People of Passion Series (1 - 3)

I recently began a new podcast series entitled, "People of Passion" and, as of this article, I've had 3 special guests for this series.

In this article I will simply be directing you to the podcasts that I have put together for this series to this point and I do hope you will take the time to listen in. Unless you know these people personally, you likely have never heard of them and that's exactly what I wanted.

These are "real", every day people that have impressed me with what they are doing in their lives to make an impact in their world.

You can GO HERE to listen to the "Series Introduction". This will give you more information about the purpose of this series.

 

My first guest for this series is Kim Tatum. She discusses her desire to "do something more" once she came to the point of retirement. Do YOU often feel that you are being "called" to do more than just sit by the wayside? GO HERE for this interview.

 

 My second guest for this series was BJ White. What interesting things she shared with me during this interview! Be sure to listen in with a very entertaining story about her and the number 7. Be inspired by her decision to walk away from her career to follow her dream. Listen in by CLICKING HERE. 

My third guest for this special series was Jean Peterson. This interview was so much fun and also very inspiring. Listen in by CLICKING HERE and be inspired as well.

I do still have a couple of people lined up that are working with me around their schedule and I hope to have them available in the month of September. One is a single mom that is involved in foster care in a very "real" way and the other is a gentleman that has experienced MASSIVE success in the online business world. You won't want to miss either of these!

I plan to do some other podcasts before I get a chance to have these last two interviews so be sure to be watching out for those.

Until then remember...

YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   

 

A "Plan B" IS Necessary - My Personal Story

 In the last blog article I discussed the question, "Do you NEED a 'Plan B'?" Again, "Plan B" referring to having a "back up" plan or source of income in case your "Plan A" (main plan or source of income) falls through.

You will have to decide that for yourself but, in my opinion, the answer is a great big "YES!".

In this article as well as in the podcast I've done on this topic (see links below) I will discuss my personal, most recent, story about my last "job" and how that situation has, once again, emphasized to me and for me the ABSOLUTE NECESSITY to have a "Plan B" in place and, more than likely, even a "Plan C, D, E, F and G" , if not more.

 

Some of the time frame on this may not be completely correct but, I'll do my best to be as accurate as possible. The main focus of sharing this with you is to help you understand what could happen to you - IF it hasn't happened to you already.  

Back in November of 2021 I answered an ad that I had come across for a job that, to be honest, seemed too good to be true. It was for a job to where I only worked two days a week and had the ability to make $100,000 + my very first year. It was for the position of being a sales consultant (official title was "Clinic Consultant") to close on a $5,000 product offering. 

I applied but, to be honest, I didn't expect much and definitely didn't expect it to actually be a legitimate job opportunity. However, I DID start noticing commercials on my local television channels for this particular company and for the office from which I would be working. That increased my "faith" that this may, indeed, be an incredible opportunity.

Long story short, I was interviewed by a couple of managers, hired and went to a 4 day training at which I caught COVID which delayed my start by about a week. 

I finally started my work the first week in January of 2022 and, after a nervous and slow start for the first couple of weeks, I began to "hit my stride" and began to have some INCREDIBLE results for the two days that I was working for the week. WOW! I was excited and thankful for such an opportunity.

I had already told my wife that I KNEW that I needed to get a "Plan B" in place because this was a job that relied on me being physically present to do the job and it was all commission. In other words, if I didn't work, I didn't make money or even have the opportunity to make money.

In March I noticed that things began to change. Instead of "screening" being done in such a way that the majority of the people I met with being able to actually pay for the product, I was seeing more and more people that were on fixed incomes that had no way to be able to do so.  This greatly was impacting my commission checks and, from what I could tell, it was affecting everyone in the company that held the same position that I did in different offices. 

Even though my commissions took a big hit - probably cut in about half - I was still able to maintain a reasonable amount of income with promises of "it would get better". I was beginning to feel uncomfortable due to the "rah rah" talk that I was hearing that would be similar to someone on a sinking ship stating that "all is well". 

Fast forward to the end of April and everyone in the company that held the same position had their "days to work" cut in half. In other words, I went from 2 days a week (8 days a month) to 2 days every 2 weeks (4 days a month). Again, "Oh, it's going to get better!"

For various reasons, my clientele dropped by about 80% and my commission dropped by about 90%. I knew this was a sinking ship and it was confirmed when, on one of my "off" days, I dropped by the office and found someone there that was about to go to training to take my spot.

I had never had any problems, never been "written up" and had produced well. My managers were not even aware of this move and I discovered that this was happening to others as well.

