Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Use Your Talents/Gifts




What are your talents and what are you doing with them? Is there something you can do that you feel no one else can? Are you using those things to work towards your goals and dreams or are you simply wasting them?

Our purpose in life is usually tied into the gifts and/or talents (special skills) that we have. That's why we have them because each of us was placed here to do something specific. there is a need in the world for what you can do. If it's something you love to do and you do it well, then more than likely, that's what you're supposed to be doing.

If you have goals and dreams, write them down...record what you'd like to accomplish and put a plan into action to get it done. Always go back to it and never turn your back on it. Your future is in your hands.

Try Something Different





Surround yourselves with like-minded people. When I say that, I don't mean the ignorant ones. Ignorance takes no talent, it takes no thought, it is mindless in every way possible. Keep people around you that challenge your intelligence, that make you think better, act better and do better. People that have ideas that are similar to yours.

If you are trying to accomplish something and you look around only to see others doing the same exact thing, you cannot assume that you will be more successful at it than they are simply because of who you are. You must learn them, learn their resources, their clientele and try to build yourself based on adding a new or different element to what you're doing so that people will choose you over them. You always have to stay relevant in any field that you're trying to make a name for yourself in. It's all a part of your branding process. Your name should be synonymous with what you do.

Always stay competitive, even if you're the only one in your market. Stay focused, stay positive and never let anyone tell you what you can't do.

Let's go!!!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Do It Now!!!

Too many times, we take for granted that the things we need to do in our lives can wait until later because "I'm just chillin right now" or "I'll get back to it after I live life a little". The things is, life is very unpredictable, especially in this day and time. Any of us can experience tragedy at any given moment so I encourage you right now to not put off your dreams. If you have something you want to do, goals and dreams to reach for, do it now. Everything else can wait.

Forget about those things that aren't important, stay away from those things that you know are bad for you. Get involved with yourself and get those things done that you know will elevate you to the next level of your existence. Keep yourself surrounded with positive people...positive thoughts and influences. Read and apply things that will assist you in a positive way and if someone asks for your help along the journey, don't hesitate to do so because in life we learn in order to grow for ourselves and to gain the knowledge and wisdom to pass along to others.

Always remember to be charitable. Let's get ready to prosper!!!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Poem

In My Heart

I would like
to share with you
every
part of me and to
show you exactly
how deep my feelings for you are

but when I
look into your eyes
I don't see
love...
I see
contentment as if
I'm satisfactory to you
in this passing moment and
as soon as you're ready
you'll be
on to the next one

I didn't mean
to feel this way but
there's just...
something about you that
makes me
want to be more than I am...to
do more that I do and to
love harder
that I ever have before

so far I've
only given you a piece...
just a little touch...
of what I call
the outskirts
of my love but
I want to
give my all
I don't want to
hold back anymore
and to be honest...I'm not

I'm moving forward
no fear
no fear
no fear!!!
because I
just feel that
this is right and that
you are mine...
sent to me by God Himself
to love like
no other has ever loved before and
if I'm wrong then
so be it
because I guarantee
you'll never find a true
and complete love
that comes close
to the love that God has placed in me
for you

Written by: Don Savant

©2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

Life Is About Action: So Why Are You Standing Still???

Every one of us walks on a different path in our lives. That is because we all have a different and specific purpose. That purpose lies in the things that we have the most passion for, or place the most value on; the things that we do and enjoy doing the most. The road we travel in our lives will have speed bumps, there will be obstacles along the way in the form of people and things that will try to hinder us from being where we need to be.

Sometimes we can stand in our own way regarding our growth and prosperity. No matter who you are and what you have going on in your life, the situation can be made positive. It may not be easy but it's very far from impossible. Don't allow yourself to be overcome by negative things and people. Claim the things you desire as if you already have them, as if your goals have already been reached and you're moving on to the next set. Once you start living your dreams, never be satisfied with where you are because we can always do better, reach higher, stand taller and dream bigger.

Let's do this my people.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Sticks and Stones

No matter what you've been told, or how many times you've heard the old "sticks and stones" saying, there has never been anything further from the truth.

Words are powerful. With the words we speak, so many things, so may lives can be altered. A lot of shifts in attitudes are the direct result of something someone said. Word can be hurtful, spiteful, demeaning, controlling and lot of other things. On the other hand, they can also be uplifting, motivating and can literally make the difference between life and death.

Always be careful which words you choose to speak because they can not only be harmful to the person or persons they are directed towards; they can also be harmful to you.

Be a blessing by speaking blessings.

Love y'all,

Don Savant

Monday, November 7, 2011

A Word From Don Savant

Struggles are designed to strengthen you. They are designed to teach you something in order to increase your knowledge and awareness in the event that the same or a similar situation arises again. We acquire the necessary tools to move forward through those struggles. It is in no way an indication that we are to give up on our dreams. Push harder with every hurdle that's placed in front of you. Never take no for an answer when it comes to your goals.

If you have a love and a passion for it then by all means do it. There is a quote by an unknown author that says "If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you'll get the best. Begin to live as you wish to live." Speak that, live that...let it give you the power to move forward.

Let can't and won't become lost from your vocabulary and from your mindset.

Let's get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Do I Need Permission????

Do I need permission
to do what i do
to
be who I am
and to live MY life
the way I was intended???

This world has got me
twisted
thinking I'm supposed to
follow the crowd and
conform to
whatever is the "norm"
at any given moment or
what ever passing craze is "in"
at any particular moment

NO!!!

I don't hear you world...
you call but
I refuse to answer
simply because
I don't speak your language

HEAR THIS!!!

God
created me
to
do a specific work on this earth and
it's HIS will
that I cater to
it's HIM
that I follow
because I know that
HE
will never lead me astray

With HIM by my side
I am
learning and
growing and
leading others by example
in order that they
are blessed
just as much as I am
paying forward
all that HE has shown me
so that the cycle continues
and HIS people
are blessed in abundance
on HIS land
carrying out HIS will
forsaking the world
for the love
of HE that created me

Therefore
I do NOT
need your permission
to do that which
I was born to do

Monday, October 24, 2011

Motivation Monday!!! Part 2

When we fall, we have a choice of whether to lay there and feel sorry for ourselves, going over all of our mistakes and blaming ourselves for them or, you can choose to learn from the mistake that were made, and sit back up to create an better and stronger strategy. once you've done that, it's time to stand up again and continue on that journey because you know that's where you're supposed to be. It was never said that the road wouldn't have bumps along the way so we must take them in stride and use them as tools to help us move forward. I'm ready...are you?

Let's go!!! #MotivationMonday

Motivation Monday!!!

No dream is unattainable with the right amount of work put into it. It's very highly unlikely that things are just going to fall in your lap..not impossible but unlikely so in order to be that which you aspire to be, you have to put in the necessary work required to get there. Stay on top of your game and if you fall short, don't get discouraged. Get back up and try even harder.

Our dreams are usually attached to something we're good at or something we have a passion for it and the pursuit of that dream is the fun part. It may be challenging at times but again, keep moving forward.

If you feel it's worth having, go for it!!! Don't let anyone tell you what you can't do, not even yourself.

Let's go!!! #MotivationMonday

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Random Ramblings...

Believe me when I say that life is better lived without a chip on your shoulder. Better things are received when you use love as a tool for growth and stability. We emit emotions from us like radiation and what we send out, we get back in return so try sending out love signals more often. I guarantee you'll see a difference in your life.

Love is the key.

