Laziness: The Fire Breathing Dream Killer! (Read time: 59 seconds)

"One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys". Proverbs 18:9


It is amazing to see how lazy that I can be sometimes. A strong and dedicated work ethic is just not a natural inclination for a lot of people, especially those who live a life of relative comfort without having to earn it. When I read the proverb above, I was caught off guard a little. It turns out that laziness has a destructive element to it. Devastation and laziness are immediate relatives. This verse is enough to get me up off of my butt so that I am not a contributor to the destruction of my surroundings and circles of influence. I have found that laziness, if not monitored, has a sneaky way of creeping itself into a prominent place in my life especially after I have worked hard on something beforehand. The goal should not be to become a workaholic, but to have a healthy work ethic in both our individual efforts and the organizations/causes that we are associated with. When tempted to be lazy, remind yourself that giving way to lethargy takes you one step closer to wreckage (in one way or another).

3 Reasons Why You May Be Afraid To Pursue Your Vision (Read Time: 81 seconds)

Many of us have an innate desire within us to do something significant with our lives. Within that many, there are several of us who have an expectation for what that significance should look like. I will venture to say that this is a vision placed within us. Yet, I have found that the vast majority of people never pursue their vision, or at least never put a decent amount of effort into it. Three reasons come to mind on why you and I may be tempted to not go after the God-given vision within us:

1) Fear of Failure- there is the human tendency to play it safe. A lot of people believe that failure means the end, but the truth is that you only fail when you quit. Mistakes, setbacks, and disappointments are actually very useful teachers depending on our outlook.
2) Criticism- Most people don't like critics or the feeling of their efforts being judged. So to spare ourselves the pain of hearing how great we are not, we stay in the background. The messed up part is that we also begin to criticize others who are bold enough to step out on their vision. Some criticism is very useful depending on the source, and the motives of the ones who give it.
3) No Example to Follow- Chances are that the vision that you have is very unique. True, there is nothing new under the sun, but you may envision a totally different version of what once was. It's scary to try to create something and there is no existing template. But if you act on your vision despite having no clear model, you will be a pioneer and an example to many others who are to follow in your footsteps.

Anno Rebelio and Sharp Skills Come to the Pacific Northwest (Tour Dates Included)

The R.E.B.E.L. Firm is excited to announce that Sharp Skills will be hitting the road with his new album Anno Rebelio, with the first stop being the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The PNW has a very special place in Sharp's heart because he spent 7 years there as a resident and started his professional music career there as well, releasing his debut album "The Responsibility" in 2004 and "The Campaign" in 2008. Now he is gearing up to let his fellow R.E.B.E.L.'s there hear his new sound, maturity, and growth as an artist. The tour dates/appearances are as follows (click on the links for more information):

June 24th
C.89 Radio Interview with Eddie Jones-Seattle, WA-8:30am interview time
F.A.M.E. (First African Methodist Episcopal Church)-Seattle, WA-11am service (tentative)

June 27-28th
Generation Now Conference- Vancouver, WA-6pm (27th)-10am (28th)

June 29th
Inside the Music Concert- Seattle, WA-7pm

June 30th
New Creation Christian Center-Seattle, WA-7pm

July 1st
Restoration Bible Church- Seattle, WA-10:30am