Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

Are You "Three Feet From Gold"?

2/17/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
This was my reading for the weekend.  Once I started on it Friday night I could not put it down.  It has been quite a few years since I read Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich.  This book, Three Feet from Gold, was a good reminder of the gems contained in that book.  I have learned a great deal from the experience of Napoleon Hill. 
Picture
I have read Law of Success a couple of times and have referred back to it numerous times.  Although it is 1,035 pages long, it is worth taking the time to digest the wealth of information contained in those pages.  Hill's reminder to have "singleness of purpose" has been extremely helpful in my own spiritual journey.  Do I have singleness of purpose in everything that I do to grow in holiness and in union with the Lord?  It isn't just about becoming rich, successful, and famous.  It is about living a good life and adding value to others.  Although I don't recall seeing the words in the book, it always makes me think about "servant leadership."

The challenges we face in life are real.  How do we respond to those challenges?  Do we quit or find the strength to continue onward?  Have we missed striking gold by three feet because we quit digging too early?

The gratitude I feel toward all those who have helped me in life is immense.  It is amazing how certain people come along at the right time due to particular circumstances.  I am grateful for a greater awareness of these blessings.  In addition to everything I learned as a child, teen, and young adult by playing team athletics, my adult life has also been filled with opportunities to learn.

When I was playing basketball in college I had lost my confidence in making free throws.  There were times I shot a higher percentage from the field than I did from the free throw line.  How could I miss an easy shot so frequently with no one guarding me?  After hours and hours of shooting free throws in practice, and more hours visualizing myself shooting free throws in game situations, I finally was able to make free throws my senior year in college.  I no longer feared walking up to the free throw line.  I welcomed it, especially in close games.  This was a life lesson for me.

I was given a set of cassette tapes by Dr. Denis Waitley entitled, The Psychology of Winning.  (Yes, it was a long time ago because it was a cassette tape set.)  This started my adult journey toward understanding winning, success, goal-setting, and being a leader.  I wish I would have had access to that information while I was playing competitive sports, but it was still a good starting point in my adult journey toward living a positive life.

Many years later I went through a video tape training series by John C. Maxwell entitled, Developing the Leader Within You.  I have since devoured the many books written by John Maxwell.  If you want to be a successful leader in the Church, his works are extremely helpful.

Picture
Other authors and leaders such as Og Mandino, Zig Ziglar, Dale Carnegie, Charles "Tremendous" Jones, Harvey Mackay, Jim Collins, Norman Vincent Peale, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and many more have impacted my life by their writings.  In my quest to understand life more fully from all aspects, these varying perspectives have helped me to become a better minister.  It is important for Church leaders to be just that--"LEADERS."  Why?  One line from the book Three Feet from Gold sums it up quite well on page 192.  "A true leader will take others where they would not have gone by themselves."
Picture
I have been sharing these blog posts recently about what I am reading to encourage you to read as well.  We experience growth in our lives through reading.  I have just started reading The Seven Minute Difference.  On page 57 it shares some statistics.  I did not verify these stats through any other source, but I am trusting that they are accurate.  It says:

* 58% of American adults never read a book after high school; and

* 42% of university graduates never read another book after graduation.

Obviously, we need to be picking up the Bible and reading the Sacred Scriptures on a regular basis in addition to the other reading that we do.  The less time I spend watching television the better off I am.  This is especially true when I use that time to be productive instead.  My time spent reading and praying is definitely productive time.

After completing Three Feet from Gold earlier today, I am excited about the blessings which may be just around the corner in my life.  Whatever your life circumstances are right now, don't give up.  Keep moving toward your purpose in life with energy and zeal.  You may be closer to the "gold" than you think.

2 Comments
Chris Perry
2/21/2019 04:48:08 am

Deacon Vernon, I have mentioned the numbers of graduates that no longer read books that you quoted here in several places since I first read your blog. Father Steve Titus and my son John were sceptical of the numbers, I am not. The majority of the men I meet during the course of my work each day do not discuss what book they are reading, but more likely the last post or tweet they read. One bit of good news, the "New Adventure Bible" of Jeff Cabins is not available because they can't keep up with the demand. Thank you for what you do.

Reply
Deacon Vernon
2/21/2019 02:42:46 pm

Dear Chris,
Thank you for your comment. As I mentioned in the post, I did no further research to verify the author's claim. That is why I specifically stated where I obtained the information. Even if the numbers quoted are inflated a bit, the point is still a relevant one.
Blessings and peace!
Deacon Vernon

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.