Welcome to "the winning image"

“If you can IMAGINE it, you can CREATE it. If you can DREAM it, you can BECOME it.” William Arthur Ward

Congratulations! You have decided to embrace the THOUGHT that you can be and do whatever you IMAGINE. Embarking upon this quest demonstrates your desire and determination to be transformed, first and foremost, by renewing your mind. You must realize that your outer expressions and actions will only be the results of inward reflections. You are the sum total of your thoughts.
“Sooner or later, those who WIN are those who THINK they can”! Richard Bach
A Successful Life is always under construction. But, we are houses not built by Man, and the blueprint of our destiny has all the building materials needed within to erect the winning image……the IMAGE and LIKENESS of God. And although As HE is So are We, when we combine our distorted IMAGE with our erroneous THOUGHTS, our performance in life appears mediocre and unsuccessful. But if we,
“Change our IMAGE, we will Change Our PERFORMANCE” E.J. McKenzie
You may see yourself as average or even below average. You may think that your windows of opportunities to achieve greatness have closed and your timeline to become successful in whatever you desire has passed you by. What you SEE will cause you to SAY Words that will eventually Frame Your World. But TODAY, look within and SEE the wellspring of success, wealth and prosperity, deeply embedded with unlimited possibilities waiting for you to simply SEE, BELIEVE and SAY, “There is no Failure in God and therefore there is no failure in me”. MY Success is NOT Negotiable! What about yours? “Men are born to SUCCEED, not to fail” Henry David Thorough


Yesterday I dared to struggle, today I dare to WIN”! Bernadette Devlin


Monday, August 24, 2009

Giant- Slayers!

Giant-Slayers"
In I Samuel 17:23-27, we read how David faced a ten foot Giant named Goliath. Goliath had a breastplate that weighed two hundred pounds and a spear that was eight feet long. The head of the spear alone was twenty-five pounds of iron! This fearsome warrior was challenging the armies of God for forty-days and forty nights and everyone including the king was afraid of him. The armies of Israel believed that they would be defeated. Nevertheless, David saw defeat as an opportunity to WIN. He knew that the God he served and loved was BIGGER than any Giant he had to face.Why do some people win and others lose? Why do some soar while others sink? Why do some cower in fear, while others rise up to the challenge in faith? Well, It depends on how you perceive the problem or challenge and it depends on how you perceive your God.

Like the character David, in the bible, you must learn how to put your problems in to the proper perspective. The problem is often a smoke screen obscuring you from the truth! The truth is not found in the thing your face, it’s only found in the face your seek! The truth is never found in what you see, the truth is found only in who and what you believe. No, you may not be able to prevent problems from occurring. Solomon wrote, “Calamity happens to us all!” But you can change your perspective on how you handle or respond to the problem you are facing.

What is your corresponding response when situations occur and problems arise? Is it one of panic, fear, doubt, unbelief, anguish, depression? Or is it one of hope, assurance, faith, peace, soundness, stability and recognizing that when you’re weak that’s when He’s strong. The problems you face are not your real challenge. The real challenge is in knowing and believing that your God is bigger and greater than any problem you can face. In HIM you are more than able to conquer and overcome. You are not a victim, but Victorious! The situation you’re going through may look Gargantuas, but can I tell you… Giants do come down!

David had a winner’s perspective. David possessed The Winning Image! He did not focus on Goliath the Giant, but he focused on seeing himself as a Giant-slayer. How do you see yourself ? Better yet, how do you see your God?God is Greater than anything you can ever face. And Greater is He that is in you than He who is in the world. Winners don’t allow themselves to be shaped by circumstances, situations, recessions, or unemployment. Winners make lemonade out of lemons. They slay the giants by taking the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God to decree their victory. They praise their way out of the problem and into the proimises of God. For they remember in the midst of the battle, that they are More than Conquerers. God declared that we are victorious, therefore we must agree and decree what God says, so it can be established.

Often all that separates a winner from a loser is the decision to be a winner. David decided he would not be defeated. He decided that by facing his problems without fear, he had more to gain than he had to lose. He knew that this Giant was actually a grasshopper to God. Afterall, who can defeat our God? Then tell me, who can defeat this same God that lives inside of you?You can win when others are losing, you can soar when others are sinking. You can respond as one who has faith, while others respond in panic and in fear. You’ve been called to be a winner. So respond to the call. I challenge you to respond to the winner on the inside of you. Be the inspiration, the winning image, the winner in a world filled with quitters, complainers, losers, and excuse makers. It doesn’t matter how big your giant is today, you become the giant slayer.

Take the Sword – which is the word of God and speak to your Giant and say, “This day, the lord will hand you over to me. This day you are defeated. This day I WIN!” Right now, decide to become a champion, a valiant fighter gaining superiority over all of the enemies that would hold you down and hold you back. You are more than a conqueror, overcoming all the forces seen and unseen that are coming up against you. So go ahead, Giant-slayer: PRAY IN THE SPIRIT, WAR IN TEH SPIRIT, DEFEAT YOR ENEMY IN THE SPIRIT! FOR YOUR WEAPONS ARE NOT NATURAL , BUT MIGHTY SPIRITUAL ONES THAT WILL PULL DOWN ANY GIANT THAT STANDS IN YOUR WAY.... SEE your enemy defeated… Because ALL Giants Must come down! You are a winner. Because You now possess The Winning Image!

