The Thief's Goal

“The thief comes not but to steal, kill, and destroy, but I came that ye might have life and that more abundantly.”  John 10:10 KJV

Have you ever heard of anyone breaking in or robbing an outhouse?  Probably not!  The reason is not that it doesn't have a purpose; it just doesn't have much value that one can take away.  A thief only goes after what he feels is valuable.  Well, unlike an outhouse, you not only have purpose, you possess a unique value that only you were created to serve and fulfill.  

As is stated, a thief comes not but to steal, kill, and destroy what is valuable.  Are you aware of your value?  Did you know he desires to:

Steal your Dreams, Kill your Hopes, and Destroy your faith? There are three key tactics the thief uses in an attempt to break-in.

Let's look closer.

Steal your dreams

Two of the tactics the thief uses comes in play here to steal our dreams: Distractions and Dissapointments.  Have you ever had a dream only to see its fulfillment blocked by one occurrence after the other?  Those occurrences are merely distractions used to knock you off course from the road called destiny.  They also can engender disappointments that can easily lead you to give up thinking it will ever come to past.  Take heart that those things may delay your arrival, but they can never deny it unless you surrender those dreams.

Kill your hopes

Well just when you thought you've endured the first two tactics, here comes his “coup de grâce” or death blow.  He then brings Doubt to try to finish you off by killing your hopes.  Doubt is the main ingredient to so many unfulfilled hopes.  After years of disappointments, numerous failures, or perceived limitations he whispers in your ear and tells you that you’re done – give up – you weren't meant to win.  He places that doubt for you to then start believing the LIE.

Destroy your faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped for... Hebrews 11:1a. It’s the basis of hope.  If the enemy can destroy your Faith, he doesn't have to worry about stealing your dreams and killing your hopes, they automatically come with the destruction of your faith. Not only that, the enemy knows that it will rob God of the one thing that pleases Him - Your faith (without faith it's impossible to please God… Hebrews 11:6a) Faith is the foundation of hope and the enemy of fear.

Fortunately for us, Jesus gives us the antidote, escape route, and alarm system that wards of the thief's success in our lives in the very same verse. "I came that you may have life and it (referring back to life) more abundantly (John 10:10b)

Jesus is our alarm system. He provides us the fuel we need (the Holy Spirit) to believe in our dreams, hold on to our hopes, and keep the Faith in Him knowing that He will give us direction and guidance in achieving the "abundant life" where no thief can destroy it as we continue to surrender our life to His directions. 

However, like any effective alarm system, it only works for you if you accept it and activate it in your life.  The next good thing is that the price for protection has already been paid. All you have to do is receive it.  If you have not accepted Jesus Christ in your life, why not do it today to begin protecting your dreams, hope, and faith?  You can then start living life with renewed purpose.  

To accept Jesus today say this simple, but life changing prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I ask You to come into my life and forgive me of all my sins. I confess my sins before You this day. I renounce the past. I receive my forgiveness. Come into my heart. Lord Jesus, I confess you as the Lord of my life. I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that You rose from the dead. I am saved. Thank You for saving me.  Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to help me to do Your will for the rest of my life, in Jesus' name. Amen"

You are now protected. Remember this is not a feeling, but faith; not a religion, but a relationship. You're now a citizen of heaven.  You'll never be a day without God, His protection, and His guidance anymore because you prayed that prayer.  

Go forth today and reclaim your dreams, restore your hope, and live out your faith.

Aim High…

© 2013 Aldean Pearson

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Perspective Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

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Casualties of Progress

Very few people that come across my path can tell by looking at and speaking with me that I was originally born in Jamaica, West Indies.  When people say that I don’t have an accent, my usual retort is that, “I was Jamaican when Jamaican wasn't cool!”  When I first arrived in the United States (US) in the mid-seventies, my accent was very strong and was often ridiculed; therefore, I had to learn how to imitate the American accent quickly so as to not stand out as a “foreigner”.  Well…“What does that have to do with casualties of progress?” you may be thinking.  Let me explain.

I was born in November of 1966 in Jamaica to parents that did not have a sprawling estate, a car to drive, or even an apartment or house of their own.  After a year of birth my Mom desired a better life for us.  Therefore, she was able to secure a visa to gain entry into the United States in hopes of one day bringing the entire family there.  Unfortunately, it took four additional years for that to be accomplished. 

What did that mean?

This meant that I did not have my Mom around me for four of my critical years of development.  Little did I know the impact that would have on me as an adult.  I also found out that my Dad would leave six months at time to do what they called “farm work” in the US; thereby relegating us (me along with my brother and sister) to be passed around to various relatives for upbringing.  Wow!  Now just imagine what a young child is experiencing not having his mother around for four years and not seeing his dad but periodically.  Although I’m sure some of you that are reading this may have experienced even worse situations, there is a point to my story.

My Mom and Dad desired better for us as their children than they had or could financially provide.  They wanted us to be in an environment where we could learn, apply, and grow beyond anything that they had seen thus far in their lifetime.  It was because of those desires that the tough decision to leave us was made.  However, that decision to position us for progress produced certain casualties in the lives of their children.

