Ryan W. Carlson | Blog
Three things we are most likely to be powerless over:
- Addictions:
- Ingestive—can be anything from food to heroin, including alcohol. The inability to control these substances is due to changes in our physiology. The truth is our brains and bodies have become dependent on these items.
- Behavioral—ways of acting out allowing us to escape the emotional or relational issues we encounter. Gambling, work and sexual pleasures are a few of the ways we escape. Even these lead to physiological changes in the brain which is at the core of dependency.
- Self-absorption. I mentioned in last week’s blog (Freewill – Is it really free?). Admitting your powerlessness over your ego is expressed in two possible ways:Others—the last category. The thought of changing someone else so I will be happy is insane. This way of thinking places us in a constant state of reaction to the behavior of others.
- Self-assurance (inflated ego)—generally causes us to be unapproachable. A great way to keep people from getting too close because of our fear of being hurt again.
- Self-condemnation (deflated ego), violating our own values to feel accepted and approved by others is a sad end.
Have you tried to stop using your substance or behavior of choice? Have you found it difficult to maintain intimate relationships due to your egotistical behaviors? Is your happiness dependent on the behavior of others? Identify your life-controlling struggle and put it in the blank above. See how it feels to admit something that you already know but have denied possibly for years.
It may sound like an oxymoron, but surrender leads to freedom.
Life is too hard to do alone, let’s do it together.
Pastor Dan
(Source: erecoverychurch.com)
In the United States of America lies a large industrial city, which is the site of one of the largest slave labor camps. Located in and around the city are community settlements, where the slaves live. Each morning the slaves, move heard like from their quarters into the slave camps, each one is at his or her station by 7:30 a.m. Here they report to their master for the days duty and here they remained chain until 5:00 p.m, when they are released to go home.
The slaves have no choice as to how many hours they must labor, sometimes they are required to work overtime until their master tells them that they may leave and go home. Each year the slaves are told when to take their vacation and when they must return.
They have little choice as to how much money they earn and they are paid not what they are worth but what the job is worth. They are allowed very little time for lunch and coffee breaks during the labor hours. The slaves will remain in their chains in great fear because the master can punish them with the firing or layoff whip.
It is said that even some of the older slaves who have been good and faithful have felt the sting of the whip. Day by day, year by year the slaves age and grow older, until it is time for the master to release them to their retirement camps where they are forced to sit idle and wait for death. It’s a well known fact that the old slaves who try to keep working are sometimes whipped, with a stop their pension whip. I know these slave camps exist, for I was once a slave.
For now, I am a free man who lives amongst these slaves. The reason I am free is because I am in business for myself and I made a decision to apply the principles of lifestyle freedoms and become free. Yes, I am truly free, I arise in the morning couffered by my own schedule, I decide my own hours, I can even sleep in late while the slaves are at work, I can vacation when and where, for how long I please. I am free to take my coffee and lunch break when I decide and of course I can decide my own paycheck, because I am not a slave. I can choose to work when and where I please, and with whom I please. I am free to stay in a city as long as I want or to move onto greener pastures, if I decide to.
I’ve seen many slaves pack their bags in search for a new master, but it is always the same. However there is a ray of hope for the slave, he or she can buy their own freedom. The cost is not high, yet it seems high to those who do not have the courage to pay the price.
What is the price?
One must be willing to be their own master!
- Author Unknown
(Source: tampainvestmentdeals.com)
Anonymous asked: What is the best thing about the internet in your opinion?
The ability to have information available to you at the touch of your fingertips and the incredible opportunity to communicate with all of man kind from anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection.
Ryan W. Carlson
In 2011, there was an incredible come back season for the Denver Broncos, lead by the one and only Tebowing Tim Tebow. It was an amazing season for Tim and it was also a blessing to be able to learn more about the man in his book: “Through My Eyes.” As the season was coming to an end, it was great to learn first hand what made Tim Tebow the man he is today.
Back in 2006, I first cheered on ‘Tebow!’ as the freshman quarterback from the University of Florida Gators ran the ball 15 yards on almost every down it seemed. This guy made it look so easy that I wondered why didn’t everybody just do that. Well, Tim Tebow made it look easy because of the behind the scenes work he put it in at the gym and the unwavering faith in His God providing him the confidence to accomplish greatness!
Tim grew up with missionary parents and learned the Bible from an early age as it was always a part of the family meals. Learning bible verses, praying and singing together kept Tim and his two older brothers and two older sisters close growing up on a farm. His older brothers were always challenging Tim to play to their level and later that had a huge impact on the drive that made him the man he is today.
It wasn’t long until the nation realized there was “Postive Role Model” in professional sports again. (Thank you dear God!). The pressure that follows Tim Tebow is something that must not be easy to deal with. However as a Heisman Trophy winner, two time National Championship winner, and first round draft pick to the Denver Broncos, I think he can handle it.
But I know it is simply because of his faith in God. As the Bible says, to whom much is given much is expected. He simple does not live one way on camera and then a different lifestyle off camera…at least I am guessing. His courage and commitment to live for Christ has been tested many years, but through his continuous sacrifices he is able to serve God. In a way bigger than he could have ever imagined.
Many will criticize and hope Tim Tebow fails but for those who are grateful for a leader to finally step up and be a true man of faith willing to admit he follows Jesus no matter what, is special and that my friend is Tebowing.
