Lotto Hope

Lately, I've noticed that the 50 plus generation is exuberating a lotto hope. Recently, while patronizing my neighborhood convenience store, I observed an older gentleman feverishly searching his pocket for change. Having gathered enough, he triumphantly placed his findings on the counter and instructed the cashier to 'give me one lotto ticket.' There were others to follow, including myself. And as we each stood there selecting our scratcher or having our numbers scanned, I began to wonder 'is this our (baby boomers) only hope for the future--lotto hope?" What about the dreams and visions we once had? What about the skills we have mastered through a half century of experiences? What about our passions? Are they dead? Has all hope in ourselves depleted? Sure, our hope is temporarily lifted when we purchase a lotto ticket--but more often than not, it is dashed once the scratching of the ticket is done, or the numbers are called. Can't we put hope in ourselves once again? Can't we reflect back on that deeply buried dream and begin thinking about it's possibility? Why not? I say it has more of a chance in producing fruit than an inanimate lotto ticket. Begin your resurrecting thoughts today. Write that thing down--and begin thinking about how it might happen. Stay with our blog site to get ideas on how this time you can fulfill your destiny.

Three Step Guide to Manifying Purpose

When choosing a group you'd like to join, often times, it is one in which you closely identify. One that has the same values or belief system. So it is when I joined Crossover Ministries Church in Los Angeles, Reverend Ralph Bassard, Pastor. His spiritual core belief is the same as mine--each of us was created with divine passion and a purpose to fulfill. And until you begin to live in the true essence of your being, ever lasting joy escapes you. My sentiments exactly. And because share this undying belief, our message is often the same. Such as the one he recently ministered on living by faith and encouraging one to go for the gold inside of them. He focused on three points and so inspired I was that I decided to share them with you--and then put my own spin on them as it relates to us boomertarians.

1. Learn to be unreasonable: Often times, at our age, we chose to make only what we deem as reasonable decisions. Deep inside of us, we still harbor the same dream that we did in early years. Now we tell ourselves, "I'm too old...I should have done this when I was younger." And so rationalize ourselves into pain, misery and mediocrity. But I'm in agreement with Pastor Ralph, learn to be unreasonable. Reenergize your dream, then put on your armour of faith and begin to walk the line toward the thing you truly desire.

2. Be open to a new way: Now this is the one that may tend to stagnate you. The world appears to be moving so fast with new technologies becoming old the instant they are introduced. The dream you had years ago may be the same but how you manifest and grow it could be different. Look at who's doing something similar to what it is you envision and how they are doing it. Then learn to do it--adding your own unique ideas. It would be wise to make an appointment with a SCORE counselor, specializing in your area of interest, to learn all the latest techniques.

3. Ask for help: This is a big one. We are often too intimidated to ask for help, or we simply don't know who to ask. This is the time to become still, to go within and seek guidance. Once you become very clear about what it is that you want--help will come. You must learn to ask. For now, your job is to prepare so when the help comes, you will be ready.

For more on Crossover Ministries go to http://www.blogger.com/www.crossoverministries,net

What Happens to a Dream Deferred?

A Dream Deferred

by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore...and run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over...like syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?

To answer the famed poet's question, I think a dream deferred would explode. It can explode inwardly, outwardly or both. Let's take a second to talk about each category.

Inwardly - Do you remember the feeling you had when you were just itching to tell someone something. You could hardly contain yourself, could you? You felt you had to get it out, or you would explode. The inner workings of a dream aching for a shaking is quite similar. It's eager to get out...to express itself...to see how far it can go. But for some reason, we suppress it, not allowing it to fully take root. Still, it's there, festering. And soon, it can explode...perhaps in a subtle kind of way. Many see their dream coming alive in their children, and often times, push them to become something they weren't meant to be. There are those parents who blame the fact that they had children as a motive for not realizing there dream. Whatever the excuse, dreams unrealized can lead to an unfulfilled life, harboring feelings of shame, bitterness and resentment--which we all know is not good for the psyche.

Outwardly - I've often heard people who commit horrendous crimes, even murder, proclaim "I felt like superman, or God. "And I want to shout "It is because you have the super natural power of God inside of you." It was ordained in each of us at birth. And if one has not yet learned to channel it in a positive direction, or more importantly, our true purpose--it could explode violently.

Exploding (both within and without): It all begins within and it is the thoughts and actions that determines the with out.

What is a dream deferred? What is happening to you?