GOLD NUGGETS 7

GOLD NUGGETS 7
By
Tommy Franks, Ph.D.

Copyright © 2007 Tommy Franks
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
All rights reserved under International Copyright Law.
International Standard Book Number: 0‑926044‑57‑5

Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the Publisher.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations
are taken from the KINGS JAMES VERSION of the Bible.

Due to the Author's prerogative, some words are in small letters and some are capitalized for clarity and emphasis and not necessarily in accordance with standard grammatical practice.

Whenever pronouns or gender references appear in this book, they refer to both male and female unless otherwise noted.

Second Printing 2007

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book "GOLD NUGGETS 7" to all who read this book.

INTRODUCTION

America is a great nation…and will become even greater. America has favor with God. Be encouraged today. The best is yet to come!

First Words

In brief, you were born for such a time as this. GREATNESS is all around you. You are the "APPLE" of God's eye. May you be blessed today with success, Divine health, and balanced emotions. This book "Gold Nuggets #7" will encourage you and motivate you in to move up to a higher level.

LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL

Leaders must expect opposition and must not be offended by it. As a leader, you will be given many opportunities to embrace the impossible. True leaders unconditionally accept and cherish the value and ideas of others. They strive to bring out the best in others which is NOT an easy chore. For example: There are ministers who may preach to you, but may not like you. However, they do care about your offerings. They will preach to you on Sunday, but may NOT care about how you are doing throughout the week. These types of ministers just want to stand before an audience and perform. A true leader is called to become a people lover. He/She will embrace all people, regardless of race, color, creed, religious preference, poor, rich, etc. YOU CANNOT REALLY HELP PEOPLE IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THEM. PERIOD!

Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink of water. She reminded Him that He was a Jew. The woman had prejudice in her heart. It's very difficult to be a true leader of God if we have prejudice in out hearts. WHY? Because every person on this earth is made in the direct image of God. No leader can say that he loves God if he hates (dislikes) his brother. Period!

All people need love and respect. A good leader loves people just the way they are. Now, there will be times in your life when you will have to take a stand and not be controlled by other people. A leader must have stability and faith in what God is saying to him. When you are leading people, you must not be controlled or unduly influenced by the opinions of others unless they are in harmony with Scripture. Aaron made a golden calf because he was influenced by the people. He was no longer leading the people. They were leading him.

REMEMBER: Democracy is not a principle of God. It's an invention of man. Of course, it is still the best attempt to provide a good self governing system for sinful man. The flaw of democracy is: Its authority flows from the bottom up instead of from the top down. Do we need democracy? Absolutely. Is it God's best? NO. God's best is Theocracy. Nowhere in the Bible is democracy found to be the system of leadership in His Church. The Greeks gave us democracy. It is a good system, but it is not God's best.

One day we will have a world wide Dictator. He will rule the world with a rod of iron. We will have peace. We will have no wars...no poverty...welfare programs... We will each have an unction to function and will be trained to reign. We will have joy. Who is this Dictator? Jesus Christ the Righteous King.

LEADERS WILL BE REJECTED AT TIMES!

The most common cost of leadership is REJECTION. For hundreds of years, leaders have been rejected and misunderstood by all. This price has been paid by all true and outstanding leaders. Some of them were even killed for their goals, visions, and dreams. No leader is ever fully successful and effective until he/she has been utterly rejected. If you depend upon the approval and agreement of those around you in order to feel secure, you will never be a successful leader. TRUE LEADERS affect CHANGE...and change is fought by others. The very nature of change engenders conflict, resistance, and sometimes strife.

As you lead, you will definitely encounter opposition. And get this...most great leaders are never fully appreciated or totally recognized by their peers until they are dead! The following generations certainly appreciate them because they bring about needed change to benefit them as well as others.

Rejection does not mean that you are wrong. However, it does mean that you are affecting change. For attempting to bring about change, you will be criticized. No leader is exempt. Remember: Criticism is usually the manifestation of jealousy, insecurity, fear, and laziness. Criticism and rejection are normal human responses to ACTION...Never fear to be a leader!

THE PRICE OF LEADERSHIP

Leaders work harder, longer, and more intense than the ordinary person. Fatigue does not even enter the picture. No true leader can expect to live a normal life as others do. His time, talents, gifts, and experience do not belong to him. They belong to others. Leaders belong to their generation, not to themselves.

You may be popular. You may be unpopular. Popularity has nothing to do with leadership. Hitler was popular to many. Hussein of Iraq was popular with many. The PLO leader is also very popular with some people. A leader that thinks he must be popular with people is in fact insecure. He doesn't know who he is. A leader who knows who he is...does not depend upon others to validate his sense of self‑worth. Never confuse applause with affirmation.

True leaders measure their success with their own purpose, vision, and past successes...not by comparing themselves with others. Leaders are sure of their own purpose in life, thus free from comparison to others, competition, and jealousy.

