Attitude is Everything

Attitude is Everything

John C. Maxwell wrote a great book that I have in my Leadership Library.  It is called Attitude is Everything.

It is a marvelous little book and a quick read.

One of the things I remember is John relating a story of talking with an airplane pilot.  The pilot told him about what it takes for an airplane to fly and stay airborne.

I presume he mentioned the flaps, thrust, the tail rudder, and many other things.

The most important thing he told Dr. Maxwell was this:  The plane has to have the correct Attitude to remain in the proper Altitude.

Wow!

My brother-in-law works for FedEx. As an experienced Navy pilot who saw action in Vietnam he knows a lot about the Attitude Indicator.

He told me how the Attitude Indicator shows the aircraft’s position in relation to the earth’s horizon.

One day in one of my visits he took me to the building where he instructs.  He said, “How would you like to fly in a simulator?”

Are you kidding me? This is a multimillion dollar computerized machine.  Of course I said yes!

So, I got the visitor badge and he took me around to different places.  We ended up at the Sims.  We climbed inside.  I put on my seatbelt.  He showed me a few things and he hit a button.

The next thing I know we are in the middle of a flight over Memphis.

He set it up for a night flight and we went above the Pyramid in downtown Memphis and past the bridge that spans the Mississippi River on I-40.  Man, that was fun.

My job was to concentrate on keeping the aircraft level by keeping my eye on the Attitude Indicator.  The hard part came as we were on the approach to land at the airport.  I didn’t do very well.  I crashed.  I certainly needed more practice, but we had to leave.

In flying and in the course of our life, as John Maxwell writes so eloquently --- our Attitude is Everything.

As a Worship Pastor I work with teams of musicians, vocalists, and audio/visual technicians. These are genuine, Godly men and women who use their talents for their local church and God.  I am so blessed to be able to work with them.  They have great attitudes.

But, many people know how temperamental musicians can be.  I know because I am one and I’ve worked with a few.

Sometimes musicians and vocalists may have the wrong attitude and want to be treated like a Diva; like they need special attention or privileges that ordinary people don’t receive.

As I work with teams of people, and I’m sure it’s the same in sports, I would rather have someone who perhaps has less skill and a great attitude as opposed to someone who can play like Jimi Hendrix or sing like Adelle and have a lousy, stinking attitude.

Isn’t it the truth?

Don’t you just love your coworkers who whine and complain.  The boss can’t make them happy.  Their spouse can’t make them happy.  It’s too hot or too cold.  They don’t make enough money for the work they are required to do.  (and the list goes on and on.)

And you get to hear this all day long.

But on the other hand, don’t you love the people around you that have great attitudes.  Even if things are bad at home or not just right with the job, these people still can have a cheery disposition.

If our Attitude is Everything what tools can we use to keep it that way or to improve it?

One way is to start a Gratitude List.  Attitude is part of Gratitude, even if it’s spelled differently.

Make a list each day, or once a week, or once a month of the things you are thankful for. There’s got to be at least one thing you can think of that you are thankful for and probably many more.

Put it down on a sheet of paper.  If you want to you can add to it daily and have a running list.

Then, in moments where you are tempted to have a nasty, stinkin’ attitude you can pull out that list, take a deep breath and read over it.  If your attitude doesn’t improve right away, do it again.  Don’t quit until you once again are smiling.

Oh, by the way, your Attitude is Everything!  

Empower Network

Empowered By the Digital Age

Empowered by the Digital Age

As I woke up this morning I pulled my iPhone closer to my sleepy eyes and checked my email and read my Facebook messages in bed!

This is the digital age.

In my lifetime I’ve seen the electronic revolution take place.  It started with the small, cheap Japanese transistor radios. They were fun and compact and you could take your favorite radio stations with you wherever you went.

Then the small instamatic cameras came out.  Some had flashcubes that attached on top of the camera and would rotate after you took a shot with the flash.  Take four pictures and then you replace the flashcube.

And I remember seeing the first calculator that was not big and cumbersome.  Texas Instruments had a nice one that was inexpensive and it seemed like everyone had to have one.

They say the calculators we own now have more computing power than NASA had in the space program of the 60’s.

And then came the advent of cellphones, pagers, fax machines, copiers and scanners.

I remember calling my girlfriend on our house phone in South Texas.  She only lived 5 miles away, but it was long distance.  I also remember having to answer to my dad once he got the bill.  He wasn’t happy with Southwestern Bell or with me.

Now I can call a radius of 70 miles or so and it is still a local call.  Amazing.

Oh, and back to the Electronic Revolution, or should it be Evolution.

I have a solar powered calculator.  I don’t use it. I have a digital camera.  I don’t use it.

Empowered By the Digital Age

My iPhone has a better quality camera! Wait.  My cell phone has replaced so many things that I don’t even wear a watch now.

The trends have changed.  Most young people don’t have a traditional hard line home phone.  They use their cell phone exclusively.

Other changes:  I used to type on my Dad’s Royal typewriter.  It was black and had it’s own case.  It was manual and I enjoyed hearing the bell ding when you had to move the return arm.

Now I type on my laptop or my cell phone.  I am empowered.

