Monday, November 16, 2015

Good Morning, Great Morning!!!


Are you experiencing some clouds in your life? Do you feel that all your sunny days have gone away? Don't worry. Don't fret because too many sunny days brings about drought. Cloudy days bring the rain. we need the rain to live and maintain. During painful or painless times water is needed to survive. As moisture builds in the atmosphere it evaporates into the clouds. Once the cloud gets so heavy, rain must pour down.

So, if you are going through a rough patch of tough times, stay ready because the rain is coming to pour down on the seeds planted and pour into thirsty spirit for refreshment. The rain is not a problem it is the blessing to help you grow, develop, thrive in order to stay alive. The rain is your favor pouring into your life so your garden can thrive and grow. God wants you to live abundantly thriving like a vibrant healthy garden.


Look at you then, and look at you now. Don't let this cold, cold world bring you down.  -Jadakiss


Don't forget my book Write On, Right On is available now!

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Sunday, November 8, 2015

Friday, November 6, 2015

Write On, Right On


Write On, Right On is finally here,despite all the obstacles and setbacks. I am deligthed and excited to have this moment. Now the real work begins marketing, promoting and sell the book. Below you will find information about the book as well as how to get your very own copy.

Write On, Right On is a book of poems written and compiled by Justin Ward. The poems in this text deal with social issues, personal experience, and life perception. The purpose of this work is to encourage others to learn to communicate effectively by helping create positive habits of reading, writing, and communicating effectively. Why poems? Well, poetry has been an interest of mine for most of my life, ever since I learned to read. I also enjoy music; the power of the message in music intrigues me. Public speakers such as teachers, preachers, and others have grabbed my attention many times because of the person’s ability to effectively communicate the point clearly and concisely. So, I have decided to combine education, communication, and entertainment in poetry to make people think and think differently. With so many mediums of communication, people often overlook the power reading, so I created small packages of powerful information crafted to make you laugh, cry, and learn. Ultimately, I want you to think and be more inspired about your existence. I hope you can find your purpose, and unleash your passions to produce the life envisioned for you. Hopefully, this book is a true page turner for you. May you find value between these pages because my intention is to lead, motivate, and educate others in order for us all to elevate to the level in life for which we aspire.



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Monday, September 14, 2015

ALL PRO DAD

Does you school have a chapter of "All Pro Dad"?
Have you ever heard of "All Pro Dad"?
You can learn more about this wonderful program at http://www.allprodad.com/ .
I have been participating in this program for four years now and it has given me guidance courage and clarity on being a dad and having special moments of quality time with my son and my daughter. Both by kids are highly excited to attend the All Pro Dad breakfast held at their schools. They eagerly ask and encourage me to attend the breakfast each time they are held at their schools. I am also excited to attend the breakfast with them. Friday September the 11th the breakfast was held at my daughter's school. The topic was being unique; I had to do the speaking portion. On this occasion the I asked dads to come up and say some positive about their child or children. I was filled with joy  the way the dads spoke about the children. Then I ask the children to say something they like or enjoy doing with his or dad. Several children, including mine, came up to speak. Each one spoke very well; I failed to mention that these are K-2 grades of children. One child in particular came up and had some stage fright. I was able to calm him down by placing my arm around him turning him to where he did not have to look at all the people looking at him. Then he was able to express how he enjoys fishing with his dad. Then he gave me one of the biggest hugs ever and would not let me go. He happily shared and was overjoyed that I helped him get through his stage fright episode. This was a very humbling, proud moment for me. I felt much joy at that moment and felt very proud to be an active father that takes moments to be involved with children. Moments like this matter; they mean the world to children and fathers. Be involved and stay involved in the lives of children they need true parents and role models.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Wisdom Lessons Notes:The Richest Man In BABYLON

You miss all the shots you don’t take.             Don't cry because it’s over; smile because it happened

Money is Plentiful For those Who Understand the Simple Rules of its Acquisition
Seven Cures for a Lean Purse—Cures for an empty wallet
1.       Start thy purse to fattening--- start stacking
2.       Control thy expenditures--- control expenses/spending
3.       Make thy gold multiply- make money multiply   
4.       Guard thy treasures from loss--- guard what you got/ your possessions
5.       Make thy dwelling a profitable investment—make my home profitable investment
6.       Insure future income
7.       Increase thy ability to earn
_The Richest Man in Babylon
A part of all you earn is yours to keep pg 28
Bansir talking to Kobbi
We have been contented subjects of our kind. We have been satisfied to work long hours and spend our earnings freely. We have earned much coin in the years that have passed, yet to know the joys that come from wealth, we just dream about them. Bah! Are we more dumb than sheep? We live in the richest city in all the world. Pg 5
I wish to be a man of means. I wish to own lands and cattle to have fine robes and coins in my purse. I am willing to work for these things with all the strength in my back, with all the skill in my  hands, with all the cunning in my mind, but I wish my labors be fairly rewarded. What is the matter with us? Again I ask you! Why cannot we have our just share of the good things so plentiful for those who have the gold with which to buy them? Pg. 6