Our world today is suffering from a leadership vacuum. It's difficult to find true leaders today with "backbone". But you can change this. You have within you the ability to lead, inspire, challenge, motivate, and bring out the best in others. True leadership sets others free. It never holds others in any kind of bondage or dependency. None of us are truly free until all of us are free! Period! PRICE: Leadership is never free. It will cost you something. Some will say that you are too serious about life. Some will say that you are a looney‑tune. Some will say that you are arrogant...because you know where you are going. Others will be jealous of you. Gobs of mediocre people will talk about you behind your back. This is part of the PRICE of being a leader! If people are not talking about you, then you are not in the center of the battle. A leader is always easy to find. He/She will be on the battlefield and in the center of the battle!

THE PARALYSIS OF ANALYSIS

We've all been there...done that...experienced the analyzing of something to the tenth degree until we've become paralyzed with inactivity. FACTS: Some type of decision or requirement comes to the surface. Perhaps you are buying a new car/used car. You shop around. You compare prices. You shop some more. You go to the bank or credit union for advice or consultation. You compare prices some more. You asked your wife, your father, brother, uncle, nephew, etc. what they think. They all have their distinct opinions...which of course vary from one to the other. You shop some more! Pretty soon you are totally indecisive. You have analyzed it to death and NOW you are paralyzed with apprehension, anxiety, fear, uneasiness, doubt, cloudiness, dread, and trepidation. In other words, you don't know which end is up because you have made a decision to be indecisive.

This is going on in our churches all across America. First, God speaks to us as individuals. We then either committee it to death or deacon it to death by deacon possession or we analyze it to the tenth degree hoping that everyone will be happy as a lark because of what God has told us to do. This is called paralysis of analysis. This stunts the growth of any church, business, government, country, or even a family.

When God tells you something to do...DO IT. You do not need the mental ascent, approval, and concurrence of everyone around you. If God wanted them in on the planning, don't you think He is big enough to call a planning board meeting? Yes, I do believe in the scriptural advice of "wisdom in the counsel of others." However, there comes a time when you need to go by the inward counsel of your soul and spirit from within and quit trying to get all kinds of confirmations from outside sources.

There is a balance in "hearing from God." And many times, His Word has already said it. His message to us will always harmonize with His written Word. The words "just do it" are very vital words. Today is a good day to do what God has already told you to do. Don't get caught in the "paralysis of analysis" syndrome. I love you. Have a tremendous day! MAKE IT HAPPEN! YOU CAN DO IT!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

That's right. Believe in yourself. God does. Yes, we believe in our God, but do we really believe in ourselves? Jesus said, "Nothing shall be impossible unto you."

The time: 1968. I had just gotten out of the Air Force and was living in South Coventry, CT. Another man by the name of Stew Leonard was living in Norwalk, CT. Stew was a milkman. He had a little delivery route and a small dairy near Norwalk. The state of Connecticut had decided to build a road (RT 7) through his property. He didn't have much money, so he borrowed some money from the Connecticut Small Business Administration and built a small retail store around his small unique milk‑processing plant. Even though Stew didn't have much money or assets, he believed in God and he believed in himself. He believed that he could make a difference in the retail business.

And he did...BIG TIME! Since then, he has expanded his store 25 times. The store now covers over 8 1/2 acres with 100,000 customers weekly. That's right. I said weekly. Since the store's opening, he has served over 35 million people. His little milk processing plant (glass enclosed) in the center of the store...now packages 150 half gallon cartons per minute. 100% of this milk is sold right there at his store. He also sells 1 million pints of cream per year, 1 million cartons of yogurt per year, 100 tons of cottage cheese per year, 3 million quarts of orange juice per year; 500,000 pounds of butter, 1040 tons of fresh hamburger meat per year, 1.56 million ice‑cream cones, etc.

His daughter (Beth) has a little cookie shop inside the store. She sells over 6.7 tons of cookies per week; 55,000 muffins per week. Stew, his daughter Beth, and his entire family have now become multi‑millionaires just by this one store. This one store sells more than 1 million items per week. Of the 750 items that they carry, this store sells more per item than any store in the WORLD. People drive as far as 100 miles away to come to this store. Of the 450 full time employees, most of them are related to one another...which makes this one of the largest family affairs in the world.

What's the secret? The secret is: Stew Leonard decided to make lemonade out of the lemons that were dealt to him. He decided to continue to sell milk and milk products, even though he was forced to relocate and allow the state to build a highway through his small dairy farm. MOST OF ALL, he believed in himself! If Stew Leonard can do it, so can you. You have the secret inside you. The potential for greatness is there locked up within you...just wanting to come out. Open you heart, your mind, your spirit, and your soul...and let your gifts, talents, and wisdom be known to those around you. "Without God we cannot; without us He will not!" Believe in yourself. God does! Make it happen!

Some More on GOALS

Did you know that 90% of the American people are looking for ways to FAIL? That's right. But thank God for the 10% who are looking for ways to succeed (opportunities). Goals present and amplify opportunities. They once asked Michelangelo, "Mickey, how did you do it. How did you take a solid piece of stone and create such a beautiful sculpture of David? How?"

He answered, "It was easy. I just looked inside and saw the angel David screaming to get out!" He set a goal to let David out.

