Tag Archives: dreams

Are We Almost There?

Posted on January 25, 2017 by expressyourself4him

As an aspiring screen writer, I know the pain of being close, but not quite there.  Every spring thousands of like minded individuals register one to three scripts in the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screening Contest.  This international competition brings the best and brightest amateur writers hoping for their big break each year.  Depending upon how my current edit goes of my first film, Express Yourself, I should find out in July if I have arrived or I’m not quite there yet.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Philippians 3:13.

In the mean time, the best path to take toward achieving your goals and dreams in life is through a steady grind.  Sure, most people wake up tired, weary and uninspired.  Yet, the ones who fight through the temptation to become lazy to stay focused pass those who are more talented but less committed.  Like anything in life, you have to really want it and be willing to overcome countless failures to get where you want to be.  Unfortunately, some never make the compromises necessary to reach their full potential.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus, Philippians 3:14.

There is an old expression, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”  Well, this may be true to some extent, pressing on toward your goal in life will ultimately shape the final outcome.  While I do know my current limitations, I do believe writing is part of God’s plan for my life.  Although I’m not sure if I’m currently on the right track, I press on in faith so that almost home will become finally there in the near future.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Where Dreams and Destiny Intersect

Posted on October 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac4GnpqXQAQ

Working at Amazon, I come across thousands of books annually with interesting titles.  One book that I own is entitled, You Are What You Speak.  While I haven’t read this book from cover to cover, its premise claims the words you choose influences the person you become.  For example, the more positive your outlook, the better your chances improve on reaching your dreams and goals in life.  Meanwhile, the more pessimistic you get, the less likely your dreams and destiny will ever intersect.

Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer,” Exodus 15:26.

In a world losing honesty and integrity, Moses shares an important message to Israel during the Exodus out of Egypt.  Moses doesn’t guess or speculate, he writes with certainty.  If you want to avoid the same fate as Pharaoh’s people, be diligent in listening to the voice of the Lord.  Moses isn’t out of his mind, rather he is leading the way toward healing, safety and security in this life.  When you keep God’s commandments, you are laying a fertile foundation for faith to take root.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.

In the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he references Moses indirectly.  Yet, Jesus lays out a blue print for those who long for a place where dreams and destiny intersect.  Instead of creating a shopping list of prayers to present before God, Jesus sets out the priorities needed to receive God’s blessings.  First, seek out God’s kingdom as you pursue righteousness.  Once faith becomes a life style, then daily bread and many more things will be provided supernaturally from God.  Although I haven’t reached this place yet, I long for the day when my dreams and destiny intersect.

by Jay Mankus

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The Death of Professional Sports

Posted on July 21, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the 1996 film Jerry McGuire, Tom Cruise plays a hot shot sports agents who begins to develop a conscience.  When a defense men in the National Hockey League that he represents sustains another concussion, Cruise chooses money over his clients health.  Seeing right through this scheme, the son goes off on Jerry, setting the stage for conviction.  Unable to sleep with his guilt, McGuire has a vision which turns into a mission statement.  Unfortunately, this decision leads to his firing from the firm he practically built.  This mentality no longer exists just in Hollywood.  Rather, its a sign that the death of professional sports is near.

The way most leagues are run today, labor unions seek to get each player top dollar.  However, as salaries rise so do season ticket prices, parking and stadium concessions.  At some point, the annual income of fans will be tapped out; unable to commit to a full season.  Meanwhile, as stars continue to be insulted by excessive million dollar contracts not big enough for their ego, when will the masses begin to revolt?  Although I love watching sports on television, I see a day in the future when even I will tune out professional sports.

Back in its infancy, athletes worked jobs during the off-season as sports were more of a hobby with little pay.  This generation of stars played for the love of the game.  These pioneers made it possible for today’s athletes to flourish, earning more money than their wildest dreams.  Unfortunately, when individuals become bigger than life they lose touch with the middle class.  I try not to be negative, but if this current trend continues, it won’t be long before professional sports dies.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Excel or Exhale?

Posted on July 5, 2016 by expressyourself4him

If you follow youth sports, it seems like the competition intensifies year after year.  Whether its AAU, All-Stars, sports camps or travel ball teams, parents with athletes are spending thousands of dollars annually hoping for a college scholarship.  For those who excel, rising like the cream of a crop, dreams of a professional career may be in their future.

If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell, Matthew 5:29.

Meanwhile, the laid back take a completely different approach.  Though some of these individuals may have aspirations for greatness, to avoid stress a deep breathe usually calms any nerves that arise.  Nonetheless, you can’t teach motivation.  Thus, children who possess this characteristic are on their own, relying on their own desire, the Lord or will for the final outcome.