So, I was out just like that with no "Plan B" in place.

None.

So now I've been scrambling to try to get something going that would enable me to make some good income and also allow me to still work on developing a "Plan B, C, D, E" and so on.

You tell me...after reading that story, would you agree that it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to get a "Plan B" in place?

COVID-19 should have made that very clear to EVERYONE. If you don't know what I'm talking about due to when you read this article, do a little research but, businesses were shut down and not allowed to operate, people were sent home with no way to make an income and MANY of these businesses went OUT of business after being in business for decades.

What if you get sick or hurt and you can't work? What if your spouse or a parent or a child becomes ill or injured to the point that they need YOUR care and attention that would prevent you from working a "regular" 9 to 5 job?

I will continue this discussion in the next article but, until then, ask yourself this question: "How much CONTROL do I actually have over my current situation/job?" 

Be watching for it and, until then remember...

YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   

How Do YOU "Start Your Engine" For the Day?

 

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!

Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information.

 

When race car drivers hear the command, "Gentlemen/Drivers....START YOUR ENGINES!" they don't have to worry about whether or not their car is ready to race. They KNOW that their team has already put in many hours in preparation for this moment and that they have done whatever it was that needed to be done in order to BE PREPARED for this car to run at it's best for this race.

 

It's really easy to make the connection here, right? The title already makes that "jump" for you but I'll say it again: What do YOU do to prepare for YOUR "race"? What do YOU do to make sure that your "car runs at it's best for this race"? How do YOU "start your engine" for the day? 

Can you imagine a race team approaching this with the attitude of..."Well, the car ran fine for the last race so it should be o.k."??? Or how about, "Surely somebody checked to make sure there was gas in the car, right?" NO OWNER of a race car or "team" would allow such because this would mean FINANCIAL DISASTER for that owner!

The time to prepare for the race is NOT at the start of the race. In the same way, the time to prepare for your day is NOT at the start - or AS you start - your day.

 

 

 CLICK HERE

 

Yes, you may START your day doing certain things to "set the tone" and direction for your day BUT, I can promise you that, if you do this, you have PREVIOUSLY decided what you were going to do once you began that day. Am I right? 

You control your day (as much as possible) OR your day controls you. Too many go through their day(s) without any control or plan and wonder why things feel so "out of control" 

I won't try to tell you that I accomplish what I'm going to share with you EVERY day BUT I can tell you that this is my PLAN on how I want and need to begin each day so that I can begin my day with a positive mindset. And, yes, I've thought it out ahead of time and actually have an "activity tracker" set up to help me "stay on track" and follow my plan. (By the way, be sure to listen to the podcast on this topic...there's always additional information to be found there).

1. Get out of bed and go for a walk. (I walk 1.1 miles...that's just how my route turned out)

2. AS I WALK, I pray. (This is my time of PRAISE and THANKSGIVING to GOD for all that He has done for me and IS doing for me in my life. This is also my time to bring my desires before Him).

3. AS I WALK, I also say my "8 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS" for my life and I also say (all of this I do OUT LOUD) my "Relationship Declaration" that I put together a few years back for my relationship with my wife.

4. AS I WALK I also verbally state some scriptures that I have in my head as well as a few other "declarations" that I've made a habit to verbally state each day.

5. After my walk and once I return to the house, I work out on my "Total Gym" for about 20 minutes and then take a shower.

6. I then read - OUT LOUD - one page (there are 6 pages total) of my "scripture declarations" that I have typed out. POWERFUL!

7. I then fix my cup of coffee and sit and listen to at least one and often, two, spiritually encouraging podcasts. (I crank up the playback speed to where I can still hear and understand what is being said but, at the same time, to make the most of my time).

8. After this, I read my Bible. (For me, I read from my "physical Bible" one day and then read in a different section on line the next).

9. I also, at some point during the day, read from a book that I have picked out to read. (Once I finish the one I am currently reading, I have 3 more picked out. Two that I have not ever read and one that I will re-read).

10. I also have listed on my "to-do" activity sheet other things that I want to be sure and do my best to accomplish during each day if at all possible. 

(#'s 1-8 take a total of about 1.5 hours of my morning)

It's also important to notice what I DON'T do...I DON'T start my day reading emails, checking my social media or turning on the T.V. or listening to the "news".  

 

 When you listen to the podcast you will hear what 16 other people shared with me about how THEY start THEIR morning. The MAJORITY of them will be very consistent in their answers while a few start theirs off with a little less focus and intention. 

What about YOU? Do you have any sort of "plan" for your day BEFORE your day begins? If not, I would suggest you consider starting one but to NOT wait for January 1st to do so! 

Just like anything else, it will be hard to do at first BUT if you are determined to improve your life one day at a time, you WILL take the actions needed to DO THIS CONSISTENTLY! That's why it is important to have some sort of "activity tracking" program set up (mine is a simple spread sheet that I'd be happy to share with you). 

Listen to the podcast, go to my Facebook page (link below) and leave a comment with your thoughts and - oh, by the way - be sure to fill out the form at www.FutureYouUniversity.com and get your copy of my FREE e-book on how to avoid being "Paralyzed by Fear".

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

 

 

Your Decision to KNOCK

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!

Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information. 

 

Alright, now that we have THAT out of the way, let's get on with today's topic - the "final step" in the "Asking, Seeking, Knocking" formula that comes from Matthew 7: 7-8.

 

Be sure to go back and read the previous blog articles on this series and, FOR SURE, go and listen to the podcasts (notice the "special announcement" above about the links below) to get fully caught up on this series. Why is this important? Because this series (as in ALL series that I do) goes through a specific process...a specific "order of events" that will benefit you most when done in that order. 

 

I've already covered the "Asking" and "Seeking" part of this process and now we get to the point of actually "knocking on the door" but, first, a main question to consider...

 

WHAT is it that has led you to THIS particular "door"? Another way to word it would be, WHY have you decided to knock on THIS "door"?

 

  

 

In your process of SEEKING, what is it that has led you to this discovery...this "door"? You need to really examine yourself and do your best to discover the answer to these questions so that you can be confident that YOU have not directed this search to find only what YOU were willing to "see" and "find". 

 

You may not really KNOW the answer to those questions and, to some extent, that is o.k. BUT you need to try to make sure that you haven't followed only what YOU wanted to follow. You need to make sure that you did not ignore or willingly pass up "signs" or "opportunities" that may have led you a different way in your search because YOU decided that you liked the way something else "looked" or "felt" better. HOW HONEST HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR SEEKING?

 

Sometimes you just have to have FAITH! Notice the definition of faith that is given in the Bible in the book of Hebrews, chapter 1, verse 1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (NKJV) WOW! I love this definition of FAITH because it clearly states that there is SUBSTANCE and EVIDENCE and that it is NOT just "wishful thinking"!

 

It is the "substance of things hoped for". THIS is your WHY and this is your DESIRE for that thing for which you have been SEEKING! There is SUBSTANCE there because this DESIRE has been so great - your WHY has been so strong - that it has caused you to MOVE and TAKE ACTION! You have decided that you MUST find this for which you have such a desire and you will do whatever it takes, go wherever you must go in order to find "it"! 

 

FAITH is also the "evidence of things not seen". Listen friend, the fact that you BELIEVE that your answer lies behind that door on which you have decided to knock is all based on - even though you have to have FAITH about what is behind that "door" - EVIDENCE that has led you to believe that THIS is THE door that leads to your answer! You have NO IDEA what actually is behind that "door" but...based on your "evidence"...you have FAITH (believe) that, indeed, this is where you answer can be found! 

 

Now then, as a way to prepare for our next - and concluding - article in this series, I want to point you to another section of scripture in which Jesus speaks in a couple of parables. This is found in Matthew 13: 44-46...

 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 

⁴⁴ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price 

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ⁴⁶ who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

 

Use these verses to prepare for the next article as I conclude by asking WHAT IF the door opens and you DO find "the answer" for which you have been seeking.

 

WHAT THEN? WHAT WILL YOU DO?  

 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

ASKING (parts 1 and 2)

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."    (Matthew 7: 7-8) NKJV

Go HERE to listen to the podcasts on parts 1 and 2 on the RSS feed or go HERE to listen to it on iTunes.

In these two podcasts I begin with a discussion of the first "step" of the three (Ask, Seek, Knock) and, specifically, in part 1, of how it is a sequence or a progression that naturally takes place. Also, although this IS a "biblical principle" it is something that applies to "every day life" regardless of what you do - or don't - believe.

When you consider, and understand, that this "process" is a very definite SEQUENCE, then you will also understand that there are many (maybe even you?) that BEGIN the process/sequence by ASKING but never go any further than that. It is as if they believe that all they have to do is ASK for something and it is going to magically appear and, literally, fall into their laps!

Friend, it just doesn't happen that way. #TRUTH

Much of your determination to proceed with the sequence that will cause you to move past the ASKING part of this sequence will greatly depend upon what it is that you seek. Your "WHY" for asking. What are you going to do? Are you going to just sit back and whine and complain because "nothing is happening"?

Remember, it's a sequence...you ASK and then you SEEK.

 Again, you cannot "ask" and expect the answer or solution to simply fall into your lap! You must keep your eyes open (go back to my last series, "Seeing with NEW Eyes") and be WATCHING and paying attention so that you can SEE that answer (or potential answer) when it appears and/or crosses before you. 

Now then, in the part 2 podcast, I address the question of, "What happens when you get, not just a 'no' but a 'slap in the face, RESOUNDING 'NO'?" Do you just give up? Do you stop asking? Do you stop seeking for an answer or THE answer if/when that happens?

 This is a book that I am currently reading and I HIGHLY recommend that you do the same. It is an EXCELLENT book that is very interesting in it's approach and, at the same time, very POWERFUL in what it has to say and teach us about "drifting" along without any focus or purpose and the dangers of doing so. 

In the part 2 podcast on "ASKING" I point out a couple of things from this book that want to share with you here. 

On page 38 of this book, Napoleon Hill states the following (word emphasis is mine): "...there comes with every experience of temporary defeat, and every failure and every form of adversity, the seed of an equivalent benefit. Mind you, I did not say the full-blown flower of success, but the seed from which that flower may be made to germinate and grow. I know of no exception to this rule. The seed of which I speak may not always be observed, but you may be sure it is there, in one form or another."

Notice that I emphasized the word "temporary" in reference to defeat. This, too, is a CHOICE that you make each and every time you face a difficulty or a set back. Will you allow this to be temporary or, like a child, will you throw a tantrum and allow it to take root in your day, week, month, year and perhaps, even your whole life? 

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN to the "seed of an equivalent benefit". If you have allowed yourself to get so upset and "down" over this temporary failure, you very likely will not "see" or "observe" this "seed" that - in one form or another - is, indeed, there. 

I also share (in part 2 of the podcasts) Napoleon Hill's sharing of Ralph Waldo Emerson's "law of compensation" that can be found on page 41 of this book. It is stated as follows:

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something else." Also, in his journal dated January 8, 1826, he also wrote, "The whole of what we know is a system of compensations. Every defect in one manner is made up in another. Every suffering is rewarded; every sacrifice is made up; every debt is paid."

 As encouraging as these words are, I have to ask you this question: Do you hang around long enough - after your "temporary defeat" to discover this "compensation"? Do you allow yourself to have your head up to where you may be able to "see" this compensation when it comes your way? 

It's like that old saying that my wife reminded me of the other day during our discussion of these podcasts..."When one door shuts, another one opens". However, if you are not looking, that door could open - and also shut - without you ever even noticing!

In the part 2 podcast, I share information about a real estate deal that, the day I recorded the podcast, looked as if it was going to fall through. Hey friend, that was NOT the end result that I wanted or had planned! But, you know what? I decided that I was NOT going to allow this to "ruin my day" or even my next minute. I chose, instead, to believe that if this deal DID fall through then it simply meant that God had something better planned for me. 

My mind immediately went to a new business venture that I was involved in that I would be able to focus on even more if, indeed, this real estate deal did fall through and...guess what?...I was not only o.k. with it but I was also excited about the extra time that I would now be able to focus on in this new venture!

UPDATE: Since the recording of part 2 in the podcasts it looks as if that real estate venture may be "back on track". The main thing is, whether it is or isn't - I'm good either way! Now friend, let me tell you, that is a POWERFUL and much BETTER way to live life!

So, again, you have a choice to make when you ask and the answer appears to be a LOUD and RESOUNDING "NO!". But remember, "Every choice requires a decision and every decision requires a choice."

You have a CHOICE on what you do when you have that "temporary defeat". And, honestly, regardless of what you choose to do, either way, a DECISION has been made.

Will you decide to pull back and give up on what it is that you asked about OR will you decide to keep seeking.

CONSIDER THIS: Honestly, this thought just came to me when I typed that last sentence. Maybe, before continuing to seek an answer to that for which you asked, you should go back and ask again and make sure you are pursuing what you actually need in and for your life. In other words, in my mind and approach, it would be something like, "O.k. God...help me out here. What's my next move? Help me to open my eyes and keep them open to see what it is that YOU want me to see and choose."

Be sure to join me on the next podcast when I dive deeper into the next part of the sequence: SEEKING. 

If you would, please be sure to go to the NEW and IMPROVED website at www.FutureYouUniversity.com and let me know what you think. While you are there, be sure to sign up for your FREE e-book that I have put together for you there AND THEN go to my fan page on Facebook to give me your feedback on the new website as well as my podcasts and blog articles.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

WHY Do You Ask, Seek and Knock?

 

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."    (Matthew 7: 7-8) NKJV

Most - if not all - of us, at some point in our lives have or will "ask" and "seek" an answer from God concerning some event or situation in our lives or the lives of those that we love. 

The fact that Jesus spoke the words that you read above should indicate that it is okay and, even "normal", to ask and seek for something which we desire. 

The main question I would like to ask as we begin this new series is simply this: "WHY do you ask, seek and knock?" What is the reason? What is it that you seek and/or desire?

As I mentioned on the podcast by the same title (links at bottom of article), I believe it is important to take a few minutes and actually write down your answer to that question. I'm thinking that, often, we ask, seek and knock because we are "lacking" in some area(s) of our life and we are searching for answers.

So, yeah, take that thought and add it to your activity of answering the questions of "Why?" mentioned above. Answer that part first and then try to break it down even more and get very specific to see if you can pinpoint the area of "lack" in your life.  

Using the areas of life discussed with Project141 , address this question with each area of your life mentioned in the Project141 approach to life. How are you doing with your physical health? How are you doing with your spiritual health? What about your relationships with your spouse, family, friends, co-workers and others around you? How are things with your finances?

What is it that you seek and desire? What is that for which you have a desire to ask?

Address those things and then hang on to those notes as we delve deeper into our desire to "Ask, Seek & Knock". 

On a side note, in case you haven't heard, I have finally updated my website and have even "revamped" things a bit with my podcast (see links below). If you would, please check both of those things out and then go to my FYU Facebook page and leave me some feedback on your thoughts about these changes. I'd love to hear from you! 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

Seeing With NEW Eyes - the CONCLUSION

 

 Well, here we are with the conclusion of this series but, friend, by no means is this the CONCLUSION of what God has been doing, IS doing and WILL CONTINUE to do in the lives of my wife and I. 

I've shared a LOT of details about "happenings" in our lives since the end of 2020 and, at the same time, I've left out a LOT more that I could have shared but simply felt that it would have been too time consuming. Hopefully I've shared enough with you that, for some, it will create a spark of curiosity or praise about these things. 

Thing is, I'm looking at the information that I had already written down (a record of these things, so to speak) and I realize that I'm going to have to even cut out a LOT of the things that I have left of these events in our life. (As a matter of fact, I had to re-record the podcast on this one because the first time through was just too long!). 

I love the fact that I have shared so much but that it is just a "sampling" of all of the things that I have recorded so that I will remember these things in the future. So, saying all of that, let me simply say that I HAVE to share with you this one last situation that we experienced just in the past few days.

As I type this article, it is Monday, September 13, 2021. On Friday evening, September 10, 2021 I came across a post on Facebook by a young, single mother that does foster care for several kids on top of raising her own child. She is an amazing young lady and we have sent $100 several times over the past several months. The intention has been to do that every month but, sadly, it had been a couple of months. When I read her post stating that she was asking for prayers because Satan was "attacking" them hard at that time I thought, "I need to send her that money like I've been talking about!".

Saturday morning, September 11, 2021, I was preparing to send the $100 to her via an online channel so that she could receive it quickly when the thought hit me that my wife and I had actually committed to doing more than that "if/when" something particular happened. What was that? We said that when we sold my motorcycle for a certain amount of money that we would send $500 to this precious young lady with plans to increase that in the future with God's help. Well, we didn't sell the motorcycle yet BUT we did sell one of our cars on Thursday (9.9.21) for - guess what - the EXACT amount of money that we had discussed about the motorcycle.

Now then, I called my wife in the room and we discussed the fact that we had said - out loud - that we were going to do this and that, even though it was not the motorcycle, it was the EXACT amount of money that we had discussed and that since we had said it "out loud" that we knew we had committed to doing this "as to the Lord". In other words, HE heard us say it so we felt that it was a commitment to Him. We both agreed that, indeed, we needed to send the $500 to her and prayed over that decision and for it to be a blessing in her life and in the life of those kids that she cares for -  and then I hit the "send" button. 

Within a few minutes I heard back from her and she basically said something like, "You will NOT believe this and THANK YOU!" She shared with me that they had to make an unexpected trip out of town and leave their dog at a kennel. Friday night (9.10.21) she got the bill and was floored. She was moved to tears because she did not know how she was going to pay this unexpected bill. The amount? You may have figured it out by now...$500! Hello???

Friends, my wife and I had NO IDEA that ANY of this was going on. We had NO IDEA that she had received this bill and we sure had NO IDEA what the amount of that bill was. On top of all of that, the TIMING in this (God's timing, by the way) is quite amazing. If we had not sold that car the day before she received that bill and the day before I was reminded that we needed to send her some money, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. Well, it would not have been the exact amount needed.

There's so much more that I could say about this whole situation but I hope that what I've shared is enough to get your attention.

Listen, I don't know who you are or what you believe. I don't know if you are a believer or if you are one that doesn't even know for sure if God even exists. Here's what I do know: 

1. Whether it's asking/seeking to even know if God is out there OR  

2. Whether you are asking/seeking His guidance in and for your life  ---- HE HEARS YOU!

I'm not going to get real deep into this right now because my next series is going to deal on this more (the idea of "Asking - Seeking - Knocking" and what it means for each of us) but let me ask you a quick question that I've asked before in this series: "If you are asking for guidance or if you are simply seeking...are you LISTENING, WATCHING and OPENING YOUR EYES for what may be sent your way as an answer?"

Opportunity doesn't always knock. Neither do "the answers" that you seek.

May you also begin to SEE with NEW EYES, friend!

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 6)

 

We are nearing the end of this series - I promise! The next article will actually be the conclusion to this series and I hope that you have benefited from the blog articles as well as the podcasts that I have published on the same topics. 

So, as always, if you've not read (and/or listened) to the previous 5 articles/podcasts in this series, please be sure and do that BEFORE you move forward. This whole series has been about me sharing events that have taken place - chronologically - over the past several months. That being true, it's important to read/listen to these events in order. 

I talk about this on the podcasts that I do but, for whatever reason, I have failed to do so with these articles. What am I talking about? The fact that you are reading this FOR A REASON, my friend! I don't know who you are, where you are from are even WHEN it is that you may be reading this blog article. I'm typing these words on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 but, who knows, you may be reading this 25 years after I put this article together. Either way, the fact remains the same...I believe that this is NOT a "coincidence" that you are reading this article. I also believe that God has brought you to this article and that there is something in this article that you NEED to read. Hey, that's really what this whole series has been about...the fact that I do not believe that anything happens by coincidence, including you reading this article. 

Alright, let's move forward with our discussion on this topic. Again, go back and read the previous articles because I now pick up where I left off in the last article I shared with you.

I mentioned my introduction to a man by the name of Paul Bocco back in December of 2020. His program was in the real estate niche but, the main attraction for me was that it was formed and guided by spiritual principles. Now listen, I've come across many so-called "Christian business entrepreneurs" before that turned out to be nothing but a gimmick to try to attract Christians and take their money. NOT SO WITH PAUL BOCCO! I came to the conclusion very quickly that he was, indeed, "the real deal" when it came to him actually believing what he said and "taught" in his materials.

What a blessing he was to me at that time! I credit him - along with God's timing - for helping me really get focused on truly surrendering to God and following God with the idea of removing myself more from the "headship" of this relationship. Along with the spiritual emphasis, I also greatly benefited from the organizational instructions in his program. HUGE plus for me! I finally began to take control of my days instead of my days taking control of me...BIG difference and  BIG advantage in every area of my life. 

However, after 7 months in the program I did not feel that the "business side" of the program was really working out for me in the way that I needed and I had to make a difficult decision about the program. To be honest, I was already into this program by several thousands of dollars and I did not easily walk away from such an investment. Yet, I was at complete peace because I felt that the spiritual guidance that I received was exactly what I needed in order to move forward toward success in all areas of my life.

 In discussing this struggle with my wife, I mentioned to her that if I only had a way to PINPOINT people that were in TOUGH SITUATIONS with their homes (as we had once been in our past) that it would make the process a lot easier by being able to actually find such people. A couple of days after that, on a Saturday night (8.14.21) - and by late, I mean almost into Sunday morning, so around 12:45 p.m. or so - I came across a webinar on my computer that talked about being involved in the real estate market so I began to watch it. Little did I know that this sucker was going to last for an hour and forty-five minutes!

But, guess what? From what I could tell, this program did EXACTLY what I said I needed, "if I could only find". COINCIDENCE? As I took a couple of days to "debate" (there really wasn't much of a debate but it was more due to my "head spinning" by this happening) I had to ask myself the following question:  "WOULD I NOT BE FOOLISH TO IGNORE THIS SPECIFIC ANSWER TO MY SEARCH?" Again, COINCIDENCE? As Bill Engvall says: "Here's your sign!"

Now then, get this...I'm not done with this particular event and it was not done with me! Two days after watching that webinar and "debating" about whether or not I should sign up for this program, I opened up an email and had more information from this company and it's creator, Ross Hamilton,  and it had free downloads to some material that was available. With interest I downloaded one that was labeled "Create your custom 12 month plan to 10X your income while improving your health and overall happiness." I grinned as I saw that (P141, Oola and Travis Peters all had a 12 month plan) and when I opened it up - hang on to your seats - I was "blown away" when I saw the areas they "focus" on for this "plan". Look at the comparison below and see how closely all four of these programs are connected (Connected Investors is the name of the company that had the webinar that I mentioned):

I literally - I really did - laughed OUT LOUD - when I read this. "Oh my goodness, God...thank you for showing me this!"  Again, "HERE'S YOUR SIGN!" What decision do you think I made about this program after these things? You got it...I signed up!

Listen, I share even more on the podcast (part 5) that goes along with this article. GO LISTEN! I could write and write and write about these things because they keep coming on a DAILY basis - I kid you not!

In closing for this article, I again ask you the question, "If you have been asking for guidance and direction, have you allowed that guidance and direction to pass right in front of you unnoticed?" Have you allowed "opportunity" to walk by right in front of your house because you were waiting to have it knock on your door? After all, "opportunity knocks", right? NOT ALWAYS!

You don't have to agree with me about God's part in all of this. That's fine but it does not change what I believe and it does not change my dedication to sharing my belief that God is moving in a MIGHTY and POWERFUL way in the life of my wife and I. As the old saying goes, "Try it, you might like it!"

I'll share a few more final thoughts on these things in the next article and, again, it will be the conclusion of this series. It is exciting for me to know that this is not done! I honestly have no idea where God is taking me or leading me but I DO know that I am willingly following Him wherever that may be and I thank you for coming along this journey with me. 

So, friend, until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141  Oola Program

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 5)

As always, if you haven't read the articles before this one in this series - DO THAT FIRST, BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER IN THIS ONE.

Go ahead. I'll wait. 

Now then, let's continue!

I do not believe in coincidences. I used to, but not any more. When you ask for guidance, do you ignore or simply "miss" that guidance when it comes your way? Do you "miss it" because you are busy focusing on something else OR, perhaps, do you discount where that guidance is coming from? (Wow, there's a whole article in that last question all by itself!).

If you've been following along (or if you just got caught up) you have read several things that I've been sharing that, for others, they may label as "coincidence" but, like I said, not me. Here's another example from the past that I've shared before but, if you are "new" to Future You University, then this will bring the point home even more.

About 10 years ago I was out on an afternoon ride on my motorcycle and covered somewhere around 80 miles or so over a couple to three house time span. During that time I passed by 3 different signs in front of churches that were of 3 different "denominations" which, to me, indicated that this was not a connected effort among a certain group to have the same message on their signs on the same day. These 3 different signs all did have the same message on them: "Trust in Yourself". Coincidence? I don't think so and, as a matter of fact, after seeing it on the 2nd sign I began to feel that this was something I needed to see that day and the 3rd time confirmed that belief!

When we dismiss such things I believe we also dismiss something that may be coming from God Himself and, I don't know about you, but I sure don't to be dismissive of God! Again, you can choose to agree with me or not - that's totally up to you but I am sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs, right?

So, even though the past few months have been SLAMMED FULL of such things, I've had them in my life before. However, as my wife and I have discussed, it is like we have stepped into a new "room" or "realm" in our walk with God and He is keeping our mind "spinning" with these things. 

Again, go back and read (and listen to the podcasts) to what has come before this article/podcast so that you can follow the time line that I discuss. In this article (and on the podcast).  

I now jump ahead to August of 2021.

During this time we started hearing and seeing a "focus" on FEAR and the power that we have IN CHRIST to overcome and DEFEAT any and all FEAR! (Now listen, I give all glory to God in all of this and if that is something that would cause you to step away then, I'm sorry you feel that way but I am going to be bolder in proclaiming what I believe what He is doing in and through my life).

Around this time we (my wife and I) knew that it was finally time - once and for all - to totally leave behind our own selfish desires and allow God to take us and use us for HIS GLORY however He wanted to lead us and use us.  For us, part of what that means at least in OUR minds is for us to be used by Him in helping others financially in MIGHTY ways like never before. Beyond our wildest dreams and/or imagination.

EVERYTHING is pointing to GOOD and the TRANSFORMATION is getting stronger and stronger and I am feeling more at peace that I think I have in my whole life (all of this while I am not working and have $0 income, though I had some in savings). I add that simply to show the power of what we are seeing and hearing about FEAR and what was still coming with that message in "coincidental ways".