Someone told this story recently. The year was 1916. Clarence Sanders owned a grocery store. One afternoon he was on his way to have lunch...when he was met by his banker. The banker said, "Clarence, I've looked at your books. According to my calculations, you will be bankrupt in 3 months...but in the meantime, have a good lunch."

Clarence knew that something new and different had to happen for him to stay afloat financially. This got his attention very quickly. After all, the banker was an expert. He knew about money. While standing in line at the cafeteria, he got an idea. Remember, it was 1916. The grocery stores were not self‑service as they are today with carts on wheels for picking up what you need. THUS, Clarence went back to his store and converted it into a self‑service grocery store. That day "Piggly‑Wiggly" was born. It was the FIRST modern day grocery store.

Clarence set a goal...not to go bankrupt. "Change, if necessary, but I will not go bankrupt" he said. From the very verge of bankruptcy in 1916 to becoming a millionaire in 1923, Clarence Sanders set goals and followed his dream. He sold the chain of Piggly‑Wiggly's in 1923 for $12 MILLION (a lot of money in those days)...come to think of it, $12 Million is a lot of money these days!

Remember, if we set no goals and aim at nothing, we will certainly hit it. Nothing is still nothing. Today, let's set a goal!

CURRENT EVENTS FOR THE CHURCH

These thoughts and words are birthed from Isaiah 35. I believe they are for this generation today. As we all know, the Old Testament always pointed toward the Messiah and was a type or shadow of things to come. We as Believers know something about the wilderness or dry places. So did Jesus. So did Moses. So did Elijah. So did John the Baptist. The following is my rendition of Isaiah 35:

The hot desert and parched land that was once filled with barrenness shall rejoice and be filled with My joy one more time before My return. Blossoms shall break forth as rose buds and flourish abundantly. My Church has gone through some rather dry places, but is once again beginning to move forward with the sweet anointing of My Holy Spirit. My Church is a mighty, powerful force that is no longer sleeping or weak.

My Church of today is in revival and has begun to blossom abundantly. People are rejoicing with joy and loud singing as in the days of old. Some are even shouting. My glory and splendor has descended upon the Church as wind upon the white snowy mountains of Lebanon. His Excellency (the Holy Spirit) has covered My children with His magnificence, glory, and majesty. As Mt. Carmel is fruitful and productive, so is My Church. As the Sharon Valley is fertile and prosperous, so is My Church. My people are no longer confused or barren, but are receiving My wonderful glory, honor, and victory. My Children are now receiving the power, excellency, and beauty that they so richly deserve through My redemptive love.

Strengthen and fortify yourselves...for revival has come into your midst. Weak and slack hands have changed into hands of strength and fruitful productivity. They are now anointed hands. Your beautiful feet are being firmly established. They carry the Gospel. No longer will you have feeble or stumbling knees. No longer will you stumble or fall. Your feet are planted on the solid Rock, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One from Nazareth.

Church, you have a mandate from God. Say to them that have fearful hearts and are always in a hurry, "Be strong and courageous; fear not. Behold, My God has come and wants to save you, love you, deliver you, and set you free. Heaven will be your eternal reward and joy will forever be your sweet companion."

As you move in My Anointing, the eyes of the blind shall come seeing. Deaf ears shall be opened. The dumb shall sing glory to My Name. The lame men and women shall leap as a happy deer in the morning meadows.

The desert and wilderness have been turned into an oasis of pure sparkling spring water that is bringing a time of refreshing and healing upon the whole earth. As the Surgeon General of the Universe continues to heal, Nations will fall on their knees before Me and I will hear their cries. Whole cities will turn to Me.

The parched land is no longer a desert, but has become a delightsome pool for those that are hot, weary, and thirsty. Drink, My dear Children. Drink. You shall be filled.

A large expressway has been constructed and it shall be called The Way of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it. Even strangers, wayfaring men, and foolish individuals shall stagger and wander into this super highway and find rest for their souls because they have come face to face with the only True Holy Way and have chosen to follow Him.

No violent criminal or ravenous beast shall travel upon the super highway. However, the redeemed...ransomed ones...purchased ones shall walk, leap, and run there with power and energy.

And the ransomed...preserved ones of the LORD shall soon be raptured and come to Heaven to be with Me forever. YOU will be singing new songs of joy with proclamation. Everlasting joy will be upon your heads. YOU shall richly gain all the fullness that Heaven contains. You will be happy and filled with gladness. Sorrow, grief, poverty, and human suffering shall flee and vanish away to be no more. Today is your day of JUBILEE!

STAY MOTIVATED

"A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous, and then dismissed as trivial, until finally it becomes what everybody knows" (William James). The first person that comes up with a new idea or some worthy needed change is often criticized vehemently and unmercifully. That's unfortunate, but that is the price of being a leader. If you do not desire to lead, then continue to do the same old thing the same old way in the same old place day after day after day. Never attempt to change anything or change yourself and you will always be a follower...and others will dictate to you what you should do, what you need to do, when you need to do it, your likes and dislikes, your feelings, etc. And that, my friend is a casket with both ends kicked out. You will live a non‑productive life compared to what the Creator made you to be. PERIOD!

