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“What I Believe”

November 17, 2011 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

"What I Believe" - Tim Hawkins

Every now and then you come across a song that perfectly outlines how you feel about your Faith. Though Tim Hawkins is usually known for his humor, this has to be one, if not the, of his best performances. Watch the video below and follow along with the lyrics, also included below the video!

You’re awesome!

In Christ,

Ron

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What I Believe lyrics

I’m not the same
Was ready for a change
Everyday..
My life was wasting away
I was in a place
Where my future looked so cold
I needed the light
And I felt so all alone

I’m a Christian
Narrow road I ride
And Jesus
Gave me new life
I’m a Christian
A Bible by my side
Jesus
Gave me new life

I once was lost
Now I have been saved
I’ve seen His grace
I’ll always be amazed
So call on Jesus name
And He’ll change the way you think
Go to the liven well
And take a drink

I’m a Christian
Narrow road I ride
And Jesus
Gave me new life
I’m a Christian
A Bible by my side
And Jesus
Gave me new life

(spoken)
~He walked the streets
The cross upon His back
And He took my shame
Stood up to the attack~

He rose from the dead
Now He’s standing tall
He faced a million demons
And He rocked em all

I’m a Christian
Narrow road I ride
And Jesus
Gave me new life
I’m a Christian
And Heaven I reside
Cause Jesus
Only Jesus
Gave me new life

And this little Light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine let shine let it shine

Filed Under: Featured, Personal Growth, Spiritual Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Inside The Word Can’t Is The Word Can!

November 9, 2011 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

Inside The Word Can't Is The Word Can!

Inside The Word Can't Is The Word Can!

The most powerful, yet under used, tool that each of us has been given lies between our ears. The mind is such a terrible thing to waste, yet most of us do! Why?

Unbelief

At the gym my daughter and I were working out. She is very strong for a young lady her age, however, she limits her results based on how she thinks about what she is doing. “Keep going, you can easily do 5 more,” I say. “No, I CAN’T,” she says as she lets go of the weights and gives up.

The fact is she certainly could have done more, however, in her mind she didn’t believe she could. By giving into her unbelief, she prevented herself from giving it her best.

The Power Of Thoughts

How you think does make a difference. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.” Limited thinking and negative thinking is all that separates you from your potential. For years we have always been told to “Dream Big,” as I am sure many of you reading this have also been told. However, what good is dreaming big if you don’t believe your dreams are possible?

Yesterday while working out on the elliptical I was speaking with another gentleman who is undergoing physical therapy for a broken leg. I mentioned to him that he should set a goal to go 1 step more today than he did yesterday. By just going 1 step more than you did the day before you are sending a signal to your subconscious mind that says, “I am improving. I will walk again, I will win!” Each time you take one more step you are programming yourself for success!

Though this may seem like a small step, it is actually quite larger than it may appear. By convincing yourself that you will achieve your desired goal and getting closer each time you make the attempt, you start to believe the desired outcome is possible. Once you believe it is possible, nothing can stop you from achieving it!

Positive Self Talk

For most of us we have been programmed with negative self talk. Every time we fall short of a goal we re-inforce the belief that we are not good enough, or that we are not worthy of our goals and dreams. By constantly beating ourselves up we create a victim hood mentality thus using our own’ “Whoa is me,” to justify our shortcomings.

What we say to ourself is a very big deal. We need to be our best cheerleader. No matter what the challenge is we are facing, or the new levels of success we are achieving, you always need to believe in yourself. There will always be critics, but who cares. Living a life of untapped potential is not worth living. When God gives you an idea, or a vision, run with it. Surround yourself with a support team to keep you on track, and always believe in yourself.

This is one of the methods I use when working out. There are 8 minutes to go until you finish your workout. Your arms and legs are burning, it feels like there is no way you are going to finish. It is at that moment I start saying to myself repeatedly, “I am a winner! I am going to finish this. I can do this…” 8 minutes, 6 minutes, 4 minutes to go. Then on the last minute, not only do I finish, but finish strong every time! So should you!

