The very last thing that you want to hear in the midst of a "what-the-heck- happened?!" crisis, is that prayer, patience and instruction will bring your breakthrough. How about, "hold on just a little while longer you'll gain a good reward"? No, instead you think of how much easier it would be to let go of your resolve, go with the inclination to settle and just...wallow. The negative voices in your head would love for you to wallow in self pity, wouldn't they?
Except...you know you were meant to do more!

This past year, we have had the amazing experience of receiving from the Lord in Word and wisdom and the privilege of sharing that wisdom to enrich the lives of people across the nation. Some of them have become entrepreneurs; become more mature; stepped into the river of their destiny; and said "Yes!" to formerly repressed dreams. We rejoice with them!

R.E.S.T. for Success is the title that we were inspired to use for the 2006 seminars. REST is an acronym for: Research, Evaluate, Strategize and Take Ownership. The entire process of REST is a great tool for successful living.

Some keys to Taking Ownership are:

A. Discipline: A set of self-imposed standards and restrictions that are fueled by a desire greater than the current alternatives. Whether it is weight loss, health, marriage or freedom from any bondage, or anything progressive in your life, discipline must be constant in your life.

B. Perseverance: Press on. If you do not anticipate challenges, you will be defeated by them, every time. You must remind yourself of who you are and why you deserve to have what you do.

C. Enthusiasm and Conviction: Get involved. A labor of love is always worthwhile. Commit to making a difference. Live for a cause greater than yourself.

Now, when this crisis is over and before the next one comes, carefully review what put you into a tailspin this time. Will applying any of the keys listed above help you to take ownership of your circumstances? You might have to make some decisions for the protection of your mental/emotional/spiritual/physical health or development.

Listen, if you come out from a crisis alive, wiser from the experience and still willing to go on -- even if you are a little bruised, then it wasn't all bad. You can now practice what you learned. Your wisdom has increased.

If you are not where you are supposed to be and you know it at the depths of your being - move! Any step toward progress is a step in the right direction. Consistently taking right actions will guarantee you ownership of your desires.

To your best!