-Don Savant

Monday, October 17, 2011

Two Point Seven Million Thoughts

She makes me smile. The first time I saw her whatever I was saying before that moment was lost in translation. It was as if the entire earth slowed down as she walked past. I smiled...I smiled...and it took a while to gather myself. My GOD she's amazing. I attempted to continue my conversation but it was too late. That thought and all others were gone. This all happened at work so I wasn't sure if I'd ever see her again so I wondered to myself if I should go find her and introduce myself or if I should take the chance of our paths crossing once more. Just then I vaguely remembered seeing some sort of identification badge, which means absolutely nothing simply because people pass through wearing them all the time but no...I refused to believe that she was just passing through.

After my shift was over I casually walked around the building searching for something in particular and there she was. She was surrounded by patrons and co-workers but...she was there; a representative from another company promoting her products in our establishment. My entire body stiffened initially then released as a feeling I hadn't felt in years make its way through me from top to bottom. I smiled. As incredible as that moment already was, out of the corner of my eye, through the crowd of people surrounding her, I saw her smile back.

Two point seven million thoughts raced through my head on my ride home and thereafter. Who is she? How can I find out? Am I too old to feel this way about someone I don't know at all? Breathe in...and out...that's what I tried to do only, it happened in short spastic bursts.

I'd made up my mind that not only was I going to but I absolutely HAD to talk to her. As my luck would have it, every time I saw her, I was busy with a client yet I would always know exactly when to look up from my task to see her pass by. That smile. My God that smile. After a few days I saw her no longer and I started to give up hope and chalk it up as yet another missed opportunity. There was only one occasion where I almost caught her but...I was called away. With my heart in my hands and the closing theme from the incredible hulk series playing over and over in my head I decided to officially close the chapter that was still unnamed but as beautiful as a summer blue sky with billowing snow white clouds placed perfectly in the midst of the great expanse.

Hope is a wonderful thing, yes indeed because I never truly gave up. There was a part of me that refused to accept that she was gone and would never return to me. There was still a feeling of anticipation...and today, there she was. Just as I was leaving for the day, our eyes met and we smiled. As she was speaking to someone else those two point seven million thoughts raced through my head once more and I knew I had to do something quickly. I injected my own brand of commentary into their conversation. Not in a rude manner but just playfully enough to get her attention. Then I walked away. I could feel her. I knew she was there...right on my heels so I slowed up my pace just enough that were began to walk shoulder to shoulder and it happened.

She began speaking with me. It was as if we'd been friends forever and were "catching up". Our conversation flowed so naturally that any bystander would mistake us for long time friends. My mind took over once more...

"It's just a coincidence. We just happen to be going the same way."

"I know you're not getting off already" was the next thing that came out of her mouth.

I explained to her how long my shift was and she nodded in agreement that it was definitely time to go home. She then managed to let me know what her work hours were. I smiled as our conversation continued. She then made a comment about following me to which I replied, "I love being followed by beautiful people."

She paused...smiled...thanked me and placed her hand on my arm very tenderly then walked her fingertips down towards my elbow.

"My name is Mikayla."

I nearly melted as once again those two point seven million thought traipsed through my imagination again. We stood by the break room door and engaged one another for another minute or two and the man in me wanted more, he wanted to take the plunge but the gentleman in me said wait, you know who she is, and where she is so now you can take your time and do this correctly.

Before parting she asked if she'd see me tomorrow, and my answer was yes. The smile across her lips was enough to let me know that this could possibly be the beginning of something. It also blinded me to the fact that I had an audience of male co-workers observing what had transpired. I was greeted with a thumbs up and several looks of amazement that said "you are that dude", and to be honest, I feel like that dude.

Tomorrow cannot come soon enough.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Motivation

What God has for me is for me, and there is no one or nothing on this Earth that can keep me from it but me. Now, I've personalized this because it that's what it is, personal. The things that happen between you and God are just that. He brings you through things to give you a testimony. You may then use that testimony to inspire others that may be going through something similar. Your testimony also gives you an appreciation for the things that you've been through that are now a part of your past.

To me that's the ultimate motivation. It's always been said that trouble doesn't last forever. In order to see for yourself that this is true, you have got to give whatever it is you're going through to God so that He can work it out for you. Trying to face your troubles on your own does nothing but prolong them. Always remember that as you're on your journey through your life, on your personal walk with Him. He will always lead you the right way. Trust that if you trust nothing else.

Much Love,

Don Savant

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Frustrations: Letting Go

I believe with all my heart in Luke 6:31 - Do to others as you would have them do to you. I find it difficult to uphold this within my current situation because I'm having to deal with someone who is blatantly disrespectful on every level, is extremely contradictory and is demeaning to everyone that he encounters. In the case of this particular situation, I try to live by Matthew 5:39 - But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Anger and revenge are two of the easiest ways to deal with undesirable situations but...I've learned that life is not about what is easy. Anything worth having is most definitely worth working for. I believe this with all my heart. It is because of this that I try to remain positive through everything that comes my way. It is the only way to truly grow and prosper.

I'm not saying that everything you do will be difficult or is designed to be that way but, usually if things do start to become that way, it's one of life's many endurance exercises designed to teach you how to overcome and continue to move forward.

Stay prayed up, call on God during your good and bad times, and always let Him deal with your struggles. Do these things and all will be well. I love y'all. Be blessed and prosperous.

-Don Savant

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Bully (A Poem Written by Don Savant)

Bully

When you're growing up
You experience life...
And you learn that
Everyone that calls you friend
Really isn't and
Everyone that swears you're an enemy
Never gave themselves a chance to know you

There's always been that
Entity...
That
Metaphorical beast in your life from
Your first days on the playground
Until you've grown and gone corporate

Kids are
Pushed down in the sand box and
Kicked at the playground

Teenagers are
Pressured into sex and
Drugs and
Different types of sex and
More types of drugs

Adults are
Ridiculed and
Talked down upon and
Treated as inferior
By those who are a few rungs higher
On that corporate ladder but

No matter
Who you are or
What your age may be
A Bully
Is a Bully and
Speaking directly for self I
Plan to stand on my own from this day forth
and claim my independence
From the world...
The biggest bully of all


Stand up and be who you are regardless of who talks about you or what someone may try to do to or against you. Stay strong in your faith and continue your forward progression no matter what.

-Don Savant

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Short Prayer

Father, you are my everything. You are my source of strength, inspiration and motivation. Without you, I can do nothing but with you, there's nothing I can't do. I love you because of who you are...

-Don Savant

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Affirmation

God really works things out in our lives. His will is such an immaculate thing. A few weeks back, my sister informed me of a seminar that would be coming close to my hometown. In that seminar they had several people scheduled to speak and serve as motivators for those in attendance. It was a Get Motivated seminar. Bill Cosby was in that list of speakers. I have wanted to see him speak live for years and I thought my opportunity to do so had slipped away due to my mind slipping and forgetting about it.

That's when God stepped in and did His thing. Just as only He would have it, my cousin mentioned that she had tickets to this seminar and asked if I'd like to go. The only dilemma I had was that it's on a Wednesday. I let her know that I'd check my schedule and get back with her.

I told you God is good right?

I checked my schedule and was off on the day of the event. I VERY VERY RARELY have Wednesdays off. It was absolutely nothing but God. Nothing but God!!!

Not only did I get to hear and see Mr. Cosby speak, but I was also blessed to see and hear a host of other wonderful motivational speakers. Now I've had some people say to me that they are self motivated and don't need anyone to tell them how and why to be motivated. To that I say this. It's not so much that I needed or was seeking motivation. As I said before, one of My dreams was to see Cosby speak live...dream accomplished. It was also a mission of affirmation to make for certain that the motivational tools that I'd been using on my own matched the ones that they were willing to share as well as to possibly gain new tools to move forward with.