He is claimed to be the richest man in all Babylon,”bansir mused. 
“So rich the king is said to seek his golden aid in affairs of treasury,” Kobbi replied. 
“So rich,” Bansir interrupted, “ I fear if I should meet him in the darkness of the night, I should lay my hands upon his fat wallet.”
 Nonsense,” reproved Kobbi, “ a man’s wealth is not in the purse he carries. A fat purse quickly empties if there be no golden stream to refill it. Arkad has an income that constantly keeps his purse full, no matter how liberally he spends.”
Income, that is the thing, ejaculated Bansir. “ I wish an income that will keep flowing into my purse whether I sit upon the wall or travel to far lands. Arkad must know how a man can make an income for himself. Dost suppose it is something he could make clear to a mind as slow as mine?’
“Methinks he did teach his knowledge to his son, Nomasir,” Kobbi respond,
 “ Did he not go to Nineveh and so it is told at the inn, become , without aid from his father, one of the richest men in that city?”

It costs nothing to ask wise advice from a good friend and Arkad was always that Pages 8-10
I found the road to wealth when I decided that a part of all I earned was mine to keep.pg 17
Fool! You pay to everyone but yourself. Dullard you labor for others. As well be a slave and work for what your master gives you to eat and wear. Pg 18
A part of all you earn is yours to keep. It should be no less than a tenth no matter how little you earn. Pg 18

“Wealth, is like a tree, grows from a tiny seed. The first copper you save is the seed from which your tree of wealth shall grow. The sooner you plant that seed the sooner the tree shall grow. And the more faithfully you nourish and water that tree with consistent savings, the sooner may you bask in contentment beneath its shade. ‘Pg. 19
Every fool must learn,’ he growled, but why trust the knowledge of a brickmaker about jewels? Would you go to the breadmaker to inquire about the stars? No, you would go to the astrologer, if you had power to think. Your savings are gone, youth you have jerked your wealth-tree up by the roots. But plant another. Try again pg 20
Advice is one thing that is freely given away, but watch that you take only what is worth having. He who takes advice about his savings from one who is inexperienced in such matters, shall pay with his savings for proving the falsity of their opinions.’ Pg 20

It is my deep desire that thou begin the building of a valuable estate for thyself that that thou mayest become respected among men . I desire to see thou profit from a knowledge of the thoughtless mistakes of thy father…Do what I should have done at thy age. From thy earnings keep out 1/10to put to favorable investments. With this one-tenth of thy earnings and what it will also earn, thou canst, before thou art my age, accumulate for thyself a valuable estate.’     “’ Thy words are words of wisdom my father pg 67

The youth found success at first and then was overzealous to gain great wealth. His knowledge was immature. His enterprise collapsed. Pg 110
“Youth is ambitious. Youth would take short cuts to wealth and the desirable things for which it stands. To secure wealth quickly youth often borrows unwisely. Youth, never having had experience, cannot realize that hopeless debt is like a deep pit into which one may descend quickly and where one may struggle vainly for many days. It is a pit of sorrow and regrets where the brightness of the sun is overcast and night is made unhappy by restless sleeping. Pg 111

Better a little caution than great regret pg. 118

We cannot afford to be without adequate protection pg 124

How can you call yourself a free man when your weakness has brought you to this ?... If a man has within him the soul of a free man, will he not become respected and honored in his own city in spite of his misfortune?’ pg 132 Have I the soul of a man or have I the soul of a slave?” … no man can respect himself who does not repay honest debts.’ pg. 133
Thy debts are thine enemies who have run thee out of Babylon’, Sira had said.pg 137
 We found the trail to Babylon because the soul of a free man looks at life as a series of problems to be solved and solves them, while the soul of a slave whines, “What can I do who am but a slave?’ pg 138-139.

Where the determination is, the way can be found. Pg140
I like to work and I like to do good work, for work is the best friend I’ve evr known. It has brought me all the good things I’ve had, my farm and cows and crops , everything.’ Pg 164

Babylon possessed just two natural resources—fertile soil and water in the river

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Great Reads Continued...

The List:

  1. The Five Star Man,   By Neil Kennedy
  2. The Five-Star Man Field Guide,  By Neil Kennedy
   Upon Hearing Neil Kennedy speak years ago I purchased both these books from him, met  him spoke with him and had the opportunity for him for him to autograph my copy. The text explores the 5 Passions of Authentic Manhood. Neil Kennedy delves into: 1. An Adventurous Spirit; 2. Entrepreneurial Drive; 3. Gallant in Relationships; 4. Faithful in Character; 5. Philanthropic Cause. This book is a must read for men, young men, and boys. The text calls for men to be the true stand-up leaders that GOD intends them to be.

