Shallow Soil (ASON's 1st blog ever!) http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:52:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com YES http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=733356 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/TUZ8xMJivUI/AAAAAAAAACU/Teww1SVlY9k/s1600/yes_man01.jpg"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.entertainmentwallpaper.com/images/desktops/movie/yes_man01.jpg">I believe that nations, times, and worlds are changed with words. I believe words were "in the beginning" and that literally everything starts and stops with the power contained in ideas expressed in language (also known as words). For the purpose of this blog entry I would like to discuss one word that very specifically can change my life, and yours as well. YES. Will I get out of the bed and exercise? Will I invest in my marriage? Will I make time for my children? Will I be wise with my money? Will I prioritize my faith? Will I do my homework and study? Will I be patient? Will I continue to grow by learning? Will I love people I don't like?Will I pray and not faint, trust and believe GOD?The word that I choose to answer these and similar questions with determines everything! And the word cannot be said with my mouth only. I have to be my word. Am I really up for this?(insert your word here)Be Inspired.













I believe that nations, times, and worlds are changed with words. I believe words were "in the beginning" and that literally everything starts and stops with the power contained in ideas expressed in language (also known as words).

For the purpose of this blog entry I would like to discuss one word that very specifically can change my life, and yours as well.

YES.

Will I get out of the bed and exercise? Will I invest in my marriage? Will I make time for my children? Will I be wise with my money? Will I prioritize my faith? Will I do my homework and study? Will I be patient? Will I continue to grow by learning? Will I love people I don't like?

Will I pray and not faint, trust and believe GOD?

The word that I choose to answer these and similar questions with determines everything! And the word cannot be said with my mouth only.

I have to be my word.

Am I really up for this?

(insert your word here)
Be Inspired.
]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:52:00 GMT 4171E809DA5AA7EC37A9D5EA4150A860 Are We There Yet? http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=397257 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/TGe_zTIFGUI/AAAAAAAAAB0/UoGQl5loC6I/s1600/are-we-there-yet.jpg"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://spiritualoasis.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/are-we-there-yet.jpg"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://spiritualoasis.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/are-we-there-yet.jpg">One of the hardest things about seeing your vision up close and clear, maybe through witnessing someone else prospering in a certain way, or a good movie that illustrates your own desires, is having to return to your own reality.David was anointed to be king over Israel. Then he was summoned to the palace to play for the sitting King. He became best friends with the heir to the throne. As a rural shepard boy, seeing the trappings of the palace probably bedazzled him and kept him up at night dreaming about how the kingdom would all be his soon, hey after all GOD had said it!. He probably reasoned, like I would have, that somehow GOD would give it all to him soon, especially after his defeat of Goliath which made him a national hero. Songs were even written about him. But that first trip to the palace was only the beginning of a long process for David. He had to go back to being a shepherd in his father's house. How did he do that and exhibit the character he displayed? The mind bending patience? How did he go on the run for his own life, and live like an outcast for years after that initial exposure to success and his calling?Did GOD do what He said? Of course! It just took 13 years to fully come to pass. However David's reign as king was 40 years. I would love tell you the life you want will fully be established by December 2010 (just put your money in the plate, praise the Lord hard and long, dance around, scream like a fool and it shall be done!). Most likely that will not be the case. If I was to bet big money though, I believe your dream life shall indeed come to pass, and not when you're too old to enjoy it.The question is, can you endure the ride? Be Inspired.


One of the hardest things about seeing your vision up close and clear, maybe through witnessing someone else prospering in a certain way, or a good movie that illustrates your own desires, is having to return to your own reality.

David was anointed to be king over Israel. Then he was summoned to the palace to play for the sitting King. He became best friends with the heir to the throne. As a rural shepard boy, seeing the trappings of the palace probably bedazzled him and kept him up at night dreaming about how the kingdom would all be his soon, hey after all GOD had said it!. He probably reasoned, like I would have, that somehow GOD would give it all to him soon, especially after his defeat of Goliath which made him a national hero. Songs were even written about him.

But that first trip to the palace was only the beginning of a long process for David. He had to go back to being a shepherd in his father's house. How did he do that and exhibit the character he displayed? The mind bending patience? How did he go on the run for his own life, and live like an outcast for years after that initial exposure to success and his calling?

Did GOD do what He said? Of course! It just took 13 years to fully come to pass. However David's reign as king was 40 years.

I would love tell you the life you want will fully be established by December 2010 (just put your money in the plate, praise the Lord hard and long, dance around, scream like a fool and it shall be done!). Most likely that will not be the case. If I was to bet big money though, I believe your dream life shall indeed come to pass, and not when you're too old to enjoy it.