The Winning Song: "GIANTS" By: Donald Lawrencehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9EyLBcehQA

Thursday, July 30, 2009

I invite you to read the BLOG posted today on thewinningimage.blogspot.com, inspired by the Song" I LOOK TO YOU". I'd love to read your feedback; especially from those who can share in where I've been and where I am going. I am learning to Look to GOD as my true Source of Strength and Comfort. Come Journey with me as we explore the unlimited possibilites and resources found only in 'The Winning Image'.

I Look To You - Written by R.Kelly /Song By Whitney Houston

Lyrics:As I lay me down,heaven hear me now.I'm lost without a cause,after giving it my all. Winter storms have come and darkened my sun. After all that I've been through. Who on earth can I turn to?

I look to you.I look to you. After all my strength is gone,in you I can be strong. I look to you.I look to you. And when melodies are gone,in you I hear a song.I look to you.

About to lose my breathe,there's no more fighting left. Sinking to rise no more,searching for that open door. And every road that I've taken, lead to my regret. And I don't know if I'm going to make it. Nothing to do but lift my head.

I look to you.I look to you. After all my strength is gone,in you I can be strong. I look to you.I look to you. And when melodies are gone,in you I hear a song.I look to you.

My levees are broken. My walls have cometumbling down on me. The rain is falling. Defeat is calling. I need you to set me free.Take me far away from the battle.I need you. Shine on me.

I look to you.I look to you. After all my strength is gone,in you I can be strong. I look to you.I look to you.A nd when melodies are gone,in you I hear a song. I look to you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyw5YJgj9nU - I LOOK TO YOU!

The Winning Image: I Look To You!#links

The Winning Image: I Look To You!#links

The Winning Inspiration!

I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. (My Help... All of My Help Cometh From The Lord!) Psalms 121

I Look To You!

Hello BLOG! Its been a while! Because of technical difficulties on the web and in life... I almost lost you and I almost lost myself. You were out there somewhere in cyberspace and yet unreachable. And here I was around those I loved and who loved me, and yet unreachable. For the last four months our paths have been syncopated. Your status has mirrored my status... dormant. For months I had nothing to say, therefore you had nothing to say. But today, I hear a still small voice awakened. And though it is still faint, it desires to speak... although weak. So while searching for answers and reaching out to those and that which I put on hold, low and behold I found you in a hidden place. Little did you know, I too was hidden in a secret place. And after calling a technician to find out how to make you operational again; he said "Rhonda you simply must go into "tools" and clear out all of the cache's and cookies.

A "cache" is a place that stores up and compresses hidden things or compresses what should be private information. And a 'cookie' in its simplest form can carry viruses and are accepted by default. You can open up your computer for one purpose and an undetected "cookie" can creep in the back door, and gathering information that can eventually hurt, harm, overload or cause your system to become inoperable. Together their combination can be dangerous to your computer and your website. WOW! When you think about it spiritually, there are cookies and caches that can also be dangerous and lethal to your life.

I became inoperable and ineffective when the caches of my life, the hidden sin, the oppressed thoughts, the inner hurts and pain that were compressed began to leak its poison into my system. Then the cookies or the gathered information began to be shared with others, who were uninvited and came in undetected. My private information began to translate into opinions filled with words of criticism, judgmentalism, and negative opinions...., those same private thoughts , concerns, situations and detrimental circumstances shared began to poison and plague my mind with words of despair, thoughts of failure, fatigue and even finality. I became so oppressed and depressed, that one day my system shut-down and I was no longer functioning in the manner God created me to. Weighed down by all of the information and revelation, I was forced to reevaluate why it was easier to hide in a secret place within myself than to believe that I was more than a conqueror, because of the Greater one who lives within me. My soul was dominated by caches and cookies. But His Spirit in my spirit was longing to FREE me!

So today, as I went into my 'tool box'- The Bible, I began to delete those hidden things of dishonesty and replace them with TRUTH, and began to declare what the Word of God says about me. I AM who it says I AM. I AM created in His IMAGE and HIS Likeness. I possess the Winning Image - internally and externally. And old friend.... as I begin to express the image of the invincible God in words, thoughts and deeds... once again... "I Look to YOU"!

Friday, March 13, 2009

The Law of Cause and Effect in Action!

What occupies your mind determines what eventually fills your mouth; your outer world showcases all that has dominated-and at times subjugated-your inner world. Because the law of cause and effect is continually at work, there is always an inner cause for every outer effect. Your outer world is a direct result of your inner world. Every circumstance in life is a result of a choice-and every choice is the result of a thought. All those things that fill your mind hold the keys to your reality. Your thoughts provide the fuel for your words, and your words provide the fuel for your world.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Today Choose to Frame your Outer World with these inner thoughts. For you shall decreee a thing and it shall be established.
And so it is........

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Yesterday's Tragedy, Today's Victory!

Except from "God's Minute" and a note from me!
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,f that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ( John 3:16 *NIV )
Dear Rhonda, Today we remember all of those who have lost their lives or became wounded because of the shootings that occurred in Alabama and Germany yesterday, knowing that; The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God,and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seem to have died, and their departure was thought of as a disaster, their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. Therefore, today, I would like to dedicate this message in remembrance of those who have lost their lives yesterday in those two tragedy's. Finally, Rhonda, let us bow our heads and say a prayer for the victims of these two horrible tragedy's, and for their loved ones as well. Amen

The scripture says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land".

