Joshua Lybolt

Reuters - Healthcare overhaul faces new challenges

2010-03-24T05:40:00.001-07:00

This article was sent to you from Lybolt@hotmail.com, who uses Reuters Mobile Site to get news and information on the go. To access Reuters on your mobile phone, go to:
http://mobile.reuters.com

Healthcare overhaul faces new challenges

Monday, Mar 22, 2010 11:40PM UTC

By John Whitesides

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans vowed to fight back on Monday after Congress passed President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare overhaul, while a dozen U.S. states promised new legal challenges and health stocks rose.

The narrow vote for final passage in the House of Representatives late on Sunday capped a year-long political struggle that consumed Congress and dented Obama's approval ratings, but the biggest health policy changes in four decades still face a variety of hurdles.

Republican attorneys general in at least 12 states said they would file lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the overhaul and contending it infringed on state sovereignty.

Health stocks rose as investors were relieved to finally have certainty about the healthcare battle and pleased at the prospect of more business from 32 million newly insured Americans.

The Morgan Stanley Healthcare Payor index of health insurers was up 1.2 percent, outpacing the broader market, although large insurers WellPoint Inc and UnitedHealth Group dropped after rising in morning trading.

The bill expands the government health plan for the poor, imposes new taxes on the wealthy and bars insurance practices such as refusing to cover people with pre-existing medical conditions.

The White House said Obama will sign the bill on Tuesday and travel to Iowa on Thursday to promote the overhaul.

LONG-SOUGHT GOAL

The approval fulfills a goal that had eluded many U.S. presidents for a century -- most recently Democrat Bill Clinton in 1994. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the legislation on Monday before sending the bill to the White House.

Republican critics said the $940 billion legislation was a heavy-handed intrusion in the healthcare sector that will drive up costs, increase the budget deficit and reduce patients' choices.

Republicans said they would fight a package of changes designed to improve the bill, which will be taken up in the Senate this week, and lead a charge to repeal the bill after reclaiming Congress from Democrats in November's elections.

"We will challenge this all over America, and the will of the people will be heard," Republican Senator John McCain, who faces a conservative primary challenger in his home state of Arizona, said on the Senate floor.

Republicans said they would challenge the changes to the overhaul on parliamentary points of order that, if upheld, could send the revisions back to the House.

"Democrat leaders may have gotten their votes. They may have gotten their win. But today is a new day," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

At least 11 states, including Florida, Michigan and Alabama, plan to band together in a collective lawsuit claiming the reforms infringe on state powers.

"If the president signs this bill into law, we will file a lawsuit to protect the rights and the interests of American citizens," said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican.

The Republican attorney general of Virginia plans to file a lawsuit in federal court in Richmond challenging the overhaul's mandate to force people to buy insurance.

Several constitutional scholars cast doubt on the prospects for success of the Republican lawsuits. "Congress has clear authority to pass this type of legislation," said Mark Rosen of Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Democratic Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, one of the states involved in the joint lawsuit, called it "nothing more than political grandstanding."

The healthcare revamp, Obama's top domestic priority, would usher in the biggest changes in the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare system since the 1965 creation of the government-run Medicare health program for the elderly and disabled.

It would require most Americans to have health coverage, give subsidies to help lower-income workers pay for coverage and create state-based exchanges where the uninsured can compare and shop for plans.

Major provisions such as the exchanges and subsidies would not kick in until 2014, but many of the insurance reforms like barring companies from dropping coverage for the sick will begin in the first year.

Hailed as a historic change in U.S. health policy, the bill passed by Congress left some Americans confused and others disappointed. But some saw it as a good start.

"By anybody's measure we desperately needed something in place. Is it perfect? No," said George Fleming, a career transition coach in Phoenix. "Bottom line is, I'm delighted we've got step one in place. What I think we're going to see in the next couple of months is ideas to refine it."

(Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Lewis Krauskopf, Michael Connor, Karen Pierog, David Morgan and Tim Gaynor; Editing by Anthony Boadle and Chris Wilson)

Posted via email from Joshua Lybolt's Posterous/Blog

Reuters - Healthcare overhaul faces new challenges

2010-03-22T15:44:00.001-07:00

This article was sent to you from Lybolt@hotmail.com, who uses Reuters Mobile Site to get news and information on the go. To access Reuters on your mobile phone, go to:
http://mobile.reuters.com

Healthcare overhaul faces new challenges

Monday, Mar 22, 2010 4:14PM UTC

By John Whitesides

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans vowed to fight back on Monday after Congress passed President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare overhaul while states promised new legal challenges and health industry stocks rose.

The 219-212 vote for final passage in the House of Representatives late on Sunday capped a year-long political battle that consumed Congress and dented Obama's approval ratings, but the biggest health policy changes in four decades still faced a variety of hurdles.

The top legal officials in at least 11 states said they would file lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the overhaul and contending it infringed on state sovereignty.

But health stocks increased in morning trading on Monday as investors were relieved to finally have certainty about the healthcare battle, and heartened it would extend coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans.

The Morgan Stanley Healthcare Payor index of health insurers was up 1.9 percent, outpacing the broader market, and large insurers WellPoint Inc and UnitedHealth Group rose less than 1 percent.