Rich Dad Poor Dad, By Robert Kiyosaki
  The text discusses two lines of reasoning. One of  the authors biological working dad; and the other his rich dad who was an entrepreneur that owned businesses. While the book provides insight from each dad, it also teaches the following  lessons:

  • Lesson 1: The Rich Don't Work for Money
  • Lesson 2: Why Teach Financial Literacy? 
  • Lesson 3: Mind Your Own Business
  • Lesson 4: The History of Taxes and the Power of Corporations
  • Lesson 5: The Rich Invent Money
  • Lesson 6: Work to Learn---Don't Work for Money
The book also begins to gets into overrcoming obstacles, getting started and provides some useful "to do's".

There are the remaining works on the list that I will discuss further in future posts. All these books have valuable knowledge that can help focus your vision to light beacon or a laser beam to your success

Contagious: Why things catch on, By Jonah Berger

The Ultimate Gift, By Jim Stovall



The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren


Nigger, By Dick Gregory 


The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As told to Alex Haley, By Malcolm X


Before you Quit You Job, Robert Kioyosaki


10 Distinciton between millionaries and the middle class


Richest Man In Babylon , George S. Clauson

Friday, July 10, 2015

Great Reads That Have Kept Me engaged in Reading and Inspired Me to Write a Book

Throughout my life reading and communication have been a genuine interest for me. I have read many books, but these that I will list have been so very special to me that each must be shared. There will be blog posts about each as I continue to share, but for now I will provide you with the list of several helpful books. I have written a book of my own entitled "Write On, Right On". This book is a collection of poems written by myself that focus on many social issues and life experiences. The purpose of the book is to provide motivation, inspiration insight and encouragement to learn more and live better.

The List:

  1. The Five Star Man,   By Neil Kennedy
  2. The Five-Star Man Field Guide,  By Neil Kennedy
  3. Rich Dad Poor Dad, By Robert Kyosaki
  4. Contagious: Why things catch on, By Jonah Berger
  5. The Ultimate Gift, By Jim Stovall
  6. The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren
  7. Nigger, By Dick Gregory 
  8. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As told by Alex Haley, By Malcolm X

The Malcolm X text is one of my all time favorites because the insightfulness and detailed accounts of the intriguing life of Malcolm X. It disappointing how his life and principle perceptions are overlooked by many. It is jaw-dropping how much he witnessed experienced and endured in his lifetime. Dick Gregory's book is just as gripping and intriguing, for it details his life from a youth to an adult and all the negative experiences and troubles he experienced or encountered. Me telling you about does not give you the real deal about these books, so I urge you to begin reading. I promise when you pick them up you will not be able to put them down. These texts are true page turners that give insight about life for black people and connects the past to the present and provides warning about the future.

A GOOD Name


A good name is a theme that has constantly presented itself to me. Reading the 45 Day challenge of The Fivestarman, a book that accompanies Neil Kennedy's Fivestarman book. In the book on Day 4 the text challenges men to read a chapter of Proverbs everyday until the book is complete. Chapter twenty-two begins by stressing the importance of a good name.



A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.






On Sunday July 5th, I opening my bible to ecclesiastics 7:1 that again stresses the importance of a good name.


A good name is better than precious perfume, and the day of death better than the day of one’s birth.








Then on today my father sent me an email with two true stories about "Easy Eddie", Al Scarface Capone's attorney and again the theme of the importance of having a good name appeared. Years ago my father told me, "a person has three names: the name they are given, the name you are called, and the name you make for yourself". The name you make for yourself make a good name worthy to be known, passed along to future generations. A name that is respectable, one that unites, inspires, and impacts others calling a person to action, is created through a long intense process that makes the name memorable. Think of your  names and the many things that you have done. Does it make you proud? Do you feel esteemed?  Are you working toward a goal aspiration or destination? Do you have anything to talk about? Can you share your story in its entirety? Is you name already ruined? Can it be restored? Think of your answers to these questions. Take action to change the answers if any of your questions are "no". If your answers are "yes" continue to build your name and write your name. Also, share your story and what you know; be a true genuine role model; understand that we are all unique and that there are multiple makes and many models. Be true to the role model in which you illustrate because we are all teachers that teach in a variety of modes, mediums and methods.

These are the two stories that I mentioned in the text of this post:

STORY NUMBER One
Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
 
 
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.
 
 
To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block
 
Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.
 
 
Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.
 
 
And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.
 
Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.
 
 
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done.
 
 
He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.
 
Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street.. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a clipping from a magazine. It read:
 
 
"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."
 