The other day, a Drug‑Store Cowboy went into a funeral home to check out the caskets for a loved one that had departed Planet Earth. He was with a friend and they both were asking for the different prices of caskets.

Cowboy: How much is this one?
Funeral Director: That one is only $1800.00. It's pine.

Cowboy: What about this stainless steel one?
Director: That one is $3500.00.

Cowboy: Well, look at this cedar casket. How much?
Director: Since it's cedar, it is $6500.00.

The cowboy continued to wonder around the showroom floor. He came across a casket that had beautiful GOLD handles and bright gold decorative markings along the side. He looked at the Director and asked, "Ok, how much is this gold one?"

Director: That particular casket is $26,000.00. Those are real gold markings.

Cowboy: WOW...My, my, my...That's really living, ain't it?

Some people think they are really living because of something they have that is valuable in their own eyes. The above scene is tragic. The dead man doesn't care about the price of his casket. He's dead. The pine box ($1800.00) would have been sufficient. Today, we have walking dead men. They have NOT produced a solitary thing in years. They haven't read a book in twenty years. They are stingy when it comes to complimenting others or showing kindness to another human being. They are takers and NOT givers. And they are beginning to stink from their own decay. What's the answer? Stay focused. Stay motivated with life, the Giver of life, the Preserver of life. Be positive! Be a giver!

Do something. Say something that will make a difference in another person's life. Be lavish in your praise. Give someone a gift...give someone a compliment...Stay ALIVE with the goodness of God. Give someone a hug today! It will change you and others! Don't be caught dead while still breathing on Planet Earth! Stay motivated. YOU CAN DO IT!

THE POWER OF ONE

"I am only one, but I can do something. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I will not refuse to do the some thing that I CAN do" (Helen Keller).

You may be the Power of One, but that Power is all you need to put you over. You have more power within you than you will ever need to put you over the top. There is a flood of energy that has burst over the atmosphere of the earth. It was prophesied many 100s of years ago. It has arrived. It is the glory of God. God's glory is now being seen by 1000s all over the earth.

Christ said, "Father, now glorify me" (Jn 17:5). Again Christ said, "Father, this glory that You have given Me...I give to them that We may be One" (Jn 17:22).

This is happening right now all over the earth!

THE SNAIL AND THE ROSE

This is a story based upon the writings of Hans Christian Anderson. As you perhaps know, Hans was criticized and told that he could not write. He was almost a total unknown until late in his life. The following story is a treasure to his credit:

The Rosebush and Snail had many conversations over the years. The Rosebush would talk about ideas and how it was such a pleasure to make people happy with sweet aromatic luscious roses. People admired the beautiful deep red, velvet roses that the Rosebush produced year after year.

However, the Snail was a real sad pessimist and "stick in the mud" that was wrapped up in himself. He would say things like, "Wait till my time comes. I'm going to be something real important one day. I'll do a lot more than produce silly looking roses. I'm too important for that type of nonsense. Just wait and see!"

The Rosebush replied, "You know...you can do most anything you like these days, if you just get started and are persistent. When do you propose to get started on the more important things of life?"

Snail: "Don't worry about it. I've got plenty of time. That's the problem with you, Rosebush...You are always in a hurry to produce another rose so that others can enjoy it. I think that is absolutely absurd. What do they care about you? People will just take you for granted."

The summer passed. The winter passed. In the spring, the rose buds started to blossom. It was a warm day. About noon time the snail came out of hiding and said, "Everything looks the same as it did last year. Nothing has changed. No progress has been made. And in spite of all your giving...Ms. Rosebush, the world goes on as it always has and your silly looking roses do not change a thing on this planet."

They continued to have these conversations year after year. However, one year after the snow had melted, Mr. Snail said to the beautiful Rosebush, "Look at you. You're just an old ugly stick. One day, you're going to wither away...and then what will happen? You have given all that is within you. Do you think for one moment, the world gives a tinkers dam about you? Haven't you ever considered that your blossoming has done very little for mankind?"

Rosebush: "No, I've never thought that way. I enjoy producing rosebuds and sweet smelling roses. It's my nature. I could never do otherwise. I love life to its fullness!"

Snail: "Well, you have it made. You have had a very easy life...even with all your thorns. You grow...you produce roses...you shed your leaves...you grow more roses again. What a life!"

Rosebush: "Yes, much has been given to me. I am extraordinarily blessed. I am very privileged to have so much. All I can do is produce roses...BUT YOU...My Dear Snail...YOU have so much...and are so talented and gifted. What have you given to the world? What will you give it?

Snail: "Listen, you old fool...Yes, I am extremely talented and good looking...I am good at anything I do. What will I give the world? Are you kidding me? I will spit upon it because it has been very cruel to me. It has given me nothing but a difficult time with trials and heartaches. Go ahead and grow your silly roses. That's all you can do, anyhow. But as far as the world is concerned, it is nothing to me."

With this being said…the snail withdrew himself into his house and locked the door.

