Okay, I know it’s not December and holiday time, but after writing the last article, I started to think about what a great point the movie It’s A Wonderful Life 
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Youth Is Wasted On The Wrong People
I doubt anyone under the age of thirty can really relate to this. On the other hand, if you are under thirty, this article may help you understand some of us who are a little older. The title of this article is from
Do You Feel Like Giving Up?
There are times in life when almost everyone has thought about giving up. Frustrated and feeling like nothing is working for them, a person can get to the point of saying, “What’s the use in trying anymore?”
Reaching that point in life, most of the time a person chooses one of two courses. If someone is really discouraged, they can choose to accept their “plight in life.” They see their dreams or goals as unattainable. They believe that for them, “This is just the way that it is.”
But others choose a different path. Yes, they too may be discouraged. They may very well be very frustrated and feel like giving up. But, instead, they choose not to give up. They choose to keep trying.
Why Bother?
Life is not without challenges and setbacks no matter who you are. With the current economic situations many of those challenges seem to be magnified. It can be tempting to think, “Why bother trying anymore?”
This is not only true with economic challenges, but with relationships, illness, special projects; it’s true with any number of different things. But no matter what it is you are thinking about “giving up” on, before you do, consider two important questions.
First, why was this important to you in the first place? Whether it is a relationship, a job promotion, a dream of yours, a new business, moving to a new city, etc., why was it important to begin with? Really be honest in answering this question.
Secondly, do you feel like quitting because it is no longer important to you, or, because it hasn’t worked out yet like you expected it to? Here’s an important key in answering this second question: if it no longer important to you, then it really isn’t a big deal to abandon it. But, on the other hand, if you feel sad and remorseful giving up on something, then it may very well still be important to you.
If something is important to you, I don’t believe you ever have to quit. Your goals and your dreams are yours. The desires of your heart are deeply personal and they are very important because they are yours. The Bible states that God will give you the desires of your heart, so He must think they are important as well.
So, if something is still important to you then you can either give up, or, you can refuse to quit. I know that refusing to quit is easier said than done. I’ve been there in my life many times.
Where Is Your Focus, Honestly?
It really takes no more effort to focus on a negative than it does to focus on a positive. So many times when we are ready to give up and quit we are focusing only on the problems. All we see is that we do not have what we desire. That tempts us to complain and blame.
Put your focus back on your goal, back on what you desire. Yes, you need to track your accomplishments, but keep your main focus on your desire.
Dismiss and let go of worry, doubt and fear. The greatest detriment to success is fear of failure. Put your trust in God. His message to you is, “Fear not.” So, when you have those feelings of fear, toss them out and replace them with thoughts of confidence; Say, “I can do this!”
You Need A Plan
Next, write down a plan, any kind of a plan. It doesn’t have to be 10 pages long. As a matter of fact, if you can only write one or two things down that’s fine. That’s your plan for right now.
This is really helpful especially if you feel like you are at the end of your ropes and that you have already tried everything. That doesn’t matter now. You have decided not to quit, so you are now re-grouping. Just write something down. You can add to it later, but you need to start somewhere.
Writing your plan helps to eliminate the worries of how and what and where. Instead of looking at past setbacks you are now focusing on a solution. Here is what I am going to do right now.
Try It Today
For example, you may simply write down, “pray.” That’s fine. Maybe that’s all you can do right now, today. Then tomorrow, you add to your plan, “Evaluate what I have been doing.”
Continue to add things to your plan such as: what you will continue to do, what might need adjusting, what new things you can do, what additional information you need to learn and who can you get help from.
If something is indeed important to you, then don’t quit. Have confidence in God and stay persistent. The learning when you stay on the journey is invaluable, and as many have said, many times more fulfilling than actually achieving the goal or dream.
Finally, refuse to think or utter anything negative about your dream or goal. Always speak positively about it. I will get there. I am making progress. I am moving forward. It doesn’t matter how slow the progress, what matters is that I am moving forward because I refuse to quit.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
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A Cool Morning
Last Sunday, at a business conference, I sat and listened to John Maxwell for around an hour and a half. He was very excited about his new book, as any author would be, of course. But of his seventy some books, he said he believed this one was his most important.
