Boy 2010 went by fast. It seemed like a big blur until I started to review highlights from my journal and post photos for the entire year at Flickr. Then I was able to appreciate how rich the year really was. Our family is SO BLESSED. And we are grateful for EVERY good gift that comes from above, from the Father of lights.

I understand first hand why Jim Rohn (known as America’s foremost business philosopher) said the three greatest treasures to leave behind for the next generation are pictures, your journal, and your library. Your library includes your collection of books, audios, videos, etc that taught you, helped you develop a philosophy and defend your ideals, and shaped you to become who you are, hopefully influential and sophisticated, but definitely unique.

For more than 10 years in a row, Julia and I sent out beautiful custom Christmas cards and letters each year in the mail. By the time our last mailing went out for Christmas of 2007, we had almost 1,000 people on our list. Sending out those cards would take more than a week of our time and cost about $1,000.

This year, with our combined email lists, we are sending our special greeting to more than 2,000 people at no cost and the total time to review my journal, write this letter, and upload photos for the entire year took less than 2 days. And our multimedia message includes a variety of links.

 
We consider our family Christmas card one of the best gifts we can give to you because it’s the gift of ourselves, sharing our lives with you.

CLICK HERE to see our photos for 2010.

If I had to pick one word to summarize 2010 it would be BREAKTHROUGH. In early Dec 2009, I began taking a 10-week Breakthrough Life Coach training course taught by Janet Daughtry. That led to a whole chain reaction of breakthroughs.

For example, later in December 2009, our son Robbie asked me to start coaching him again on a weekly basis. Within a month or two, I began calling our sessions “Breakthrough Life Coaching” sessions and sure enough Robbie began experiencing major breakthroughs quickly. In the Spring of 2010, Robbie told me this was the best year of his life and a week later he told me the greatest gift I could have ever given him was my gift of coaching.

On February 1, 2010 I officially launched my free e-course called “30 Days To Breakthrough” teaching people how to be good stewards with their Time, Talent, Treasure, and Temple. This was something I had wanted to do for about 2 years. Nine months after the launch, I had subscribers from at least 40 states and 36 countries. And the list keeps growing and growing automatically each month. I sense this will be the greatest legacy I leave behind to change lives and disciple nations. CLICK HERE to learn more.

On Saturday February 27, I officially began using my middle name (Joseph) instead of my nickname (Randy) per Holy Spirit’s prompting. I spent about 8 hours that first day change my email signature on blogs, email autoresponders, etc. The very next day I received an email out-of-the-blue from Dr. Bruce Cook asking to connect with me. When we first spoke on March 1, we shared stories and dreams for 3 hours. This was amazing because I had been trying to connect with Bruce for 4 months per Nancy Slocum’s recommendation.

Bruce is the founder and convener of KEYS, the Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit, the Christian equivalent of the World Business Forum. Over the course of the year, Bruce opened many new doors of opportunity for me, including meeting many highly influential people.

On my birthday (March 18), heavenly Father released His birthday gift to the world – “The Father’s Blessing” webinar with Bruce Cook. This was by far the most popular webinar I had ever hosted up to then with 119 people registering from at least 22 states and 9 countries.

This webinar and my evolving relationship with Bruce eventually opened the door to host the VISIONS777 12-week, 24 webinars series, casting God’s visions for the next decade. What Holy Spirit did during this webinar series was so huge. A series of books will eventually be written about the fruit resulting from this.

The highlight for Julia and me this year was our trip in late August to Washington state for our nephew Andy’s wedding. This was a great opportunity to get together on several wonderful occasions with extended family, many of whom we had not seen for more than 10 years. Icing on the cake for this trip to Washington was the opportunity to stay for 3 nights at the home of Rod and Carrie Stone in Anacordis. CLICK HERE to see photos from our trip.

Julia had a transitional year in 2010. While she still is very fit and competed in several triathlons this year (qualifying for the Xterra World Triathlon Championship once again), she spent much more time teaching kickboxing classes at two local gyms.