Everyone can be Empowered by the Digital Age. 

But some choose not to be.  Others can’t afford it.  Others still live in areas of the world where life hasn’t changed in 50 years.

How about you?

Are you still stuck in the past?  Do you embrace change or do you reluctantly hold on to the concepts and patterns of yesterday?

My dad was a lifetime learner until he passed away at age 81.  He enjoyed the computer and sending emails even though things didn’t always work on his desktop like they were supposed to.  But he kept adapting to change.

Everybody is empowered by the digital age.Donny Deutsch on NBC Today Show 8.29.12

As I heard Donny say that this morning he was referring to the ability women have now because of the internet

The digital age has made a more level playing field for women and men.  No longer do you have to have a brick and mortar when you start a business.

No longer do you have to get a SBA loan to buy a franchise.

But, you have to access the power of the digital age if you want to be empowered by it.  Just because the door is there and open, doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t walk through it.

Empower Network gives everyone a level playing field for as little as $25.00.  Men, women,  college dropouts, retirees, grandmothers, people with no credit, people in debt, even the unemployed can access Empower Network's Viral Blogging System and make a change in their life and the life of their family.

You can build a business and still have a life.  

Empower Network exists so that you can be Empowered by the Digital Age.

Empower Network

Isaac Floods the South

Isaac Floods the South

Isaac Floods the South

Seven years after Katrina made landfall the residents of New Orleans and other communities have been broadsided once again by a hurricane.

This one is called Isaac.

Though not as big of a hurricane as Katrina, Isaac served up a cocktail of wind and rain.  Certain wards of New Orleans flooded today after water toppled over the earthen levees.

Thankfully, many people chose to leave town.  But, I’m amazed by the number of people who stayed to ride out the storm.

Some of them had to be rescued after rising waters forced them to the roofs of their homes putting themselves and the rescuers lives in danger.

When your city is 12 feet below sea level what will you do when Isaac Floods the South?

Some people will never learn.

I mean, did you see the live shot of Al Roker and Jim Cantore on The Today Show?  They were barely standing their ground in the wind and rain trying to give a weather update.

If things are bad enough to send Jim Cantore there from The Weather Channel, then things aren’t looking good for your city.

Jim Cantore is there as Isaac Floods the South.

Isaac Floods the South

Having lived on the Gulf Coast near Corpus Christi I have lived through more hurricanes than I want to remember.  I think one was enough, but alas, there were more.

My first encounter with a storm that packed wind and rain was Hurricane Carla.  It was September, 1961.  It seems like I remember Hurricane Ella in ’59, but I’m not sure when we moved down there.

There was Hurricane Beulah that hit us in 1967 with winds of 160 mph.

Later on I remember Hurricane Celia in August of 1970.  Celia was one of the costliest storms to come our way.

During this hurricane I was in Kingsville, TX at Texas A & I University. Me and a friend of mine were there for a week of training to become better debaters for our high school debate team.

I really couldn’t bring myself to tell Ms. Burge (our Speech and Drama teacher) that it would take more than a week to make me a better debater!

Anyway, Walter and I were living in a dorm and going to classes during the day. I think most of our nights were free time.

We had the assignment to debate on something like Unilateral Intervention in Vietnam.  Walter had a better grasp of things than I did.  I really had no clue.

But when the hurricane landed we were restricted to the dorm.  It was only for about a day or so, but we were under lockdown and could not leave.

I remember calling my parents on the pay phone and finding out that they were leaving town – without me!

So, my advice to any of you who get the chance to experience a hurricane first hand . . . Don’t.

Get out while you can because, as you know,

Hurricane Isaac Floods the South.

Chuck Whetstone Empower Network

It's Not About Money

It's Not About Money

In the Empower Network we have a product called Inner Circle. 
It has about 44 audios that are available to access by EN members
who have purchased it .  This is an incredible value that you can
download to your iPod or iPhone and listen to in your car, as you
exercise, or anytime that suits you.

I was listening to one of these audios tonight as I was driving around
Oklahoma City.  It was my new friend Tony Rush sharing on the recording. 
He talked about a lot of things even eating tomato sandwiches from a
BBQ shack in his hometown.

He made a remarkable statement.  One that has been resonating with me
all night, thus I had to write about it.

Tony said,
It's NOT about money.  It's about the Freedom, Ability, and Options that money brings you. The ability to do all kinds of amazing things for yourself, your family and your community.

I don't think I've ever thought of it that way.  Freedom - Ability - Options.  Let's discuss it.

It's Not About Money but about the Freedom that money brings you.

Think about it.  If you have enough money in your bank account or in your wallet you have a certain amount of freedom.  You can make a purchase without having to use revolving credit.  You can buy your wife that special jewelry just because you want to.

Tony says it's a great feeling to walk through any mall in America and know that there is nothing in there that he can't buy.  That's freedom.  This is a man who can order tomato sandwiches or prime rib and lobster.  Enough money brings freedom.

What about the lack of enough money?  What does it bring? Most people are in bondage to the banks and credit card companies.  That's not freedom.

