The Urban Renewal Series Blog by Calm Hill

As a child, I couldn’t wait until I was a teenager. As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to be in high school. Once I got in to high school, I couldn’t wait to go to college. Of course once I was finished with school, I could not wait to find work in the career I chose. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? You probably felt the same way in youth. Now that I am older and somewhat wiser, I am starting to think differently now. Now, I understand that the future is not promised and is inevitable anyway. Therefore it’s better to appreciate (and live in) the present.

In the process of writing my book; Walking in the Footsteps of God ( go here: www.calmhill.com/book ) I was talking with a professor of music at Clark Atlanta University and he gave me some good advice. he saw me at the Starbucks coffee house or Barnes N Nobles book store almost every day writing for hours at a time. He basically said that it’s nice to use your time productively, but don’t forget to have fun and appreciate life while you are attaining your goals. He went on to tell me that he is a professor, successful, has traveled the world etc, but he is single and lonely. Why? He was so busy building his future that he never made time for personal relationships. At that moment, I knew he was right. I thought he was a good guy (still do), but I don’t want to be alone like him. Do you? Here is a bit of advice for both of us…

Don’t be like I have been in the recent past and walk a long journey without appreciating the scenary, without listening to the birds sing, without stopping every once in a while to nap at a glistening brook. Appreciate the magic moments in your life. It’s not about being successful. We made that up. It’s not about money. We created that too. Sometimes you just have to let go, throw your worries AND goals out the window and just live, smile and go!!! No plans. No past. No future. Live in the moment and never let your work, or family, or goals, even career, get in the way of you actually living. You deserve it. It’s okay to let your hair down every once in a while and enjoy the present for the magic moments are fleeting and you can never get them back.

The Individual, Calm Hill
www.theprogressivecollective.org
www.calmhill.com

To readers….

Everybody wants something. Even God. So try not to feel bad for asking God for things you desire. Heck, even God asks us for attention, appreciation, love, money (kind of) etc. So believe me, he is not offended if you ask for something. Especially if it contributes positively to your life or the life of others. Now you won’t recieve everything you wish. And when you do sometimes, it’s at a totally different time than you imagined it would have came. Nevertheless, God does answer prayers.

So ask

Once you ask Him for whatever it is, then you have to trust that He heard you. If you truly pray or speak with Him sincerely, from your heart- then you only have to ask once. Now, more than likely, you may try to remind Him, but depending on how potent that prayer is, then it only takes once. The secret is it has to be truly emotionally charged-Another way of saying, you have to believe in prayer and God’s ability to bless you. Once you do this, you have to let go and let God…

So let go

You are wasting your breath if you speak with God but have more disbelief than belief within your prayers to Him. If you don’t believe, then your prayers only get as far as touching the open air. You can let go at this point, but it won’t get you far because your prayers were empty. God can’t dance to empty praise, and He can’t hear empty communication.

Believe in what you are saying

Whatever you ask for, be prepared to recieve. It’s probably smart to seriously think about what you are asking God for before you pray about it. The Holy spirit within you, should give you an inkling if it’s right for you or the right time. Sometimes, what we want isn’t really what we need. A perfect example is how I have been wanting to do a self-help column (besides my own) geared towards the urban community. Today I was contacted by some associates of the Tupac Center for Arts about being a writer for their blog. I asked for this a while ago, and now I am at a point that it has manifested. God did His part, now let’s see if I asked for what I really needed…

Go here: www.thuglifearmy.com/blog for more

The Individual, Calm Hill
www.calmhill.com/blog

That damn cow…

This looks good doesn’t it? A beef hamburger. It has a nice package with the buns (no pun intended), lettuce, cheese, and tomato. It’s making me a little hungry just by looking at it. Yeah, even the name makes it interesting…kind of. See, if we were to call it a “dead cow, that had it’s milk stolen, topped with a by product of yeast stripped of nutrients, with vegetables flown in from countries who can’t even afford to eat what they grow” sandwich, it wouldn’t seem as tasty would it? But in many cases, it would be closer to fact. One that none of us want to face. We rather ignore the fact that “beef” is really an animal we grow to be used as food. Not that it was meant that way.

That damn cow…

I know eventually I will have to leave meat alone. At least at the level that I eat it now. When you are a child, you don’t control your diet, but as a grown man, it’s my responsibility. Most of us just continue eating, (and believing, wanting, thinking) every thing we were fed as youth into adulthood. Never stopping to think that perhaps a hamburger, just isn’t a hamburger. A woman, isn’t just a woman. A job may not be a career. All schools aren’t created equal. Some people actually don’t believe in God- yet they may not know it… Everything that looks good, as above, ain’t good for you.

That damn cow…

I really should say that damned cow. I was driving minding my own business on my way to a get something to eat (that’s a terrible phrase ain’t it?) Something to eat- almost sounds like anything that I can swallow. Of course, I was stopping by a fast food restaurant. Then I saw them.

On the back of this large truck there were about eight cows packed in the cargo like sardines. Most of them were chewing on whatever they chew on and attempting to keep balanced. One cow had laid down on the floor which made the space even smaller. Another cow, the culprit, stuck his head out the bars on the back of the truck and just watched the cars drive by.

I watched him wondering if he was riding to his demise. I pondered if he knew that we were carnivours. I felt bad because here I was a child of God, a descendant of Adam, yet this is how we have ran things outside the garden… No respect for ourselves. No respect for nature. No respect for God and life. Little respect for human kind.

Then our eyes met…

For a few seconds I felt like he was staring me down. Sizing me up. Judging me harshly. Reminding me to see things for what they really are. When I looked into that animals eyes just for those few seconds, I knew I needed to shape up. Stop pretending like it’s okay to live as I do. As most of us do. The hamburger v\s the cow is symbolic of what many of us have to do in life.

We have to pretty things ups. Justify our own madness. Imagine that things are better than they really are. That we do what we have to do, and that there is no better way. To keep all our secrets, & misconduct hidden from the forefront of our thoughts. It’s better that way. At least we think. That way, we won’t have to face reality. Calling something another name is really powerfull too. Just as God gave his disciples another name when they were converted, black people had to be called niggers, to make slavery justifiable in the minds of whites.

As the truck began pulling away from me, I imagined black people chained in the back of that truck. Piled up like sardines, while white people like myself, had to imagine them being less than human to satisfy our conscious. To justify slavery. To justify something that is obviously wrong on all levels. Now when my stomach is growling, and I find myself wanting to pass through Burger King, I will have to think twice. Just in case you forgot…

It’s funny. In the past, the only times I have blessed a cow is right before I sat down and ate it. Ironically, now I have been blessed by a damn(ed) cow…

The Individual, Calm Hill
authof of Walking in the Footsteps of God, It Is Within Us (2009) & The Urban Renewal Show…
www.calmhill.com
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

I walk in and sit down, not knowing what to expect. I make sure that I am dressed for the occasion, but I still find myself nervous. I am always self-conscious around them. They seem so perfect. So different than what I am used to being around day to day. Now, we haven’t spoken in a while, and that is my fault. I was occupied. Still am. We probably wouldn’t even be at dinner if someone else called me first. Maybe they don’t mind. Who am I kidding, they mind. They just want to see me…

(Someone at the other table coughs)

They turn completely around making sure that person was alright. I heard the cough but I didn’t pay it any mind…
It made me remember how thoughtful they were. Come to think of it, they still look the same. Act the same. Nothings changed. Not even the feeling I get when I am around them.

We make small talk, but not much. We laugh and talk about old times, but not much. This person is speaking about the future. They know my past. They keep up with my present. They are more interested in where I am going. I am happy they decided to take my offer to dinner, then they asked to pay the tab. That’s different. See I left them several times over the years. I wanted to date other people. I wanted to be free. I thought there was more out there for me. Now I know where I belong. They always knew.

(Their phone rings)

I listen. Trying to clue in to my competition. They speak politely to the caller. Oh, dinner reservations for tomorrow huh? I wonder if the person on the other end feels the way I feel. I am a slight bit jealous, but I shouldn’t be. I have no right. I don’t own them. Plus, they’ve tried to contact me several times, and I either ignored the call or gave a quick - I will have to talk to you later routine.

(silence)

Anything wrong, they ask?

I respond, Do you really love me?

Of course I do The question is; do you really love me?

Yes, I really do. You should know that. I am sorry for ignoring you the way that I do sometimes. Would you forgive me?

I already have.

So where do we go from here, God?

You tell me?

This dinner was fiction. However the message is not. Take time out to spend intimately with God. He will be there when every one else is unavailable….

The Individual, Calm Hill
www.calmhill.com

Leading the Conscious Revolution!!!

Reason for my writing my Second Book:

Title: It Is Within Us

Sub-title: A Divine Proclamation for Personal Transformation

Type of Work: Inspiration, Empowerment, and Hope for the Masses.

A few weeks ago, I was given a dream. And in this dream I saw a scene of people shouting, crying, and praising God. I felt every emotion of every person there. I felt that the people was missing something in their lives. They needed hope. They needed to be uplifted. They desired the knowledge of self that only God can provide. I saw the Words of the Title you are now reading. I heard the music playing in the back ground. Hundreds of people chanting and needing relief from their daily struggles.

We all want answers. Answers to life’s questions. Answers to the questions we have for God. So in this book, I will act as a bridge between God and allow him to speak directly to the people. I will need to fast. I will need to pray- I mean really pray. Clear out my thoughts. Read the Holy Bible from page 1- the end. I will need to step my spiritual- Christian game up 10 notches. This won’t be easy, but I know that if I don’t prepare myself and fully dedicate to it, God won’t be speaking through me. He won’t be able too… So to get the conversation going:

Here is a mini-bootleg cover synopsis of my new book coming out next year some time. Don’t worry this is not the cover, only a very rough draft of the next book’s feel and content. After I was finished with Walking in the Footsteps of God, I vowed that I needed at least 2 years to rest. It’s only been out about 4 months and that burning desire has come back already. I don’t know what to say. Just putting it on here to get my mind and spirit ready for an even better adventure…

Walking in the Footsteps of God was the introduction.

This is the first chapter…

The Individual, Calm Hill

This past weekend, I went to Humboldt, Tennessee to visit my family for a few days. My younger sister was down in GA with me for the summer so I had to drive her back home. It felt good to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while, but within a few hours I understood why I wanted to move to Georgia quite a few years ago. I grew up in Indiana, but I frequented Tn. because my grand parents stayed there. My mother recently relocated to Humboldt from Indiana about three years ago. I am glad she is with her brothers and sisters now. As far as the trip, I had fun seeing my family, but my eyes were really reopened regarding the culture of the city.

Every house has a spirit. Not spirits, but an overall “feel” of what goes on in the house. Cities are like that too. Being in Atlanta I feel like I have a choice to either live in Bankhead or Buckhead - but I have a choice. Every city isn’t like this. I have nothing against small towns, but sometimes it restricts us from believing there is more out there in life. We get so used to the same people, stores, roads, and overall culture that we never leave the place. It’s like we don’t see any other place to live. We get stuck, and don’t even realize it. We never imagine ourselves in a better position. In a better condition. Never think “what if?” We get stuck in our small world and before you know it, we haven’t seen or experienced anything that our parents haven’t.