The question is, can you endure the ride?
Be Inspired.
]]> Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:10:00 GMT 20D2E5FBCE0FC4C52B119897956BD767 Conversation between Brothers http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=317754 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blackbrothersrecords.com/sitebuilder/images/Black_Brothers_photos_019-495x375.jpg">Once or twice a week, I exchange emails with a friend of mine currently serving an 8 year sentence in Federal prison. His name is John. He won't mind me telling you this because also via email, I post his blog for him where he gives many details about his experience. You can see that at thevoicefrominside.blogspot.com.Here is a recent exchange between the two of us that may bless you...ASON,Today, I spoke with an older guy over dinner. We talked about his time with the NAACP. He grew up in Chicago, actually in the projects and he was raised in the arms of the NAACP. We had a very good conversation and I realize that in my life of growing up in Brooklyn, NY, the NAACP had already lost it's main focus. Yes, I grew up in a middle class neighborhood which was far from the project life, but what this guy told me blew me away.His mom was very active. She attended all the meetings and took part in every community outreach possible. The things they did is right along the line of what I've always felt the need to do. The watched kids leaving school and those that didn't look well kept would be approached. They'd take the kid(s) home and then ask the parents if they needed any type of assistance (a ride, clothes, or food). They'd do voting drives to gather new voters. They'd stop by the homes of the old and needy to do chores that were left undone. They'd also give rides to people who needed to go to the doctor or to court. They did a lot and I wish you could have seen his eyes light up as he told me the stories. That was the best part.In any case, I'm still doing research and I'll be sending of my money to join next week. My only shortage now is filling out the membership application. I've tried to call the NAACP all day and there has not been any answer. I'll continue to try next week, so wish me luck and pray for me. Maybe with my level of energy, my committment to success, and my ingenuity, I can bring a spark back to the NAACP. Never doubt me because I've changed every environment I've ever touched.I just wanted to write something tonight before I crashed.JKW******Hey John,That was moving to hear about the NAACP in days past. I've been lamenting our society in general and particularly our Christian family. Doing bible studies can sometimes be discouraging when I see the disparity between how we are today and how GOD intended for us to be.That is powerful, the community you described there. Pre-crack era I presume. Young boys had a reason to show respect to elders, pastors, and community leaders. Even the town street walkers and number runners had respect for GOD and His people, thus the community, though poor, was strong. I say poor but that is not even true. There were many business owners, land owners, and professionals of all sorts. They just had limited access to white clientele which we somehow viewed as still being inferior.Drugs, movies (particularly Scarface), and music are 3 powerful agents the devil used to tear that world down. The church, similar to the NAACP has gone off course in many ways and I'm not sure the exact way to get back on track other than pray and continue in GOD's word.I take courage in GOD's capacity to make things new. Not to try and "patch up" or "fix" but to altogether create anew where there has been destruction. Where there is no more form and a void, He can begin a new work. There's where my hope is.David did not pray for his sinful heart to be fixed or repaired, but rather "create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Wash me with hissup, and I'll be white as snow."My Prayer: Create us new today Father. Let the old things pass away and all things become new. A new way of thinking, a new prayer life, a new passion to study, a new sphere of influence, a new dimension of connection with our fellow man, a new power to triumph over the devil whom YOU have already defeated, a new vision that YOU will bring to pass, a new love for YOU, a new joy that only YOU can give us, a new blessing that will cause men who witness it to glorify YOU. Amen.Bless you John,ASON******To Contact John:John Wannamaker, #33616-177, PO Box 7000, Texarkana, Texas 75505, or e-mail me at john@bigsonny.comBe Inspired.
Once or twice a week, I exchange emails with a friend of mine currently serving an 8 year sentence in Federal prison. His name is John. He won't mind me telling you this because also via email, I post his blog for him where he gives many details about his experience. You can see that at thevoicefrominside.blogspot.com.

Here is a recent exchange between the two of us that may bless you...

ASON,

Today, I spoke with an older guy over dinner. We talked about his time with the NAACP. He grew up in Chicago, actually in the projects and he was raised in the arms of the NAACP. We had a very good conversation and I realize that in my life of growing up in Brooklyn, NY, the NAACP had already lost it's main focus. Yes, I grew up in a middle class neighborhood which was far from the project life, but what this guy told me blew me away.

His mom was very active. She attended all the meetings and took part in every community outreach possible. The things they did is right along the line of what I've always felt the need to do. The watched kids leaving school and those that didn't look well kept would be approached. They'd take the kid(s) home and then ask the parents if they needed any type of assistance (a ride, clothes, or food). They'd do voting drives to gather new voters. They'd stop by the homes of the old and needy to do chores that were left undone. They'd also give rides to people who needed to go to the doctor or to court. They did a lot and I wish you could have seen his eyes light up as he told me the stories. That was the best part.

