tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67030845661803221312024-03-13T09:50:57.706-05:00The Wisdom of SolomonBegan 9.12.08, follow the author and blog readers on a two year journey through Proverbs. Read the Proverbs chapter of the day (there are 31 chapters). Comment on what stood out to you. The journey never ends.Andy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-88434818407991482082023-01-10T03:39:00.002-06:002023-01-10T03:39:46.172-06:00Update 2023Resuming reading Proverbs. I made a commitment to read my Bible app every day and read the entire Bible in 2022. Now adding reading Proverbs daily. A lot has happened since I started reading Proverbs. Visit: <a href="" target="_blank">www.TeamMarketingDynamics.com</a>
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On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!
Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-23616829584268527492016-12-20T10:02:00.001-06:002016-12-20T10:02:32.119-06:00Update 2016So I have continued my journey. So many new blessings.
You can read about them here: <a href="http://www.TeamMarketingDynamics.com">www.TeamMarketingDynamics.com</a>
Reviving <a href="http://www.ChristianMediaPrayerSummit.com">www.ChristianMediaPrayerSummit.com</a>
President Trump nominated to be our President through much prayer!
Reading Proverbs 20 now.
Praise the Lord O my soul.
On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!
Andy Valadez
e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-16423919148657608152009-12-17T10:22:00.008-06:002009-12-17T10:56:26.839-06:00The Lure of Fantasy, Proverbs 12<strong>Proverbs 12:11 He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment. </strong><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Sypd_nOJN2I/AAAAAAAABJE/8Y6L2Ley3Sk/s1600-h/fantasy67.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Sypd_nOJN2I/AAAAAAAABJE/8Y6L2Ley3Sk/s400/fantasy67.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416244849307891554" /></a><br />I am a dreamer and a doer. I often wonder if I am on track. Am I chasing a fantasy or am I working the land? My land is not tangible, you can't see it (when it is in early stage development). I work in the land of ideas and possibilities and work hard to bring them to reality (the hard part) so that others can work the land (the real part). <br /><br />Are we all chasing a fantasy? A dream of our life and how it should be? Or are we being directed by God to bring glory to his name? My prayer is for the latter.<br /><br />How do you know? It's a two-edged sword. How does one work their land while keeping their focus true to God's calling? A calling and a fanatasy are two separate ventures. One leads you and others back to God, the other leads you away from him. Dreamers and doers should hede the call and stay focused on working the land for God's glory so that in the end, it will bear much fruit for the kingdom.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=9ab842e05382dc235f69" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="tangle" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br />"Chasing the Dream" <br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 12:15 - "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." </strong><br /><br />Are you one who seeks advice or takes advice? I enjoy learning from others, but have found that there are many who do not seek or take advice. I've been guilty of the same. I think we have to fight the tendency of "knowing it all". We do live in a culture of people who are opinionated, argumentative and stubborn. We shouldn't join that chorus. Work at learning from others and avoid a few pitfalls along the way. Check your attitude at the door and open your mind.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com<em></em>Andy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-49660039643839397762009-12-01T08:04:00.010-06:002009-12-01T08:53:33.579-06:00Proverbs 1: The Simple Life<strong></strong><br /><strong>". . . for giving prudence to the simple, . . "<br /><br />Proverbs 1:4 </strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SxUoxmU21mI/AAAAAAAABI0/CtMC7EDU-PU/s1600/iphone.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 361px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410275359922247266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SxUoxmU21mI/AAAAAAAABI0/CtMC7EDU-PU/s400/iphone.jpg" /></a>Do you have a simple life? Life used to be so simple it seems. When I was a child, I enjoyed the freedom to do what I wanted. I had a great home, plenty of food, clean clothes, my friends, and my trusty bike that could get me anywhere I wanted to go. In those days, parents let their children out of the house for long periods of time.<br /><br />My friends and I would plan our day outdoors jumping ramps, hunting in the woods, crawdad fishing, playing football or baseball, or even playing the kissing game with the pretty girls in our neighborhood.<br /><br />We all have our childhood memories - some good and some bad. In reality, life wasn't that simple. My parents had to provide that carefree environment for my sister and I, many times my dad worked two jobs (thus the alone time). My wife and I try to provide a sanctuary and nurishing environment for our children. They live a more complicated life than we did as a children.<br /><br />Technological advances promise to make our lives much easierer, which it does. At the same time, it seems that life is full of twists and turns and complexities. How do you deal with the many uncertainties of our age?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HCuaQCr0hws&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HCuaQCr0hws&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"You are holy" - Michael W. Smith</strong><br /><br /><strong>"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools [a] despise wisdom and discipline."<br /><br />Proverbs 1:7</strong><br /><br />Are you a fearful person? Courage is not the absence of fear. I am often curious about what it means to fear the Lord. What does it mean to fear him? I believe we can get to a place of total awe, fear and trembling, and respect for the almighty. Much like the Jews who heard his thunderous spirit on Mount Sinai in the old testament bible. How do we get to that place in our spirit where we hear God, we respect and honor him, and we receive the knowledge and wisdom he desires to share with us in these times.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-21322968737785079892009-10-20T14:41:00.003-05:002009-10-20T14:46:00.973-05:00Proverbs 20: 90 Minutes in Heaven<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Ears that hear and eyes that see—we get our basic equipment from God!"