What are your Priorities?

"Most men have an insatiable desire for success, despite the fact that it is so ill-defined in our culture.  Too often it is equated with houses, cars, land, toys and money. Many men spend the vast majority of their lives climbing a ladder that never gets them to their desired destination -- fulfillment."  Ronnie W. Floyd

What are your priorities? As men we need to ensure we have our priorities in order. Many of us spend our time searching for fulfillment and success in various areas of our lives but, it seems to be an never ending struggle.  This is because our priorities are all mixed up.  

Here is something to think about!
When your priorities get out of order, it seems as if life is a series of continuous struggles.  These struggles are your warning signs that your priorities are not right; you need to change your focus.

In his book The Meaning of a Man, Ronnie W. Floyd says "having the right priorities is as important to your lives as blood is to our body".

Get your priorities in order!

The list below is my submission on what a man's priorities should look like:

1. GOD
2. FAMILY
3. COMMUNITY
4. WORK
5. PLAY

"..seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, all of these things will be added unto you".  Matthew 6:33

MAN UP!

Real Man Trait Number 1 : Your word is your Bond!

This is the most important message that you will ever learn as a man.  Chances are you've heard this before. So it will not be a new concept to you. The sooner you learn this lesson,   the less time you spend defending what you say, and spend more time actually saying it.  

By definition Man, is prone to getting his way by deception.  It is said that if  you come across a man of integrity, who follows through on his promises and speaks with truth and confidence, that that should be cherished.  Become a man of your integrity!

Have you ever taken the time to actually discover what this means?  We throw terms around like "I promise" or "That's my word",  but all too often promises are nothing more than just words. Each time a promise that has not been kept, your integrity degrades. 

On  your road to manhood, or to teach antother what the true meaning of manhood is.  Remember, if a man can't be held to his word, what good can he be.

“The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is integrity.” John C. Maxwell

Sound Finacial Principles

As the economy is recovering, there is still some skepticism about how to move forward financially.  All over the world families are minimizing costs and increasing savings as well as paying down existing debt.  In a Black Enterprise Article, writer Glenn Townes give 10 principles to live by, as you strive to reach your financial goals.  These principles, may or may not fit your needs. But do not negate the fact that sound financial principles will dramatically improve your life. I urge you to do your own research and find the the principles that fit your life.  As the head of your household, your families financial well being should be one of your top priorities.  Men, especially, need to incorporate sound financial principles into their and their family's daily endeavors.

THE 10 WEALTH FOR LIFE PRINCIPLES (FROM BLACK ENTERPRISE March 2011)
1. Live within your means
2. Maximize you income potential through education and training
3. Effectively manage your budget credit, debt, and tax obligations.
4. Save at least 10% of your income
5. Use home ownership as a foundation for wealth building.
6.  Devise an investment plan for retirement needs and children's Education
7.  Ensure that your entire family adheres to sensible money management principles
8.  Support the creation and growth of minority owned businesses.
9.  Guarantee your wealth is passed on to future generations through proper insurance and estate planning.
10. Strengthen your community through Philanthropy


MAN UP!

Do you agree with these principles? Let me know what you think. Post your comments or questions here.

The simple things!

"Having fun with your family is better than anything in the world!" --Nalah M. Stokes Age 9--

The simple things can make all the difference.

Man up!

There is nothing more enjoyable than hearing your wife scream with joy and pleasure!

Here is one great date idea!  This past weekend I took my wife wall climbing and ziplining. I believe she enjoyed herself way more than I did.  But don't take my word, you tell me.

About 45 minutes from Roanoke, Our Adventure took place  at the Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.   The food was simple and delicious, the atmosphere was wonderful, the hikes were tough, and the feeling of pure freedom as you as flew at thirty-five miles per hours suspended in air harnessed to a rope... believe me when I say your date, male or female, will throughly enjoy the adrenaline rush!