In any case, I'm still doing research and I'll be sending of my money to join next week. My only shortage now is filling out the membership application. I've tried to call the NAACP all day and there has not been any answer. I'll continue to try next week, so wish me luck and pray for me. Maybe with my level of energy, my committment to success, and my ingenuity, I can bring a spark back to the NAACP. Never doubt me because I've changed every environment I've ever touched.

I just wanted to write something tonight before I crashed.

JKW

******
Hey John,

That was moving to hear about the NAACP in days past. I've been lamenting our society in general and particularly our Christian family. Doing bible studies can sometimes be discouraging when I see the disparity between how we are today and how GOD intended for us to be.

That is powerful, the community you described there. Pre-crack era I presume. Young boys had a reason to show respect to elders, pastors, and community leaders. Even the town street walkers and number runners had respect for GOD and His people, thus the community, though poor, was strong. I say poor but that is not even true. There were many business owners, land owners, and professionals of all sorts. They just had limited access to white clientele which we somehow viewed as still being inferior.

Drugs, movies (particularly Scarface), and music are 3 powerful agents the devil used to tear that world down. The church, similar to the NAACP has gone off course in many ways and I'm not sure the exact way to get back on track other than pray and continue in GOD's word.

I take courage in GOD's capacity to make things new. Not to try and "patch up" or "fix" but to altogether create anew where there has been destruction. Where there is no more form and a void, He can begin a new work. There's where my hope is.

David did not pray for his sinful heart to be fixed or repaired, but rather "create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Wash me with hissup, and I'll be white as snow."

My Prayer: Create us new today Father. Let the old things pass away and all things become new. A new way of thinking, a new prayer life, a new passion to study, a new sphere of influence, a new dimension of connection with our fellow man, a new power to triumph over the devil whom YOU have already defeated, a new vision that YOU will bring to pass, a new love for YOU, a new joy that only YOU can give us, a new blessing that will cause men who witness it to glorify YOU. Amen.

Bless you John,

ASON

******

To Contact John:


John Wannamaker, #33616-177, PO Box 7000, Texarkana, Texas 75505, or e-mail me at john@bigsonny.com
Be Inspired.
]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:44:00 GMT 1EC6AE33CDE02A2312B06E1B10C7DE66 Interview with Christopher Terrell http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=204968 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://brotherpeacemaker.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/freed-black-man.jpg">I have a friend, John Wannamaker, who is currently serving an 8 year prison sentence. Two times a week, I help him post a post a blog. He emails me via corrlinks.com and I copy it to thevoicefrominside.blogspot.com and add a picture. His latest entry I had to share. Here it is below:Christopher Terrell was released from federal custody about 2 months ago. I had the chance to spend some time with him before he left for the 1/2 way house. It is my goal to interview prisoners who I've met before they leave to return to society. I do not interview every person, just the ones that show or have something about them that calls to my writing nature.Christopher Terrell is 43 years old, and was serving a sentence of 10 years for distribution of crack cocaine in his home town of Shreveport, Louisiana. He's been to three separate institutions with his sentence beginning at FCI Oakdale.This is his interview as told to me, John Wannamaker (JW); Christopher Terrell (CT)---JW: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET OF PRISON OR PRE-PRISON TIME?CT: I regret the amount of time they gave me. This all added up to time taken out of my life and away from my family.JW: CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF COMMITTING ANOTHER CRIME, IF ALL ELSE FAILS?CT: NoJW: WHAT ARE YOUR IMMEDIATE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?CT: My goal is to buy an apartment complex that needs work. I'm also interested in offshore drilling. Whatever I do, it will be a regular job.JW: HOW HAS YOUR FAMILY BEEN WHILE YOU WERE AWAY?CT: My wife divorced me since I was in prison, and I lost my brother 2 months ago.JW: WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN PRISON?CT: I got closer to God. I also grew up a lot, and I really needed to do that.JW: WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE? THE LAW?CT: I learned how to deal with people sensibly. I also learned that everyone is not at the same level. Everybody has a measure of faith, and we all need to have patience. About the law, I would have to say that it's not fair, and it's not equal for everyone.JW: WHAT TYPE OF CLASSES HAVE YOU TAKEN?CT: I completed a Culinary Arts program, and a Baking Course. I also took up Computers and Building Maintenance. Most of all I completed the Life Connections program.JW: WERE YOU EMPLOYED BEFORE PRISON?CT: Yes, I worked on a gambling boat for 6-months, and I owned a beauty salon.JW: WHAT MADE YOU COMMIT YOUR CRIME?CT: After I finished high school, I needed a way to make money.JW: AFTER ALL YOU'VE LEARNED AND ENDURED, WOULD YOU REPEAT THIS SITUATION?CT: No!JW: WHAT IS THE WORST THING YOU'VE SEEN IN PRISON?CT: While at another institution, we had two person rooms. In one of the rooms, one roommate beat up the other one all night, until blood was all over the room and floor (the next morning). Blood was even running out of the door. This happened because one guy found out his roommate wrote his daughter.JW: WOW! ANY FINAL WORDS?CT: The prison system makes things worst. Your family and kids don't have the structure they need. It's hard to hold on to your kids and not everyone can do that and God did it for me. Prison is a cycle.Christopher Terrell may be at home with his family by now. Wherever he is, I wish him the best and I hope he's having a successful time reintegrating back into society. Chris is a good brother who is very mild mannered, patient, and very conscious of himself. I enjoyed being around him. We laughed, joked, talked about the bible, and he made me want to work out even harder when I saw his ethics. Good luck, Chris.Contact me:John Wannamaker, #33616-177, PO Box 7000, Texarkana, Texas 75505, or e-mail me at john@bigsonny.comBe Inspired. I have a friend, John Wannamaker, who is currently serving an 8 year prison sentence. Two times a week, I help him post a post a blog. He emails me via corrlinks.com and I copy it to thevoicefrominside.blogspot.com and add a picture. His latest entry I had to share. Here it is below:


Christopher Terrell was released from federal custody about 2 months ago. I had the chance to spend some time with him before he left for the 1/2 way house. It is my goal to interview prisoners who I've met before they leave to return to society. I do not interview every person, just the ones that show or have something about them that calls to my writing nature.

Christopher Terrell is 43 years old, and was serving a sentence of 10 years for distribution of crack cocaine in his home town of Shreveport, Louisiana. He's been to three separate institutions with his sentence beginning at FCI Oakdale.

This is his interview as told to me, John Wannamaker (JW); Christopher Terrell (CT)

---

JW: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET OF PRISON OR PRE-PRISON TIME?

CT: I regret the amount of time they gave me. This all added up to time taken out of my life and away from my family.

JW: CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF COMMITTING ANOTHER CRIME, IF ALL ELSE FAILS?

CT: No

JW: WHAT ARE YOUR IMMEDIATE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

CT: My goal is to buy an apartment complex that needs work. I'm also interested in offshore drilling. Whatever I do, it will be a regular job.

JW: HOW HAS YOUR FAMILY BEEN WHILE YOU WERE AWAY?

CT: My wife divorced me since I was in prison, and I lost my brother 2 months ago.

JW: WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN PRISON?

CT: I got closer to God. I also grew up a lot, and I really needed to do that.

JW: WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT PEOPLE? THE LAW?

CT: I learned how to deal with people sensibly. I also learned that everyone is not at the same level. Everybody has a measure of faith, and we all need to have patience. About the law, I would have to say that it's not fair, and it's not equal for everyone.

JW: WHAT TYPE OF CLASSES HAVE YOU TAKEN?

CT: I completed a Culinary Arts program, and a Baking Course. I also took up Computers and Building Maintenance. Most of all I completed the Life Connections program.

JW: WERE YOU EMPLOYED BEFORE PRISON?

CT: Yes, I worked on a gambling boat for 6-months, and I owned a beauty salon.

JW: WHAT MADE YOU COMMIT YOUR CRIME?

CT: After I finished high school, I needed a way to make money.

JW: AFTER ALL YOU'VE LEARNED AND ENDURED, WOULD YOU REPEAT THIS SITUATION?

CT: No!

JW: WHAT IS THE WORST THING YOU'VE SEEN IN PRISON?

CT: While at another institution, we had two person rooms. In one of the rooms, one roommate beat up the other one all night, until blood was all over the room and floor (the next morning). Blood was even running out of the door. This happened because one guy found out his roommate wrote his daughter.

JW: WOW! ANY FINAL WORDS?

CT: The prison system makes things worst. Your family and kids don't have the structure they need. It's hard to hold on to your kids and not everyone can do that and God did it for me. Prison is a cycle.



Christopher Terrell may be at home with his family by now. Wherever he is, I wish him the best and I hope he's having a successful time reintegrating back into society. Chris is a good brother who is very mild mannered, patient, and very conscious of himself. I enjoyed being around him. We laughed, joked, talked about the bible, and he made me want to work out even harder when I saw his ethics. Good luck, Chris.

