Seven costly pro athlete screw-ups

By Mark Riddix, Investopedia.comMar 10, 1:58 pm EST

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Almost 80 percent of National Football League players are flirting with bankruptcy two years after they retire, according to Sports Illustrated. NBA players aren’t faring much better. 60 percent of former National Basketball Association players end up broke within five years of retirement. Athletes squander millions of dollars due to bad decisions, lavish spending and poor financial planning. Here is a list of athletes that have lost their fortunes through some of the biggest financial blunders of all time.

Scottie Pippen

Known more for his on court defense than his off court business sense, former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen lost $120 million in career earnings due to poor financial planning and bad business ideas. Air Jordan’s sidekick blew $27 million on bad investments and spent $4.3 million on a Gulfstream II corporate jet.

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Evander Holyfield

Four-time boxing champ Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield reportedly made over $250 million in cash during his boxing career, but despite this he reportedly is flat broke. Holyfield lost all his money by making “smart” business decisions look really foolish. You thought buying a house was a smart move? It normally is, but not when you buy a house the size of Rhode Island. Holyfield bought a $20 million house with over 54,000 square feet and 109 rooms. The house has 11 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, a movie theater, a bowling alley and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Imagine how much it must cost to cut the grass on all 235 acres! You could buy a Range Rover with the electric bill payment alone.

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Lenny Dykstra

Former New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies star Lenny “Nails” Dykstra was a success on the baseball diamond, but in the business field Dykstra has struck out. Dykstra’s failed businesses include car washes, a magazine company, real estate investing and a stock trading website. According to Dykstra’s July 2009 bankruptcy filing, he owed more than $30 million to creditors, including his $18.5 million purchase of Wayne Gretzky’s home. The amazing part is that after two foreclosed homes and numerous failed businesses Dykstra is offering the investment advice that led him into bankruptcy for a mere $899 a year! In the investment world, it is often said that past history does not dictate future performance. Nevertheless, it’s pretty clear Dykstra isn’t the guy to go to for advice.

Latrell Sprewell

Look up the word “shortsighted” in the dictionary and you will see a picture of Latrell Sprewell. He famously turned down a $21 million contract because he said it wasn’t enough money to feed his family. Sprewell, who made over $96 million during his career, lost his $1.5 million dollar Italian yacht, named “Milwaukee’s Best”, in 2007. According to MSNBC, a U.S. marshal seized the yacht after Sprewell defaulted on his mortgage. His $5.4 million house went into foreclosure in May 2008. Don’t blame Sprewell for turning down the three-year, $21 million contract though. I mean really, who could live off a measly $7 million a year?

John Daly

Two-time PGA major champ John Daly gambled away between $50 and $60 million in career earnings, according to his 2006 autobiography. Daly once lost $1.65 million in five hours playing the slot machines at a casino. If you think that’s impressive, there’s more. Daly blew $1.2 million in a mere two hours and 30 minutes at a casino in Las Vegas. He just had his $1.6 million house foreclosed on. Did Daly quit gambling after blowing so much cash at the casino tables? Not by a long shot. Instead, he decided to downgrade from the $5,000 slot machines to the $100 and $500 machines. It looks in John Daly’s world, that is considered sound financial planning.

Jack Clark

Former professional baseball slugger Jack Clark was driven into bankruptcy in 1992 by his appetite for luxury cars. According to his bankruptcy filing, he owned 18 luxury automobiles, including a $700,000 Ferrari and a Rolls Royce. Clark was trying to pay 17 car notes simultaneously, and whenever he got bored with a car he would get rid of it and just buy another one. He ended up losing million-dollar homes and his drag-racing business because of his extravagant spending habits, but despite one of the most publicized bankruptcies in baseball, Clark reportedly got back on his feet in the late ’90s.

Mike Tyson

The king of them all is boxer Mike Tyson, who squandered a $350 million to $400 million dollar fortune. So what did “Iron” Mike spend his fortune on? Everything. He dropped half a million dollars on a 420-horsepower Bentley Continental SC with lamb’s wool rugs, a phone and a removable glass roof. It is one of only 73 Bentley Continental SCs ever built. The sad part is that’s not even the only Bentley that Tyson owned! He spent over $4.5 million dollars on cars alone. Throw in a $2 million dollar bathtub and $140,000 for two Bengal tigers and you can see why Tyson’s fortune is down for the count. He filed for bankruptcy in 2003.

