MANIFESTO 2013

Definition:  manifesto (man e fes to) - noun
 - A public declaration of intentions or principles, esp of a political nature.

     It was the prophet Habakkuk who wrote that the Lord instructed him to "write the vision he had seen and inscribe it on tablets, so that the person who reads it may run; for the vision is yet for an appointed time." (2:1-3).  Each year I sit down with God in a nice quiet place around November and write out my "manifesto", the things I will accomplish in the coming year. My list has never been less than 5 goals but, no more than 10 for the year. I like the term "manifesto" because it sounds "old" and majestic.  It is a proclamation to the world that God has a plan for my life and I am an active participant.

     I just finished reviewing the final draft of my manifesto for 2013 and I must say it is very challenging, to say the least.  I do not have a clue as to how any of my declarations will turn out, but I do know one thing, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me" and, with that belief, I will endeavor to reach my objectives.

     Here are my top 3.   (P.S.  I will share the rest as the year goes along....gotta have something to write about):

1. By this time next year I will be spiritually, physically, and emotionally stronger than I've ever been in my life.
2. By this time next year I will be involved in meaningful relationships with people who love me unconditionally.
3. By this time next year I will be making 3 x times what I'm making in income.

     Each day I awake I read aloud my manifesto and I do at least one thing each day to get me closer to my goal.  In time's past, I have accomplished the entire list and at other times, I barely completed two of them.  I have learned however, that the journey was more important to me than the actual attainment.

     I encourage you today to sit down with God and write out your manifesto.  Pin it up on your refrigerator, wall, mirror........wherever you will see it each day.  Allow God to make 2013 the year of your dreams!

Paradise Christian Leadership Academy 2012

Just wanted to post about a wonderful group of young people I had the opportunity to share with this summer in Jacksonville, Arkansas.  The leaders of the Paradise Christian Academy are a husband and wife team, Bro. Anthony Fulton and Sis. Dezzaire Fulton.  They are an anointed couple whose school enrollment increased this year to 50 + children and volunteers.  We pray God's continued blessings upon their efforts.  It was also an opportunity to reconnect with my good frined Min. Chris Cross.  It was like Batman and Robin together again.

To the Youth, "Stay Committed to God and the Leadeship Qualities He has placed in You.!"  I will be praying for all of you!!  Enjoy the rest of your summer!!!!

2012 PARADISE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY YOUTH

1.       Nicholas Thompson

2.       Juwon Epting

3.       Richo Rockins

4.       Christian Raishon Epting

5.       Aneisa Fulton

6.       Dasia Woodley

7.       Anisha Hall

8.       Aliah Fulton

9.       Tilaja Epting

10.   Darleisha Stigall

11.   Michaela Minton

12.   Zaylor Jones

13.   Shaun Bowers

14.   Alexis James

15.   Edward Johnson

16.   Kendrick Rhynes

17.   Isaiah Epting

18.   Madison Martin

19.   Raquel Rockins

20.   Rachael Rockins

21.   Jade McPherson

22.   Kennedy Taylor

23.   Jayla Halloway

24.   Tiana Pettus

25.   Keia’ra Smith

26.   Carolyn Fondren

27.   Isaac Triplett

28.   Braylen Fondren

29.   Darius Wilder

30.   Jeremiah McFadden

31.   Jaylin Shelton

32.   Kayla Harton

33.   Brianna Hatfield

34.   Uriah Rockins

35.   Zestic Perry

36.   Kiesha Walker

37.   Roderick Fondren

38.   Zarria McFadden

39.   Kamyah Watson

40.   Zora Perry

41.   Dylan Fondren

42.   Che’ Armstrong

43.   Quazland Hill

44.   Chloe Barnes

45.   Jahsiah Ephny

46.   Ashton Basker

47.   Kelsey Slay

48.   Kendell Ezell

49.   Curtis Phifer

Does It Really Matter?

In conversations between young adults, the subject of sex seems to come up often.  One man sums up the conflict many feel: "Recently, I had an encounter with my girlfriend, I'm told it is wrong, but I actually don't feel that it matters."

Psalms 94 reminds us that everything we do matters to God.  He's involved and He cares.  It's not that He waits to swat us when we do wrong.  He wants to instruct and teach us His law so we can find rest in the days of adversity.

The person who doesn't feel sin matters is busy digging a pit that could become a deadly trap.  God has promised that He won't allow us "to be tempted beyond what (we) are able" to resist.(I Corinthians. 10:13) But, those who don't even try to resist - and don't feel that sin matters - are headed for a painful fall

Actions To Take:  Rely on God's Word, not your feelings
2 Minute Reading:  Psalms 94:8-19

Taken from theNelson's Student Bible, New King James Version, Copyright 1929, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved