A Father’s Testimony, Part IV

Posted by rfathers on June 2, 2010

Here’s an update (and good news ) from my friend Ollie:

Hello everyone, great news from Pepsi! They are continuing our Janae Designs idea throughout the month of June (Click http://www.refresheverything.com/janaedesigns)!

In addition, they have added our 3-minute YouTube video (Click http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=JanaeDesigns). So please continue to vote each day and encourage everyone you know in your social & business network to do the same by sharing the information and voting instructions below.

My prayer is for a fast, strong and consistent start-to-finish competition and victory in June for this “Most Votes Win” competition to help special needs children like my daughter Janae.

Many of you requested that I help remind you to vote each day. Therefore, I will try to do my best to help by sending out a “Friendly Daily Vote Reminder.”

Please feel free to email me with any questions or ideas to help improve our chances of winning it all for the kids this month. If you have Facebook, remember that you can vote twice per day.

Thanks a million!

Ollie and Janae

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My name is Ollie Jones IV and I am the father of a 9-year old Janae Hope Jones. Janae has Cerebral Palsy. I am very passionate about helping her and children like her reach their fullest potential.

Pepsi is giving away over a million dollars a month in grants to people and businesses with ideas that will have a positive impact in their community (Most Votes Win!). My grant idea is to “Provide the Wedgster Physical Therapy Device I invented FREE to 365 Special Needs Children across America.”

Please VOTE for us in the Pepsi Refresh Project each day in June via http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=JanaeDesigns).

For those of you who have a Facebook account, you can actually vote TWICE per day. First, through your Pepsi Sign-in. The other way is via your Facebook account (see instructions below):

Pepsi Voting Link & Instructions:

• Click http://www.refresheverything.com/janaedesigns or http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=JanaeDesigns
• Click the GREY “Vote For This Idea” logo in upper right corner.
• For your vote to count, you must “Sign In” via pop up Pepsi Form (enter your Email Address, Create Password, Your Name, prove that you are not a robot, etc.).
• If necessary, you can do a search for “Janae Designs” in the $250,000 category
• Click “Vote For This Idea”
• You should now see your vote count at the bottom of page move from 10 to “09 Votes Left Today.”
• Please vote once-per-day (twice via Facebook) in the month of June and encourage everyone you know to do the same
• Help promote my idea on the Pepsi site by clicking their Facebook, MySpace and Twitter links.
• Please join our Janae Designs Facebook Fan Page to stay informed and help maintain the momentum http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janae-Designs/115456145139403?ref=ts

Facebook Voting Instructions:

• After you’ve voted via Pepsi site, scroll down to “Vote From Facebook”
• Click “Install The Application”
• Click “Go To Application”
• Click any of our “Vote For This Idea” in RED boxes
• Click “Confirm”
• Click “Share This Idea”Blessings,

Ollie Jones, IV
Janae Designs, LLC
561-249-2464
Website: www.janaedesigns.com
Email Address: llie@JanaeDesigns.com

Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

A Father’s Testimony, Part III

Posted by rfathers on May 18, 2010

Here is another follow-up to Ollie Jones’ story and his quest to “Provide FREE Therapy Equipment to 365 Special Needs Chlidren Across America”.

Pepsi Co. is sponsoring a contest where Ollie has a chance to give his Adaptive Mobility & Positioning Equipment away to 365 families. Can you please help him by voting everyday until the end of the month.

• Vote for the furniture and exercise equipment that Ollie wants to give away free to 365 families
• See his website JanaeDesigns

A Father’s Testimony, Part II

Posted by rfathers on May 1, 2010

You might remember a copy of weeks ago, I told you about my friend Ollie Jones.  He has developed a great set of furniture and exercise equipment for special-needs children.  Now, Ollie could use your help in a contest which will enable him to give away hundreds of his inventions to families with special-needs children. 

I am asking you to read and listen to what Ollie has to say and to please vote for him as his furniture and exeercise equipment is truly God-given.  Please support this effort with your daily vote through the end ofthe month.

Thank you, here is Ollie’s message:

Beginning NOW thru MAY 31, please VOTE (Once-Per-Day) for us in the Pepsi Refresh Project. My grant idea is to “Provide the Wedgster Physical Therapy Device I invented FREE to 365 Special Needs Children Across America.

VOTE Instructions

• Click Pepsi Link http://www.refresheverything.com/JanaeDesigns
• Click the GREY “Vote For This Idea” logo in upper right corner.
• Follow Pepsi Login Instructions (Email Address, Create Password, etc.)
• Click “Vote For This Idea”
• Also, Click Links to PROMOTE my idea via FaceBook, Twitter and My Space.

My name is Ollie Jones IV.  I am the father of a 9-year old daughter, Janae Hope Jones.  Janae has Cerebral Palsy, I am very passionate about helping her, and children like her reach their fullest potential.  To learn more about our story, please watch our video “A Father’s Testimony” Via our website (www.JanaeDesigns.com) or YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbyNPL3BIqY

To stay informed and to help promote our cause, please join our Janae Designs Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Janae-Designs/115456145139403?ref=ts.
Again, please encourage everyone you know to VOTE each day in May.

NOTE: Pepsi accidentally entered someone else’s “Goals” and “Budget” information into my application, but are working on making the correction soon.

Thank you for helping us help children that are less fortunate.

Ollie & Janae
Janae Designs, LLC
561-249-2464
Website: www.JanaeDesigns.com
Email Address: Ollie@JanaeDesigns.com

Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

A Father’s Testimony, Part I

Posted by rfathers on April 15, 2010

Good Morning Everyone,

I would like to introduce you to my good friend Ollie Jones and his daughter Janae. Ollie is a good brother in the Lord. Please view his video (A Father’s Testimony) to see how God is using him to help children with special needs.

The more times you view his video the more votes he gets in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “I Am Free Enterprise” contest.

You can see more about Ollie’s and Janae’s testimony and Ollie’s inventions for special needs children on his website (Janae Designs).

Here’s Ollie message:

Hello everyone; Please see our video below “A Father’s Testimony” (the short 3-minute version):

A Father’s Testimony

My story will be featured in an upcoming book written by esteemed Sun Sentinel business writer, Marcia Pounds. Marcia also encouraged me to enter my video in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “I Am Free Enterprise” contest.

The Most Watched Video Wins! So, please click on the video link above, share it with everyone you know and watch it repeatedly until Friday, April 16 at 6 pm EDT.

ADDITIONALLY – Starting May 1, please vote for Ollie’s Pepsi Refresh Project grant idea that would allow him to provide his physical therapy equipment invention FREE to 365 Special Needs Children across America.

Right before May 1, I will send you details on how to vote for Ollie. More information is available on his website (Janae Designs).

Preparing a Personal Purpose Statement

Posted by rfathers on April 13, 2010

Defining Your Purpose In Life: “Who are You?” and “Why Do You Exist?”

Have you ever asked yourself those two questions, “Who am I?” and “Why do I exist?”

These two questions are focal points in the book, The Man In the Mirror: Solving 24 Problems That Men Face, By Patrick Morley.  In chapter five, “Purpose: Why Do I Exist?” Mr. Morley goes on to say that:

“The plain truth is that most men don’t know their purpose in life or their purpose is too small.  A man can do nothing more important than to wrestle with the purpose of his life.”

Here are a few important points that the author makes on this topic:

• The problem shows itself when we as men set goals, achieve them (or not achieve them), then set new goals – without achieving any lasting satisfaction.
• We should derive meaning and identity from understanding who we are in Christ. (Discussed in chapter four of the book, “Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose”).
• Once we know who are in Christ – then we can answer why we exist.
• God has a purpose for each of our lives – which is why we exist.
  • Knowing our purpose helps us to focus our lives.
• We also need to know the difference between purpose and goals.  Purpose gives direction to our goals. 
• A goal is an objective to achieve in the near term.  Generally, goals are measurable, to be achieved by a certain date (i.e. donate $100 to a children’s charity every month).  But goals are not always fixed.  They can also be qualitative (i.e. to be a good man).
• Purpose is why I exist – what my function is life is.  It is what God wants me to do for the long-term. 
• Purpose is where we should begin.  Then set goals to realize the purpose God established for your life.
  • Goals are what we do.  Purpose is why we do it.
• There are three levels of purpose:
  • Universal Purpose (for everyone) – to be saved by God and to glorify him through a holy life of faith, love, obedience and service.
  • Personal Purpose (the specific call for me) – a personal, unique and specific purpose for my life.  God reveals this to each of us and it will be consistent with God’s written Word.
  • Other Life Purposes (specific areas of each of our lives):
    • Relationship with God
    • Relationship with wife
    • Relationship with children
    • Relationship with parents, siblings, other family members
    • Other relationships
    • Use of gifts (ministry, serving, witnessing, encouraging, etc.)
    • Career and Education

How to Construct a Written Purpose Statement

1. Write down the Universal Purpose that everyone has from God – as you understand it.
2. Write down your Personal Purpose – as you understand what God has revealed to you.
3. Write down your Other Life Purposes – for the specific areas of your life.

For anything that you are uncertain about what God wants for you – Ask Him – and then listen.

Use the following example as a guideline to write each of the areas above.

My relationship with my children:

Purpose:  Be a Godly parent.

• Goal #1: Give my children a heart for God.  (The results are not always quantitatively measurable.  However, you will see (or not see) the results in the choices and the behavior of your children as they grow and mature.)
  • Steps: enroll my children in Christian schools.
  • Activities (this is measurable): have daily family devotions with prayer and Bible reading and study, attend church weekly.
• Goal #2: Set a Christian home environment.
  • Steps: display Christian attitudes and values towards others in what we say and in what we do towards others, emphasize Christian movies and other activities, monitor and limit use of the computer, television and other media.
  • Activities: socialize with other Christian families.
• Goal #3: Be a good example of Godliness.
  • Steps: maintain a personal walk with God myself, be sensitive to the impact I have on my children, listen when they talk.
• Goal #4: Have a close and mentoring relationship with my children.
  • Activities: spent time with them, talk with them. teach them, give them room to grow, give Godly direction without being be overly critical.

Print a copy of thie outline for Developing a Personal Purpose Statement.
 
Also see our blueprint for developing a Marriage Plan.

What a Blessing – “YES I KNOW”

Posted by rfathers on March 29, 2010

I absolutely guarantee that you will be blessed – if you click on this link and watch a short video of the Gaither Vocal Bank singing YES I KNOW.

Click on the arrow in the picture and turn the volume up! (if necessary)

Yes I know – See the lyrics below

By: Anna W. Waterman, c.1920.

Come, ye sinners, lost and hopeless,
Jesus’ blood can make you free;
For He saved the worst among you,
When He saved a wretch like me.

Refrain
And I know, yes, I know
Jesus’ blood can make the vilest sinner clean,
And I know, yes, I know
Jesus’ blood can make the vilest sinner clean.

To the faint He giveth power,
Through the mountains makes a way;
Findeth water in the desert,
Turns the night to golden day.

Refrain

In temptation He is near thee,
Holds the pow’rs of hell at bay;
Guides you to the path of safety,
Gives you grace for ev’ry day.

Refrain

He will keep thee while the ages
Roll throughout eternity;
Though earth hinders and hell rages,
All must work for good to thee.

Refrain

Hear the Original Score

Yes I Know (in Midi sound)

Print the Sheet Music

Yes I know (Sheet Music)

Characteristics of the Fighting Army: #4: Fight Only God’s Anointed Battles

Posted by rfathers on March 8, 2010

The New Generation of Fighting Army will fight only God’s Anointed Battles which means two primary things: (1) the men in the army will be Godly men, serving God and obedient to His call, and (2) God is with them.

We cite three examples to demonstrate what is meant by God’s Anointed Battles:

First, as discussed previously, the Old Generation of Fighting Men were disobedient and lacked faith in God. God told them that the Promised Land was theirs. But, because they were in disbelief, they preferred to go back to slavery in Egypt.

After God pronounced that they were condemned to die in the desert, they decided to fight those who occupied the Promised Land. Moses told them not to go:

Do not go up, because the LORD is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies … Because you have turned away from the LORD, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword. (Numbers 14:42-43 NIV)

Well, as we know the men were overwhelmingly defeated – because God was not with them. But, if they had obeyed God and followed in the footsteps of Moses, Joshua and Caleb, then the Lord would have made a way for them to possess the land. They would not have been condemned and they would not have been defeated.

Second, 38 years later, after all the old generation had died out and the Lord was ready for the Israelites to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, He started them out with the defeat of the Sihon King at Keshbon:

Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his country. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle. This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you. (Deuteronomy 2: 24-25 NIV)

Notice that God said all the nations under heaven … will tremble … because of you. The reality is that they trembled because of God’s anointing on Israel’s army. They could not be defeated with God’s anointing on them.

Third, here is an example of where God withheld His anointing on a battle and then, because of a change in Israel, He gave His anointing. At the first Battle of Ai Israel was resoundingly defeated. The roots of that defeat were sown when Israel defeated the town of Jericho.