Knowing a little bit about what is in that new book, I mentioned it on my last post. I’ve ordered it. But, last Sunday morning turned out to be a real treat; let me tell you why.
John told us we were the first group he was speaking to about his new book. He told us it was not going to be a “polished” presentation, but he was enthusiastic because he believes the information can, “change people’s lives.”
So, casually but with great conviction, he gave us some highlights, and I wanted to share a few things with you from my notes. While I am a very good “note taker,” and some of this may very well be verbatim, don’t consider these direct quotes.
Some Nuggets
He talked about the “Law of Intentionality” as the foundation of the book. I mentioned that law in my last post when I was talking about growing spiritually. Growth, in any category doesn’t just happen; it is not an automatic process.
Most people want to change their circumstances, but they don’t want to improve themselves, therefore they remain bound.
When you grow and change then things will get better. It starts with self-improvement. He talked about how everyone knows people they’d like to change, but really, the person they need to change is themselves.
The longer you wait to do something that you should do now, the greater the odds you won’t do it.
Most people get up each day and accept their life instead of getting up each day and leading their life.
The Mirror
I really liked when he talked about who and what you see in the mirror. I’ve mentioned that before on this blog a few times. I think it is very important. He said that when you look in the mirror, you must see value, worth and potential. The Creator made you for success, not failure. See yourself greater.
12% – Are You Kidding Me?
When it comes to personal growth, we all have room to grow. He gave a statistic I had not heard before. Researchers say that most people only reach 12% of their potential.
12%? If we are going to tap into that other 88% we need to change how we think. We need to change what we do.
So, those are a few highlights of a very exciting morning with John Maxwell.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
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How To Grow Spiritually
John Maxwell talks a lot about growth in his upcoming book, The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. I haven’t read the book, but look forward to it. I do know the first law he talks about in the new book is the Law of Intentionality.
Talking about his new book, John wrote, “The first law is the Law of Intentionality: Growth doesn’t just happen. We don’t improve by simply living. We have to be intentional about it. And the sooner you make the transition to becoming intentional about your personal growth, the better it will be for you, because growth compounds and accelerates as you remain intentional about it.”
I believe those statements hold true regardless of the arena one desires to see growth in their life. Whether it’s deepening your walk with God, improving a work skill, or even strengthening your marriage, becoming intentional is a very import key.
For me, defining spiritual growth is really all about developing a closer relationship with God. Over the years I continue to be concerned about having a closer, more intimate relationship with God. When you look at God’s relationship with some of the believers mentioned in the Bible, it’s obvious we have plenty of room for growth.
But what is really necessary to deepen or increase your personal relationship with God? Is it doing more works: going to Church more, praying more or studying more? What is involved?
Where Do You Start?
So, how do you begin, in this case, to develop a closer, more intimate relationship with God? First, determine just how far you can go with this; what’s the limit? The answer to that can be found in the Bible by observing the relationships others had with God.
I know, many times it is mind blowing to read what a close relationship some had with God. Have you ever read the conversation of God and Abraham concerning Sodom and Gomorrah? Abraham was a guy who didn’t go to Church every Sunday, or read the Bible every day (there was no Bible to read). And, it doesn’t say that he prayed for hours on his knees.
But the Bible declares he is the “father of all them that believe.” That is quite a distinction. The Scriptures also say that he was the “friend of God.” Like I said, we have plenty of room for growth.
In looking at examples in the Scriptures to determine just how far you can go, do not say, “Oh, that was Abraham,” or “That was Moses, they were special.” Are you not as special as they were?
We who are born again Christians, according to the New Testament Scriptures, are in God’s eyes accepted, righteous, forgiven, holy and without blame, inseparable from God’s love, and a lot more. We have been given eternal life and we have His spirit within us.
Actually, we have been blessed with a lot more than the Old Testament believers had. So, logically, couldn’t we go as far as they went? Jesus said about those who believe in him, “The works that I do shall you do also, and greater works than these shall you do.” I would say his relationship with the Father was the apex, the pinnacle of having a relationship with God.
Start Today, Not Tomorrow!
