountered; bitter pain after disrespect is experienced and red-hot pain when your best simply won't produce desired results. Pain is a menu I meditate and pray to avoid. Its lesser forms gently remind just how pain-free lives spent in Spirit can become. More intense varieties of pain hasten this embrace back to the Source of ultimate healing. Staying in tune with Spirit is the goal to triumphing over pain.
2009 was when I met this life coach named The DIAMOND Coach. Wednesdays @ 9PM EST, we're on Problem Solvers Unlimited (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/problemsolversunlimited), Stephen Biko's on line show as regular guests. Soaking up such radiance and hard won wisdom helps my crusade immensely. God isn't stingy with talent, and gems like this sister are worth taking time to hear and read. Her motto, " Turning Pain into a Passionate Enterprise" has redoubled efforts to make 2010 pain free and more productive. That's the value of a life coach who has lived what she teaches. "Turning Pain Into Passionate Enterprise" needs to be everyone's motto!
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK promotes crime prevention and self-development through his daily CRIME ISN'T A CIVIL RIGHT! presentation which explores every possible reason for explaining how lack of identity and negative cultures create criminals. nadracaptblack@ymail.com and (912) 272-2898.
"On March 10, 2000, I was sitting at my desk at work feeling a bit weary and discouraged. I cannot recall exactly what caused me to feel so despondent, but the feeling sat deeply within me. I decided to check my email. I opened the first email and read:
"Keep Pushing Forward. Challenges come, and at times it may appear that ignorance dominates, however, keep pushing forward. Right now there are only a few people who are willing to do the work. The masses are mentally deprived of the gift of self-love. This makes it difficult for them to express love. So, as painful as it may be sometimes, those who have been chosen to do the work must endure the pain and keep pushing forward.
The difference between you and most others is that they are numb to what is going on around them. You see it, and are aware of it, and as a result, you feel it, the good and the bad. No matter what the challenge, a way will always be made for you. As you and I both know these challenges prepare you for the larger picture.
So, when things are moving smoothly, don't fear it, enjoy it. You deserve it. You've earned it. You are the gift that many don't see but are always looking for." Alphonso
I don't know what prompted my friend to send me this email on that day, but it turn a dreary day into a celebration of life. I will always remember him for lifting me up & making me smile when I felt so hopeless. So, I'll just Keep Pushing Forward.
Kimyon,
I AM SUPPOSED TO BE HERE
Origin…
For two years, I was dying inside. At 42 years of age and 165 pounds of solid muscle, my arteries and chest wall lined with disease and inflammation was killing me softly. My doctor said, "You have the worst case of heart disease I've ever seen in a woman your age." How is that for a wake up call? A real blessing.
Reflecting…
Sometimes when I look in the mirror, I think about my girlfriend Raimunda, who passed in 05 of complications with lupus three years after the diagnoses. I think of my good friend Tony, who died in the same year in a horrific car accident. I think of Audrey, who passed in her late 30's after suffering from Kidney failure. I could name so many more of my friends and other people who have passed too soon and I ask God why am I still here? Look at the quality of my life now. Yes, let's look at the quality of life.
A light…
I didn't know what to do after my surgery. I was depressed because it seemed my healing took longer than I desired. I refused the depression medication because I was taking enough pills already. The vision of stocked medicine cabinets back in the day is now my reality. I'll be honest with you, the twists and turns that take place in our lives can be devastating. However, for me, these last four years have been engaging, educational, hard and painful, yet eye opening. Mary J. Blige sings it best: It feels like joy, it feels rain, feels like sunshine, and it feels like pain; an excuse for dying, a reason to live, if you don’t know, that's what love is. Let me explain.
The truth…
I am supposed to be here. I am still here because I needed to learn something about myself that I didn’t recognize before. And of all things to miss: I did not love myself. Yes, I said it. I did not love myself the way I love myself today. I believed what others taught to me to believe about myself. With no evidence to show my so call truth was law, I imitated everyone else's operation. That life however, WAS NOT for ME. We cannot operate authentically on someone else's journey. Their journey is not your journey. And if you think fronting, laughing, and standing in an adversarial stance is hiding your pain, think again.
Today, love stands tall before me without flinching. She won't move out of the way when I try to go around her, she won't let me pass, jump over her or get in my own way. Love commands that I stand and acknowledge her presence NOW. Guess what? Now is all I have. It’s all we have.
The purpose…
You may wonder what my purpose for sharing this message is. It’s LOVE. I am constantly discovering more about myself. MY HEART is full and thumping strong in the right direction. Now, I seek significance not satisfaction. No wonder others couldn't see the essence of me. How could they if I didn't see it myself.
So, I’m curious, do you really love yourself? How do you know? Where is the evidence? -What can you learn about yourself from my story?
Life has taught me that what goes up must come down. And what's down and out can rise up and above again.
I enjoy living, learning, and loving. The more I learn and love about myself, transfers to the way I relate to you.
Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone; it had to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new. Ursula Le Guin
Kimyon,
...Open up ur presence.
Have you ever had this happen? You are working, but thinking about playing? Then you are playing, but thinking about working? That's the worst feeling in the world. Regardless of your level of achievement, that's not fulfillment.
The problem isn't in finding balance in our lives. I'm a big believer that if you pay attention to great achievers, they often have "intentional imbalance". Even those who are fulfilled experience this. They spend completely disproportionate periods of time to build a business, follow a passion, or learn their craft. So if balance isn't the answer, than what is?
Being present.
If you want to get more out of each experience, deepen your relationships, multiply your effectiveness, increase your ability to influence others, and find more joy in each moment, then be there. Turn off the phones, shut the door, and quiet the noise. Look at whatever is in front of you - the person, the meeting, the speech, the phone call, and the task at hand - and be one hundred percent present.