In spite of yesterday's tragedy, we as believers have the opportunity to rise up in triumph knowing that God has given us a remedy - a four Step process ... an answer for these tragic events in our Nation and around the World.

#1- First, we must be called by HIS name. For there is no other name that man or mankind can be saved!
#2 - Second, we must HUMBLE ourselves.
#3 - Third, PRAY and SEEK HIS Face.
#4 - Fourth - Turn from OUR Wicked Ways ( repent - change)

Then and only then does God PROMISE to hear from heaven, forgive our sins and He and He alone has the power to heal our land.

Today's Victory for you, your household, your extended family members, your neighborhood, your community, your city, your state, your nation and YOUR world, rest in OUR ability to obey HIS Word and Follow the Four Step Process.No man knows the day nor the hour that the Son of Man shall come. When He does, will you be ready?

Yesterday's Tragedy is Today's Victory, because you and I Know the answer to the World's problems. Satan may be God of this world, but he is not God of ALL! The enemy's strategy is to Kill, Steal and Destroy. BUT... WE have the answer!
After you have done your checklist above then..... Call HIM Up and tell him what you want!

Now, let us PRAY!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

The Winning Antidote

Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as you mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve. -Mary Kay Ash

Thursday, March 5, 2009

The Winning Antidote

Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action. -Napoleon Hill

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

What's In Your Hand?

Have you ever thought or said to someone else, “IF things were different, I could really succeed... IF I had a better job; IF I had a better education; IF I had a thousand dollars or a million dollars. IF I were born rich; IF I was married or IF I was single! IF I had transportation; IF I wasn’t in foreclosure or tied down to this mortgage for the next twenty years; “If only I had this, or if only I had that". IF I didn’t have to work! IF only we weren’t in a recession!!! Notice the common thread of failure, is the WORD “IF”!

IF, represents a WORD filled with excuses….. in a world filled with unlimited possibilities. Your situation today is no different than those who have decided to not allow the IF factor to determine their destiny. Instead they have decided to allow the GOD in them to prove that He is bigger than “IF” and HE is more than enough!

WHAT IF” you stopped waiting for things to get better, before you made them better. “What IF” you revisited your dreams and your ideas and stepped out in faith. “What IF” you decided to create a solution to the problem. “What IF” you allowed your gift to make room for you in your area of interest, expertise or passion. “What IF” today you decided to experience the perfect WILL of God for your life!

First recognize that YOU HOLD the power to do something with your life, regardless of the economy, your background, your upbringing, your lack of education or your past mistakes.
Let’s look at a character in the bible named Moses as an example
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Moses was chosen by God before He was born to be the nation’s deliverer. He did not apply for the job and yet his life’s circumstances prepared him to BE and DO what God created Him to do. During the PROCESS, He would find out he was adopted. One day the son of a great ruler and they next day the son of a slave. He was evicted from his home and went from the PALACE to the PITs! He was labeled a murderer; He was hated by those he thought were his countrymen and even more hated by his own people. He dealt with shame, disgrace, disbelief, dishonor, lack, hunger, abandonment, and driven to live in the wilderness as a vagabond with no kingdom and no home; and YET, none of those circumstances and situations changed who HE was and WHAT he was destined to do and become………He was a Deliverer!

But, while becoming who he was, Moses would often give God excuses for WHY he felt he was not ready to MAKE A DIFFERENCE…. His background, His speech impediment, His past deeds, His outstanding warrant for arrest, lack of money or resources, no home, no supportive family or friends, no transportation and of course he didn’t have a designer suite to wear to his presentation before the king! As a matter of fact when he was told to step out , he did, without a plan. All he had was a command from God… to “JUST DO IT” ( hmmm, sounds familiar… another billion dollar idea!)

So, one day while giving God another excuse about WHY he couldn’t do what God created him to do, God said, “MOSES… What do you have in your hands?” In the natural it appeared to be only a simple staff or a rod. God then said, throw what you have to the ground. When Moses did, it turned into a snake and Moses jumped away in fear. Now God said, grab the snake by the tail. In other words, Moses that which you fear, grab by the tail, you take dominion over it. You subdue it and it will become the instrument that I will use to deliver My people. Then God said and I continue paraphrasing, “Trust me Moses, if you use what you have in your hand… people will know, that the God of your ancestors appeared to you. They will know that I AM is with you and YOU will prosper in the thing I have sent you to do!”

Today I ask you, What’s in Your hands? What are your dreams, ideas, passions; your heart’s desires. That song you wrote , but no one ever sang. The book waiting to be written, that the world needs to read; that witty invention; that recipe everyone brags on; that game; that gadget; that design; that business that can revolutionize this recession. You need to know that, “God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or think, according to the power that is at WORK inside of you”…… The opportune word is At WORK, not sitting dormant or idle, procrastinating, embittered or upset, oppressed or depressed… but Doing what you were created to do. Something that others can use to better their way of life or to enjoy it.
Then people will know that GOD appeared to you and is with you too! So, What’s in your hands?