Empower Network offers you 100% commissions on what you sell.  There are no restrictions.  You can make as much money as your work for.  You only get paid on what you sell.  This is NOT a pyramid scheme.  We have real, tangible products that once purchased are available 24/7.  Just get on the internet and login.

 

It's Not About Money but about the Ability that money gives you.

One of the abilities that money gives you, especially having a surplus of funds, is the ability

David Wood & David Sharpe

to not be connected to the "Matrix."  I mean, many people who have joined Empower Network now have the ability to NOT work for corporate America, or in construction like David Sharpe, or as an engineer like Lawrence Tam.  They no longer work a J.O.B [just our bodies], but they work from home, or on their iPhone or iPad, when they want, where they want.

It's Not About Money but about the Options that are made available to you.

It's not so much about being able to purchase anything you may want or need, but the Options to do what you want with the money.  Some of those options could be:

• You can help others.  You can start a foundation.  You can give your money away to your church or other non-profit.  [it's hard to bless others financially if you don't have enough for yourself.]
• You can decide to work from home in your pajamas or underwear.
• You can take a vacation, a cruise, an extended outing to the beaches of the world [and with Empower Network you can still have money going into your bank account].
• Your spouse can stay home with the grandkids and not drive 90 minutes a day just to make money at a job.

So, thanks Tony for sharing on this audio.  It was life-changing.

You can also get access to these audios and much more training, but you have to
start with clicking HERE.

Click. Enter your name and email address and we'll get you started. 
It's only $25.00 to be able to start blogging like this.

Go ahead.  Do it now. Click on the links.

You know It's Not About Money but you want real Freedom, Ability, and Options that money can bring you.

Chuck Whetstone Empower Network

Piano Man

Piano Man

 

Sing us a song, you're the piano man - Billy Joel

Remember that song? I love to hear him sing it.  I love to play it and try to sing when I can.
I thought I would give you a peek into the life of a musician.  Maybe a week's worth.

Why?  Well, I'm always curious of how other people do their jobs.  I mean, don't you wonder what goes into a Doctor's day?  or a Lawyer?  or someone who makes widgets? Aren't you curious?  I am.
So, let me explain a bit of what I do "for a living."

 

I'm a Piano Man who serves his church as their Worship Pastor.  For some of you, just understand that I work with people and lead the singing!

I remember when I was a preteen my piano teacher, Mrs. Ruby Ford, gave me a piano book for my birthday or Christmas.  On the cover it showed a cartoon-like drawing of a young boy [this was in the 60's] sitting at a piano.  There were other young people around him.  He was the star of the show.  He was making that party happen.

When I got the book I never could identify with the boy on the cover.  I was shy, a little withdrawn.  But, I was also a ham.

I remember when I turned 5 years old singing and dancing to an Elvis song and making the grownups laugh, smile, and clap for me.  It was pretty sweet to have that kind of power over other people.  Wait.  I was only 5.

So, through my years of childhood I took piano lessons.  I didn't think I was very good.  My teacher offered my "talent" to a senior citizen Sunday School class.  I think I could only play two hymns, and I might have butchered one of them!  When I learned some more they had me back.  I would play, maybe not very fast, and they would sing.  They were happy to have a youngster in their class with them.

In my teen years I learned to play the guitar and helped form a Folk Gospel group called H.I.S.  We would sing at various churches in south Texas and special functions like a Valentines Party.

While in college I majored in Music and Bible.  Upon graduation I've been working with a few churches and have enjoyed helping people sing and worship their Lord.  It is a privilege.

OK. Back to my week of what I do.

Someone asked me recently, "What do you like best? The guitar or the piano?"  I said, "Yes."  I like them both, but the piano is my first instrument.  My mind "thinks" piano more easily that guitar.  But I love to make a guitar sound sweet.

My life verse from the Bible is Psalm 89.1 - I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, with my mouth will I make know Thy faithfulness to all generations.

Here is a week in the life of a Piano Man:

•  Sunday, arrive at church at 7:15 am
• 7:45 worship team rehearsal
• Sunday School - monitor the sound system and plug in some last minutes changes to the presentation software
• 10:30 lead the worship service [the musical part - I don't preach]
• Sunday lunch with the Pastoral Staff welcoming new members
• Monday - work on planning the songs and worship team members for the next month, write emails, work on other administrative things
• Tuesday - Rewrite two songs for the band and vocals

• Be the Piano Man for the Celebrate Recovery worship time

• Wednesday - Staff meeting, work on music for Wednesday Night Bible Study.  Finish one of the songs that I was working on.  Send out on email.  Make adjustments to the web page.
• Thursday - struggle with new presentation software building song base for Sunday's song - pick up the bass player from the University, practice with the worship team from 6:30 - 8:00.  Take bass player home.
• Friday - day off. Not really.  I'm on vacation next week, so I've got to go in the office and get some things ready for next week.  Then I'm playing the piano at the Skirvin Hotel from 5-7.  Then I'm going to the Cupcake Lounge to support our worship team as they play and sing there from 8-10.
• Saturday - some extra time at the office to finish up and be able to leave town.
• Sunday - it starts over.