We get handed down our superstitions. Our burdens. We get small dreams of owning a nice car and a decent house - a block from where we grew up. We date and marry the person we went to school with. We have a few kids. We attend church, and that’s it. Grow old and watch various presidents come and leave office, until we “leave the office.” Our world is small. So small that we don’t realize our whole perception of the world is colored with “smallness” (if that is a word). We miss out on a lot. I see it through out the city. I saw it in my neighbors. It was confirmed in my own family. It’s sad and even depressing to watch up close.

How can I help? Maybe by saying that your world is the size you make it. God doesn’t give one person something and not give another person the ability to have that same thing. Yes, sometimes people are blessed, but all the time, God can bless all of us. I am rambling a bit because there is so much tied into this. Think big or at least bigger. You don’t have to be what your parents were. You can be more. You don’t have to stay poor, if that is not your desire. Break the cycles you see in your family. If they do drugs, don’t do drugs. If they are all workers, start a business. If no one is married, find your soul mate. Leave the confines of your race. Leave the confines of your religion. Open yourself up to the bigger fuller world around you. There is so much to do. To see. So many places to visit. So much to learn..and unlearn. You don’t have to live in a small world, but you do have to make the choice to leave it. Once you do, there is no going back, but you wouldn’t want too either…

The Individual, Calm Hill
author, talk show host, inventor

www.calmhill.com/blog
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

I know much more about my world, and myself today than I did yesterday. Well, the knowledge I have today, was present then, but I did not trust myself as much as I do now. Now I know that intuition is usually right, then logic comes in to confirm your first thoughts. Before I would kindly tell my discernment to take a break while my left brain does what it does best. But…over time I learned that my left brain doesn’t do what’s best - it’s not that good at all. It just slows me down. Causes me to do double work. You ever felt that way? I suggest going with your heart. This leads me to the Blog title.

Where are you? No really, where are you? Have you looked in the mirror? Some of us are scared of looking in the mirror (of our soul) because it’s too painful to stare at the real contents. It’s like driving on empty and avoiding looking at the gas hand because you know the light is on. Regardless if you look at it, you are still empty. Get it? SO if it’s too hard to look at the mirror, take a look at your group of friends. For like spirits attract like-spirits, and birds of a feather flock together. I once read, “show me 3 friends of a specific person, and I can tell you how much money he or she makes.” It’s true. Your circle is a reflection of a great part of your being. Yes, your handy mirror. This circle can also bring out the best or worse in you.

Every person we meet gets a slightly different image of us. Sometimes it’s close to who we are, sometimes it’s really off and inauthentic. But, the spirits that are closest to you actually help form who you are, and bring you in to closer resembling their image like the earth keeps the moon rotating around it. This principal is why they say you should be careful of who you marry, date, or who you befriend. If someone is negative, they will rub off on you. If someone believes the cup is half full, they will rub off on you too. This is really true of relationships. Show me a lonely unhappy person, and I will show you a person who will purposely make you lonely as well. Even if they know you are better off with he or she. They won’t tell you to rethink it. They will say leave her, but at the same time will be looking for what you have. No? Open your eyes.

You don’t start off with the same feathers by the way. You just have similar feathers and pretty soon, they are in your presence so long, you began mirroring them. Unknowingly most of the time. Consider if you have changed for the better or worse, then think of who is close to you now. They are spiritual magnets. And like anything, if you do it long enough, it becomes you. That may be good, that may be bad. Who knows but you? You can change eventually but how far backwards would you have gone? How much further will you have to catch up? Something in you, attracted something in them- spiritually. If you feel this person or group of people are positive for you, that’s great. But if you find yourself a worse person, then reconsider. You are gambling with your happiness. They may never attain it.

Reflect on who you were. Who you have become. What changes you have made for the good and bad. Are you happy with who you are now? Where you are? What are you deeply missing? The emptiness is there, and it will come to the surface one day. Have you ever thought; “what am I becoming?” If you have, there is hope, you have recognized the negative force in your life. It’s important. Very important to seriously consider your group- your friends - your partners - your job - your city- for all of these things have a great influence on you. And your relationship with God… Birds of a feather may flock together, but if they are flying in the wrong direction, you might consider joining another flock.

Sincerely,

The Individual, Calm Hill
www.calmhill.com/blog
Author of “Walking in the Footstpes of God” and It Is Not Within Us 2009

Here is what www.ezinearticles.com/?Hindsight-is-20/20:-The-Ultimate-Optical-Illusion says about 20\20 HINDSIGHT.

“When we step back and separate ourselves from a lesson-learned, life experience, we receive what is referred to as “hindsight.” Hindsight is the process of deriving meaning from what we have seen or experienced. It’s an examination of the “lesson learned.” Hindsight allows us to reflect and clearly see our past, then, with depth perception, connect it to our “now.” It allows us to shed light on a decade-old event with pristine, peripheral vision.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. People say life is a learning experience and I agree. Situations you go through, people you encounter, memories, and emotions, all of these things contribute to a full living experience. However, unless you derive meaning from these things, they were just places in time. Unless you look back and ask yourself how you could of done things better, or even worse, your negative experiences will probably repeat themselves. I won’t be long winded today. I will just say, live and learn. Use hind sight to your advantage. The more you do it, the less in the future you will have to use hindsight. Your front vision would be 20\20 so there won’t be a need. Sounds simple and obvious. Try it and see…

Hmmm?