<br />- Proverbs 20:12 </strong><br /><br />Finished reading "90 Minutes in Heaven" today. Finished it as I was donating blood platelets. I didn't realize that this procedure helps cancer patients. Procedure took almost 3 hours, but I didn't mind.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K96IK-eIKPQ&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K96IK-eIKPQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>Author Don Piper on TBN - "90 Minutes in Heaven"</strong><br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-24165093965909165112009-10-18T20:19:00.006-05:002009-10-18T20:48:15.573-05:00Proverbs 18: Drawing Straws<strong></strong><br /><strong>"You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision."<br />- Proverbs 18:18 </strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/StvBbUMb0xI/AAAAAAAABIs/XI5NY1Ku8FQ/s1600-h/draw+straws.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394117653727793938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/StvBbUMb0xI/AAAAAAAABIs/XI5NY1Ku8FQ/s400/draw+straws.jpg" /></a>Do you have tough decisions to make? I do every day. Decisions change the course of destiny. We are impacted by the hundreds of decisions we make everyday. Many we make without serious thought like what to eat, what to wear, which route do we take to work, what time we go to lunch, which e-mails we write or don't write, etc.<br /><br />How do you solve difficult decisions? I have never tried drawing straws? Have you?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UWndDW_271g&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UWndDW_271g&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty" by Agnus Dei</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 18:19 - "Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond." </strong><br /><br />I love helping people. I look to be a blessing to others all of the time (of course one cannot help everybody). It is amazing to see the influence that people have (people have opened doors of opportunity for me all of my life). I enjoy when God uses me to open "big doors" (the bigger the better) for people I know and love. Sure it is a risk to help people. They might not appreciate the gesture the way you would have liked or forget your help. That isn't the point. When you help someone in need, they never really forget and neither do you. It is a bond that lasts forever. Do someone a favor today, just for the heck of it and because you can. <br /><br />Check out this video I did for my new friend Demetria Dixon:<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gGjEcKIur8w&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gGjEcKIur8w&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-59242369970506079382009-09-11T09:56:00.008-05:002009-09-11T15:13:11.547-05:00One-Year on the Journey, Proverbs 11<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Count on this: The wicked won't get off scot-free, and God's loyal people will triumph."<br />- Proverbs 11:21 </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SqppVf3FT0I/AAAAAAAABIc/LipWvSnRrpU/s1600-h/anniversary.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380228522898181954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SqppVf3FT0I/AAAAAAAABIc/LipWvSnRrpU/s400/anniversary.gif" /></a>I started the Proverbs Journey a year ago tomorrow. I had read a book "The Richest Man Who Ever Lived" by Steven Kay Scott and decided to pursue my own journey. Over the year, God has shown me a lot about my life that has been in error. It has been a difficult walk. There have been moments where I just laid out flat on the floor asking him for greater wisdom and discernment, realizing that we are never truly wise. Yet, we are called to walk in wisdom that comes from him. I started this blog to encourage others to do the same. We are living in incredible times and our walk may seem right to our own understanding, but we may indeed be way off course.<br /><br /><embed height="270" name="tangle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="330" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" flashvars="viewkey=2cd5f3903ff19c3a326b" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><br /><em><strong>"If good people barely make it, what's in store for the bad!"<br />- Proverbs 11:31 </strong></em><br /><br />Today I heard my neighbor start a quarrel. He is blind and felt that the other neighbor had been ignoring him. It started off as a basic question "Have I done something wrong to you and your husband?" Well that led to an argument with the offending neighbor. I walked away, I knew where this was heading and it got worse. I came home to pray for him. We have a culture of "wronged" people, we seem to be looking for an excuse, any excuse to start a quarrel. I have been guilty of this too. Sometimes I do love a great argument or should I say debate, but often it is a waste of time, so why do it?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JZxF_wbD7fE&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JZxF_wbD7fE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-3856932218727311242009-07-25T11:16:00.015-05:002009-07-26T09:48:40.102-05:00God's Inspection and Review, Proverbs 25<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Sms7P0x3v6I/AAAAAAAABIU/KzfaKe_EbEM/s1600-h/king.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362444924366602146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Sms7P0x3v6I/AAAAAAAABIU/KzfaKe_EbEM/s400/king.jpg" /></a> <strong>"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of Kings."<br /><br />Proverbs 25:1 (NIV)</strong><br /><br />I have written about this subject before. About the yearning within each of us to discover and create. We will persist until we discover. Yet many will quit on their journey. The challenges become too great to bear.<br /><br />How do Christians learn to perservere to the very end? I submit that it is through prayer. We must pray daily, unceasingly as the bible commands, so that we will be ready to act when the Lord leads and directs. What is God hiding just for you? He has something perfect in mind, but he isn't just going to give it you to squander. He wants you to seek it out, then will it have the value and impact he is commanding. Journey with him, seek out his daily signs, become familiar with his ways and you will accomplish his plan for your life. You and I are so close to greatness, because we serve a great God who is mindful of us. Not some fairy tale.