Create An Affirmation Board

In my family we have positive affirmations in every room. On our white board in the bedroom I remind myself daily about our goals. My wife and I have pictures which represent dreams that we are going to achieve. I am surrounded with books that anchor in my positive thinking and keep me on track. Why you ask?

Because it is too easy to slip into negative thinking. Unfortunately, in the culture we live in today, we are constantly bombarded with negative messages. It is so much easier to, “accept the cards we have been dealt,” than it is to act on faith and believe you can live a life with purpose. While everyone else says it can’t be done, you are pushing against the herd saying it can, and shall be done! Continually visualizing your goals and dreams will keep you on track!

Protect Your Thinking

When you encounter negative thinking, RUN, run as fast as you can to get away from it. Do not allow anyone, or anything, to infect your thinking. Here are some excellent scriptures & quotes to keep you on track!

“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” – Proverbs 23:7

“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” – Matthew 21:22

“Self-worth comes from one thing – thinking that you are worthy.” – Wayne Dyer

“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.” – Zig Ziglar

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius

“Life is like a camera, what you focus on will develop.” – Unknown

“All that we are is the result of all we have thought.” – Buddha

Your thoughts create your reality.

In Him,
Ron

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Warning: Agents On Duty!

November 23, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 1 Comment

Warning Agents on Duty

Warning: Agents On Duty!

You woke up this morning after having what seemed to be a ridiculously, unimaginable dream. It felt so real, everything from the conversations you had, the people you met and the air you were breathing. In this dream you started to question if your reality was really real. Were the people in your life really on your side? Do you have many friends, or simply associates? Have the things you have been told while growing into the person you have become all spawned from Truth or Fiction? All of a sudden you begin to question everything…

Do you remember the movie, “The Matrix?”  I have seen this movie 50 times or more. It is not the movie that I am astounded by, but the message.

Was it really just a dream?

“Like everyone else, you were born into bondage, born into a prison that you cannot smell or taste or touch. A prison for your mind. Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself. This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I’m offering is the truth. Nothing more.” -Morpheus (The Matrix)

A prison for your mind. Have you ever thought for a moment how powerful, and easily influenced, our minds really are? Anyone who has young children can easily see how this is so. Raise your child up without seeing any kind of violence, and they will be non-violent. However, let them see just one cartoon where the character(s) in the movie are pretending to shoot one another and all of a sudden everything your once peaceful child handles becomes a fake gun.

What happened?

Simple really, they fed their mind images of shooting guns and therefore accepted it as real and a fun thing to do. Without realizing, mainly because they are too young to understand, they think shooting everything and everyone is just fun. Their behavior has been manipulated by what they fed their mind. A false interpretation of the Truth? Guns are definitely not toys and there is nothing fun about shooting everything and everyone…

It is for this reason that the Matrix is such a powerful movie, one that I will continue to talk about the rest of my life. You will be challenged to think about your life and all the people/events that have been a part of it. Have you been learning Truths, or false interpretations of what you thought was the Truth?

Morpheus offers Neo the Truth! Like everything else, he also offers Neo a choice. “You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

Which choice would you choose?

Remember that dream I mentioned you waking up from earlier? What if it wasn’t a dream? What if it really was real? What if you learned that everything you have been taught was a lie? What if your friends and family are actively playing a role in keeping you down, somehow preventing you from fulfilling your purpose? What if….? Would you be able to handle the Truth?

Here is what happens, almost every time, guaranteed! You hear information that makes sense, however, though so profound no one ever told you about it before. You start to question things in your life and for the first time you begin to feel a greater calling. Immediately you have a change in the way you think, and the things you used to think about are no longer of interest. With this new paradigm shift, you change. Not only do you notice the change, but so do those who you spend your time with.

Warning: Agents On Duty!

When the Matrix suspects that someone is starting to learn new truths and begins changing the way they think about their life immediately they send in an agent. What the heck is an agent? In the Matrix an agent’s role is to eliminate any leaks in the system. Any threat that can potentially shed light on the Truth must be taken out. Anyone plugged into the Matrix can instantly become a host for these agents. In real life this means your friends, family members, co-workers, and anyone else you encounter can potentially become agents once you decide to seek more of the Truth.