Contact me:

John Wannamaker, #33616-177, PO Box 7000, Texarkana, Texas 75505, or e-mail me at john@bigsonny.com
Be Inspired.
]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:29:00 GMT 721C1F1CD728460116EFE2343C696179 Is there only one GOD? http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=202652 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jermination.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/greek_gods400.jpg">Do you think this is a foolish question?Well can I first ask you "Who or what is GOD?" No, don't keep reading...please answer the question first.Who or what is GOD in relation to you? What does It/HE have to do with you, if anything?Who/what is YOUR deity?Dictionary.com says a god is ANY deified person or object. That means EVERYBODY has the power to deify (which is to make a god of; exalt to the rank of a deity; personify as a deity: to deify a beloved king.) People do it everyday.So if a deity is ANY person or thing revered as a god or goddess...how many gods are there?Who gets most of your time? Where do you spend most of your time? Where does most of your money go? Where does your energy go to? What/who has most of your attention, really? Who/what occupies your mind for the greatest portion of a given day, even on Saturday or Sunday. Who/what will you do almost anything to get or to keep from loosing?Your answers reveal your god(s).Be Inspired. Do you think this is a foolish question?

Well can I first ask you "Who or what is GOD?" No, don't keep reading...please answer the question first.

Who or what is GOD in relation to you? What does It/HE have to do with you, if anything?

Who/what is YOUR deity?

Dictionary.com says a god is ANY deified person or object. That means EVERYBODY has the power to deify (which is to make a god of; exalt to the rank of a deity; personify as a deity: to deify a beloved king.)

People do it everyday.

So if a deity is ANY person or thing revered as a god or goddess...how many gods are there?

Who gets most of your time? Where do you spend most of your time? Where does most of your money go? Where does your energy go to? What/who has most of your attention, really? Who/what occupies your mind for the greatest portion of a given day, even on Saturday or Sunday. Who/what will you do almost anything to get or to keep from loosing?

Your answers reveal your god(s).
Be Inspired.
]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:10:00 GMT 9892497DD11F7C3330185C0AF654788A You have absolutely nothing...except RIGHT NOW! http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=174283 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blinn.edu/personnel/training/Maximizing_the_Performance_Appraisal_Form_updated_11-12-08/time%20bound-stop%20watch.jpg">Without taking on a debate involving the Theory of Relativity let me state that none of us can physically access the past. If you have been to a funeral then you know that you do not have tomorrow and it is not a guaranty for anyone, even the rich and healthy.All that we really have is now. The only time we can take action and the only time we can actually live is now. We can't do it later and we can't go back and re-do it. We can only ever do ANYTHING now.If you currently weigh 300lbs and you want to weigh 220lbs you can only BE a 220lb person...NOW. Think about that.You can be a 300lb person trying to be a 220lb person sometime in the future, that's what most people do. How do you think that works out for them? A 300lb person "takes breaks" and "rewards" themselves and "cheats" on the diet. Someone who is already 220lbs just IS 220lbs and DOES (NOW) what a 220lb person does.This principle applies to everything. Who do you want to BE? Commit to BEING that person (you guessed it) NOW. That's all you can do and that is all you will ever be able to do.So what are you gonna do now?Be Inspired.
Without taking on a debate involving the Theory of Relativity let me state that none of us can physically access the past. If you have been to a funeral then you know that you do not have tomorrow and it is not a guaranty for anyone, even the rich and healthy.

All that we really have is now. The only time we can take action and the only time we can actually live is now. We can't do it later and we can't go back and re-do it. We can only ever do ANYTHING now.

If you currently weigh 300lbs and you want to weigh 220lbs you can only BE a 220lb person...NOW. Think about that.

You can be a 300lb person trying to be a 220lb person sometime in the future, that's what most people do. How do you think that works out for them? A 300lb person "takes breaks" and "rewards" themselves and "cheats" on the diet. Someone who is already 220lbs just IS 220lbs and DOES (NOW) what a 220lb person does.

This principle applies to everything. Who do you want to BE? Commit to BEING that person (you guessed it) NOW. That's all you can do and that is all you will ever be able to do.

So what are you gonna do now?
Be Inspired.
]]> Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:15:00 GMT 05FDFDA42B724D5605557284C0EEA214 You Can't Serve GOD & Money! http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=153558 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/S0NLqkSabiI/AAAAAAAAABk/SXEQyt2hZX0/s1600-h/god+vs+money.jpg">A first read of this statement in Matthew 6:24 and of the entire passage which can be found in verses 19-34 can lead you to believe that to have any "concern" about financial matters is wrong.It occurred to me, that when we walk in ignorance regarding money, much of our lives are spent serving it, and not GOD.I have been in church meetings, several hours long, regarding issues less than $300. All because, no one had an extra $300 to settle the issue so we could move on. We were in church discussing money issues, not Kingdom ones.If you have a mortgage, a car note, a cell phone bill, utilities, etc. and not sufficient funds to handle the responsibilities, how much time in your week is spent serving money vs serving GOD? An 8 hour work day and perhaps a part time gig versus how much time building GOD's kingdom?I endeavor to increase my financial IQ, and learn what the rich know (No, I'm not one of them yet). Through interest earned, dividends paid out, investments yielding returns, and businesses profiting...they have learned to let money serve them.So, if money is now serving me, how much more can I serve GOD?Be Inspired. A first read of this statement in Matthew 6:24 and of the entire passage which can be found in verses 19-34 can lead you to believe that to have any "concern" about financial matters is wrong.