Once you are clear on just how far you can go, begin today; no more procrastinating. Decide that you will put forth some effort every single day building and developing a closer relationship with your heavenly Father. You decide what you will put your efforts into, but just make sure that you are intentionally putting your effort into something every single day.
Obviously talking to the Father on a consistent basis would be very beneficial. If you are not “hearing back,” don’t worry about it, because eventually you will! Get into the habit of talking to your Father throughout the day; open your heart completely; share everything with Him.
I am closer to my wife than any other human being. I can tell Kathy everything including my highs and my lows, my victories and my failures. She knows my strengths and my weaknesses because I talk to her.
In my mind, prayer is talking to God, not reading or reciting a preprinted prayer. It is thanking Him, yes, but also telling Him where I think am, what I am going through and what I desire. It is communicating with Him. Have you ever read some of the prayers in the book of Psalms?
This brings up my second suggestion. Search the Scriptures to see the heart of God. The Bible is God’s communication to mankind; it reveals who He is. If we are going to have a relationship with Him, you and I need to know Him.
Again, it is up to you what to do every day in order to build and develop a closer relationship with your heavenly Father. As a starting point, these two suggestions should help to get you moving in the right direction. And, keep in mind that you and I have our whole lifetime to continue to grow in our personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
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What To Do When You Run Into A Roadblock
No matter who you are, how old you are, or what you do, at times you face roadblocks or obstacles. We all do. In the future we will all face more roadblocks and obstacles; it’s just a part of life.
I think of obstacles as small interruptions or interferences, perhaps like a pot hole in the road. Roadblocks are something much bigger; the road itself is closed. Both interrupt our momentum, but how we respond to them is very important.
Do you handle the roadblocks and obstacles of life differently than you handle the roadblocks and obstacles on the road? Have you ever thought of how you respond when the road you want to travel is blocked? The answer of course is simple; you take the detour until you can get back headed to where you want to go, right?
With an obstacle in the road, whether it is a pot hole, or a stalled vehicle, we simply maneuver around it and proceed on our merry way. There are also times when all traffic just stops temporarily. We have no options to go anywhere and so we’re stuck. It can be a real lesson in patience, perhaps.
At times in life, things may stop and we need to be patient. Other times there are obstacles we need to go around. Then there are times we face real roadblocks preventing us from moving forward in the direction we want to go.
When things in life come to a temporary halt, some people get very irritated and impatient. They expend all their energy in frustration and disgust. They act just like some drivers do when all the traffic stops; those people are easily identified by their car horns blaring.
In life, when faced with obstacles, some people get upset because they have to change course slightly. The obstacle forced them out of their comfort zone because things are not moving ahead smoothly without any hitches. Some people make the slight adjustment necessary, while others waste time and energy wondering how the obstacle got there, who’s responsible to move it and why it is still there.
Then at other times in life, we all experience roadblocks. We can no longer continue on the path we are on. On the journey of enjoying life today and planning for the future, downsizing and layoffs have presented many people with a huge roadblock. While there are plenty of other situations equally equated with a roadblock, today this is one of the most common.
Don’t You Think It’s Silly?
Driving on the road, when faced with a roadblock, wouldn’t you think it silly for someone to turn around and go home because the road they want to take is blocked? And isn’t almost unheard of for someone to just sit there in front of the roadblock in disbelief and despair? Yet, when it comes to roadblocks in life, that’s exactly what some people do.
When I lost my job of nearly 17 years back in 2008, being unemployed was a major roadblock; that avenue for income was now closed. What was I to do? Clearly I needed to find a new road, a different avenue for income.
What I didn’t do was spend my time and energy wondering why it happened. I never do that while driving, so why do it on the road of life? I chose to not be bitter or resentful, although that took a little bit of mental effort and shifting. I also refused to attend pity parties with others in the same plight.
I have heard people over the years, who have lost their jobs, exclaim, “Now I can collect all that unemployment money I have been paying all these years.” First of all, the employee doesn’t pay unemployment tax, the government makes the employer pay it. And secondly, how can anyone get excited about receiving a very, very small check every week instead of finding a new job?