The Individual, Calm Hill
author, talk show host, creator of the FAITH FIlter…
www.calmhill.com
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

A Free Style Poem ( Lil wayne look out!)

I guess you didn’t hear the alarm go off.
You just might be super-late
For the morning shine has already shown
And you are still lying in wait

Can’t your hear the birds
Gossiping about the herds
Of coffee sippers exchanging words
while dropping tasty crumbs on the curb

Their trash is anothers treasure
As your pain may be anothers pleasure
When it rains it dampens your sweater
But to the drain, it’s the perfect weather

It’s busy directing the water’s current
So how come you are still sitting
Are you waiting for the perfect hour to move
Now, you must be kidding…

You have plenty of things to do
Wonderful people to see
A glowing destiny to create
Some mistakes to repeat

and repeat

and repeat

and repeat

But eventually
That same mistake will cease
So wake up darling!!! Don’t tell Me You’re Still Asleep?

Yesterday may have been a battle
The present may seem bleak
But pull yourself out of bed right now
And atleast take a peak at the streets (peak through the blinds)

You see the magnificent pine trees
Over there still standing
Surrounding by man-made metal
Yet, their beauty is outstanding

I know the world seems rather demanding,

but there is hope…

Can you hear the kids laugh
While us adults tend to cry
Use the childs wisdom
And sincerely ask yourself why…

Why am I here, when I belong there?

Why do I settle, is that really fair?

Why am I still sleeping, when the alarm has already rang

It’s God’s familiar voice telling you to “GO and PROSPER for I have not created you in vain!!!”

Freestyle poem,

By the Individual, Calm Hill
www.calmhill.com
Author of walking in the Footsteps of God, Host of The Urban Renewal Show with Calm Hill
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

PEACE***

I will be interviewed by the host of the Black Author Network radio show in a few weeks. All about “Walking in the Footsteps of God.” Stay tuned.

The Individual, Calm Hill
www.calmhill.com
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

To all,

Catch a movie. Make some rounds at the roller rink. Play some music. Maybe cards. Checkers. Have fun. Love life. Love your friends. Love your family. They are your source. Your strength when you need it most. Bonds are hardly created but are more easily broken. So savor in the moment. Snuggle up and breath to a new fresh day. They are here. You are here. Life won’t always work this way. Ebb and flow. Stop and Go. Death and life. These are the inevitables of our experience.

You can’t stop change. You cannot change the past. You can only appreciate the present and keep the future in mind. They say life is short, but it’s long enough. Long enough to realize, it’s as short as long. Your journey in life is remarkable. Every moment is overflowing with God’s love for you. Be conscious of love. Be conscious of the spirits that are nearest you. For they are your guides, pushing you to see yourself for who you truly are.

Take a swim. Walk the beach. Say hello. Sing in the streets. Walk the dog. Praise the Lord. Share these moments with your heart of hearts. Nothing else is worth it. Whether they are near or far. Close or seperated. For they were brought into your life for a greater purpose. To share in the sunlight reflecting off the shores of destiny.

The Individual, Calm Hill - author of Walking in the Footsteps of God, Creator of The FAITH FIlter, Host of The Urban Renewal Show with Calm Hill
www.calmhill.com
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

If your child somehow crawled on a boat and that boat took off towards the sea without you, and all you had to hold onto was a rope on the side of the boat, would you ever let go? Could you ever justify why they would be okay, or how you could always have more kids? Would you think back to the day when they spilled milk, or will your heart sink in your stomach as you recall them saying; “gi-ee kish” (Gimme Kiss) for the first time? Would you focus on how you won’t have to change their pampers anymore so you will have more time to mow the lawn? Would you say to yourself; “I am better off without her anyway, she crys when she doesn’t get enough sleep?”

I hope not. The first thing that comes to mind is what would happen to them? Then, you’d probably run through a hundred dreadful circumstances that they may come up against in half a second. After that, you’d grab the rope and risk your life before you would have them out at sea by themselves. There is no way you will let your child, your heart, a significant part of you just float away into the dark sea alone. You will never ever forgive yourself. You will always think what if? You will never be able to be a good parent to the next child for many reasons.

Even if the child is sleep. Even if the child thinks that they will be safe, or they could find another parent. Maybe he or she is not conscious of the danger or uncertainty, but that doesn’t matter to you. You love them dearly and if there is a chance that they may be hurt, or sick, or lost, or anything, you will be right there hanging on as long as you can. Regardless if they see it or not -appreciate it or not- love you or not. You are with them through thick and thin. They may look behind the boat and think how silly you look flopping through the water and screaming, but you don’t care. You shouldn’t. If you would let go, then you aren’t the type of person who should be reading my blog… (end)

But if you are not…I say this to say:

If you truly love to be an artist, then never let go of your dream.

If you truly love God, then seek him and follow his commandments…

If you truly love life- seek happiness, seek fulfillment, seek passion…

If you truly love anything, treat it as if it is that child drifting off to sea…

Grab the rope, hold on until it either runs out of gas or until you can pull yourself up in it. Explain why later, and maybe then they’ll understand….

The Individual, Calm Hill - author, soon to be talk show host, Creator of a few significant things…. but most importantly a man after God’s own heart.

www.calmhill.com/blog
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

I was contacted by someone yesterday who is very interested in what I am attempting to do in my calling. This producer is Heaven sent. Can’t name names yet…but she is well connected. So with that being said, we will be developing a show for public broadcasting for launch in the next 4-6 months. There is a lot to it, but I am up for the challenge.