I know this was kinda lengthy.  Sorry about that.  I guess I should've made it two parts. In my spare time I blog, as you are reading now.  Please click on the link below the photo for more information.  Blogging to Change Lives.  My music, my life, my blogging is to enhance those around me, sharing with them the Good News found in the Bible.

 

So, this Piano Man is very fortunate to make his "living" doing what he loves.  Isn't that what it's all about?

 

Chuck Whetstone Empower Network

Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine

Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine.

One of my favorite shows that I watch on television when I get to see it is Restaurant Impossible.

It features Chef Robert Irvine and his talented team of designers and contractors.  Each week they go to a struggling restaurant in different parts of the country and help turn them around.

On most of the shows the restaurant owners tell how they are about to go under, go bankrupt, lose their house and their shirt!

Some have fractured relationships with their family members, spouses, or business partners.
Many really don't have any real practical experience in running a successful restaurant. Some have no training, just a desire to run a place to eat.  Their books and cooks don't really work correctly.

One guy, bless his heart, had no sense of taste.  He was the owner and chef.  He lost it as a result of being a soldier.  A brave man trying to do the right thing for his family, but struggling and barely making it.

In our Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine show on the Food Network Robert only has 48 hours to transform a failing restaurant into one that might have a chance to survive.

He meets with the owners.  He meets with the staff.  He talks about the problems.  He orders almost everything from their menu so he can see what it tastes like.

He inspects the kitchen and food prep area.  He'll even go into the freezer and storage areas.  Sometimes he finds things that are disgusting, like roaches or the remains of rodents. Yuck.

 Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine has a great support team of designers and builders. 

Taniya and Tom are some of my favorite people to watch work.  Taniya is a designer and her job is to do a facelift on the dining area with limited funds.  They have a total of $10,000 in the budget to replace items, or purchase flooring, stain, paint, decorations, and much more.

A lot of the stuff the designers come up with is pretty amazing.  And many times they will take something from the present dining room, such as art work, antiques or family heirlooms, and transform them into something totally unique.

Tom, who also has to share the limited budget, works through the night with his crew and the designers.  They have until about 5:00 pm of the 2nd day to have the place ready to seat customers and serve them dinner.  Sometimes they have delays that cause them to open late.  Robert is never a happy chef when that happens.

Oh, back to Chef Robert Irvine.

Robert spends most of his time coming up with new menu items that will make the restaurant money.
He works with them on their costs of food preparation.  He also pares down the present menu because it is usually full of too many items.

The great part of the show is how he can help mend broken relationships, help people gain new confidence and pride in what they are doing, and genuinely help families get back on track.

I think that is awesome.

The result of 2 days and $10,000?  A "new" restaurant with a  a new look, a new menu, and owners/operators with a new attitude.

That's my review of a really great show.
I encourage you to watch it when you get a chance.  The name of the show?

Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine.

Chuck Whetstone Empower Network

Chuck Whetstone

David And Goliath on Discovery's Goldrush

David And Goliath on Discovery's Goldrush

David and Goliath. It's a classic story.  One that's loved by Christians and Jews.

The story of the "underdog" winning! The wimpy kid beating the bully. The skinny guy at the beach dusting the sand off his body and fighting back!

How about Todd and Jack Hoffman of Goldrush on the Discovery Channel?  These guys are always in situations where they have their backs against the wall.  I've been watching for a couple of seasons and have laughed and cheered during different episodes.

If you're a fan of the show you know what I mean.   They started out in Alaska trying to find gold at a claim.  They spent thousands of dollars and countless hours trying to make things work so they could just mine the gold that they knew was in the ground.

In the next season they thought they could go back to the original claim, but ended up going up to the Klondike where conditions were harsher and more extreme.  Sure they found some gold in both places, but it wasn't enough to really call a profit.

And at what cost?

Friendships were fractured. Some families were left behind.  Funds were spent.

As I'm watching the show tonight it appears that they will leave the north and go to Guyana in South America.

From what I've seen it has been struggle after struggle for Todd Hoffman.

 

Todd Hoffman is in a real life story of David and Goliath on Discovery's Goldrush.

But do you know what?  He won't quit.  He won't give up.
He won't stop dreaming of a better future for himself and his family.

And for that I honor Todd Hoffman.

You can read the account of David found in 1 Samuel 17 in the Old Testament.  It says he was young and still working for his father when he was given an assignment to carry provisions to his brothers who were in the army and engaged in a war.

As he is visiting his brothers they deride him and make fun of him.  Thanks a lot, brothers.
Then he hears Goliath bellowing down in the valley.  He asks a few questions and the next thing you know he's down at the stream picking up rocks.

I'm sure his brothers thought, "He'll never grow up. Look at him.  He's picking up stupid rocks."

Well, little did they know that everything David did had a purpose.  When he found out that Goliath was blaspheming Yahweh he decided to wage his own war, even though he was much smaller, much younger, and had no armor or uniform.

What was David's strength?

David had a great belief.  A great belief that good will prevail over evil.  That right should always win.

 David Wood of Empower Network says,

David Wood

Right action with the right beliefs produces the desires that you want.