In the wilderness is where the answers are birthed. Solutions are created. Problems are solved. Questions are answered. It was in the wilderness Moses went in as the son of a slave, but came out KNOWING He was the leader and the deliverer of a nation. When God needs to rescue a nation, Leaders are born. Ideas are realized. A way is made out of no way!

In this recession, there is something that ONLY you can do to recession proof your home, your neighborhood, your organization, your business, your city, your state, this nation… and become a deliverer for those you know and don’t know! You are the answer we are waiting for! As a matter of fact, the earth is groaning for the sons of God to manifest and be all that we were created to BE! Now is the time to put to use…. What’s in YOUR Hands!

Did you know that in times like these the world’s greatest inventions were birthed. Inventions solves the need of necessities. During the great Depression, people like you and I decided to give the world God’s solution and reveal what was in their hands. In the greatest time of lack and poverty they took their ideas and became solutions to the world’s economic crisis. And when the crisis was over, (because everything has a season and a time, and everything will change), they became very, very, very rich!!! Their legacy lives on today!

Inventions that became very resourceful to the world during this recession, were like the Supermarket, a discounted food store that made it convenient to purchase more than just fresh produce from one location. The Xerography, which later became known as a Xerox machine. This made it convenient to make copies instead of hiring people to type the same thing over and over. The Washeteria, which became known as the Laundromat - a way for disenfranchised people to wash and dry clothes in the same place, with electric machines for a dime an hour.
There was the Tampax; The Car Radio, The Chocolate Chip Cookie (the Tollhouse recipe can still be found published on all of Nestle’s Chocolate wrappers. Talk about residual income)! And, shaving would never be the same after the Electric Razor was invented. My alltime favorite or this era was, MONOLPOLY. A game invented that the nation would play, with dreams of getting rich and the hopes of owning property. This game was introduced at a time when foreclosures and unemployment were at an all time high. And, while the homeless stood in soup lines, Mr Darrow believed, that if he could get people to pretend to have money and own property, and even hope to one day own a home on Park Avenue, then maybe one day the economy would reflect what they believed. And with time that belief system would have the power to change their circumstance and situation.

Now history will tell you that soon after the Great Depression, someone did own a house on Park Avenue and someone did own the Boardwalk; and a whole lot of people made money and many, many people went from being homeless to homeowners. As a nation we walked right out of the Great Depression and into “The New Deal” era. Can I tell you, that Parker Bros. turned Mr. Darrow down three times, but he never gave up on his dream to bring hope to people during a depression. Even if it was only by playing his board game! Mr. Darrow went on to sell his game of dreams anyway, and over 5000 games later, Parker Bros. caught up with his dream and purchased from him their biggest money maker of all its games!

So I ask you, What’s in your hands today?….
God has given you a gift, a talent, an ability, a skill… it will make room for you in whatever industry or arena you choose. What you must realize is, what you have in your hand was given to you by God. You did not even choose it, but God chose you for it. And He chose it , not for you, but for others. Now the benefits you will recieve will have great dividends and it is priceless!
So, don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Don’t wait until you have enough money. Don’t wait until your kids graduate from college. Don’t wait until you get a better job, or a better car or home. Don’t wait for permission, Give yourself permission to be and do what you were created to do. Nothing beats a failure but a TRY!!! Don’t be practical when it comes to your dreams- become radical… The Kingdom of God is suffering violence, but the violent ( those who won’t quit or give up) must take it by force!

Now I must caution you in advance, Once you step out, Like Moses, you will face others who will oppose you and not support you. They’ll even try to talk you out of it! They’ll put their rods on the ground just like you. But in the end, Moses rod swallowed up the competition, WHY because there was no competition to begin with. What God has for you is for you! But FEAR (false evidence appearing real)won’t let you do it. It will find a reason and a way to sabotage your success if you let it. So, I encourage you today to Have Faith in God! The God of all Gods is with you. And if God be for you WHO can be against you! Sooner or later you will realize like Moses, the rod was never the instrument of power and ability…. God was and He still is… yesterday, today and forever!

Now at the set time, Moses did do what God created him to do. It did not come without hardship or pain, or even without trial and error, but it came just the same. In the end, with that same ROD in his hand, God used him and it, to part the Red Sea and deliver his people from the hands of a Pharaoh – (slavery, bondage, doubt, disbelief, fear, and failure) into a land of promise. He was a Deliverer!

Today is the day to take what’s in your hands and use it for God’s glory. You’ve been called to part whatever red sea that is blocking you from crossing over to your land of promise -(prosperity, joy and freedom). You can make a difference. YES YOU CAN! Because you have been empowered to know, that with God all things are possible to those that believe. Step out in faith…..come on, Release what’s in your hands to the world!

Yesterday I dared to struggle…today I dared to WIN!! Winners Make the Difference!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Winning Inspiration

Isaiah 40:31 (New American Standard Bible)
Yet those who wait for the LORD , Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary!

The Winning Song

"I Believe I Can Fly"

Performed by: Yolanda Adams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBPBfNlCHio

I used to think that I could not go on, And life was nothing but an awful song.
But now I know the meaning of true love. I'm leaning on the everlasting arms.
If I can see it, then I can do it. If I just believe it, there's nothing to it.

I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day.
Spread my wings and fly away. I believe I can soar. I see me running through that open door.
I believe I can fly.I believe I can fly.I believe I can fly.