Rosebush: "What a shame and sad pity for you...my dear snail. Even though I don't have a shelter like yours, I can still have an array of rosebuds and red roses all around me for company. Even though, thorns are all around me...and my leaves fall off in the winter...which leaves me cold, I have a sense of belonging because my roses bring cheer and joy to the lives of others.

Therefore, the Rosebush continued to produce blooms, buds, and roses full of nectar...year after year. The SNAIL...well he retired into his slimy little house because as he said, "The world is nothing to me." Do you get my drift? Time goes on...and on...What are we producing in today's world?

IT TAKES TIME BABY...IT TAKES TIME!

"Some men are like the bamboo...the taller they grow, the further they bend." This is good. Some men do not bend, they break. It's better to bend than to break. No, I'm NOT talking about compromising your integrity or values. I'm talking about using diplomacy and trying to live at peace with all men. Sometimes there are trade‑offs. Even in a marriage, there are times when we, as men, must use flexibility and a lot of tenderness...even when we think that we are right. We must be willing to change for the good of the whole without compromising our principles or integrity. Do you get my drift?

And all of this takes time...a lot of time. For example, the Chinese Bamboo seed is planted. The seed is watered, fertilized, and nurtured year after year. The first year...no noticeable growth at all. The next year, there is still no noticeable growth. The third year brings the same results...no noticeable growth. This goes on for five years. After 5 years, suddenly, it takes off growing like a bat out of a cave! It grows NINETY FEET in six weeks. That's the height of a 9 story building. Imagine, it did nothing for over 5 yrs...then suddenly, it grows 90 feet in six weeks...6 weeks! Isn't God something?

Therefore, when you get upset with someone or even yourself...just remember, everything takes a certain amount of time. But suddenly, things start happening like an incoming flood. Timing is so important. Do not give up. Water it some more. Dig around it a little more. Fertilize it some more. Nurture it some more. And before you know it, it will take off growing like a bamboo shoot in China. It takes time, baby!

WE WILL NEVER STOP LEARNING!

The minute we cease to live for something, that's the minute we start to die! There's so much LIVING to do on this earth...places to go...things to do...people to meet. Every time we complete one goal, we start another. WHY? Because goals help us accomplish our purpose, our destiny on this planet.

Not long ago, someone told this story about Mr. George N. Pierce of the Pierce Arrow Auto Industry. Pierce introduced the Pierce Arrow car in 1901...over a hundred years ago. The car won all kinds of awards for reliability, dependability, and maintainability. If you had one today, you could retire. After several years of such an excellent reputation, Mr. Pierce said, "You know, we have the greatest car in the world. It has such a fine reputation till it needs no further improvements. We have arrived!"

This was a tragedy. Because of his lack of foresight to revise his goals and seek further refinements for his car, Pierce Arrow ceased manufacturing decades ago. Most people today have never heard of Pierce Arrow, but in its day, it probably was the finest automobile in the entire world.

There's always more to accomplish...more to learn...more to do. As a matter of fact, I personally believe that God's man (that's you and me) will always be learning new things. It will take millions of years to explore all the universes that He has created. If we fail to learn, we learn to fail. If we continue to learn, we continue to win. As we continue to win, life gets to be a real joy and tremendous treat. Winning, we shall do!

You are same person you were 10 years ago with the exception of two things...the books you have read and the people you have met. The average American only reads about one book a year...This is tragic since knowledge doubles every 3.5 MONTHS across the globe! Keep on learning. Keep on reading. Keep on trucking!

JOANNA, PRECIOUS GIFT OF GOD

The time was 1980. The place was Ft Monmouth, NJ. I went to work as usual that day...everything was going my way. My office was in the basement of the CECOM Building across from the Garden State Parkway...two blocks from our house. I departed my office about 0900 Hrs that morning to go to the Commissary. I had an extra duty that particular day called "Commissary Disposal Officer". The Veterinarian’s Office had placed my name on the extra‑curriculum activities log book; therefore, I went to the commissary to check the outdated groceries, dented cans, torn bags, etc., to insure that they were properly disposed of.

While performing my duties as a diligent 1LT, I got a call from the hospital. The doctor wanted me over there right away…ASAP. Joanna (my daughter) had appendicitis. They thought her appendix might rupture.

I replied, "What in the world? Let me speak to the doctor." In a moment, the doctor came on line and said, "LT Franks, we need to operate immediately. Your little girl has a temp of 104 degrees. She is not doing well."

"Ok, let's do it. I'll be over in five minutes", I responded.

By the time I arrived at the operating room, the operation was in progress. Joanna was under sedation and the operation was going fine.

Afterwards, everyone was saying how "lucky" we were. "Your little girl is going to be all right now. She's sleeping."

After staying around for awhile, I knew that this was another miracle in our lives. The Supreme Being again had interceded for us.

Today, Joanna whose name means "Precious Gift of God"…has become a beautiful young lady and has graduated from college…married…and is currently working for a stock brokerage firm in Atlanta. Joanna has the seeds of greatness locked up within her and talents and abilities that the Creator has given her. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who BELIEVE in the beauty of their DREAMS!"