The Lord had specifically instructed Israel about what to do with the plunder that they got from Jericho. But, one man, Achan disobeyed and kept some sacred things for himself. Thus, the Lord’s anger burned against Israel and he withheld His anointing on the first Battle of Ai (Joshua 6 &7).

Once Joshua and the Elders of Israel prayed before the Lord, Joshua received instructions to consecrate all the people. Joshua was able to discover the sin of Achan – and to root it out (Joshua 7). Next, the Lord told Joshua to prepare for the Second Battle of Ai:

Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king … (Joshua 8:1-2 NIV)

These two attempts to take Ai show clearly that it is not the enemy that determines whether the army of God wins or not, it is God’s anointing on the army which is the determining factor. Stay with God, eliminate sin from within your ranks and the army of God is insured of success in its battles.

In our next post we will discuss how God Goes Before the New Fighting Army.

Please tell others about this important series on God Is Calling for a New Generation of Fighting Men.

Characteristics of the Fighting Army: #3: Be An Army of Valiant Men

Posted by rfathers on February 27, 2010

The New Fighting Army must be an Army of Valiant Men. Throughout the Old Testament Valiant Men or Men of Valour are described with such terms as men who were able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war (1 Chronicles 5:18).

However, we find that it is not enough to have the ability to fight. The Old Generation of Fighting Men had the ability to fight – but they did not have the will to fight. Fighting men must be courageous.

Valiant men have also been described in the Old Testament as having the heart of a lion (2 Samuel 17:10). However, that also is not enough. Valiant men today must have the knowledge of God that gives them the conviction to fight for the right things. They need to be like the valiant men who where with Saul when he first became king. They were men whose hearts God had touched (1 Samuel 10:26).

Our example is the fighting men who most notable distinguished themselves in the Bible, known as the Men of Issachar. These were brave men whose actions helped to propel the Nation of Israel into a time of unity and peace in one of its most crucial times in history after the death of King Saul.

There had been many years of intense division and fighting in Israel between the house of Saul and the house of David. Once David had established himself in Hebron, many of the fighting men of the Nation came to honor David and pledge their allegiance to him. The Men of Issachar were in that number:

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. (1 Chronicles 12:32 KJV)

These men who came to honor David were distinguished by seven points – that are also relevant for today:

1. they understood the challenges that Israel was experiencing,
2. they knew what needed to be done,
3. they had the courage to act on their convictions,
4. they were leaders who brought others with them,
5. they acted in faith and purpose,
6. they were mighty men of war, and
7. they put their personal agendas aside.

Today, my brothers, the Fighting Army for the 21st century follows in the footsteps of the Men of Issachar.

As we said earlier, it is not enough to be able to fight or even to have the will to fight. The New Generation of Fighting Men must know why we fight – and this conviction must come from within. The New Generation of Fighting Army is an Army of God, a spiritual army that is prepared to fight and is prepared to win.

In our next post we will discuss how the New Fighting Army will only Fight God’s Anointed Battles.

Please tell others about this important series on God Is Calling for a New Generation of Fighting Men.

Characteristics of the Fighting Army: #2 – Those Settled Will Help Those Not Settled

Posted by rfathers on January 27, 2010

One of Moses’ last acts was to assign land east of the Jordan River to the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 34:14-15). This was their portion of the inheritance of the Promised Land.

However, the Israelites had not yet taken possession of the entire land. Moses commanded that the men who had already received their allotment to help the rest of the tribes seize and occupy the land west of the Jordan River. In fact, Moses said they must go first:

The LORD your God has given you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross over ahead of your brother Israelites.

However, your wives, your children and your livestock (I know you have much livestock) may stay in the towns I have given you, until the LORD gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they too have taken over the land that the LORD your God is giving them, across the Jordan. After that, each of you may go back to the possession I have given you. (Deuteronomy 18-20 NIV)

God intends that the men who have not yet gotten settled in their lives – be helped by those men who are settled and more mature in the Lord.

This is am important principle for the army because it should be the responsibility of the New Generation of Fighting Army to oversee this process for the fighting men.

This is consistent with at least two other references in the Bible that we list here:

Iron Sharpens Iron

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NIV)

This well-known scripture speaks to the need for men to help each other by helping and challenging each other to be better men.

Engaged and Newly-Wed Men Do Not Serve in the Army

Has anyone here just become engaged to a woman but not yet married her? Well, you may go home and get married! You might die in the battle, and someone else would marry her. (Deuteronomy 20:7 NLT)