Author : Steve Singleton
Plato once said, "It is easy to forgive a small child afraid of the dark, but not a full-grown man afraid of the light." Since long before Plato light has symbolized truth--facing the reality of our situation in relation to God, to others, and to self.Why are people afraid of the light?Some love evil and hate goodness. Some fear they are being deceived. Some know learning the truth will make great demands on their time, money, and energy. Some just hate change.Despite all these fears, people still come into the light because of what they fear even more: the darkness. Darkness makes us stumble, fall, and get hurt. It fills us with confusion and brings us despair. Even a little light is better than a deep and profound darkness. I know what I'm talking about. I've been in the middle of a large office building when the power went out. The first emotion that hit my brain was the panic of helplessness.If you are a Christian, you can say with the psalmist, "The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps. 27:1)Love and seek the truth, about God, about others, and about yourself. If we appreciate the light, we won't be afraid of it. Just like it dispels the shadows, it quickly chases away all of our fears.* * *Copyright ©2006 Steve SingletonSteve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles. He has been an editor, reporter, and public relations consultant. He has taught college-level Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses and has taught seminars in 11 states and the Caribbean.Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Check out the DeeperStudy Bookstore for great e-books, free books, and great discounts. Subscribe to his free "DeeperStudy Newsletter" or "DeeperStudy Blog."
Keyword : innovation,open-minded,light,darkness,enlightenment,truth,fear,courage,understanding,shadow,panic
วันเสาร์ที่ 9 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2551
A Word Fitly Spoken ~ Believe
Author : C.L. Mareydt
A Word Fitly SpokenA word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:11Under All that We Think, Lives All We Believe, Like the
Ultimate Veil of Our Spirits. ~ Antonio MachadoBelieve: To exercise belief in, to regard or accept as true;
to place confidence in; to think; to consider; to be persuaded of a truth ~ Webster's
Unabridged DictionarySuch a small common word packs a plethora of meaning from the non
conventional to the conventional. Usually deferred to a Religious segment of our
Life, but with introspection let's look at where this word actually fits into our own
Individuality in Life.Consider everything in Your Life at this very moment IS in Your Life because of
what You Believe. Now that makes it very personal and very simple. Some people
have to see before they Believe, while others have to Believe before they see.
Believing still wins out either way, for it forms our Life and molds our very
Existence. What You Believe Today can change Tomorrow, and can change Your
Tomorrows. Each Day we are evolving in what we Believe. Each Day we are adding
to our Life in what we Believe, or not Believe.Take a moment and reflect upon Your Life and what You Believe or do not
Believe. Try to see how it permeates Your Life or has influenced Your Individuality.
Question its pertinence and value. Validate what You Believe to what is actually
happening in Your Life. Try to verify Your Thoughts and Words since they are the
Vehicles of what You Believe. Take a conscious Responsibility to Believe with
Accountability.Look upon this Road less traveled, because to Believe is not only an never
ending Path, but Your God given right as an Individual. Allow what You Believe to
mark Your Path with Direction and Definition. Never be afraid to change. Believe
Today and see Your Tomorrow. Believe Today because it is Your Tomorrow.
A Word Fitly SpokenA word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Proverbs 25:11Under All that We Think, Lives All We Believe, Like the
Ultimate Veil of Our Spirits. ~ Antonio MachadoBelieve: To exercise belief in, to regard or accept as true;
to place confidence in; to think; to consider; to be persuaded of a truth ~ Webster's
Unabridged DictionarySuch a small common word packs a plethora of meaning from the non
conventional to the conventional. Usually deferred to a Religious segment of our
Life, but with introspection let's look at where this word actually fits into our own
Individuality in Life.Consider everything in Your Life at this very moment IS in Your Life because of
what You Believe. Now that makes it very personal and very simple. Some people
have to see before they Believe, while others have to Believe before they see.
Believing still wins out either way, for it forms our Life and molds our very
Existence. What You Believe Today can change Tomorrow, and can change Your
Tomorrows. Each Day we are evolving in what we Believe. Each Day we are adding
to our Life in what we Believe, or not Believe.Take a moment and reflect upon Your Life and what You Believe or do not
Believe. Try to see how it permeates Your Life or has influenced Your Individuality.
Question its pertinence and value. Validate what You Believe to what is actually
happening in Your Life. Try to verify Your Thoughts and Words since they are the
Vehicles of what You Believe. Take a conscious Responsibility to Believe with
Accountability.Look upon this Road less traveled, because to Believe is not only an never
ending Path, but Your God given right as an Individual. Allow what You Believe to
mark Your Path with Direction and Definition. Never be afraid to change. Believe
Today and see Your Tomorrow. Believe Today because it is Your Tomorrow.
How Healing The Past Empowers Your Future
Author : Saleem Rana
Everyday I meet people who have a chronic upset that runs their lives, and I notice that they are not even aware of it. Often the pain has become buried in their unconscious; or if they are aware of it, they choose to deny any power to combat it.Yet unless they seek healing, this energy locked up in their mind is a continual drain on their vitality. It is a parasite to their life-force.The first step to true self-help is willing to be candid, notice what hurts, and find the therapy that is necessary to remove the psychic burden.Those who do this will find that their whole life will open up. All the things that seemed impossible before suddenly become possible. They realize that they need not be amongst the walking wounded because help is near at hand. All they have to do is ask for it.Most people deny or push back the events that hurt them, and when they do this, they choose the path of disempowerment.They are burdened not by what actually happened, but by how they cling to their story of persecution. If it has been awful enough, they even numb out and blank out the persecution.Their persecutor has indeed won over them; not only then, but also in the now. Their persecutor's malice not only disempowered them in the past, but continues to weaken them.Often victims think that revenge is a desirable option and they feel that they might draw some satisfaction if they could strike out and hurt as they have been hurt, but often the persecutor is no longer available, and sometimes may even have died a long time ago.Child-molestors, spousal abusers, terrorists and criminals rank among those who seek revenge, but because the persecutor is no longer available, they act out their rage on others who had nothing to do with their abuse.Almost everybody has been tormented at one time or another. Those who are psychologically healthy have taken the effort to seek and find healing.In your case, the cycle of your unhappiness can only stop when you decide that it is time to get your power back Until you make this decision, you will forever be persecuted, because your wounded psyche will continue to do your tormentors work.Hell, in fact, is never letting the wound heal, but opening it up afresh when thought of your torment comes to mind. And a deeper hell is not even allowing the pain to reach consciousness but express itself through tormented behavior.How do you let it go? That is the task of skilled therapy.All psychological imbalances, whether mild, as in a neurosis, or chronic, as in a full blown psychosis, arise from embracing victimhood.Unless a time comes when you confront your inner tormentors, no self-help course of study can help you "unleash the giant within."Knowledge is not enough; emotional catharis is a necessity. Even this article can do nothing for you; it is what you do with it that makes a difference. Do you confront your past, and find a healer? Or do you live with it, and continue along the paths of least promise? We are always choosing, even when we choose not to choose.Resource BoxSaleem Rana got his masters in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, Ca., 15 years ago and now resides in Denver, Colorado. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable lifeCopyright 2005 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass this
article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or
newsletter. It's a shareware article.
Keyword : healing, healing the past, therapy, psychological, neurosis, psychosis, unhappiness, self-help
Everyday I meet people who have a chronic upset that runs their lives, and I notice that they are not even aware of it. Often the pain has become buried in their unconscious; or if they are aware of it, they choose to deny any power to combat it.Yet unless they seek healing, this energy locked up in their mind is a continual drain on their vitality. It is a parasite to their life-force.The first step to true self-help is willing to be candid, notice what hurts, and find the therapy that is necessary to remove the psychic burden.Those who do this will find that their whole life will open up. All the things that seemed impossible before suddenly become possible. They realize that they need not be amongst the walking wounded because help is near at hand. All they have to do is ask for it.Most people deny or push back the events that hurt them, and when they do this, they choose the path of disempowerment.They are burdened not by what actually happened, but by how they cling to their story of persecution. If it has been awful enough, they even numb out and blank out the persecution.Their persecutor has indeed won over them; not only then, but also in the now. Their persecutor's malice not only disempowered them in the past, but continues to weaken them.Often victims think that revenge is a desirable option and they feel that they might draw some satisfaction if they could strike out and hurt as they have been hurt, but often the persecutor is no longer available, and sometimes may even have died a long time ago.Child-molestors, spousal abusers, terrorists and criminals rank among those who seek revenge, but because the persecutor is no longer available, they act out their rage on others who had nothing to do with their abuse.Almost everybody has been tormented at one time or another. Those who are psychologically healthy have taken the effort to seek and find healing.In your case, the cycle of your unhappiness can only stop when you decide that it is time to get your power back Until you make this decision, you will forever be persecuted, because your wounded psyche will continue to do your tormentors work.Hell, in fact, is never letting the wound heal, but opening it up afresh when thought of your torment comes to mind. And a deeper hell is not even allowing the pain to reach consciousness but express itself through tormented behavior.How do you let it go? That is the task of skilled therapy.All psychological imbalances, whether mild, as in a neurosis, or chronic, as in a full blown psychosis, arise from embracing victimhood.Unless a time comes when you confront your inner tormentors, no self-help course of study can help you "unleash the giant within."Knowledge is not enough; emotional catharis is a necessity. Even this article can do nothing for you; it is what you do with it that makes a difference. Do you confront your past, and find a healer? Or do you live with it, and continue along the paths of least promise? We are always choosing, even when we choose not to choose.Resource BoxSaleem Rana got his masters in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, Ca., 15 years ago and now resides in Denver, Colorado. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable lifeCopyright 2005 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass this
article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or
newsletter. It's a shareware article.
Keyword : healing, healing the past, therapy, psychological, neurosis, psychosis, unhappiness, self-help
4 Abundant Ways To Add FIRE To Your Passion!
Author : Bill Thomas
How many times have you found yourself dreaming you
were more passionate?What makes certain people so passionate? How come they seem
to be on-fire for their cause? Why do enthusiastic people
become leaders we are willing to follow?Maybe you once had a burning desire inside of your heart. If
you have ever hoped to add more fuel to the F.I.R.E. of
living then perhaps these four simple steps will light-up,
add a spark, ignite and fan the flames for you.F = Find the FantasticMany of us go through life losing sight of our original
dream. Sometimes, the daily grind saps the strength of our
hopes.Other times, we allow major challenges, roadblocks and
difficulties to drain the power from our fantasies. Whatever
the cause, it is up to us to find ways to keep the boldness
and eagerness of our most inspiring goals alive.By seeking out and accepting the fantastic qualities of your
dreams and visions, you can increase your own passion for
realizing them:=> Is your dream full of wonder and glamour?=> Does your dream shine brightly or reflect a brilliance?=> Are there other people who have a similar dream, if so,
are those people considered to be "great"?I = Invest & InspectWouldn't it be nice if we could go to sleep and wake up
filled with passion and energy? I prefer to be lazy and look
for ways to avoid hard work whenever possible.But there is a law that must be obeyed, it goes something
like this: you will reap what you sow. The lottery ads say
it best: "to win it, you have to be in it!"=> How much time do you invest in feeding your dream?=> How much effort do you invest in building your dream?=> How many of your assets and resources are you investing
into your dream?=> How close are you to realizing your dream, how often and
how much do you inspect and measure your progress?R = Reach Up, Reach In, Reach OutThe Pastor of my church uses these 3 actions to encourage
our spiritual growth. He knows we humans need to perform all
three to be successful in our pursuits.Passionate people reach up to their higher power because
they know, trust in and rely on their God supplies them with
guidance, wisdom and strength.Enthusiasm means having the inspired God within. You can
take hold of and attain a powerful enthusiastic attitude.If you are willing to reach inside yourself and let that
godly inspiration of His love, Will and His Being come
inside you, you too will catch His passion [that's why Mel
Gibson called his movie, "The Passion..."]When you reach out to help others, you will be blessed as
well. That is a spiritual law that wealthy, faithful and
intelligent people have followed throughout history.For proof, look at all the charitable gifts or foundations,
winners of the Nobel Peace prize and acts of heroism
performed in the world today.E = Entertain & Energize YourselfVery few people think of entertaining their fantasies, yet
people of passion use those techniques to keep their
watch lights burning.You have to maintain your guard over and sustain your watch
of your dreams. The interruptions and pollution of daily
life will try to distract you.Those poisoned whisperings of the dark side want you to buy
what they are selling.You can ignore and avoid yielding to the influences of
negativity by running the films of dreams in your mind over
and over again.You must entertain, energize and indulge your fantasy by=> Putting up, looking at and studying the pictures, images
and imaginings of your desired objective=> Repeating the affirmed beliefs of your hope to yourself
out loud and frequently=> Talking the talk and walking the walk of your vision -
acting, thinking, speaking just like you already have
achieved your goalsEnergy comes from the mass of serious efforts - be stern
with your heart and mind, entertain their future prospects.------------------------------------------------------------The starting point of all achievement is desire. Use the
F.I.R.E. of your desires to heat up and excite the passion
that is deep within you.I love using my quiet times and places of solitude to boost
the temperature of my enthusiasm. You might need to use a
different method but my favorite one is the "entertain and
energize" technique.Successful people have employed these tools to super-charge
their passionate attitudes, when you try, you'll discover
you can too.Take time to stoke the F.I.R.E. of your passion today!"On a Fine Morning", you will want to heed the words of
Thomas Hardy:"Whence comes solace? Not from seeing,
What is doing, suffering, being;
Not from noting Life's conditions,
Not from heeding Time's monitions;
But in cleaving to the Dream
And in gazing at the Gleam
Whereby gray things golden seem."Copyright © 2005, Mustard Seed Investments Inc.,
All rights reserved.------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bill Thomas is author of "Leading A Creative, Evolutionary,
Innovative Organization!" - an idea-packed, 2-Volume set of
manuals to help you electrify, empower and infuse your
leadership with scientifically-proven, evolutionary,
results-producing strategies. Energize your innovation!
