I initially wrote this piece and posted it in August 2018. I referenced Kobe as one of the athletes who come through the PRESS and described him as LEGENDARY!! That he was…….just LEGENDARY!!

Very saddened by the loss of The Legendary Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, her teammate, their parent, the pilot, and all of the others that may have been on board or impacted by the crash. God Bless them and their families.

He was one of the all-time greats, a point of reference for my son, and amazing to watch.

A Blessing in The Press

There will be seasons in your life where you will be exponentially challenged.  Things may get off track, disrupted, turned upside down, but you have to go through that season.  I mean you will have to “grind”, “go hard”, persevere, really PRESS your way through some things.  However, please trust and know that THERE IS A BLESSING in your PRESSING.  God has got you!

Think about this:

– Grapes get pressed, then fine wine is made.

– Olives are pressed into delicious oil.

– The insides of an oyster are irritated, even agitated, disrupted, and the outcome is a precious pearl.

– Athletes are pressed, but those who come through the pressure are legendary…some of my favorites..  Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, …and just for my son Daniel,  Stephen Curry.

The PRESS is necessary….read Jer 29:11.  Pressure is just necessary, it’s on the path to excellence & greatness, it’s a part of God’s Plan for your life!

One small reminder, know that you need to rest in that PRESS.  Most people who know me understand that go a mile a minute, but…. I know when to rest.

Rest you mind

Rest your body

Rest your spirit 

Rest your heart 

In that resting comes RENEWAL, REPLACEMENT, REGENERATION, REFRESHING, REDEDICATION, REPENTANCE, REVIEW and REJUVENATION!!

What do all of those RE ‘s mean???  We didn’t give up, we didn’t cave in, we did not give into the PRESS.  Nope, we are right back in the press again …better, stronger, fresher, and ready for the next season!!  We can’t be afraid of the PRESS, God has got you!

Are you ready for the PRESS?  The world is waiting…..

Happy New Year!! As the year 2020 kicks off, I like many others are reminded of what a significant year this really is! A year of Vision, the start of a NEW decade, the year of clarity in your Visions…and one just as surmountable for me, the year my daughter graduates from High School!

Starting a new year is a lot, overwhelming even, my “to do” list is long already and I’m only through the month of January on my list, WHEW!!

HOWEVER, it’s also a special blessing to have time on your hands and move deliberately and purposefully through life while taking steps towards each and every single goal, so KEEP MOVING, KEEP ADDING TO YOUR LIST, and most of all, DON’T STOP DREAMING!!

Those who know me understand how deeply God’s dreams and visions guide my life. His prophetic words trigger my emotions and I stand in awe of how He is so invested in me and loves little ‘ol me…it’s simply AMAZING!

Even though they are God’s visions and dreams, and even though I trust Him emphatically, it does not mean that some small amount of fear or trepidation does not creep in my thoughts at times. So here are a few recommendations for when that happens:

• Create a Vision Board to remind yourself of where you have been Nd where you are going. Review it often, but at least daily!

• Read God’s Word often and remind yourself who God says you are and what God said you can do!

• Pray for clarity of thoughts and visions in your mind!

• Write a personal confession for your life that affirms all God has promised you..read it as often as necessary, but at least daily!

• Celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small. When you see God’s promises and visions manifesting, it’s a reminder of your covenant with Him and His commitment to you!

• Dream BIG!! Why because God is BIG!! So DREAM BIG and do it without fear. Remember 2 Tim 2:7 (Message Bible). “God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.”

• Lastly, always remind yourself of why we write the Vision, Habakkuk 2 : 2-3

“And then God answered: “Write this.

    Write what you see.

Write it out in big block letters

    so that it can be read on the run.

This vision-message is a witness

    pointing to what’s coming.

It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!

    And it doesn’t lie.

If it seems slow in coming, wait.

    It’s on its way. It will come right on time.”

So write your vision, make it plain, and don’t be shy..DREAM BIG because God is BIG….the world is waiting ….

Thank you Chelsea Googe for the beautiful photo!

Tipping my hat off to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for teaching High School students about community & Servant Leadership! Here’s an example of creative fundraising to further student’s education while raising money to help cure cancer!!

Thanks to all of you that have blessed my baby in her drive to Student Of The Year by raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) (www.LLS.org)

The push is STILL ON, it’s not too late to make a difference, and every dollar counts! Please help her meet & exceed her goal.