See I was on the verge of breaking down. Sometimes silence can seem so loud.
There are miracles in life I must achieve. But first I know it starts inside of me.
Oh If I can see it, then I can do it. If I just believe it, there's nothing to it.


I beleive I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day.
Spread my wings and fly away. I believe I can soar. I see me running through that open door.
I believe I can fly. I believe I can fly. I believe I can fly.


Hey, cause I believe in me. Oh If I can see it, then I can be it.
If I just believe it, there's nothing to it ( repeat chorus)

Hey, if I just spread my wings. I can fly. I can fly. I can fly!
Hey If I just spread my wings. I can flyFly-eye-eye.....


Lyrics by: R. Kelly

The Winning Antidote

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Winning Antidote

By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. -Mark Victor Hansen

Excerpt from "The Power of Discipline" by: Brian Tracy

An excerpt fromThe Power of DisciplineBy Brian Tracy

Why are some people more successful than others? Why do some people make more money, live happier lives and accomplish much more in the same number of years than the great majority?
I started out in life with few advantages. I did not graduate from high school. I worked at menial jobs. I had limited education, limited skills and a limited future.
And then I began asking, “Why are some people more successful than others?” This question changed my life.
Over the years, I have read thousands of books and articles on the subjects of success and achievement. It seems that the reasons for these accomplishments have been discussed and written about for more than two thousand years, in every conceivable way. One quality that most philosophers, teachers and experts agree on is the importance of self-discipline. As Al Tomsik summarized it years ago, “Success is tons of discipline.”
Some years ago, I attended a conference in Washington. It was the lunch break and I was eating at a nearby food fair. The area was crowded and I sat down at the last open table by myself, even though it was a table for four.
A few minutes later, an older gentleman and a younger woman who was his assistant came along carrying trays of food, obviously looking for a place to sit.
With plenty of room at my table, I immediately arose and invited the older gentleman to join me. He was hesitant, but I insisted. Finally, thanking me as he sat down, we began to chat over lunch.
It turned out that his name was Kop Kopmeyer. As it happened, I immediately knew who he was. He was a legend in the field of success and achievement. Kop Kopmeyer had written four large books, each of which contained 250 success principles that he had derived from more than fifty years of research and study. I had read all four books from cover to cover, more than once.
After we had chatted for awhile, I asked him the question that many people in this situation would ask, “Of all the one thousand success principles that you have discovered, which do you think is the most important?”
He smiled at me with a twinkle in his eye, as if he had been asked this question many times, and replied, without hesitating, “The most important success principle of all was stated by Thomas Huxley many years ago. He said, 'Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.'”
He went on to say, “There are 999 other success principles that I have found in my reading and experience, but without self-discipline, none of them work.”
Self-discipline is the key to personal greatness. It is the magic quality that opens all doors for you, and makes everything else possible. With self-discipline, the average person can rise as far and as fast as his talents and intelligence can take him. But without self-discipline, a person with every blessing of background, education and opportunity will seldom rise above mediocrity.
In the pages ahead I will describe seven areas of your life where the practice of self-discipline will be key to your success. These areas include goals, character, time management, personal health, money, courage and responsibility. It is my hope that you'll find a few “nuggets” that will help make your dreams come true.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"Giant-Slayers"

In I Samuel 17:23-27, we read how David faced a ten foot Giant named Goliath. Goliath had a breastplate that weighed two hundred pounds and a spear that was eight feet long. The head of the spear alone was twenty-five pounds of iron! This fearsome warrior was challenging the armies of God for forty-days and forty nights and everyone including the king was afraid of him. The armies of Israel believed that they would be defeated. Nevertheless, David saw defeat as an opportunity to WIN. He knew that the God he served and loved was BIGGER than any Giant he had to face.

Why do some people win and others lose? Why do some soar while others sink? Why do some cower in fear, while others rise up to the challenge in faith? Well, It depends on how you perceive the problem or challenge and it depends on how you perceive your God. Like the character David, in the bible, you must learn how to put your problems in to the proper perspective. The problem is often a smoke screen obscuring you from the truth! The truth is not found in the thing your face, it’s only found in the face your seek! The truth is never found in what you see, the truth is found only in who and what you believe.

No, you may not be able to prevent problems from occurring. Solomon wrote, “Calamity happens to us all!” But you can change your perspective on how you handle or respond to the problem you are facing. What is your corresponding response when situations occur and problems arise? Is it one of panic, fear, doubt, unbelief, anguish, depression? Or is it one of hope, assurance, faith, peace, soundness, stability and recognizing that when you’re weak that’s when He’s strong. The problems you face are not your real challenge. The real challenge is in knowing and believing that your God is bigger and greater than any problem you can face. In HIM you are more than able to conquer and overcome. You are not a victim, but Victorious! The situation you’re going through may look Gargantuas, but can I tell you… Giants do come down!

David had a winner’s perspective. David possessed The Winning Image! He did not focus on Goliath the Giant, but he focused on seeing himself as a Giant-slayer. How do you see yourself ? Better yet, how do you see your God?

God is Greater than anything you can ever face. And Greater is He that is in you than He who is in the world. Winners don’t allow themselves to be shaped by circumstances, situations, recessions, or unemployment. Winners make lemonade out of lemons. They slay the giants by taking the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God to decree their victory. God declared that we are victorious, therefore we must agree and decree what God says, so it can be established. Please Remember, the fight is already fixed, and in the end WE win!