So David used what he had, starting with a great belief system, and he killed the giant that was stopping him and his people from living free.  That's what Todd Hoffman wants.  Real freedom for his people!

Todd Hoffman, go slay your Goliath, wherever that takes you!

 

Todd Hoffman is modern day David and Goliath on Discovery's Goldrush.

Chuck Whetstone Empower Network

Give It Away

Give It Away

I was watching David Wood share on a video about how much money Bill Gates gives away.  He said it was in the billions. Wow.

I was also listening to my Bible today on my iPhone. I was listening to The Book of John, chapter four, where Jesus met with the Samaritan woman at the well.

How are these two events that happened in the same day of my life connected?

 

That's easy.  Both audios are talking about people that have something, but instead of keeping it to themselves desire to Give It Away!

I know more about Jesus than I do Bill & Melinda Gates, so let me quickly share my thoughts.

Jesus met this Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, a very famous place for the Jewish people.   As the lady was there to get water Jesus started speaking to her about Living Water.

The text says that the Jews would avoid Samaria.  There had been a rift between the two peoples for a long time, even though they held many of the same or similar beliefs.  The Jews considered Samaritans foreigners.

It has been said that Hebrew men would not speak to a woman on the street, not even their wife, mother or sister! [attributed to Lightfoot; cited by Wayne Jackson in his Christian Courier article, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, ].

 

In order to be able to Give It Away you must have It in the first place.

In the story, Jesus asks the woman for some water.  That opened up the door for Him to discuss spiritual things with her.  That led to the discussion of Living Water.

Jackson continues

(1) Jesus spoke of a gift. The Greek term is dorea, used only here in the Gospel accounts, which actually signifies a “free gift” (Vine 1991, 341). A free gift stimulates anyone’s interest!
(2) Employing symbolism appropriate to the occasion, he mentions a living water, i.e., a water that bestows life. This could mean something quite significant to a person whose day-to-day existence was characterized by deadness.
(3) He associates these blessings with a who, i.e., he suggested that she was talking at this very moment to someone special, a depository of life.
There was a great deal of subtle information packed into a seemingly ordinary statement. It was, in fact, the gospel in miniature.

You can read the whole passage for yourself, but the point I'm making here is this:

 

If you have something to share with someone, 

then by all means, Give It Away!

Do you have knowledge, or experience that you can share with others?  Can you be a mentor to a young person and give them wisdom and insight for their lives?

Do you have finances, maybe not as much as Bill, that you can give to a worthy cause?  A church, synagogue, or other charity?

Do you have skills that you could use to bless someone else?  Can you read a book for someone that is visually impaired?  Can you fix windows, doors, roofs, or cars?  Many elderly don't have extra money to have get their oil changed in their car.  Perhaps you could get with some of your friends and do that.  I know several churches that offer this type of ministry.

There was a saying in the 60's from The Producers, directed by Mel Brooks, that said, "If you've got it, flaunt it!"

 

I say, "Don't just show it off - Give It Away!"

 

Empower Network

 

David Wood Rescued Justin Verrengia From Drowning

David Wood Rescued Justin Verrengia From Drowning

I just watched an amazing video. Some of my heroes in Costa Rica went to a waterfall for fun and swimming when something terrible happened.  Justin got caught in a rip current [and I thought they were only on beaches by the ocean] and was drowning.

In the video you can see David jump in to try to rescue him and another guy tries to help because David was getting into trouble as well.

Wow. It was surreal.

This was a beautiful location like a waterfall in Costa Rica.  What could go wrong?

 In his blog called I Almost Drowned… (you CAN’T fight the CURRENT)  David relates his experience. [click on the link to watch the video]

 I realized something though, almost drowning:

Just like you can’t fight a current (the water wins) you can’t build your dreams unless you’re aligned with a POWERFUL force that’s moving in the direction you want. -  David Wood

 

I was watching this moment as David Wood Rescued Justin Verrengia From Drowning and thought about my own life.

I only recall being close to dying a few times.

Once I had pneumonia and was very dehydrated and would've certainly got worse and died had not my brother-in-law known that I needed to see a doctor immediately.

And one time the staff of our church in Tulsa was having lunch following the Sunday service.  We were across the street at the Marriot enjoying the brunch.  Somehow as I was eating my omelet a small bit of sausage got stuck in my windpipe.

Immediately I knew I was in trouble.  Panic set in the first 2 seconds.  I was not breathing.

I was thinking, "What am I gonna do?" and "I don't want to die here in this nice dining room." and "Who at this table can do the heimlich maneuver on me?"

Oh, and we had a guest speaker that day who was with us that I went to college with and I didn't want to be embarrassed in front of her!  Crazy thoughts race through your head in moments of terror!

So, this went on for what seemed like forever, but in reality was only a few seconds.  I thank God that somehow what was blocking my breathing became dislodged and I was alright.  No one knew it but me.

 

What is there to learn from when David Wood Rescued Justin Verrengia From Drowning?

Well, my first takeaway is like Dave's observation: get aligned with a POWERFUL force that’s moving in the direction you want to go.

Stop fighting the change you need to make.  Go with what is best for you, your relationships, your business, and your family.