http://www.leadership-toolkit.com/innovation.html
How many times have you found yourself dreaming you
were more passionate?What makes certain people so passionate? How come they seem
to be on-fire for their cause? Why do enthusiastic people
become leaders we are willing to follow?Maybe you once had a burning desire inside of your heart. If
you have ever hoped to add more fuel to the F.I.R.E. of
living then perhaps these four simple steps will light-up,
add a spark, ignite and fan the flames for you.F = Find the FantasticMany of us go through life losing sight of our original
dream. Sometimes, the daily grind saps the strength of our
hopes.Other times, we allow major challenges, roadblocks and
difficulties to drain the power from our fantasies. Whatever
the cause, it is up to us to find ways to keep the boldness
and eagerness of our most inspiring goals alive.By seeking out and accepting the fantastic qualities of your
dreams and visions, you can increase your own passion for
realizing them:=> Is your dream full of wonder and glamour?=> Does your dream shine brightly or reflect a brilliance?=> Are there other people who have a similar dream, if so,
are those people considered to be "great"?I = Invest & InspectWouldn't it be nice if we could go to sleep and wake up
filled with passion and energy? I prefer to be lazy and look
for ways to avoid hard work whenever possible.But there is a law that must be obeyed, it goes something
like this: you will reap what you sow. The lottery ads say
it best: "to win it, you have to be in it!"=> How much time do you invest in feeding your dream?=> How much effort do you invest in building your dream?=> How many of your assets and resources are you investing
into your dream?=> How close are you to realizing your dream, how often and
how much do you inspect and measure your progress?R = Reach Up, Reach In, Reach OutThe Pastor of my church uses these 3 actions to encourage
our spiritual growth. He knows we humans need to perform all
three to be successful in our pursuits.Passionate people reach up to their higher power because
they know, trust in and rely on their God supplies them with
guidance, wisdom and strength.Enthusiasm means having the inspired God within. You can
take hold of and attain a powerful enthusiastic attitude.If you are willing to reach inside yourself and let that
godly inspiration of His love, Will and His Being come
inside you, you too will catch His passion [that's why Mel
Gibson called his movie, "The Passion..."]When you reach out to help others, you will be blessed as
well. That is a spiritual law that wealthy, faithful and
intelligent people have followed throughout history.For proof, look at all the charitable gifts or foundations,
winners of the Nobel Peace prize and acts of heroism
performed in the world today.E = Entertain & Energize YourselfVery few people think of entertaining their fantasies, yet
people of passion use those techniques to keep their
watch lights burning.You have to maintain your guard over and sustain your watch
of your dreams. The interruptions and pollution of daily
life will try to distract you.Those poisoned whisperings of the dark side want you to buy
what they are selling.You can ignore and avoid yielding to the influences of
negativity by running the films of dreams in your mind over
and over again.You must entertain, energize and indulge your fantasy by=> Putting up, looking at and studying the pictures, images
and imaginings of your desired objective=> Repeating the affirmed beliefs of your hope to yourself
out loud and frequently=> Talking the talk and walking the walk of your vision -
acting, thinking, speaking just like you already have
achieved your goalsEnergy comes from the mass of serious efforts - be stern
with your heart and mind, entertain their future prospects.------------------------------------------------------------The starting point of all achievement is desire. Use the
F.I.R.E. of your desires to heat up and excite the passion
that is deep within you.I love using my quiet times and places of solitude to boost
the temperature of my enthusiasm. You might need to use a
different method but my favorite one is the "entertain and
energize" technique.Successful people have employed these tools to super-charge
their passionate attitudes, when you try, you'll discover
you can too.Take time to stoke the F.I.R.E. of your passion today!"On a Fine Morning", you will want to heed the words of
Thomas Hardy:"Whence comes solace? Not from seeing,
What is doing, suffering, being;
Not from noting Life's conditions,
Not from heeding Time's monitions;
But in cleaving to the Dream
And in gazing at the Gleam
Whereby gray things golden seem."Copyright © 2005, Mustard Seed Investments Inc.,
All rights reserved.------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bill Thomas is author of "Leading A Creative, Evolutionary,
Innovative Organization!" - an idea-packed, 2-Volume set of
manuals to help you electrify, empower and infuse your
leadership with scientifically-proven, evolutionary,
results-producing strategies. Energize your innovation!
http://www.leadership-toolkit.com/innovation.html
------------------------------------------------------------
Keyword : creative innovative leadership styles strategies behaviors strategy training, passion, inspiration
Count Your Blessings
Author : Bonnie Moss
Each day brings a new beginning.
It's a new leaf in the story of your life. It can be
bright, cheerful and positive, with the courage to
face another day, whatever it may bring with enthusiasm.Or, let the dark clouds hover and you shiver in the cold.
Let yourself be overcome with the jitters. Wallow in all
the negative issues in your life, past and present. You are
a victim, helpless and forgotten. You are ready to go back
to bed and hide from the world under the comfort and security
of your blanket. Where does this get you?You don't want your day to be filled with these
powerful negative vibrations. NO. Remember, negative
thoughts develop energy of their own, take a life of their
own and if you let it, this energy can overwhelm you.If you'd only stop and be thankful for another day, another
page in your life. Enjoy your first cup of coffee, juice or
whatever nourishment you take to start your day. Energize
yourself, bless today with a prayer and a smile, a big
dose of faith and optimism. Feel the fresh air, savor the peace
around you, your freedom from aggression, from natural
causes or that caused by man.What are you afraid of? Fear tends to be bigger than you,
and clouds your thinking. Fear is a powerful emotion.
Take control, shower yourself with a refreshing outlook as
you start your day. Empower yourself. A problem is
only as unmanageable as you allow it to be.Take another sip of coffee and some deep breathes.
This is your world, let it be a world of your design.Welcome today with feelings of faith and courage.
It's not about waking up each day with the thoughts of
the burdens of yesterday. It's not about feeling down
because yesterday did not open doors, answer your dilemma,
get you out of your crisis. Dark nights instill fear, anger
and covers you with a blanket of insecurity if not despair.
It's another day of burden, worry, stress, and depression
and frustration. There is no miracle happening in your life.Do not immerse in negative thoughts. It will get you
nowhere. It does not mean you trivialize your problems.Life should not be on a crisis management mode nor should
it be about apprehensions, fear, anger or disappointments.What's really dragging you down? A stale/fearful relationship? Bills? Dysfunctional household? Work ,career–related problems? Getting old? Health issues? Lack of gumption? So much to do and not enough hours
in the day to get them all done?What do you have?You kept warm in the night.
You did not go to bed hungry. You enjoyed the movie
on tv, you read a good book, listened to your favorite
music.You have a roof over your head. You don't have
to fear bombs blasting you away at a moment's notice.
You can dream.Think of these as you start your day:- Times are uncertain, but you will walk with confidence
that you will ride out the storms this life brings.- You have the freedom to make choices and decisions- You are not afraid of making mistakes, but instead learn
precious lessons.- You can speak your mind freely.- You are free to pursue
your dreams or just day-dream, and not feel guilty.- You are free, you know how to keep your mind, body and spirit
healthy.- You have loved ones.- You have friends.- You have a lot to contribute to society.Perhaps, you çan take time to reflect on these:- pray for this world, and for all mankind,- for the innocent victims of man's inhumanity to man,- pray for the hungry, the frightened, the sick , the weak,- pray for the young , the old and the able alike- for the neglected,innocent children who suffer in the hands
of those who are supposed to take care of them.- for the victims of war and for those who sacrifice
their lives to keep this world a better place for all of mankind;- may those who lead others be guided by the power higher than
themselves- pray for these, if one soul should be delivered from suffering,
you'll be very grateful.- there is only so much a human body, mind and spirit can endure.You can make a difference, one soul, one person at a time
because YOU are blessed!This article is free for electronic reprint- newsletter, e-zine,
website or e-mail,The only condition is you please let me know and supply the link or furnish a copy of the media used. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.(c)2005 Bonnie MossAbout the writer: Bonnie Moss writes about spirituality, tools available to all to walk the path. She is the Executive Secretary of Tarot Canada International, as well as a regular contributor of articles to the newletter,
Future Endeavours. She is a tarot consultant and also does dream interpretations.Visit her website: http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com; a metaphysical site that
offers information on tarot, crystals, aura, angels, journalling
and other topics.
Keyword : enthusiasm, negative thoughts, prayer of gratitude, blessings
Each day brings a new beginning.
It's a new leaf in the story of your life. It can be
bright, cheerful and positive, with the courage to
face another day, whatever it may bring with enthusiasm.Or, let the dark clouds hover and you shiver in the cold.
Let yourself be overcome with the jitters. Wallow in all
the negative issues in your life, past and present. You are
a victim, helpless and forgotten. You are ready to go back
to bed and hide from the world under the comfort and security
of your blanket. Where does this get you?You don't want your day to be filled with these
powerful negative vibrations. NO. Remember, negative
thoughts develop energy of their own, take a life of their
own and if you let it, this energy can overwhelm you.If you'd only stop and be thankful for another day, another
page in your life. Enjoy your first cup of coffee, juice or
whatever nourishment you take to start your day. Energize
yourself, bless today with a prayer and a smile, a big
dose of faith and optimism. Feel the fresh air, savor the peace
around you, your freedom from aggression, from natural
causes or that caused by man.What are you afraid of? Fear tends to be bigger than you,
and clouds your thinking. Fear is a powerful emotion.
Take control, shower yourself with a refreshing outlook as
you start your day. Empower yourself. A problem is
only as unmanageable as you allow it to be.Take another sip of coffee and some deep breathes.
This is your world, let it be a world of your design.Welcome today with feelings of faith and courage.
It's not about waking up each day with the thoughts of
the burdens of yesterday. It's not about feeling down
because yesterday did not open doors, answer your dilemma,
get you out of your crisis. Dark nights instill fear, anger
and covers you with a blanket of insecurity if not despair.
It's another day of burden, worry, stress, and depression
and frustration. There is no miracle happening in your life.Do not immerse in negative thoughts. It will get you
nowhere. It does not mean you trivialize your problems.Life should not be on a crisis management mode nor should
it be about apprehensions, fear, anger or disappointments.What's really dragging you down? A stale/fearful relationship? Bills? Dysfunctional household? Work ,career–related problems? Getting old? Health issues? Lack of gumption? So much to do and not enough hours
in the day to get them all done?What do you have?You kept warm in the night.
You did not go to bed hungry. You enjoyed the movie
on tv, you read a good book, listened to your favorite
music.You have a roof over your head. You don't have
to fear bombs blasting you away at a moment's notice.
You can dream.Think of these as you start your day:- Times are uncertain, but you will walk with confidence
that you will ride out the storms this life brings.- You have the freedom to make choices and decisions- You are not afraid of making mistakes, but instead learn
precious lessons.- You can speak your mind freely.- You are free to pursue
your dreams or just day-dream, and not feel guilty.- You are free, you know how to keep your mind, body and spirit
healthy.- You have loved ones.- You have friends.- You have a lot to contribute to society.Perhaps, you çan take time to reflect on these:- pray for this world, and for all mankind,- for the innocent victims of man's inhumanity to man,- pray for the hungry, the frightened, the sick , the weak,- pray for the young , the old and the able alike- for the neglected,innocent children who suffer in the hands
of those who are supposed to take care of them.- for the victims of war and for those who sacrifice
their lives to keep this world a better place for all of mankind;- may those who lead others be guided by the power higher than
themselves- pray for these, if one soul should be delivered from suffering,
you'll be very grateful.- there is only so much a human body, mind and spirit can endure.You can make a difference, one soul, one person at a time
because YOU are blessed!This article is free for electronic reprint- newsletter, e-zine,
website or e-mail,The only condition is you please let me know and supply the link or furnish a copy of the media used. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.(c)2005 Bonnie MossAbout the writer: Bonnie Moss writes about spirituality, tools available to all to walk the path. She is the Executive Secretary of Tarot Canada International, as well as a regular contributor of articles to the newletter,
Future Endeavours. She is a tarot consultant and also does dream interpretations.Visit her website: http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com; a metaphysical site that
offers information on tarot, crystals, aura, angels, journalling
and other topics.
Keyword : enthusiasm, negative thoughts, prayer of gratitude, blessings
Beauty, Gratitude, and the Open Heart
Author : Margaret Paul, Ph.D.
"…beauty on your earth is a shadow of the beauty of our heaven, and it's a bitter thing to have a blindness for beauty on earth, for it makes a longer teaching to see the beauties of heaven." Spoken by an Irish spirit in the book The Boy who Saw True (anonymous author).I have been counseling individuals, couples, families and business partners for the last 35 years, and am the author of eight published books. Since my work is spiritually based, I have developed many ways of helping people open their hearts to love. Opening to beauty is one of those ways.I have always appreciated beauty. Since I've been a small child, I've collect beautiful things - shells, rocks, wood, as well as works of art, and there are always lots of plants around. There is nowhere in my environment where there is not something beautiful to look at, both inside and outside in nature. When I walk through my home and the land around it, my heart fills with awe and love as I appreciate the beauty around me. I've done this so automatically throughout my life that it never occurred to me that many people do not open to beauty nor create beauty around them.In working with some of my clients struggling to keep their heart open, I've mentioned focusing on an object of beauty, and have been surprised to find that many of them have no beauty around them - no plants, flowers, works of art or objects of nature. When they look around they see walls, appliances, computers and other buildings. Their left brain functions just fine in this environment, but what about the right - the creative, intuitive, spiritually-connected aspect?I want to encourage everyone who reads this to consider feeding your soul with beauty. There is nothing like awe and gratitude for something beautiful to open the heart to gratitude in general. If you can love the intricate design in the bark of a tree, or the vibrancy of a flower, or the balance of a beautifully thrown piece of pottery - that might lead you into loving and appreciating the beauty of you and your own soul. It might open you to feeling gratitude for your life and the sacred privilege of experiencing your journey on this planet.How much of your thinking time is spent being upset or unhappy about something? What if all that time was spent in gratitude for what you have and for the beauty around you? What if you were present enough in this moment to revel in the fact that you can turn on a faucet and have hot water come out? That you have food to eat and a bed to sleep on? If you are reading this, it is likely that you have a computer, which means you have more than most of the people on this planet.Try this little experiment: find something of beauty - it can be as simple as a leaf, a flower, a photograph, a small work of art or the top of a tree out your window. Now let yourself completely open to the thing of beauty. Let yourself feel the beauty in your body - in your heart, your solar plexus, in your stomach, arms and legs, in your forehead. Let the beauty enliven your body and fill it with vitality. Breathe in the beauty and feel your body's reaction to it. Open to gratitude, thanking God for this experience of beauty.Notice the peace and joy it gives you to be in this moment with this simple object of beauty. What would life be like if you spent more moments like this, in the present with beauty and with all you have? How much of your waking time is spent in this way?Beauty and gratitude are soul foods. When you choose to open to them, you extend an invitation to love, peace and joy. This raises your frequency and opens the door to your spiritual Guidance. Your Guidance is always here for you, helping you on your soul's journey. Opening to beauty and gratitude, with a deep intent to learn about what is loving to you and others, will open you to your spiritual Guidance.About The AuthorMargaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available.