Daily Confession for Victory

Daily Confession for total Divine Victory

TODAY, I Olubankole Omotayo Olubamise hereby declares:

My heartfelt gratitude to God for His divine grace to see a brand new day/month/year.

This day/month/year its my time of Divine Victory and it shall be a Jubilee unto me

I receive the blessings of Jubilee-Liberty, Complete restoration, Family restoration, Rest, Increase, Freedom, Safety, Divine Protection, Fruitfulness, Satisfaction, Divine Fulfillment, Commanded Blessing, Multiple Harvest, Overflow in every area of my life in Jesus name.

Today, I break forth into singing, because I have joy, peace and prosperity

I enlarge my vision, because my God shall supply all my needs by Christ Jesus

I break forth on the right and on the left and my seed shall inherit the gentiles, for the Lord shall make me a light unto the gentiles and I will carry His salvation to the nations of the earth

I have, live and walk by faith and refuse to fear, what can man do unto me, for God is with me, therefore no weapon formed or fashioned against me can prosper and every tongue that rises against me is hereby condemned, for this is my heritage, for I am God’s servant

Today, I forget the shame of my past and focus on the glories of my tomorrow, for I shall not be put to shame for my Maker is my Father and my Husband, the Lord of Hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth

From today, His everlasting kindness shall not depart from me, neither shall the covenant of His peace be removed from my life, business and ministry. By His Blood, I receive the mercy and the unlimited grace of God, my Redeemer.

Today, the LORD, shall rebuild my city with precious stones; for my foundation He will use blue sapphires. My fortresses shall be built of rubies, my gates of jewels, and my walls of gems.

My Children (physical and spiritual) shall be taught of the LORD and great shall be their peace.

In righteousness, I shall be established; and be far from oppression, for I shall not fear of terror, for it shall not come near me.

Whosoever shall gather together against me shall fall for my sake, for the Waster shall destroy them and their agents

My light shall break forth today like the morning, my health shall spring forth speedily, righteousness and the glory of the Lord shall protect me.  

Today, the Lord shall guide me continually, and satisfy my soul in famine, make fat my bones and make me like a watered garden, a spring of water, whose waters shall not fail.

I am a seed of Abraham, therefore, I enter consciously into the covenant of Abraham, Isaac and Israel. I therefore shall live long and die the death of a righteous man at a ripe old age. I will leave inheritances for my children’s children unto the fourth generation. I am a great grandfather for I shall see my children’s children

As a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I receive impartation of His power by the Holy Spirit to do miracles, signs and wonders by the Word of God. My Ministry is a global ministry, impacting the nations, affecting multiplied millions of souls for the Kingdom of God. I receive provision for God’s vision for my life and ministry

Today, Great and effectual doors open unto me across the nations. I posses the gates of my enemies, and frustrate the counsel of hell over my ministry. The sons of wickedness shall not exert against me. I put on today, the whole armour of God and withstand the attack of the enemy, I spoil principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual wickedness in high places and their human agents,  triumphing over them by Christ Jesus

Let time be reversed for me today. Every Dial of Ahaz against me is hereby reversed. Every opportunity lost is hereby renewed. I step out today into abundant prosperity, spirit, soul and body. I carry with me today a wisdom and a voice that cannot be contradicted. The Angel of His presence, the Lord of Hosts is my companion and advocate in all transactions this day and always.

Today, I receive Divine Favour to be acceptable to all men, women and institutions. Just as Jesus, I have Favour with God and with man for I am a joint heir with the Son of God, by His shed blood I can cry Abba Father!

Thank you my Father. To Him that is able to do, exceedingly, abundantly, and above alone be the Glory, the Honour and the Majesty.

Let God Arise and let His / my enemies be scattered!

6 Personality traits to admire and acquire

• by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance, on Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:49am PST

I’ve written numerous articles and posts on difficult people, personalities and relationships: Everything from Manipulative Marys to Bullies in the workplace to people who break boundaries to toxic personalities.  Let’s face it:  In life, we come across all kinds!  As humans, we often focus on those who are negative or toxic leaving it difficult to appreciate those who are positive and healthy.  Seeking out individuals with healthy, positive traits, however, may do a lot of good.  The more we can surround ourselves with those who are positive and healthy, the more we may model those positive behaviors.