It was very well worth it. All of the speakers there were very insightful and brutally honest about how people are when it comes to getting things done in their lives.

You cannot sit around waiting for people to do things for you. You cannot allow people and situations to deter you from your dreams and goals. You have the power in you to get things done for yourself.

A lot of times we sit around and wait on God to provide us with things when we're quite capable of going out and getting them for ourselves because He has already given us the tools to do so. Often times it is He that is waiting on us to get things started so that He knows when to step in with the necessary assistance along that path. It's just like it has always been said, He helps those that help themselves. You have to be willing to step out on faith and start the work required to achieve and accomplish the things in life that you dream about.

Too often we stand in the way of our own future because we're not willing to trust Him or ourselves enough to do the work that's required of us to make things happen. As Mr. Cosby said, "Only YOU know what YOU WANT to be and only YOU know what YOU want to do so GET UP AND DO IT!!!" Don't blame God for things not going as you plan because if you're willing to believe in Him, He will help you plan as you go. The words that I heard today spoke volumes to me because I've started and stopped so many times. I've gotten disappointed at my progress but I now realize that no matter what I must keep going. I cannot take the risk of losing sight of my dreams.

I've been guilty of a lot of things that will stop your dreams in their tracks. One is procrastination which is the sworn enemy of progress. I have accomplished things, but after those accomplishments, I have a tendency of slacking off...I get into a comfort zone so to speak; but what I should do instead is celebrate that success while I forge ahead towards something else. Constant continuity is the key, and also an absolute love for what I do. Time is a God granted gift and as another speaker stated, "where you spend your time is where your heart is". That same speaker also said that "your words are the footsteps to your prophecy".

That is something I've known for quite some time. Our words are incredibly powerful. They can and very often do dictate the outcome of our lives. I've said so many times before that thoughts plus words equals life, or that life is the sum of your thoughts and the things you speak into existence. If you're always pessimistic (which some of us constantly confuse with being realistic), you will call into your life exactly what you think the outcome of any and every situation you speak poorly of will be. Speak of the things you CAN do, the things you WANT to and WILL do instead of the things that you cannot or won't do. You will receive exactly what you call into your life.

Anything you want to be, you can be. Anything you want to do, you can do, but you have to believe it can be done and have faith that it will be done. Most importantly, write it down, prioritize your thoughts and put a plan into action. I will meet you at the finish line. Ready, Set, Go!!!!

-Don Savant

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Random

It's not who you know that contributes to your success, it's the choices you make.

-Don Savant

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Excuses Excuses

I'm blessed. There's no doubt about that. I'm so very grateful for what I have, for the things that I can do and for having the ability to share things with people that can possibly help them in their journey through life.

I often ask myself though, why am I not satisfied? Why do I feel so ungrateful at times? Sometimes I'm in a place where I feel as if I can do more and be more than what I am. I ask why I haven't accomplished more than I have. Again, I'm grateful, but my mind stays busy wondering how I can achieve more and I sometimes get stuck in a hamster wheel so to speak trying to figure things out.

Life has absolutely no limits whatsoever. We have been blessed with a power so great within us that we don't even realize. What we speak becomes our truth. I'm guilty of second-guessing myself, of doubting my talents which is a blatant slap in the face to my gifts. The one thing about gifts is that they can be taken away if they aren't used properly.

After all the thinking and the doubting and the wondering I now realize that it's me. It's not the people around me, it's not my family or friends, it's me. I am holding myself back from where i need to be.

All this time I've focused on the things I want to do, the things that I need to accomplish and have in my life but when it comes down to it, it's all about God. God has a very specific plan for our lives. He places us in situations and around people to teach us something. When we learn the things we are supposed to learn then He moves us. He moves us to our rightful spot in this world. If we listen and pay attention to the things that He is showing and telling us we will see that He offers us a road map to our lives.

I now know that procrastination is my enemy and that my trials are the tests that fuel my testimony. Everything I've learned must now be applied and once that application has taken place I will begin to move forward. God is always present in our lives and He moves us by faith so if you don't believe in yourself, it's as if you're saying that you have no faith in Him because He made you to be something specific, to do something specific on this earth.

It's time that I tuck away my inhibitions, release myself from the bondage of shyness and stop letting fear run my life. God is here with me...He always has been and now is the time for me to truly recognize and follow Him to the place that He needs me to be.

Father I'm listening now...I have no more excuses.

-Don Savant

Monday, July 18, 2011

Just a Thought

Sometimes those that encourage are in need of the most encouragement.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Toll of SC's Domestic Violence Grows




Anyone that really knows me, knows exactly how I feel about domestic violence. It is such a huge problem in our communities. It is very hurtful to the people involved as well as any children that may be witnesses to those acts. Let's build more loving households for our children to grow up in. They learn from the things they experience, so let's teach them how to love!!!

This is a blog post by NewsChannel 7's Tom Crabtree and he was nice enough to let me share it with all of you. Thank Tom!!!

The Toll of SC's Domestic Violence Grows

by Tom Crabtree

SPARTANBURG, S.C. --

The news business gives me a front seat to what's happening in the world, especially the Carolinas.

Last night I saw the horrific toll of domestic violence, one of South Carolina's biggest blights.

In Union County, a man goes to the convenience store where his girlfriend works and shoots her. Somehow, despite being wounded four times, the woman survives. The man steps outside the store, refuses to drop his gun, and a SWAT officer fatally wounds him.

A short time later, two lives are lost in Laurens County. Authorities say a man shoots and kills the mother of his three children as she sits in a car at the plant where she worked. The man is accused of then shooting and killing a deputy. The suspect is now hospitalized after being wounded by officers.

Three lives lost.

The root cause: domestic violence.

The web site of the South Carolina Attorney General's Office says, each year, more than 36,000 victims report a domestic violence incident to a SC law enforcement agency.

According to the SCAG, the state averages 33 women killed per year by their intimate partner.

The SCAG describes domestic violence in South Carolina as a "crisis."

The Palmetto State ranks ninth in the number of women killed by men.

The problem's causes are many. Experts cite past violence or aggression, being a victim of violence as a child, drug or alcohol use, a stressful life event such as being unemployed.

Of immediate concern is the safety of victims and potential victims.

If you are caught up in an actual or developing domestic violence situation, please don't let it continue even one more day. There are steps you can take.

First, l recommend the following link for the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network:

http://www.scvan.org/domestic_violence_qa.html#a. This site answers many questions of vital concern to domestic violence victims, including how to put together a plan to get away from your dangerous situation.

Http://www.scag.gov/criminal-domestic-violence-in-south-carolina has information about the programs of the S.C. Attorney General to fight domestic violence.

And keep this number: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). It's the number of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

9-1-1 is at your disposal too.

If you need help, don't hesitate to ask for it.

Use these resources to protect yourself and loved ones.

Here is the link to his blog post.

http://www2.wspa.com/blogs/tom-crabtree/2011/jul/14/toll-scs-domestic-violence-grows-ar-2113101/

Ladies and gentlemen, please utilize these resources. Let's take a stand against domestic violence right now. Let it be known that you're not going to take it anymore and take the proper actions to receive the help you need to remove yourself for that situation and get the other party the rehabilitative help they need to make them better. We are losing far too many people to this disease. Love is so necessary!!!