Keyword : beauty,gratitude,thankfulness,self improvement,coaching
"…beauty on your earth is a shadow of the beauty of our heaven, and it's a bitter thing to have a blindness for beauty on earth, for it makes a longer teaching to see the beauties of heaven." Spoken by an Irish spirit in the book The Boy who Saw True (anonymous author).I have been counseling individuals, couples, families and business partners for the last 35 years, and am the author of eight published books. Since my work is spiritually based, I have developed many ways of helping people open their hearts to love. Opening to beauty is one of those ways.I have always appreciated beauty. Since I've been a small child, I've collect beautiful things - shells, rocks, wood, as well as works of art, and there are always lots of plants around. There is nowhere in my environment where there is not something beautiful to look at, both inside and outside in nature. When I walk through my home and the land around it, my heart fills with awe and love as I appreciate the beauty around me. I've done this so automatically throughout my life that it never occurred to me that many people do not open to beauty nor create beauty around them.In working with some of my clients struggling to keep their heart open, I've mentioned focusing on an object of beauty, and have been surprised to find that many of them have no beauty around them - no plants, flowers, works of art or objects of nature. When they look around they see walls, appliances, computers and other buildings. Their left brain functions just fine in this environment, but what about the right - the creative, intuitive, spiritually-connected aspect?I want to encourage everyone who reads this to consider feeding your soul with beauty. There is nothing like awe and gratitude for something beautiful to open the heart to gratitude in general. If you can love the intricate design in the bark of a tree, or the vibrancy of a flower, or the balance of a beautifully thrown piece of pottery - that might lead you into loving and appreciating the beauty of you and your own soul. It might open you to feeling gratitude for your life and the sacred privilege of experiencing your journey on this planet.How much of your thinking time is spent being upset or unhappy about something? What if all that time was spent in gratitude for what you have and for the beauty around you? What if you were present enough in this moment to revel in the fact that you can turn on a faucet and have hot water come out? That you have food to eat and a bed to sleep on? If you are reading this, it is likely that you have a computer, which means you have more than most of the people on this planet.Try this little experiment: find something of beauty - it can be as simple as a leaf, a flower, a photograph, a small work of art or the top of a tree out your window. Now let yourself completely open to the thing of beauty. Let yourself feel the beauty in your body - in your heart, your solar plexus, in your stomach, arms and legs, in your forehead. Let the beauty enliven your body and fill it with vitality. Breathe in the beauty and feel your body's reaction to it. Open to gratitude, thanking God for this experience of beauty.Notice the peace and joy it gives you to be in this moment with this simple object of beauty. What would life be like if you spent more moments like this, in the present with beauty and with all you have? How much of your waking time is spent in this way?Beauty and gratitude are soul foods. When you choose to open to them, you extend an invitation to love, peace and joy. This raises your frequency and opens the door to your spiritual Guidance. Your Guidance is always here for you, helping you on your soul's journey. Opening to beauty and gratitude, with a deep intent to learn about what is loving to you and others, will open you to your spiritual Guidance.About The AuthorMargaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available.
Keyword : beauty,gratitude,thankfulness,self improvement,coaching
Life's Purpose
Author : Onaefe Umenu Edebi
To every life, there is a purpose; a purpose of will and a purpose of choice. A choice to make the right or wrong decisions and the will to act on the choices made.There is no life that exists that is without a purpose, for everyone exists for something or someone. It may be one single act to which one is born; maybe an act of five minutes. Not so long compared to a life time you would say. But most people live their whole life without having lived-without having lived their purpose.To many, life is a cycle-a routine, it does not end but goes on as birth to youth, youth to adulthood, then to old age and death, which would normally come after one has given birth, thereby continuing the cycle.Now, what is the purpose to one's life? Unless God makes it known to a man, no one can tell, but that you look deep within yourself, as it is placed within you to know your reason for existence.A man who lived twenty years on earth and achieved his purpose for life is exceedingly greater than one who lived a hundred years and never achieved his purpose.A difference between them is that one's name would be written in The history as an achiever, while the other, it would have been better if he were not born.Therefore pray to the Father-God, to make known to you your purpose for this life. And most importantly, LIVE OUT YOUR PURPOSEAbout The AuthorOnaefe Edebi is a teacher, instructor and motivational speaker.onadebi@yahoo.com
Keyword : life's purpose,life,life choice,lifestyles,inspiration,self improvement,affirmations
To every life, there is a purpose; a purpose of will and a purpose of choice. A choice to make the right or wrong decisions and the will to act on the choices made.There is no life that exists that is without a purpose, for everyone exists for something or someone. It may be one single act to which one is born; maybe an act of five minutes. Not so long compared to a life time you would say. But most people live their whole life without having lived-without having lived their purpose.To many, life is a cycle-a routine, it does not end but goes on as birth to youth, youth to adulthood, then to old age and death, which would normally come after one has given birth, thereby continuing the cycle.Now, what is the purpose to one's life? Unless God makes it known to a man, no one can tell, but that you look deep within yourself, as it is placed within you to know your reason for existence.A man who lived twenty years on earth and achieved his purpose for life is exceedingly greater than one who lived a hundred years and never achieved his purpose.A difference between them is that one's name would be written in The history as an achiever, while the other, it would have been better if he were not born.Therefore pray to the Father-God, to make known to you your purpose for this life. And most importantly, LIVE OUT YOUR PURPOSEAbout The AuthorOnaefe Edebi is a teacher, instructor and motivational speaker.onadebi@yahoo.com
Keyword : life's purpose,life,life choice,lifestyles,inspiration,self improvement,affirmations
Just a Typical Teenage Boy
Author : Staci Stallings
Judge not, lest ye be judged. –Matthew 7:1The call was controversial—just as all really close calls in baseball are. Full speed the runner slid home and thinking he had just scored a game-altering run, he stood up only to face the words, "You're out!"Now you know how it is when you've given your all to an effort and you stand up, only to hear the ump say, "You're out!" Just running for home when the play could be that close takes confidence and determination, not to mention a certain amount of competitiveness that doesn't just evaporate when you stand up. And it didn't with this teenager either.Furious, he threw off his helmet and ran over to explain to the ump in no uncertain terms why the call was wrong, why the ump needed glasses, and why he was clearly home and nobody could miss that call so badly. Before his temper really got out of hand, someone pulled him away, and he walked to the bench—livid.God sees not as man sees…but the Lord looks at the heart. –1 Samuel 16:7If this first spectacle was all you saw of the matter, don't fret—it was all almost everyone saw. But now, as Paul Harvey would say, "The rest of the story…"Long after the coaches, players, and fans had gone home, this typical teenage boy realized the impact of his decisions at home plate. Like most of us do when we are faced with the embarrassment of our actions, he could very well have made the logical next choice and just let it slide, reasoning: "Everybody does it." "The ump's probably heard that stuff a million times."However, in the silence of his heart, this young man knew that just because everyone else does it, that doesn't make it all right. And so, long after his buddies had gone home, he tracked that ump back up to the school—not to vandalize his car and not to further harangue him. No, this typical teenage boy tracked this man down so he could tell him face-to-face: "I'm sorry, Sir. I was wrong."It takes true courage to stand up in the face of those everyday indiscretions we all make and say, "I was wrong. I'm sorry." What makes this apology even more unique is that it wasn't meant for the world to hear, it wasn't meant to make the apologizer look better in the eyes of anyone else. It was meant simply as a way to stay true to his own heart.In reality the story may well have ended there, and no one would have been the wiser. However, on the way out of town, the ump saw the superintendent and flagged him down to express his appreciation and surprise at the boy's apology. But the ump wasn't the only one who was surprised. The superintendent later talked to the coach to say how impressed he was that the coach had sent the boy to apologize. Only problem: The coach hadn't sent him and knew nothing about the apology until that very moment.A few days later the coach ran into the boy's father and remarked how impressed he was that his parents had sent the boy to apologize. You guessed it—they knew nothing about it either!Our truest actions are those that come from the heart—not what someone makes us do because it's the right thing. I know, however, that although the parents didn't intervene on this occasion, they had intervened enough times in the past for this boy to have the ultimate courage and try to remedy a situation when it would have been easier to reason, "He'll get over it."The truth is at one time or another we have all been this boy—acting out in rage, saying hurtful things, and feeling justified for doing so. The real test comes later when we are presented with the choice to make amends or to walk away thinking, "Ah, they'll get over it."Maybe the "they'll" is a co-worker, a customer, a friend, a sibling, a child, or a spouse. Whomever it is, don't pass up the opportunity to get right with your own heart. Don't let them walk off the field and drive out of town, thinking, "Oh, well. No big deal. They'll get over it." The time for apology is now!Courage is a matter of the heart. I wish that every person in the whole world had the courage of this one typical teenager. If they did, just imagine what "typical" might come to mean! (And a last caveat: The whole world starts with YOU!)About The AuthorTo every time there is a season. A time to dream and a time for life. Find them again. The Long Way Home Visit http://www.stacistallings.com/LWHC1.htm to read the first chapter.staci_stallings@hotmail.com
Keyword : spiritual, courage, improvement self, inspirational
Judge not, lest ye be judged. –Matthew 7:1The call was controversial—just as all really close calls in baseball are. Full speed the runner slid home and thinking he had just scored a game-altering run, he stood up only to face the words, "You're out!"Now you know how it is when you've given your all to an effort and you stand up, only to hear the ump say, "You're out!" Just running for home when the play could be that close takes confidence and determination, not to mention a certain amount of competitiveness that doesn't just evaporate when you stand up. And it didn't with this teenager either.Furious, he threw off his helmet and ran over to explain to the ump in no uncertain terms why the call was wrong, why the ump needed glasses, and why he was clearly home and nobody could miss that call so badly. Before his temper really got out of hand, someone pulled him away, and he walked to the bench—livid.God sees not as man sees…but the Lord looks at the heart. –1 Samuel 16:7If this first spectacle was all you saw of the matter, don't fret—it was all almost everyone saw. But now, as Paul Harvey would say, "The rest of the story…"Long after the coaches, players, and fans had gone home, this typical teenage boy realized the impact of his decisions at home plate. Like most of us do when we are faced with the embarrassment of our actions, he could very well have made the logical next choice and just let it slide, reasoning: "Everybody does it." "The ump's probably heard that stuff a million times."However, in the silence of his heart, this young man knew that just because everyone else does it, that doesn't make it all right. And so, long after his buddies had gone home, he tracked that ump back up to the school—not to vandalize his car and not to further harangue him. No, this typical teenage boy tracked this man down so he could tell him face-to-face: "I'm sorry, Sir. I was wrong."It takes true courage to stand up in the face of those everyday indiscretions we all make and say, "I was wrong. I'm sorry." What makes this apology even more unique is that it wasn't meant for the world to hear, it wasn't meant to make the apologizer look better in the eyes of anyone else. It was meant simply as a way to stay true to his own heart.In reality the story may well have ended there, and no one would have been the wiser. However, on the way out of town, the ump saw the superintendent and flagged him down to express his appreciation and surprise at the boy's apology. But the ump wasn't the only one who was surprised. The superintendent later talked to the coach to say how impressed he was that the coach had sent the boy to apologize. Only problem: The coach hadn't sent him and knew nothing about the apology until that very moment.A few days later the coach ran into the boy's father and remarked how impressed he was that his parents had sent the boy to apologize. You guessed it—they knew nothing about it either!Our truest actions are those that come from the heart—not what someone makes us do because it's the right thing. I know, however, that although the parents didn't intervene on this occasion, they had intervened enough times in the past for this boy to have the ultimate courage and try to remedy a situation when it would have been easier to reason, "He'll get over it."The truth is at one time or another we have all been this boy—acting out in rage, saying hurtful things, and feeling justified for doing so. The real test comes later when we are presented with the choice to make amends or to walk away thinking, "Ah, they'll get over it."Maybe the "they'll" is a co-worker, a customer, a friend, a sibling, a child, or a spouse. Whomever it is, don't pass up the opportunity to get right with your own heart. Don't let them walk off the field and drive out of town, thinking, "Oh, well. No big deal. They'll get over it." The time for apology is now!Courage is a matter of the heart. I wish that every person in the whole world had the courage of this one typical teenager. If they did, just imagine what "typical" might come to mean! (And a last caveat: The whole world starts with YOU!)About The AuthorTo every time there is a season. A time to dream and a time for life. Find them again. The Long Way Home Visit http://www.stacistallings.com/LWHC1.htm to read the first chapter.staci_stallings@hotmail.com
Keyword : spiritual, courage, improvement self, inspirational
Heavy Weather Guide
Author : Wayne Mitchell
Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 26, 2004My girlfriend and I are basically the same age, just a six month difference. When I went to buy the engagement ring in February, I felt certain she was the right one. She accepted my proposal by saying, "If we go slow…"We've been doing that. We had the ring resized to fit her finger, and the wedding wasn't to be until Easter 2006. This morning she broke it off. We were happy and taking it slow, but for some reason it felt fast to her. Right from the start, her relatives pressured her to break up. She asked me questions, I answered honestly, and my answers were acceptable.I want to get married and have my own happy family in the next five years. Preferably in the next two. This afternoon I even cried. What can or should I do? I know suicide's not the answer, but maybe it would make a difference to her and them. No, I don't want to do that, but like I said, I'm feeling sad today.MichaelMichael, on a merchant ship the second mate is responsible for navigation. Traditionally, each morning the mate would rise, take a fix on the stars, and recompute a fresh course to the destination. This is necessary because the wind and sea push the ship off yesterday's course.The mate can chart a course and ring up the speed, but the sea determines when the ship will arrive. There is no point fighting against the sea, or against life. Ordinarily when a person thinks of suicide, it is because they are holding to a fixed idea, and they cannot imagine life in any other way. But life is full of possibilities.If your depression is serious, seek help. But your sadness seems based on rigid expectations. You have a schedule in your head, and you want life to conform to your schedule. In the next two years you want to find a woman who loves you, whom you love, who will marry you, and produce children. That sounds more like ordering a new car than love.Out of great love for someone who loves you, come a family and happiness. Where is the great love for this woman in your letter? No, what we hear is the two year schedule. What we hear is the difference between this woman, and your plans for a woman.Life, and people, cannot be bent to your will. Surrender your schedule and allow your life to unfold.The traditional farewell of a mariner is wishing a friend fair winds and a following sea. But the truth is we learn more about ourselves and our ship in a storm than in calm waters.Wayne & TamaraSeesawI'm a single woman who is intelligent, kindhearted, and attractive. I recently ended a relationship with a man I'll call Jordan. Jordan slowly moved from wanting to spend every moment with me to "needing some space."Jordan is bipolar and refuses to seek help, and my attempts to help left him better and me with an hour of sleep. Recently we enjoyed a great afternoon when he invited me to a party. Well, the last time we went to a party, I was basically "left by the punchbowl." When I gently expressed my concern, he screamed, "Get out!" Which I promptly did.I realize I'm stupid to want anything but to move on, but for curiosity's sake, because it's driving me crazy, what on earth is his problem? We seem to want the same thing, each other, yet he's going back and forth faster than a swing.DarleneDarlene, you ask what on earth is his problem. To borrow a phrase from teenagers, "Duh?" He is an unmedicated, bipolar person.As long as he won't address the problem of his mood swings, there is no place on the swing for you.TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : self esteem,self help,confidence,coaching,success,motivation,inspiration
Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 26, 2004My girlfriend and I are basically the same age, just a six month difference. When I went to buy the engagement ring in February, I felt certain she was the right one. She accepted my proposal by saying, "If we go slow…"We've been doing that. We had the ring resized to fit her finger, and the wedding wasn't to be until Easter 2006. This morning she broke it off. We were happy and taking it slow, but for some reason it felt fast to her. Right from the start, her relatives pressured her to break up. She asked me questions, I answered honestly, and my answers were acceptable.I want to get married and have my own happy family in the next five years. Preferably in the next two. This afternoon I even cried. What can or should I do? I know suicide's not the answer, but maybe it would make a difference to her and them. No, I don't want to do that, but like I said, I'm feeling sad today.MichaelMichael, on a merchant ship the second mate is responsible for navigation. Traditionally, each morning the mate would rise, take a fix on the stars, and recompute a fresh course to the destination. This is necessary because the wind and sea push the ship off yesterday's course.The mate can chart a course and ring up the speed, but the sea determines when the ship will arrive. There is no point fighting against the sea, or against life. Ordinarily when a person thinks of suicide, it is because they are holding to a fixed idea, and they cannot imagine life in any other way. But life is full of possibilities.If your depression is serious, seek help. But your sadness seems based on rigid expectations. You have a schedule in your head, and you want life to conform to your schedule. In the next two years you want to find a woman who loves you, whom you love, who will marry you, and produce children. That sounds more like ordering a new car than love.Out of great love for someone who loves you, come a family and happiness. Where is the great love for this woman in your letter? No, what we hear is the two year schedule. What we hear is the difference between this woman, and your plans for a woman.Life, and people, cannot be bent to your will. Surrender your schedule and allow your life to unfold.The traditional farewell of a mariner is wishing a friend fair winds and a following sea. But the truth is we learn more about ourselves and our ship in a storm than in calm waters.Wayne & TamaraSeesawI'm a single woman who is intelligent, kindhearted, and attractive. I recently ended a relationship with a man I'll call Jordan. Jordan slowly moved from wanting to spend every moment with me to "needing some space."Jordan is bipolar and refuses to seek help, and my attempts to help left him better and me with an hour of sleep. Recently we enjoyed a great afternoon when he invited me to a party. Well, the last time we went to a party, I was basically "left by the punchbowl." When I gently expressed my concern, he screamed, "Get out!" Which I promptly did.I realize I'm stupid to want anything but to move on, but for curiosity's sake, because it's driving me crazy, what on earth is his problem? We seem to want the same thing, each other, yet he's going back and forth faster than a swing.DarleneDarlene, you ask what on earth is his problem. To borrow a phrase from teenagers, "Duh?" He is an unmedicated, bipolar person.As long as he won't address the problem of his mood swings, there is no place on the swing for you.TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : self esteem,self help,confidence,coaching,success,motivation,inspiration