The overhaul expands the government health plan for the poor, imposes new taxes on the wealthy and bars insurance practices such as refusing to cover people with pre-existing medical conditions.

"This legislation will not fix everything that ails our healthcare system, but it moves us decisively in the right direction. This is what change looks like," Obama said during a late-night appearance at the White House.

LONG-SOUGHT GOAL

The approval fulfills a goal that had eluded many presidents for a century -- most recently Democrat Bill Clinton in 1994. Congressional leaders planned a signing ceremony on Monday afternoon before sending the overhaul to the White House.

Republican and industry critics said the $940 billion bill was a heavy-handed intrusion in the healthcare sector that will drive up costs, increase the budget deficit and reduce patients' choices.

Senate Republicans said they would fight a package of changes designed to improve the bill, which will be taken up this week.

"It's going to be a bumpy ride in the Senate," Republican Senator John Cornyn said on MSNBC cable network. Republicans planned to challenge the changes on parliamentary points of order that, if upheld, could send the revisions back to the House.

At least 11 states, including Florida, Virginia and Alabama, plan to file lawsuits against the legislation.

"If the president signs this bill into law, we will file a lawsuit to protect the rights and the interests of American citizens," said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican.

Both parties also geared up for another battle over the healthcare bill in the campaign leading up to November's mid-term congressional elections.

The healthcare revamp, Obama's top domestic priority, would usher in the biggest changes in the $2.5 trillion healthcare system since the 1965 creation of the government-run Medicare health program for the elderly and disabled.

(Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Lewis Krauskopf, Michael Connor, David Morgan; Editing by David Alexander)

Posted via email from Joshua Lybolt's Posterous/Blog

The Times of Northwest Indiana - Bill to abolish lieutenant governor post passes early test

2010-02-25T08:30:00.001-08:00

Begin forwarded message:

From: Lybolt@hotmail.com
Date: February 25, 2010 11:25:43 AM EST
To: Jlybolt@isbdc.org
Subject: The Times of Northwest Indiana - Bill to abolish lieutenant governor post passes early test

Bill to abolish lieutenant governor post passes early test
By Chris Essig - Lee Springfield Bureau
Feb 25, 2010

SPRINGFIELD | An Illinois proposal that would abolish the office of lieutenant governor passed an early test Wednesday.
House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, proposed amending Illinois' Constitution to make the next lieutenant governor the state's last. It passed a House committee by an 8-0 vote. It now moves to the full House.
If the amendment is approved by the General Assembly this year, it would be placed on the November ballot, allowing voters to not only vote for a lieutenant governor candidate, but also whether the position should be eliminated altogether. The office would be eliminated in 2015 under the proposal, after the next lieutenant governor's term.
"My position is we don't need the office," Madigan said. "The office is there mainly for the purposes of succession (of the governor). That is also dealt with in the constitution."
If the office was removed, the attorney general would be next in line. Madigan's daughter, Lisa, is the current attorney general.
The office of lieutenant governor came under more scrutiny this month after Democrat Scott Lee Cohen, a Chicago pawnbroker, won his primary bid. Accusations of past improprieties and ensuing pressure from the Democratic Party forced the lieutenant governor nominee to step down just a week after winning the election.
Madigan said the episode added an incentive to push the amendment removing the office altogether.
"It clearly provided some added interest for me," he said.
Madigan also noted that the move would save the state money. In 2009, the lieutenant governor's office had a budget of $2.1 million.
State Rep. Michael Tryon, R-Crystal Lake, agreed voters should be able to decide the legitimacy of the office, but was concerned too many amendments may clutter the November ballot. Another amendment that would allow voters to recall future governors will already be on the ballot, and other proposed amendments initiated by citizens are floating around the state.
State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, agreed with Tryon and voted "present" as a result.
Madigan's proposal is House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 50.

Posted via email from Joshua Lybolt's Posterous/Blog

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

2010-02-14T14:48:00.001-08:00

Check out this video on YouTube:

Posted via email from Joshua Lybolt's Posterous/Blog

Collected News Stories

2009-12-17T14:29:00.001-08:00

St. John Man Honored as Leader of Tomorrow

BY PATRICK GUINANE
Wednesday, December 17, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS | St. John entrepreneur Joshua Lybolt was one of a dozen 20-somethings honored Tuesday as recipients of the sixth annual Governor's Award for Tomorrow's Leaders.

The awards, coordinated by the governor's office and Indiana Humanities Council, recognize Hoosiers age 30 and younger who have made significant contributions to the state.

"The roots you are planting in Indiana make us stronger every day," Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman told the recipients.

For Lybolt, 30, the leader of tomorrow tag might not last long.

"I'm very partial to Indiana," Lybolt said. "I am dedicated and will continue to serve here and plan on running for office soon."

Lybolt, who grew up in Munster and now lives in St. John with his wife, Magdalena, did not say which office he has in mind. He now is regional director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, a regional resource office coordinated in partnership with the state's economic development agency.

Lybolt said he previously started five region businesses, including a drug screening company for employers and several real estate firms, which his wife now runs. He said his mentor, Purdue University Calumet finance professor Pat Obi, nominated him for the award.