It Helps, But…
Yes, of course getting an unemployment check can help while searching for a new avenue for employment. It helps; it helped me for a few weeks. But to rely on it and hope it continues indefinitely is like keeping your car parked in front of a road block; it doesn’t solve the problem.
I am not being critical, nor am I unaware of current conditions. I know available jobs are not at a premium today. But I also know, and am convinced, that regardless of the current economy, God is not out of business.
When you face a roadblock in your life, whatever it may be, waste 
no time and energy trying to figure out why it is happening to you. Waste no energy being bitter and resentful. Refuse to feel sorry for yourself. These are all completely unproductive actions which do nothing to get you back on an open road.
Instead, admit and recognize it for what it is: it is a roadblock. Every day pour your heart out to God, telling Him how you feel and asking Him for His help. Then, take as much action as you possibly can, every day, keeping your eyes and ears open, expecting to find your new avenue.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
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How Big?
Have you ever seen the big Sequoias in California’s Calaveras Big Tree State Park? A couple of weeks ago Kathy and I saw them up close and personal. Wow!
The park is located 3 miles north of Arnold, off Highway 4, in the Western Sierra Nevada’s. “Big trees” is a bit of an understatement. I would call them huge or gigantic.
The height these trees can reach is staggering. Some grow as high as 325 feet tall. But that is not as impressive as their diameter which can reach up to 33 feet!
On the mile and a half trail we were on, we had dozens of jaw dropping moments. The last tree was the biggest jaw dropper of all. It was so enormous that we actually walked through the tree!
I Thought About Something
Along the trail I had an interesting thought. In my lifetime I have seen many big beautiful trees. I’m sure you have too. In fact, in my front yard, I have a very large pine tree.
But seeing these particular “big trees” made me think of how big our God is. We all see trees everyday. But, to me, this was like God saying, “If you think you’ve seen trees before, look at these trees I made!”
In the book of Isaiah it says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is so much bigger than our minds can comprehend. And He hasn’t lost any of His power and ability. He is still God Almighty, and that is encouraging.
In our lives, you and I face obstacles that at times seem just too big for us to figure out. We may even think there is no solution possible. But our powerful God specializes in things we may call impossible.
We can feel encouraged to look to Him for help. We can have confidence in His power and ability. We can rely on His reliability.
Plenty Of Reminders
The Bible is full of situations that may have seemed insurmountable at the time. But time and time again, God provided solutions, many times in a very big way. He is still the same God today as He was in the Bible.
You may never have the opportunity to see the big Sequoias up close and personal. But, there is still plenty of God’s handiwork you can see, both in nature and in the human body. Let the work of the great Creator you see be a constant reminder of the awesome power, goodness, and bigness of God Almighty.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
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Politics? Not Really
My main purpose for this blog has never been about politics, but rather to help others have more confidence in God so they can receive what He has promised. That being said, the USA is at a point where politics are indeed front and center, and will stay there until the November presidential election. Even if you are a casual listener to the news, you know it has been a pretty ugly campaign; it’s very possible the low blow rhetoric will get even worse.
Last week Tampa hosted the Republican National Convention, and this week the Democrats are in Charlotte for their week long festivities. I heard there are around 1500 reporters covering these conventions. Depending on what those reporters see and hear, and then depending on what their bosses dictate, they will continue with their reports this week. It is sad that true journalists are extremely rare these days, in fact they are almost extinct. [pic of donkey elephant]
So why even mention it here on this blog? Where’s the inspiration? Where’s the help in having more confidence in God? Bear with me a minute, because, actually, that really is my point.
Divided
Our country is deeply divided. The differences are much, much greater than thinking one man has a better solution to the problems we face than the other guy. The division is an ideological one, about the proper role of government, which can really stir up emotions on both sides.
Personally, I am really more concerned about what shape our country will be in when my granddaughter, Ava, hits the job market in twenty years. How much freedom will there be for her to pursue her dreams? How much will she have to pay in taxes? [pic of Ava backpack]
Because of the current conditions in both our country and around the world, and the constant rhetoric which continues to stir up emotions, people are putting a lot of confidence in their man. I am very much in favor of exercising my right to vote, as well as praying for our leaders. But I can not, nor will I ever put my complete confidence in a man, or a political party.