EXCLUSIVELY HIS

The words "Exclusively His" keep going through my mind. This means that we are made especially for Him. We belong only to Him. We have singleness of purpose to please Him. We are a select group of people who belong to the Family of God. That makes us Special. That makes us Eloquent, Honorable, and Unique. We are Living Stones filled with His very Presence.

Since we are exclusively His, we have enthusiasm, zest, and tremendous motivation. Our attitude has been adjusted to think like our Father. We no longer walk around in the dark. We know where we have been...where we are...and where we are going! We don't just talk and make a big noise...We are action people. We are doers. We encourage. We build people. We motivate. We believe!

Nothing can stop you today except one thing...that's right...only one thing...and that is YOU! No devil can stop you. Individuals cannot stop you. Only YOU can stop you! Why? Because God is FOR you. He is on your side. You are favored by Him. There is NOTHING that He will not do for you... NOTHING...NOTHING!

I spoke to a group one time on the topic called, "What in Hell Do You Want?" There are people going to hell even as I write this book. As a matter of fact in accordance with statistics...in the past 15 minutes, there have been 1488 people who died on Planet Earth. How many of those individuals were ready to met God? Good question! And what are people looking for in hell? What is down there for them? What do they want down there? Fire and burning brimstone is non‑productive on human beings! It's painful...So tell me, what would anyone want in hell?

Thank God, you and I are on our way to Planet Heaven. And I'm enjoying the ride, aren't you? It's fun being saved. There is just nothing like it. My Father loves me. He encourages me. He protects me. He gives me His heavenly wallet with a blank check in it...signed by His Son Jesus Christ. What a life!

THOMAS J. FRANKS, II

Sometimes, I like to relate stories about my three children. Do I boast? YES. Why? Because there is a Higher Power that still performs miracles today in spite of our helplessness and weaknesses. There is a Creator that created all of us! Without Him, we would indeed be hopeless.

The time was May 81. The place was Long Branch, NJ. Spring was in the air. The flowers were blooming. The birds were chirping. The warm sunshine was wonderful. It looked as if it would be another great day in the scheme of things on this journey called "life". However, I was proved wrong. Thomas II was about to be born. The doctors were great. The nurses were kind. The Jewish hospital was filled with professional and competent individuals who were tremendously knowledgeable. It seemed that everything was going "my way"...until right before his birth. The doctor could only find a faint heartbeat of this little soon‑to‑be‑born infant.

The doctor said, "We must act now. We must take the child immediately or..." I didn't like the "or". My heart began to beat much faster now. My smile changed to a gloomy face of anxiety. I asked myself and God, "What is going on?" There is something wrong with this picture. This is not suppose to be happening...especially to me and my family."

After working feverishly for several minutes (which seemed like an eternity), the doctor and nurses delivered a BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY. However, he was purple and blue and wasn't crying or making any sounds. My heart ached. I prayed a couple of short prayers. Suddenly, our BABY BOY began to make sounds; his breathing became normal, and his color changed from purple to light red and then to a fleshly tone. We named him Thomas II.

Today, he has become quite a handsome young man. He is now a missionary for a protestant international denomination. He has become a great spokesman, orator, and statesman. He is another miracle child!

We must continue to be positive! Good things are just around the corner waiting to happen for us TODAY! And they will.

FORGET ABOUT THOSE HURTS THAT ARE BEHIND YOU!

Most all of us at one time have been hurt by someone else. Over time, we all develop a definite attitude toward emotional hurt. Some say, "I'm never going to let that happen to me again."

You see, the deal is: It was the loving and caring that you had for another human being that caused the hurt in the first place. That's when we say, "So if I never love or care about another human being again, I won't get hurt." But does this make any sense? NO.

Sometimes, loving or caring for others with affection, gentleness, and kindness is a potential risk. That risk is part of life. It's part of winning. Will people disappoint us at times? Does the ocean have water? Do fish swim? Does the sun shine? Do birds fly? So, what do we do? WE FORGIVE!

When we forgive an individual (sometimes, they can be real skunks), we begin to mend at that exact moment. When this happens, your heart is thrilled. It is filled with energy. It comes alive again. You see...in giving, the heart is reborn. When the heart is reborn, it begins to love again, breathe again, dream again, and the wounds of the past begin to heal. Before long, you are a brand new person again and the wounds are forgiven. You begin to mend.

Then the learning process starts all over again. But, OH the joy of knowing that you are alive! You have emotions. You love and feel loved. You have happiness and joy. Sometimes, you feel anger...but that's all right; it proves that you are not dead. You feel the pain of others...because you have been there. Your goals, dreams, aspirations are coming closer into focus.

The person who says that he will never be hurt again...is like the green frog waiting on his wings so he can fly. He's not living in reality. The truth of the matter is: As long as we are on Planet Earth, individuals will disappoint us at times. Sometimes, they will even make us angry or perhaps say things to hurt us.