On Sunday, Aug. 8th, during a sermon, I wrote down something that the preacher pointed out that is found in Psalm 34:4 - "I prayed to the Lord and He freed me from all my fears..."  One night during the following week I came across Travis Peters through a social media ad. You know how these social media platforms work, right? If you click on an ad for something then, all of a sudden, your newsfeed is flooded with similar ads, right? I had clicked on someone suggesting that they were a "Christian entrepreneur" and then my page was flooded with such ads. I came across one and thought, "O.k...let's see what THIS guy is peddling! I wasn't expecting much and then, WOW! During one of his videos he talked about the absolute NECESSITY for us to overcome...guess what...FEAR! ("Here's your sign!")

Keep following me here...Because I had signed up for some information from Travis Peters, I receive an email (auto generated) from him. Again, this was not something he specifically sent to me...it was something that he has had in place for a while that was scheduled to "go out" at a certain time after filling out that information on his page. Now, look at the TIMING of this!

In that e-mail, it listed several things that he covered in another "next-level" course that he offers and, guess what? IT ALMOST EXACTLY LINED UP WITH P141 and OOLA (I've shown these 3 programs side by side so that you can see what I'm talking about). I showed that to my wife and said to her: "It would be absolutely FOOLISH to ignore this!"  (Here's your sign!)

 

The day after this, I noticed a lady in my Oola group post something that indicated she had a podcast. I touched base with her, got the link and listened to her first podcast that was about....guess what?...FEAR!

Let me ask you this question again: If you ASK or you SEEK guidance and wisdom from God...what are you looking for? ARE YOU EVEN LOOKING or do you have your head down to where you are missing opportunity day after day after day?

Along those lines, here is something else that I don't believe was just a "coincidence" or just something that I happened to come up with...

 

But notice, friend...first and foremost, you have to LOOK UP before anything else. Think about that and keep your eyes open!

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141  Oola Program

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 3)

 

I just finished recording and posting the podcast that goes along with today's article. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of today's article to listen in. It's always good to LISTEN as well as READ since I don't have a script that I follow. That being the case, the two will not be exactly the same and you may pick up some extra "nuggets" from one or the other!

Let me begin by asking you this question: If you seek and ask God for direction...or ask him to "lead you" in your life and decisions, what does that mean for you and what is it you are "looking for" to where you would know?

That is a HARD questions to answer - at least for me it has been!

Let me ask you another question: How many of these "things" have to walk right in front of you and even "slap you upside your head" before you pay attention and see them for what they are? 

Follow me?

In this "transformation" series that I am currently sharing, I let you in on my wife and I's journey over the past 7-8 months of "seeking" God's guidance in and for our lives. Here's the deal: I've been "in church" literally all of my life and was even in ministry for around 20-25 years or so.

Yet, at the same time, I have known that I have not fully given myself up to fully surrender to God and allow Him to take me and use me in the way that was designed before I was even born.

Oh, don't get me wrong...I KNOW he has used me for His good and glory along the way. I honestly believe your reading of this blog article is a part of that process and I hope that you are always encouraged in the process even though I may challenge you on a few things in and for your own life. 

(Here's what I mean by getting an extra little "nugget" from either the podcast or the article. I didn't discuss this part in this podcast!)

I'm trying to share as much detail as I can in the podcast and, that being the case, I'm not covering very much material or covering a very large "time-frame" in this journey that has taken place over these past few months. But I want to make sure that I "point out" things that have made a HUGE difference even if I didn't fully understand that along the way.

But, I tell you this, friend...even up to yesterday, for example, God is still doing things that make me literally start laughing out loud in how it connected to something else that he "brought across my path" earlier the same day! What's He up to? I don't know for sure but I can sure tell you that He is up to SOMETHING in and for my life!

So, be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article and simply ask yourself this question: "If I ask God to lead me and to guide me...will I do what He says? Will I open my eyes to SEE who and what He may be bringing across my path?" Hey easier said than done, my friend, that is for sure!

One thing I did share in this podcast that I want to be sure and share with you here: Opportunity doesn't always knock! Stop waiting for that to happen! Sometimes it may walk down the sidewalk in front of your house and you may have to run out there and tackle that sucker!

Stop sitting around and waiting. Start watching. Start paying attention - expectantly - for what may be passing before you every single day.

I'd love to hear from you. You can leave a comment here but I'd prefer you to do so on my Facebook page (link below). Either way is good as long as I hear from YOU!

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141