<br /><br /><embed height="270" name="tangle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="330" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" flashvars="viewkey=c4328cca22878923dd56" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><strong>"Diligence, Integrity, and Patience"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 25:6-7 - "Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence. It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted." </strong><br /><br />I love the idea of daily diligence. "Inch by inch it's a cinch" says Zig Ziglar. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the tasks and the dream before us. It is best to hack at it everyday, take a rest, and back at it again. There are no short cuts. Take time to sharpen the ax. Ask God for direction and cut through the circumstances that are blocking you from God's vision. As you grow closer to him, he reveals the "crud" in your life, those things that are displeasing or repel him. Don't fear or give up, shed those things and walk closer still. He is dangerous, he is fierce, he is excellent, and he expects the same from his people. Be diligent.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-67708582445786356952009-06-09T07:53:00.009-05:002009-06-09T08:26:52.707-05:00A New Direction, Proverbs 9<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God."<br /></strong><br /><strong>Proverbs 9:10</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Si5cizTYyNI/AAAAAAAABIE/m2ds5O-Qy-s/s1600-h/DirectionSigns.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345311560692189394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Si5cizTYyNI/AAAAAAAABIE/m2ds5O-Qy-s/s320/DirectionSigns.gif" border="0" /></a><strong>"Go that way!"</strong><br /><br />Do you ever feel lost? I do all of the time. I am constantly searching for the direction that the Lord is calling me to walk. I do get lost, but he helps me to get back on track. Prayer has become so important to our family, we know we have been called to a greater purpose and it does not come without its trials and tribulations. I have learned that when I am feeling lost, that I really need to kneel down, pray, and worship God and to thank him for the many ways he is perfecting my faith. I don't have all the answers, but he does. Our lives are unique and were created for a purpose. I think the joy of life is seeking out that purpose and living it out as a demonstration of God's love. Our lives should be a blessing to others. When I am lost, I wonder if I am being that blessing to others. Sometimes, I don't feel like it. Fortunately, he helps me to remember and often someone reaches out and becomes that blessing to me.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=28b5638b3986e365d4f2" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><strong>"The Wonderous Cross" by Michael W. Smith</strong><br /><br /><strong>"Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you." </strong></p><p><strong>Proverbs 9:12 </strong><br /><br />Who doesn't want to be wise? We do want to learn from our mistakes and avoid them all together. I enjoy being around smart and wise people. Those who have the battle scars, the experiences, and the temperment that comes with overcoming challenges. Are you taking life seriously? Are you a mocker? It is hard not to be a cynic in these times. However, we are not called to be cynics and mockers, but to live our lives with joy and a spirit of expectation. God has a plan and we should wisely seek after his plan and his direction.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com</p>Andy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-16407781136127064782009-05-18T08:36:00.009-05:002009-05-18T09:50:40.744-05:00The Friendly, Proverbs 18<strong><br />"An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment."<br /><br />Proverbs 18:1 </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/ShFms6go_CI/AAAAAAAABHk/A7YN68DaFhw/s1600-h/px+kindgom+4.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337159955217185826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 301px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/ShFms6go_CI/AAAAAAAABHk/A7YN68DaFhw/s400/px+kindgom+4.gif" border="0" /></a><strong>My friend Bill Adams at "Aeros Hockey Game"</strong><br /><br />Are you a true friend or fake friend? I am an observer of people and it is amazing to see the amount of passive aggressiveness at play in this day. We have a natural desire to be social and set-up our own standards as to who will be a friend or not. True, we should not associate with those who may corrupt our character, but for the most part I have observed most just need a friend. I discovered that my friend has fallen off the wagon and his life might be at stake. I've prayed that he might call me to touch base to let me know he is okay. If you see him. Let him know I care and he is my bud. Most of my friends know that I will return every e-mail, every call, and that they can call me 24/7. How avaialbe are you to your circle of friends?<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=d6f2aca8dbff87d3f2a5" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><strong>"Friends" by Michael W. Smith</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 18:12 - "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor." </strong><br /><br />Do you know any proud people who are headed for a fall. In this era, it is quite easy to pick the "me-focused" people. You and I could probably spot one by looking in the mirror. We have to remind ourselves daily that we need to be humble and allow God to impact our focus. When we focus on him, then life makes more sense. We must humble ourselves to receive his commands.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-22157506657375212009-04-21T10:36:00.007-05:002009-04-21T11:36:56.619-05:00Amazing Clarity, Proverbs 21<strong><br />"We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives."<br /><br />Proverbs 21:2 </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Se3qsJHF34I/AAAAAAAABGY/f1pPHZ3nBoE/s1600-h/eye5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327171978329972610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Se3qsJHF34I/AAAAAAAABGY/f1pPHZ3nBoE/s320/eye5.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've been away, but not far off. Have enjoyed discovering God and begging him for more wisdom. A journey may lead to detours and a bit of scouting the terrain. God has given me a hunter and warrior spirit and I enjoy the chase. I enjoy the moments of amazing clarity, but even then we cannot lean on our own understing. God is fluid and moves us for his purposes. What are your motives focused on today? When we focus on self, we lose sight. God may use us to inspire others and lead, but the focus must always lead back to him. We are useful tools for expanding the kingdom. Lead by following him.