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Justin
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Boondock Saints II? Where have I been?
Justin
Now I know the first one was full of violence, as will the second, but this is one of my favorite movies of all time! I’ve waited 10 years to hear something, and while on Facebook, I ran across the Boondock Saints II Fan Page! My jaw hit the floor so I continued to see what the movies about and found the trailer. Now I don’t know about you, but I have to find a way to get this film to Atlanta OR get me to LA! One or the other!
Here’s the trailer. What do you think? As good as the first?
Also you can demand it here: http://bit.ly/boondocksii-demand
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The first step to rediscovering yourself!
Justin
Recently I’ve been approached by a few close friends requesting advice and insight into how to tap into their passions and strike while the irons hot! It is clear to them, and many others, that now is a perfect time to; start a new business, develop a concept, write a book or simply learn new things. Though the search for success in such troubling times seems to be a trending issue, I’ve simplified this pattern down to one things. People are simply searching for themselves and through finding themselves hope to discover true happiness. Now I’m sure we’ve all had moments where we’ve wanted more, prayed hard for it and wished even harder but most are not sure of where to start. Well I want to share with you what I believe to be the very first step to discovering yourself, finding that new job or simply pursuing your passion.
The first step to rediscovering yourself is to move yourself out of the way and just dream. Don’t focus on your limitations, rather focus on envisioning how you want to impact the World. This means you don’t have to know how to build a social network to grow an online community, or how to cook to write a cook book. Yes you should focus on something that you’re passionate about but you don’t necessarily have to be the one to do it all. Some of the best entrepreneurs know how to own and run a business, but not necessarily how to do every function of that business. Donald Trump owns multi-million dollar properties but likely doesn’t know how to design skyscrapers. What Mr. Trump does do well is buy, own and manage real estate. He takes risk confidently and believes that the opportunity for his success is dependent on his vision not his personal ability to draw building schematics. He is not concerned about the how, he dreams first and works to execute on the specifics after his vision is complete.
Don’t believe such an abstract methodology can work for you? Well try this; Think about where Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey or even Steve Jobs would be if they were forced to execute on every facet of their respective businesses. Oprah likely doesn’t know how to operate the latest motion picture camera, yet she produces movies. Donald Trump likely doesn’t own a personal sewing machine, yet he markets and sells a line of designer ties. The point I’m getting at is remove yourself from the equation and focus on the dream without the proverbial glass ceiling.
I can go on and on but I think I’ve said enough. What do you think? Can you get out of your own way so that you can discover the path to true happiness? Can you dream without focusing on your personal, often times least insignificant, short-comings? How will you rediscover yourself? What will the World remember you for?
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It's all about perspective...
Justin
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My top 3 reasons you need to see Precious on November 6th (No spoilers)
Justin
Yesterday I had the privilege of seeing an advanced screening of the movie Precious and I have just one word to describe the film. Amazing. Aside from being a great movie (fantastic storyline, great cinematography, and fantastic acting) there are 3 other reasons why you should see this movie.
- Truth – This film doesn’t sugar-coat anything! It’s is a pure, unadulterated story about the struggles of a young woman who’s past, and present are filled with pain, suffering and bondage. It is her desire to express true love for her children that sets her on the path of self-discovery and a subsequent release from bondage. This film reveals the truth about our society and though it isn’t perfect the raw imperfections are what strike you the most.
- Accountability – Once you see this film your perspective changes and your desire to see change within your own community should become a greater priority. The days of sitting around pretending young men and women, like Precious, don’t experience such sociological atrocities is no longer an option. You become accountable and are charged with the responsibility of holding your government, church, community leaders and families accountable as well. You will begin to understand that change is a responsibility not an option.
- Impact – Precious reaches deep into our society’s soul to shed light on some of the most controversial, and least discussed, social ills of our times. While it may be a story to some, for others it gives a glimmer of hope as they search for their own truth and deliverance. Precious touches your soul and makes it nearly impossible to not pray about, talk about, or write about ways to turn the page and move our society into a new chapter.
I could go on and on but I’ll just say that “Precious” has the ability to change peoples lives. On November 6th take a moment to empower yourself, your family and our communities. You simply don’t want to miss this!