-Don Savant

Monday, July 11, 2011

Born Day

On this day in 1975 a baby boy was born. Ironically, Baby Boy was his name until his parents finally agreed one. They called him John.....

I'd just like to take a moment to display a little gratitude for my life. As human beings we go through life wishing, wanting and waiting. In between all of that we live. Some of us live better than others, but we all have a reason for living. I've been through some things that others may not have and others may have been through things that I have not. The bottom line is, we're still here. God places a will in us that surpasses everything on this earth except for His. God's will is the strongest that exists and it's the most important will in our lives.

I have grown so much over the years and I still have a lot of growth pending for the years to come. I celebrate each moment...each triumph, each failure...heartbreak and great moment. I treat each moment whether it's big or small with the most respect I can muster simply because I know that it's the small things that build you towards the bigger ones.

With that said...I'm so glad to be blessed to see another year come to me. It's been a long, rough, yet necessary road to get to where I am right now but there have been some of the greatest times ever in the midst of it all. I look forward to other moments as well, whether they surpass those moments or not.

I realize that no longer am I that baby boy that was presented to my parents all those years ago. I also realize that I'm still not where God plans for me to be but step by step through faith and patience I'm climbing the ladder that He built for me and let me tell you, I've been looking up every day and I have yet to see the top rung. Many people would be discouraged by that but it inspires me. It makes me want to reach higher because my life has no ceiling, my top rung does not exist because the higher I reach, the higher God takes me.

Never allow discouragement into your life. Always stay hungry and ready to be fed knowledge and learn as many lessons as you can while you're growing. That thirst within you should be one that's never fully quenched. Want more, do more, be more, achieve more and with every blessing you receive, be sure to pass something along to someone else.

Yours Truly,
Don Savant

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Trust Yourself

Every situation we face in life requires some degree of trust. Whether it's trusting someone, something or even yourself, there's always somewhere in the midst.

When we face decisions in our lives, we often wonder which road we should travel. There's usually an easy way and a hard way; then sometimes there's something in between. Most of the time, we operate on a trial and error basis. However, there are times when the choices we must make may have a great positive or negative impact in our lives. These are the times that we must trust our natural instincts. Usually, if something doesn't feel right, it usually isn't. There may be some instances when fear will take over and stop you from doing something in particular when it's exactly what you were supposed to do. That fear produces a completely different feeling. We have to learn to be so in tune with ourselves that we can tell the difference between the two automatically.

We have to trust ourselves enough to make the right situational choices in our lives. I'm not saying that we shouldn't or will never fail at anything because failure is ultimately a major component of success. If you've never failed at anything, then you've never experienced true success.

Never be afraid to fail. That's another part of that trust. You have to trust that if and when you do fail that you will learn and grow from it, not allowing it to deter you from trying again because I can promise you that on one of your attempts, you will succeed.

If you're a singer, you have to trust that you will carry your notes well. If you're a writer, you have to trust that your reader(s) will read and be able to relate to your stories. If you're facing peer pressure, you have to trust that you won't give in to it If it's something you know you shouldn't be doing.

There are so many situations that can lead you to somewhere, someone and /or something great. But, there are also situations that can be harmful and/or fatal to you. Always trust that God will lead you to the right situation and that your gut feeling is usually the one to listen to. Take care, be blessed and be a blessing.

-Don Savant

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Talking To Myself...




I haven't been happy there for quite some time. I wasn't happy when I left, and was even less happy when I returned. Am I grateful for it? Absolutely. I would never take my blessings for granted. Here's what I'm struggling with though. I believe with all my heart that God is leading me towards something so great that the depths of my imagination couldn't even begin to fathom. I really believe this. So, on one hand, I feel that I'm being held back from where I'm supposed to be...and on the other...I know I'm still there for a reason. Or, maybe the reason I'm still there is because I'm afraid to let go of what's familiar.

I thought that taking on something new would refresh me somehow and take away from the stale repetitiveness that I've been experiencing for years. In a sense, it's a better situation..but at the same time, it's starting to feel as if it may actually be worse. It's more money but, the reality is, money isn't everything especially if you're miserable in the process of making it.

There are days when I feel like not showing up at all or even worse, show up and simply acting as if I'm not there. I've been repeating to myself for what seems to be an eternity that there has got to be something better than this. The truth is, there is and I'm doing it right now. Writing is my passion and my future lies within my words. This is a part of my purpose. I don't know the exact magnitude of what impact I will have but I know that I can feel something building inside of me. I can feel my potential growing from the fact that my mind has started to wander more than usual and my thoughts are getting deeper. It's almost as if at times I black out while I'm writing because when I go back and read it, I'm amazed to the point that I question whether it was I that wrote it or not.

I know that I should and am supposed to step out on faith and believe me, I want to but in the meantime while things are being built in my new existence, things still need to be taken care of in my current one. It's not a good position to be in. The conflict is great, and the solution is not so simple.

I'm praying for and seeking direction. I'm holding on to the promise. I'm standing unshaken..patiently while all of the answers unfold before me. But until then...I'm torn between something I love to do (minus the people that make it more stressful than it's supposed to be) and something I feel I was meant to do. Ahh yes, the decisions of life.

God Bless You.

-Don Savant

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

When The Son Shines...




When The Son Shines

Desperate
scared...
lonely
and depressed...
a pebble in the ocean
lost in the abyss of the world

self esteem
blowing in the wind and
consciousness
slipping in and out...
reality
nowhere to be found

dreams so foul that
nightmares shy away and
goals so low that
a single positive whisper
could not find a way in...
sealed...without a shred of hope

inspiration
vehemently laughed
spitting lies in my face
when it was
designed
to lift me

my rope was ready
my
preferred poison picked
ready
to declare that
enough is enough

until I
felt the presence of
something else
something that
seemed different that
seemed to be pushing me...
placing me on
a path that I hadn't traveled before
an
alternate route
giving me
a clear path
through my
clouded judgment
a
new way
out of what seemed like
no way at all

that day
the Son shined on me and
it was
at the exact moment
when I used
my last ounce of strength
my
last shred of faith
to call on Him
and He
released me
from the bondage of my own mind
so that
I could live the life that
His Father
intended for me


©2011 Don Savant

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Put it On Repeat!!!

Life is a series of repetitive thoughts, words and actions. Everything we learn is through some sort of repetition. Even as kids when learning to tie our shoes or when we're taught how to count or speak, even when learning the alphabet we repeat it until we know it by heart without having to think about it. We always drill things into our heads until it's common knowledge to us.

This is something we do that we never really think about and it seems that as adults we forget exactly how powerful our thoughts really are or how effective they can be. What I mean is, we often sell ourselves short of our dreams and goals. We talk ourselves out of things constantly when we should be talking or convincing ourselves that we can do them no matter what.

If you tell yourself over and over again that you can't do something, you'll start to believe it. If you don't think you're good enough to do something, be something or be with someone...you'll say and think it so much until it becomes your truth. Whether it's negative or positive, repetition plays a major role in what we accomplish in our lives.

Let's start telling ourselves what we can and will do. Focus on the things that you do want, the things that you can and will do and you'll find those things happening for you. Think about all the things we talk ourselves out of and imagine all the things that we could be talking ourselves into instead. Your dreams are yours...and no one can achieve or crush them except for you. We as individuals hold the power to speak and think anything into existence that we want. We just have to have faith and believe that we can.

Put your positive thoughts on repeat!!!