Conspiracy of Silence
Author : Wayne Mitchell
Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 12, 2004I'm hoping you can help me with a moral problem that crops up every now and then in my personal and professional life. Sometimes I find myself being blamed for an error or lack of judgment that actually occurred on someone else's part. For example, I asked someone at work about using a certain location for a display, was given the go-ahead, then chastised for using that location.When the only way I can defend myself involves pointing the finger at someone else, I'm in a real quandary. I am rarely prepared to defend myself if it means making someone else look bad. I handle the problem by saying nothing. I simply don't know what to say.There is usually ample opportunity for the person responsible to come forward, but I find that hardly ever happens. How can I handle this type of problem without taking the low road of attacking others? What is the moral or ethical thing to do?KarlaKarla, each of us has principles of behavior rattling around in our head. These principles range from the Golden Rule to Miss Manners' etiquette to the Boy Scout Creed. Often we are not sure which principle to apply.The principle you are applying here is the playground and schoolyard rule which says one shouldn't snitch to a parent or teacher. It is not an ethical rule so much as a rule children employ in play. A much more basic rule applies. That is the rule which says, in simple justice, each of us deserves to be known for the person we are.Your lack of explanations makes you look guilty. Coming forward and explaining why you acted as you did should not be a moral or ethical problem for you. It is simply a matter of fact. If you acted because Sheila told you to do it that way, or the employee handbook says to do it that way, or you have always done it that way and no one told you otherwise, you are simply reporting a fact.You should look at this as an impersonal matter, much as if you are reporting the time or the weather. When you report facts in these situations, there are three rules to remember. The three rules are: don't apologize, don't apologize, and don't apologize. An apology is due when you have done something wrong; no apology is called for when stating the reality of a situation.Karla, you don't have an ethical problem here, but the people who know the truth and remain silent do.WayneMissing Holiday SpiritThis Christmas I went to a lot of trouble to find special gifts for my grandchildren. I have some health challenges, and it was a stretch physically to shop for these gifts. Since I was in their neighborhood the week before Christmas, I left my presents under the tree ahead of time.They expected me Christmas morning, and I called ahead to say I was on my way. When I arrived carrying two grocery bags with food, my grandson met me at the door saying he really liked the books. I couldn't believe my ears. They had opened my gifts without me!I told my daughter I was disappointed, and she said she was "sorry" I hadn't left "instructions." Her husband told me they have a rule in their house: no whining. What should I do? Skip Christmas for them? Forgive and forget? Move?ClaraClara, if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it still make a sound? If a child receives a gift and you are not there, is he still filled with joy?Don't skip Christmas with your family. Next year take the gifts with you on Christmas morning, and be grateful for a son-in-law with such a wise rule for his household.TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation
Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 12, 2004I'm hoping you can help me with a moral problem that crops up every now and then in my personal and professional life. Sometimes I find myself being blamed for an error or lack of judgment that actually occurred on someone else's part. For example, I asked someone at work about using a certain location for a display, was given the go-ahead, then chastised for using that location.When the only way I can defend myself involves pointing the finger at someone else, I'm in a real quandary. I am rarely prepared to defend myself if it means making someone else look bad. I handle the problem by saying nothing. I simply don't know what to say.There is usually ample opportunity for the person responsible to come forward, but I find that hardly ever happens. How can I handle this type of problem without taking the low road of attacking others? What is the moral or ethical thing to do?KarlaKarla, each of us has principles of behavior rattling around in our head. These principles range from the Golden Rule to Miss Manners' etiquette to the Boy Scout Creed. Often we are not sure which principle to apply.The principle you are applying here is the playground and schoolyard rule which says one shouldn't snitch to a parent or teacher. It is not an ethical rule so much as a rule children employ in play. A much more basic rule applies. That is the rule which says, in simple justice, each of us deserves to be known for the person we are.Your lack of explanations makes you look guilty. Coming forward and explaining why you acted as you did should not be a moral or ethical problem for you. It is simply a matter of fact. If you acted because Sheila told you to do it that way, or the employee handbook says to do it that way, or you have always done it that way and no one told you otherwise, you are simply reporting a fact.You should look at this as an impersonal matter, much as if you are reporting the time or the weather. When you report facts in these situations, there are three rules to remember. The three rules are: don't apologize, don't apologize, and don't apologize. An apology is due when you have done something wrong; no apology is called for when stating the reality of a situation.Karla, you don't have an ethical problem here, but the people who know the truth and remain silent do.WayneMissing Holiday SpiritThis Christmas I went to a lot of trouble to find special gifts for my grandchildren. I have some health challenges, and it was a stretch physically to shop for these gifts. Since I was in their neighborhood the week before Christmas, I left my presents under the tree ahead of time.They expected me Christmas morning, and I called ahead to say I was on my way. When I arrived carrying two grocery bags with food, my grandson met me at the door saying he really liked the books. I couldn't believe my ears. They had opened my gifts without me!I told my daughter I was disappointed, and she said she was "sorry" I hadn't left "instructions." Her husband told me they have a rule in their house: no whining. What should I do? Skip Christmas for them? Forgive and forget? Move?ClaraClara, if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it still make a sound? If a child receives a gift and you are not there, is he still filled with joy?Don't skip Christmas with your family. Next year take the gifts with you on Christmas morning, and be grateful for a son-in-law with such a wise rule for his household.TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation
Bad Blood
Author : Wayne Mitchell
Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 26, 2002Recently my father passed away. My problem is he never filed a will through the court, but he did have a holographic will, which is an unwitnessed, handwritten will. That will popped out of nowhere.My father owned a nice middle-class home. My younger sister wanted his home because it is a lot more spacious than her own. I personally did not mind. For my share in dad's home my sister promised me a paid and clear title and her home would be mine.One day she picked me up, and we went to an attorney so I could sign a paper giving her my father's home. I asked where my title was, paid full and clear. She said not to worry, she would bring it next week for sure.I believed her. After all she is blood. Now I know it was all a setup, and my sister took advantage of me. She never signed over her home free and clear. To top it off, my uncle was the executor of the will, and he knew what my sister was up to.I am suing my sister to get my half, but all my lawyer has gotten so far is junk like pots, pans and bowls with no value. I feel bad going to this extreme, but she has taken advantage of me and disobeyed my father's wishes.MarjorieMarjorie, blood does not denote character. Blood only carries value when there is love, character and sharing.This can't be the first time your sister has pulled something on you. It is likely she's done a myriad of smaller things over the years. Each time she was careful to put enough distance between events to make you susceptible again.Your uncle and your sister are two of a kind. It's not that you have blood in common, it is that they have larceny in common. They look at blood as something to take advantage of, something to use and abuse. You can find total strangers you are more connected to than those two.As long as there is a reasonable chance of success, don't let them walk away laughing. Even if most of what you recover goes to pay lawyer's fees, that is better than failing to defend yourself. In the future, remember you are not dealing with family, you are dealing with thieves who stole your father's final gift.Wayne and TamaraEye CandyI am a guy, 21. Recently I've been talking online to a married woman. She seems to like talking to me because she seeks a kind of love her husband cannot give her. During a family vacation, she actually stopped at a gas station here and phoned a radio station requesting a love song for me, while her husband was inside the gas station.Another married woman incident occurred last summer. One night out on the lake with her family and my folks, a woman commented I would look good in Speedos. Then yesterday I was playing basketball in my front yard, and our neighbor walked by as I was shooting hoops. She took it upon herself to water her roses and glance at me.Why is this happening? What do these married women see in me, and what do they want from me?ShepShep, an iris, an orchid and a rose don't try to give us pleasure, they are just being themselves. Yet each of these flowers appeals to different people in varying amounts.You have qualities which appeal to these women. For some it could be your height, your athleticism, or your personality. For others it may simply be the twinkle in your eye or the resemblance to an old beau. Their attraction to you begins and ends within them.You clearly stated you know they are married. There is no need or advantage for you to encourage them.TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,innovation,positive thinking
Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 26, 2002Recently my father passed away. My problem is he never filed a will through the court, but he did have a holographic will, which is an unwitnessed, handwritten will. That will popped out of nowhere.My father owned a nice middle-class home. My younger sister wanted his home because it is a lot more spacious than her own. I personally did not mind. For my share in dad's home my sister promised me a paid and clear title and her home would be mine.One day she picked me up, and we went to an attorney so I could sign a paper giving her my father's home. I asked where my title was, paid full and clear. She said not to worry, she would bring it next week for sure.I believed her. After all she is blood. Now I know it was all a setup, and my sister took advantage of me. She never signed over her home free and clear. To top it off, my uncle was the executor of the will, and he knew what my sister was up to.I am suing my sister to get my half, but all my lawyer has gotten so far is junk like pots, pans and bowls with no value. I feel bad going to this extreme, but she has taken advantage of me and disobeyed my father's wishes.MarjorieMarjorie, blood does not denote character. Blood only carries value when there is love, character and sharing.This can't be the first time your sister has pulled something on you. It is likely she's done a myriad of smaller things over the years. Each time she was careful to put enough distance between events to make you susceptible again.Your uncle and your sister are two of a kind. It's not that you have blood in common, it is that they have larceny in common. They look at blood as something to take advantage of, something to use and abuse. You can find total strangers you are more connected to than those two.As long as there is a reasonable chance of success, don't let them walk away laughing. Even if most of what you recover goes to pay lawyer's fees, that is better than failing to defend yourself. In the future, remember you are not dealing with family, you are dealing with thieves who stole your father's final gift.Wayne and TamaraEye CandyI am a guy, 21. Recently I've been talking online to a married woman. She seems to like talking to me because she seeks a kind of love her husband cannot give her. During a family vacation, she actually stopped at a gas station here and phoned a radio station requesting a love song for me, while her husband was inside the gas station.Another married woman incident occurred last summer. One night out on the lake with her family and my folks, a woman commented I would look good in Speedos. Then yesterday I was playing basketball in my front yard, and our neighbor walked by as I was shooting hoops. She took it upon herself to water her roses and glance at me.Why is this happening? What do these married women see in me, and what do they want from me?ShepShep, an iris, an orchid and a rose don't try to give us pleasure, they are just being themselves. Yet each of these flowers appeals to different people in varying amounts.You have qualities which appeal to these women. For some it could be your height, your athleticism, or your personality. For others it may simply be the twinkle in your eye or the resemblance to an old beau. Their attraction to you begins and ends within them.You clearly stated you know they are married. There is no need or advantage for you to encourage them.TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,innovation,positive thinking
Changing Course
Author : Wayne Mitchell
Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 17, 2003I'm at my wit's end. My wife of 20 years is leaving me. She said she is sick of me always talking at her. She says she doesn't care about money or anything else as long as she can get away from me. I pleaded with her to stay and she stayed one night in the spare room, but she refused to talk further.Next day I returned home from work to an empty house with no idea where anybody was. I was so upset my wife was not home preparing a meal for our teenagers, I went to the restaurant where she works. I am ashamed to say I created more than one scene in more than one place. I am now barred from the restaurant.I'm struggling on my own at home trying for the first time in my life to cook and look after my children, who expect everything to be as their mother did it. I think my daughter understands, but my son is naïve. He thinks we can wave a magic wand and make everything right again. How I wish he was right. I even thought about suicide.GlennGlenn, in old Hollywood movies there was a scene where a girl would fly into hysterics and the male lead would slap her to bring her to her senses. That's where you are now. You are in the "I can't believe this is happening" nightmare.Everything seems unreal, and you don't know what to do next. But you have an ally. Your ally is time. Mavis Hetherington did the largest study of divorce in the United States. In her book "For Better or For Worse," she says, "Things will probably get worse over the course of this first year, then improve radically."Life is so precious you can't consider hurting yourself because that is the most crippling thing you could do to your children. Beyond that, the greatest harm you could do to yourself is not to let your life unfold.Move through this with fresh eyes. Your life is not falling apart. It is changing. With change comes the possibility of finding the joy and satisfaction and love which were not present in your marriage.The way you feel today is not the way you will feel tomorrow, next week, or next month. Take care of your children. This can be the beginning of the life you were meant to live.TamaraParting ShotsMy husband and I have agreed to divorce, and both of us are still in the family home. He is a retired government attorney. I am a real estate agent.Like all real estate agents, my income is very hit or miss. We have his pension and our property investment coming in on a monthly basis. I don't trust my husband to be up front about all our assets. He incorporated with partners, and he's always kept our real estate investments and business very much to himself.I am sure you have heard all this before, but I would like not to be in the poor house when this is over. Just fair would be the best.CharlotteCharlotte, when you deal with other people, it's best to act in accordance with who they are. If you are dealing with a kind person who always thinks of others, you act one way. If you are dealing with someone selfish and secretive, you act another. It doesn't matter that you once shared a bed.In olden days a man-of-war would fire a shot across the bow of another ship as a signal to stop, so they could have a chat. There is no reason why your divorce should be acrimonious, but you need a lawyer to represent your best interests. He can fire a shot across your husband's bow, so the two of them can stop for a chat.WayneAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,relationships,change
Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 17, 2003I'm at my wit's end. My wife of 20 years is leaving me. She said she is sick of me always talking at her. She says she doesn't care about money or anything else as long as she can get away from me. I pleaded with her to stay and she stayed one night in the spare room, but she refused to talk further.Next day I returned home from work to an empty house with no idea where anybody was. I was so upset my wife was not home preparing a meal for our teenagers, I went to the restaurant where she works. I am ashamed to say I created more than one scene in more than one place. I am now barred from the restaurant.I'm struggling on my own at home trying for the first time in my life to cook and look after my children, who expect everything to be as their mother did it. I think my daughter understands, but my son is naïve. He thinks we can wave a magic wand and make everything right again. How I wish he was right. I even thought about suicide.GlennGlenn, in old Hollywood movies there was a scene where a girl would fly into hysterics and the male lead would slap her to bring her to her senses. That's where you are now. You are in the "I can't believe this is happening" nightmare.Everything seems unreal, and you don't know what to do next. But you have an ally. Your ally is time. Mavis Hetherington did the largest study of divorce in the United States. In her book "For Better or For Worse," she says, "Things will probably get worse over the course of this first year, then improve radically."Life is so precious you can't consider hurting yourself because that is the most crippling thing you could do to your children. Beyond that, the greatest harm you could do to yourself is not to let your life unfold.Move through this with fresh eyes. Your life is not falling apart. It is changing. With change comes the possibility of finding the joy and satisfaction and love which were not present in your marriage.The way you feel today is not the way you will feel tomorrow, next week, or next month. Take care of your children. This can be the beginning of the life you were meant to live.TamaraParting ShotsMy husband and I have agreed to divorce, and both of us are still in the family home. He is a retired government attorney. I am a real estate agent.Like all real estate agents, my income is very hit or miss. We have his pension and our property investment coming in on a monthly basis. I don't trust my husband to be up front about all our assets. He incorporated with partners, and he's always kept our real estate investments and business very much to himself.I am sure you have heard all this before, but I would like not to be in the poor house when this is over. Just fair would be the best.CharlotteCharlotte, when you deal with other people, it's best to act in accordance with who they are. If you are dealing with a kind person who always thinks of others, you act one way. If you are dealing with someone selfish and secretive, you act another. It doesn't matter that you once shared a bed.In olden days a man-of-war would fire a shot across the bow of another ship as a signal to stop, so they could have a chat. There is no reason why your divorce should be acrimonious, but you need a lawyer to represent your best interests. He can fire a shot across your husband's bow, so the two of them can stop for a chat.WayneAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,relationships,change
From the Hint of a Rainbow to...