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=9feb447bf83702dc4d8a" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><strong>"Spritual Battle Cry"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 21:21 - "Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!" </strong><br /><br />Are you on a mission or just passing through? Want a glorious life? How about hunting for the things of God. God has an amazing plan for each of us and it is beyond "hum drum." The most dangerous prayer, "God use me!" He will and then it will be time to hold on for the wild ride.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com<br /><br />p.s. Something extra:<br /><br /><strong>"Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God to bring victory." - Proverbs 21:31 </strong>Andy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-59900786973347476262009-03-23T09:43:00.006-05:002009-03-23T10:11:47.574-05:00Believe in Yourself, Proverbs 23<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge."<br /><br />Proverbs 23:12 </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Scej4DGtKrI/AAAAAAAABGQ/66cZOPEGBLs/s1600-h/Lion+and+Cat.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316398068435593906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Scej4DGtKrI/AAAAAAAABGQ/66cZOPEGBLs/s320/Lion+and+Cat.png" border="0" /></a>Do you really believe in yourself? I had a recent banter back and forth about prayer on-line with a fellow. The commentator basically said that he did not need prayer only a belief in himself to accomplish the same thing. People may accomplish great things because of a self focus and belief, but I think they may miss something bigger. In fact, we can be way off the mark. God may see us at our true potential, but because we fixate on our own perception of who we should be, we will fail to live up to a more powerful state of being. We should instead, ask God how he would want us to journey with him to discover what he has planned for our lives.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" flashvars="viewkey=28c6b03e484d91b767ab"></embed><br /><strong>"Child Like Faith"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 23:26 - "Dear child, I want your full attention; please do what I show you." </strong><br /><br />Does God speak to you? Yes he does, but you may not hear him. I often don't hear him, but when I dig in and really concentrate and seek his direction, I can hear his voice. What is God trying to show you in these times? What should be our priorities? How does he want to use you and I? Will we listen?<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-84593096943397307272009-02-27T08:34:00.010-06:002009-02-27T09:14:50.313-06:00Keep Your Edge, Proverbs 27<strong></strong><br /><strong>"You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another."<br /><br />Proverbs 27:17 </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Saf9S5a_tmI/AAAAAAAABFo/jDjrjXcebXc/s1600-h/Sharp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307489186972939874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/Saf9S5a_tmI/AAAAAAAABFo/jDjrjXcebXc/s400/Sharp.jpg" border="0" /></a>Sons of the Kingdom, your "Braveheart" moment is here. Are you engaged in the battle? Are your spritual and earthly weapons sharp and are you prepared for the battle ahead. I love the line, in "Braveheart" when the Irisman says "It's my island!" to Sir William Wallace. Meaning, that God was on his side and he took dominion over his fear and his commitment to the victory. He called in Heaven itself to his aid, like close air support on the attack.<br /><br />The bible says that our children are "like arrows to the warrior." Well, we are someone's children ourselves and can be like "laser guided missiles" or "cluster bombs" in the "theatre of operation." Or even better, like a Marine on a mission. So, that means we are a deadly weapon to the warrior who orchestrates our lives, our heavenly father. We were designed and created for this very day to play a part in expanding the Kingdom of Heaven.<br /><br />What battles are you fighting today? Who can you sharpen? Tactically, how can you join forces with others to take down strongholds and make a way where there seems to be no way. God is using his men to lead, but to lead we must first follow his direction and be guided. Our challenge in this era is to become "uncommon men" (quote from "The Miracle"). How common are you?<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" flashvars="viewkey=32e1a55307cbcd27531c"></embed><br /><strong>"Keeping Sharp"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 27:22 - "Pound on a fool all you like—you can't pound out foolishness."</strong><br /><br />You and I can't help foolish people. We need to be on the alert for those who will impede successful execution of our objectives. A fool is someone who does not take direction, is eagerly angered, makes rash decisions, and creates trouble for others. An excellent example of fools in action is the "Extreme Chase" type TV programming we've seen. The culprit knows he is ultimately going to get caught by the law, but he endagers everyone's life and property to prolong the situation. Even when they are caught, they are still putting up a fight.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-69638165503527737522009-02-18T19:44:00.005-06:002009-02-18T20:26:23.912-06:002.15.09 The Marathon, Proverbs 15<strong></strong><br /><strong>"A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line."<br /><br />Proverbs 15:19</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZy6GEge9tI/AAAAAAAABFg/nFJCKx0AqZs/s1600-h/Life+is+a+Marathon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304319074587571922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZy6GEge9tI/AAAAAAAABFg/nFJCKx0AqZs/s400/Life+is+a+Marathon.jpg" border="0" /></a>The picture above is a poster of my cousin that I had created for him. He ran a full marathon in Houston several years ago. Our family was proud of him. In his run, he dedicated a mile to each of our family members (he prayed as he ran for each of us). We honored and celebrated him after the run and were very appreciative that he gave his all for each mile. He is a life champion and I admire his dedication to God.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" flashvars="viewkey=10a8689414c7f83f56ad"></embed><br /><strong>Gianna Jessen, Survivor</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 15:20 - "Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents." </strong><br /><br />I prayed over my eldest girl today to prepare her for a math test. I prayed that God would equip her with the ability to score very high and that she would have the desire to do well and study hard each and every day. We have to model our expectations for our children. I asked her to ask God for super natural abilities and for a desire to excel. She has made me proud by her attitude to run a good race.