Lybolt also serves on several local boards of directors and helped develop two undergraduate real estate courses at Purdue Calumet, where he has taught as a visiting professor.

The leadership award, sponsored by NIPSCO, comes with a $1,000 grant, which Lybolt said he will donate to Kids Alive International in Valparaiso.Small business support has big impact

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St. John Resident Named to the Indiana Leadership Forum

Indianapolis: Joshua Lybolt has been selected as a member of the 2009 class of the Indiana Leadership Forum. Developed in 1993 by the Indiana Republican Party, the Indiana Leadership Forum identifies emerging business and community leaders and provides continuing political leadership training to encourage citizen activism. Joshua Lybolt successfully completed a competitive application process to gain one of 22 coveted spots in this year’s class.

Joshua Lybolt is the regional director of the NWI SBDC and an entrepreneur. His most recent ventures include Prime Real Estate, Premier Development, Lybolt Testing Services, and Marketing Executives. Prior to joining the SBDC, Joshua was a visiting faculty member at Purdue University Calumet in finance and economics. He holds an MBA from PUC and is currently pursuing a CBA from the University of Toledo. Joshua also serves on the boards of several not-for-profit and community organizations.

The Indiana Leadership Forum is a 501 C3 political education program. Classes begin in November and meet once a month until June. Participants learn about the mechanics of the political process, campaign techniques, and media relations, as well as meet with local, state and national political leaders. There are over 330 graduates in 42 counties across Indiana who have increased their participation in politics and government as a result of this program. For more information and a complete list of graduates, visit our website at www.indianaleadershipforum.com.

__________________________________________________________________________

Small Business Support has Big Impact

BY JOSHUA LYBOLT
Regional director, Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center | Sunday, November 23, 2008 |

BY JOSHUA LYBOLTRegional director, Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center

Standing in front of the crowd at the recent Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards luncheon, I was awed to see so many supporters of the small business community.

This support is exactly what we need to help boost the economy as we continue to watch the Dow Jones Industrial Average fluctuate and read bleak business headlines on a daily basis.

Small businesses and organizations, such as the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, need our support now more than ever. By backing entrepreneurs, we encourage economic activity, creating an increase in production levels and spurring businesses to add jobs. These new employees will spend their earned wages on goods and services that are produced by these firms, further adding to production levels. This cycle continues, prompting additional economic growth. Likewise, any reduction in small business support will decrease overall economic activity and can shrink the overall economy.

But why is it vital to focus on small businesses and not the larger companies? It's these small companies that continue to adapt and change and grow.

Research by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy shows that small businesses create most of the nation's net new jobs. It also revealed that small businesses are 13 times more innovative, and they bring dynamic ideas and fresh products to the marketplace.

It is this innovative mindset that landed Terry Daniel and Lou Pringle of Exhaust Productions Inc. in the limelight. The entrepreneurs were honored with the 2008 Small Business Person of the Year Award at this year's luncheon. When manufacturing started to shift to China, the team decided to switch gears by moving into the performance motorcycle industry and Rush Racing products.

By taking the time to recognize companies, such as Exhaust Productions Inc., the Northwest Indiana SBDC is continuing to foster the development of small businesses and spotlight the entrepreneurial spirit. It is our mission to have a positive and measurable impact on the formation and growth of small businesses in the region and state. We have workshops, one-on-one consulting, referrals, training and other essential business tools to help guide small business owners toward success.

The entrepreneur is a risk-taker. It takes courage to make the leap, which is why community support and resources, such as the NWI SBDC, can make such a big difference.

Joshua Lybolt is regional director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, a small business economic development organization serving the needs of entrepreneurs in the seven-county region. The opinion expressed in this column is the writer's and not necessarily that of The Times.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Small Business is a Big Deal

BY JOSHUA LYBOLT

Dell. Microsoft. Wal-Mart. McDonald’s. What comes to mind? Each of these companies started as small businesses that eventually became big businesses, very big successful businesses. Collectively they inject billions of dollars and millions of jobs into our world economy.

But who were these companies before they became household names? Who were these owners before they became billionaires? Michael Dell started Dell in his University of Texas dorm room in 1984 with just $1,000; it is now the world's largest PC manufacturer, growing to over $40 billion in revenue in only sixteen years. Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard, started Microsoft and turned it into a $231 billion dollar software giant. Sam Walton purchased a small retail store just after graduating from college in Arkansas; Wal-Mart is now the world’s largest corporation by revenue. McDonalds took 13 years before the second restaurant was ever opened in 1953 and now serves over 47 million customers daily, worldwide.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of small businesses to our economy. With economic development organizations and communities focusing on the ‘Big Fish’ are we overlooking the enormous potential and opportunity of small businesses? This significant group made up 97.6% of all Indiana businesses in 2006! These 128,100 employer firms accounted for 57% of all Indiana employment, nearly 1.3 million. In 2007, small businesses accounted for all the net new jobs created in the U.S. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

We cannot afford to overlook the contributions and the value that small businesses inject into our economy. Our region has to continue offering opportunities, build programs that support and encourage innovation and risk taking ventures. As the economy continues to stagnate, this support is crucial for small business survival and consequently the health of our regional economy.