What do we do? We FORGIVE them. Is it easy? NO. Do you always want to forgive? NO! But do it...and you will achieve wholeness that you never knew existed before. Remember: All of us have been forgiven at sometime, someplace, for some infraction or hurt that we have caused another. It's called mercy. The word for today is: Forgive and you will be forgiven. Have mercy and you will receive mercy. Enjoy Life...Live it to its fullness!

THE HIGH COST OF CHICKEN FEED

The story goes something like this: On a bright sunny day in May, there was a beautiful Blue Jay that was born (hatched). The Blue Jay was simply beautiful to look upon, especially with all of its colorful plumage and feathers. One day as the Blue Jay was flying high, he noticed a farmer selling earthworms. The Blue Jay asked, "Farmer Jones, how much are your worms?" He replied, "Real cheap...for you Mr. Blue Jay, only one of your feathers for a delicious worm."

So the Blue Jay plucked out a feather and exchanged it for one of Farmer Jones' earthworms. He then partook of the delicious meal...and was off again into the skies soaring away and very content. Consequently, the very next day Mr. Blue Jay decided that he wanted another earth worm for lunch. He flew to the farmer...plucked out a feather...made the exchange...ate his lunch...and flew off again very contented.

The same scene was repeated day after day until Mr. Blue Jay had plucked out one feather too many. After he had eaten his earthworm meal, he attempted to fly as he normally did...only to find out that he could no longer fly. He had given up too many feathers for birdfeed/chickenfeed. He jumped. He ran. He screamed. He flapped his empty wings, but to no avail. He could no longer fly. He became depressed. He felt dejected. He was heartsick about what he had done...sold out for some silly chicken feed when he had the talent and ability to fly with eagles. Eventually, he died.

Another Blue Jay buried him and placed the following epitaph on his headstone: "Here lies a poor lost Blue Jay, who for chicken feed sold his beautiful wings!"

The cemeteries are filled with individuals who sold out too cheap. They ended up in the barnyard eating chickenfeed...when all the time...they had the ability/potential/ talents and destiny to soar with eagles. What happened? They took the low road instead of the high road. They were born with a Divine purpose and destiny to fly high and maximize their God‑given dominion over their circumstances and lot in life.

Today, develop your tremendous potential. Go forth. You deserve the finest quality of life. Nothing is too good for you. You are very expensive and exclusively belong to the highest order in the universe...the Family of God. You are expensive because you are priceless. Money cannot purchase you. You were bought with extravagance...the extravagance of the Father. He gave His only Son...just for you. And that my friend...is extravagance.

My Dad’s Last Few Days

The year was 1978. I had just been commissioned as a Signal Officer in the Army. I got an emergency call from my commander. He said, "Go home Tom, immediately. Your Dad is dying. I'll take care of things here for you."

I drove home (Hardee County, Florida) from Ft Benning, GA in record time. He was still alive in the Hardee Memorial Hospital. As I entered his room, he looked up at me with those big ocean blue eyes and smiled. He said, "Son, I'm proud of you for giving a portion of your life for this country. I was never in the military, but I volunteered during WWII, but they wouldn't take me...something about being 4F or something like that. And my son, I love you."

I replied immediately, "Daddy, I love you too. You're going to be all right, aren't you? You'll be out of here in no time." And as I looked at this beloved father of 8 children, I recalled some of the pains and hurts that he had experienced in his life: His first son had died over 30 years before. His wife (Eva) had died just nine years earlier. She was not only our mother, but the precious jewel of his life. Sometimes I would go by his bedroom at night...and he would be down on his knees crying...missing his bride of over 30 years. The agony, the pain, the loss, the sweet memories...

He was never quite the same after Mother died. He became very tender hearted, more soft spoken, greater respect for life, always hugging us kids as we arrived for a visit...and a few more hugs by the time we departed. As I would leave, he would look straight into my eyes after a hug and say, "Tommy, I'm going to miss you, son. I love you. Drive safely."

He must have known that his days were numbered because a couple of years before his death, he would not only hug us, but he would also express his deep affection for us...and sometimes even kiss us on the cheek. Tears would swell up in his eyes as we would leave the old home place traveling to our respective homes.

I remember the time that Tony was born at Ft Benning. Daddy came as fast as possible in his motor home. He picked up little Joanna (3 yrs old) whom he simply adored and loved immensely and then saw Tony for the first time and smiled with great joy...held him closely to him...and asked, "Tommy, what will you call him?"

"Daddy, we are going to call him Tony after you." He smiled even more and looked at little Tony as if he were a General already. Daddy was so happy to see such healthy grandchildren. Over the past few years, he had lost 8 grandchildren...5 from my bother Dennis and 3 from me. This too, was some of the pain and sorrow that he had endured.

So here he (my Daddy) is (1978)...lying in the hospital: We talked for a long time. We hugged and said our "goodbyes". He knew I was a soldier and I had to go. On Monday morning when I checked in at my new assignment (Ft Gordon, GA), they told me the sad news. Hours earlier, Tony Franks, had passed away...but before he transitioned to a higher planet, he told all the nurses, visitors, and family members that he loved them and also loved his Lord and Savior...Jesus Christ...and then he checked out...without fanfare, without a lot of pain...just quietly departed into another world.

