Happiness will never flourish in a life bereft of optimism.

In a relationship, prudent application of the gray theory is a key ingredient in assuring years of happiness; “till death do us part”. Balance is at the center of success, satisfaction and a lifetime of love.

I understand (finally) that God does not REACT to prayers or petitions. He has ACTED. It is already done.

Why trade definite for a maybe?

Words, and faith, will only take you as far as your actions allow.

Success is determined by how little time you have to worry whether others are criticizing you, while being too focused to address them if they are.

Depending on the strength of the relationship, level of communication and one’s tolerance for discord, many people are able to get past normal skirmishes unscathed.

Stop giving the best part of you to those unworthy of that gift.

Some relationships require you have a big appetite. Chances are, at some point, you may have to swallow your pride, eat your words, lick your wounds, and stomach a lot of nonsense. While a little humble pie never hurt anyone you do have control over how much of this menu you get served and can always decide when you've had your fill.

No one should gain access to the important areas of your life if you are not absolutely sure they are there for good reason.

No matter how worldly I became, there was always that one part of me that never forgot where I came from and how simple life was there.

Ultimately, it’s about determining what matters most to you; what’s important; what it will take to achieve your intended goal. And once you’ve identified these key components to growth, shed the excess; do away with the unnecessary.

Don't let life's challenges discourage you. Some things are just out of your control. Make it work for you! The most painful lessons of the past can teach you how to survive in the present .

Never let fear of short term heartache interfere with your long term happiness.

Occupy your thoughts with purpose and you will be so busy pursuing a meaningful future there will be no time for doubt, chaos and disappointment.

The seriousness of being part of Operation Desert Storm-the first major foreign crisis for the United States after the end of the Cold War- was never lost upon us.

Staring down the reality of war, far from home, asleep among strangers, that familiarity, those memories, those ties kept us going; gave us a reason to persevere; toughened us up.

Dozens of days, experiences, and encounters have set me on a path I never dreamed possible.

Do not waste your life away by wishing for days you may not even get to see.

Make a difference, change the game for the better, leave a legacy, be a guide that someone else can follow and make better, and then someone else will follow that and make that better.

Be the start of something that is good, revolutionary and powerful. Everything after that is a bonus!

Following trends on social media will not lead to social consciousness.

My incentive? Making a peaceful spirit second nature. And that is so worth the effort.

You can't be much good to others, if you're no good to yourself.

If you truly love who you are other's opinions won’t even matter.

Door money. It’s a distraction. It impedes judgment. It blurs focus. Chasing the almighty dollar can become the root of all evil, the bane of one’s existence.

DOOR MONEY” To focus on door money means one is paying so much attention to the amount of money they are making at the door they do not consider there is much more profit to be made inside a venue.

People who are distracted by door money, neglect the production and the audience. Money becomes their god. They sacrifice their reputation in favor of building revenue. Believe me; the former is more difficult to recover if lost.

Never lose sight of the people who are the foundation of the future you are working to build.

If you continue to concentrate so deeply on the negative factors you are unable to acknowledge all the positive results.

A man enrich his community. A man teach and display leadership qualities for his children. A man by his presence is safety and security for his Queen. The best the thing a man can do for this world, his children and Queen is be a man.

There should always be an end game, or else all you are doing is practicing for an opportunity for which you have no idea of what it is or what it will even look like.

I just follow God's lead. One step, one day and one opportunity at a time. The hardest part is not becoming distracted.

We must learn to choose between lining our bank accounts and being accountable for our future.

Some people applaud my no nonsense approach to life. Others say my methods are “extreme”. Where I’m headed and how I get there is between me and my God. So, if you don’t know where I’m going, how can you suggest I’m taking things too far?

It’s one thing to have the respect of your peers in the business. Their opinions are not always verbalized but if you are doing the right thing you don’t need validation.

You own your feelings. You own your thoughts. You control both. No one has the right to any of it—to any of you without your permission.

Testing the wrong person can prove a massive failure for the antagonist.

When I was in the Navy, everyone fell under the purview of “navy gray”. It is the military’s way of reminding its enlisted personnel that they are all equal. Man or woman, black or white, young or old, everyone was navy gray. With God's grace I can proudly say a better understanding of this concept has helped me ameliorate disputes, mend fences that appeared hopeless and find light in the midst of darkness.

Just because I understand does not mean I agree.

In the heat of the moment, rational thinking tends to elude us.

We live in a world with an ever-growing population. Personal space these days is at a premium. Physically, we are practically tripping over our fellow man. Mentally and spiritually, the divide among us seems to widen.

It's been said that actions speak louder than words. Sometimes, it's what you don't say or do, that sends the loudest message.

One truth that has helped me accept some of the most difficult moments and heartbreaking decisions in my life is that I already have all for which I ask. I am blessed! I am delivered from my worries!

Focus on patience, loyalty, intelligence, greed, dissatisfaction and pride.

Each day, wake up with a plan. Don’t just approach your days in an unfocused void. That state of mind leaves too much room for discontent, opposition, unhappiness and hopelessness.

Issues can only be resolved if each person accepts accountability in the problem.

There's "good" in all things. You just have to find it.

It's not the fact that some people disagree with the protests. That is as much a right as the protests themselves. It is the hateful, profane, condescending way some have expressed their discontent that baffles me. How do you criticize actions you've deemed disrespectful and divisive and an affront to civilized behavior with rhetoric to the same end? That's like the devil judging the Grim Reaper for harvesting souls.

The foundation that my parents and grandparents instilled in me is unyielding, especially the principle that teaches me to keep God first in all I do.

In the midst of combat, we learned a great deal about mankind and its many different races, creeds and beliefs.

Under no circumstance is any proverbial player ever more significant than the collective.

Pride is the problem. Everyone wants to be right so badly they overlook the "rights" of others.

When you sever ties with the unit purely for self-serving intentions, you are likely to find yourself stranded and struggling to survive; fighting to keep your head above water. What’s more, there is no one to save you because you’ve turned your back on your comrades and snubbed your support system.

The tide seldom shifts in favor of a selfish individual.

The first step to receiving more blessings is appreciating the ones you have.

Maturity doesn't mean you stop fighting, you just change the things you fight for.

There will never be a point in my life where it is acceptable to waste time.

Every thought, every action, every statement should have meaning.

When God chooses you to deliver a message, to have a purpose, no one and nothing can reverse the course of His plan.