This will of course coincide with my Urban Renewal Series Website launch and the In-store displays which will sell the audio self-help products. Still in it’s infancy, but I will keep you all updated on the progress as it nears. It will happen, I am certain as certain can be…

Thank you God!

The Individual, Calm Hill - author of Walking in the Footsteps of God, Creator of the FAITH FILTER
www.calmhill.com
www.urbanrenewalseries.com

Does God hear our conversations, even if we whisper? Yes, of course He does. As a matter of fact, he hears our thoughts, and with these thoughts, He forms our present time circumstances around them. Nothing we say or do passes his judgement. But the kicker here is that, we don’t have to wait until we die to see the effects of our deeds, and thoughts. They manifest, in real time around us. That’s why you have to be careful what you do or say about people. It affects your relationship with God, and your own life circumstances. Especially anointed people. God takes care of everyone, but he especially watches the persons who are sincere in their approach to life. Sincere in their calling. Sometimes He even punishes one of His soldiers for hurting another soldier. We all have to answer. Every man, woman, and child mature enough in thoughts. Listen carefully…

So be careful of judging people. Bad mouthing people. Clowning people. Down playing them. Be careful of manipulating the minds of people who believe what you are saying is true. Why? They now have a bad opinion of someone, whom you are purposely trying to hurt. So now, you put yourself in a position to not only pay for your sins, but for leading them the wrong way. The opposite of a blessing, is a curse. Witches and warlocks curse people by their tongues. Ministers bless people the same way. There is power in your tongue, and it could be used to uplift or enslave. This is especially true for Christians.

If there comes a time to part, bless the people out of your life, but do not speak ill of them to other souls. For, how many of us are willing to tell the others persons half? How many of us are willing to tell, our secrets? Not many. No, not many souls, no matter how spiritually developed they are will. Hear no evil, for it is a poison that invades your walk with God. Speak no evil, for you are inviting corruption in your own life. See no evil, and turn away from others, or even yourself when you are in the midst of it as what you see is what you get. See, we reap what we sow, and whatever you see, hear, and speak is a seed planted in your own life. Plant a good harvest, and avoid the weeds that so many of us have sown in our own gardens. Learn now, or learn the hard way. Be blessed…

The Individual, Calm Hill - author of Walking in the Footsteps of God
www.calmhill.com
www.mindreimaging.com

Just a few years ago, I found myself with a new car that suddenly had an engine failure. It was one of the new Daewoos. If you hadn’t heard, they went out of business because the cars had a few major issues and no one could find parts. I was one of the unfortunate customers. About 3 years into the car, I found myself with a carnote, two jobs, and no way to get to neither of them because my new car was collecting pollen outside. It was not a happy time for me. I still had to pay the note, but because of that, I could not afford to pay the almost $2000 maintenance cost of fixing it.

Then along came “ole faithful”

God saw it fit that I made it to my jobs. One job I had to quit because I could not make it to work on time, being carless. So I saved up a bit of money, got my taxes back, and decided to shop for a car. It didn’t take me long to find people willing to sell me anything, but I held out. Just for a while. I went to a used car dealer in Marietta, and he pointed me towards the car. At first I wasn’t impressed. It’s not like I had the money to look for “impressing” cars anyway, so I listened to his pitch. I then, fixed my eyes on the car and something said; “take it.”

Then I drove off…

Three years later we have spent some time in traffic, on the highway, going to and fro, and it’s been all wonderful. Yeah, I got pulled over a few times because the lights on the back of the Toyota Celica Supra seem to dim. The front ones blow out fast as well. The car wasn’t super fast, but I drive slow. Now she or he did not have a radio. It would of been turned off anyway. Oh, there was no AC or heat, but that’s okay. Towards the end, I couldn’t even reverse. One day, I was stuck at starbucks for an hour because someone parked in front of me and left in another car. But I never found myself on the side of the road.

Only once did I have to get repairs.

I got to where I needed, when I needed, and got a few compliments from people on the car as well. I never took their offers to sell it. I knew it was God that gave me this special car. I knew that the anointing I prayed over the car would suffice. It did. Ole faithful did exactly what I needed, and that was to get me back up and running after a bad car experience.

My Toyota Supra was not fancy. The girls didn’t break their neck to look at who was behind the wheel. I could not really park it in VIP, without people thinking I was waisting my money. No, I could not brag about the great gas mileage, or watch heads turned as I rolled slowly down peachtree, but that was okay.

What I could do is say thank you under my breath as the car I was driving, and almost as old as me, kept me mobile. Kept me free of carnote hell. I sincerely thank God for my car. For stability. For loyalty. For God’s favor over my transportation. Because of Ole faithful, my Toyota Celica Supra, I am now able to move to the next step.

So now we part.

I have walked (and drove) to my next destination place and this is where our relationship closes. I trade him on Monday for a new vehicle. It is newer, faster, and everything else that it should be. I just hope that it is as strong as my Supra. As dedicated as my old car. As God given as that long white car that I drove off a used car lot three years ago.