Julia’s World Bean Roasthers coffee business continued to grow steadily and is now profitable. During the Christmas holiday season, she experience record orders. And we thank each person who has ordered coffee from her.

Caren is now 25 years old. After graduating from the College of William and Mary in May 2007 with a degree in accounting, she moved to northern Virginia near Julia’s mom. For the past year and a half Caren worked for The Carlyle Group. For the past two years, Caren has been dating Seth Roth.

Robbie is 23 years old, having graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Systems Engineering in May 2009. He lives in Arlington near Caren and has been working for Accenture in Washington DC ever since. For the past half year, Robbie has been dating Emily Schuller, the daughter of a retired Navy captain.

We are thankful that both Caren and Robbie prioritize family activities and get togethers.

Maui, our chocolate lab puppy that Caren gave us as a surprise present for Christmas 2009, celebrated her one year birthday on November 15. She has been an absolute delight for Julia and me and our family. And she makes me get out for long walks several times each day.

Family highlights for 2010 included:

• Our family celebration of Nana’s birthday in Feb (see photos)
• Our family celebration of Easter (see photos)
• Our family celebration of Caren’s birthday on April 25 (see photos)
• Our family celebration of Mother’s Day (see photos)
• Marco and Federica Veronese’s visit from Italy in June (see photos)
• Our family celebration of Stephanie Peck’s graduation on June 25 (see photos)
• Celebrating Olivia Scott’s birthday on July 18 (see photos)
• Our family celebration of Thanksgiving (see photos)
• Our family celebration of Christmas (see photos – Kim family, Peck family)

After reviewing and uploading photos for the past year, it’s obvious to me that the time spent with family has been the most precious.

Other things I especially appreciated this year included:

• Being able to work out of home with a flexible schedule
• Frequent visits with family and friends
• Supporting Julia in her triathlons as her companion and personal photographer
• Continuing to sow good seeds to change lives with my frequent blog posts at yourdailyblessing.com and journal777.com. I just discovered that people from 156 nations of the world visited my Journal777.com blog in 2010.
• Participating in many of the weekly Marching Through Culpeper prayer calls
• Hosting many highly inspirational webinars (learn more)
• A trip to Dayton Ohio with Dr. Jerry Graham to visit Tim Schofield in February (see photos)
• Participating by webcast in the international launch of the Kingdom Marketplace Coalition by Dr. Francis Myles and his team. I was one of the first people to join.
• Going to Kelly Godfrey’s wedding on March 13. I worked with Kelly’s father, Dr. Pete Godfrey for 12 years at Culpeper Hospital. (see photos)
• Visiting Bob & Carol Sims, Bruce Cook, Dr. Francis Myles, and Kyle Newton in Texas March 24-26 (see photos)
• My first trip to Las Vegas with Jerry Graham for an internet marketing conference in April (see photos)
• Participating in and speaking at the “Transforming Men’s Hearts Retreat” at Shenandoah Spring Camp in Madison Virginia on May 14-15 (see photos)
• Going to Richmond on June 16 to support Nancy Slocum for her presentation titled “Making Kingdom Connections Through Blogging” to the Richmond Christians Who Write group. I met Judi Reid in person for the first time. I also met Tom Lacy. (see photos)
• Launching my international Breakthrough Life Coaching career on July 6 when I sent an e-blast to my entire Constant Contact list inviting them to receive a free 30 minute coaching session. 15 people raised their hand within the first 16 hours.
• Getting connected to Will Green. Will called me out-of-the-blue on July 13, exactly fourteen days before the official launch of the Visions777 webinar series, and shared God’s vision given to him during a 50 day fast in early 2010 to raise up 100 million Word Warriors in America in the next decade. Since then we have become dear friends. A few weeks later, Will gifted me a Word Warriors Audio Bible, which has been a tremendous blessing.
• In August, Will Green officially became my first client ever in my $5,000 5-week Master’s Mind Marketing Program. After just two weeks, he told me he already received more than his money’s worth.
• Partnering with Michael Oswald to get ready to launch a virtual “30-60-100 Master’s Mind Marking Project For CEO’s “

Holy Spirit revealed to me that my key word for 2011 is COMMITMENT, my key scripture is James 5:12 – “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’!“, and my key question is “What will be your legacy?”