Tebowing: (Vb) to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.
Three things that will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13
(Source: timtebow.com)
As a new year begins and old one has ended. It is a good time to reflect and a time to truly be inspired by what we have been able to accomplish. By setting that previous new year resolution and seeing yourself to maintain that discipline throughout the year gives such a sense of joy and accomplishment……NOT!
If you’re like the rest of us, chances are your new year resolution came to quick hault a few weekends down the road. Why is that? Why is it so hard to want to do something or STOP doing something that we end up excited for a few days and as life/reality sets in, we are back to doing the same old thing. For as much as we try to embrace this New Year and this New Life it is not always easy to Become Better.
One of the top motivators in the world is Joel Osteen. His presentation style is not screaming or a bunch of hoopla but very sincere, genuine, and encouraging. It is those Godly characteristics that have lead him to be the Pastor of the largest church in the country at Lakewood Church.
From his book Joel writes, “God may be asking you today, “Who told you that you were too small? Who told you that you aren’t intelligent? Who told you that don’t have the necessary talent?” God would not have put the dream in your heart if He had not already given you everything you need to fill it.
He continues, “Friend don’t die with the treasure still inside you…Don’t be weighed down by the distractions and disappointments in life; instead, keep stretching to the next level, reaching for your highest potential. Where you are going is more significant than where you came from or where you have been. Quit looking back. This is a new day.
He goes on, “Start saying every day, I am excelling in my career. I have the favor of God. I make good decisions. I’m a hard worker and I’m going to rise to new heights. I am child of the Most High God. I have a bright future. God is pleased with me. I am talented; I am creative; I have what it takes. I will fulfill my destiny.”
This book was certainly not a quick read, a lot of encouragement along the way, but sometimes it was overwhelming for me. But as I can say that the days when I am disciplined and wake up with the positive intentions that I am going to make the best of today, it usually turns out that way. The days I follow Osteen’s advice with positive affirmations, and read them aloud I am usually unstoppable. Through some running or jogging in there and nice healthy breakfast….all I can say then is look out world..I am soldier of God!
(Source: joelosteen.com)
Thanksgiving is a time when we sit around eat turkey and watch football, getting tired, taking a nap and hopefully remembering to say “Thank You” to those loved ones in our lives. This year it was thankfully different (pun intended). My family and I attended Universal Studios in Orlando. It was a gorgeous day that was filled with laughter and joy! The Hard Rock Hotel was an amazing place to catch boat rides to and from the parks. Harry Potter has my new found respect, this ride was incredible!
As the weekend approached “Love was in the air!” My good friends were finally getting married! It is always an enjoyable time to be a part of something that is pure and authentic. The wedding was classy and they did a great job accommodating all the guests! Love is pure, Love is kind, it does not boast….yada yada. I am very happy for them. Perhaps one day I will be enjoying a wedding of my mine. To the bride and groom! May you live Happily Ever After! Cheers!
As the weekend settled down it was nice to finally enjoy a good nap after church and finish reading “The Rise and Fall of Bear Stearns.” This book was written by Ace Greenberg who dedicated 4 decades of his life to the organization. Bear Stearns was an incredibly profitable investment company year after year. Ace Greenberg gave his perspective of his years there and always persuaded other risk managers to not make “Dumb choices!’ His dedication to the company was admirable and knowing how he just started as a pin placer on map when he started to the ranks of CEO and Chairman is a great tale.
Bear Stearns was the poster boy for the Wall Street collapse, later acquired by JP Morgan. The investment company had a stock share as high as $178 that later sold for $2 when they were bought up. The government did not come to their rescue as they later did with many other companies on Wall Street. It was a game of risk that they played and often they were calculated resulting in tremendous success for the partners. However, as indicated by the author, Ego and Narcissism became a common factor for his predecessor Jimmy who he devulges as much to blame. In all a good Sunday “Fun Day!”
The day came early at 4am with the blaring of my alarm clock. Today was the day after all the hard work and preparation that my step mom was going to be taking the bold plunge and competing in her first half marathon - Women’s Half Marathon produced by Women’s Running Magazine in St. Petersburg, FL.
As over 3,900 runners lined up at the Pier near the St Pete Airport overlooking the bay, the nerves flared. It was going to be a long enduring next couple of hours for the participants. The sunrise to start was amazing and it could not have been a more perfect day for a jaunt around St. Pete.
After the gunshot start my Dad and I decided to take a stroll and grab some breakfast. Here he is excited to eat (See pic below)! The incredible Americano Brisso cuisine in downtown St. Petersburg reminded you of Miami Beach. It was great spot as the runner’s jogged by… really making us work up an appetite!
So after the race I must admit I was looking forward to a relaxing nap and chilling with a good book. Well I found one of those and that was the book, “Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuk. I am already half way through it and just picked it up last night at Barnes and Nobles. He is the reason I am creating this Tumblr blog. (Note: His first recommendation is to start blog).
Although the nap would of have been nice I am certain this is time was well spent.
Congrats to my step mom and cousin for kicking butt this morning and making it all 13.1 miles! Amazing! I am not sure of their sanity levels, but I am very proud of them both! Here is to a great Sunday Fun Day!!!
