Haven't posted in a while. Taking a break from the Smoothie Bar launch to update my business trip to NYC.
“Come On” The Invocation of the Spirit
At five foot six inches tall, fellow Georgian Melanie Oudin is a small package who faces tennis Goliaths. She stands strong with her short frame resting on shoes emblazed with the words “believe” on their soles. The overnight tennis darling bellowed her birth onto the world stage by battling her heralded opponents and shouting “COME ON.”
Unlike the cockier direct challenge inviting a foe to “bring it;” this beckoning is directed within. Oudin’s come on suggests a young women who knows of the spirit of God placed by God within each of us. This call of strength from within is familiar to Christians who are battling a foe of persons or tribulations. We exhort “help me Jesus,” and pray “…come Lord like a mighty rushing wind.”
When we invoke Him, coupled with dedicated effort on our own part, He does not fail us. In life, in work, and in faith our prayers are answered when we supplicate. In your next battle, even before you place your feet on the floor to start your day, Call on Him! …COME ON!
Thoughts from Oudin’s bow at The 2009 US Open Tennis Tournament
Friday, October 9, 2009
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Health Clubs, Healthcare & Politics
- 31 cents of every American dollar goes towards preventable medical expenses. According to a Harvard study, re-presented to me this morning,
- Medical emergencies represent more than 50% of the causal factors for BANKRUPTCY!
Healthcare, or lack thereof, has national ecomomic, health, social, and spiritual implications and must be at the forefront of consideration in this year's elections. Regardless of what area of concern you wish to focus, it is clear that STAYING FIT is in large part the answer. Come on folks - If you don't need to buy prescription meds, insurance dependancy is null! If you don't have medical emergencies, visiting the emergency room and incurring a huge debt (our current national healthcare plan), would be unecessary. If you don't have the dominant chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, you are not only insurable at lower rates, but your need for insurance decreases.
So how does this government dilenmma for healthcare administration relate to Samsons Health and Fitness Center? WE are the PREVENTIVE MECHANISM for all of the previously stated diseases. If government is serious about a CURE, we must consider promoting, incentivecising, (my word), and edifying community exercise, nutrition, fitness progams and education.
Finally, we must also get serious about the spiritual aspects of preventive healthcare. Mind over matter, rebuking illness in the name of Jesus, and healing through prayer are irrefutable methods even agnostic medical doctors believe in. They are the marks of putting on the full armour of God and we must teach these weapons against illness. I can't tell you how many times the Lord has helped me avoid illness by scripture recitation while exercising or meditating. What we cannot do alone, we can do with God!
Exercise your VOTE! We can do it and God will sort the wheat from the chaff.
Cross Train for Fitness!
Leo
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Honoring The Gift of Organized Service
Praise God for our new front desk. Sean's leadership and vision was well appointed in bringing it to us. Thanks to all of you for your hand in it! I'll liken it to a well in the village New Birth. Certainly it extends far beyond our village as we reach out to the world, "attracting, relating, and transforming." That desk, made of earthly matter, will serve many who seek to drink good health from it. My alma mater Virginia Tech uses the Latin phrase, "Ut Prosim." Translated in means: "That I may serve!" Will you serve? I am sure you will!
Like the creation of a better desk, we can also be a better service organization. God assigns each of us talents, gifts, and duties to serve others. Good organization includes the proper assignment of work, clear reporting lines, and faith in God's appointed workers to assure the best service according to calling. To that end we will be clarifying role responsibilities and where appropriate, making some minor changes. As we move towards our meeting on the 28th, look forward to a new organizational chart that recognizes your gifts as they relate to Samson's.
For more on this subject, consider the July 17th entry in "Called to Conquer." Or read below for God's word on your part in the body of Christ. Until then, labor in word and doctrine and do your work heartily, as for God and not for man.
Cross Training for Fitness!
Leo
1 Corinthians 12:3-
3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Like the creation of a better desk, we can also be a better service organization. God assigns each of us talents, gifts, and duties to serve others. Good organization includes the proper assignment of work, clear reporting lines, and faith in God's appointed workers to assure the best service according to calling. To that end we will be clarifying role responsibilities and where appropriate, making some minor changes. As we move towards our meeting on the 28th, look forward to a new organizational chart that recognizes your gifts as they relate to Samson's.
For more on this subject, consider the July 17th entry in "Called to Conquer." Or read below for God's word on your part in the body of Christ. Until then, labor in word and doctrine and do your work heartily, as for God and not for man.
Cross Training for Fitness!
Leo
1 Corinthians 12:3-
3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Monday, July 16, 2007
A Pampered Workout - I Deserve It!
Goal: A Favorite Place for a Pampered Workout - I Deserve It!