Some simple written goals I have set for 2011 include

• Praying three times each day like Daniel did
• Memorizing Psalm 91 in January 2011 as I pray that and personalize it 3x/day
• Writing and publishing a new book “UNCOMMON Journaling For Divine Destiny” by May 31, 2011
• Personally hosting 5 webinars/week by March 2011
• Intentionally growing the subscribers for “30 Days To Breakthrough” to 10,000 or more by Dec 31, 2011 through Social Media and reaching someone in every nation of the world
• Doubling our family’s gross business income each month during 2011

Blessing to be COMMITTED to what the LORD is calling you to!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Webinar Marketing Strategist
Changing Lives and Discipling Nations

www.empower2000.com
540-445-1GOD (540-445-1463)

STAY CONNECTED
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P.S. Sign up TODAY for my free E-course “30 Days To Breakthrough!” God wants to transform your life NOW!

P.S.S. Spiritual Journaling will transform your life!

UNCOMMON Journaling is the key
to unlock YOUR dreams!

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see,that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” (Luke 4:18-19 NLT)

How are women blessing you in your work and ministry?
How are you blessing women?

I am excited about all the new doors God is opening for me. While the economy may seem depressed to most, God is and always will be a God of abundance. He is our Jehovah JIREH, our Provider God. Tomorrow Dr. Jerry Graham and I are hosting two different FREE webinars.

1) Our first FREE webinar starting at 11 am EST on Feb 3 is part of the JIREH Marketing series and is titled “Empowering Christian Women.” Our guest expert Karla Meachem. Karla lives in Canada and is the founder of “Empowering Christian Women,” a ministry that provides Christian resources to EMPOWER and EQUIP women to enjoy a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ. CLICK HERE to learn more and register.

In her blog post on January 27 titled “Beautiful One Magazine,” Karla wrote

Beautiful One Magazine is directed to and focuses on women. Women are influential, they are strong, and they are able. They are the heartbeat of families, and they are a strong part of our world culture and Christian faith. Women are vital to the continuance and quality of human life as we know it. They are caregivers and the authors of deep love. These are just some of the reasons we work to preserve the greatness and delicacy of women today. This modern culture of women has undergone a severe makeover of the wrong kind. Women have lost themselves to media, fashion, entertainment, anger, disappointment, sexual abuse, verbal and physical abuse, divorce and depression. In having to combat these elements, we have in many cases lost our focus and direction with who we were meant to be, made to be and called to be. We exist to reverse the curse.. to uplift, motivate, encourage and bring women to places they’ve never before known in their own hearts and minds. To open their thinking to see their own potential. Women. God’s handiwork.

Luke 4:18-19 above is Karla Meachem’s life verse.

2) Our second FREE webinar starting at 6 pm EST on Feb is part of the “Experiencing God Through Journaling” series and is titled “Life and Relationship Enrichment.” Our guest expert is Dr. Catherine Hart Weber. As an integrative psychotherapist and coach, Catherine writes and speaks on life transforming and practical Christian living topics related to 1) Marriage, Family and Relationship Enrichment, 2) Personal Development and Spiritual Formation. CLICK HERE to learn more and register.

Catherine has written and researched steadily over the years, providing helpful resources such as Secrets of Eve: Understanding the Mystery of Female Sexuality, Unveiling Depression In Women: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Depression and Stressed or Depressed: A practical and Inspirational Guide for Parents of Teens.

Catherine is the oldest daughter of acclaimed author and psychologist Dr. Archibald Hart and speaker Kathleen. She has worked very closely with her father on many projects, and benefitted from years of mentoring under his mantle of expertise.

Catherine became a friend of mine after paying to take the five week “UNCOMMON Journaling For Destiny” course that Jerry facilitated back in September 2008.

Prayer Power
Jesus, thank You for the gift of women – your secret weapon as Ed Silvoso says. Thank You for Karla Meachem and Dr. Catherine Hart Weber. Thank You for this door of opportunity You have opened to host them as guest experts on the webinars tomorrow. May you bless everyone who chooses to participate. Amen and hallelujah!