There are a number of small business resources in the Region to assist small businesses start-up, expand and succeed. For example, the NWI SBDC offers new and existing small business owners no-cost consulting services, low-cost workshops, tools and resources, as well as resource partner referrals. There are also a number of business incubators locally to assist in ‘hands on’ development, as well as full-service office space such as the Hammond Innovation Center, Entech Innovation Center, Michigan City Entrepreneurship Center, and the Purdue Technology Center. These resources mentioned, as well as others, are invaluable and can give that entrepreneur the extra assistance and direction to help them succeed and climb to new heights.

The stats give proof - we need these entrepreneurs starting and growing small businesses. Luckily, we have no shortage of people looking to fill that gap, and demand will continue increase. In a survey funded by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, it was found that nearly seven out of 10 youths (aged 14-19) were interested in becoming entrepreneurs. The thought of being an entrepreneur now trumps the old adage of becoming a doctor or a lawyer.

With communities creating entrepreneur friendly environments and resources such as SBDC, incubators and others, a Sam Walton or Michael Dell might emerge and become an e-giant. If we truly want to develop the Region, provide future opportunity to our college graduates and prevent the ‘Brain drain’, let’s work together and focus on our locally grown small businesses.

~ Never underestimate the power of small businesses!

Joshua Lybolt is Regional Director of NWI Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a small business economic development organization serving the needs of entrepreneurs in the seven county region of NWI. Visit the NWISBDC at www.nwisbdc.org
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Entrepreneurship promoters outline programs

BY ROB EARNSHAW
Times Correspondent | Friday, August 01, 2008

HOBART | Joshua Lybolt, the new regional director of the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, said he wouldn't be where he is today, both professionally and personally, without a statement he goes by in all of his dealings.

A business partner gave it to him a few years ago.

You're never going to reach the top unless you take others with you.

That statement basically was the theme of a program Thursday at the Avalon Manor in which the SBDC and the Purdue University Calumet Center for Entrepreneurship Success announced their newly revitalized initiatives and programs.

"I would like all of us to reflect on that statement while we reach for new heights and use that in our dealings here for the growth of the Northwest Indiana community," Lybolt said.

The event also was a way for business leaders to meet the new leadership of the SBDC -- Lybolt and Dushan Nikolovski, director of the PUC entrepreneurial center.

Nikolovski was particularly excited about one initiative, a joint venture with Mompreneurs Online to provide a national online certificate designed and tailored specifically for women.

"We're going to give women an opportunity to be educated in entrepreneurship and start their own business," he said.

Nikolovski also reintroduced a program, Opportunity for Indiana Business Plan Competition, which offers Indiana residents an opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship through the development and presentation of a business idea to a panel of judges.

"This program is truly a good way to cultivate and inspire entrepreneurship within Northwest Indiana," he said.

Another initiative, Business Opportunity Expo, is a chance for people to seek out various opportunities, Nikolovski said.

The expo will feature franchisers, home business professionals, financing and banking experts, along with various educational programs.

"It's a chance to learn the tricks of the trade from people who have already succeeded," Nikolovski said.

He also announced a Chinese Executive Leadership Program that will give local area business leaders a chance to discuss and exchange ideas with senior officials from Chinese businesses.

"We'll see the first group of participants this fall," said Nikolovski, who hopes to start a similar program with Nigeria.

The SBDC also announced that E-Day has returned. Nominations for a business person in Northwest Indiana for Entrepreneurial Business Person of 2008 are needed. For more information, visit www.nwisdbc.org.

The awards luncheon will be Oct. 16 at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

Posted via web from Lybolt in the News

Forced Closing of Auto Dealerships

2009-05-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

In response to a letter
author: Jim Morgan

At the bottom of this email is a letter to me, a customer of Palmer Dodge, one of Obama's victims. This is where the totalitarian Stalinist Obama regime has taken our nation. He is in a full attack on the American Free Enterprise System and on personal property rights starting with those "rich" car dealers and their family businesses, along with anyone in the banking business.

We are watching the Constitution being shredded before our very eyes as the president is taking over private businesses, firing executives, and setting the pay scale that they can pay their employees. We are also seeing this attack on the small business owner by closing thousands of family owned car dealer franchises in the name of bringing fiscal salvation to the manufacturers. How they arrive at this is beyond me. The franchise owner takes the risk, carries the debt, and doesn't effect GM or Chryslers's expenses. What they are is the only customers that those manufacturers have. Keep in mind, you have never bought a car from GM or Chrysler the dealer did, you bought from the dealer.
So by closing the dealerships all they have accomplished is that they have eliminated thousands of customers for the manufacturers cars.

This has nothing to do with saving GM or Chrysler it has everything to do with power and the reduction of freedom and personal property rights in America. If it were anything else, this process would have gone through the legal bankruptcy process and not be directed b y the president and his henchmen. This is unprecedented in America, it is the same as we have seen in history in Cuba, The Soviet Union, and Nazi Germany among other totalitarian nations.

The one time Obama and I have found ourselves in agreement with his policies was yesterday, when Obama admitted that this massive deficit spending would result in a collapse of America's economy for years to come along with "skyrocketing interest rates."
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aJsSb4qtILhg&refer=worldwide

When I was a boy I was at the grain elevator where a group of farmers were getting in out of the cold while waiting on their truck's turn to sell their grain. One of the older farmers was lamenting to all who would listen that he had lost 20.00/acre on every acre of soybeans he had raised that year. He then went on to say, if he only had 100 more acres of beans he believed he could have broken even. Even at 10 I understood the lunacy of this comment. Unfortunately this administration doesn't have the economic understanding of even a 10 year old kid.