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-761625032200497092009-02-14T20:22:00.006-06:002009-02-14T20:49:23.883-06:00Rawhide, Proverbs 14<strong></strong><br /><strong>"No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow."<br /><br />Proverbs 14:4</strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZeCMZZmI7I/AAAAAAAABFY/85WqbRW0ga8/s1600-h/Cattle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302850235740332978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZeCMZZmI7I/AAAAAAAABFY/85WqbRW0ga8/s400/Cattle.jpg" border="0" /></a>I am building an infrastructure for my business. I'm no cowboy, but this verse appeals to me, because it tells me I need to have cattle and a strong ox to get my businesss objectives complete. Cattle represent revenue opportunities as do crops, not to mention the food and substance for a the owner and his family. The ox are the hard workers that leverage one's own strength. So, I am praying and looking for oxen. I have plenty of business opportunities and lot's of seeds planted and as result a pending crop. The one thing I am missing is excellent and skilled labor. He will provide.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=6ccbdba2a5485b374c34" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><strong>"The gullible cowboy."</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 14:15 - "The gullible believe anything they're told; the prudent sift and weigh every word." </strong><br /><br />I read recently that the inventors of the television and amplified sound both died broke. They trusted those they introduced there technology to, only to find that their knowledge had been stolen without any significant rewards for their hard labor. People promised them much, but did not honor their commitments. So, this verse cautions us not to be gullible. Test every word and verify.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-22242076622311282442009-02-14T11:22:00.008-06:002009-02-14T11:52:02.760-06:002.13.09 The Bright Life, Proverbs 13<strong></strong><br /><strong>"The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys."</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Proverbs 13:9 </strong><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZb_0dB-WdI/AAAAAAAABFI/MDFEdS2h1Gk/s1600-h/heart+nebula.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302706887886526930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZb_0dB-WdI/AAAAAAAABFI/MDFEdS2h1Gk/s400/heart+nebula.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong>"Heart Nebula"</strong> <strong>photo by Matt Russell</strong><br /><br />I don't like to be out in the city at night. Statistics show that criminals enjoy the cover of dark and feel more free to assault, drug deal, murder, rob, rape, etc. In addition, there are more drunk driving accidents at night. When I do go out at night, I am extra viligent and alert.<br /><br />People reveal their personalities in how they treat people. Some are dark and some are light. I enjoy being around positive people who seem to exude the excitement and love of life and the knowing their eternal future. They know God and it shows. They truly have a bright life.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=299705045560037646e4" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><strong>"A Glimpse of Heaven"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 13:11 - "Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off."</strong><br /><br />My father used to tell me "If it were easy, everybody would be doing it." Meaning, that nothing worth having is going to take work. Diligence however can seem like fool's work to many. Sometime people who are dedicated are seen as being odd.<br /><br />I was commenting to a few business associates about the importance of diligence. I gave a great example of opportunities that people had missed, because they simply were not good at returning calls or replying to relevant e-mails. If you do this, you are not being diligent in all matters. You never know what opportunities are coming your way and should make it a point to address every matter (a little additional effort makes all of the difference).<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-77403921953987195952009-02-14T09:50:00.005-06:002009-02-14T11:17:47.751-06:002.12.09 Airheads, Proverbs 12<strong>"A person who talks sense is honored; airheads are held in contempt."<br /><br />Proverbs 12:8</strong><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZb1iNQi-rI/AAAAAAAABFA/7jjcyvbLQls/s1600-h/airhead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302695579298757298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZb1iNQi-rI/AAAAAAAABFA/7jjcyvbLQls/s400/airhead.jpg" border="0" /></a>There seems to be a lot of talking heads, but people don't seem to be saying anything really important. However, many think they are making sense. It is rampant (myself included). There is an interesting dynamic when God gives wisdom in a matter. It seems to resonate with people. When we listen to God through prayer, we learn something about ourselves and others. Communicate God's love and if necessary use words.<br /><br />This example happened to our family. I was at evening business meeting when my wife frantically called to tell me the house was flooding in the kitchen. A faucet hose had broken and she didn't know how to shut the water off and she and my girls were panicking. She could get under the sink, but the hot water was too hot to grant her access to the turn knob to shut off the water. When she called me, I really didn't know what to do until I remembered that we have a shutoff valve outside the house that controls the water flow to our entire home. Within minutes, she had the situation under control and the girls (who had been praying) were relieved to have avoided the impending flood and damage to our home (me too).<br /><br /><strong>Here is the real message</strong>. The only reason I knew about this valve was because some of the neighbor kids, playing a practical joke had shut off the water years before. After calling the water district, the repairman diagnosed the problem. What we the thought was an evil prank years before helped us to avoid major damage to our entire house. Because I make it a point to answer my wife's call anytime she calls, we were able to stop the damage immediately and fortunately she was home to catch this situation in time. I pray over our home daily and it is amazing to me that God provides answers, years in advance. He said nothing, but we clearly understand how much he loves our family.