It occurred to me, that when we walk in ignorance regarding money, much of our lives are spent serving it, and not GOD.

I have been in church meetings, several hours long, regarding issues less than $300. All because, no one had an extra $300 to settle the issue so we could move on. We were in church discussing money issues, not Kingdom ones.

If you have a mortgage, a car note, a cell phone bill, utilities, etc. and not sufficient funds to handle the responsibilities, how much time in your week is spent serving money vs serving GOD? An 8 hour work day and perhaps a part time gig versus how much time building GOD's kingdom?

I endeavor to increase my financial IQ, and learn what the rich know (No, I'm not one of them yet). Through interest earned, dividends paid out, investments yielding returns, and businesses profiting...they have learned to let money serve them.

So, if money is now serving me, how much more can I serve GOD?
Be Inspired.
]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:13:00 GMT 48051AF3FCDB3F6A5E181BD6553F07D9 Where Your Blessings Come From http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=123777 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/SwFKR57_WlI/AAAAAAAAABY/zmZ6h4DU3TM/s1600/team+effort.jpg">Last night we had a tremendous event where about 200 people were present to witness a live concert and the premier of our two latest music videos. As an independent record label owner, being responsible for the entire production process of just one video is tremendous. It took half a year to complete them.The videos and the event (where we shot scenes for a third video) were a success by many measures. As hard I we worked, none of it would have been possible were it not for the support, hard work, and assistance of perhaps 25 key people and at least 100 others. Luke 6:38 (KJV) says "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, SHALL MEN give into your bosom." GOD sends your blessings THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE!!!!If we don't know how to treat people, if we write them off because we think they have nothing to offer, or they're not important, or they offended us before, or we don't like the way they look, or whatever other silly reason, then we literally clog up the pipeline GOD uses to send His blessings through. We cannot deal with GOD and ignore others.Are you waiting on GOD to bless you, or is your pipeline stopped up?Be Inspired.
Last night we had a tremendous event where about 200 people were present to witness a live concert and the premier of our two latest music videos. As an independent record label owner, being responsible for the entire production process of just one video is tremendous. It took half a year to complete them.

The videos and the event (where we shot scenes for a third video) were a success by many measures. As hard I we worked, none of it would have been possible were it not for the support, hard work, and assistance of perhaps 25 key people and at least 100 others.

Luke 6:38 (KJV) says "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, SHALL MEN give into your bosom." GOD sends your blessings THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE!!!!

If we don't know how to treat people, if we write them off because we think they have nothing to offer, or they're not important, or they offended us before, or we don't like the way they look, or whatever other silly reason, then we literally clog up the pipeline GOD uses to send His blessings through. We cannot deal with GOD and ignore others.

Are you waiting on GOD to bless you, or is your pipeline stopped up?
Be Inspired.
]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:47:00 GMT 59F0F60E0DDE1BEF91914FF0D4FB8AC8 Run with Patience http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=106344 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/SuW6kP6FO7I/AAAAAAAAABQ/wHpuBRFli3g/s1600-h/one+leg+marathon.jpg">In 2007 I ran my first and second marathon.With the exception of the Olympic runners who average under a 5 minute mile pace, this race is not a sprint.Those who are running at a walking pace by the end of 26.2 miles, but still cross the finish line, couldn't be happier, even if they are too tired to smile.It was during the grueling final 10 miles of my first marathon that I got some insight to this strange statement found in Hebrews 12:1, to "run...with patience."At first I was put off that out of the thousands running, there were some women, elderly, and even handicapped participants that were outpacing me. Although I am athletic and had trained well to run at a good pace, theirs was faster!After 18 miles of running at a pace I didn't prepare for, each painful step was pointing out to me that I needed to run "my race" or risk not finishing at all. I ended up having to slow to a CRAWLING pace and had a long talk with GOD as more women, elderly, and handicapped people passed me with ease.He said to me (speaking of my life and not the marathon) "If you don't run YOUR race, you won't FINISH your race."By my second marathon, I was able to enjoy the (still) painfully challenging experience, primarily because I wasn't racing at all. I was cheering everyone else on, and this time I was running for charity.When I finished, I was a winner because I had run my race.Be Inspired.
In 2007 I ran my first and second marathon.