Often all that separates a winner from a loser is the decision to be a winner. David decided he would not be defeated. He decided that by facing his problems without fear, he had more to gain than he had to lose. He knew that this Giant was actually a grasshopper to God. Afterall, who can defeat our God? Then tell me, who can defeat this same God that lives inside of you?

You can win when others are losing, you can soar when others are sinking. You can respond as one who has faith, while others respond in panic and in fear. You’ve been called to be a winner. So respond to the call. I challenge you to respond to the winner on the inside of you. Be the inspiration, the winning image, the winner in a world filled with quitters, losers, and excuse makers. It doesn’t matter how big your giant is today, you become the giant slayer. Take the Sword – which is the word of God and speak to your Giant and say, “This day, the lord will hand you over to me. This day you are defeated. This day I WIN!”

Winning is a matter of your choice, your decision. Right now you can decide to become a champion, a valiant fighter gaining superiority over all of the enemies that would hold you down and hold you back. You are more than a conqueror, overcoming all the forces seen and unseen that are coming up against you. So go ahead, Giant-slayer, your enemy is now defeated… You are a winner. Because You now possess The Winning Image!

The Winning Song: "GIANTS" By: Donald Lawrence
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9EyLBcehQA

The Winning Antidote

Winners respond to the Challenge, NOT the problem! Frank Damazio

The Winning Inspiration

I can do ALL things through Christ which Strengthens me! Phil 4:13

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Things I Know for Sure!

Everyday, I receive a Devotional entitled 'God's Minute'. Below you will read one I received this week. I call it... Things 'I Know" For Sure!

(Thanks Prophetess Kathy for retyping and sending it to those you love as a reminder)!!


** "I Know"**
I know He is the beginning, so why do I worry about the end?**
I know He is the creator, so why do I wonder who will destroy?**
I know He has forgiven me, so why can't I forgive myself?**
I know He is a healer, so why do I speak of sickness?**
I know He can do all things, so why do I say I can't?**
I know He will protect me, so why do I fear?**
I know He will supply all my needs, so why can't I wait?**
I know He is my strength and my salvation, so why do I feel weak?**
I know that everything and everyone has a season, so why when someones season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?**
I know He is the right way, so why do I go the wrong way?**
I know He is the light, so why do I choose to walk in darkness?**
I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me, so why am I scared to ask?**
I know tomorrow is not promised, so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?**
I know that the truth shall make me free, so why do I continue to lie?**
I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding, so why do I lean on my own understanding?**
I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit, so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?**
I know that when praises go up, blessings come down, so why do I refuse to praise Him?**
I know I am saved, so why do I refuse the word He has given me?**
I know He has a plan for me, so why am I rushing it, when it is His time not my time?**

Things I KNOW for sure..... What Do you KNOW???

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Here I am to Worhsip

ReachFM –“Just Write”
Topic: Talk, Truth and Tunes Writing Contest ( 250 words or less)
Title: Here I am to Worship!
Deadline: February 18, 2009

The desire to finally eat right and get this temple fit for service came after some seemingly grave news concerning my health. Why does it always take bad news before we choose to do what is right? In the background, the song, “Here I am To Worship”, is playing. I pressed the repeat button and let it play as I drove around aimlessly waiting to hear from God. This song encouraged me to “Submit my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God”.

I began to journal, and on the first day I wrote, “Today is the day that I submit "My Body". After all, it is my reasonable service! I surrender my will and now offer the Creator, His living creation-ME. My Spirit, Soul and Body!

I will incorporate exercise as an intricate part of my daily devotion and am inspired to write and share the “good news” of my progress, so others will know that God is still in the healing business! As I worship Him in the Spirit, I allow my Body to outwardly express what I inwardly believe, “I AM HEALED! I will buffet my body and make it my slave. So with tennis shoes on, I'm stretching my body and my faith. I stand at the door redeemed, ready to give it my all. So Lord, Here I am..... to Worship!



Submitted by: Rhonda Ferguson-Lewis * 10905 SW 177 Terrace*Miami, Florida 33157* 786-
226-6746

The Winning Song: Here I am to Worship by Israel Houghton & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9KKWMSAJSc

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Winning Inspiration

The Vision is yet for an Appointed Time....Habakkuk2:3

It's Your Time to Win!

God has planted seeds of Greatness inside of you. He has planted in your heart those things that are predestined for you to accomplish in your life time. If you are like me, then you may have had your share of unfavorable things occur in your life; some caused by others and plenty set in motion by you. And although at one point the hits kept coming, it was only for an appointed time. For when the season of testing and learning was at its end, God said, ENOUGH!

Now you may want to settle right where you are, not going forward or backwards. You may want to remain in a place where you can just rest for awhile. No news is goods news. No pain, No rain, nothing to loose and nothing to gain! But I dare you to get up and go forward. The depths of your past troubles are only an indication of your future triumphs. You are more than a conqueror. You were engineered to WIN.

You can't sit down or sleep through this moment in time. It's YOUR time to wake up to the dawning of a New Day and a New Beginning. OLD things have passed away. Behold ALL things are made new! Step Up and embrace your magnificent future! Those things which appeared negative will prove to be the positive force that will thrust you into a brighter future.