Blessings of the Day
Beautiful One Magazine YouTube video

Blessings to encourage and acknowledge women as people of influence and great strength!

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

What temptation are you struggling to overcome?

Last Saturday (Nov 30), Julia and I benefitted again by yet another outstanding message at City On A Hill Church. GW Dameron’s message titled “Breaking Free” came from Week 4 of the six week Fireproof Your Marriage series. Today’s message comes from that.

Day #23 of The Love Dare book states, “Watch out for parasites. A parasite is anything that latches on to you or your partner and sucks the life out of your marriage. They’re usually in the form of addictions, like gambling, drugs, or pornography. They promise pleasure but grow like a disease and consume more and more of your thoughts, time, and money. They steal away your loyalty and heart from those you love. Marriages rarely survive if parasites are present. If you love your spouse, you must destroy any addiction that has your heart. If you don’t, it will destroy you.”

Three facts about temptation
1) Every temptation you face has been faced by others
2) You’ve never been tempted by something you didn’t have the power to resist
3) God promises a way out of every temptation (1 Cor 10:13)

There are only 3 kinds of temptation (1 John 2:16, Matt 4:1-11)
1) The cravings of our body
2) The lust of our eyes
3) The pride of our hearts

There are differences in the ways that temptations reveal themselves to men and women. For men, temptations usually revolve around achievement (power) and sensuality (sex). For women, temptations usually revolve around relationships. 95% of us are battling some sort of parasite that’s dominating our lives.

There are ways out of every temptation
1) Divert your thoughts (e.g. pray, worship) – 2 Cor 10:5, Rom 12:2, Phil 4:8
2) Hide God’s Word in your heart – To do this you must read or listen to the Bible.
3) Walk in the Spirit and bear fruit of the Spirit – Gal 5:16-25
4) Remove yourself from the situation (i.e. Flee) – 2 Tim 2:22

After we fail, then what?
1) Evaluate how it happened. Learn from your mistakes. Get an accountability partner.
2) Confess and repent (1 John 1:9)
3) Experience an intimate relationship with Jesus (Jude 1:24)

By the way, Julia’s identical twin sister (Issi) and two daughters were staying with us for the Thanksgiving weekend and they chose to come to hear GW’s message. On the drive back home, Issi’s 11 year old daughter shared opened her eyes to see that some of the music she listens to and TV shows she watches are parasites in her life.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I suspect that many of the people who read this message are really struggling with temptation. Please set them free from parasites as they reflect upon and apply the principles above. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
The View –  Thank you GW for doing such a great job being consist at posting short and powerful messages to your blog. All of us can learn from the good example you are setting. Not only is your blog a good way to keep up with what’s happening in Culpeper, but people who live elsewhere can receive godly inspiration and ideas that can impact their own communities. CONTINUE the good work God has begun through you. You’re changing my life and lives of many others.

Blessings to be set free!

Dr. Randy Peck
“Blessed to be a blessing”
The Connector – connecting people, ideas, and resources in Christ through the Holy Spirit

Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:10-11)

How do you “fireproof” your marriage?
When will you fireproof your marriage?

God truly works in mysterious ways. Today’s story is an amazing tangle of circumstances with God reaching out to bless marriages right here in Culpeper, but also in Virginia, America, and beyond.

On Tuesday evening November 4 (Election Day), Julia (my wife) and I went to hear Rick Heeren speak at City On A Hill Church in Culpeper, Virginia. Pastor GW Dameron was the gracious host. This was the first time I had ever been to the new location for City On A Hill Church, now located in the same building as AT&T (formerly Cingular), on Route 522 adjacent to Yowell Meadow Park.