If you really think about it, once in awhile you come across a person who knocks you off your socks…legitimately.  Maybe they have a fantastic outlook on life, even during difficult times.  Maybe they are really humble, although they are extremely gifted.  Maybe they make you feel special.  All of these are good.

Below, I've listed some of the traits I admire most in people.  Although I could probably list a dozen characteristics, I thought I’d list those that seem to be the rarest or most difficult to find.

1. Selflessness: In a world where many people don’t have the time or the interest in others, selflessness is a quality that seems to be less and less common.  People can be selfless in the time they give, the ability to listen, their level of patience and the love that they give.  Those who are giving and generous in nature have the power to make others feel loved, appreciated and special.  While those who are self-absorbed tend to do the exact opposite.
2. Tolerance: Those people who are tolerant make us feel comfortable with who we are and special as individuals.  All of us are different, and many of us have quirks and idiosyncrasies.  After all, these differences make the world go round.  Having the ability to accept people for who they are and not expect them to be who we want them to be is important in life, happiness and in the health of our relationships.
3. Genuineness: Having the ability to be real, authentic and honest is unique in a world where we put so much emphasis on the superficial.  Feeling comfortable in one’s skin and being true to one’s self is one of the most beautiful traits one can possess.  To have a REAL relationship with someone requires honesty…it requires hearing and giving input or feedback that may not always be popular…it means having the strength to tell it like it is and to not be afraid to face the consequences for doing so…it means loving people for who they really are…deep down…and not for what they appear to be.
4. Sensitivity: So often we are focused on what is important to ourselves that we can forget about those around us.  Those who are sensitive are often thoughtful, appreciative and loving, in a way that makes you feel understood, valued and respected.  Often, sensitive people are also self-aware, making them mindful of how they impact others with what they do and say.
5. Integrity: Call me cynical, but I think this characteristic is especially difficult to find.  In a time when people will do things that are underhanded to make an extra buck (Bernie Madoff…can you hear me?), expose their personal lives to the public so they can be famous (balloon boy’s dad and any other reality TV mongers) and do what feels good in the moment without necessarily thinking of the consequences (Tiger Woods), integrity is a characteristic that is especially unique today.
6. Humility: Whether someone is super-smart, extremely talented or drop-dead gorgeous, there is something extra special about them if they don’t come across as though they know it all the time.  Humility in those that possess extraordinary traits make others feel special too.

Oh boy the list could go on!  What characteristics do you admire in others?  Are there any that you want to cultivate?

Originally published on Sheer Balance

INSTALLING LOVE

MY FRIDAY STORY

INSTALLING LOVE

Author Unknown

Tech Support: Yes, ... how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me though the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge, and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longerdisrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is thatnormal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program notrun on external components." What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do? 
Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system willoverwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart.Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give itand its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some coolmodules back to you.

Sent to you as a courtesy of...
Your friends at AsAManThinketh.net
For a free eBook of James Allens classic:
http://www.AsAManThinketh.net

2010 is our Year of Divine Victory.

2010 is our Year of Divine Victory.

In 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 the Bible says 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (KJV)

Divine Victory is when God Himself takes over the battle, fights and grants us victory in the battles of Life. In 2010 as we face the challenges of this time of human history - economic down turn, natural disasters, rejection, loss of jobs, family upheaval among many others. In addition daily life challenges, we face attacks from the demonic realm through their agents. In all of this, it is possible to become overwhelmed and give up! But this is what we cannot and must not do. God has stepped in to give us the Victory!

The challenges may be many but we have a Great God! He is perfectly in control. He has gone ahead of us into 2010 and grants (giveth- a present continuous term) Victory over whatever challenges we face. That is why verse 58 of our text is crucial. It defines what our attitude should be to challenges in 201:

1. Be Steadfast - stand firm and stare down the adversary-no retreat, no surrender.
2. Immovable - don't doubt the truth of Gods words to you this year-wait for their timely manifestation.
3. Always abounding - Increasing in your service for God, never decreasing, always pressing on.
4. Labour in love- everything you do, let it be done  because you love Jesus.
5. Be Expectant- you will not serve God in vain!

Whao, 2010 is full of testimony, because God is doing the fighting, we are claiming the Victory on every side. Don't be despondent, be fired up. What would you do, if you know you cannot fail. in 2010 you cannot fail. God will fight for you and you will hold your peace.

Go on out there and fight, your victory is guaranteed. Start that new business, take that exam again, get on that journey, make that application. God will give you victory in Jesus name.