Author : Julie Jordan Scott
The grey sky of morning contained an ominous quality. The clouds were so thick they were almost tangible. Then I saw it. Faintly sandwiched between the clouds was the hint of a rainbow. Barely visible were the bands of color, with a straining, subtle expectancy as the dim colors arched upward. It was the beginnings of a rainbow. The hint of a possibility of something beautiful, magical and rare.Was the rainbow becoming more of a rainbow? Or would it retreat?Would all the pieces that need to come together to create a vibrant halo of color in the sky so the rainbow would flourish, or would one of the factors jump out of balance, thus erasing the hint? Which would be created? Nothingness or gloriousness?In your life, where are there hints of a rainbow? What is standing in the way of your magnificent rainbow?Perhaps it is over analysis. Sure, planning is valuable. And becoming paralyzed by considering "What happens if X happens? What happens if Z happens? What happens if Mary tells John that A might have a negative effect on B so then X is a moot point anyway?" And what if a huge meteor pummels Earth and tomorrow ALL of the planet is destroyed?Having a game plan is always a good thing. A good coach knows that a game plan is consistently modified once the ball is put into play. Who knows what the other side has up their sleeves? Instead of getting stuck in the worry whirlwind, put together a framework and wait with joyful anticipation of the positive potential.Maybe you are constantly looking at your rainbow from a perspective of fear. From the disempowering rather than the compelling. Fear is especially insidious, because it can come cloaked in many disguises. It may appear to be care and concern, or it may appear as discernment. Another costume it wears is tradition. You know this one, when your friend says, "Why change? This is the only way we have ever done it!" Definitely the death knell of a rainbow in the making.Or another way to make your rainbow in the making disappear is to give up on its existence right as it is about to burst forth with colorful splendor. Norman Vincent Peale wrote these inciteful words on this subject: "Lots of people limit their possibilities by giving up easily. Never tell yourself this is too much for me. It's no use. I can't go on. If you do you're licked, and by your own thinking too. Keep believing and keep on keeping on." Countless inventors, entrepreneurs, artists and people just like you have given up right on the verge of their personal tipping point to success.And then there are the people who stay in pursuit of their rainbows.As a child, Richard Branson, noted Entrepreneur, was diagnosed with dyslexia. His scores on standardized tests were dismal, pointing to the likelihood of a less than stellar future. Perfect example of how radically off the mark prophesies based on "standardized tests" can be for children. These tests don't measure the passionate drive that fills an individual. They can not hold onto embers that are just waiting to burst into flames. They can not possibly see what can happen by adding the positive support and nurture of family members and teachers: people who instead of looking at the numbers on a standardized test and instead look into the soul and say, as Branson's Grandmother said, "You've got one go in life. Make the most of it."Richard Branson obviously saw the glimmer of a rainbow and then made sure the environment was right to bring it to fruition.Media magnate Oprah Winfrey hardly had an easy early life, yet she has said, "All my life I have known I was born to greatness." Her reality was poverty, molest, incompletion of her college studies and then having to switch gears on her dreams from newscaster to morning show host. Did any of these negative moments get in her way of pursuing her greatness?Many other people would have gotten discouraged. They had a PLAN to become a newscaster, what a step down to be a morning show host! Oh, really?Who hosts the news for Nashville, Tennessee's nightly newscast? Sure, the people in Nashville and the surrounding areas are well aware of their beloved news anchors. I am sure they do a terrific job.Who is Oprah Winfrey? If you have been awake for the last decade, you are well aware of Oprah. A role model who saw a glimmer and has been riding her rainbow ever since. Not only that, she has taken the world along with her, enlightening millions as she creates the life of her dreams. Even her fiancé has celebrity status. His name is Steadman. You probably already knew that.And Oprah's radiance births rainbows every day from her Chicago studios. Today I watched half of her program, seeing the ever salty, very down to earth Dr. Phil dispensing common sense relationship advice to controlling wives and the men who love them. Imagine that glimmering rainbow: a success story in the making, along comes Oprah and Dr. Phil now has a huge following. His "tell it like it is style" and simple strategies continue to build rainbows for people each time he appears on Oprah's show.I sat at the intersection, looking at the hint of a rainbow, wondering what its message was for me. I sighed at the beauty of it, the quiet whispers from the possibility of the rainbow to my soul.I turned the corner towards my house. Less than a block later, I saw it. The rainbow, in full majestic color. No longer a hint, but a reality. Beautifully and magnificently formed beyond what any artist could create. My eyes filled with tears.All I had to do was turn the corner. All YOU have to do is turn the corner. Turn away from the tyranny of overanalysis. Turn away from "what if?" paralysis. Away from a life time of being fearful, of being somehow not enough, away from "but we have always done it this way." Turn the corner to embracing your greatness. Take the fire deep within you and make something of it. Say what is so in your life, and then agree to it! Take action on it! Now!Vic Braden said, "The moment of enlightenment is when a person's dreams of possibilities become images of probabilities." Your rainbow is stunning. I can see it from my window. The sun is shining upon it, reflecting that glint of "Yes, I can!" in your eyes. Today, show your rainbow to others. Watch the magic as it unfolds before you. Your rainbow is always there, simply waiting for you to bring it out in all its glory. Right now, it looks fantastic. Congratulations.About The AuthorJulie Jordan Scott is a Professional Success Coach. Visit her website to find out more about her latest free coaching offers as well as many resources for your most passionate lifestyle! http://www.5passions.com/coachingoffer.html. Send Julie a note julie@5passions.com and let her know how you will apply what you read today. She is waiting to hear from you!
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,innovation,positive thinking
The grey sky of morning contained an ominous quality. The clouds were so thick they were almost tangible. Then I saw it. Faintly sandwiched between the clouds was the hint of a rainbow. Barely visible were the bands of color, with a straining, subtle expectancy as the dim colors arched upward. It was the beginnings of a rainbow. The hint of a possibility of something beautiful, magical and rare.Was the rainbow becoming more of a rainbow? Or would it retreat?Would all the pieces that need to come together to create a vibrant halo of color in the sky so the rainbow would flourish, or would one of the factors jump out of balance, thus erasing the hint? Which would be created? Nothingness or gloriousness?In your life, where are there hints of a rainbow? What is standing in the way of your magnificent rainbow?Perhaps it is over analysis. Sure, planning is valuable. And becoming paralyzed by considering "What happens if X happens? What happens if Z happens? What happens if Mary tells John that A might have a negative effect on B so then X is a moot point anyway?" And what if a huge meteor pummels Earth and tomorrow ALL of the planet is destroyed?Having a game plan is always a good thing. A good coach knows that a game plan is consistently modified once the ball is put into play. Who knows what the other side has up their sleeves? Instead of getting stuck in the worry whirlwind, put together a framework and wait with joyful anticipation of the positive potential.Maybe you are constantly looking at your rainbow from a perspective of fear. From the disempowering rather than the compelling. Fear is especially insidious, because it can come cloaked in many disguises. It may appear to be care and concern, or it may appear as discernment. Another costume it wears is tradition. You know this one, when your friend says, "Why change? This is the only way we have ever done it!" Definitely the death knell of a rainbow in the making.Or another way to make your rainbow in the making disappear is to give up on its existence right as it is about to burst forth with colorful splendor. Norman Vincent Peale wrote these inciteful words on this subject: "Lots of people limit their possibilities by giving up easily. Never tell yourself this is too much for me. It's no use. I can't go on. If you do you're licked, and by your own thinking too. Keep believing and keep on keeping on." Countless inventors, entrepreneurs, artists and people just like you have given up right on the verge of their personal tipping point to success.And then there are the people who stay in pursuit of their rainbows.As a child, Richard Branson, noted Entrepreneur, was diagnosed with dyslexia. His scores on standardized tests were dismal, pointing to the likelihood of a less than stellar future. Perfect example of how radically off the mark prophesies based on "standardized tests" can be for children. These tests don't measure the passionate drive that fills an individual. They can not hold onto embers that are just waiting to burst into flames. They can not possibly see what can happen by adding the positive support and nurture of family members and teachers: people who instead of looking at the numbers on a standardized test and instead look into the soul and say, as Branson's Grandmother said, "You've got one go in life. Make the most of it."Richard Branson obviously saw the glimmer of a rainbow and then made sure the environment was right to bring it to fruition.Media magnate Oprah Winfrey hardly had an easy early life, yet she has said, "All my life I have known I was born to greatness." Her reality was poverty, molest, incompletion of her college studies and then having to switch gears on her dreams from newscaster to morning show host. Did any of these negative moments get in her way of pursuing her greatness?Many other people would have gotten discouraged. They had a PLAN to become a newscaster, what a step down to be a morning show host! Oh, really?Who hosts the news for Nashville, Tennessee's nightly newscast? Sure, the people in Nashville and the surrounding areas are well aware of their beloved news anchors. I am sure they do a terrific job.Who is Oprah Winfrey? If you have been awake for the last decade, you are well aware of Oprah. A role model who saw a glimmer and has been riding her rainbow ever since. Not only that, she has taken the world along with her, enlightening millions as she creates the life of her dreams. Even her fiancé has celebrity status. His name is Steadman. You probably already knew that.And Oprah's radiance births rainbows every day from her Chicago studios. Today I watched half of her program, seeing the ever salty, very down to earth Dr. Phil dispensing common sense relationship advice to controlling wives and the men who love them. Imagine that glimmering rainbow: a success story in the making, along comes Oprah and Dr. Phil now has a huge following. His "tell it like it is style" and simple strategies continue to build rainbows for people each time he appears on Oprah's show.I sat at the intersection, looking at the hint of a rainbow, wondering what its message was for me. I sighed at the beauty of it, the quiet whispers from the possibility of the rainbow to my soul.I turned the corner towards my house. Less than a block later, I saw it. The rainbow, in full majestic color. No longer a hint, but a reality. Beautifully and magnificently formed beyond what any artist could create. My eyes filled with tears.All I had to do was turn the corner. All YOU have to do is turn the corner. Turn away from the tyranny of overanalysis. Turn away from "what if?" paralysis. Away from a life time of being fearful, of being somehow not enough, away from "but we have always done it this way." Turn the corner to embracing your greatness. Take the fire deep within you and make something of it. Say what is so in your life, and then agree to it! Take action on it! Now!Vic Braden said, "The moment of enlightenment is when a person's dreams of possibilities become images of probabilities." Your rainbow is stunning. I can see it from my window. The sun is shining upon it, reflecting that glint of "Yes, I can!" in your eyes. Today, show your rainbow to others. Watch the magic as it unfolds before you. Your rainbow is always there, simply waiting for you to bring it out in all its glory. Right now, it looks fantastic. Congratulations.About The AuthorJulie Jordan Scott is a Professional Success Coach. Visit her website to find out more about her latest free coaching offers as well as many resources for your most passionate lifestyle! http://www.5passions.com/coachingoffer.html. Send Julie a note julie@5passions.com and let her know how you will apply what you read today. She is waiting to hear from you!