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=2a5d08c33e30e8ec94b6" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed><br /><strong>"Talking Heads"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 12:16 - "Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults." </strong><br /><br />I have been guilty of having a short fuse. I am a Marine afterall. I have experienced the wrath of a drill instructors who have a short tolerance for mistakes and boneheaded moves. Unfortunately, I developed that habit as well when it came to the mistakes of other people. In the military, the mission mindset is critical. In daily civilian life it may not be so critical. So, I have learned to be a little more gracious and forgive where needed. We should be slow to anger, but we must also realize that it is okay to have a holy anger and moral outrage when it comes to the things that must change.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-69550500625045739042009-02-11T20:01:00.005-06:002009-02-11T20:45:12.137-06:00Hard Time, Proverbs 11<strong></strong><br /><strong>"A good person is saved from much trouble; a bad person runs straight into it."<br /><br />Proverbs 11:8</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZOEWm7NGuI/AAAAAAAABE4/-sLLQ9vx08U/s1600-h/prison.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301726710286064354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZOEWm7NGuI/AAAAAAAABE4/-sLLQ9vx08U/s400/prison.jpg" border="0" /></a>God keeps us out of trouble. He knows our limits. However, some people do wind up in the snare. I can personally count the narrow misses myself, yet God protected me. "There but by the grace of God go I" has been murmured by many a Christian follower. We know we have been spared and God is using us for other purposes.<br /><br />One of my neighbors is doing 4 years in prison. I walked by his house today and said a prayer for him. He has been in jail now going on several months (a huge contrast from his nice home and lush meticulously kept yard). I thanked God for sparing me his fate.<br /><br />He had invited me to join the local Municipal District Board and I declined (althought I was curious). The board was later investigated for fraud and two of the members were exposed in the media all over the city. I later told my wife, I am so glad I never got on the board and around the bad company. I am sure they thought their indescretions were minor at first and then it became rampant and blatant to the tune of $100,000 taken from the neighborhood. The guys offered to pay it back, but it was too late. I feel sorry for the them, but they got justice.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fCjOxaQBMTg&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fCjOxaQBMTg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"Former Prisoner Testimony"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 11:27 - "The one who seeks good finds delight; the student of evil becomes evil." </strong><br /><br />What I love about God is that he takes all comers. If you are sincere and really want to change your life and pledge your allegiance to him, he will take you in and change your life. Many play a game and want to make the decision when it may be too late. The narrow path really is an exciting path, full of mystery, hope, desire, love, and adventure. We walk by faith and not by sight and that makes all of the difference.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-90673423299477992862009-02-10T10:30:00.006-06:002009-02-10T12:33:44.017-06:00Be Excellent, Proverbs 10<strong></strong><br /><strong>"God is solid backing to a well-lived life, but he calls into question a shabby performance."<br /><br />Proverbs 10:29 </strong><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZGvn_TtMYI/AAAAAAAABEw/HbuwX9lGXPs/s1600-h/Excellent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301211337935630722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZGvn_TtMYI/AAAAAAAABEw/HbuwX9lGXPs/s400/Excellent.jpg" border="0" /></a>There is a great song we sing to the youth in our bible study that says, "Be excellent in all your ways." I often think about that song, its meaning and its inspiration to the children. As we grow, we may lose our flare for excellence. Oh we expect it from others, but may not have it ourselves. There are many areas in our lives that require maintenance. Excellence in our marriage, our relationships with our children, our family and friends, in business, in the community, and in our health. As I read this verse, I am feeling a little shabby in some of these key areas.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" flashvars="viewkey=7ad9929ce0809332fcd7"></embed><br /><strong>"Healing Rain" by Michael W. Smith</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 10:31 - "A good person's mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom; a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp." </strong><br /><br />When you speak, blog, write, podcast, or broadcast do people respond? Are you a clear fountain of wisdom? I love to hear great speakers. I have heard Tom Peters, John Maxwell, John Hagee, Joel Osteen, Ken Blanchard, Zig Ziglar, Rudy Ruettiger, and just love the wisdom they share with their audiences. Compared to them, I am a stagnant swamp. How do we become the orators of our generation? How do we garner influence with our words and deeds? Wisdom is the great equalizer. We should approach our relationships through wisdom and prayer. We will be given the words to speak and the guidance we need.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-81866462236302351572009-02-09T14:40:00.005-06:002009-02-09T15:35:44.520-06:00Death Proof, Proverbs 9<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Leave your impoverished confusion and live! Walk up the street to a life with meaning."<br /><br />Proverbs 9:6</strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZCcdhtValI/AAAAAAAABEo/P8-x8qlSI2c/s1600-h/deathproof.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300908792493730386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZCcdhtValI/AAAAAAAABEo/P8-x8qlSI2c/s400/deathproof.jpg" border="0" /></a>I spent Friday and Saturday in Austin, Texas meeting with directors, writers, animators, and an independent record label representing over 2,500 indepdendent artists. I love the entertainment world and especially movies. I have been a fan of Quentin Tarantino's movies for some time; although, there is much controversy with his work. I admire the product of his cinema, because they are so grinding edge.<br /><br />While in Austin, I visited "<a href="http://www.cactushill.com/TCP/home.htm">Texas Chili Parlor</a>" where a scene from "<strong>Death Proof</strong>" was shot. The place was a cool "hole in the wall" type location. The food was pretty good too.