Here’s an HD Trailer
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Justin
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The sky fell and now we have to clean up!
Justin
Most of you who know me, know that I am a man of few words unless I want to talk about something near and dear. Well today you all get to read me go on and on about how we need continue to give and support those affected by the recent weather in Atlanta.
Actually… I’ve changed my mind. I was going to take the time to dig deep and express my deepest thoughts but I’ll keep it short so that I can do more and say less.
Just in case you missed it, our city is hurting right now and the media and news outlets just don’t do it enough justice. The images you see are merely glimpses into what people are experiencing. Remember that water is real… this is not a movie! The simple truth is we need to do more. I know we’re all busy but that doesn’t relieve us of our responsibilities as neighbors, Atlantans, Americans,and Christians. A good friend of mine, Jasmine Bacon, said something that made me think while we were talking about donating. After making mention to the fact that very few people have responded to emails and text she said; “Well tell them to look at the news all day like I did and it’ll get a reaction out of them!” My initial thoughts were yea that’s true, but then I asked myself does it really take the news to get people to react? Are we programmed to shake our heads at the screen and then go on with our lives? People have lost EVERYTHING! These are not damp floors, we’re talking water levels that would completely cover most of us if we were standing straight up. Now no offense to Jasmine and the first part of her message, because there is some truth in that, but I would like to believe in the second part of Jasmine’s message where she said; “It just hit too close to home for me!” Now that’s real, and that is what should fuel us. I mean think about it. Some of us live less than 10 miles away (and work even less) from some of the most devastated areas. If the wind was blowing just a few miles per hour in our direction, it could be us standing in need.
So for those of you who have given your time and money, on behalf of all Atlantans I want to say THANK YOU!! But guess what you can do one more very simple thing. Tell someone else about how much OUR city needs us and get them to respond too!
For those of you who haven’t had the time or taken the time, I just ask that you do something… anything. Below are some really easy ways to help and remember it’s not all about quantity (when it comes to time and money). Help out for a few hours after work or donate 5 or 10 dollars… the point is do something!
For those of you who want to donate money, know that Social Saints has set up fund (via Paypal) and you have our commitment to making sure 100% of the proceeds to those in need. No middle man, no bureaucracy. We will take the money, buy supplies or gift cards and get them to those in need. Period.
http://socialsaints.org/give/atlanta-relief/
You may also check out http://www.hopeatl.com/ for additional ways to donate your time and resources to those who NEED you to respond. As it say in the title of HopeATL.com It’s REALLY BAD!!!
Ok this turned out longer than I really want but I want to thank you for reading and responding to this! Remember to forward this to friends and post this to your wall! I love and appreciate you for taking the time to read this now… Let’s RESPOND and answer the call!
-Justin
P.S. If you have questions feel free to call or email me directly.
email: give@socialsaints.org
call: 404-425-9968.
You can also follow us on Twitter for additional updates and information (http://twitter.com/socialsaints. We’ll share the information we receive as we get it!Also If you think home owners insurance and the Red Cross can handle it all… you’re wrong.
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A few changes coming soon
Justin
Well it’s been a while and the only reason I haven’t posted anything before now is because I’ve been busy working on a new version of my site. It will be my first design change in over 2 years. It’s simply just time. What you will see is my portfolio work, my projects and the technology I build come to the front, while my writings take a back seat for now. I will continue to write of course but not as often. I also plan to focus more on marketing technology, social technologies and some of the other things I’ve worked on in the past year or so. I hope you like it and thanks for checking back in!
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Stress: How I view and manage the ups and downs
Justin
I’ll keep this brief so that you may carry on with your day but I want to share with you a particular perspective of mine, in hopes that it may help you manage your stress level a little better.
Let’s face it, stress is an everyday part of life and to be honest some types of stress can be good for you. Sometimes stress (good stress called eustress) can lead to innovation, radical improvements in productivity and even a better perspective on things. What I’ve come to realize, personally, is that I can have all of those things without necessarily having the physical burden put on my body. I won’t turn this into a health seminar but stress has been linked to all kinds of health problems, and according to Dr. Michael Roizen (yes he was on Oprah) can add years to your “real age” (the age in which your mind and body operates at – not your calendar age).