"Emergency does not create power.
Emergency does not increase granted power or remove or diminish
the restrictions imposed upon power granted or reserved.
The Constitution was adopted in a period of grave emergency.
Its grants of power to the federal government and
its limitations of the power of the States were determined in the light of emergency,and they are not altered by emergency."
-- Justice Charles Evans Hughes
(1862-1948) Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Source: Home Building & Loan Assn v. Blairsdell, 1934

"The Constitution of the United States is a law
for rulers and people, equally in war and in peace,
and covers with the shield of its protection
all classes of men, at all times, and under all circumstances.
No doctrine, involving more pernicious consequences,
was ever invented by the wit of man than
that any of its provisions can be suspended
during any of the great exigencies of government.
Such a doctrine leads directly to anarchy or despotism,
but the theory of necessity on which it is based is false;
for the government, within the Constitution,
has all the powers granted to it,
which are necessary to preserve its existence;
as has been happily proved by the result
of the great effort to throw off its just authority."
-- Justice David Davis
(1815-1886) U.S. Supreme Court Justice 1862-1877
Source: Ex parte Milligan 71 U.S. 2 (1866) DAVIS, J., Opinion of the Court

"It has been thought a considerable advance towards establishing
the principles of Freedom, to say, that government is a compact
between those who govern and those that are governed:
but this cannot be true, because it is putting the effect before
the cause; for as man must have existed before governments existed,
there necessa rily was a time when governments did not exist,
and consequently there could originally exist no governors
to form such a compact with. The fact therefore must be, that the
individuals themselves, each in his own personal and sovereign right,
entered into a compact with each other to produce a government:
and this is the only mode in which governments have a right to arise,
and the only principle on which they have a right to exist."
-- Thomas Paine

Jim Morgan

-----Original Message-----
From: Palmer Auto Group - Palmer Dodge North

Subject: To our Customers

To our unbelievable customers since 1956

We want to thank you for doing business with us through the 53 years we have been in business. We know most of you have heard that Chrysler has decided to terminate our franchise agreements at our two Chrysler dealerships, 96th street and our west location on Pike Plaza Road. (Palmer Hyundai West at 38th and Lafayette Road is NOT affected). We are appealing Chrysler’s decision, but want=2 0you to know that we ARE OPEN for business selling new Chryslers and used cars and trucks while servicing all vehicles including warranty work and collision work. We are business as usual. If our appeals do not work, we ARE staying open as a used vehicle service, and collision center.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we will be here to take care of all of your automotive needs.

The Palmer Family

God is Always with You

2009-05-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2

Notice that it says "when" not "if". God's people are not exempt from the troubles of this world; we just have an unending source of strength found in our Lord. We don't have to be overwhelmed or destroyed by the troubles when we allow God to get us through it. In what ways do you rely on the Lord to carry you through when you're in the middle of chaos?

"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:13

Imagine holding out your hand to a little child and having them grab your hand swinging the clasped hands as you walk. You feel the warm little grip relaxed in your hand and you smile knowing how happy the child is to be walking by your side. Now imagine holding out your hand to a little child only to have them refuse to grasp your hand, revealing their stubborn independent nature. In order to keep them safe, you grab their closed little fist and proceed to lead the hesitant child. How do you respond to your Heavenly Father's outstretched hand? Are you eagerly grasping His hand or do you show signs of a stubborn independent nature?

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Hope in the Lord... to expect with confidence... do you confidently expect the Lord to be working in your life?

"God is My Pilot, I Am but the Passenger"

2009-05-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

"The LORD Almighty has sworn, 'Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.'" Isaiah 14:24

Do you find it comforting knowing that when all is said and done, God is in complete control? Do you think you're working with God in accomplishing His plans for your life; or, do you find yourself taking detours along the way?

Thank God for Trouble

2009-05-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other." Ecc. 7:14

It's easy to praise God when times are good, but often requires a conscious effort to praise God when we're down. God promises to work for our good in all times, both the bad and good times (Romans 8:28). What specific "bad" is your life right now? Do you find it difficult to see God's hand working through the bad? Do you find yourself depending on God more during the bad times than the good times?

Have Confidence in the Future

2009-03-22T10:10:00.001-07:00

At Faith Church this morning, Bob Bouwer's (our pastor) message, explained that we will have lots of trouble in this world. The scripture used to explain this was John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome this world."