Thanks for all your work - you will be missed,

The Individual, Calm Hill - author of Walking in the Footsteps of God
www.mindreimaging.com
www.calmhill.com

Every great man, and even great men in the making, need great women by their side. A woman to stand by them when the going gets tough. A woman who isn’t afraid of her man’s success. That believes in his vision as much as he does. A woman that compliments him. Has his back. Who sincerely loves him for who he is and who he is not. Who is balanced. One that can walk at the beach or walk up to the pulpit and feel comfortable either way. That can have a career but rememeber to love the kids as well. One that is willing to cook (until you hire a maid of course)

A strong woman that has her own identity, but isn’t afraid of her man reaching the top. One that is willing to fight for their family. Knowing when to speak, and when to lay silent, trusting that her partner will say what is needed. I can go on and on, but I end it to say, Barack is where he is, not just because of his own efforts, but because of hers. Every Barack needs a michelle. Hopefully I have found mine…

The Individual, Calm Hill, author of Walking in the Footsteps of God
www.calmhill.com
www.mindreimaging.com

To all the hundreds or so people who frequent my site, I have to tell you something… After the storm, you know the loud thunder and the cold rain, there is a calm. There is a point when what was troubling you, goes away and ceases to affect you. There is light at the end of the dark tunnel, and it comes faster than you know it.

When you first walk in, it’s scary and unfamiliar, but that is okay. It’s like that for all of us. Just keep moving through it, at your own pace. Keep believing in yourself. Listen to the whisper of God tell you that he has almost brought you through it. You, (yes I am talking to you) have the victory already. As long as you are on God’s side, and you have done the right thing why worry? As long as there is a tomorrow, why fret? As long as you have given it your all, and you stand firm that whatever happens, you have put your God in control, then so be it.

Whether, it’s during the storm or the after calm, know that you are okay. But don’t wait until tomorrow to rejoice. Don’t praise God for your blessings after the fact. Praise him now. Give him thanks now and move forward. What God has for you, is for you! So bounce back, and put some pep in your step! Victory is so sweet!!!!

Written by The Individual, Calm hill
author of Walking in the Footsteps of God
Founder of:

www.calmhill.com
www.faithfilter.com
www.mindreimaging.com

When you are drinking from a cup that has the contents constantly spilling on you over and over again, you have two options:

1. Get a bigger cup to hold more of your contents or…

2. Put less of whatever you have in the cup, to lessen the chances of it spilling on you

It’s that simple…now apply this to your emotions…

If for one reason or another, you like me, let your emotions get the best of you sometime, then applying both #1 & #2 will help you improve the quality of your relationships and life. Very simply.

Say if you have an uncontrollable urge to worry about everything. Even the small insignificant things. This habit can affect your life greatly obviously. Applying the simple principles above can help you overcome that matter.

As of Worrying, because of the excessive amount of times you exercised this in mind and body, your mind is quick to run this program at the slightest issue. Even imaginary ones… Therefore your cup, of tolerance for life issues is very small and as soon as a small amount of “worry content” is poured into it, it spills over. It becomes out of control as just a small amount of contents can create a spill. What can you do?

Get a bigger cup. Learn what makes you worry, and why. Start with the beginnings of the issue and point it out. The more you accept that it needs to be resolved, the easier it will be to reprogram your mind. In reprogramming your mind, realizing the circumstance is little, that is really not a big deal, that there is always a tomorrow, you begin to trade this little cup, which is always spiiling for one that is much bigger. Now, you don’t loose it, every time an issue happens. Your contents are no longer spilling over causing chaos.

The other thing you can do is, put less contents in your bigger cup. Now that you have a bigger cup, and you worry less about things through whatever methods you have chosen to help yourself, you want to worry less. How? Again, understand why you worry or whatever emotional issue you have and take actions to get rid of it. I can’t tell you what to do, but whatever it may be (it may take several steps), but take them.

You will find over time your cup will no longer spill over. You will have control over not just that emotion, but it will be easier to check the other ones too. This wont be easy, but it will be well worth it. It may even add a few years to your life. So cry over spilled milk, and take steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again…

The Individual, Calm Hill

author of Walking in the Footsteps of God, creator of the FAITH Filter
www.calmhill.com
www.faithfilter.com
www.mindreimaging.com

One road
Many forks
Which way shall I proceed

The way of the soul
The open door
Or the exit closest to me

What do I carry
Who do I trust
To accompany me

When do I leave
Dawn or dusk
And what is the probability

That I reach
My promised land
All in one piece

To find sweet Destiny
Smiling and waving
Finally meeting me

The Individual, Calm Hill

www.calmhill.com
www.mindreimaging.com

Author of Walkiing in the Footsteps of God

Have you ever wondered how a fish living in a little bowl with one aquatic plant doesn’t get bored? Or a gerbil in a small cage never gets tired of running around that same wheel? I did. When I was younger I used to sit and watch in amazement how my pet gerbil, named Rocco, would day after day do the same things over and over again. “Does he ever get bored”, I asked myself. He seemed pretty content with his little cage…until I let him out that is. Then for an hour, my brother and I would have to run around the floor trying to trap him back in the cage. What a life. But atleast we have to trap Rocco. What about you?

Most of us live our entire lives restricted to a little bowl or cage. We use the same places to eat, the same dusty car wash, the same department stores, the same friends, the same hangout spots, the same - just everything. Unlike the fish that needs to be trapped to live in an aquarium, we literally put ourselves in one. A very small one. That cage only seems comfortable because we are used to it. However, when there is no growth or stimulation, there is death. Maybe not death in a sense, but death of passion, fun, and excitement. The spices of life that keep relationships fresh. That keep us wanted to go to work. That keep us wanting to take a vacation everyonce in a while. Yes, the wheel is safe and we know every nook and cranny of it, but it’s not the only wheel. Not at all.

I say this because I am naturally a home body. I like peace. I need time to contemplate and to relax, but I, like you, have to be careful not to just “gerbil around the wheel” through life. Think of all the possibilities! Eat at a new restaurant and speak to who you may fear. Drive down a street you have no reason to be on. Take off work or school and wander around outside. Get a new recipe book and cook something you will never eat. Approach total strangers and introduce yourself. When one thing ends, there is room for something more beautiful and lasting. Whatever you do, kick fear and contentment to the shoreline and jump out of the fish bowl into larger waters. Take your little furry feet and knock over the squeeky wheel. Where your going, it just won’t do anymore!!!