And that is my review of the video as David Wood Rescued Justin Verrengia From Drowning.

 

www.bloggingtochangelives.com

Chuck Whetstone Empower Network

Fear Of Flying

Fear of Flying

The other night I dreamed I was flying.  It was kind of like I was flying on my own or I was in a mini-helicopter, I’m not real sure. But, I remember trying to avoid the power lines and going up and down.  It was a strange, but wonderful sensation.

It was a great feeling to be in the air.  There was a certain amount of freedom I felt, but also trepidation, because I could tell I didn’t know what I was doing.

I didn’t know how high I could fly without getting into the path of the regular aircraft.  I also wasn’t sure of what speed I should go, so I think I kind of went slow.

Now, it was nothing like the super hero in the Will Smith movie, Hancock.  He could go fast and was really good at flying.  I could tell I was just a novice that had been given a chance to fly.

Isn’t that the way it is in life?  You want to fly, you want to soar, you want to be free of restrictions and the things that are holding you down.

And if you are trying to fly and try your wings you might be like I was in my dream, a little anxious, a little in fear, and maybe a little helpless because you don’t have it all figured out and you don’t have enough experience.

 Fear of Flying is real, but so what?

Ok. Let’s say that you have decided it’s time to fly – in your relationships, in your spirituality, in your job or business, or in your health. You have taken the first step to “flying” by deciding you’re not staying where you are.  By God’s grace you are determined to make a change, get serious, buckle down, pay the price, or what other metaphor you want to list.  You’re not going to be held back any longer.

Congratulations.

Whether you know it or not, you are now flying, even though the forces of gravity are strong, like the fear of failure [what will people think], and some even have the fear of success [I’m not sure if I can do this and what if it really works].

 

The people below on the ground [the status quo] are usually in two camps:

• Some of them will cheer you on and really hoping you’ll do good because secretly they wish they had the nerve you had to at least try.
• The haters and naysayers who say “who do they think they are trying to run their own business?” or “you’ll never make it, you never have in the past” or even people that spread gossip and lies about you.

Look, “grasshopper” [from the TV show Kung Fu], it’s time you start flying and soaring.  You were made for this moment!

 Don’t let the Fear of Flying keep you grounded any longer.

What do you do next?

Take ACTION!  Massive Action.  As Dave Ramsey says have Gazelle Intensity.

Start the diet.  Start walking and exercising.  Turn off the TV [how many reruns of ________ do you need to watch?].  Take a course.  Ask her out on a date.  Meet with your accountant. Place an ad.  Learn a new instrument.

 Whatever it is, Just Do It [as Nike says].

Don’t be earthbound any more.

Abandon the Fear of Flying and just FLY!

 

www.stayhomewealth.com
www.bloggingtochangelives.com
www.nothingisimpossibleforyou.com

Empower Network

 © Chuck Whetstone, 2012.  All Rights Reserved.

Follow the Leader

Follow the Leader

My friend Kevin Knecht and his wife, Melissa, have a great story. They chose to do in life what you used to do as a child when you played Follow the Leader.

Remember how the game went?  One kid was the leader while while the other kids were followers. The rule, as I recollect, was to do exactly what the leader [who was always in front] did. So, if he/she jumped then you would jump.  If they waved their arms all the kids would wave their arms.

I used to play Follow the Leader when I worked at a day care.  It kept the kids busy and I liked it.  They would obey me [or follow the leader] because it was fun.

I liked to walk with the kids on the way to music class and do crazy things as the leader. Sometimes I would turn a complete circle and they would do it.  Other times I might clap my hands or bend down and touch the grass.  They would follow every move I made. [Sounds like a song made popular by The Police years ago.]

 Don't Play Follow the Leader - Live Follow the Leader.  Do what a Leader does!

Here's a short video from Kevin telling part of his story: Conquering Doubt Mountain

This is what Kevin and Melissa Knecht have done, along with Tony Rush, and so many others.  They listened to what the leaders of Empower Network have said and have done the very things they said to do.  They have become very successful in a short amount of time.

In Following the Leader they have experienced:

• *No prospecting or cold calling.
• *No cajoling people to go to a live call.
• *No follow ups or 3-ways trying to convince anyone.

And that's all because they chose to

Follow the Leader!

The Apostle Paul even said, "Follow me as I follow Christ."

So, what's the next step for you?  Click on my link. 
Make a choice today to follow a leader.
Follow me as I follow Kevin, as he follows Tony, as he follows David Wood & David Sharpe.

Blogging To Change Lives
Nothing Is Impossible For You 

Empower Network

Empower Network

 

If the Treadmill works - Use it!

If the Treadmill works - Use it!

Well, I did it.  I put my gym clothes in my gym bag and actually went to the gym today!
Pastor Dave has been talking about how he has good intentions to go to the gym on his way home, but something always comes up or you don’t have time or it’s too hot or . . . So this morning I loaded my gym bag up and took it to work.

It was quite funny.  I walked into the main office and Pastor Dave saw the bag and we laughed. He wanted to know if I had any clothes in there or was just carrying the bag around.