Not everyone wants to leave the Matrix

Because the “Truth Shall Set You Free,” many people won’t leave the Matrix. I know, doesn’t make sense, right? It is true. Once you start to learn Truths in your life, and begin to share those Truths with others, watch how quickly people change. A friend will quickly become a distant acquaintance and possibly your worse enemy. Your parents will begin telling everyone you have lost your mind and literally warn people not to listen to what you have to say. Co-workers will begin to spread rumors about you and an uncomfortable work environment will become more and more real. People you don’t even know will somehow start to appear in your life and say things randomly to you with such accuracy that you begin to question what is going on. Oh yes, “the agents,” are on duty. As they are in the Matrix, they are in real life also.

If you have never experienced an agent in your life, you have not yet unplugged from the Matrix. However, if you have, or still have, agents in your life, stay the course. Continue to learn new Truths, continue to change your thinking, and continue to share the new information you have learned with others. Sooner or later you will find another brave soul, like yourself, who decides to take the red pill. Every time you do the Truth becomes even more clear, the agents become even more obvious, and your Purpose becomes more real.

Can you handle the Truth?

Blessings,
Ron

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Lifehouse – Everything Skit!

August 31, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 4 Comments

Today’s Quote of the Day was talking about the importance of perseverance. It is true with any area of your life, that in order to have any major breakthrough, you are going to have to consistently make an effort and persevere for as long as it takes to experience the desired result.

In our Spiritual Walk we are constantly faced with sinful temptations from the World we live in. It is so easy to give in to those temptations. I wanted to post a video that has made a huge impact in my day to day walk with the Lord. Every time I am feeling beat up by the World, I resort to this video and it always gets me back on track.

Remember our quote of the day says, “Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson

Continue to walk by faith and not by sight. Keep your eyes on the goal and persevere through all of life’s temptations! I hope you enjoy this video, as it has blessed us, and I am sure it will do the same for you.

Be sure and watch the entire video!

God bless!

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Are You Living Up To That Great Calling?

August 26, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

“You have been given a moment in time and a portion of the power of the Almighty to influence, create, and produce something that could benefit the world around you. Are you living up to that great calling?” – Colonel Jeff O’Leary

Take a moment and reflect on what Mr. O’Leary said. Do you believe it is true? Have we all been created for a purpose? Ever since I was a young adult, around about the age of 13, there was a knowing that something great was going to be achieved during  my lifetime. Though I could never place my finger on what it was, I just sensed it was to be so.

“Seek to fulfill your calling, the thing that sparks your spirit, and pursue that passion with all the strength you’ve been given. When you turn back on your days, you will understand the difference between a mundane life spent pursuing money, fame, and power or a magnificent life that served far greater ends.”

What is your calling in life? What is it that sparks your spirit? There is something about being a positive influence, sharing motivating books, and typing inspiring articles that moves my soul. The emails and comments I receive from people letting me know the timing and impact that one of our writings has had in their life is more rewarding than money.

“Money is a poor measure of success. Just take a quick look at some of the greatest artists, scientists, and creative talents in world history and you’ll know this is true – no matter what the culture around you says.”

My dad told me a long time ago to work doing something that I enjoy. He said if you truly enjoy what you do, it isn’t work. Well, there was some wisdom in his words, though I interpret today what he said as this: “Son, what are you passionate about? Whatever that is, pursue it with all your heart, in doing so you will ultimately fulfill your calling in life, and you will enjoy every phase of the journey!”

“Work is the potential to leave behind something greater than ourselves.”

No matter what you do with your life, you will be required to work. Work is not up for debate, however, whether you really love what you are doing, that is a different story. Too many people settle, and accept life as it is. Many will complain about their job, their boss, their colleagues, and so on. These are simply symptoms, or you can call them signs, that you are not going down the right path. Learn to make the best of your current situation, however, also seek to discover your purpose. You are where you are for a reason. Grow from your current circumstances, learn from the people around you, but never stop seeking your calling in life.

President Teddy Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deed could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end and the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.”

The greatest leaders were also great risk takers. Stop for a moment and decide if you are willing to become that kind of leader.

We were all created for a purpose!
Ron

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Has It All Been Merely Coincidence?