The nature of war indicates that there will be certain causalities–those killed, injured or displaced by war. The same can be said of progress–there will be casualties.  In order for something to live, oftentimes something has to die whether physically or spiritually.  A seed must first die in order for that tree to emerge and live.

I had to understand that although my feelings of abandonment and rejection were valid, they were part of the casualty in the journey of progress that my parents had to take in order for me to have the access I have today.  I had to admit, confront, and deal with those feelings of abandonment and rejection along with their lingering impact on my life.  I also began to understand and appreciate the lessons learned along the journey of progress.  Had my Mom decided to stay in Jamaica, many of the opportunities and experiences that I now share with my children would be quite different. 

Would I have loved to have both parents active in all of my years of life?  Absolutely!  However, because my Mother took that risk (not that she wanted to, but in her mind–had to) over forty-something years ago, today she and my Dad are able to see their children live productive lives at a level far above their ceiling.  That Jamaican boy with the funny accent in the mid-seventies is now an American citizen, Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and Growth Coach with children of his own.

What tough decisions are you making that will position you or your family for greatness?

What casualties have you endured so that you or your posterity can be positioned for progress?

Progress is not free.  The question is, “What price are you willing to pay?”

Aim High…

© 2012 Aldean Pearson

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Perspective Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

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A Champion Mindset

Champions don’t wait for an Opportunity to Prepare;

They Prepare for an Opportunity.

Today, start preparing for what you desire.  

                                                                                  Alism

Have you ever desired something really bad and wondered why it’s taking so long to manifest?  Have you ever wondered why some people are so successful, while others struggle to live an average life?  If so, I am so excited for you!  If you are coachable, this article promises to offer you a few strategic tools that will position you for guaranteed success the next time a door of opportunity shines a beacon of light on you.  Let’s begin.

      The first question I must ask is…Are you a champion?  These strategic tools are for individuals who choose to never compete; however, who are accustomed to winning.  This means…champions remain anchored in the knowledge that winning is being the full expression of their authentic self and they act on that knowledge every single day.  They understand that no one can beat them at being them; and that settling for anything less is reserved for those willing to dance with mediocrity.  Let’s continue.

      The next question I must ask is…Do you clearly envision your vision?  Champions are goal setters.  Most often a champion’s initial plans are tweaked based on the process and progress of their journey in achieving their goal.  However, these potential times of recalibration don’t intimidate a champion.  Through experience, champions know that the view is only scenery on the way to their destiny.  Therefore, they never allow the view to distort their vision because they know it’s only temporary.  Are you still with me?  Let’s finish.

      The last question I must ask is…Are you focused, disciplined, and consistent?  Since the only thing that is certain about life is its uncertainty, champions do not allow the winds of change to keep them from reaching their goals.  Champions have trained themselves to remain focused on their goals.  Therefore, they are disciplined to keep “the main thing, the main thing” avoiding the traps of distraction.   Lastly, staying consistent to their standards and values in the midst of change simply offers champions another opportunity to operate more effectively and efficiently.  Being focused, disciplined, consistent, and knowing when to be flexible, provides the propulsion power necessary to maneuver them through the morass that change often brings.

      Therefore, please know champions don’t sit idly by, “resting on their laurels”, and waiting for an opportunity to arrive.  Champions ready themselves and their presentation each and every day whether an opportunity is scheduled or not.  Champions position themselves through a continual effort to achieve as they wait – to actively anticipate while they proactively prepare.  This then becomes the magnate that attracts opportunity to knock at their door and positions them to gain access and experience true success as a runner in the blocks awaiting the sound of a starter gun. 

      Opportunities are around us every day.  It is in our willingness to prepare, discern, and position our gifts, talents, and abilities that our true Champion can be exposed.  You now possess a few of the strategic tools of a Champion.  The question is... Are you ready?

Aim High…

© 2012 Aldean Pearson

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Perspective Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

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Speak for a Change

Words are the least effective part of communication,

But the most powerful part of creation.

Speak Life; Create Life; and Live Life.

                                                      Alism

For as long as I can remember, I have loved words.  To the point that during my teenage years, my older sister and I frequently participated in “word competitions” by saying, spelling, and defining words that the other individual didn’t know.  It became a game we took great joy in playing often.  Interestingly, Our Creator knew the Purpose for which both of us were fashioned; and therefore, even the “word competitions” have served a higher purpose. 

        Unfortunately during my early seasons of immaturity, I began to realize my “gift of gab” could get me out of and into all kinds of situations, most of which were self-serving at the time.  There were times that the words I spoke created an environment that seemed like hell.  However, as my love affair with words became the passion behind my purpose, the power of my Gift and the increased level of spiritual maturity called me into accountability–to pay careful attention to my word choices, sentence structures, and the images I was painting with the words I spoke.  Since this is a proven principle that promises a reward–bad or good–I became actively aware of just how powerful words are in creating the life I and others experienced.  