And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell, Matthew 5:30.

Unfortunately, the most talented often get side-tracked on the way to the top.  If you don’t believe me, just scan the internet for articles on star athletes arrested, kicked off a team or suspended due to breaking the law or team rules.  Jesus provides advice for anyone who wants to be the best they can be in his sermon on the Mount.  Therefore, whatever goals you have in this life, be diligent in purging your life from anything that may end your dreams.

by Jay Mankus

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Come and Give Me Wings

Posted on February 8, 2016 by expressyourself4him

At my age, I don’t wake up with the same fire and passion that I once possessed.  Beyond the spiritual realm, I find inspiration from music.  One of the more recent artists which touched me is Set My World on Fire by Britt Nicole.  On her Neon Feather Remix album, this song combines a great beat with moving lyrics.  The chorus asks God to come and give her wings to help fulfill her dreams in life.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, Psalm 91:11.

According to the Psalmist, this isn’t as far fetched as you think.  However, what does it mean to command the angels and what method ensures that you will be able to usher angels into action?  Based upon the words of Moses, obedience to God is a major factor depending upon how careful you are in following the Lord’s commands.  Yet, asking angels to come and give you wings seems more like fantasy rather than reality.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them, Psalm 34:7.

Perhaps, holy fear is the missing link, preventing Christians from seeing their prayers answered.  David is not the only one who made this connection.  King Solomon claimed fearing God is the beginning of wisdom.  Although I can’t recall a time I experienced angelic intervention, Jesus once said,”you don’t have because you haven’t asked.”  While this topic is foreign to me, in your time of need, don’t be afraid to cry out to God to come and give you wings to overcome the mountain standing in your way.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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A Day of Laziness

Posted on January 1, 2016 by expressyourself4him

While some individuals will be making last second New Year’s resolutions, there is an invisible obstacle that tends to sneak up on the unassuming.  Commercials such as “you deserve a break today” feed into this mindset.  Thus, if you let your guard down, become complacent or careless, a day of laziness can be the beginning of the end of your dreams.

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied, Proverbs 13:4.

As I reflect upon what is left of 2015, I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been a victim of days of laziness.  Somewhere along the way, a laissez-faire spirit entered my body.  Sleeping in here and a lack of discipline there has resulted in a luck luster year.  Before I could mount a comeback, compromise has stalled my momentum, leaving sorrow and pain in my heart.

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor, Proverbs 21:25.

Unfortunately, my spiritual state is like a lukewarm bottle of water on a sunny spring day.  Poor decisions on days of laziness have led me to a tattered soul.  There is no one else to blame but me.  The only blessing is that tomorrow is another day filled with God’s mercy, forgiveness and grace.  Therefore, I press on, hoping to avoid days of laziness in 2016 so I can begin to take hold of that which God has prepared for me in advance to do.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Places Where Dreams Die

Posted on December 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

According to the 1993 film, Rudy Ruettiger was an average athlete and middle of the road student with dreams that seemed far fetched.  Thus, Rudy took a job at a local Steel Mill, buying some time.  When his best friend Pete dies in an accident at the mill, Rudy finds himself at a crossroads.  During the funeral Rudy comes to the realization, “if I don’t leave now my dream will never happen,” dying at a dead end job.  Standing at a Greyhound Bus Station, Rudy’s father shares a series of ungodly beliefs, filled with negativity, hoping his son stays.  Deep down Rudy Ruettiger sensed that remaining in his hometown was another place where dreams can die.

For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear, Ecclesiastes 5:7.

Meanwhile, Homer Hickam faced his own set of struggles illustrated in the 1999 movie October Sky.  Playing the role of the younger brother, Homer could never escape the shadow of big brother Jim, a football star destined for a college scholarship.  Despite his efforts, Homer was unable to compete with his brother’s popularity or talents.  After his father’s work related injury, Homer drops out of high school to become a coal miner attempting to follow in the footsteps of his dad. Yet, Homer’s new job couldn’t quench a passion for rockets.  Fueled by his teacher Miss Riley, Homer leaves the occupation where his dream would have died in the mine to participate in a science fair that altered the course of his life.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Ephesians 3:20.