What Rick shared was fantastic to fan the flames for community transformation. As Julia and I were getting ready to leave the building, the Holy Spirit prompted Julia to pick up a gorgeous handout on the table at the back of the sanctuary titled “Fireproof Your Marriage: Never Leave Your Partner Behind.” The back of that handout said:

“Learn the secrets to a lasting marriage. Financial pressures, the stress of parenting, differences between men and women, boredom, temptations – they can all scorch a relationship. The fires will come – will your marriage last? Come to City On A Hill Church this week as we start a series called Fireproof Your Marriage. The God who designed marriage intended for it to be a loving, lifelong partnership. Join us as we discuss His plans for indestructible relationships. You’ll find practical insights for building an enduring red-hot marriage.”

The Fireproof Your Marriage handout opened a discussion with GW and us about the 6 week marriage series he is hosting at City On A Hill Church on Saturdays at 6:00 pm EST, starting November 8. Julia and I learned that “FIREPROOF” (the movie) was playing at our local theaters and we talked about watching that movie on Sat Nov 8.

Early yesterday afternoon, my wife asked if I wanted to go with her a few hours later to watch the matinee showing of “The Secret Life of Bees.” Normally I’m not a big movie buff, especially during the work day. But I agreed. When we got to the theater, I asked how much longer “FIREPROOF” would be playing at the theater and found out that was the last day.

So Julia and I watched 2 movies back-to-back – “The Secret Life of Bees” and “FIREPROOF.” For someone who only goes to a movie once every 2-3 months, and never to back-to-back movies, this was peculiar. Both movies were fantastic – extremely wholesome stories. Fireproof starred Kirk Cameron and was made by the creators of “Facing The Giants,” one of my favorite movies of all time.

As a result of the Nov 4 discussion with GW and the FIREPROOF movie yesterday, Julia and I now plan to participate in the “Fireproof Your Marriage” series that starts Saturday November 8 at City On A Hill Church in Culpeper. If you live nearby and are available, we invite you to join us.

Who is FIREPROOF for? According to a blog post titled “Singles loving FIREPROOF,” “it’s for everybody. Kids, parents, older couples, singles. Everybody. Each viewer learns about forgiveness. The movie speaks to all relationships and has application for us all as we accept and serve each other unconditionally.”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for these two fantastic movies. Thank You for leading Julia and me to watch them together yesterday. Thank You for the “Fireproof Your Marriage” series that starts in Culpeper on Saturday November 8. May everyone who participates be richly blessed. Bless all those who were involved in the making of these two movies. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
www.fireproofmymarriage.com

Blessings to fireproof your marriage!

Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” (Mark 1:41)

What need do you have to ask your friends for help?

Last night before going to bed, I asked the LORD to let me know what He wanted me to write about this morning. That’s not my norm. Oh, I have plenty of things I could write about and several things on the docket ready to be launched. But I sensed God wanted me to write about something special that was on His heart.

This morning when I came to my desk to journal, I found a web page open titled “Welcome to the Donation Page of Julia Peck.” Obviously my wife had used my computer after I went to bed last night. As I read Julia’s note on that website for the very first time, I was struck to the core of my very being, knowing with absolute certainty that her message was the one I was to share with you today.

Julia and I have been married for 27 years now. She is one of the kindest people I have ever known. Like me, she grew up in a family of 4 kids and traveled a lot when young. She has two sisters and one brother – Patty (Pea), Issi, and Kirby. Issi is Julia’s identical twin. Here is what Julia wrote about her sister Pea:

“Hello Family and Friends! Thank you for visiting my page. I hope you will consider supporting me in my first Lymphoma Research Ride. I plan to ride 50 miles on the 21st. Many of you are aware that my sister, Pea, went through 12 weeks of Chemo treatment this summer for lymphoma (non-Hodgkins)- until she was diagnosed I didn’t have a clue what Non-Hodgkins lymphoma was – and I didn’t know how tough my sister Pea really is -tough in the “Spiritual” sense. Her Faith is very strong and that is great to see – It really hits home when family or close friends are diagnosed.