        Therefore, as my ears became more sensitive to the importance of the words I spoke and as I started reframing the life I desired to live, it became more and more apparent to me just how unknowledgeable others are to the creative power their own words contain.  Although they may desire to experience something different, their self-fulfilled prophecies continue to be commercials of upcoming attractions–more of the same damned stuff, i.e., defeat, destruction, debt, destitution, and the like.  Additionally, as a Coach and Trainer, one of the most deplorable things for me are the times when I attempt to encourage an individual to speak for a change, but they choose to remain verbally challenged to say anything different.  Consequently, they will not see (experience) anything different.            

        Therefore, if you are one of the ones that have been eating the distasteful fruit of your own verbal expressions, I encourage you to begin speaking for a change.  Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not telling you to ignore the visible.  However, it is important to stop bringing attention to those things you desire to change.  I can attest that although the full expression of my words has yet to be achieved, the journey and process of creating it and therefore living through that process has become much more bearable. In conclusion, if what’s visible is not what you desire to continue experiencing, envision a different picture.  Once you envision the change you desire, Speak it; to Create it; and then Live it!  Remember, words are containers.  Fill your container with life and eventually, with commitment and diligence, you will see and live (experience) the change your words created!

Aim High…

© 2012 Aldean Pearson

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Growth Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

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Pass the Brick

"Accomplishments are the Bricks that are Placed
on the Framework of Potential."

Alism

Do you remember in grade school that student or person who seemed to have all the potential we wished we had ourselves?  They seemed to have everything going for them…talent, brains, and beauty.  They were “A Millionaire in the Making” – if you will. 

Yet years later, we then see them in a totally different space.  There seems to be a disproportionate difference between what we thought they would do and what they actually accomplished.  We then tend to think to ourselves, “Man, they had so much potential.”  Unfortunately, there was some disconnection between their inherent ability and their actual achieved output. 

By now you are probably thinking of a few people you know who have fallen into this category.  However, let’s first take a look in the mirror instead of staring out of the window.  As you reflect on your life, how do you answer the question, “Are you maximizing your potential?”  

Do you know we already possess the potential it takes for us to “make it happen”?  Yet there are many for whom life seems plagued by the spirit of redundancy.  Far too many become stuck with just the framework of potential, hoping the bricks of accomplishment will somehow appear.  I am here to let you know that yes, YOU were born with potential and value already inside of you; however, now it’s time for you to tap into that God-given resource to produce the maximum YOU every day.  You can move from potential to visualization and ultimately actualization strictly by taking the daily bricks of accomplishment and placing them on the framework of potential.

How often do we hear “Someday”?  Well, when will “Someday” actually become “Today”?  My friend it takes just one step.  Are you ready?  Make a decision to start.  That’s it!  Choose to start.  “Start what?” you ask.  Start writing that book – Author.  Start singing, writing, or playing your songs – Musician.  Start acting – Actor or Actress.  Start living out the potential of your dreams.  Start where you are and with what you have because what you have is enough for the moment. When you do, you’ll find that creativity exists in the strangest surroundings.

Building a house does not happen overnight and neither does success.  They are both a process.  It is through the consistent application of bricks that the house is built. However, you’ve got to start somewhere and at some time with the first brick.  The Frame of your success is awaiting the next brick of accomplishment to aid in its fruition.  Why not grab one today?    

Aim High…

© 2012 Aldean Pearson

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Perspective Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

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A Change in Perspective

"Never let your View distort your Vision...

It is only scenery on the road called Destiny."

Alism

            The brain is the most powerful organ in the human body.  Its ability to coordinate, manage, and direct the functioning of the entire human body, still amazes today’s scientists and researchers alike.  Our minds are so powerful that whatever we choose to focus and place our attention on can turn from mere possibility to actuality. 

Too often we have viewed our destiny as a final destination rather than viewing it as our life’s journey.  And like any journey, we have the privilege of experiencing the scenery along the way.  There are trees, yellow dashes, cars, trucks, speed regulations, waterways, exit signs, mile markers, bridges, clouds, birds…by now I’m sure you get the picture.  During our travels, some of us have encountered unexpected accidents, roadblocks, and detours that may have delayed our journey.

            It is so important for us to remember during our life’s journey, the view oftentimes appear contrary to our vision.  However, the choice is ours as to whether we will focus on the view or our vision.  Will we allow the current circumstances to distort or misrepresent the vision we have visualized?  Will we compromise and bow to the view surrendering all possibility of ever reaching our place of purpose?  Hopefully, NOT!

            Remember, if what we see is not what we saw, then what we see is temporary.  Therefore, let’s just take in the scenery that will soon pass from view as we journey closer to what we’ve envisioned.  I encourage those that are weary to strengthen your legs as you travel until you’ve reached your resting place.  The fruition of your vision will be worth the trip.  

Aim High…

© 2012 Aldean Pearson

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aldean “Al” Pearson is a Professional Speaker, Trainer, and Growth Coach.  He is the Co-Founder of the LĪVE! movement, a speaking, training and coaching organization committed to developing extraordinary people, families, and businesses. His “up-front and candid,” yet at times humorous approach empowers his clients and audiences to look past their limitations to find the hidden gems of capability within. He is married with twin boy and girl. 
Contact: AlPearson1@gmail.com

Become Inspired! 
Join our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/AldeanPearson
Follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/AldeanPearson
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