-Don Savant

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Think Past Your Struggles

Today was a struggle for me. It seemed that everything that could go wrong did so. After the first encounter that didn't go as I'd hoped, it snowballed into one encounter after the next. However, through each moment I smiled, and carried myself as I normally would. I made a conscious decision to not let those things bother me, especially the moments that were out of my control. Had I not done that, there's no telling the state of mind I would have allowed myself in, or what I'd have ended up doing. I'm pretty sure that it would have been very unnecessary.

We all encounter these moments in our lives, whether it's daily, weekly, monthly or otherwise. It's up to us to have a strong enough mindset to think our way past those moments. Shift your focus to something that makes you happy rather than dwelling on that particular situation. I promise you it will make all the difference in the world. If it didn't, I'd be sharing a completely different story. Keep yourselves in the midst of the spirit of elevation.

-Don Savant

Teenage Confessions: Think and Dream BIG!

Teenage Confessions: Think and Dream BIG!: "Thoughts become things, positive thoughts become positive things and negative
thoughts become negative things."if your going to be thinking anyway, you may as
well think big" - Donald Trump. successful people seems to have this down pact
while people who struggle don't. Their negative thoughts become or attract
failure while positive thoughts attract success or other great things. You
create your own reality it's up to you whether your a success or not. It's all
about the way you think. What you think is what you become.

Written by: Nicholas Hughes"

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

M.O.T.I.V.A.T.I.O.N

Who motivates you? What motivates you? When was the last time you saw or heard something that moved you so much that it made you want to get up, get out and do something?

Motivation is key to our existence in this life. If we're not motivated or moved by something, we will forever remain in the exact place in our lives. We will always be at a standstill, frustrated that nothing is moving in our lives.

We have to place ourselves in a position where our growth is inevitable. We all want to look forward to something in life. How big or small that something is depends on the strength of our minds. If we think small, we will always have small results. If we think and believe big, there is absolutely no ceiling to where we can go or what we can achieve.

We have the power within us to build things, and it all begins with a thought or a word. It then progresses to actions. Once we get something started and see the results or the fruits of our labor, it becomes difficult to look back because by that time, it's all about forward progression.

It's also important to surround yourselves with like-minded individuals. Your thought process is a fragile thing and letting anyone into that wave of information could prove to be a great success or a great failure depending on the information that you're being fed. If the people around you are always skeptical about your plans or are constantly telling you what they feel you cannot accomplish, eventually that will soak in and you will start to believe it as well. Those are the people that have no place in our lives.

Read encouraging books, articles, posts, etc. Think encouraging thoughts. Speak encouraging things over yourself and others. Always tell yourself not only that you CAN do it but that you WILL do it. As a matter of fact, you can go as far as to say that it's ALREADY DONE. Speak it!!! Breathe life into it!!! Care for it and nurture it!!! God places dreams and visions in us because in His will is purpose!!! Let Him move those mountains!!! Celebrate your accomplishments as you accomplish them. If you haven't reached your ultimate goal yet, it's alright...celebrate every step of the way!!! Love what you do and make it evident that you have a level of love in you that can't be matched by anything. It's all about
M.O.T.I.V.A.T.I.O.N (Moving Onward Towards Infinite Value Assessment Taking Initiative Over Negativity)

-Don Savant, Poet Extraordinaire

Monday, June 20, 2011






When U think PENNIES U get PENNIES...when U think DOLLARS U get DOLLARS...in other words don't come to our BIG God with your SMALL minded visions...we serve a God who does things bigger than any of us can imagine...so next time u pray...pray #BIG and see the outcome...and be sure to write big as well, I love u all!!!

Repost from Johnathan Johnson (facebook)


Power of the Pen

poetry is my life
and my expression

music is
the tool that
enhances and
expands my expression
so that those with no direction
can feel what i feel
by listening
and hearing..

you may say that
those are one and the same but
to listen
all that is required
is that you
open your ears but
to hear
you must open your mind....

these are the lyrics
from my poetry
that lies within
my heart and soul and
this is the music
that i created to accompany
the words that i have written
because my power
is in my mind
and it is unleashed
through the tip of my pen....

listen attentively


Taken from the 2009 PublishAmerica release "The Lyrics of My Soul"



Available at:

Barnes and Noble


Amazon


Paperback: 110 pages
Publisher: PublishAmerica (October 19, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1448927315
ISBN-13: 978-1448927319

Don Savant Quote 6-20-11

You must know the Father and accept the Son in order to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Teenage Confessions: The Key to Success!

Teenage Confessions: The Key to Success!: "Opportunities come when you allow them to. You have to have an open heart and mind in order to allow it to be filled with moments that are unforgettable. I would say I wasted so much time on meaningless things and situations but in reality everything I have been through has just been preparation. Everyone have their own desires and interest, which should not be taken lightly no matter what anyone say. The good thing is that we all need enemy's (Haters) just to show them that we are who we say we are. If we did not have people disagreeing then we are obviously not doing something right. God has given us talent and gifts to bring people closer to him and to allow us to be rewarded in the process. Keep pushing yourself to your maximum limits; we only get one chance to make a difference, why not start now! It will not be easy, but it is worth the time and effort spent. The minute I open my mind to what I enjoy doing, things has started to take place in my life that I would not have imagined. The good thing is that God is not done with me yet!! I am proud of who I am and what I have become because the Lord knows I have been through a lot just to get to where I am today!! Join me in my victory in success!!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

-Regina Stevens"

Looking Forward

I'm looking forward to looking forward to the things that I have to look forward to. LOL!!!

But I'm so serious...

-Don Savant

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Refusing Silence

Refusing Silence

i pick up my pen
to write the words that
all mankind needs to hear me say but
why is my voice not heard
have i been
permanently placed on mute
has my
signal been permanently blocked
how can i
reach those who thirst
yet are being held in famine
being pulled into
false realities
when the truth
is only one page away
listen
to the voice inside your heart
pay attention
to all of your surroundings
believe
what you know to be true from knowledge of self
and let no one trick you
leading you to fall for what’s not real
hear my voice…
listen
as i bring forth wisdom
for i am not afraid to go against the grain
i trust in my own perception of the world
and
i wonder
where we have all gone wrong
hear me…
believe me…
and release yourselves from the rut
that society has forced you in
speak you mind
live your life
and be
who you are
as opposed to
who they tell you to be


Taken from the 2009 PublishAmerica release "The Lyrics of My Soul"



Available at:

Barnes and Noble


Amazon


Paperback: 110 pages
Publisher: PublishAmerica (October 19, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1448927315
ISBN-13: 978-1448927319

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Favor

Life is full of favor. Some of us may not recognize it in our lives but it's really and truly there with each step we take. To be in one's favor is basically to be in one's good graces. God shows favor in our lives on so may occasions and in so many ways that we as human beings have a tendency of overlooking or taking for granted, if you will, the things He has done for us.

It can be something as little as somehow gaining a couple of extra seconds on your way to work that caused you to be right on time instead of just a little bit late.

How many of you have started to do your laundry and found money in the pockets of your pants that you forgot you had? What about those near misses on the road where you either unknowingly pull out in front of someone, or they do it to you and neither of you were hit? That's favor.

God is constantly keeping a watch over us. Anything that happens in our lives happens with a purpose. Sometimes we don't see the purpose or know the reason but there's always something to be learned in what God allows or doesn't allow to happen. Those lessons, and that learning process is designed to strengthen us against a recurrence of that same situation. It's sort of like going to the store to buy something specific and realizing you didn't bring enough money with you. It's embarrassing, but I guarantee that you won't make that mistake again.