So you’re thinking just get to it already Justin… you said you weren’t going to make this long! Well you’re right so here you go.
My View of Stress
To me stress is a distraction. Stress is one of the many obstacles that we receive into our lives and we just kinda deal with as best we can. For a long time I felt that way but I realized that my mind and body was paying the price for something that I often times don’t have control of. Like many, stress leads to several thing including; lack of mental and physical rest, poor eating habits, and a very poor attitude. With so many “negatives” and too few “positives” I decided to pray a little more and do something about it. With that intitiave and insight from God I figured out that stress, for me, is merely another form of shallow faith. “How so?” you may ask. Well if I am to believe that God can and will handle it all then what am I really doing when I “stress out!” Well for me stressing out equates to wasted time, and being an entrepreneur wasted time equals wasted productivity (and money) further pushing my mind and body into a vicious cycle! So, since I’ve pretty much concluded that stress equals wasted time… I’ve simply decided to stop wasting my time and continue to keep my eyes fixed on God’s kingdom. You may be thinking that’s a fairly shallow explanation but the truth is… that’s it! If you disagree here’s an additional way of looking at it. As a believer, allowing stress to consume you does 4 things;
- Erodes the connection between you and our Father
- Distracts you long enough to miss God’s next blessing and opportunity
- Prohibits you from being completely faithful
- Causes harm to your physical temple.
I don’t know about you but #2 alone is enough for me to stay focused and to worry less. I absolutely hate feeling like I missed something. Anyway what are you thoughts? How do you manage stress? Let’s come up with a plan to maintain our focus and keep our minds, bodies, and spirits free and clear.
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Akuba T.
I totally agree with this. Someone once told me this quote: If you pray, don’t worry; If you worry, don’t pray. It sounds a bit extreme, but I interpret that to mean that you shouldn’t pray about something (thereby giving it to God) and then continue to worry about it (which brings on the stress). It means that you don’t have faith that God can deliver you through that situation and that you never truly gave it to him in the first place!
It’s something i’m guilty of too, but we all need to quit stressing and loosing sleep over things. God gives rest to those he loves. Toiling is in vain. Psalm 127:2!!!
- Akuba
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Where's Justin? [Part 1]
Justin
I really only have one word to describe just how good God has been, and that is AMAZING! I’ve been through so much the first quarter of 2009, some great, and others not so good, but I’m blessed all the same.
I wanted to write to everyone to let you know what’s going on with me. It’s quite a long update so I’m going to break it down into parts starting with Social Saints (founded last fall)!
Social Saints
The story behind Social Saints
In the winter of 2007 I started a very long conversation with God about my purpose and what he would have me to do. After months of prayer and dialogue I received my answer. Simply put God wants me to use my talents to empower others. Since I’ve always considered myself a God Fearing Internet Marketer, I decided to combine those two truths into something more real. The result is an internet marketing consultancy designed to assist faith-based organizations and non-profits in the development of strong, relationship-oriented, online communities.
What Social Saints has to offer
Technology Solutions – We can assist your non-profit or faith-based organization in the development of a facebook application, adding social technologies to existing websites and applications, email marketing campaign development, CRM and membership management software integration and so much more!
Social Media Consulting – We can show you how to turn your social capital into solid relationships. Wondering how to use Facebook, MySpace or Twitter to promote your ministry, cause or message effectively? That’s what Social Saints is here to do!
Marketing Technologies Education – We believe in building self-sustaining organizations, so we don’t just consult and build, we also educate. We follow and believe in a train the trainer educational model, so your organization can learn how to use the internet effectively for your message and/or ministries.
You can join the discussion and find out more on Facebook, and Twitter!
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Cuuz
Congratulations Cousin!!!!
A certain somebody 3:21 pm on October 23, 2009 Permalink |
Hmm…I think i’ll give it a try. I’ve definitely been in my own way since finishing school. I’ve been focused on worrying about whats next and how certain things seem too big to accomplish instead of trying to find the way to accomplish it despite its size.