If I were looking for the perfect place to ease into a workout it would include an oasis like welcome by a friendly smile handing out a warm towel. Heading to the locker room to change, I'd be handed a bottle of water (filtered by reverse osmosis of course) from a trainer who greets me by name and wishes me a good workout. A clean refreshing locker room would already have me looking forward to a good shower, whirlpool or steam as a post workout treat. I'd head over to amply available state of the art cardio equipment to ease into my warm-up. Now glowing, I'd find an out of the way area with stretching aids and clean mats to flop down on as I begin to tune into my body's needs for today's workout. On the brightly lit fitness floor, I'd find everything I needed, in just the right place, and always available. After my workout and shower, I'd find a good smoothie, and real glass of water with ice cubes, and peruse the wellness library or check my e-mails at a bar before heading to work fired up and ready to conquer! Or, perhaps I'd just get a manicure and massage???? After all, I Deserve It!
Cross Train with Me!
Leo
If I were looking for the perfect place to ease into a workout it would include an oasis like welcome by a friendly smile handing out a warm towel. Heading to the locker room to change, I'd be handed a bottle of water (filtered by reverse osmosis of course) from a trainer who greets me by name and wishes me a good workout. A clean refreshing locker room would already have me looking forward to a good shower, whirlpool or steam as a post workout treat. I'd head over to amply available state of the art cardio equipment to ease into my warm-up. Now glowing, I'd find an out of the way area with stretching aids and clean mats to flop down on as I begin to tune into my body's needs for today's workout. On the brightly lit fitness floor, I'd find everything I needed, in just the right place, and always available. After my workout and shower, I'd find a good smoothie, and real glass of water with ice cubes, and peruse the wellness library or check my e-mails at a bar before heading to work fired up and ready to conquer! Or, perhaps I'd just get a manicure and massage???? After all, I Deserve It!
Cross Train with Me!
Leo
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Are You a Believer?
Acts 4:13-14 Leo Smith's e-bookFoundations for Workhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
WE must be careful as Christian servants to not forget for whom we work. It should instill confidence in us that God will direct our paths. With that confidence we must remain obedient and steadfast in letting our work correspond with our BELIEF! As we face transition and change, patience and courage are called upon as we carry on boldly in His Spirit. WE have been given a trust (1 Corinthians 4:2) for which we must prove faithful. We must strive to be blameless in our work while demonstrating His Power in us. As you work today, think of Peter and John. They were intelligent, methodical, and devout. The quality of their work reflected an undeniable BELIEF.
Intelligent - Methodical - Devout
The approach you take to do something should demonstrate your belief. And if your belief is strong, your pursuit for excellence towards associated goals will be unstoppable. Here are 3 marks of Unstoppable Belief!
1. Intelligence!
Believers Study - They don't review, get a briefing, peruse, or even contemplate. Believers study with deep cross referencing. They check one information source against another to prove what they are studying is reliable. Like Luke, they interview and study people as well as writings and local knowledge. Believers commit themselves fully to the task of learning without shortcuts. "Study to show thy self approved."
2. Believers Commit to Methodology
I've always been a believer in what's called in education, "part progressive learning." This methodical approach to learning knowledge and skill asserts that learning is retained and built upon best via a step by step introduction of new information that sets the foundation for newer information until at completion a Whole Set of Knowledge equals one powerful thought, skill or behavior. That is why as I teach my 16 month old daughter to swim, I first teach her to hold her breath and blow bubbles. God said, if you become a master over a few things, I will make you a ruler of many.
3. Believers are Devout in their Pursuit of Goals
What are the "have to's" in your life. Things your life depend on doing? Once set up with knowledge, and method, believers pursue their goal relentlessly. They don't tire or get distracted. There are no vacations. The pursuit is their lifeblood? Like a salesman who follows the ABC (always be closing) methodology, they are always in pursuit of their goal.
3 Commitments for this Quarter!
1. Study 360 degree Leadership
2. Methodically Journal about ways you can improve yourself. Hold yourself accountable for your deficiencies and don't move on to new things until you've mastered this new skill or knowledge base.
3. Be blameless at work and develop an unstoppable mentality towards self improvement and professional success.
Cross Train for Christ!
Leo
WE must be careful as Christian servants to not forget for whom we work. It should instill confidence in us that God will direct our paths. With that confidence we must remain obedient and steadfast in letting our work correspond with our BELIEF! As we face transition and change, patience and courage are called upon as we carry on boldly in His Spirit. WE have been given a trust (1 Corinthians 4:2) for which we must prove faithful. We must strive to be blameless in our work while demonstrating His Power in us. As you work today, think of Peter and John. They were intelligent, methodical, and devout. The quality of their work reflected an undeniable BELIEF.
Intelligent - Methodical - Devout
The approach you take to do something should demonstrate your belief. And if your belief is strong, your pursuit for excellence towards associated goals will be unstoppable. Here are 3 marks of Unstoppable Belief!