That's the basic principle of life. Things are going to happen, but the way we deal with those things will determine our growth. That's just how it works. God's favor is something to be grateful for. It's something to rejoice about and it's definitely not something that should be overlooked or taken for granted.

Thing about some of the more recent "situations" in your life. You'll be amazed at how much work God has put in on your behalf. That ladies and gentlemen, is favor.

Love y'all. Keep growing.

-Don Savant

Friday, June 10, 2011

Encouragement

Just like beauty, encouragement is also in the eye of the beholder. What does that mean? It means that every individual will find their source of encouragement in different ways.

It may come from something someone has said or done. It can also come from something we see, do or come in personal contact with. No matter what the source may be, it is a necessary part of our existence.

Encouragement is what keeps up going from moment to moment. It is the motivational tool we need to carry us through situations that may be designed to hinder is from moving forward. If for whatever reason the people and/or things around you don't of cannot offer sufficient encouragement, there is always a verse or few in the bible that will keep you on the correct path.

We were all make from a specific design and have a specific plan on this earth. It is up to us to use our given talents to find and figure out what that plan is. Once you've found it, God will open up so many doors and so many opportunities will present themselves to you. It's as if everything will automatically fall into the correct place in the correct order. This is how you know that God's will is being carried out in your life and that, ladies and gentlemen, is the greatest source of encouragement of all.

Be blessed everyone!!!

-Don Savant

Monday, June 6, 2011

Learning To Let Go

Letting go is one of the most important aspects of growth. In life, there will be people, things and situations that will deter you from your path. There will be stumbling blocks on your journey. No matter what someone says to you, about you or does to you, that cannot be used to define you. You are who God says you are and who you believe you are. Feelings and emotions may run strong in you, but you must focus on the positive aspects and the lessons within everything that occurs in your life. Continue to push forward no matter how hard it seems. It's never about what you're called, it's about what you answer to. It's not about what the world and the people around you, or your circumstances say you can or can't do. It's about what you know and believe you can do. It's about how far you can follow God as He leads you on your journey. It's about your own willingness to succeed beyond the shadow of a doubt. Keep your head up, your thoughts positive and stay focused, one goal at a time.

-Don Savant

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Perseverance

I've been on a journey to find my way, to figure out who I am. I'm fully aware of whose I am, because God has been the head of my life for quite some time. It's just that, on many occasions, I've stood in His way during some of the times when He was trying to bless me with something that was of Him. It was never intentional on my behalf, but I still take full responsibility for allowing my will to take precedence over His. I allowed people in my life to dictate my identity. I let loved ones tell me that I was inadequate. I even let my own father tell me that I was nothing, and that I was destined to fail.

I believed it, because of who he was. That was my daddy. I loved him with all of my heart so, I thought that maybe, just maybe he was right. Then that thought passed, God showed me that even though I was still required to respect him as my father, I could prove him wrong through my actions.

The very year he told me that, I failed my grade in school. I was very disappointed in myself and I also let my mother down. She was there when my dad uttered those words, and she never believed a word of it. At the time, it didn't matter because he encouragement didn't speak as loudly as his discouragement.

That summer, I was enrolled in summer school. I promised myself that I'd do better, and was determined to make sure it was the truth. That summer, I did better than I ever had before. I was an A student, and on top of it all, I made student of the week 5 out of the 6 weeks that I attended classes. The week I missed it, was only by a couple points, but I made up for that by winning another achievement in one of my computer classes?

Why am I telling you this? Because it's a small part of my testimony. Because it is evidence that the way you think, the way you perceive yourself has everything to do with what you achieve in your life. Had I kept believing the words said to my by my father, I'd still be on a path of failure. Instead I reinstated my faith and belief system, knowing that God has great plans for me, and held my head high while keeping my thoughts positive. I constantly told myself that it could be done, and I did it.

I never got angry with my dad for the things he said. Instead, I appreciated them because that moment in my life was when I started to think differently, and it has opened a lot of doors in my life. Had I continued to believe that I was nothing, Don Savant may have never existed.

God's will for you is stronger than anything on this earth.

Never give up on your dreams, no matter what they may be. God Bless

-Don Savant

Don't Hold Yourself Back

When it comes to living your dreams, it's not the people around us that hold us back. It's self. People can say and do things to discourage or "block" you from your blessings but ultimately it's you that has to make the decision of whether or not you will allow that person or situation to dictate what you can or cannot accomplish. You are powerful enough to speak into existence a great life for yourself. God already has those things in place for you and all you have to do is believe that it can happen. Have enough faith in God to believe that not only do you deserve better but that you will be, do and have better situations in your life.

It all starts with faith, love and gratitude.

-Don Savant

Monday, May 30, 2011

Just a Thought....

Ghetto is not a person, a race, nor is it an action or actions. It is a state of mind that can encompass anyone that feels in their mind, heart and soul that it's the way they are supposed to be and that there is no other way for them.

Change your mindset, change your destiny.

-Don Savant

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Word of the Day

We were born to live, learn and grow. If we refuse to learn or to be educated in our lives, then we will never truly grow as individuals. We will continue to be stuck in the same old mindsets and beliefs and nothing within us will ever change.

So many of us seek perfection in our lives, but the truth of the matter is, the only thing perfect in us is the fact that we are indeed imperfect.

Word of the Day....

-Don Savant

Thursday, May 26, 2011

If I Had The Power

If I had the power I would end all hatred, self and otherwise. I would end all doubt and instill confidence in the souls of all mankind. I would end all bigotry and inject unity into the entire population.

If I had the power, I would see to it that all children were wanted once again and not treated and used as bargaining tools for irresponsible parents that play games with one another at the child's expense. I would see to it that even if those parent's could not be together that they would at least work together for the benefit of that child.

If I had the power I would stop all abuse. Whether it is child abuse, domestic or spousal, verbal or physical. I would teach people to channel their anger into positive endeavors, to learn to let go of someone instead of being selfish and taking them from the world s that no one else can have them.

I would direct everyone to love, true love and its Creator for He can put love in places and people that others would never think to look.

I would teach bullies to deal with the situations within themselves that causes them to lash out at others by starting with the source. All bullies become that because they themselves were bullied or pushed around in some way or has witnessed someone around them being bullied or pushed around at some point in their lives.

I would declare a National Fellowship Day where everyone came together just celebrate life and love by embracing one another on sight for an entire 24 hour period.

If I had the power...I would lead by example to make this world a better place to live.

-Love Forever

Don Savant

Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Day After

Hello ladies and gentlemen. Today's date is May 22nd, 2011. The fact that you're reading this today means that we are indeed still here. It also means that God has once again remained true to His word.


Mark 13:32 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acts 1:7 He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."

Yesterday proved just that. However, the false prediction should not be taken lightly simply because no one really knows. It could have been yesterday, today, next week or month. In that case we all need to be prepared. I'm not perfect by any means. I do love God with all my heart but still I'm reminded of how imperfect I am on a daily basis. Each time that i do or say something that I know I shouldn't, I try that much harder to keep those things in my past, not allowing them into my present so that my future with God will not be in jeopardy. I encourage you all to seek Him, to get closer to Him. Today is so uncertain. There is so much going on in the world that we need Him. We need the love and divine protection that only He can provide. We need His leadership in our lives, and we also need to spread His message of love and how He wants to build a relationship with each one of us.