Obviously when I vote, it will be for the person I believe will do the best for our country now, and for the future.
Real Confidence
But the far superior confidence I live with each day is a reliance on One who is worth having confidence in, who has a proven record of consistent reliability, and who has, is, and will continue to keep His promises. Putting your complete trust and confidence in anyone or anything above God, will certainly, sooner or later, bring disappointment.
And so, as I mentioned earlier, I will continue pray for our leaders, those in office today, and those who will be in office after the elections. I pray for God to give them wisdom and guidance And I pray for God to raise up men and women with integrity who will adhere to the Constitution of our country.
The problems we face today are serious. They didn’t happen over night and will not be rectified in a few days. That’s why I also pray and ask God to intervene in our affairs and help this nation. But, regardless of what the future holds, I remain confident that God is big enough to personally and individually help, guide, protect and direct all those who call upon Him, and believe and trust Him.
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The Good Ol’ Days?
Some dear friends of ours visited us this past week. We had fun spending time together. And, yes, we probably ate too much and went to sleep later than normal, but isn’t that what usually happens when people visit? The four of us certainly had no complaints.
One of the highlights for me was Wednesday night out on the patio. First, it was a blessing just to be able sit out on the patio in late August. Daytime temperatures the week before were around 115 degrees, and still very warm after sunset. But this past week we were blessed with rain and some unusually cooler temperatures.
The four of us sat talking for about 2 hours about a number of past events. I know some people think that reminiscing about the past is just trying to live back in the “good ol’ days,” when everything was so much better. I understand that the “good ol’ days,” as well as the “bad ol’ days,” are indeed in the past. You can’t go back and live in the past and you can’t live in the future; so I choose to live in the present.
What We Talked About
But this particular conversation was not about how good certain things were in the past, or wishing we were there, or feeling sorry for ourselves. Rather, we were recounting events about God: things that God did for each us, and mostly things that He did in a very remarkable fashion.
It was inspiring to reminisce about how God had done things for each of us in a very personal way, and so many times in a way that we would have never guessed. We experienced blessings, miracles and deliverance.
For example, how does one drive in the middle of the night for four hours with the gas tank on empty? (The widow woman in the Bible with only a handful of meal that lasted over a year would understand.) How is it possible to be healed of an incurable disease? (The man born blind could certainly relate!)
What Hasn’t Changed?
The times have changed for all of us, in one way or another. Perhaps there is a time in your life that you look back on with very fond memories, and maybe even wish things could be like they used to be. Those days are long gone, and some people try to reconstruct those “good ol’ days,” but it never really is the same. The times, the people, and the situations have changed.
But one thing hasn’t changed, and never will change. God is a constant that you can always depend upon. He has not and will not change.
His ability and His willingness to help, bless and deliver has not diminished. He has lost none of His power. And, nothing can separate you from His love.
As I mentioned, our conversation last Wednesday night was inspiring. We basically reminded ourselves of how great and wonderful our God is. It was encouraging to all four of us to continue to trust God regardless of the days and times we are living in.
And although we shared some of our favorite incidents from the past, special blessings had happened to us last week as well. Our God is still a God of power and might, and He loves each one of us unconditionally.
Years from now the times we are living in today will become the “old days.” Our trust and confidence in God today will determine whether they become the “bad ol’ days,” or the “good ol’ days.” And when that time comes, we can choose to trust God and start the cycle all over again.
Mike Verdicchio
2012
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Do You Blog?
Special Message For Bloggers
Lots of people these days have a blog. I’m sure many visitors to this site are into blogging, for fun or profit.
If you’re looking for step by step guidance on how to build your blog and/or turn it into an online business, you should definitely check this out.
I have learned a lot about blogging from Gideon Shalwick, and now he and Yaro Starak, and Leslie Samuel are offering a great course: Become A Blogger.
Very limited time left to get in – Friday at 8PM EST to be exact. Go to this link and check it out – it could very well be just what you are looking for to either start a blog, or, take yours to the next level.
https://oi106.infusionsoft.com/go/blogsecretsenroll/mikev
Mike Verdicchio
2012