August 24, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 5 Comments

Today as I have spent most my morning reading scripture, praying, and seeking Gods wisdom and guidance, a thought came to me in regards to the Bible. Whether you claim to be Christian, or not, I raise a question for you, “Has it all been merely by coincidence?” As you read the Bible and meditate on the Word of God, it is impossible not to find answers to your questions.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8 (KJV)

Inspiration which helps guide you to a better understanding, and life lessons that influence your actions and behaviors which cultivate the person you become. Is it simply “ironic” that the scriptures can speak directly to you and impact your life in such a way that none other book can replicate? Do you believe it is simply by chance that listening to a sermon at church delvers the same message you were thinking of, or speaking about, prior to service?

I have read many books, and mentored with people who are not of the Christian Faith. My wife and I have heard stories and learned from people who claim the Bible is simply “mans interpretation” of the Word of God. We have lived life without Christ, and with. Looking back on our Spiritual journey one thing is clear, there are way too many incidents in life that were out of our control, and our understanding, which were obviously orchestrated by that of a higher being.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)

Of course, the non-believers will call these events coincidences, however, I do not believe in coincidences. I believe these were God winks. Moments of time where we realized our dependency on God and were open to see Him at work in our lives. In a previous article entitled, Connecting the Dots, I illustrated how you can trace your life backwards from where you are now and see how you got there. You will be amazed at how one little event led to another which led to another, all by a simple thread of fate, some would say luck, in order to get you where you are. The person you have become, the life you have lived, the people you have met, the relationships you have developed, the journey you have taken. Amazing!

There is no need to try and push my Faith on anyone, as that is not the purpose of this article, however, I challenge each of you to read, study, meditate, and act upon the knowledge and wisdom which is contained throughout the pages of the Bible. When you consider how much effort is put into stopping the messages contained on the pages of the Bible from being circulated, one can only question why? Why does the Bible present such a threat in today’s World?

Could it be that one book, actually 66 books in 1, presents the answers to life? Or is it just a coincidence?

We live in a negative World, where evil is seen as good, and good as evil. You can see it in our Youth, Adults, and Leadership. It is in our schools, our workplace, our government, and sadly even our churches. However, should you read the Bible, what you see today is what the Bible warns will happen. Another coincidence?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Only until you are able to remove your filters and truly see, hear, and experience Gods word will you ever know the Truth. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32 (KJV)

How about it? Coincidence? Or, God Wink?

In Him,
Ron

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Connecting the Dots…

July 17, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 2 Comments

Many times my wife and I find ourselves talking about certain circumstances, or events, that took place in our lives. It is fascinating when you look at how coincidental certain situations were and how one little thing led to another, which led to another, and so on. As we looked back over the past 12 years of our lives, since being married, we were able to connect the dots with amazement.

Can you remember a time in your life when you met someone out of the blue. That meeting then led to a dinner engagement where they introduced you to their friends Chris and Susan. Chris happened to be in business for himself in your field of expertise. Without knowing it, he was currently looking to hire someone, with your credentials, and you happen to be in between jobs yourself. How coincidental, eh? Of course, this is just a short story to serve simply as an example, but I think you get the point.

Just looking back at the start of our marriage, amazing. You might chuckle to find out that when Melisa and I were married, in our little 2 bedroom apartment in Newport News, I was a pizza delivery driver. Hah hah, I know, go ahead and laugh. I had mentioned that I wanted to learn a trade, but didn’t know what, to the maintenance man at our apartment complex. He said he knew a guy hiring carpet helpers and gave me his number. That started my carpet installation career.

While I was on the job training, my boss hired another young guy, mind you I was 18 at the time, who was a year older than me. However, he was already good at installing carpet, whereas I was still a “green horn.” Anyhow, as it would turn out, 6 months later, I quit working for this company, and started my own carpet installation business, partnering with this other younger installer. That is how First Class Installations came to be. So, what if I wouldn’t have lived in those apartments. What would have happened if, we will call him Rick though that isn’t his real name, didn’t get hired while I was learning how to install carpet? Truth be told, it was his idea for us to quit and start our own business! Would things have turned out differently?