The Individual, Calm Hill - author of Walking in the Footsteps of God

www.calmhil.com
www.mindreimaging.com

We all need work. All of us have something within us that could be polished or perhaps remodeled. Okay, completely thrown away. That is the plight of being human. It seems like it is almost one of the great purposes of life. To grow. To learn and unlearn. In nature, everything starts at one place. Grows to it’s fully developed then passes, making room for the next generation. Everything from the tiny ant to the mighty elephant follows this universal law…

As for humans, we are a little different. Just a little. See sometimes it’s hard for us to blossom from that green bud to a beautiful flower, because we are stuck in yesteryear. Not because we want to be, but because we have baggage from the past that we can’t seem to let go. We have talked about it. We have prayed about it. We have journaled about it. Cried about it. Lied about it, and yet it is still with us. Deep down it is stronger than ever. You know, the fact that your dad found it too hard to say he loves you or that you were a remarkable young woman. How your ex boyfriend still won’t admit you were the best thing that happened to him, not the one he cheated with and is married to now. How about the co worker who got you fired to protect her own self? The man who cut you off in traffic? The 3rd grade teacher who made you feel like you were worthless? It doesn’t matter that it happened 10 years ago. You still don’t like teachers. Why? Talking, sulking, praying, and gossiping will only take you so far. Forgiveness is the answer.

Nothing you can do for yourself can match the power in forgiveness. When you truly forgive, you let go all the pain you were carrying, all the unresolved hurt, the scars becomes healed once again. This weight you have been carrying, the load you have gotten so used to carrying will be lifted. The happiness you once had in life will reappear. Your world will once again become a place where good things happen. Where more positive, than negative occurs in your life. Where love laughs at hate. Where time never drags on and each day is an exciting adventure. You remove the dark remorseful glasses of the past and see with a brighter clearer vision. A vision of Gods beauty. No longer are you a slave to anger and resentment. No longer will you wish for the days of the past. The present will once again become a present.

So if I have done anything to hurt you, please forgive me. If I have angered you, forgive me. If I have made you feel small, forgive me. If I did not keep my word, forgive me. If I should’ve been a better man, forgive me. If at times, I lost my religion, please forgive me. You are worth more than my short-comings. You are worth more than my sins. You deserve better than misery. So forgive me, and move on. Forgive your mother and move on. Forgive your father and move on. Forgive every thing you don’t wish to carry. Forgive the person you really don’t want to forgive especially. If not for them, do it for yourself. Think about the worse thing or person you have experienced and choose to forgive them. Even if you are the culprit. There is another world waiting to be discovered and forgiveness is the only key that can unlock it. Are you ready? I think you are…let’s go I am coming with you.

The Individual, Calm Hill
author of Walking in the Footsteps of God - Creator of the FAITH Filter

www.mindreimage.com
www.faithfilter.com
www.calmhill.com

When Forrest Gump said, “life is like a box of chocolates” he was somewhat right comparing life to a food. However, I think life is more similar to a bowl of Gumbo than a box of chocolates. Why? Like Gumbo, our lives are mixed with a lot of different ingredients. Some of which are sweet, others quite bitter. Some of which weigh heavy, while others are light. Some experiences are colorful, while others…less colorful. This combination of good and bad ingredients we have added into our “pot” gives most of our gumbos a decent taste, but not the best taste. Thankfully, we can change that. Like any recipe, you may want to sample what you have been cooking. Take a spoon and sip and give your honest opinion about where you stand.

What can make your Gumbo better? Are you where you supposed to be in life? How about spiritually, financially, or character-wise? Are you really happy with the taste of your current success? Truth be told, bland food is just as bad as nasty tasting food… What can you do to spice up your life? Go back to school? Move to the city you’ve always wanted to stay but were afraid to leave what is familiar? How about the goal you have been putting off for an eternity now? Will that make your Gumbo better? I bet it will. Once you have added or taken away the ingredients you need to make the best tasting dish you can, give out samples to people you trust. One thing I like to ask is; “If you can do it all over again, what would you do better?” to people who interest me. Many people who are close to my inner circle, probably have been asked by me, “what are 3 things I can do to make me a better person?” I usually respond and tell them what I think about them. Sometimes it isn’t easy to accept people’s honest comments on the taste, but it helps in the long run. Why make decent Gumbo, when you can make “food” history? Plus, one day, I will have to pass the recipe down to my kids…

The Individual, Calm Hill
Author of Walking in the Footsteps of God, creator of the FAITH FIlter
www.calmhill.com
www.calmhill.com/blog

I am, but not all the way… Sounds confusing? It is. Let me explain. I want success. I want to live out my dreams. I am certain you do as well. They say you have to believe in your dreams in order for them to manifest, and I do believe in them. I think my problem, like yours, is that we don’t feel like we really deserve it. I read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill for the third time and I finally got what he was attempting to say. It’s one thing to want something. It’s another thing to desire it so much that life or God as I say it, can’t help but award it to you. It’s the passion behind your thoughts that forces your desire to manifest either strongly and quickly, or weak and slowly. This is for all of our belief systems. Whatever you believe in, you draw into your existance. So how come we believe, but we still don’t see any results? Because deep down, right below our so-called belief, is another hidden belief that we do not deserve anything more than what we have.