I have a lot to work on, and I'm starting now. I'm allowing God to build something great in me, and that means I have to bury those things that aren't of Him. It's going to be a process, and I won't always be right in what I do but I am reaching for Him, that I may grow in his spirit and rest in his arms. We can do this!!!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Resilience

Resilience

Many times in our lives
we encounter...things...
people...
and
situations...
that challenge us to the
very core
of our existence

all things that we
KNOW we have figured out
we question
the validity of
we
wonder if
what we thought we knew
was the truth or
if it was
something that we
have falsified
within our own minds...

deterred from our purpose we
reach for things...
grasping at straws if you will
and we
form skepticism
placing the
"what if" stamp
on every idea that comes about
while "I can't or shouldn't"
runs rampant through our souls

stand UP!!!
ladies and gentlemen and
claim what is yours
BELIEVE!!!
that you can do
whatever you put your mind to
no matter who or what
tells you otherwise

have faith in your gifts
and focus on the purpose
that God Himself
designed you for...
this is the source of your blessings
and the tool that is used
to be a blessing
to those who struggle
for the
same level of understanding
that you have sought out
and received

©2011 Don Savant, Poet Extraordinaire

Mistakes...

If it were not for mistakes, we would never grow. Mistakes are a necessary part of our lives. We make not like it but they are designed to help us learn things and to steer us towards the path that we are supposed to be on. With that said, the thing we don't want to do is to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. That is what keeps us from growing. It keeps us running in and out of the proverbial revolving door over and over again and that is what causes frustration within us. We sometimes try so hard to be perfect that we tend to forget that we were never supposed to be that. As long as we realize the things we are doing wrong and we take the proper steps to correct them, everything will work out for us. Don't be afraid to make a mistake, but also don't get stuck making the same ones over and over. Follow this and you'll find yourself in happier situations.

-Don Savant

Monday, May 16, 2011

Quote

Not all businesses are run by great business persons.

-Don Savant

Welcome

Welcome to my newly renovated blog. I've lightened up the colors a little and incorporated a theme that is more fitting to myself. I've always been a fan of dark colors but I left that it was time to let a little light shine on my representation of myself. I hope you all enjoy it.

Love Always,
Don Savant

Monday, May 9, 2011

Don Savant Poetry

Invisible

invisible life...
touching me and
guiding me
and
teaching me
how to bring right
from within the wrong that i've done
and the wrong that's been done against me

i feel You
yet...
i can't see You so
does that mean
You're really not there or
does it mean that
You've always been there?

invisible mentor...
Your force captivates me and
the field of truth that surrounds me
keep me sane and
keeps me focused and
holds my hand
whenever danger
or hard times arise...

i owe my trials
my tribulations
and my triumphs to You
for You are my ultimate teacher
and You are the key
to all things to be obtained

Taken from Spiritual Growth: A Look Inside My Mind...Vol. 11

© 2007 Don Savant

Finally

This is the second video I recorded of myself singing. This time it's Finally by Hezekiah Walker and Blackstreet. I'll have more to come soon. God Bless you all.

-Don Savant

Gospel Interlude

This is a video of myself singing a gospel interlude by the group Playa. This was the first time I'd ever shared something like this. I'm growing.

-Don Savant

A Quote

The things we do where people can see can have a great impact on those people's lives. The things we do behind closed doors can have a great impact on ourselves. -Don Savant

Friday, May 6, 2011

No Limits

The only person that can truly make things difficult for you is you. People will try to get in your way and tell you what you can and can't accomplish, but as long as you continue to tell yourself that you can do it without a doubt, then there will be no limits for you in this world. Faith is the most important aspect of your life. We all have a purpose in life. Dreams and ideas come for a reason. Find it, plan it, accomplish it.

-Don Savant, Poet Extraordinaire

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Death of the Apostrophe

Ladies and gentlemen, (myself included). Don't let your life be consumed with apostrophes. They can both run and ruin your life. Apostrophe t can be the most dangerous thing you can speak. Let's turn can't into can, won't into will, shouldn't into should, etc. Let's push ourselves to be great. I've said this before, but I'll say it until it becomes a way of life for myself and for others. Let's grow together!!

-Don Savant

Thursday, April 7, 2011

How Many of You Are Ready And Willing To Graduate?

I'm not talking about graduating on an academic level such as from high school or college. I'm speaking of the term graduate by definition being used as an intransitive verb, meaning to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one, or to change gradually. Growth is a necessity in all of our lives. In order to be and do better we must first think better. It's time for a renewal of mindsets. Who's ready to move forward?


-Don Savant

Friday, April 1, 2011

Don Savant Audio Interview

A few days ago, I was interviewed by Joselito Doc J DelValle on behalf of Discovery Academy of Lake Alfred, & Polk County, Florida Schools. This was for a group of middle school aged children who aspire to be poets and writers. I thank Doc once again for the opportunity to do something for the kids. God bless you.

http://www.limelinx.com/files/ce20ef147080791b0b70b9e988c1b23e

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Word From Don Savant

"Patience is necessary in all that you do. There is a time schedule that we must abide by that is greater than the one that we think all things should align with."

-Don Savant

Monday, March 28, 2011

A Word From Don Savant

"Instead of looking for the easy way...try doing things the right way."

-Don Savant

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Growth Is Inevitable.

In every aspect of our lives, growth is necessary. From birth forward, it is a part of our process of living. Just as a seed will grow into a flower or a tree..even fruits and vegetation for us to consume, we must experience growth. This applies mentally, spiritually, and physically. We can also experience emotional growth as well, with it being tied in with the other three aspects in different scenarios and situations. The physical aspect is the most inevitable part of the process. We experience physical changes to our bodies our entire lives. The mental and spiritual part of the process is completely up to us. If you have dreams, visions and goals in your lives, none of them can ever come to fruition if not for some type of growth. When we learn, it strengthens us. It builds something within us that keeps us thirsting and starving for more. When education is introduced, whether by self, or someone else, it stirs up something in most individuals. There are some, however, who feel as if they already possess all the necessary knowledge required to make it through life. I can't even begin to make a judgment on that, so I'm speaking from an individual standpoint. If I'm not constantly learning...I feel that I'm stunting my growth. With my dreams, my visions, and my goals I must continue to learn. I must continue to build myself and strengthen my knowledge factor in order to achieve those things that I plan to accomplish. From a spiritual standpoint, I must continue to learn about God and grow from what I've learned, essentially so that I will possess the things I need for myself, as well as for others who seek Him as well. This is also necessary because what we take in, we are not meant to hold and keep for ourselves. To share is to bless others. Being a blessing to others brings about more blessings for you to be shared. It's a cycle that needs to come full circle in order for all of us to thrive. Without growth...we can't truly live. Let's grow together.

-Don Savant

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Gratitude

http://www2.wspa.com/news/2011/mar/19/20/train-overturned-cleveland-park-ar-1601189/

There was a tragic event that occurred in my city today involving something that has been a source of recreation in one of our area parks for generations. I've been thinking about the many occasions when my sisters, cousins, friends, even parents, aunts and uncles went to this park and rode the train that was involved. Now something that used to bring us all joy has brought us sorrow. There were dozens injured and a six year old lost his life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the parties involved. I'm not ashamed to say that my eyes have been misty ever since I learned of this tragedy. My spirit has been solemn, and my heart has been beating at half staff. I can only imagine the sounds of anguish, of pain and heartache that were expressed at the scene of this event today.

This has caused me to take a moment to reflect. Even though, I make it a daily practice not to take things in my life for granted, I do slip up at times. I am a human being and we do tend to have errors and lapses in judgment from time to time. What's been on my mind though is how I want to do and be so much more but can't seem to move from where I am. This tragedy has made me realize that at any given moment things can change drastically, whether it's for the best or for the worst. This train derailment was most definitely a worst case scenario for the people involved, yet still, there are some even in the midst of this, that are in a better position than others. I'm grateful for this realization. I don't know exactly what's in God's plan for me, but I do know that He has one. I also know that it may involve my passion for writing, as well as raising awareness on some of the issues that I've faced in my life.