With the exception of the Olympic runners who average under a 5 minute mile pace, this race is not a sprint.

Those who are running at a walking pace by the end of 26.2 miles, but still cross the finish line, couldn't be happier, even if they are too tired to smile.

It was during the grueling final 10 miles of my first marathon that I got some insight to this strange statement found in Hebrews 12:1, to "run...with patience."

At first I was put off that out of the thousands running, there were some women, elderly, and even handicapped participants that were outpacing me. Although I am athletic and had trained well to run at a good pace, theirs was faster!

After 18 miles of running at a pace I didn't prepare for, each painful step was pointing out to me that I needed to run "my race" or risk not finishing at all. I ended up having to slow to a CRAWLING pace and had a long talk with GOD as more women, elderly, and handicapped people passed me with ease.

He said to me (speaking of my life and not the marathon) "If you don't run YOUR race, you won't FINISH your race."

By my second marathon, I was able to enjoy the (still) painfully challenging experience, primarily because I wasn't racing at all. I was cheering everyone else on, and this time I was running for charity.

When I finished, I was a winner because I had run my race.






Be Inspired.
]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:27:00 GMT AC10ABF58B03D6F768088F4CF48B34D2 The Greatness of Service http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=94048 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/Ss3UTpE0m2I/AAAAAAAAABI/dcPb-EnSVhc/s1600-h/servant.jpg">Who doesn't want to be great?There is personal fulfillment in knowing that you are great at something. You can be sitting in a crowded room not standing out, but just feel good knowing that if they heard you on the drums you would blow them away. If they saw one of your drawings, or heard you sing, or saw you writing software code, they would see you different.Whether its being a great parent, student, listener, or dancer, we want to know that there is something we do very well. For the competitive of us, we even want to experience being the absolute best. There is a quiet darkness that looms if we suspect there is nothing that we excel in. Depression and low self esteem are waiting to catch anyone who has trouble identifying their unique greatness or at least the potential for it.Of course GOD has given us each talents that some are able to find more readily than others, but to be sure, we all have them. So, given this universal need in mankind to want to be great I find it striking that Jesus says "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."No matter what you're great at, to be the greatest, we must find a way to serve in a significant way.What an example Jesus laid out for us!Be Inspired.
Who doesn't want to be great?

There is personal fulfillment in knowing that you are great at something. You can be sitting in a crowded room not standing out, but just feel good knowing that if they heard you on the drums you would blow them away. If they saw one of your drawings, or heard you sing, or saw you writing software code, they would see you different.

Whether its being a great parent, student, listener, or dancer, we want to know that there is something we do very well. For the competitive of us, we even want to experience being the absolute best. There is a quiet darkness that looms if we suspect there is nothing that we excel in. Depression and low self esteem are waiting to catch anyone who has trouble identifying their unique greatness or at least the potential for it.

Of course GOD has given us each talents that some are able to find more readily than others, but to be sure, we all have them. So, given this universal need in mankind to want to be great I find it striking that Jesus says "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

No matter what you're great at, to be the greatest, we must find a way to serve in a significant way.

What an example Jesus laid out for us!
Be Inspired.
]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:46:00 GMT 68BCAD9CA67A85F55F04DE57BB208E00 Why do you Praise? http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=90872 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/SsdUIywA0MI/AAAAAAAAABA/9HPH7WNf1-w/s1600-h/Palm+Sunday.jpg">How do you respond when GOD does not do what you thought He would do?Do you become upset or frustrated? Depressed or angry? Disillusioned or cynical?Do you decided to stop trusting GOD for anything that matters?Do you kill Him?In Mark 11, the people saw Jesus entering Jerusalem and laid down palm branches as they cried "Hosanna!" which is a Hebrew expression meaning "Save." They thought He was coming to reestablish the Kingdom of David (which He was) and were eagerly looking forward to Him overthrowing the Roman government so they could regain their position of national pride and military might, like in King David's day.When it became clear that this was NOT on Jesus' agenda (His kingdom was spiritual), their shattered hopes turned to an illogical rage and they demanded that Barabas the murderer go free and Jesus be crucified.I want to praise GOD because He is GOD, not because of what I'm hoping He will do for me. Interestingly, King David was made a king by GOD because his praise was sincere.So...why do you praise?Be Inspired.
How do you respond when GOD does not do what you thought He would do?

Do you become upset or frustrated? Depressed or angry? Disillusioned or cynical?

Do you decided to stop trusting GOD for anything that matters?

Do you kill Him?

In Mark 11, the people saw Jesus entering Jerusalem and laid down palm branches as they cried "Hosanna!" which is a Hebrew expression meaning "Save." They thought He was coming to reestablish the Kingdom of David (which He was) and were eagerly looking forward to Him overthrowing the Roman government so they could regain their position of national pride and military might, like in King David's day.