And so during my lunch hour I got dressed and went to Shape Fitness and actually walked 2 miles on the treadmill!  Shape is only about 1/2 block from our church.  I should probably walk there, but I take my truck just in case it rains, or I'm too tired to walk back.

 If the Treadmill works - Get on it and use it!

Most treadmills that I have heard about at some of my friend's homes are just expensive places to hang laundry.  Why is it we invest in something just to let it go idle and collect dust?

I had one given to me by a friend.  I brought it into my office at home with lofty ideas about how I could walk on it and watch TV or I could walk inside and avoid the cold weather.  Well, my wife wasn't thrilled about it at.  We kept it for awhile.  I think I only used it a couple of times.  It was quite noisy and I just couldn't get into it even with the TV on.

Oh, my 2 year old [at the time] granddaughter loved to climb on it.  She used the large hand rails like a jungle gym and would swing on them and hang on them.  She got a lot of exercise out of it.  I didn't.  It worked, but I didn't.

 If the Treadmill works - Get on it and use it - 

no matter who is watching.

One of the biggest fears people have of joining a gym is the idea of other people watching while you work out.  I still don't like to have a lot of "jocks" around because I feel inferior.  Even though I have dabbled at weight training for years I am still the "newbie" and just do what I know and what I feel comfortable doing.

When I'm on the treadmill I really don't care if people see me or not.  Lately I have been listening to the Bible on my I-phone or downloads from Empower Network to help me grow my business.  I really enjoy it and it certainly makes time go by faster and I either get inspired or learn something, or both!

I no longer have the treadmill at home.  It's long gone.  I also have no excuse not to drive the short distance and use the treadmills at my gym.

What do I need to do?

• Get motivated - tell myself that I am worth it.  Realize that I can spare and hour per day to invest in my health.
• Stay motivated - see little results every day because of my faithfulness.  See the shirts get looser because the belly is toning up.  Feel the energy that is released when you exercise.

 So, concerning the Treadmill - as they say in 

Celebrate Recovery -

It'll work if you work it and you're worth it!

 

Empower Network - Chuck Whetstone

www.bloggingtochangelives.com 

Work Ethic Wisdom of Will Smith

Will Smith - Work Ethic Wisdom

Here is a great video of Will Smith.
This is Empowering!

Read - Comment - Share

Chuck Whetstone - The Empower Network

www.bloggingtochangelives.com

Come Blog with Me

Why did I start Blogging to Change Lives?

When I became and affiliate of Empower Network,  
David Wood challenged me to write a blog every day for 90 days.
He said I could write about anything.  So I started writing.

As inspired as I am I can’t see myself stopping.  I enjoy writing down my thoughts.
I enjoy teaching others.  I enjoy presenting inspiring messages in a new and unique way.

After a few days of blogging on different topics I wrote Blogging to Change Lives.
That was it!  I found the real reason I was blogging – to help Change Lives.



What a great compliment to my full-time position as an Associate Pastor for my church.
Our church is called Fresh Start and we are a group of people who all have received a
“fresh start” and we want others to experience the same thing.

Many people think that if they screw up their life 

because of hurts, habits or hangups that they 

don’t deserve a “do-over.”

Guess what?  I serve the God of the Second Chance.  I worship the God who spoke
about the Prodigal Son who turned his life around by coming back to his father and
hoping to be able to start over as a servant, not a son.

Need a Fresh Start?  Nothing is too hard for God.  I believe as long as you are
breathing you have a chance to get as close to God as you want and let Him give
you what you need to have a change.

And so I blog.  My question is “What do I write about next?”

If my goal is to see lives changed then why not share about the vehicle
that I am using to blog – the Empower Network.

So, why don’t you Come Blog With Me?

The Empower Network is an entire ‘plug and play’ viral blogging and marketing system.  Not only can I submit a blog everyday but I can also drive traffic to my business.

For just $25 per month I get basic access to the ‘core checklist’ fast start training, a viral blogging and marketing system and the ability to earn monthly $25 commissions instantly deposited into my bank account from members who join at the basic level.

This is a Win – Win situation!

• I blog.
• You read.
• You join for $25.00. I get 100% commission!
• You start blogging.
• Others read.  They join.  You get $25.00 – 100 % commission!
• I think this can change both our lives.

 So, Come Blog With Me.

 

 Click on this link – NOW!  Start for just $25.00.

 

 Read – Comment - Share

 

www.bloggingtochangelives.com

 

Chuck Whetstone - Empower Network

© Chuck Whetstone, All rights Reserved

Why I Got Involved in the Empower Network

Why I Got Involved in the Empower Network

 I am currently a full time Worship Pastor for my church.  I love what I do.  But, in my spare time I write blog posts and market. I have three goals that are my motivation for joining the Empower Network.

1. I love my wife and I don't want her to work any longer outside the home.  I want her to enjoy life and take care of our grandkids.
2. I want to get out of debt.
3. I want a better retirement.  Currently it is very low because I got a late start. The Empower Network offers me hope to be able to enjoy my retirement years when they arrive.

 So What Is The EmpowerNetwork?