So when your girl friend, wife or even the young lady you are courting tells you they want an adventure, give them the adrenaline rush of the life time.

Wife rock climbing

Wife and I 

The Killer Goat ! (lol)

Here I Stand

Here I Stand
written by Corey L. Stokes

Amidst the storm, his son
watches as he struggles to maintain
His wife cries!
She can’t remember his name.
The man he was
is a shadow; he doesn’t exist
His daughter searched for
a father amongst the abyss.
His way is dark,
he searches for light
He searches for his strength
recovering his might.
He looks to the hills
and he waits
He calls for his Father
and still he waits.
His mother sees him
and she prays for his pain.
prays to fill his void,
she prays to stop the rain.
They tell him that
“a woman can’t raise no man”,
They say “a boy needs his father”!
Yet, here I stand!

Where were you?

Where were you?

written by Corey L. Stokes

When I needed you there 

you were the shadows in the night,

never around to hear my cries,

to wipe my tears, or say "it's alright".

You weren't there to hear or see

or applaud with the crowd.

Not a touchdown nor a dance

not a word from you! No, not a sound

Where were you 

when my world came crashing in,

When the world fell upon my shoulders?

and I had to bear the weight of your sin

Where where you 

when this boy you didn't raise

had to stand up and be a man 

tell me where was my praise.

In my darkest hour, 

or in my brightest light,

when I rose and when I fell 

where was your strength?

When I needed a father, a friend

When I needed you,

in my times of despair and happiness

where were you?

Man Up!: Father son Relationships

Man Up!: Father son Relationships: "This is a quote from Boys to Men written by Steve Lee, Ed D. and Chap Clark. In this section of the book they are Discussing mid-adolescen..."

Father son Relationships

This is a quote from Boys to Men written by Steve Lee, Ed D. and Chap Clark.

In this section of the book they are Discussing mid-adolescent males and their relationship with their father.

We have to face it as men: during the middle adolescence the father-son relationship faces its greats strain. You as a father may have a difficult time understanding why your son used to love to do things together, have (relatively substantive conversations and basically 'hang out' and now does few of these things

The book goes on to say that it is during these times that we need to adjust the way we deal with our sons. by still being the father that he needs and also giving him the space to develop into the man he is to become.

Bottom line is as a father we still need to be there! Regardless of how difficult a task it may be, or how much (the natural reaction) we want to pull away from the rejections. This is probably some of the most critical years in your sons life. He will need you there to help him get through it.

Man Up!

Seth's Blog

Seth's Blog

Are you a Good Man?

I listened to a radio show this morning where a gentlemen called in requesting advice on stopping his infidelity.  At the end of the conversation the host said he could tell the caller was a "Good man".  Really!  Let me get this straight...you cheated on your wife and place the blame on wanting to find "that good stuff" and you get labeled as a good man!  Come one now!

Does it make you a good man because you call in to a radio show looking for advise on how to change?  If it does then what does that make the rest of us?  Those of us who have not stepped outside of the bounds of our relationship, those of us that are around to take care of our kids, those of us that go out every day and night breaking our necks to ensure our families have a roof over their head, and the kids have food to put in their mouths.Those of us who find every way imaginable to spice up the relation we are currently in with out looking away from the one we have vowed to love, honor and cherish.  In my opinion no that doesn't make you a good man!

Okay! I will give you some credit you did call looking for advise on how to change. But don't blame your infidelities on anything other than your own stupidity.  Like many men, you don't realize what you have while it is in front of your face.

You want to wear the label of a good man, first try being a man of your word.  Your word is who you are. If your integrity is lacking then it begs the question what else is lacking.  the fact that you are looking to get on the right track does speak volumes about your character. But, you definitely  have not arrived yet. In the ages of manhood, if you have not been able to control the only thing on this Earth that you have full control over, then that still earns the title of a boy.

Man Up!
"Your integrity is all you have, Your word is your bond"