<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEVyC8FByng">Death Proof</a>" is a bazarre movie for sure. A maniacle killer "Stuntman Mike," played by Kurt Russell, is on the loose. He ultimately faces justice at the hands of his supposed victims.<br /><br />Movies offer us a little insight into the mayhem of evil. It causes us to wonder why evil exists and what makes people do the things they do. It is also a reminder that evil is out in the world and can only thrive when good people do nothing.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2SB0Tj_5vsk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2SB0Tj_5vsk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"I Was Here" BlueFishtTV</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 9:18 - "But they don't know about all the skeletons in her closet, that all her guests end up in hell." </strong><br /><br />The Christian walks leaves an impact, a legacy. Jesus's example has transcended over 2,000 years (the one name that causes much consternation). He overcame death. To become "Death Proof" we must accept the one who had victory over death.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-44836937794991829382009-02-09T13:58:00.005-06:002009-02-09T14:32:04.498-06:002.8.09 Private Jet, Proverbs 8<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career."<br /><br />Proverbs 8:10</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZCNQNN55OI/AAAAAAAABEg/rAjN53Gk8Q4/s1600-h/private+jet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300892070980478178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZCNQNN55OI/AAAAAAAABEg/rAjN53Gk8Q4/s400/private+jet.jpg" border="0" /></a>I remember gettting updgraded to First Class on Continental Airlines in 1988. I was traveling back to Texas from my base in California while serving in the U.S. Marines. My friend McKenna was a stewardess to my surprise and came to my "coach" seat and told me "Mr. Valadez, there appears to have been a mistake in your seating arrangments, you have reservations in First Class." I was really surprised and enjoyed the comforts of the leather chairs and the champagne and VIP treatment on the 3 hour flight back to Texas. What a dream.<br /><br />As an entrepreneur, I am working hard so that one day, my family can have some of the comforts that come with success. However, as we go on this journey, I am seeking out the balance that God would call me to live as we plan to share our treasure, talents, and our time. How much is too extravagant?<br /><br />I'd love to have a private jet for my family and friends to travel on business or leisure, but in today's economy and questions of service to the Kingdom, would that be too much? God grants wisdom in such matters and since I don't have that problem now, I won't worry about it too much.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vClQcmMKL3E&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vClQcmMKL3E&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"Rich Young Ruler" movie scene "Jesus of Nazareth"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 8:18 - "Wealth and Glory accompany me—also substantial Honor and a Good Name."</strong><br /><br />If you are a follower of Christ, you are an heir to the Kingdom. Your wealth has been established, although on this earth you may be poor in terms of material possessions. As a child of God, we should approach life as kings and queens and seek wisdom that will only increase our wealth in the heavenly and natural world. Why does God make his people wealthy? He obviously has no problem doing so. However, when we have made our wealth our God, then he does have a problem with that. He knows our heart and the "one thing" that keeps us from being totally sold out for him.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-91306728615411601932009-02-09T11:53:00.007-06:002009-02-09T13:45:49.514-06:002.7.09 Making Love, Proverbs 7<strong><br />"Come, let's make love all night, spend the night in ecstatic lovemaking!"<br /><br />Proverbs 7:19</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZCDTrRHr3I/AAAAAAAABEY/tCWWY8vcLq4/s1600-h/Making+Love.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300881135470358386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SZCDTrRHr3I/AAAAAAAABEY/tCWWY8vcLq4/s400/Making+Love.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ah! Got your attention. Proverbs 7 warns of the seductress. She's sweet, young, smells good, and beautiful. One indescretion shouldn't matter, many say. But, that makes all of the difference.<br /><br />My young daughter asked me, "Daddy what is lust?" We were watching the movie "<a href="http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/">Fireproof</a>." A father was explaining God's standards compared to ours to his son, who was battling for his marriage. My daughter was geniunely curious about the question.<br /><br />We've made no subject off limits with our young curious daughters; however, we don't give them too many details, only what is appropriate for their age. I told my daughter that "lust is looking at another who is not your wife or husband in way that you 'want them' or does not honor God." Lust is the same as adultery by God's standards.<br /><br />If God's standards are so high, do we just blow them off? Or do we seek to understand his decrees and commands, so that we might live forever.<br /><br /><embed name="tangle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" flashvars="viewkey=505c33a5007bc38d456c"></embed><br /><strong>"A Recording from Hell" on Tangle (formerly GodTube)</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 7:27 - "She runs a halfway house to hell, fits you out with a shroud and a coffin." </strong><br /><br />After hearing the 19 second from hell from this video, I have to admit that I am and was concerned about my family, loved ones, and my friends. If this place is real (which I believe it is), I surely don't want anyone to be there, but sadly there will be many there who wished they had made a decision to follow Christ. Compared to eternity in hell, obedience on earth to God is a far better a price to pay.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com</p>Andy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-15507399343117818332009-02-08T09:36:00.009-06:002009-02-09T11:16:56.120-06:002.6.09 Two-Faced, Proverbs 6<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Riffraff and rascals talk out of both sides of their mouths."<br /><br />Proverbs 6:12</strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SY7-HeAccWI/AAAAAAAABEQ/vUedpieI5ds/s1600-h/2+Face.