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,innovation,positive thinking
To Thine Own Self
Author : Wayne Mitchell
Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 6, 2004Someone gave me a bit of advice, and I'm doing my best to get my head wrapped around it, trying to understand and comprehend and translate it into my own life. What does it mean to "follow your own heart"?LisaLisa, Dante's "Divine Comedy" opens with the author saying, "Midway in the journey of our life, I found myself in a dark wood, for the straightforward path had been lost." That is how many people feel. It is as if they are searching for an answer when they don't know the question.In your quiet moments, with no concern for anyone but yourself, what are your dreams? Your desires? What are your hobbies? Your interests? What did you like to do when you were young? If someone gave you a lot of money, what would you do? Often what you would do doesn't take money, but if you had money, you would feel the freedom--the unburdening--to do it.Most of us have a talent for complicating the obvious. The amoeba, a one cell organism, has a lesson for us all. It moves toward and embraces what it authentically needs, and it moves away from the uncongenial. That is all we need to do in life, and it applies to everything--people, jobs, leisure activities, and studies.This method is extremely simple. It is so simple people don't realize how powerful it is. In the course of time, it can create the kind of life we want. Is it sometimes wasteful? Yes, sometimes we follow false trails. Will we sometimes feel our life is stalled? Yes, but at a deeper level we are moving forward.People who follow this simple technique, in time, feel as if their lives were guided by an unseen hand. They gain a sense of destiny. What once seemed like random events, they know occurred for a purpose. They end up living a life which fulfills them.Wayne & TamaraI Love LucyMy mother is making dinner for the holidays, and she invited my mother-in-law who is undergoing chemotherapy. My mother-in-law is very upbeat about her condition, but she constantly talks about the details of her illness.The problem is this. My dad died from cancer 10 years ago. He and mother were very private about his illness and never brought it up with company unless someone asked. Mother was devastated by his death and has a hard time listening to other people's cancer stories.My mother told me she is going to call my mother-in-law and tell her a guest, who will be at the dinner, had cancer before and does not want to talk about cancer or have it discussed. That isn't true, but mom said the guest will play along.I feel uncomfortable with this. I told my mother, but she said it's her dinner and she is going to do it. I always treat my mother-in-law as a second mother, but my mother and my mother-in-law have a standoffish relationship. Since my mother is making an issue of this, it seems to be my problem, or is it?JenniferJennifer, a sonnet by Edna St. Vincent Millay contains the lines, "There are a hundred places where I fear to go,--so with his memory they brim." That is where your mother is. But your mother-in-law is, as another poet said, raging against the dying of the light.Your mother's scheme reminds us of the sitcom "I Love Lucy." Each episode involved a ruse, and when the ruse was discovered, all was forgiven. In real life subterfuges blow up and cause bad feelings. The guest's "cancer" may be all your mother-in-law needs to helpfully suggest support groups, books, and treatments.The real problem is two mothers who don't get along. Go to the dinner, but don't be a party to this ruse.Wayne & TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,innovation,positive thinking
Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 6, 2004Someone gave me a bit of advice, and I'm doing my best to get my head wrapped around it, trying to understand and comprehend and translate it into my own life. What does it mean to "follow your own heart"?LisaLisa, Dante's "Divine Comedy" opens with the author saying, "Midway in the journey of our life, I found myself in a dark wood, for the straightforward path had been lost." That is how many people feel. It is as if they are searching for an answer when they don't know the question.In your quiet moments, with no concern for anyone but yourself, what are your dreams? Your desires? What are your hobbies? Your interests? What did you like to do when you were young? If someone gave you a lot of money, what would you do? Often what you would do doesn't take money, but if you had money, you would feel the freedom--the unburdening--to do it.Most of us have a talent for complicating the obvious. The amoeba, a one cell organism, has a lesson for us all. It moves toward and embraces what it authentically needs, and it moves away from the uncongenial. That is all we need to do in life, and it applies to everything--people, jobs, leisure activities, and studies.This method is extremely simple. It is so simple people don't realize how powerful it is. In the course of time, it can create the kind of life we want. Is it sometimes wasteful? Yes, sometimes we follow false trails. Will we sometimes feel our life is stalled? Yes, but at a deeper level we are moving forward.People who follow this simple technique, in time, feel as if their lives were guided by an unseen hand. They gain a sense of destiny. What once seemed like random events, they know occurred for a purpose. They end up living a life which fulfills them.Wayne & TamaraI Love LucyMy mother is making dinner for the holidays, and she invited my mother-in-law who is undergoing chemotherapy. My mother-in-law is very upbeat about her condition, but she constantly talks about the details of her illness.The problem is this. My dad died from cancer 10 years ago. He and mother were very private about his illness and never brought it up with company unless someone asked. Mother was devastated by his death and has a hard time listening to other people's cancer stories.My mother told me she is going to call my mother-in-law and tell her a guest, who will be at the dinner, had cancer before and does not want to talk about cancer or have it discussed. That isn't true, but mom said the guest will play along.I feel uncomfortable with this. I told my mother, but she said it's her dinner and she is going to do it. I always treat my mother-in-law as a second mother, but my mother and my mother-in-law have a standoffish relationship. Since my mother is making an issue of this, it seems to be my problem, or is it?JenniferJennifer, a sonnet by Edna St. Vincent Millay contains the lines, "There are a hundred places where I fear to go,--so with his memory they brim." That is where your mother is. But your mother-in-law is, as another poet said, raging against the dying of the light.Your mother's scheme reminds us of the sitcom "I Love Lucy." Each episode involved a ruse, and when the ruse was discovered, all was forgiven. In real life subterfuges blow up and cause bad feelings. The guest's "cancer" may be all your mother-in-law needs to helpfully suggest support groups, books, and treatments.The real problem is two mothers who don't get along. Go to the dinner, but don't be a party to this ruse.Wayne & TamaraAbout The AuthorAuthors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
Keyword : inspiration,coaching,self improvement,counseling,goals,motivation,innovation,positive thinking
Universal Thought Systems Language Part 2
Author : Roger Paradis
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System in a positive expansive manner, we must learn to use certain words in our language more effectively. The prime characteristic of the Universal Thought System is its consistency. It may not be used to manipulate. It may not be used to gain an advantage. It treats everyone equally. It eliminates the negative side of opposites. Why is this Universal Language so critical to our progress? In our thoughts and actions, we either seek idols or we seek truth. When we find the truth all our answers are provided. Truth contains all answers to every problem. Truth has always existed and will always exist. Our beliefs and feelings color our truth. They act as filters between our truth and our illusions.If absolute truth is discovered, the filters disappear. In truth there is only love. In love there is only truth. There is no need for filters. The use of keywords help to reveal the path to truth. They clear the filters. They clarify our perceptions. They reduce the effects of our illusions. We discover peace and joy. What are some of the keywords that make up our Universal Thought System Language? In a series of ezines we will list and define some of the keywords in the Universal Thought System
Language. The first words are listed and defined below:Present:
The only time that intersects with eternity is the present. Now, is the only time that is real. The past is only a memory. The future has not arrived. Therefore, the more often we can focus our mind in the present, the better we can manifest what we want in the future. When we focus in the present our energy is more concentrated. We are connected. When our thoughts are on the
past or on the future we are not connected.Oneness:
We are all one. We are made of the same stuff. We are Universal Energy. Our thoughts travel though the oneness that we are. This is part of the explanation of why what we give is what we receive. Through our thoughts what we give to others we give to ourselves. We can not see our oneness because it is masked by
the separation in our individual lives.Beliefs:
Our beliefs, along with our feelings, are the filters and conductors that modify the energy passing through us. They behave much like resistors, capacitors, and transistors behave in electrical circuits. They modify the electrical current that
passes through them to achieve the goals that we really can accept. They protect us from an oversupply of energy. The particular circuit created by the series of beliefs that a person holds accounts for much of their uniqueness. Beliefs provide protection from what our minds can not yet accept.Feelings:
When we think it is very important to be aware of what we feel. Feelings communicate the positive or negative energy in our thoughts. When we communicate inwardly to access universal energy, our feelings can either aid or interfere. If we feel
negative about what we are communicating those feelings will interfere. If we feel positive about what we are communicating the feelings will aid the communication. The feelings are very easy to detect and to evaluate. Most often, they are right in
the pit of our stomachs.About Us:
Our newsletters are our means to reach out to others who are in search of basic truth. This search began almost 30 years ago with one question: How can we balance our lives? The summary of the answer to this question was compiled in a book titled 'Creating Your Personal Journey'. The book was published in 1996. The search has continued as we adapt to a new question: What is the truth? We are guided by the thought that, 'The best way to learn anything is to teach it.This newsletter is distributed by subscription only. If you wish to unsubscribe, please follow the instructions below.Please feel free to pass this e-zine on to your friends. However, we ask that you keep it intact and forward it in its entirety.To subscribe: Send us an email with your name and email address. Insert the word 'subscribe' in the subject line.To unsubscribe: Send us an email with your name and email address. Insert the word 'remove' in the subject line.© Copyright 2005 Roger ParadisRoger L. Paradis-"We R One"
http://www.were-one.com
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System in a positive expansive manner, we must learn to use certain words in our language more effectively. The prime characteristic of the Universal Thought System is its consistency. It may not be used to manipulate. It may not be used to gain an advantage. It treats everyone equally. It eliminates the negative side of opposites. Why is this Universal Language so critical to our progress? In our thoughts and actions, we either seek idols or we seek truth. When we find the truth all our answers are provided. Truth contains all answers to every problem. Truth has always existed and will always exist. Our beliefs and feelings color our truth. They act as filters between our truth and our illusions.If absolute truth is discovered, the filters disappear. In truth there is only love. In love there is only truth. There is no need for filters. The use of keywords help to reveal the path to truth. They clear the filters. They clarify our perceptions. They reduce the effects of our illusions. We discover peace and joy. What are some of the keywords that make up our Universal Thought System Language? In a series of ezines we will list and define some of the keywords in the Universal Thought System
Language. The first words are listed and defined below:Present:
The only time that intersects with eternity is the present. Now, is the only time that is real. The past is only a memory. The future has not arrived. Therefore, the more often we can focus our mind in the present, the better we can manifest what we want in the future. When we focus in the present our energy is more concentrated. We are connected. When our thoughts are on the
past or on the future we are not connected.Oneness:
We are all one. We are made of the same stuff. We are Universal Energy. Our thoughts travel though the oneness that we are. This is part of the explanation of why what we give is what we receive. Through our thoughts what we give to others we give to ourselves. We can not see our oneness because it is masked by
the separation in our individual lives.Beliefs:
Our beliefs, along with our feelings, are the filters and conductors that modify the energy passing through us. They behave much like resistors, capacitors, and transistors behave in electrical circuits. They modify the electrical current that
passes through them to achieve the goals that we really can accept. They protect us from an oversupply of energy. The particular circuit created by the series of beliefs that a person holds accounts for much of their uniqueness. Beliefs provide protection from what our minds can not yet accept.Feelings:
When we think it is very important to be aware of what we feel. Feelings communicate the positive or negative energy in our thoughts. When we communicate inwardly to access universal energy, our feelings can either aid or interfere. If we feel
negative about what we are communicating those feelings will interfere. If we feel positive about what we are communicating the feelings will aid the communication. The feelings are very easy to detect and to evaluate. Most often, they are right in
the pit of our stomachs.About Us:
Our newsletters are our means to reach out to others who are in search of basic truth. This search began almost 30 years ago with one question: How can we balance our lives? The summary of the answer to this question was compiled in a book titled 'Creating Your Personal Journey'. The book was published in 1996. The search has continued as we adapt to a new question: What is the truth? We are guided by the thought that, 'The best way to learn anything is to teach it.This newsletter is distributed by subscription only. If you wish to unsubscribe, please follow the instructions below.Please feel free to pass this e-zine on to your friends. However, we ask that you keep it intact and forward it in its entirety.To subscribe: Send us an email with your name and email address. Insert the word 'subscribe' in the subject line.To unsubscribe: Send us an email with your name and email address. Insert the word 'remove' in the subject line.© Copyright 2005 Roger ParadisRoger L. Paradis-"We R One"
http://www.were-one.com
mail to paradisrjs@were-one.com
623 East New Lenox Rd. Pittsfield, MA, 01201
Creating a New Vision for the 21st Century
Keyword : Present, Feelings, Beliefs, Oneness, Universal Thought Systems
Melting Snow
Author : Ridgely Goldsborough
I love the sounds of melting snow—plink, plink, ting, ting, ting, a staccato drip on sloped metal roofs, the occasional loud crack of a giant icicle, the bubble and gurgle of the mountain brook as it swells and tumbles over polished rocks on its way to the valley below.I love to gaze at the majestic white peaks with knowing wonder that they will soon morph into greens, oranges, purples, reds and a myriad of ever-changing hues, a dance between the sun, the clouds and the fog, a waltz of beauty and color that never changes partners yet never replays itself, each day a masterful original.I love the consistency of change, the reminder that in all matters winter never fails to turn into spring, the spring of health, the spring of growth, the spring of a relationship that at points seems as cold and hopeless as the frigid tundra.Then we usher in summer—the heat, the fire, the passion and the burn, an escalating blaze of sweaty emotions that rise, intensify, crescendo and lead us to the fall—the tumble of all that grew, drifting leaves that blanket us and prepare us for that annual time of reflection when the chill sends us scurrying within.Winter uncovers spring.Spring gives way to summer.Summer melts into fall.Fall clings desperately to its life lines, like a drunk nursing his last swallow or a child that down to her last bite of ice cream adds water to fill the bowl again, oblivious to the loss of flavor, wanting more where none can be had except in the world of pretend.Winter sets in regardless, sometimes gently, often with an unleashed fury that shuts us all down without mercy, paralyzes us.
We take cover and hide from its elements.Still, the seeds lie in sleep, buried below in wait, patient and un-intimidated.In victory we find the cause for defeat, the fat summer celebration that makes us lazy and lethargic, asleep at the wheel.In defeat, we taste the bitter dirt that jars us awake, wrestle to get up, find the strength to remember that the only difference between a rut and a grave is its depth.In defeat we define character, a constant tightrope walk to temper and harden for strength while somehow, some way, clinging to fleeting vestiges of softness, kindness and compassion, elusive companions too often quashed in the fight.In defeat we discover raw self.The wise lick their wounds, leave the gashes exposed, observe, re-group, learn, heal and start over.
The foolish grope for the closest band-aid.
Winter doesn't care.Wait.
Is that a loan white flake in the air?
Could winter grace us with a few added moments of introspection and preparation, a last gasp of quiet before we reap all that was sown, before the buds reveal themselves and us in this year's unforgiving tally?
I think so.
We still have time.
Let it snow.That's A View From The Ridge...About The AuthorAuthor Ridgely Goldsborough invites you to subscribe to The Daily Column, a heart-felt collection of stories that inspire hope and courage. Please do so at www.aviewfromtheridge.com.ridge@aviewfromtheridge.com
Keyword : wisdom,life,affirmations,inspiration,spiritual,space,stars,self improvement,self reflection,attracti
I love the sounds of melting snow—plink, plink, ting, ting, ting, a staccato drip on sloped metal roofs, the occasional loud crack of a giant icicle, the bubble and gurgle of the mountain brook as it swells and tumbles over polished rocks on its way to the valley below.I love to gaze at the majestic white peaks with knowing wonder that they will soon morph into greens, oranges, purples, reds and a myriad of ever-changing hues, a dance between the sun, the clouds and the fog, a waltz of beauty and color that never changes partners yet never replays itself, each day a masterful original.I love the consistency of change, the reminder that in all matters winter never fails to turn into spring, the spring of health, the spring of growth, the spring of a relationship that at points seems as cold and hopeless as the frigid tundra.Then we usher in summer—the heat, the fire, the passion and the burn, an escalating blaze of sweaty emotions that rise, intensify, crescendo and lead us to the fall—the tumble of all that grew, drifting leaves that blanket us and prepare us for that annual time of reflection when the chill sends us scurrying within.Winter uncovers spring.Spring gives way to summer.Summer melts into fall.Fall clings desperately to its life lines, like a drunk nursing his last swallow or a child that down to her last bite of ice cream adds water to fill the bowl again, oblivious to the loss of flavor, wanting more where none can be had except in the world of pretend.Winter sets in regardless, sometimes gently, often with an unleashed fury that shuts us all down without mercy, paralyzes us.
We take cover and hide from its elements.Still, the seeds lie in sleep, buried below in wait, patient and un-intimidated.In victory we find the cause for defeat, the fat summer celebration that makes us lazy and lethargic, asleep at the wheel.In defeat, we taste the bitter dirt that jars us awake, wrestle to get up, find the strength to remember that the only difference between a rut and a grave is its depth.In defeat we define character, a constant tightrope walk to temper and harden for strength while somehow, some way, clinging to fleeting vestiges of softness, kindness and compassion, elusive companions too often quashed in the fight.In defeat we discover raw self.The wise lick their wounds, leave the gashes exposed, observe, re-group, learn, heal and start over.
The foolish grope for the closest band-aid.
Winter doesn't care.Wait.
Is that a loan white flake in the air?
Could winter grace us with a few added moments of introspection and preparation, a last gasp of quiet before we reap all that was sown, before the buds reveal themselves and us in this year's unforgiving tally?
I think so.
We still have time.
Let it snow.That's A View From The Ridge...About The AuthorAuthor Ridgely Goldsborough invites you to subscribe to The Daily Column, a heart-felt collection of stories that inspire hope and courage. Please do so at www.aviewfromtheridge.com.ridge@aviewfromtheridge.com
Keyword : wisdom,life,affirmations,inspiration,spiritual,space,stars,self improvement,self reflection,attracti
Everybody is Somebody
Author : Vaughn Pascal
I wrote about my life and all that I have had to go through.
I also ended that story with a little bit about how my life has since changed, but I want to take it further.
I want you to see me how I was then and how I am now.
Am I changed much?
Yes, I am no longer the person who went through all those things.You may look at me and think, "man I feel sorry for that person" or at least think, "that person went through a lot".