Today, the old home place is still standing...with beautiful green grass covering the lawn. It's difficult for me to go inside the old house anymore. It seems so empty and bare.

BOTTOMLINE: IF WE HAD ONLY FIVE MINUTES LEFT ON PLANET EARTH TO SAY ALL THAT WE WANTED TO SAY, EVERY TELEPHONE IN THE COUNTRY WOULD BE OCCUPIED BY ALL OF US TRYING TO TELL SOMEONE THREE SIMPLE WORDS, "I LOVE YOU." There will be a time when we will have only 5 minutes left on this earth. Don't wait! Do it NOW!

WHAT THE MIND CAN CONCEIVE!

Some time ago I sent my son, Tony, an E‑Mail about what we can achieve through believing and conceiving with our minds. If you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Then why are so many men today broke in the pocketbook? As a whole, men have been put down for the past two decades. It's called male bashing. It seems when things go wrong nowadays, people hunt for a scapegoat. Right, wrong, or indifferent, the following are cold facts:

In the mid 1700's, the British were blamed for a lot of injustices against America, especially against American males. Then later, the blame shifted to the Indians. Our forefathers blamed them for a lot of disappointments and failures. As time went on, the African American was innocently blamed for a lot of discontentment and unachieved goals. Does this remind you of an earlier segment of history? Remember Adam and Eve? Adam blamed God for giving him this woman called Eve. Adam then blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. No one wanted to own up to the responsibility of being irresponsible. Therefore, blame continues. Currently, the man (male) is the scapegoat...and it doesn't matter if you are a black male or a white male. Today, take a few moments and view a few TV programs or go to a movie or listen to the radio or read today's newspaper. Male bashing is alive and well.

And in some areas, it has even crept into our churches. Some of our women do not even want to listen to good Godly men preach the Word simply because they are men. They had rather listen to a woman...and yes, there are some really excellent women ministers out there...but let us not pervert the Word of God from its original message. Paul taught this almost 2000 years ago. He said that in the very last days...we would have an effeminate society.

Therefore, going back to our thought about men being broke today, let me elaborate. If you criticize, put down, degrade, intimidate, provocate, accuse, manipulate, dominate, and castigate another human being, will that individual flourish in riches and prosperity and abundance? Get real.

Treat another human being with dignity, Godly love, positive strokes, and human value. You will then see changes developing within that person. Treat him the way that God sees him...the APPLE of His eye...unlimited potential...dynamic abilities...a person of tremendous value and destiny. Civil War is developing in our churches.

There are a multitude of problems/situations that the Church must address in the months/years ahead. For one thing, we must repent...all of us. Another thing, we must learn to discern the Body...learn to appreciate those in whom God has sent our way. We MUST get prejudice and RACISM out of our lives COMPLETELY... and QUICKLY!

Effective Leadership (male or female) makes life increasingly more successful! We need to practice effective Leadership which is not necessarily doing things right; however, it is doing the right thing. For example: Let's say, one day I ask my son Thomas II to wash my car while I am away in the city. However, he decides to mow the lawn instead.

Upon my return, the lawn looks superb and beautiful. It is simply wonderful to gaze upon...freshly manicured, the sidewalk looks well trimmed, the plants and young trees look so good in the freshly mowed lawn. It took Thomas a lot of time to mow the lawn. He had done a good thing and he had done it right; nonetheless, he had not done the right thing. As his father, I had asked him to wash my car, not mow the lawn. My car still needed to be washed.

The purpose of leadership is not followers, but it is to lead others into becoming leaders themselves. The ultimate goal of leadership is independence. Effective Leadership is doing the right thing at the right time.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE NOT FREE!

Contrary to popular belief, the Best Things in Life are NOT Free! This is a misnomer...actually a lie. The best things in life will cost you something or cost someone else something. This phrase sounds so good, but it is NOT true. As a matter of fact, try giving away something "free". Normally, nobody wants it or they look at you with suspicion...like why are you giving this away...must be something wrong with it!

Nothing great has ever been accomplished for "free". America cost our forefathers something. Your education cost you something; i.e., hard studying, sweat, tears of anxiety, many long tests, etc. Some of the best things in life; i.e., a good solid education, good health, a life time partner (spouse), family, friends, good home, auto, occupation, etc., are not free. They will cost you something.

Now, I am sure on occasions, that you will meet some individuals who may not share this concept. Perhaps, they are looking for a "hand-out" instead of a "helping hand". But the majority of people realize that "nothing is ever really free". Even though salvation is free initially, accepting Christ will cost you something as a Christian.

Some of you have never tried to take the easy way out, even when no one was looking. That's leadership...absolutely great leadership. I believe you have a real heart. You use your maximum potential to move forward. You also give 150% of your energies because you care. I take my hat off to you!

On the other hand, there are some so‑called leaders who don't give a tinker's dam about people...and it shows. They are the ones who will always be in difficulty...and will always wonder why!

LAST WORDS

May the blessings of the Lord overtake you today and every day as you travel on the “High Road” of Success.