 

STORY NUMBER TWO
 
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.
He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.
His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.
As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.
Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction
Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier
Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft
This took place on February 20, 1942 , and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honor.
A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.
So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?
 
 
Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.
 
   (Pretty cool, huh?)

Monday, June 22, 2015

News Coverage of Opelika 2015 Juneteenth Events

Juneteenth celebrates racial equality, freedom - OANow.com

Charleston on minds during Juneteenth celebration in Opelika - WRBL

Juneteenth celebration ends with Unity parade

Juneteenth 2015 Opelika, Alabama

June 19 2015 was a great day of remembrance, realization, recognition and celebration.  People came from near and far to learn, love and celebrate emancipation of slaves. The Opelika community joined together to engage and embrace community in unity or unison.  The Friday night events included performances of songs, poetry,  and a  play. The host,  which was myself, shared four inspirational, insightful,  illustrative,  poems entitled: 'What is -ment?', 'Hooked',  'Amazing' and 'New News'. Jan Morgan Canada shared one of the most amazing poems I have ever heard entitled: "Who Are Your Folks,  Who You Be".The talented Oscar Penn performed a medley of songs with a familiar sound but with a unique special personal and spiritual message.  Paul Crook sang a song that touch not only my spirit but also moved everyone present at the Juneteenth Flex at The Plex event. Kid GotIt  performed a hip-hop song that encourages everyone to wake up an realize how important it is for everyone to unify and relentlessly promote and engage in positive activity that encourages stronger, healthier and wealthier community. The play Suicide highlighted the message that black on black crime, ignorance, the unhealthy uneducated lifestyle and negative attitude is suicide to black people.  Collectively the  event went off without a hitch despite several technical difficulties from the sound team. Saturday, June  20th festivities concluded the Juneteenth weekend with a parade that began at Bethesda Baptist Church went through downtown Opelika ending in courthouse square.  The 2015 Juneteenth celebration was definitely something to witness. Great people joined forces for the greatest good. Keep up the "Godwork"; there are people that care enough to share engage and support what is important  right to propel and promote positivity for the well-being of the world.

Extra special thanks to everyone involved in making GEMS Empowered Inc. 2015 Juneteenth celebration a major success!











Thursday, June 18, 2015

Three Reasons Why Real Change is Hard

Three Reasons Why Real Change is Hard



Change is a challenge that we must face head on. We can't go over, under or around it. We must go through it to improve the quality of life we seek. Robert Kiyosaki breaks down why it is important to control your check he provides three simple reasons why some are content where they are and why others may never meet their maximum potential. Three reasons summarize why it so challenging to make the necessary changes.



  • Reason #1: It takes time
  • Reason #2: You have to unlearn to learn again
  • Reason #3: This is a transformation, not just a change


Read the complete post by clicking the link at the top of this post to get a detailed "overstanding" how important it is to make the choice to be in the quadrants "B" or "I" business owner or investor. Please leave a comment on your understanding or overstanding of this information for further discussion.

Sign Your Own Paycheck and Take Back Control!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Misstep

mis·step  
Noun
  1. A clumsy or badly judged step: "one misstep could be fatal".
  2. A mistake or blunder.
Synonyms
false step - faux pas - mistake - error - gaffe - trip

In life steps are taken to carry out courses of action. The steps taken leads us down paths both familiar and unfamiliar. Missteps, often caused by scotomas, may cause one to fall or fail to complete courses of action. Life teaches us lessons in the strangest ways to show that focusing with a clear mindset on proceeding down a clear path. This morning as I was leaving for work I realized exactly how people fill themselves with duties responsibilities and problems that will likely cause them to take a misstep. As I was leaving for work  my neighbor was leaving for work as well. We both were focused on what each had to get done today. I had to get groceries out of my wife's car from a morning grocery store run. I was focused on unloading my car full of groceries so I could go to work and my neighbor was focus on loading her car with laundry for the cleaners so she could go to work. Suddenly I hear "OOOOhhh", my neighbor had fallen and I did not notice because of my focus of on my situation. A  passing driver stopped to ask if she was O.K. She replied: "I missed a step". Thankfully she was fine.  She had fallen to the pavement of the sidewalk but the mound of laundry for dry cleaning that she was carrying broke her fall. I was embarrassed because even though I could not have prevented it,  I should have been more aware of my surroundings. Also, she too had lost focus of the steps of the path taken to get her day started.  If leaving her house there is one step that must be taking off the short porch. From this I took that overburdening oneself will likely cause a misstep or blunder; always being aware and focused on our course of action in order to be sure we don't take a misstep. Also, the fall is not always a soft landing; it may very well be hard, sharp, or rigid.

End thought: Pay attention, WATCH YOUR STEP! One misstep could be fatal!