GIGANTIC THANKS & Shout outs to Patrina & Maurice James, Tenise Battle Lovett, Denise L Lewis, Shontrell Farley Davis, Angelia Sharpe, Erin Allen, Alicia Holmes, Charles Wicks, Jeannette Wicks, Debbie Connerty Stocks, Tim Domek, James Patterson Wicks and Alyssa Joy Wicks, Ana Arguello, North Columbus Fit Body Boot Camp, Rulia Harris, Mary Holmes, Bridget Alcide, Bridgett Martin, Wanda Winslow, Kimberly Kim Thornton Ross, Gladimar Gonzalez, Lissette Sanabria-Gonzalez, Dwayne Silas, Lashanda Washington! Corporate sponsors North Columbus Fit Body Boot Camp (Junior & Ana Olivera) & Journey To Wealth (Alicia Holmes)!!!!!!!!

Help us cure cancer through the blood!!!!

https://events.lls.org/ga/colgasoy19/twicks

Thanks to you all!! ❤️❤️

Happy New Year!!

I know that it is often said that if you want to see different results you have to do something different, right? As we jump into 2019 (ready or not, it’s here) I want to reiterate that sentiment, but with a different twist.

There are some things that we are doing that we should CONTINUE to do…just do MORE of that thing. So I don’t want you to focus on changes solely, let’s focus on DOING MORE! There may be someone saying, “but I did this in 2018 and still not see the results.” I say, don’t give up, don’t cave in, and definitely don’t quit!! Here are some keys because we are just getting started and I believe your BEST is on the way!!!

1. Submit your heart, your trust, your will, and your hope to someone higher and more powerful than you!

In life, one must understand that your power is limited when you are depending on yourself. However, when you trust and believe in a POWER higher than yourself to take you through life, you become unlimited, limitless, immeasurable, and the boundaries and barriers are broken. For me, that power source is Jesus! Luke 1:37)

So I commit to praying MORE, spending MORE time with God, tithing MORE, and spending MORE time listening to Him.

SUBMIT, stay faithful….just press in MORE!! This had to be at the top of my list, or I can’t experience the fullness of The Almighty!

2. Don’t try to change everything at one time, this will prevent us from determining “which change” is producing the desired results. This is not a race, God has YOUR blessings saved up just for YOU!

3. Enjoy every incremental success and celebrate them all! These signs and wonders are essential to building our faith! Trust that the small successes will lead to greater and MORE abundant victories!

4. Times can and will get tough, just a reminder, you are on THE winning team, don’t quit!!!!! (2 Cor 2:14)

5. Remember that all work, all attempts, all efforts may not manifest immediate results, however you are SOWING into your VICTORY! There must be a season of sowing to enter the season of reaping! Do MORE!!!

6. Create a perpetual season of sowing & reaping! How? Don’t stop, don’t cave in, don’t quit! Be MORE consistent, Give MORE, Love MORE, serve MORE!!!

7. Anything that we value, we invest in!Start with God, your family, your friends, your community, and yourself…Start investing in LIFE MORE!

8. Water what you want to see grow! There is so much going on in our day-to -day, we raise children, we work, we volunteer, we counsel, we operate in the world and all that exist within it, including the good and the evil. We need each other during the good times and the challenging times. We need the family God gave us, and the friends who are like our family who God placed in our paths of life. Water your relationships, matter of fact, FLOOD them! Send thoughtful notes, give amazing hugs of encouragement, pray FOR one another and WITH one another, spend time together—even if it’s a 10 minute phone call, pour MORE water on what you want to see grow MORE!!

9. Focus MORE! Examine what your focus is, re-examine it, write it down, and then proceed.

10. Increase your ‘Blessing Capacity’ MORE!!!!

I understand many things when it comes to finances. I understand that God is MORE than enough and will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. (Phil 4:19). I understand that what I don’t have, and what I need, He always provides. (Matt 6:31-33) I understand and have experienced the miracles & wonders through financial blessings. Most importantly, we are blessed to be a blessing to others, and one way to do this is through financial blessings. It does not matter how much a person makes, it’s what they spend it on. I CHOOSE this year, like no other year, to let God take control of my finances and I will be on a spiritual budget that pays off my debt (Romans 13:8), and I will build an inheritance for my children’s children! (Proverbs 13:23). I will sow into Kingdom Building and the souls of man! I will give MORE!

These are just a few things to reflect upon. Some, all, or none may pertain to you, and it is my desire that something resonated with your heart. I pray that this year brings about many amazing changes in your life because you are taking the time to focus and DO MORE!

The world is waiting….

As the Thanksgiving Holiday is behind us and Christmas 2018 is just days away, I can’t help but be truly thankful for family, friends, health, my life, and my God.

Nevertheless, my GOAL is to keep this same spirit of thanksgiving in my heart every single day!! I find that the most random acts of kindness and cordial expressions are done during this season.

Doors opened, smiles, “Merry Christmas”, and “Happy Holidays” are expressed more and more. Why not all year long?