As irony, if you believe in irony, would have it, while I was in business for myself now, the same maintenance guy hooked me up with a contract in our apartment complex. I was now installing carpet in all their units, which used to be installed by my former boss. You know, my former boss whom my maintenance guy hooked me up with 10 months before that. Heh heh…. From there we met another gentleman named Marcus, who really liked us because we were young and ambitious. It was him that nailed a contract for us with a company called Contractor’s Carpet. While we were installing there, for about a year or so, there was another gentleman who worked in the field named Phil. Phil insisted I talk to a gentleman named Woodrow at Lowe’s. He set the appointment up for me and said I could do much better there, than I was currently. Long story short, Woodrow quickly had me approved to install for Lowe’s and the rest is History!!

So again I raise the question? What if I never would have met Marcus? Then, while installing for Marcus, met Phil, who in turn led me to Woodrow? How would life have been different? Perhaps even more greater than that is how we met Sean, whom we partnered with in 2005 leaving behind our carpet company and our hometown. It was a fluke, we met online in a networking business. Through that initial contact that we made, a relationship had begun developing, which eventually led to a whole new life for me and my family.

That is just a quick overview, to illustrate what I mean when talking about connecting the dots! If you look back over your life it is amazing at how one little event led to something else which led to that one thing happening which made the next thing possible where you met that one guy who told you about that one deal and that one deal led to another deal with this one guy who knew this other guy and on and on and on…….

Life is amazing! Perhaps one day I will have to write a book, however, write it backwards. Like when I am 50, write a book going backwards illustrating all the decisions and circumstances that took place in order to arrive where I currently am. You don’t always know which direction you are headed in, or how you are going to make it through the next few years, or who you are going to meet in the next day, week, or month, until that time has come to pass. However, once you have lived it, experienced it, and tasted it, you can look back, trace your steps, and wow yourself in amazement at how you got here!

Did that make sense? :-)

The best part of our life experience is just that. It is an experience! One that we are continually working on, to enjoy more and more everyday! Even when facing a challenge, looking back over your past life experiences, you can see how every time they came, and went. Though some might seem harder that others, in reality, they always come to pass.

If looking back over my life has taught me anything, it would be this. Life is easy, hard, fun, scary, exciting, adventurous, loud, quiet, annoying, fulfilling, heart breaking, unpredictable, incredible, sorrowful, happy………. You get the point! Life is an experience. It might not be fun all the time, however, we are blessed to have experienced it!

Try and connect the dots in your life. Living life to it’s fullest, one experience at a time.
Peace,
Ron

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Keep Going…

July 10, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

Keep Going

Challenges, Struggles, Stress, Financial Worries, Relationship Troubles, It’s One Thing After Another….. Any of these sound familiar? One of my mentors once said, “If you are going through Hell, KEEP GOING….” Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation …” (John 16:33).

So, how about it? Do you believe that growth happens during those times of our greatest struggles and hardships? Have you ever heard of the expression, “Lesson continued until lesson learned?” Or, “That which does not kill us, strengthens us?” Or, “God only gives us what we can handle?”

In truth, life is definitely not easy!!!

However, if we analyze these statements, can we find peace during times of hardships? In essence if we are struggling, regardless as to the circumstance, is there a lesson that we are supposed to learn from the experience? Looking back on our life it is evident there is truth to this. We never appreciated an abundance of money, until we experienced the lack of it. We didn’t appreciate family living close, until we moved 800 miles away and had no family nearby. Just to name a couple…. Early in our learning about Prosperity we heard our mentor say, “In order to truly experience and appreciate prosperity, you must also experience poverty.”

Another saying which I remember hearing many times growing up was, “You don’t appreciate what you have until it is gone.” Or, “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” Again, to experience both sides of any situation seems to offer a better sense of understanding. Indeed a lesson learned…

Life is definitely a learning experience. Over the years we have learned that no matter the situation you are facing, stay strong, expect the unexpected, and most of all, have Faith, that you will overcome it. Embrace each experience as a life lesson and learn to enjoy the ride.

Everyone will experience peaks and valleys! Time does not slow down for anyone. Stay strong and keep going…..

In Christ,
Ron

“Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

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