We look around and every body around us seems to be in the same predictment we are in. Our parents had what we basically have. No one in our family has done anything spectacular, so what makes us think that we can? I understand, and it has taken me years to finally break through this self-defeating layer of ice that will have me to believe I am stagnated. This layer is further magnified by the fact that our relirios belief (not true religion) makes us feel bad for being wealthy or comfortable. I don’t think that God wants us to be poor and unhappy, he wants the opposite, but…he wants it for everyone. Therefore, if I have been blessed I should bless someone else. If we always did this, we wont have to feel bad for getting a raise, or moving to our dream house, or starting a school for the deaf, or running for president. I deserve a comfortable life. You deserve a comfortable life. All of us deserve a comfortable life. So don’t feel bad for your coming success. You deserve it. Give your self permission to shine, permission to laugh. Permission to splurge…as long as you serve (the greater purpose that is) Are you comfortable with living comfortably? You should be, so make it happen NOW!

The Individual, Calm Hill
Author of; “Walking in the Footsteps of God” and the creator of the FAITH Filter

www.calmhill.com
www.faithfilter.com

One of the things I wanted to work on in 2008 is my diet. At this point, I habitually eat almost everything that was given to me while growing up, along with the things that I’ve developed a taste for over time. At the present time, I will go to the grocery store and pick up a box of salty ramen noodles, fattening pizza puffs, some nutritionless softbatch cookies, and two liters of sugary Coke and wouldn’t think twice about it. Of course, like you, I have to walk pass more healthier items like fruits, vegetables, and good lean meats to buy these things but most of the time, again, I don’t think twice about it. I have gotten so used to letting “taste and habit” guide my selection that I don’t even realize that taste is a bonus and habits aren’t always good. Nutrition is most important. It is the essence of eating.

Just because something tastes good or just because I am used to consuming certain things doesn’t mean that it’s good for me. Chitterlings are a good example. Who thought of eating intestines anyway? The better question is; why have I allowed myself to think that it’s actually okay to do so? Consider this the next time you go shopping. You may not care for chitterlings, but everyone has a “chitterling” in their diet, but it may not be a food. Because, this applies to more than just diet.

The food is symbolic of life experiences. Sometimes when we are so used to having something in our life, regardless of our use for it, we consume it without thinking. Our taste buds get used to the taste and it fools us into believing that this is right for us. To the point, even when someone offers us a sample of something new, we reject it because it tastes different. For some of us, happiness is an acquired taste. For some of us, peace seems to be an exotic meal. For some of us, feeling good about who we are seems to be too expensive for our budgets. I’d be the first one to tell you, ramen noodles are cheap, but they have very little nutritional value. You always get what you pay for and you eat strictly from the hands prepared.

Take notice to what ingredients you use in your life meal. The foods that are unhealthy should be eliminated. Sometimes this food is not fruit, but friendships. Sometimes this food is not noodles, but non-sense that has no place in our lives. Sometimes this food was what we needing a time ago, but we have simply outgrown it. Now we need more. Have you ever heard of an adult attempting to order baby food for themselves at Applebees? Probably not. But regardless of what you chose to eat or if your appetite is directed from a health conscious perspective or simply from the taste buds authority, you are eating from the hands prepared. People can offer you ingredients, but it is you who has to use them. Life may suggest you cooking from your familes recipe book, but you don’t have too if it’s not right for you. It is your choice. You have the ability at any time to toss in good items or remove anything in your buggy that is unhealthy. You are the ultimate Chef, and the most loyal customer. So chow!

The Individual, Calm Hill
Author of “Walking in the Footsteps of God” Creator of the Amazing FAITH Filter.

www.calmhill.com
www.calmhill.com/blog

Wikipedia says this; The name influenza comes from the Italian: influenza, meaning “influence”, (Latin: influentia). This is a message to all of my fellow bloggers… 

First of all, I am no historian. Nor am I an expert on the news or the media. I am certain however that no other time on this earth has there been so many people free to share their thoughts on the world, with the world around them. It seems like we are at a point where we will no longer be spoon fed information through the traditional media, but attempt to be active participators in influencing our world ourselves. In a way, we make the news.

We all know that one key word can change a person’s life. One hug can give a person the strength to carry on. One presidential handshake, can overcome a hundred years of prejudice. So a blog that regularly informs, uplifts, teaches, molds, and even entertains can have lasting effects on our experience. Have you ever thought about that? We aren’t just technical-savy people with a lot of time on our hands, we are actively shaping the mind of our readers. We have a passion for communication, and we want our visitors to benefit somehow from our work. We want to change or confirm what they may already know. Sometimes they don’t realize how our thoughts can become their own. This could be good or bad.

So what are you really blogging about? Or better yet, what is the effect of your blog a.k.a your free thoughts floating through the vast universe of the internet? Are the readers more educated than before they visited your site? Are they more informed on what’s going on? Are they hip to the new gossip or mellowed from your beautiful reflections? Whatever you are attempting to convey, do it to the best of your abilities. Consider yourself the voice of the voiceless. The conscious of the newly waking. The beginning of a new revolution bringing all of humanity closer with each passing bit. Because whether you and I like it or not, we are the influencers and we are getting stronger every time one of us hits “publish”. So to all my fellow bloggers, regardless if you have one or a one thousand hits to your blog a day, you are the “influence-za.” You might as well take the opportunity to release a good virus.

The Individual, Calm Hill - Author of Walking in the Footsteps of God, Creator of the FAITH Filter.

http://www.calmhill.com

www.calmhill.com/blog

    <---- You Can Manifest Destiny

            OR…

     <------ You Can Manifest Defeat