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300453215729119586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SY7-HeAccWI/AAAAAAAABEQ/vUedpieI5ds/s400/2+Face.jpg" border="0" /></a>It has been said that we have three personalities presentations. There is the person we think thin we are, the person others think we are, and then the way we really are. Integrity is getting the three to agree and represent the real person behind the trio. Knowing this, brings the above verse into clearer vision. How do we control our tendency to "double talk" or be "double minded?" We must pledge our allegiance daily to God and look for those instances in our lives when we have obviously played both sides.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JOibqo7_GIs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JOibqo7_GIs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"Soldiers Under God's Command" by Stryper</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 6:16-19 - "Here are six things <strong>God hates</strong>, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family." </strong><br /><br />Did I read that right "God hates?" The wicked find no "quarter" (a military term, meaning surrender is not offered during battle). After reading this, one must ask why he hates these things. Wisdom comes from understanding his ways and less of our own.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-36439432848838457672009-02-06T05:29:00.005-06:002009-02-06T06:03:13.570-06:002.5.09 Lovely as a Rose, Proverbs 5<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose—don't ever quit taking delight in her body."<br /><br />Proverbs 5:19 </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SYwhGfiM9lI/AAAAAAAABEI/JpW_kRKkDn0/s1600-h/red_rose2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299647256936117842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SYwhGfiM9lI/AAAAAAAABEI/JpW_kRKkDn0/s400/red_rose2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I have a picture on my desk of my wife when she was two months old. The picture serves as my reminder, that I am to care for her all of her days. The picture makes me smile and reminds me of my own daughters when they were the same age. She looks so delicate, innocent, and unaware of the hard life ahead (I chuckle). I feel very fortunate to have her in my home and together we have grown older and still appreciate each other through our years of battles, victories and celebrations, and sad moments in our lives. These days, they have been very fragrant and life has been so blessed as we watch our young children grow and explore their world. We hope they see the love and appreciation we have for each other, although it isn't all roses. There have been thorns along the way.<br /><br />I wear my deceased father's wedding ring on my index finger as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage. My parents divorced when I was 22 (I am 43) and my mother gave me my father's ring a couple of years ago, several years after his death in 2003. I was shocked to know that my mother still had his ring.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wmmUihMQd50&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wmmUihMQd50&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"Addicted to Pornography"</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 5:20 - "Proverbs Why would you trade enduring intimacies for cheap thrills with a whore? for dalliance with a promiscuous stranger?" </strong><br /><br />I recently read a book "Every Man's Battle" by Stephen Arteburn and it challenges men to control our eyes and our heart. He referenced this constant battle that men must fight. We are visually stimulated and our tendancy is to give in. Dwelling on impropriety is a distraction. I am not going to get preachy here, but a sign of spiritual maturity is being able to dart one's eyes away from sexually oriented thoughts and visual stimulus. However, there are really few prohibitions when those thoughts are about your own wife and you and she are free to love. That is the beauty of marriage, it is relatively guilt-free.<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.comAndy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6703084566180322131.post-84688167233371493612009-02-05T10:21:00.006-06:002009-02-05T11:14:43.563-06:002.4.09 The List, Proverbs<strong></strong><br /><strong>"Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!"<br /><br />Proverbs 4:7</strong><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SYsZu47vF9I/AAAAAAAABEA/d2S2NTVV_i0/s1600-h/To+Do.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299357679879133138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 374px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IGLahId5lGk/SYsZu47vF9I/AAAAAAAABEA/d2S2NTVV_i0/s400/To+Do.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you are like me, then you have a "To Do List" a mile long, but what is your top priority? The number one thing that you must do every day. Successful people are 100% efficient. They complete only one very important task everyday. Everything else is gravy or a head start on other initiatives.<br /><br />My one thing before all others is to pray and read the bible. I must admit that I am not 100% efficient in that dedication. Sometimes I am praying in the chase and on the run. Do you pray over your day? If not, try it.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YZ0z86LmXBM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YZ0z86LmXBM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><strong>"The Bucket List" Music Video</strong><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 4:13 - "Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip. Guard it well—your life is at stake!"</strong><br /><br />Are you a risk taker? I am. Public opinion is important. When it comes to public opinion I am really only worried that I am not doing something unethical or damaging to my personal life testimony. All else is open game. </p><p>I will initiate action and only worry about those who "get it" or understand or are curious about where God is taking the idea and my life's purpose. How does God want to use your ideas, influence, and resources today? Will you risk it on behalf of someone else? Will you step in and be the missing piece to the puzzle? No risk , no reward (<em>Know Risk, Know Reward</em>). Jump out of the plane and wait a little while to pull the rip chord. No guts, no glory. Geronimo!<br /><br />On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!<br /><br />Andy Valadez<br />e-mail: Andy@TeamMarketingDynamics.com</p>Andy Valadezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09296093508857481663noreply@blogger.com0