Yes, I did but I am grateful for those things.
Now you are probably thinking, grateful??
How can you be grateful??Well, I am, simply because it made me who I am today.
You see I was never alone in my life.
You are not alone in your life.
I can prove it to you and by the end of this you will see.
I always had faith in something bigger than this world, bigger than me and the people in it.I had a belief in God.
God always had his hand on me.
Through every situation and disappointment I would start to turn away.
I would look at people as if they didn't exist so to speak.
I looked at everyone as having an agenda and having a plan to break me.
To break me down, to break my heart.
I was alone, I wanted to be.If the world was like it was I wanted no part of it, I only wanted to exist without being bothered and being counted on.
The people I met, I paid no mind to.
I could say, "yes, you want to be my friend, but why"??
"What is it I have to give you to make you stay my friend"??Why did I really think that way though?
Because I was unworthy.
I had been hurt so much throughout my life, I really felt I was unworthy to be loved.
It wasn't an easy journey.
I thought I must be the most worthless person on the face of the earth.
I never once ever tried to kill my self, but I also wondered why.
Why did I want to live in a world that absolutely didn't know I existed or even cared about me as a person, other than to take something away from me.
I didn't have the courage to kill myself, and why would I do that??
If noone here cared about me than why in the world would I kill myself because God wouldn't either.
Doesn't even make sense but that was my logic.I knew God then, I may have pushed Him away many times but I knew Him.
I knew He had a plan for me.
I knew that every time I had trouble I my life and this loneliness that never seemed to leave me completely, I knew someone was there.
Every time I cried out, I knew someone was listening, why else did I cry out as hard and as loud as I could?
I was raised with Christian values and beliefs, it was instilled within me.
I wasn't a bad person, I knew that, but I felt like I might as well be, I'm un-loveable.
If people can't love you than there has to be something wrong with you right?
Wrong
God loves you and he loves me.
He has been there through every single tear to every single laugh.My life had come such a long way.
Let me tell you about me now.
I am now enrolled in college.
Yes, I am a student.
I am just finishing my 1st semester.
I am pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
I have many friends.
I met some of these people through school, and some of them are instructors.
I met some outside of school.
I have a beautiful, wonderful, amazing son, who is now 7 yrs old.
He is healthy and happy, the love of my life, joy of my heart.
He makes me so glad to be alive.
I have met some wonderful people who have brought much joy into my life and have given me much in love and friendship.
I am living in my own home that I care for.
I pay for it and I take care of it, it is mine.
I am not rich by any means but I am rich in my spirituality and in God, in my Savior Jesus.
I have been a mentor to kids of different ages.
That is not my job but I have friends and even family who come to me for advice and to talk to their kids if they are in need and in trouble.
Yes, I make a difference too, because to some of these kids they feel they have noone, I let them know they always do.
I am happy to do it, I love doing it.I am great friends with my ex-husband and we are both working towards a beautiful relationship with our son.
I am renewed in my family situation, nothing in this world like saying, "I forgive you and I mean that".
We are all worth being forgiven.
We are all worthy of being loved and cared for.
We all are.
I know if I had noone on this earth that cared about me or loved me, God would.
Jesus died for each and every one of us and did so with pure love.
In my darkest hours and believe me there were many, I always felt that Presence.
I always knew They were with me.
I look at the people around me and see the ache in their hearts for something more something to give them hope and set them free.
I can tell you it is a prayer and a commitment a way.
I have been on my face grateful for the things I have been given, eternal life most importantly.
I am so grateful to be alive now.
I am grateful for knowing what it is like to not feel love or feel like I was not loveable, but I now know what it is like to feel that in it's purest form, from friends, family, neighbors,& strangers.
And I never want to lose that.
I won't lose that as long as I have a relationship with The Father and The Son.I have had many people come to me and ask where do you get your confidence?
How can you be so optimistic about life?
Because I know my life has purpose.
We all have a purpose for being here, trust me it is not to be miserable and unhappy.
Noone was put on this earth to be that way.
Noone
God loves each and every one of else and we are all special to him.
Our personal relationship with him is what sustains us in this life.
Do I still have problems?
Yes, I do.
Do people still hurt me, let me down?
Yes, they do.
But I have that ability, with God, to handle it and see it as not as a thing I go through alone anymore.
I can handle anything, I have proven that, have I not?
Do I have a right to be bitter and hateful, cold- hearted?
No, I don't.
That is not my purpose here.
I could be, it is a choice.
I can be closed off if I feel that way, but where does that get me?
Closing yourself off from the world is not a choice for me.I feel the need to send this out, I feel someone or maybe many, need to know my story and how far I have come.
Is your journey as mine was?
Do you feel yourself alone and at a loss?
Fear not, many are with you, But God is holding you and Jesus is standing beside you.
You are never alone in this world, and I shall pray for your comfort.
Believe in Him that created you and give your sadness and disappointments to Him.
He knows your true heart and knows what you need to be the best you can be.I have been back and forth between homes, I have been almost homeless a few times.
I have had everyone and noone, in my mind.
I always had Him
He always had me.
We are carried through our troubles with faith and desire.
The faith in believing that God will always be there.
And the desire to know it and see it.
I am grateful for all I have been through, all I will have to go through, because I know I am not alone.
It makes me stronger and when something happens, it doesn't sway my faith it makes me hold stronger and I will reach out every, single time, to show I am worthy of his love and care and I know in my heart my comfort is only a prayer away.Believe in your heart it can be the same for you.Believe in your heart you are someone, because you are.
You are very special, to many but especially to the One that matters.
God Bless each and every one of you.
Thank You, God and Jesus.
I know I am nothing without you 'but' I am everything with you in my life.Thank you,
Vaughn PascalPlease share this with people who need it and people who may want to know the truth. I hope it gives some peace and hope to those in many, different, difficult situations
Keyword : Christianity
I wrote about my life and all that I have had to go through.
I also ended that story with a little bit about how my life has since changed, but I want to take it further.
I want you to see me how I was then and how I am now.
Am I changed much?
Yes, I am no longer the person who went through all those things.You may look at me and think, "man I feel sorry for that person" or at least think, "that person went through a lot".
Yes, I did but I am grateful for those things.
Now you are probably thinking, grateful??
How can you be grateful??Well, I am, simply because it made me who I am today.
You see I was never alone in my life.
You are not alone in your life.
I can prove it to you and by the end of this you will see.
I always had faith in something bigger than this world, bigger than me and the people in it.I had a belief in God.
God always had his hand on me.
Through every situation and disappointment I would start to turn away.
I would look at people as if they didn't exist so to speak.
I looked at everyone as having an agenda and having a plan to break me.
To break me down, to break my heart.
I was alone, I wanted to be.If the world was like it was I wanted no part of it, I only wanted to exist without being bothered and being counted on.
The people I met, I paid no mind to.
I could say, "yes, you want to be my friend, but why"??
"What is it I have to give you to make you stay my friend"??Why did I really think that way though?
Because I was unworthy.
I had been hurt so much throughout my life, I really felt I was unworthy to be loved.
It wasn't an easy journey.
I thought I must be the most worthless person on the face of the earth.
I never once ever tried to kill my self, but I also wondered why.
Why did I want to live in a world that absolutely didn't know I existed or even cared about me as a person, other than to take something away from me.
I didn't have the courage to kill myself, and why would I do that??
If noone here cared about me than why in the world would I kill myself because God wouldn't either.
Doesn't even make sense but that was my logic.I knew God then, I may have pushed Him away many times but I knew Him.
I knew He had a plan for me.
I knew that every time I had trouble I my life and this loneliness that never seemed to leave me completely, I knew someone was there.
Every time I cried out, I knew someone was listening, why else did I cry out as hard and as loud as I could?
I was raised with Christian values and beliefs, it was instilled within me.
I wasn't a bad person, I knew that, but I felt like I might as well be, I'm un-loveable.
If people can't love you than there has to be something wrong with you right?
Wrong
God loves you and he loves me.
He has been there through every single tear to every single laugh.My life had come such a long way.
Let me tell you about me now.
I am now enrolled in college.
Yes, I am a student.
I am just finishing my 1st semester.
I am pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
I have many friends.
I met some of these people through school, and some of them are instructors.
I met some outside of school.
I have a beautiful, wonderful, amazing son, who is now 7 yrs old.
He is healthy and happy, the love of my life, joy of my heart.
He makes me so glad to be alive.
I have met some wonderful people who have brought much joy into my life and have given me much in love and friendship.
I am living in my own home that I care for.
I pay for it and I take care of it, it is mine.
I am not rich by any means but I am rich in my spirituality and in God, in my Savior Jesus.
I have been a mentor to kids of different ages.
That is not my job but I have friends and even family who come to me for advice and to talk to their kids if they are in need and in trouble.
Yes, I make a difference too, because to some of these kids they feel they have noone, I let them know they always do.
I am happy to do it, I love doing it.I am great friends with my ex-husband and we are both working towards a beautiful relationship with our son.
I am renewed in my family situation, nothing in this world like saying, "I forgive you and I mean that".
We are all worth being forgiven.
We are all worthy of being loved and cared for.
We all are.
I know if I had noone on this earth that cared about me or loved me, God would.
Jesus died for each and every one of us and did so with pure love.
In my darkest hours and believe me there were many, I always felt that Presence.
I always knew They were with me.
I look at the people around me and see the ache in their hearts for something more something to give them hope and set them free.
I can tell you it is a prayer and a commitment a way.
I have been on my face grateful for the things I have been given, eternal life most importantly.
I am so grateful to be alive now.
I am grateful for knowing what it is like to not feel love or feel like I was not loveable, but I now know what it is like to feel that in it's purest form, from friends, family, neighbors,& strangers.
And I never want to lose that.
I won't lose that as long as I have a relationship with The Father and The Son.I have had many people come to me and ask where do you get your confidence?
How can you be so optimistic about life?
Because I know my life has purpose.
We all have a purpose for being here, trust me it is not to be miserable and unhappy.
Noone was put on this earth to be that way.
Noone
God loves each and every one of else and we are all special to him.
Our personal relationship with him is what sustains us in this life.
Do I still have problems?
Yes, I do.
Do people still hurt me, let me down?
Yes, they do.
But I have that ability, with God, to handle it and see it as not as a thing I go through alone anymore.
I can handle anything, I have proven that, have I not?
Do I have a right to be bitter and hateful, cold- hearted?
No, I don't.
That is not my purpose here.
I could be, it is a choice.
I can be closed off if I feel that way, but where does that get me?
Closing yourself off from the world is not a choice for me.I feel the need to send this out, I feel someone or maybe many, need to know my story and how far I have come.
Is your journey as mine was?
Do you feel yourself alone and at a loss?
Fear not, many are with you, But God is holding you and Jesus is standing beside you.
You are never alone in this world, and I shall pray for your comfort.
Believe in Him that created you and give your sadness and disappointments to Him.
He knows your true heart and knows what you need to be the best you can be.I have been back and forth between homes, I have been almost homeless a few times.
I have had everyone and noone, in my mind.
I always had Him
He always had me.
We are carried through our troubles with faith and desire.
The faith in believing that God will always be there.
And the desire to know it and see it.
I am grateful for all I have been through, all I will have to go through, because I know I am not alone.
It makes me stronger and when something happens, it doesn't sway my faith it makes me hold stronger and I will reach out every, single time, to show I am worthy of his love and care and I know in my heart my comfort is only a prayer away.Believe in your heart it can be the same for you.Believe in your heart you are someone, because you are.
You are very special, to many but especially to the One that matters.
God Bless each and every one of you.
Thank You, God and Jesus.
I know I am nothing without you 'but' I am everything with you in my life.Thank you,
Vaughn PascalPlease share this with people who need it and people who may want to know the truth. I hope it gives some peace and hope to those in many, different, difficult situations
Keyword : Christianity
You Are a Beautiful Person
Author : Tom Walsh
I wish that I could tell every person that I meet that he or she is a beautiful person--and have them believe it. I wish I could look them in the eyes and tell them of their beauty and have them accept the words for what they truly are--the truth, plain and simple.You know what I mean, don't you? You and I both know that most people will deny their beauty, expressing what they feel is modesty or humility. It's easier for us to be told that we're talented or intelligent--our own beauty is something that we don't want to face.You could help me to convince people of their innate beauty. You could agree with me in an effort to reinforce the message. You could give a few specifics to illustrate just what we're talking about when we say the person is beautiful. You could reassure the person that I'm not saying it to flatter or to try to win the person over or get something out of the person, but just trying to express in words the beauty I see when I look into that person's eyes and see the human being there, the person who gets happy and hurt and who laughs and who cries.You can help me by reminding the person that beauty isn't about comparing ourselves with others, but about the part of us that shines when we love others and love life. It's not all physical and it's not all spiritual, but a tender combination of all that we are.And when that person says, "No, not me," you could argue the point and ask him or her not to talk down about him or herself, to admit to the beauty that's there, to accept it, to thrive in it. Because you know just as well as I do that this person can hurt his or her own self-image and feelings by denying the beauty.So I ask you: Please help me to convince people of their own beauty. Will you do that? Thank you. And we'll start right here, with you: You're a beautiful person.The rest is up to you.Tom Walsh is a student of life and living who has created www.livinglifefully.com, one of the web's most extensive collections of inspirational and motivational material.
Keyword : motivation, inspiration, self-image, encouragement
I wish that I could tell every person that I meet that he or she is a beautiful person--and have them believe it. I wish I could look them in the eyes and tell them of their beauty and have them accept the words for what they truly are--the truth, plain and simple.You know what I mean, don't you? You and I both know that most people will deny their beauty, expressing what they feel is modesty or humility. It's easier for us to be told that we're talented or intelligent--our own beauty is something that we don't want to face.You could help me to convince people of their innate beauty. You could agree with me in an effort to reinforce the message. You could give a few specifics to illustrate just what we're talking about when we say the person is beautiful. You could reassure the person that I'm not saying it to flatter or to try to win the person over or get something out of the person, but just trying to express in words the beauty I see when I look into that person's eyes and see the human being there, the person who gets happy and hurt and who laughs and who cries.You can help me by reminding the person that beauty isn't about comparing ourselves with others, but about the part of us that shines when we love others and love life. It's not all physical and it's not all spiritual, but a tender combination of all that we are.And when that person says, "No, not me," you could argue the point and ask him or her not to talk down about him or herself, to admit to the beauty that's there, to accept it, to thrive in it. Because you know just as well as I do that this person can hurt his or her own self-image and feelings by denying the beauty.So I ask you: Please help me to convince people of their own beauty. Will you do that? Thank you. And we'll start right here, with you: You're a beautiful person.The rest is up to you.Tom Walsh is a student of life and living who has created www.livinglifefully.com, one of the web's most extensive collections of inspirational and motivational material.
Keyword : motivation, inspiration, self-image, encouragement
Purpose filled Live's --The Big Picture!
Author : Greg Ryan
"Can't see the forest because of the trees," heard
it all my life, didn't really understand it until
I jumped out of a plane though.Last week I told you I went ski diving. Once the
parachute opened I allowed myself to enjoy the
ride. One thing I noticed was how thick the forest
was below, how green the trees were and what
things seemed close were in reality miles away.