Unfortunately, most people fail to become famous, rich or successful, ending up in a place where their dreams disappear.  Some are forced by financial constrains to keep multiple jobs just to survive, fighting a losing battle with debt throughout life.  Others endure destructive relationships that often end with another mouth to feed, divorce or years of regret.  Within all these distractions, time flies by causing dreams to be altered, downgraded or pushed back until nothing is achieved.  If you have ever reached this point like me, you need an inspirational friend like Pete who speaks words of encouragement.  Or a mentor like Miss Riley who will uplift your spirits, challenge you and instill in you perseverance to press on through places where dreams die until you taste the abundant life Jesus promises, John 10:10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Missing Your Destiny

Posted on December 2, 2015 by expressyourself4him

One of the more common ways to become successful is setting goals.  Depending upon how motivated the individual, time lines are set in the form of dreams, serving as a road map for the next several years.  During this journey, there will be many barriers, obstacles and mountain peaks to climb.  Anyone who gives up along the way is in danger of missing their destiny, purpose and reason for being born.

In which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient, Ephesians 2:2.

Depression is like a valley or place which holds you down, sucking your desire and will to move on.  According to the apostle Paul, there is a force, a spiritual presence in the air who feeds on disobedience.  The Bible lists a series of mountains that can prevent individuals from discerning and living out God’s will on earth.

  1. Distractions – Lust for treasures cost Achan and his family their lives, Joshua 7:25-26.
  2. Doubt – Caused the Israelites to second guess God’s promised land, Numbers 32:9.
  3. Hurt – Pain has a way of leading individuals to tap out, losing all hope, Psalm 34:18.
  4. Dryness – Arid periods in life can numb souls, questioning life’s purpose, Ezekiel 37:1.
  5. Guilt – David, Judas and Peter all were consumed by this spirit, 2 Samuel 12:7.
  6. Decisions – Poor decisions can poison and ruin lives, 1 Corinthians 15:33.
  7. Sin – Those who deny the presence of disobedience walk in darkness, 1 John 1:8-10.

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction, Deuteronomy 30:15.

During his farewell address, Moses provides a blueprint to fulfill your destiny in this life.  The key to success in this life lies in one’s ability to obey God.  People are not forced to believe and follow.  Rather, its up to you to choose wisely.  The future is in your hands by either choosing life through obedience to God or death by embracing the ways of the world.  How you respond will dictate whether you fulfill or miss your destiny.  Choose life.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Holy Spirit Intercedes

Posted on September 25, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There are certain events, occurrences or things that can’t be explained by science.  When the best, brightest and wisest cannot make sense of a situation, the Bible provides clues to the supernatural.  Sometimes the answer to these questions is simply the Holy Spirit interceded.

There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work, 1 Corinthians 12:6.

The apostle Paul lived a life like the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities.  The first half of his life was steeped in religious tradition, persecuting early Christians.  Following an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, a brief period of blindness caused Saul to contemplate the meaning of life.  After a transitional period, trying to comprehend what was happening to him, I guess you can say during this trip, the Holy Spirit intervened.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good, 1 Corinthians 12:7.

Modern Christians have testified to experiencing conversations where they have blacked out.  Although these individuals never collapsed, the Holy Spirit spoke through them.  However, in a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul refers to other manifestations of the Holy Spirit.  These include discernment, dreams, faith, intercession, insight, wisdom and visions.  While nobody knows to whom or when this supernatural event will occur again, yet when the Holy Spirit intercedes it is for the common good of the church.

by Jay Mankus

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The Cost of Following Your Dreams

Posted on September 4, 2015 by expressyourself4him

While most of the commercials that air today are filled with embellishment, there is one which possesses truth.  Mastercard’s ad campaign is based upon the fact that some purchases are priceless.  In the same manner, the cost of following your dreams is invaluable.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, Jeremiah 29:11.

In an attempt to get ahead, keep up or fine tune your talents, time is the first expense.  This often means sacrificing friendships, investing each spare moment to perfect your gift or trade.  Along the way, some rising stars burn out, unable to devote what it takes to make their dream come true.  Unfortunately, most quit just before they begin to see the fruits of their labor.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you, Jeremiah 29:12.

The second cost of following your dreams is belief.  Over the course of this journey, skeptics will continue to discourage you, claiming that you don’t have the skill or talent.  This is where you must possess perseverance, with a resilient heart to ward off spirits of doubt.  This is where I find myself currently, wondering if all the time I spent trying to write movie scripts is worth it all.  Yet, for now I press on.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me, Philippians 3:12.

Finally, the last cost of pursuing your dreams is pleasure.  As everyone you know is enjoying the weekend, having fun or lounging around the house, dreams can’t wait.  Thus, if you want to experience the fulfillment of your dreams, pleasure needs to be put on hold.  Although there is no magic formula, dedication, discipline and hard work are vehicles to success.  If you haven’t arrived or reached your goal in life, don’t give up until your journey is complete.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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