As some of you may know I am an amateur Triathlete, and have competed for over 23 years – I am going to pass up competing at Nationals this year to ride for Lymphoma Research. I believe I need to use my gifts elsewhere – I was really excited to find out about this ride- It is also comforting to support a worthy cause – I would love for you to join me on this ride Sunday the 21st of Sept. But if you can’t maybe you will consider a small donation – I need to raise $1,000 – I know I can do this but I don’t have much time seeing that it is days away – Thank you, ahead, from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and any contribution – it can be as little as $5 -”

You are invited to visit today’s Link of the Day to learn more about “Friends Asking Friends.” Thank you.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of family. This day I”d like to say a special thanks for Pea, my wonderful sister-in-law. I ask You to bless her health and recovery. In Jesus’ name, I pray and give You glory. Amen.

Link of the Day
Welcome to the Donation Page of Julia Peck

Blessings to feel comfortable asking your friends for help when the need arises!

UNCOMMON Opportunity
To learn more about Today’s life changing webinar “Introduction to UNCOMMON Journaling for Destiny,” CLICK HERE. Testimony: What a blessing! Journaling and using The Journal is revolutionizing my life. – Dan Paulsen

Secular coaches call it ‘intuition”.  LLC coaches have learned that we are really helping clients Hear God for themselves in a coaching conversations and discovering the empowering joy of their own voice in the process.  We train coaches to “listen to what really matters” by serving clients to hear, engage, embrace, and activate God’s Destiny Directions for them. – Joseph Umidi

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8)

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your ability to consistently hear God’s voice?
What can you do to improve that?

In yesterday’s devotional titled “Changing Lives – Breaking Through,” we continued with our theme of Christ-enabled living, impossible living, heroic living. Yesterday’s key message: “When you change your thinking and your HABITS, you will change your life.” You were presented with an opportunity to participate in today’s life-changing webinar to change your thinking and habits.

Today at Noon EST, Jerry Graham and I are hosting an introductory webinar about our outstanding 5 week Journal 201 course titled “UNCOMMON Journaling for Destiny.” Rev. Matt Gregory and Dan Paulsen will be sharing their first hand testimonies of the impact of our prior course. Even if you are not available, you can receive a link to the recorded webinar simply by registering. CLICK HERE to learn more.

While preparing the PowerPoint presentation for today’s webinar, I was prompted to write down some of the new fruit I personally experienced from the Journal 201 course. Here is a partial list:
1) Began using The Journal myself
2) Got connected to Debra Thompson Roedl and the Wealth Alliance Group
3) Transformation Virginia was officially launched
4) Launched my own web store with products, courses, and memberships
5) Soul Purpose Church (my church) formally adopted “Coaching you to discover and fulfill your soul purpose” as its mission
6) Door opened for an alliance between Team Destiny and Lifeforming Leadership Coaching
7) I bought a brand new bicycle. My old one was more than 25 years old (literally an antique).

In my August 22 devotional, I mentioned that Joseph Umidi was my top new contact in 2006 and Debra Thompson Roedl has been my top new contact in 2008.
 
On August 19, Joseph sent the monthly Lifeforming Leadership Coaching e-newsletter promoting our webinar to his 1,500 or so contacts. In his message titled “Coaching with an ‘Ear To Hear’,” Joseph wrote:
 
“I am pleased to offer all of our coaches the unique combination of 2 keys to Hearing God for yourself that will translate into more effective “hearing” with your clients.  This is the unique combination of journaling and coaching to clarify what God is saying to you and giving you the ability to help your clients discover the same for them. Dr. Jerry Graham and Dr. Randy Peck have collaborated to design this life changing 5-week process for you that I highly recommend.”
 
Debra Roedl is regarded by some as the top internet marketing strategist in the world. When I met in person with her at the Marriott Crystal City (VA) on August 16 (the same day as The Call DC), she committed to promote our combo journaling and coaching courses. to her Wealth Alliance contacts around the world.

A few weeks ago I talked to Buddy Smith, Executive Assistant to the Chairman for the American Family Association. He told me he is willing to have Jerry and I interviewed about our combo coaching and journaling courses on Today’s Issues (American Family Radio). AFR has more than 1 million listeners nationwide.