When it became clear that this was NOT on Jesus' agenda (His kingdom was spiritual), their shattered hopes turned to an illogical rage and they demanded that Barabas the murderer go free and Jesus be crucified.

I want to praise GOD because He is GOD, not because of what I'm hoping He will do for me. Interestingly, King David was made a king by GOD because his praise was sincere.

So...why do you praise?
Be Inspired.
]]> Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:19:00 GMT 84D9BD8DCFF0C05C72394F16D35013D9 Get Started Building http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=88478 I've been sharing with the youth I work with about "building" all month long.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/SsNf-mo_VuI/AAAAAAAAAA4/HZXLibB7ZCA/s1600-h/builder.jpg">Even if you're not in the construction business, there are a lot of applications to the principal of building. If you want to build a reputation, a relationship, a skill, a ladder to a goal, etc. learning the process of building can be valuable.One of the main obstacles to building something significant in our lives is that we don't even get started! Why? Because most things suck when they begin. If you just started playing an instrument, or dribbling a basketball, or running a business -- ah you probably are pretty terrible (despite what your mom says).People may tease you, doubt you, and hate on you which is not motivating to start. But you have to start.A business mentor once taught me, "To be great you first have to be good. To be good you first have to be bad. To be bad you first have to get started."Don't look down on small beginnings (Zech 4:10a)Let's go people.Be Inspired.
Even if you're not in the construction business, there are a lot of applications to the principal of building. If you want to build a reputation, a relationship, a skill, a ladder to a goal, etc. learning the process of building can be valuable.

One of the main obstacles to building something significant in our lives is that we don't even get started! Why? Because most things suck when they begin. If you just started playing an instrument, or dribbling a basketball, or running a business -- ah you probably are pretty terrible (despite what your mom says).

People may tease you, doubt you, and hate on you which is not motivating to start. But you have to start.

A business mentor once taught me, "To be great you first have to be good. To be good you first have to be bad. To be bad you first have to get started."

Don't look down on small beginnings (Zech 4:10a)

Let's go people.
Be Inspired.
]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:28:00 GMT 43EF42522AA11AA9D3A00C76FD2ACBF5 Shallow Soil (ASON's 1st Blog Ever!) http://bigsonny.com/blog.cfm?feature=938100&postid=87809 <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hzbMcky2mQw/Srn-xCd-oqI/AAAAAAAAAAM/RtNPoQlIbJI/s1600-h/aka+Sonnyman.jpg">What up world wide web,It has taken awhile for Riff-Raff and Pastor Noah and friends and fans to get me to start doing this but here we go. I'm blogging.What's on my mind today? Things take time.At the beginning of this year I returned to rapping after two years away. Not surprisingly, I got some important performances on the calendar, and quickly! 1st Baptist Church of Glenarden (10,000 members), a concert at the Verizon Center after the Mystics game with Deitrick Haddon during the summer, and the Christ on the Mall event with Riff-Raff in front of thousands and thousands.But there is so much more to build, and if I'm serious about growing this ministry of fusing God's word with hip-hop, I'll have to take a long term approach. Mark 4:5 &amp; 6 talks about seed that "sprung up quickly because the soil was shallow" only to be withered away by the sun because they "had no root."It takes time to grow roots. People can't see the roots. People don't celebrate the roots or pay to come see the roots, or tell their friends about the roots. But if you don't have roots, you can't take the heat in the long run.I pray for a heart with deep soil. I want deep roots, that's how you get to Mark 4:8! Be Inspired.
What up world wide web,

It has taken awhile for Riff-Raff and Pastor Noah and friends and fans to get me to start doing this but here we go. I'm blogging.

What's on my mind today? Things take time.

At the beginning of this year I returned to rapping after two years away. Not surprisingly, I got some important performances on the calendar, and quickly! 1st Baptist Church of Glenarden (10,000 members), a concert at the Verizon Center after the Mystics game with Deitrick Haddon during the summer, and the Christ on the Mall event with Riff-Raff in front of thousands and thousands.

But there is so much more to build, and if I'm serious about growing this ministry of fusing God's word with hip-hop, I'll have to take a long term approach. Mark 4:5 & 6 talks about seed that "sprung up quickly because the soil was shallow" only to be withered away by the sun because they "had no root."

It takes time to grow roots. People can't see the roots. People don't celebrate the roots or pay to come see the roots, or tell their friends about the roots. But if you don't have roots, you can't take the heat in the long run.

I pray for a heart with deep soil. I want deep roots, that's how you get to Mark 4:8!
Be Inspired.
]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:53:00 GMT 1B1FF1159F839EE16E306B1218C3E446