In this message, Jesus explains that we, as people of this world, will encounter: defeat, upsets, unexplained catastrophes, economic problems, death, sickness, heartache and every other problem that you can think of. We will have these issues face us in the best of times and in the worst of times, but have peace. Don't worry or stress over these problems because we are not in control and God has already defeated these problems for us. I personally have a saying that I think of when things go bad in my life. You may have heard the quote/phrase "God is my co-pilot.". I put my own personal twist on this quote/phrase: "God is my pilot, I am the co-pilot." I know that I have no control over what happens in my life, I have full understanding that my life has already been scripted out for me by God. I have influence and control over my decisions in the short-run but ultimately, my life is predefined. I have the choice to walk through the doors of opportunity or deal with the consequences of my actions if I don't follow accordingly. I understand that I will face difficulties in my life that I cannot control or deal with on my own. I know that when one door closes another opens and that God is in control over what happens in my life. If I continue to walk through the wrong door, time and time again, God continues to place the correct choice in front of me so that eventually, I will abide by God's ultimate plan. Many times these opportunities are masked by a problem, defeat or even catastrophe. Sometimes your choice was made willingly or unknowingly, sometimes even out of necessity. Do not have remorse, as I said before- you are not in control.

Have peace and know that you do not have control of these troubles, nor do you have to worry because God has already defeated them for you; God has already overcome this world, as it says in the above passage.

Pray to god, thank him for your troubles, because everything happens for a reason (see my previous blogpost on this subject from Dec 08), and have confidence in the future.

I am going to Fail this week!

2009-02-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

I am going to fail this week! This is what I was told through two separate inspirational messages that I subscribe to via email. > That’s not very inspirational, quite the opposite.
.
First message comes from CJ McClanahan:

"History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."
B.C. Forbes

You never read the autobiography of a great person that goes from one big win to the next without a stumbling along the way.

That's just not the way it works.

You need to make mistakes along the way. And the good news is that typically the larger the mistake, the better the learning opportunity.

This week you will make a mistake. If you don't, you aren't trying hard enough.

Welcome each mistake as an opportunity to learn and improve.
___________________________________________
.
Second message comes from the late Napoleon Hill:
.
YOUR FAILURE MAY PROVE TO BE AN ASSET, PROVIDED YOU KNOW WHY YOU FAILED.
There are a few occasions during our brief time on earth when most of us experience great flashes of insight, great moments of truth that forever change the course of our lives. Most of those experiences result from spectacular failures, not from outstanding successes. It is from the failures that so chagrined and dismayed us that we learn the most lasting lessons. When you are the unwilling recipient of a great moment of truth, extract the useful lessons and then put the entire episode behind you. Learn from your failures, forget about them, and move on to better things.
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It is a wonderful and powerful accomplishment when we can look forward to and appreciate our weaknesses, faults and failures. I would be less of a person without them!

Tim Berry's Discussion on Legacy

2009-01-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

In a recent Indiana Leadership Forum discussion with the state auditor, Tim Berry. Tim began with an intriguing set of questions. He asked “Can any of us name the five most recent recipients of the Heisman Trophy?” A few of my ILF classmates were able to assemble the list rather quickly. Tim then asked "Who were the five most recent Miss America's?” None of us were even able to name one and one of us with a significant other in the room, not dare attempt. Tim asked another question "Can anyone name five Golden Globe winners or five Oscar winners?", or a similar question to that affect. He asked a couple of other questions similar to the above that again, we were unable to answer. He then asked a revealing question that provided insight into the purpose of his questioning. Tim asked us to "name five people that have had a major impact on our lives?" We were all able to search our minds and recall these people and those moments.
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The purpose of Tim Berry's questions was to emphasize the impact that we can all have on someone else. It also taught us that we do not have to achieve great things or 'be somebody' to be important. We should begin today; we should seek out someone and do something, anything to have a positive and lifelong effect on someone's life.

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That is how you can change the world and have a legacy- one person at a time.

Hardship Breeds Opportunity

2009-01-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

The hardship breeds opportunity concept works in many different situations; in government - local, state and national; in business - both big and small; and of course on a personal level.

The U.S. Has had it's share of hardships over the last few years with the stock market crashing, bubbles bursting, a financial sector meltdown, a diminishing education system and health system, terrorism, natural disasters, war and crisis'.Now is the time for our national government to discover its weaknesses and formulate creative solutions to address our countries problems. Hardship breeds opportunity.

In business hardships teach us efficiency. Business owners are more fiscally conservative during these times, they choose their expenditures wisely and pay attention to the bottom line more aggressively. They look for areas in their budgets where they are fat and are able to control their expenses. Now is also the time to gain market share from their competitors. Market hard, get better acquainted with your clients, prospect and work harder to get those sales. Hardship breeds opportunity.

On a personal level, hardships remind us of who is in control. We also tend to do a bit of soul searching, realizing that many of the things that we strive so hard for don't actually matter much in the grand scheme of things. The absolute greatest thing about hardship is: through hardship, God recruits His people. God is in control of our lives and our problems. All of these trials and tribulations have already played out in God's mind, in the Book of Life and is allowed by Him. There are two main reasons we endure hardships: 1) we gain compassion and understanding for others so that we can help them in their time of need 2) God recruits His new members to His family and reunite with those who have drifted away from Him during good times. Where do we go for comfort when the bottom falls out? Who do we ask for help and assistance? We turn to prayer, we cry out to God for help. This is when God smiles- because we realize that we are dependent on Him, it's just too bad that we have to be hurt or dealing with something difficult to acknowledge this dependency.

When we go through tough times we search harder and deeper for things that can be improved and efficiency that can be met. In tough, challenging times; this is the time to shine and grow. We tend to work harder and smarter. Now is the time to be creative and realize our weaknesses and know that there is opportunity on the other side. Hardship breeds opportunity.