Obviously God has His mantle of favor on the “UNCOMMON Journaling for Destiny” course. On behalf of all our Team Destiny teammates, we invite you to be blessed by registering for today’s webinar. Even if you aren’t available today, you will receive a link to our recorded webinar just for registering. Our target audience is people who are passionate to know God and make Him known. We are training champions for Christ. To register for today’s webinar, CLICK HERE.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as an intimate God – as a God who speaks to us regularly. Thank You for training me to hear Your voice, which makes life flow so much easier. Bless each reader who chooses to register for today’s webinar to learn to hear Your voice. Thank You Jesus. You’re my all in all. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Unthinkable: The Scott Rigsby Story

Blessings to develop an ear to hear God’s voice!

How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16)

Are you rearing your kids in a home or a hotel?
How do I get my kid to help around the home more?

My devotional on April 8 mentioned how Jerry  Graham’s Daily Gram titled “The Big Mo” led me to the outstanding video message by Darcy & Tim Kimmel titled “Godly Advice to Get the Romance Back in Your Marriage.” Tim is President of Family Matters [www.familymatters.net]. The tail end of the Kimmel’s GodTube video mentioned www.iquestions.com.

Yesterday morning I was pasting notes from the past two weeks into my spiritual journal. While doing that, I came across the link to www.iquestions.com and decided to visit that website. I was impressed immediately and decided to click on “10 Terrific Tips for Raising Great Kids.” There I discovered 10 short, outstanding videos about raising great kids.

In the first video titled “Foster Good Work Ethics,” Kevin Leman shares some profound life lessons for raising responsible kids. He begins, “Here’s the question of the day: Are you rearing your kids in a home or a hotel? You know, most people rear their kids in hotels. What do I mean by that? They give them room service, food service, and very little is expected of them. Kids need to contribute to the home. They need to give back to the home. Every child from the time they are 3 and up can contribute to the family.

Kevin goes on to ask, “What can a 3 year old do?” Then he gives some concrete examples. Later, Kevin explains “As kids get older, they need to have bigger and bigger responsibilities. The idea is make sure the kids understand this principle that no member of the family is more important than the family. Everyone pitches in.”

Be blessed and bless your children and grandchildren by watching the video at today’s Link of the Day and sharing that with others.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the iquestions.com website and the 10 outstanding videos teaching simple principles to raising great kids. Help parents and grandparents who read this message and watch the video to apply these principles in raising and mentoring their own children and grandchildren. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
10 Terrific Tips for Raising Great Kids – click on “Foster Good Work Ethics”

Blessings to apply Kevin’s principles to raise responsible kids!

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Titus 5:8)

What have been highlights for you in each of the past decades?

Today is my 50th birthday. Ten years ago I had plans to retire by the time I was 50 and was well on my way financially toward that goal. But God had other plans. He jerked me out of Culpeper Hospital where I had worked for 12 years to free up my time to set me on a path of discovery. A year and a half later I committed my life to Jesus. Within a few years, my wife and two children were saved.

I was on my way to hell and didn’t know it. To Rev. Mark Jarvis, I am eternally grateful for sharing the Gospel message in a simple way I could understand. Now I plan to never retire. Retirement isn’t biblical – there’s not a single example in the Bible that endorses retirement. Until the day I die, I plan to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Before dedicating my life to Jesus, I had very little prayer life and never prayed with a patient in my entire anesthesia career. Since then I prayed with hundreds of patients shortly before their surgery. In fact, many times I was called into the operating room by an anesthetist because a patient requested I pray for him/her just before being put to sleep.

What were some top highlights for each of the first 5 decades of my life?
1) Living in Italy with my family and Rosa when I was ages 1-5 and Germany when I was ages 11-15
2) Meeting Julia (my wife) at the University of Virginia in 1981 on her first day of classes there – the second greatest day of my life
3) Graduating from medical school (MCV) in 1983 and completing my anesthesia residency in 1986 opened wonderful doors of opportunity for me to serve society as a physician and provide for my family.
4) The birth of my children in 1985 and 1987
5) Committing my life to Jesus on Jan 6, 2001 – the greatest day of my life
6) Celebrating my parent’s 50th anniversary in 2003
7) Beginning Your Daily Blessing e-prayer devotional on July 1, 2006 to share my heart authentically to bless you and others