As my teenagers express, “keep the same energy….”, that saying is really true. Let’s keep that same energy of kindness, thanksgiving, and compassion ALL YEAR LONG! We are blessed every day in so many ways, so therefore every day is a day that warrants “Thanksgiving”!

For the first time in years I was “out and about” in the shopping frenzy. I walked into one store and walked out in less than five minutes when I realized where the line to check out started. I love online shopping, so I was very much out of my element. In the midst of my escape from the store, it dawned on me, that there are a lot of blessed people in that store. The crowds are an indication of financial means to make purchases right? That’s a blessing! The masses were buying gifts to bless others….that’s a blessing!! So what may have appeared to be overwhelming or startling to me was a blessing to many, many others. Once again, no complaints needed or required, right?

I happily drove to the same store across town where the lines were not as long, with a smile on my face and sales were just as were abundant!

Make a concerted effort to look for your blessings throughout the day, I guarantee that if the focus is shifted, your list of blessings will OVERWHELM YOU!!

Big or small, limited funds or excess funds, in good health or fighting the battles of life, I am thankful and prayerful daily. We all have so many things to be thankful for daily, so let’s keep that same energy….complaints not needed or required. Count it all Joy!! (James 1:2-3)

Let’s start counting…..

⁃

When I was growing up, my parents would always tell us that whatever profession we chose in life to be our very BEST at it.  This thought process has followed my siblings and I, as we all have strong work ethic.  What I have come to learn is that a person can have a strong work ethic, that does not mean that they will give their BEST.  They really are very different.  

I can go into work every day, on time, never call out sick, volunteer for overtime, make minimal errors, and go home.  That can be construed as good work ethic because I’m dependable, I’m trustworthy, and I am productive.

Conversely, I can rise every morning with thanksgiving in my heart, and purpose in my mind.  I can go in everyday..early to ensure I am not late.  I can perform my duties and help someone else with theirs.  I can make suggestions to change processes, and go above and beyond to assist my leadership in the execution of our team mission, and not just my own mission.  I can double check every word to avoid risks and errors.  I can tweak my signature block on my emails to be more polished.  I can read about my profession, the industry, commit to expanding my knowledge professionally and personally.

The difference between the two may seem very simple, however I would like to call it operating in EXCELLENCE!!

You see, God has called each and every one of us to operate in EXCELLENCE in everything we do.  We want others to give us their best, we want God to give us His best, so we should operate in Excellence no matter what the task.  

What I have found is if you operate in EXCELLENCE as your standard, as the mandated requirement, accepting nothing less, tasks will become easier, days will become more joyful, and life’s victories will be more abundant!  It will be what my Pastor used to call “sweatless” victories!  Without a doubt, if you sow EXCELLENCE, you will reap EXCELLENCE!!  It’s a biblical principle!!!

Some like to operate in excellence, but only in certain situations.  What I have found is when EXCELLENCE is in Operation, you will draw people of EXCELLENCE.  One can’t afford to be selective with our execution of EXCELLENCE..give it all the time!!

When EXCELLENCE is in Operation, you will be called upon for tasks that may be unfamiliar, however because EXCELLENCE is your standard, the trust extended for that task will propel you to succeed.  

EXCELLENCE will ELEVATE you and create INCREASE your life!!!  Trust me!! EXCELLENCE IS the STANDARD!! 

Commit to make EXCELLENCE the standard in your life, it will change the way life looks—it worked for me!!

The world is waiting….

As this Veteran’s Day comes to a close, I have been reflecting all day on some of the best friendships I have known in my life.  My “Military Family” is one that is so special, so unique, and organically a part of what it means to be a part of our great Armed Forces.

I don’t know how I would have survived over 20 years without God & my Military Family.

I say to people all of the time this true fact:

“You are with those you work with every day awake, longer that you are with your family every day.  These are precious & lifelong connections.”

We don’t have to talk every day, or every month, but the strong connection remains.  We know each other’s spouses, watch each other’s children come into the world, become their babysitters, their “Aunts” & “Uncles”, and follow them through adulthood.  We work long hours, we travel together, and we house-sit for each other.  We support the families that are holding it down until their military member returns home.  We become each other’s confidants, supporters, mentors, and genuine friends.  We fill in the gaps for each other to ensure the mission is fulfilled.  So many selfless and repeated acts of kindness have been overwhelmingly received, its simply amazing!!!

For me, the friendships have transcended new assignments, various moves, and retirement.  They are solid connections that I truly cherish.

To all my friends throughout the years, THANK YOU for your mentoring, your support, your encouragement, your chastisement, your correction, your confidence, and your love.  I appreciate each and every one of you and I am so glad to call you my Military Family.  Thank you for your servant leadership and for your examples of true FRIENDSHIP.  I am richly blessed & love each of you.  Lastly, thank you for your service!! 

Happy Veteran’s Day!!!!