This goes with disease. One huge pet peeve I have is when I hear folks say, “Oh I’m coming down with a cold.” Or, “I’m getting sick.” Yes by saying that you probably are. I choose to say, “I am well and my immune system functions extraordinarily.” I believe that it’s mind over matter, thoughts are things and those thoughts have the power to change reality.

I’ve said far too many times, “I have problems meeting women.” Or, “I can’t seem to find the right woman.” I know this stuff so why do I say lies like this?! Sometimes we subconsciously, and also consciously, sabotage our own happiness. Maybe we’re carrying shame from the past? Maybe we’re afraid of how good life can be? Some of us are downright afraid of success!

In my experience saying I am statements over and over again work. This requires discipline. It’s not a practice you do once. You do it daily. These statements must be reinforced repeatedly.

Working at Apple, practically every day before I walked in that store I repeated this mantra, “I am a great salesman. I’m the best. I’m at x% AppleCare, x% MobileMe and x$ One to One. I give my customers great experiences. Customers love me. This is a great day. I feel fantastic!” Sure it’s a bit Stuart Smalley. Go ahead and make fun of it but the bottom line is, it works. Repeating and believing these statements affected my attitude towards myself and others and my perception.

I know this borders on that whole “woo woo” phenomenon The Secret. However, this idea is not new, at all. Proverbs 23:7 says, ” For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” My interpretation of this verse in this context is a stretch in some ways, yet the underlying truth is the same. Thoughts are things and what you think in your heart is real.

Why not believe and repeat good things to yourself? (Jay-Z sure does! He gets it!) Society programs us not to! Don Draper aims right for the heart, “Hey, you’re not happy until you buy this product! You’re not fulfilled until you use this service!” Years of this conditioning from music, TV, films and the Internet present a substantial foe. Your mind is stronger than all that! You can believe what you want. You have the power.

I am a confident, attractive, intelligent, helpful, loving, loyal, physically fit, spirit-filled man.

I’ve been purposely silent here during this election. I didn’t feel like endlessly debating about who is right and wrong. I didn’t want to expose myself to that. It’s ugly and it doesn’t solve anything. Now that’s over and we have our new president.

Listening to a podcast from Sandals Church I was reminded of the verses from Romans 13. Verses 1 and 2 say, “1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” As a follower of Christ I must submit to whoever is in authority.

Reading the status comments on Facebook I see a lot of people are bewildered, afraid and disappointed by Obama’s win. Now they know how I felt in 2000 and 2004. I voted for Gore and Kerry, not because I liked them but because I didn’t like Bush. My vote for Obama was very much the same logic. He was the lesser of two evils for me.

Can’t McCain supporters give Obama a chance? Republicans have had 8 years and the country spoke loud and clear on what it thinks of that leadership. To all my fellow believers out there, look closely at the scripture from Romans. Listen to that podcast from Sandals on the election. Remember that God is in control. God has chosen Obama as the leader to serve His will.

The message from Sandals so convicted me that I’d write the same words had McCain won. I want to see America put aside the partisanship and unite. That is what Jesus would want. He wants us to respect who He has put into power. We don’t have to agree with everything Obama does. However there are fundamental issues we can all agree on: unity, love and service.

Obama is a not a socialist. He won’t be successful in this country with socialist policies. America is a centrist country. Look at what happened with all the gay marriage propositions. They failed. Even Prop 8 failed in California, the most liberal state in our country.

God has chosen Obama to accomplish His plans just as He chose Bush. I didn’t like Bush and I wish I would’ve read this passage in Romans years ago. It would’ve saved me some strife. If you find yourself in an argument about politics remember, God is in control so put your trust in Him, not any man.

If anything good has come from this election it’s that people are voting. When it’s all over we may see one of the largest turnouts in our time. Yes that is a good thing. The early voting here in Georgia has been a huge success. Lines have been long but the bottom line is folks have and wanted to vote.

So if you haven’t voted yet. Do it tomorrow. Do it no matter what. No excuses. It’s your privilege as an American. Don’t believe the polls. We all know they can be wrong. Remember 2004?

Last night as I watched the debates I wondered why McShame and Nobama had handheld and lapel mics. I was hoping for a duet at the end. Alas it never happened. I envisioned McCartney and Stevie Wonder emerging from a sunken stage and the four of them singing this anthem. Oh what a beautiful moment that could’ve been.

I emailed John Vanderslice, the talented and prolific musician who lives there, and hopefully we’ll be able to hang out.

I will also be going to the open auditions at Revision3.com on Saturday morning. Wish me luck!

Hoping to get lots of photos and video while I’m there. Follow my Twitter feed for updates.

Last night at my mentor group meeting we spent a lot of time in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Our mentor encouraged us to cast ALL of our anxiety on God, to not hold anything back. We also spent some time in Psalm 15. The verse that spoke to me was Psalm 15:3, “and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman.” Who is this talking about? This is the man who may dwell in His Sanctuary.

I’m watching the debate aka “The Massacre” tonight. Should be a good one.

Dawgs are off this weekend. We need it after last weekend’s thrashing.

One more thing. You guys are not commenting enough here. Later.

Thinking about the election and all I see are desperate people salivating over power. Politics in the 21st century were aptly described in this 20th century song from the great band Living Colour. This performance is from 1989 on the Aresnio Hall Show. Good times.

JamSmooth doesn’t endorse Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin. They all fail. I have no hope in any of them.

h/t to The Arc Of Time for the idea.

I’ve posted this video before but it totally deserves being posted again. It’s a classic, back when MTV meant something. Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. So get out there and vote! I know lately I’ve talked about being jaded and I’ve said it doesn’t matter who wins. I still feel that way but in spite of myself I’m voting and I’m proud of it.

I know who I’m going to vote for too, but I’m not telling yet. One thing I will say and I’m not saying this in a sexist way whatsoever. I’m not voting for a woman.

And yes I’ll still vote. Haven’t missed an election in 17 years. It’s true.

With the primaries starting up everyone is afire with political debate. I used to care about politics. Hey I even majored in Political Science. Now, I honestly don’t care. It just doesn’t matter. I’m actually thinking of not voting because what difference does it make? The elections are bought and sold. Politicians are bought and sold. It just doesn’t matter.