In conclusion, I’d like to give a special thanks to the people who sowed the most into my life:
1) My parents for training me up in the ways I should go
2) My wife for being my helpmate and my encourager
3) My two children for honoring their parents
4) My coaching buddies for 5 years – Mark Jarvis, Matt Gregory, Michael Stay
5) My coach and mentor for the past year – Jerry Graham

Prayer Power
Most gracious and loving Father, thank You for 50 years of abundant life. Thank You for the precious gift of a wonderful family and for the privilege of being an American. Thank You for my health, my friends, my home, my opportunities. My prayer is that I finish the race strong with my family and that through the web I may encourage millions of other families to be a blessing to millions more. Thy will be done. Thy Kingdom come. In Jesus name, I pray and give You glory, now and forever. Amen.

Link of the Day
2003 Christmas card with family photo and “Point of View” poem

Blessings to live life to the fullest for the King of kings!

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)

How am I doing in the major areas of my LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, WORK and CHURCH?

On December 28, 2007 I received this seemingly crazy instruction from the Holy Spirit, “Start 2008 by listening to all of The Bible Experience (entire Bible) in one month.” I say “crazy” because I already had my own plans on how to start 2008 off well and my plans didn’t leave room to read and listen to the Bible for 3 or more hours daily.

On the first day of this new year, I attempted to listen to all 50 chapters of the book of Genesis using The Bible Experience CD set while reading along in my Maxwell Leadership Bible. In the evening, while half-way through this gargantuan task, my wife came running into my office thrilled to tell and show me something. While cleaning our basement, she found a blank leather-bound journal from Wisdom Hunters and now wants to start journaling.

That was such an unexpected blessing. But the blessing didn’t stop there. Inside the Wisdom Hunters journal, I found a Wisdom Hunters business card from Richard Shupert. I remembered meeting Richard just one time in August 2006 at the Founder’s Inn in Virginia Beach during the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries conference. The business card prompted me to check out the Wisdom Hunters website. There I found a link to a blog with some of the best questions I have ever seen for an “annual life audit.” See today’s Link of the Day for those questions.

Here is how John & Debbie Woodall begin their outstanding article titled “Reflection and Preparation:”

The habit or practice of reflection has increased and become very important to me over time. I have noticed people are running so fast and not taking the time to sit, think, review, remember and readjust their lifestyles and schedules. With some regular times of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reflection, it can lead to peace, stability and very purposeful living.

The following questions are to get us thinking about this past year and prepare us for “The Best Year Ever.” How am I doing in the major areas of my LIFE, MARRIAGE, FAMILY, WORK and CHURCH?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God who works in very mysterious ways. I acknowledge that as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Your ways higher than my ways, and Your thoughts than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). I gladly submit to Your authority and ask You to use me as one of Your vessels to put to shame the wisdom of this world. In Jesus name, I pray and give You glory, now and forever. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Reflection and Preparation by John & Debbie Woodall – “annual life audit” – choose category = Life lessons

Blessings to have your best year ever by completing this annual life audit!

What does it mean to believe in Jesus?
How does belief in Jesus change how you live?

My favorite thing to do during the Christmas season is to prepare and send our family Christmas cards and letters to people who have made a difference in our family or who have chosen to stay connected with us. Through these cards and letters, our family says thank you and shares hope, encouragement, and testimonies of what Jesus has done for us and through us during the previous year.

Visit today’s Link of the Day to see our family Christmas card, letter, and photos.

If you would like us to mail you our beautiful family Christmas card and letter and you have not received it in past years, then please reply to this email with the instruction “Please mail Christmas card.” Be sure to include your full name and home address.

Prayer Power
LORD Jesus, You are the reason for the season – the light of the world. Just as a single Advent candle can light an entire dark room as people share their burning lights with others, so we can bring light to a dark world as we share Your love, light, and truth. May You use us to bring hope and salvation to those who feel desperate or hopeless. Thank You. Amen.

Link of the Day
2007 Christmas card, letter, and photos from the Peck family

Blessings to be a light and spread the light for Jesus!