For more information on why problems happen, read my blog: "Everything Happens for a Reason" on December 25th, 2008.

Concepts for Success - Make Decisions Quickly (Trust Your Gut)

2009-01-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

Your instincts are more powerful than you may believe. There are a number of special animals in the wild throughout the world that have special weaknesses; these weaknesses range from deaf ears to blindness or even both. These animals rely on their instincts for survival from both the elements as well as their enemies. Human beings were born with this gift as well.

It is very true, that our minds are tremendously powerful supercomputers. It is truly amazing how intelligent we can be even if we utilize even a very small portion of our brain power. Napoleon Hill made reference to our intelligence in his acclaimed book “Think and Grow Rich”, he writes in the opening sentence, “Thought’s are things, powerful things at that, when they are mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence and a burning desire for their translation into riches or other material objects.” In layman’s terms: If you think and believe, it will be! The problem in taking time to make decisions lies in the fact that we allow for the inclusion of our emotions. When emotions get involved, individuals start making decisions based on how they feel or how badly they want something. This also allows for our ego to get in the way and pride begins to take over. These are really difficult forces to control because they are a part of you and you believe these thoughts. (A wonderful read on this subject, the ego, is Ekhart Tolle’s book “A New Earth”)

I was successful in real estate investing early in my career because I was able to look at each home as an investment, whether I was moving into it or just buying to flip. I looked at each purchase as a business decision and wouldn’t allow my emotions to get involved. I would set a bid ceiling, at which price, I would not spend a dime over and I was able to make an offer immediately, just after the initial walk through. The average buyer were purchasing based on emotions, how they felt about the house and therefore these buyers would many times overpay and usually take plenty of time before placing a bid to purchase. This emotional process takes time and therefore costs money and many times the loss of opportunity.

Take the advice that your primary and secondary school teachers gave you just before taking an exam, “Your first guess is probably the right one.” Why is this usually the case? Over thinking leads to indecision.

Preface to Lybolt’s Concepts for Success

2009-01-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

I believe that I have accomplished much success in the very short time that I have been on earth. I have accomplished most of my goals and am still working on many more, all of which you will read about eventually on my website: www.JoshuaLybolt.com. The desire to achieve as well as my choice to leave the world in a better state than when I found it is what motivates me to accomplish these goals. It is my belief that when a person stops attempting to accomplish goals, they stop living. Goals aren’t always, nor should they be all about you. There is a big difference between selfishness and self interest. Many of my goals are for the betterment of others. I would have not been able to achieve any of these accomplishments without 1) the assistance of God, who is in full control of my life, I am but a passenger in his vehicle 2) The will power, dedication, positive imagery and thoughts, persistence and desire that I force upon myself and 3) The emotional and physical support of others, namely my wife, Mags.

In the coming months I will begin my writings on Lybolt’s Concepts for Success. These are not new or revolutionary ideas, just concepts that I personally believe in and apply to my personal situation and life. Theses concepts will not be in order of importance, I will write on each topic as I see fit, when the mood arises. I may adapt the concepts, decide to add or even remove concepts over time. My idea is that life is ever changing as the situations of life morph, show should our plans. By the end of my lifetime, I believe it will constitute a thorough list of concepts for success that has molded my life. Enjoy Joshua Lybolt’s Concepts for Success.

American Priorities according to Obama

2009-01-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama publicly stated the other day that we need to postpone the digital conversion deadline to switch our TV’s from analog to digital programming. Is this something that should really be of concern to our incoming president? Should this even divert any of his attention?

We have much more important concerns that deserve his attention than watching TV or making arrangements for a four day celebrity celebration for his presidential inauguration. Americans have lost at least 30 percent of all of their investments in the stock market. Consumer confidence is at its all time low since we started tracking the index. The big three auto manufacturers are on the brink of bankruptcy. The banking industry is on the fritz and the credit markets are still frozen. The real estate market is still weak and the equity in our homes is slipping away even further day by day. The Unemployment rate is at a disturbing 7.2 percent, the highest it’s been in over 16 years. Small businesses are closing their doors in droves. There are major international concerns with our closest ally, Israel, with a war raging against Hamas and Iran is provoking the U.S. with threats of nuclear warfare. To top things off, the senate seat that Obama has vacated was on the auction block and the Illinois governor has now been impeached.

Obviously, there are much more important and urgent events that are impacting America. With all of this going on, our future president is worried about Americans without TV. What did we do with ourselves before there was TV? What are the consequences of the digital conversion? Americans will spend quality time with the family! We’ll pick up a book and read for a change!

In my opinion, TV is one of the major inventions that have negatively affected the growth, prosperity and development of America in recent times. The high school dropout rate is at an all time high. One of the reasons may be the lack of parental involvement because the TV guide schedule has gotten in the way of childhood development, or in many families the TV has even raised these children. The TV programmers and advertisers have utilized their time with us in the most effective manner possible. What are the repercussions of their actions? It has created the ADD and ADHD syndromes which is what everyone is blaming the lack of attention, motivation and drive in the early developmental learning of our youth. Do we really need more TV in our lives? My short answer: Throw away the remote control and proceed with the digital conversion.