There are dreams and promises you let go of because someone said its not possible; you can't do it; stop dreaming and get to work! You've been disappointed, put down, treated like a failure; disgarded and denied, and constantly reminded of your past mistakes over and over again. Will anyone ever give me another chance? Well, whose report are you going to believe? God is the God of second chances.... to infinity. He takes the foolish things to confound the wise. He takes your pain and turn it into your gain. God says, He has a hope and a future to bring you to HIS expected End. Not Man's end which is temporal. But God's end which is eternal.

Today is the day to let go of the past. Let go of the negative thoughts and negative people. Today is the day when you give your dreams a new beginning, a fresh anointing to revive and thrive. Today is the day to allow your faith to rise up and cancel all fears. Today is the Day to believe in yourself as God believes in YOU. No matter what you've done or who you have done it to, God forgives you. Now, to move forward you must first forgive yourself and then where it is at all possible, ask those you hurt or those who may be offended for any reason to forgive you too. If they do or don't... It's still Your Time!

God knew your past before you were even born, and yet He still chose you to do great and marvelous things . He knew the day would come when you would realize that what happened TO you is not nearly as important as what has happened IN you. The circumstances of the past has made you stronger and wiser. Bolder and even more beautiful inside and out. No, you won't make the same mistakes this time. Why? Because its your time, its your season. It's your time to go forward, knowing that He who has begun a good work is now ready to complete it.

You are a Picasso; a Mona Lisa; an original work of art. With paint brush in hand, God has designed your successes one stroke at a time. I can't wait to see the end product! Today, it's time to be stroked! This is your RE-defining moment. A time of self-discovery. A time to be RE-born or Born-Again! You're not over-due, you are right on time. It's your Due Season. It's your Set time! Set your clock. Watch and SEE. It's Your Time to WIN!

The Winning Song: "One Moment In Time" by: Whitney Houston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx4v6cO1GMk

Friday, February 13, 2009

The Winning Inspiration

“You know that in a race all runners run. But only one gets the prize. So run like that. Run to WIN! All those who compete in the games use strict training. They do this so that they can WIN a crown. The crown is an earthly thing that last only a short time. But our crown will continue forever. So I do not run without a GOAL. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something – not just air. It is my own body that I hit. I make it my slave. I do this so that I myself will not be rejected after I have preached to others.” I Cor. 9:24-27

The Winning Antidote

People with goals succeed because they know where they're going. -Earl Nightingale

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Following through with the Plan

When you boldly face your fears and begin to walk out the Plan for Success, you will be an encouragement to others as they begin to think about a better and more fulfilling life as well. Today you may SEE yourself as only average, or THINK that time has passed you by. No, you have not missed your opportunity to experience success. You are right on time! According to the Plan, You have been wonderfully designed by God to reach your point of destination at the appointed time. Each Setback has been a Setup for Success. You are not simply getting older, you are BETTER. You know more, you think differently, you've had your share of teachable moments, and you've passed each test, even if it required some make-up exams. And although it would appear as if you have nothing to show for it - externally; internally you are rich with resources and abilities that are priceless. Your continual personal growth is now ready to be harvested into the fulfillment of your dreams. Success is an Inside JOB! If you've got a VISION, and a PLAN, Success is your final destination!

As you begin to visualize and know that the Plan God has for YOU is yours to claim, you will begin to think about the events and experiences you would like to SEE fulfilled as your life's objectives. Does your plan include:

  • to finish a degree or receive the next degree
  • to compete and complete a marathon
  • to start a new business or reinvent the one you have
  • to travel and build wonderful family memories
  • to make wise investments and watch them grow and increase continually
  • to tithe$10,000 from a $100,000 pay put on one business deal
  • to tithe $100,000 from a $1,000,000 pay out on one business deal
  • to enjoy a more loving marriage relationship
  • to forgive yourself and others
  • to purchase the home of your choice
  • to own the car of your choice
  • to improve your health conditions
  • to become fit, fine and fabulous
  • to become certified in your area of expertise
  • to connect with the right people that have been designated to support or fund your dream

Others will be very loud about what they will do "One Day". But TODAY you can move from talk to action. Replace FEAR with FAITH! Step out knowing that The One who began a Good Work in you has the Power and the ability to Complete it! Why? Because He is the architect behind the Plans for your Life!

So, What plans do you have in place to accomplish your goals , to fulfill your dreams? Step out in Faith, for God knows the plans He has for YOU! He will order your steps in the right direction as you travel on your path Successfully.

Innumerable people would love to hear their peers cheer them on while they accomplish goals, but this is your faith in action. If no one ever agreed with your dream, if no one ever cheered you on, you are never alone. You have a cloud of witnesses that know what God can do for those that choose to believe! That's why no matter what, Your Success is NOT Negotiable. It is signed, sealed, and waiting to be delivered to YOU.

When you decide to overcome the obstacles, hindrances, and sabotages locked in the recesses of your mind... That's when you'll agree with the Plan, Actively participate with the Plan and SEE the Plan fulfilled. When you become one with the PLAN that's when you "WIN"!