The Empower Network is a direct sales program (NOT an MLM) designed to help more people by putting more of the pie (moolah), in fact, 100% of the pie, back into their hands immediately.  That means people can now have positive cash flow in their businesses.  That means that even the newbie can follow the system and the training and breakeven if nothing more.  It means EVERYONE has a chance to win!
The Empower Network is a collective group of entrepreneurs, leveraging the efforts of each other to generate residual income month after month, after month.  It’s an entire ‘plug and play’ viral blogging and marketing system that will help you keep your business simple, easy and lucrative.  Really lucrative.

So you can…..

• Build your current MLM bigger, better and faster.
• Improve and simplify your marketing ten-fold.
• Or just get more money.
• Lot’s more money.
• Directly into your bank account.

The truth is that with the Empower Network, everything and anything that has stood in your way of getting paid, living good and working less has been eliminated.  Because if you aren’t getting paid 100% commissions…..You should be.  You deserve to be.
So now that you understand that you make 100% commissions, let’s talk about what you get with each level of membership.  And just so you know, YOU CAN’T SELL OR MAKE 100% COMMISSIONS ON A LEVEL THAT YOU HAVE NOT PURCHASED!  In other words, if you didn’t buy it, you can’t sell it! Bottom-line.
What Do You Get?
Here are the Membership Levels The Empower Network Offers 100% Commissions from:

 Basic Empower Network Membership ($25 / monthly)

• Includes basic access to the ‘core checklist’ fast start training, a viral blogging and marketing system and the ability to earn monthly $25 commissions instantly deposited into my bank account from members who join at the basic level.

 The ‘Inner Circle’ Membership ($100 / monthly)

• Includes access to the ‘ Inner Circle’ training library and the ability to earn monthly $100 commissions instantly deposited into my bank account from members who join the ‘Inner Circle’. This is a goldmine!  No matter what, if you want to learn how to market, where to market, how to increase sales, etc, having access to this inner circle is the only way you are going to do it.  Disclaimer: Don’t try to stay at the $25 level, AND BUG YOUR SPONSOR TO DEATH about all the exact things you would learn as a member of the inner circle.  Be your own boss, take control of your success.  If you are going to take an action step, be serious about the step and get busy!

 The Costa Rica Intensive Training ($500 / one time)

• Access to the entire ‘Costa Rica Mastermind Intensive’ video series delivered in high definition, and the ability to earn one-time $500 commission instantly deposited into my bank account from members who purchase the ‘Costa Rica Mastermind Intensive’ video series.  This is the video of a private mastermind retreat David Wood did at his home in Costa Rica where each attendee paid $2997 to enter, and still had to pay for airfare and other travel arrangements.  YOU, on the other hand, have the chance to access this training and witness the breakthroughs and gain insider knowledge of really being successful in this business for a 1-time $500.  If you don’t see the benefits of this now, just wait.  Once you get your membership, you’ll soon get the picture!

 The $15K/Mo Formula Training ($997 / one time):

• (By the way, this is Hands-down The Most Comprehensive and USEFUL Training I’ve EVER experienced online!!!)
• You’ll be taken inside the secret ‘Scientific’ money getting methods of the rich, and be shown a process, and have a formula shown to me that literally, will walk me through the step by step process of how you can create instant, daily cash flow ‘on demand’ in any business…
• Discover the quickest, shortest way to generate leads in your very first week. Follow this step-by-step blueprint and virtually guarantee your success with the $15k Formula

• Bonus #1: Advanced SEO Tactics Advanced Link Building Tactics (How to get stuff ranked with LOTS... and lots of links :))
• Bonus #2: Profit Pulling Magazine Ads How Chuck Marshall Makes $20,000 Monthly...
• Bonus #3: How To Create $2,500 Daily From Only 2 1/2 Hours Of Work...

What You Have Access To With Empower Network -

A Quick Recap

• A proprietary viral blogging and marketing system complete with graphic, banners and marketing elements ‘done for me’ so I avoid set-up and overwhelm and start creating content online.

• An 8-part training series that will teach me the simple, core elements I need to get started and into profit, fast with Empower Network.

• A ‘done for me’ sales funnel that is optimized for increased conversion resulting in 100% commissions deposited into me bank account the minute a new member joins.

• Access to a proprietary commission payment system that will allow me to collect 100% commissions into my bank account instantly, from sales made in Empower Network.

 Final Notes

As you can see from this overview, I am truly excited about Empower Network.    Empower Network is an additional stream of income coming in, residually.  So for those of you who may have multiple streams of NO-income, this is for you!  Because you breakeven on your FIRST sale.  How awesome is that?!
So if you have been looking for a way to work with me, or just downright see how awesome Empower Network is, you deserve to be part of this community.  I want you to be successful.  I want you to be profitable.  I want to to thrive in your online business as well as any other endeavor you choose.  I want you to live the life of your dreams and do it on your terms.  I want you to smile and look at your family and FEEL the freedom of being financially free.  I want you to lock arms with us and help us while you help yourself. I want you to be the YOU GOD intended for you to be. I want you to be rich, and I want you to be EMPOWERED!

And this is Why I Got Involved in the Empower Network!

 

Empower Network