Why do We Wait for the New Year to Make Goals?

2009-01-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

My friend tells me the on the 19th of December, that he will quit smoking beginning on January 1st 2009. He say’s “that’s my resolution”. I asked why wait until then? Why not stop today? I tell my friend that I personally do not believe in resolutions. I believe that resolutions are destined to be broken, that there is premeditated defeat built into each resolution. For example; six weeks into the New Year, most people with resolutions will say “it’s been 45 days since I’ve done (fill in the blank). That’s professing that this cannot possibly continue. It is also reinforcing the habit because their constantly and consciously thinking about how hard it has been. Those thoughts may be positive, but that process is defeating in itself.

What is the percentage of successes through resolutions? I have no idea, but every resolution I have ever made has been a failed attempt. Although, almost every goal that I have set for myself has come to pass thus far, and I have no doubt that any of my other goals will be achieved.

What’s the difference between resolutions and goals? Absolutely nothing - nothing at all. Resolutions and goals have all of the same characteristics; their positive, beneficial, encouraging, motivating, well planned, strategic and exciting. For many of us, goals and resolutions are exactly the same thing, for me they are polar opposites. Personally, I do not believe that I have to wait for the clock to strike midnight on December 31st before I can begin ‘trying’ and I am not going to look back and tempt myself by counting the days. I will begin achieving my successes today. Now! I will take the advice of Steven Covey; I will begin with the end in mind. I will imagine the goal being achieved, my future already accomplished. I will then work backwards and plan out what needs to be done in bite-sized, manageable tasks. I’ll write down this plan and the objectives and study it daily. I will begin today, and I will achieve my goal.

Allow me to bring your attention back to my friend that I mentioned in the beginning of this blog. When I asked him the question: “Why not quit now? His response was “I’m not ready to quit.” For those of you reading this blog - How soon do you think he will last?

Everything Happens for a Reason

2008-12-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

Trials and tribulations (problems) in our lives are for purpose, they happen for a reason. GOD allows issues and problems in our life so that we can grow in our own lives; acquire compassion, respect and guide others. As I look back on my life, as I do every so often. I look at both the successes and the hardships, I quickly realize that my accomplishments wouldn’t be so fulfilling without undergoing those hardships, those doors that close. Great entrepreneurs and great leaders in history all have great stories of hardship – when they almost didn’t make it. It’s in these difficult times that we grow and develop character.

When I’m in a dilemma and it looks like there is no solution, no end to my misery, I realize that I am dealing with this situation for a reason. There is something bigger than me here and this is just a character builder, possibly a test of will and stamina. There is always a silver lining on every cloud even when it looks like I could not overcome. I will probably learn something here that I will need somewhere along my path – possibly a life lesson, or maybe I need to work on and build up one of my weaknesses.

So often, many of us pray to GOD as if is a genie, just to grant our wishes- what we have in mind for our own lives. But this is the time that we need to relinquish our control over our lives and let GOD take over – it is HIS anyway. HE puts me through this particular test often because I have such a strong will and I am very goal oriented (my own goals). I personally deal with this issue a lot. I want something so bad, or I feel that I am entitled to it because I have worked so hard towards something. I pray and pray for it to come to pass but when the time comes I realize and pray “If it is in YOUR plan for my life, let it be done, and if it is not, then I am OK with that too.” My problem is that I need to realize that it is not my decision or choice, which path I choose or problems to solve with my method - sooner.

We have so many hardships in our lives: health issues, financial issues, relationship issues, work related problems, immediate must do/have issues. If we don’t have these kinds of problems in our lives, how could we ever relate to someone else who is going through one of these issues? We were put here on earth to help counsel and help others. When we are able to relate and understand, we gain compassion and are then able to assist. “LORD, thank you for my problems, for I know that I will gain something that I need through this process. I am stronger because of it!”

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

2008-12-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

I am a Christian. I believe in the teachings of the bible, I may not follow them all, but I believe that they are the writings of God, both the Old Testament and the New. I believe that Jesus came to earth, died for my sins and rose to heaven. I believe that HE will be back soon.

That being said, I have a problem with people saying Merry Christmas and sending Christmas cards to individuals that they presume may be Christian. I believe that we should respect the ideals and religions (or lack thereof) of others. I know that a person, by saying, Merry Christmas, is not forcing their religion on another or is even doing it to spite another but I believe that we need to be conscious of others a bit more often than we are. I believe in respecting others regardless of my beliefs and moral code, I may not agree with their actions or thoughts, but I believe that they ought to be respected nonetheless. All of us are the same and therefore created equal regardless of religion, race, gender, nationality or social status. Happy Holidays.

Websites

2008-12-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

These websites are a must.

Joshua Lybolt - http://www.joshualybolt.com/

Prime Real Estate - http://www.wesellnwi.com/

NW Indiana SBDC - http://www.nwisbdc.org/

Indiana SBDC - http://www.isbdc.org/

Linkedin - http://www.linkedin.com/in/lybolt

Blog - www.lybolt.blogspot.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/people/Joshua-Lybolt/1652781598

Youtube - www.youtube.com/user/JoshuaLybolt

Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/lybolt

2008-12-15T14:31:00.001-08:00

My First Blog.