1. Intelligence!
Believers Study - They don't review, get a briefing, peruse, or even contemplate. Believers study with deep cross referencing. They check one information source against another to prove what they are studying is reliable. Like Luke, they interview and study people as well as writings and local knowledge. Believers commit themselves fully to the task of learning without shortcuts. "Study to show thy self approved."
2. Believers Commit to Methodology
I've always been a believer in what's called in education, "part progressive learning." This methodical approach to learning knowledge and skill asserts that learning is retained and built upon best via a step by step introduction of new information that sets the foundation for newer information until at completion a Whole Set of Knowledge equals one powerful thought, skill or behavior. That is why as I teach my 16 month old daughter to swim, I first teach her to hold her breath and blow bubbles. God said, if you become a master over a few things, I will make you a ruler of many.
3. Believers are Devout in their Pursuit of Goals
What are the "have to's" in your life. Things your life depend on doing? Once set up with knowledge, and method, believers pursue their goal relentlessly. They don't tire or get distracted. There are no vacations. The pursuit is their lifeblood? Like a salesman who follows the ABC (always be closing) methodology, they are always in pursuit of their goal.
3 Commitments for this Quarter!
1. Study 360 degree Leadership
2. Methodically Journal about ways you can improve yourself. Hold yourself accountable for your deficiencies and don't move on to new things until you've mastered this new skill or knowledge base.
3. Be blameless at work and develop an unstoppable mentality towards self improvement and professional success.
Cross Train for Christ!
Leo
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Samson: Our Namesake!
I've been doing some study on our namesake. The Biblical figure Samson was anointed with superhuman strength. His many physical feats were the result of obedience to a messenger from God to eat well and avoid intoxication. With his bare hands, Samson slew a Lion that sought to eat him (Judges 14). Later he returns to the Lion and finds that bees have moved into the carcass and built a honeycomb. Hungry, and no doubt having learned the benefits of clean, healthy living, he enjoys honey from the abdomen of what sought to kill him. Let me say that again. That which sought to kill him brought him sweetness instead!! Do you think Samson knew God? Go read that story. It's awesome what power and strength we can have following God's precepts on health and fitness along with obedience.
We all have "lions" in our lives waiting in want to kill us. We struggle with high blood pressure, diabetes, slow thyroids, arthritis, cancers, stress....... Our knowledge of these lions in wait should encourage discipline and commitment to fitness in our daily living. Do so, and you'll find that there is a blessing in the attack from that lion. Managing your pressure may lead you to slow down and de-stress your life. As such, perhaps you'll take more time to enjoy those who love you. Exercise will condition your heart and the resultant blessing will be the strength to someday enjoy a sunrise bible study at the top of Stone Mountain.
Then you'll say to your Lions - "BRING IT ON!" I've been Cross Training at Samson's Health and Fitness Center.
Blessings!
Leo Smith,
Samson's Health and Fitness Center
@ The B.E.L.L. Family Life Center, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
By the way, if you aren't already using honey as a substitute for sugar, start doing so today.
We all have "lions" in our lives waiting in want to kill us. We struggle with high blood pressure, diabetes, slow thyroids, arthritis, cancers, stress....... Our knowledge of these lions in wait should encourage discipline and commitment to fitness in our daily living. Do so, and you'll find that there is a blessing in the attack from that lion. Managing your pressure may lead you to slow down and de-stress your life. As such, perhaps you'll take more time to enjoy those who love you. Exercise will condition your heart and the resultant blessing will be the strength to someday enjoy a sunrise bible study at the top of Stone Mountain.
Then you'll say to your Lions - "BRING IT ON!" I've been Cross Training at Samson's Health and Fitness Center.
Blessings!
Leo Smith,
Samson's Health and Fitness Center
@ The B.E.L.L. Family Life Center, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
By the way, if you aren't already using honey as a substitute for sugar, start doing so today.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
You Deserve Good Health
Ec 6:2
God gives great wealth and honor to some people and gives them everything they could ever want, but then he doesn't give them the health to enjoy it. They die, and others get it all! This is meaningless, a sickening tragedy.
What kind of health do you deserve? Who is determining the answer to that question? You? Your doctor? Today's physicians will stamp you with a mark of good health even as you crawl out of their office on prescription drug life support.
You deserve vibrant health. The kind of energy that flows like a river! Most of us think our day is over after our 9 to 5. Hmmmm? Does anyone work 8 hour days anymore? We go home souls seared and bodies broken. We have nothing left in the tank be to loving towards our families. Caesar has used us up and we can’t serve on community boards, help Ms Alice with her roof, or even mow our own lawn! A great way to exercise by the way. There are 3 parts of the day, morning, noon, and night. Let's live each part to its fullest.
Cross Train with Me!
Leo
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