This is the ultimate tool of influence, the secret to understanding what each moment calls for, the pathway to really listening, deeply, to the problems, needs, and desires of your customers, your team, your family, and yourself. Be here, right now.
Influence happens by understanding what you can give, by owning your results, by looking where you want to go, by setting the context, through understanding whoever is in front of you, and feeling what those around you feel. And all of this happens, in the present moment.
NOTE: We tend to be mindful when it's too late. ALL WE HAVE IS NOW. BE PRESENT
Jon Berghoff, bestselling author of "Cutting Edge Sales"
Written by
Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole
Women who lead walk a sacred path. They must navigate, not by the stars alone, but by their bones, their sinews and their hearts. Their paths are minefields of domination, expectations, and judgmental attitudes. Their paths have led them through systematic resistance to their potential, their talents, and their skills.
Women who lead have persevered. At times they have stepped into, and not around the mines laid there for their punishment, for the chastisement of their strength. Wounded, but not defeated, they have walked on, because there are sisters behind them who must be saved, no matter the cost.
Whether in places of power or places of small influence, women who have taken up the challenge of leadership know their own names. They do not call themselves by someone else’s name for them. We know them. Look in the mirror. WE ARE THESE WOMEN. We look ahead on the path and see the footsteps of our sisters.
Women who lead walk the labyrinth of life with 1 eye on the path and 1 eye on those following behind, and a heart full of truth. Women who lead do not walk alone. Women who lead walk a sacred path.
Leadership Tips for women walking their path:
By Kimyon, The Diamond Coach, Brad Bechler & Alfred Edmonds, Jr. of Black Enterprise Magazine
1. The qualities of a good leader is a person who says very little, but still galvanizes others to excellence by their actions. (Brad Bechler)
2. Listen to your followers in order to carve out a path that's laced w/possibilities.
3. Like cogs in a wheel. If one is broken, the entire system falters. All cogs are needed.
(Brad Bechler)
4. Leadership is Focus, determination, not being afraid 2 push the envelope, being a trendsetter, never backing down.
5. Know that your leadership power is dependent upon your followers. (See Verizon commercial)
6. A true leader's biggest job is to bring out the best in those s/he leads.
7. Leaders should have a very high say-to-do ratio. No one is 100%, but leaders tend to do just what they say they will do. A high say-to-do ratio is critical in all areas of leadership, including parenting, sports, the church and business.*
8. Kids know exactly who to follow: not the parent with empty threats and promises, but the one who will do what they say.*
9. Leaders know how to shut up & listen. They are committed to listening & learning from others, including their followers.*
10. Adults recognize leaders same way kids do. Who does what they say they'll do? Who can I rely on? Who pays attention to me?* Who do I feel safe w/?
Alfred J. Edmonds, Jr., Black Enterprise Magazine*
Kimyon
“The more you know the less you need to say.“
Jim Rohn
During the days ahead, be careful to keep this thought in mind:
THINGS are to be used, and PEOPLE are to be loved ...
I am glad my TWEEPLES are blessed by these posts. I'm 2 engaged w/life to have to deal w/lies & deception, so I MUST speak my truth even when it stings. Most of the time I'm checking myself & decide to share.
A lot of our lives are hemmed up in old beliefs, threads that WE CHOOSE to keep sowing because of our selfish natures. It's that "I WANT WHAT I WANT" attitude wo/regard 4 other people's feelings, situations, or lives. Most speak t/goody goody & walk t/rooty tooty. ( I know...we're a work in progress)
When I look at myself in t/mirror, I know what's inside... I know me very well. Some things I've resolved, & then there are those behaviors for which I note & carry a "Get Right List". I KNOW I got some diggin' ta do... ya feel me? I won't continue to deceive myself by thinking these behaviors are ok & I can just treat people any way that I feel like it. I was called to do this work & I'm glad to do it. It's not popular w/folks, it's not about being a holy roller... it's about authenticity & grooming to be a better person PERIOD. A person can only give what they have inside. : D When we know ourselves, we can assist others better. So let's dig deeper to bring out the GARDEN in us. : D
Our greatest resource is (and will always be) OURSELVES.
Give thanks my TWEEPLES. I love & appreciate you as well.
Kimyon,
THE DIAMOND COACH
From my Pen Pal Troy Chapman: 2003
My friend Ron is serving a life sentence. He likes to feed the ravens that fly into the prison and told me it gives him a sense of peace and connection to watch them eat the peanut butter sandwiches he brings.
The other day he was in a foul mood and, just to get away, walked out to the bench where he usually sits to feed the birds. Only this day he hadn't brought any food. He hadn't come to feed the birds at all, and before long a huge black raven showed up.
It settled in the snow about 15 feet in front of Ron and waited, cocking its head the way a human might arch the eyebrows to ask: What do you have for me today?
Ron's mood spilled out and he told the bird, "Go on, get out of here. I don't have anything for you . Find your own food."
The raven watched for another moment then took flight. Ron sat there another five minutes or so, still feeling the darkness of his mood.
Then he heard the brush of what he thought was cloth and turned to see who had walked up behind him. It wasn't cloth, it was wings brushing as the raven settled down behind him. It had something in its mouth. As Ron watched, the bird took a couple of steps forward and dropped a black walnut on the snow, then dropped back a safe distance from the gift.
Ron told me later, "In that moment my whole mood change. I caught a glimpse of something I'd been missing and walked away wondering:
WHO's BEEN FEEDING WHO?"
Love is amazing!
About TheDIAMONDCoach
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