I have a few thoughts about several things today.  Rather than creating a title, I just want to write to you about several things.  This way, I can just keep it simple.

*Sad day for St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville as Pastor J. Aaron Hawkins is called home to heaven.  Even though he had battled some with prostate cancer, he was on his way to being declared "healed."  Yet, the Lord God of heaven called him home last night unexpectantly.  He was the husband of one wife, the father of eight, and the pastor of hundreds.  His influence not only with the African-American community, but the entire region and state was great.  He was tall and influential, but gentle and humble.  May God bring comfort to his wife, children, and spiritual family.  Heaven is richer and Northwest Arkansas is now poorer because of this great loss.  May the Lord Jesus continue to raise that church up towards the greatness their pastor so envisioned for them.

*Seeds of vision planted result in visionaries who can change the world.  This was personified through the life of Pastor Hawkins as he planted thousands of seeds with university students and leaders through the years.  If you are struggling with realizing your vision completely, be comforted today.  All of us plant seeds of vision into our children, others, and those we can influence or lead.  Yet, time nurtures it, others come along watering those seeds; but in God’s timing, He will bring the vision to pass.  Do not be weary in well-doing.  Do not be faint.  Champions keep their eyes on the prize.  It is the prize that motivates them to keep the vision before others. 

*Talking with God through what we call "prayer" is the way to keep your vision alive.  Asking God daily to fulfill your vision is a must, even when you feel it is on pause.  God and God alone takes what you perceive as a "setback" and view it as a "set-up" for you to realize your vision.  I have wanted to give up so many times.  I still do along the way.  Sometimes I feel, "Do they not get it?"  Yet, when I talk to God about it, order is restored, and vision is revived.  What the St. James Missionary Baptist Church may perceive as a "setback" may be God’s way to set them up for the greatness their Pastor was so ignited to see happening. 

*Are you struggling to keep your eyes on your prize, your vision, your goal?  Maybe you feel as if God has forgotten your request or even has forgotten you.  Be confident, He knows your name, your phone number, and even your email address, including the password.  Your eyes are the window of your soul.  You must remain with eyes fixed, heart resolved, and energy that will not quit.  Do not let a person, a cold-water committee of friends, family, or others, and especially yourself cease in your pursuit of what you feel God has put in your heart.  Winners do not quit.  Winners adjust.  Winners focus.  Winners eventually win.

*Remember all day, regardless of what others say or how you feel, YOU ARE A WINNER!