Winning Song: I Know the Plans I have for You by: Martha Munizzi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djmV2PaEavU

The Winning Inspiration

"For I know the Plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Winning Antidote

Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One man gets only a week's value out of a year while another man gets a full year's value out of a week. -Charles Richards

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Winning Writing by Maya Angelo

Haters/ By Maya Angelou

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small, so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least.
Nothing is ever good enough! When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters...That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...
It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too! We've all got some haters among us!
Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man/woman to hit the curb (if he/she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home
Haters can't stand to see you happy. Haters will never want to see you succeed. Most of our haters are people who are supposed to beon our side. How do you handle your undercover haters?
You can handle these haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!)
2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be.
Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.
3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation. Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its yourtime to leave this earth, you want to be able to say, 'I've lived mylife and fulfilled my dreams, Now I'm ready to go HOME!
When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at who is in charge of me... Maya Angelou

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Winning Song/Video andLyrics

Never Give Up By: Yolanda Adams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7Q8vIqrwi8
Visions that can change the world, Trapped inside an ordinary girl
She looks just like me To afraid to dream out loud
And though it's set for your idea It won't make sense to everybody.
You need courage now If you're going to persevere
To fulfill your life's purpose You've gotta answer when you're called
So don't be afraid to face the world Against all odds
(Chorus)
Keep the dream alive don't let it die, if something deep inside Keeps inspiring you to try, don't stop And never give up; don't ever give up on you Don't give up
Every victory comes in time, Work today to change tomorrow
It gets easier Who's to say that you can't fly?
Every step you take you gets Closer to your destination
You can feel it now Don't you know you're almost there?
To fulfill your life's purpose You've gotta' answer when you're called
So don't be afraid to face the world Against all odds
(Chorus)
Keep the dream alive don't let it die, if something deep inside Keeps inspiring you to try, don't stop And never give up; don't ever give up on you...
Sometimes life can place a stubborn block in your way
But you've gotta keep the faith ,Reap what deep inside your heart To fly
And never give up Don't ever give up on you, Don't give up
Who holds the pieces to complete the puzzle? The answer that can solve the mystery
The key that can unlock your understanding It's all inside of you You have everything you need
(Chorus)
So, keep the dream alive don't let it die If something deep inside keeps inspiring you to try Don't stop And never give up; don't ever give up on you... Sometimes life can place a stubborn block on your way But you've gotta keep the faith Bring what's deep inside your heart To the light
And never give up Don't ever give up on you No.don't give up No, no, no, no Don't give up Don't give up Don't give up Oh, don't, no, no, no, no Don't...give...up

The Winning Inspiration

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns --February 10, 2009:Beloved, you are living in times where you are acutely aware of various levels of instability. And, you will be tempted to allow that sense of insecurity to cause you to feel emotionally and mentally unstable. But, this is only a temptation from the evil one, for you belong to Me. And, you have been established on the foundation of My word and My promises. Even though life's storms rage all around you, you will stand firm. Refuse to be shaken by what you hear, says the Lord. Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

The Winning Antidote

That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well. -Abraham Lincoln

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Winning Song/Video andLyrics

I AM CHANGING!
Look at meLook at meI am changing, tryin' every way I can
I am changing, I'll be better than I am, I'm trying-to find a way to understand
But I need you, I need you-I need a hand
I am changing, seeing everything so clear
I am changing, I'm gonna start right now, right here
I'm hoping to work it out, and I know that I can But I need you, I need a hand
All my life I've been a fool. Who said I could do it all alone
How many good friends have I already lost. How many dark nights have I known
Walking down that wrong road, there was nothing I could find
All those years of darkness-can make a person blind
But now I can seeI am changing, tryin every way I can
I am changing, I'll be better than I am. But I need a friend-to help me start all over again,
oh-that would be just fine. I know it's gonna work out this time'.Cause this time I am-This time I am.
I am changing, gonna get my life together now. I am changing, yes, I know how
I'm gonna start again, I'm leaving my past behind
I'll change my life-I'll make a vow
And NOTHINGS GONNA STOP ME NOW..........

Saturday, February 7, 2009

WIN - Lyrics, Quotes & Scriptures!

Win: By Brian McKnight
Dark is the night. I can weather the storm.
Never say die. I've been down this road before.
I'll never quit. I'll never lay down. See I promised myself that I'd never let me down.
Chorus - I'll never give up. Never give in. Never let a ray of doubt slip in.
And if I fall. I'll never fail. I'll just get up and try again.
Never lose hope. Never lose faith. There's much too much at stake.
Upon myself I must depend. I'm not looking for place or show. I'm gonna WIN.
No stopping now. There's still a ways to go. Someway, somehow. Whatever it takes, I know.
I'll never quit, no no. I'll never go down, mm, mm.
I'll make sure they remember my name. A hundred years from now.
(Chorus)
When it's all said and done. My once in a lifetime will be back again.
Now is the time, To take a stand. Here is my chance. That's why I, I'm gonna WIN!

Winning Antidotes:
Sooner or later, those who WIN are those who THINK they can! Lily Thomlin

Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as you mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve. -Mary Kay Ash


Winning Inspiration:
“You know that in a race all runners run. But only one gets the prize. So run like that. Run to WIN! All those who compete in the games use strict training. They do this so that they can WIN a crown. The crown is an earthly thing that last only a short time. But our crown will continue forever. So I do not run without a GOAL. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something – not just air. It is my own body that I hit. I make it my slave. I do this so that I myself will not be rejected after I have preached to others.” I Cor. 9:24-27
Anything in life worth having is worth working for." - Andrew Carnegie