It has also made me realize how important it is for us to love one another, to stand together despite our differences. We should encourage one another instead of discouraging one another. Age,sex,religion,race, or any other petty obstacle should not draw boundaries around us as human beings. We share life here, and it should be shared peacefully with all the love in our hearts that we can give. Let's life our brothers and sisters up in prayer. Let's let God lead us instead of us leaving Him. It's all in His hands, and I hope that all I do from this point on causes Him to look down upon me and say "well done". I love you all.

-Don Savant

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Don Savant Public Service Announcement

I have never been one to sit around and judge what other people do. Mainly because I know that every human being on this earth has to answer to God. I'm not your judge, He is. I do, however, intend to raise awareness about drug use, especially among our youth. I hear people all the time trying to defend drug use by making statements like, "weed ain't never killed nobody", or "alcohol is more dangerous than this ecstasy, etc".

The truth of the matter is, any mind-altering substance that enters your body is a direct threat to your health. Whether it's alcohol, cocaine, crack, marijuana, pcp, meth, or whatever. It's the chemicals in these drugs that do the most harm to you.

You may ask why I care, why I'm speaking out about this if I'm not judging you. This is something that's been close to my heart after losing someone very dear to me because of drug use.

My father, I know was a weed smoker, and an alcoholic. He may have done other drugs as well, but that's the only one I know of for sure. We admitted him to the hospital back in '98 for a heart aneurysm. He was placed in an intensive care unit. While he was there, he had to have not one but two blood transfusions. When they removed his old blood and cycled in the new, there was nothing but a green sludge moving through the tubes. His entire blood stream was contaminated. All of the chemicals that he'd taken in from his drug use were being forced out. This was something that I did not want to see, but it's something that I had to see because that moment taught me just how dangerous and how much drugs really do affect your body. Taking a puff here and there may seem harmless at the moment, but what's building up inside of you over time is something that you can't see or feel until it's too late to do anything about it.

I cried, as I watched this process take place; as my unconscious father laid there lifeless with tubes running through him, his teeth falling out one by one and as tears fell from his eyes as if he knew we were watching and was ashamed of what we were seeing. It saddened me to see my father, the ex-marine laying there in such a fragile state. But, even with all of this, he was still daddy...he was still the man that taught me things that only a man could teach. He was still the man with flaws that I accepted, good or bad just because of who he was. He was the one who taught me what unconditional love was. I remember him always saying...I may do things that aren't right, but know that I love you, and always will. He always told me to be a better man than he was.

Please my people, if drugs are your way of loosening up or your idea of a good time, please think twice before you use them. Please don't let that poison run and ruin your life and the lives of the people who love you. We want you to live, we need you sober, so that you may accomplish the great things that God has in store for you. I'm not asking you to do it for me, do it for yourself. Do it for your mothers, and fathers. Do it for your children. I've seen first hand what the stuff looks like coming out of a person. It's an experience you never forget. I've stayed clean because of it. I'm asking all of you to do the same. God Bless.

-Don Savant

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

My Sister Featured on the 9INE Blog.

What is 9INE?


9INE provides a powerful spotlight on the decisions teens face when confronted with pregnancy. Viewers are directed to resources and information that take into account many diverse perspectives.
It is written, produced directed by Allen Sowelle, who has many years of editing, producing, directing and writing for television and film. It stars: Liz Vassey (CSI and Two and A Half Men); Brian J. White (Men of a Certain Age and The Shield); Jonathan ‘Lil J’ McDaniel (Cougar Town and Entourage); and Chasiti Hampton (Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper).

For those of you that don't know, my sister has launched a blog dealing with the issue of Teen Pregnancy. You can find and follow that blog here:

http://thesecretsoftheteenagemind.blogspot.com/

She also, just had her first article published on the 9INE website. You can find and read it here;

http://pic.tv/9ine/

She's doing great things. Please support her mission.

Friday, February 25, 2011

A Word From The Don

Through my words, you can see the contents of my heart and soul.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

When The Son Shines...

There is no light brighter that the Son. There is no help greater and no better provider. All that is good in life comes directly from Him. I know, because He blesses me on a daily basis. If it were not for Him, I wouldn't be typing this letter of gratitude for all to see right now. I'm so grateful and humbled by His presence.

-Don Savant

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Random

SO I met this girl a few months ago. I decided to stay true to my upbringing and take things slowly, reintroducing her to the "getting to know you" phase of budding relationships. Everything has been going well, and with the busy schedule I keep, it all works out. Apparently, I was wrong, because it seems that it's only working out for me. She asks me the other day why we never go out. I told her, we hang out occasionally, whenever a spare moment arises, and we speak very frequently. I promised her though, that my next day off, I'd give her all the time and attention she craves. That's not enough. Why? Because I want all of you all the time. So I say ok, but right now all I can give you is the contents of my heart and mind. So she says that I'm just cheap...that if I can't spend anything but my spare time on her then it's not worth it. I tell her money doesn't matter. I've gifted her several times and I thought that it was sufficient, but now I know otherwise. S I say baby, i'm far from broke and she says..that's got to be a joke. With nothing to hide, I show her my bank statement. She laughs and says, brotha it's tax time, if you want to impress me show it again around August. I said how about this. I work all the time, and when I'm not working I'm writing, and when I'm not writing, I'm with you. What else can I do? She said..what are you writing? I said our future. She said really, what's it about? I said it doesn't matter anymore because this chapter just came to a close......

Saturday, January 15, 2011

A Story of Persistence

To those of you that have set out to accomplish great things in you life...if it doesn't happen the first time you try, never give up. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way whether you win or lose. You will get to where you're supposed to be if you continue to try and don't let anything deter you from it. Here's a story about someone that never gave up....

"At the age of seven, a young boy and his family were forced out of their home. The boy had to work to support his family. At the age of nine, his mother passed away. When he grew up, the young man was keen to go to law school, but had no education.

At 22, he lost his job as a store clerk. At 23, he ran for state legislature and lost. The same year, he went into business. It failed, leaving him with a debt that took him 17 years to repay. At 27, he had a nervous breakdown.

Two years later, he tried for the post of speaker in his state legislature. He lost. At 31, he was defeated in his attempt to become an elector. By 35, he had been defeated twice while running for Congress. Finally, he did manage to secure a brief term in Congress, but at 39 he lost his re-election bid.

At 41, his four-year-old son died. At 42, he was rejected as a prospective land officer. At 45, he ran for the Senate and lost. Two years later, he lost the vice presidential nomination. At 49, he ran for Senate and lost again.

At 51, he was elected the President of the United States of America.

The man in question:



Abraham Lincoln."

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!!!!!

Progression

the past
remains in my rear view
not to haunt
or
hinder me
but to
serve
as a reminder of
where I've been
in contrast to
where I am now

although
there's
still a lot of road
for me to travel
I
am grateful
for exactly where i am

all of
the trials i've encountered
have prepared me...
taught me...
built me up...
from my soul
outward...
so
with my
new-found strength
and my
will to persevere
I will
stand up and
make a joyful noise
so that everyone around me
can hear it
loudly and clearly
when I praise God
for all He's done for me

Happy New Year

from yours truly,

-Don Savant, Poet Extraordinaire

©2011 Don Savant