However, on the ground you wouldn't be able to see
fifty feet in front of you because of all the
limbs and bushes. And with that I realized how
short sighted I had become, not only my vision,
but also in my thinking. This tree, that tree,
watch out for that poison oak, oh look out for
that hole. After a while, where has the beauty
gone? I didn't see green plush trees that went on
for miles, all I saw was what I focused right in
front of me.In my younger days I would hear people say, "The
proof is in the pudding". Well, I am here to tell
you, the proof is NOT always in the pudding, nor
is it in the beauty in the trees. In our lives
it's the same way. We become so legalistic in our
thinking and ways that we loose sight of the
purpose Jesus has for us. What is the big picture?
Is it in the pudding and the details NO, it's in
the SOUL!! It's not about us, it's about others.
Winning them to give their hearts to Christ. That
is what it is all about, that's our forest, "as
many as possible before I return." that is what he
says.Yet, we worry about what one may say, or the prim
and proper way of doing something or want
ingrediance is in this approach. The beauty is in
conveying Jesus' love for us.Failing to see the forest for the trees is like
driving a car through some parking lot that has
speed bumps. If you focus so much on the bump
they feel larger than life, yet if you focus on
your destination then a little bump here and
another one there seems like a piece of pebble.Don't let the little things get you down in life
this week. Focus on the bigger picture and
purpose of what Jesus has for you. One of the
biggest tragedy's you can have is not living a
life that Jesus has for you. The question is, "Can
you say you are living it?" Life is not in the
trees nor is it in the proof of the pudding, life
is in Jesus Christ almighty. Live a purpose filled
life this week.Greg Ryan is a best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE OUT series. A powerful five step plan to better your life, get healthier, and have more energy! LOSE WEIGHT NOW!
For FREE mini Course click here! http://www.resolutions.bz
Keyword : trees, faith, motivation
"Can't see the forest because of the trees," heard
it all my life, didn't really understand it until
I jumped out of a plane though.Last week I told you I went ski diving. Once the
parachute opened I allowed myself to enjoy the
ride. One thing I noticed was how thick the forest
was below, how green the trees were and what
things seemed close were in reality miles away.
However, on the ground you wouldn't be able to see
fifty feet in front of you because of all the
limbs and bushes. And with that I realized how
short sighted I had become, not only my vision,
but also in my thinking. This tree, that tree,
watch out for that poison oak, oh look out for
that hole. After a while, where has the beauty
gone? I didn't see green plush trees that went on
for miles, all I saw was what I focused right in
front of me.In my younger days I would hear people say, "The
proof is in the pudding". Well, I am here to tell
you, the proof is NOT always in the pudding, nor
is it in the beauty in the trees. In our lives
it's the same way. We become so legalistic in our
thinking and ways that we loose sight of the
purpose Jesus has for us. What is the big picture?
Is it in the pudding and the details NO, it's in
the SOUL!! It's not about us, it's about others.
Winning them to give their hearts to Christ. That
is what it is all about, that's our forest, "as
many as possible before I return." that is what he
says.Yet, we worry about what one may say, or the prim
and proper way of doing something or want
ingrediance is in this approach. The beauty is in
conveying Jesus' love for us.Failing to see the forest for the trees is like
driving a car through some parking lot that has
speed bumps. If you focus so much on the bump
they feel larger than life, yet if you focus on
your destination then a little bump here and
another one there seems like a piece of pebble.Don't let the little things get you down in life
this week. Focus on the bigger picture and
purpose of what Jesus has for you. One of the
biggest tragedy's you can have is not living a
life that Jesus has for you. The question is, "Can
you say you are living it?" Life is not in the
trees nor is it in the proof of the pudding, life
is in Jesus Christ almighty. Live a purpose filled
life this week.Greg Ryan is a best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE OUT series. A powerful five step plan to better your life, get healthier, and have more energy! LOSE WEIGHT NOW!
For FREE mini Course click here! http://www.resolutions.bz
Keyword : trees, faith, motivation
Being An Adult
Author : Robert Curtis
I have always thought that grandparents were the icons of wisdom, the "go to" person with he answers, the epitome of patience.When I was young, I often thought, "When I grow up, I want to be like Grandpa". I looked forward with anxious anticipation to the time when I would have all the answers and all the sage advice.All of our parents are gone, now, and I have discovered, as I suppose they discovered, that all I have really done is gotten older.I have learned that being a wise parent and grandparent is not so much what I know, but what I do. And the greatest truth I have learned is that one does not need to grow old to grow wise. The reality is that everyone grows older. What matters is what we keep and/or lose in the process.We need to keep a sense of humor, but lose the mindless silliness of adolescence. We need to somehow keep our internal youthfulness but lose the irresponsibleness of adolescence. We need to retain our integrity while acknowledging the reality of shades of truth. We must struggle to maintain our health without the obsession of the fitness of youth. We need to encourage sympathy and empathy, while shunning the devastation of "attitude". We learn to put aside the "me first" approach in favor of a sincere desire to share beyond ourselves and out families.Being an adult simply means that we now know what we should be doing and we move ahead without supervision and do it, even when we really may not feel much like doing it at the time. And so it is and should be in all aspects and areas of our life.Bob Curtis has been writing articles, short fiction, and poetry for over 30 years. He has been a lay consultant for families and individuals for a number of years. He is currently the managing director of people4people.blogspot.com and is the president of Nexus Publishing, nexus4u.blogspot.com, in Midvale, Utah.
Keyword : grandparents, icons, wisdom, patience, anticipation, truth, reality, adolescense, attitude, sympathy
I have always thought that grandparents were the icons of wisdom, the "go to" person with he answers, the epitome of patience.When I was young, I often thought, "When I grow up, I want to be like Grandpa". I looked forward with anxious anticipation to the time when I would have all the answers and all the sage advice.All of our parents are gone, now, and I have discovered, as I suppose they discovered, that all I have really done is gotten older.I have learned that being a wise parent and grandparent is not so much what I know, but what I do. And the greatest truth I have learned is that one does not need to grow old to grow wise. The reality is that everyone grows older. What matters is what we keep and/or lose in the process.We need to keep a sense of humor, but lose the mindless silliness of adolescence. We need to somehow keep our internal youthfulness but lose the irresponsibleness of adolescence. We need to retain our integrity while acknowledging the reality of shades of truth. We must struggle to maintain our health without the obsession of the fitness of youth. We need to encourage sympathy and empathy, while shunning the devastation of "attitude". We learn to put aside the "me first" approach in favor of a sincere desire to share beyond ourselves and out families.Being an adult simply means that we now know what we should be doing and we move ahead without supervision and do it, even when we really may not feel much like doing it at the time. And so it is and should be in all aspects and areas of our life.Bob Curtis has been writing articles, short fiction, and poetry for over 30 years. He has been a lay consultant for families and individuals for a number of years. He is currently the managing director of people4people.blogspot.com and is the president of Nexus Publishing, nexus4u.blogspot.com, in Midvale, Utah.
Keyword : grandparents, icons, wisdom, patience, anticipation, truth, reality, adolescense, attitude, sympathy
There Is Always Room For Improvement
Author : Steve Hill
When I was twelve my parents bought me a five foot snooker table for my birthday. This turned out to be the best present I was ever bought and I quickly became hooked on the game. My friends would regularly come round to my house for a game and when they were not there I would practice on my own.After a few months a few of us decided to join a snooker club where we could play on full size tables. I was amazed the first time I saw one of these tables at its sheer size, it was twelve foot by six foot. We started to play and it was much more difficult to pot the balls on this much larger table.The club itself was superb and had free coaching for children under the age of sixteen on a Saturday morning. The coach was called Glen who was aged around thirty at the time. He was a larger than life character and a very good snooker player. We were encouraged to join this free coaching which we duly did. There was regular tournaments as well as coaching and they gave us free drinks and toast.All of the players were not exactly the best in the world being so young and not one of us had ever had a twenty break. This was the first goal of all of us, to become the first player to reach this target. I was extremely determined that it would be me and listened carefully to what I was being taught and tried hard to implement it.My progress was quite rapid and to my amazement I was the first person to score that elusive twenty break. People around the snooker table I was playing on started to applaud and I was walking around with a beaming smile on my face.Glen who was on the other side of the room wondered over to find out what all of the noise was about. I thought he would be so proud of me and happy at my achievement, however he stated that if I could score twenty, I could score thirty. He told me to stop messing about and smiling, and to re-concentrate on the job in hand.I had been brought straight back down to earth and was a bit gutted to say the least. This lesson was a very good one for me to learn at such an early age and I eventually went on to have breaks of over one hundred.Stephen Hill has a number of websites including:http://www.natural-health-cure.co.ukhttp://www.alternative-therapy.co.ukhttp://www.stress-management-game.co.uk
Keyword : thinking positive
When I was twelve my parents bought me a five foot snooker table for my birthday. This turned out to be the best present I was ever bought and I quickly became hooked on the game. My friends would regularly come round to my house for a game and when they were not there I would practice on my own.After a few months a few of us decided to join a snooker club where we could play on full size tables. I was amazed the first time I saw one of these tables at its sheer size, it was twelve foot by six foot. We started to play and it was much more difficult to pot the balls on this much larger table.The club itself was superb and had free coaching for children under the age of sixteen on a Saturday morning. The coach was called Glen who was aged around thirty at the time. He was a larger than life character and a very good snooker player. We were encouraged to join this free coaching which we duly did. There was regular tournaments as well as coaching and they gave us free drinks and toast.All of the players were not exactly the best in the world being so young and not one of us had ever had a twenty break. This was the first goal of all of us, to become the first player to reach this target. I was extremely determined that it would be me and listened carefully to what I was being taught and tried hard to implement it.My progress was quite rapid and to my amazement I was the first person to score that elusive twenty break. People around the snooker table I was playing on started to applaud and I was walking around with a beaming smile on my face.Glen who was on the other side of the room wondered over to find out what all of the noise was about. I thought he would be so proud of me and happy at my achievement, however he stated that if I could score twenty, I could score thirty. He told me to stop messing about and smiling, and to re-concentrate on the job in hand.I had been brought straight back down to earth and was a bit gutted to say the least. This lesson was a very good one for me to learn at such an early age and I eventually went on to have breaks of over one hundred.Stephen Hill has a number of websites including:http://www.natural-health-cure.co.ukhttp://www.alternative-therapy.co.ukhttp://www.stress-management-game.co.uk
Keyword : thinking positive
Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Raise Your Frequency with These Divine Gifts
Author : Julia Rogers Hamrick
The volatile essences of aromatic plants contain potent, complex, natural chemical compounds that work at multiple levels to catalyze physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Science is at last looking in earnest at the mechanical action essential oils have on organisms, but perhaps the oils' most important, and at the same time, most under-explored, factor, is their inherent frequency—their intact Life Force Energy and intelligence. Indeed, their greatest gift may be in their very consciousness, divinely encoded, and energized by Earth and Sun, that is available to help us raise our own. It is said by some that "Christ Consciousness" is in the oils. It surely appears that there is higher electromagnetic patterning in essential oils that assists our minds in realigning with the Divine Design for Harmony and Wholeness and that catalyzes a shift in our brains that can open us to higher awareness.Mystics throughout the ages have used essential oils to transcend fear and access higher states of awareness, as well as to reinforce the human electrical field and its connection with the cosmic energy grids of the Divine Design for Wholeness and Harmony. It is no coincidence that the Magi included frankincense and myrrh with the (mono-atomic) gold they brought to the infant Jesus. Remembrance of his divine origins was a vital aspect of Jesus' mission on Planet Earth—just as it is a vital aspect of our own—so they were ideal gifts for the newborn. Frankincense and myrrh are well-known for their ability to profoundly support physical health, but more to the point, they assist in reaching and maintaining higher states of consciousness and a knowing of our connection with the Divine by communication with the pineal gland, or "Cave of Brahma" in the Hindu tradition.The pineal is considered your access point to the higher realms and corresponds to the "third eye chakra." You might call it a downloading site for information from Spirit. At a gross level, sesquiterpenes, chemical compounds found in many essential oils such as frankincense, sandalwood, and myrrh, are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and oxygenating the pineal gland, which is, in itself, a frequency-raising action, and surely leads to a higher ability to commune with Divinity. But perhaps essential oils also affect spiritual communion by imparting other subtle information via the olfactory and amydala gland, thus facilitating the rising up to close the gap between the body-mind and the Spirit. Perhaps they are encoded with a sort of reminder of where we truly belong in the scheme of things and jog our memories of Who We Are. However it works, the knowing that certain oils enhance the capacity to attune with Higher Mind and access the Unified Field of Oneness is a powerful reason to avail yourself of these precious gifts from the Creator.There are a myriad of ways to use essential oils, and even when using them expressly for purposes of physical healing, such as applying lavender to a burn, or inhaling eucalyptus to alleviate symptoms of a cold, you will still be benefiting from their metaphysical properties. However, using oils purposefully for communion with your Spirit is powerful, not only because of the interaction between you and the oils, but because of the intention you are expressing with your actions and thoughts. Before meditating, praying, or shamanic journeying, try putting a drop of your favorite high-frequency oil in your palm, and then use the index finger of your other hand to activate it by stirring it clockwise several times, dab it on your third eye, temples, and heart, or wherever your intuition suggests, before rubbing your palms together, cupping them in front of your face, and inhaling deeply. This will catalyze an instant rise in frequency, so that the "rest of you" is vibrationally closer in frequency to your Spirit. Some of my favorites for this purpose are frankincense, sandalwood, rose, and oils from conifers, as well as blends containing high-frequency oils.It is crucial that we use only the purest, most perfectly produced essential oils we can find for doing sacred work. Adulterated oils or oils produced under compromised circumstances do not carry the high Life Force that is needed for optimal healing and spiritual activation, and indeed, poor quality oils can impede your progress instead of enhancing it. Only oils produced with the conscious intent of maintaining their purity and Life Force are suitable for the highest healing and spiritual communion. These are truly gifts from the Divine!©2005 Julia Rogers HamrickJulia Rogers Hamrick has been a spiritual-growth facilitator for over two decades, and is the author of Recreating Eden: The Exquisitely Simple, Divinely Ordained Plan for Transforming Your Life and Your Planet. Julia writes about and leads seminars on proactive joy, and the relationship between frequency and experience. For more information on Julia, on recreating Eden, visit http://www.recreating-eden.com . For information on obtaining the highest frequency, therapeutic-grade essential oils, go to http://www.recreating-eden.com/energy_tools.html . To read about Julia's own dance with Spirit, ego, and frequency, read Julia's blog, accessible from her website.
Keyword : aromatherapy, essential oils, frequency, pineal, Cave of Brahma, spiritual, Life Force
The volatile essences of aromatic plants contain potent, complex, natural chemical compounds that work at multiple levels to catalyze physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Science is at last looking in earnest at the mechanical action essential oils have on organisms, but perhaps the oils' most important, and at the same time, most under-explored, factor, is their inherent frequency—their intact Life Force Energy and intelligence. Indeed, their greatest gift may be in their very consciousness, divinely encoded, and energized by Earth and Sun, that is available to help us raise our own. It is said by some that "Christ Consciousness" is in the oils. It surely appears that there is higher electromagnetic patterning in essential oils that assists our minds in realigning with the Divine Design for Harmony and Wholeness and that catalyzes a shift in our brains that can open us to higher awareness.Mystics throughout the ages have used essential oils to transcend fear and access higher states of awareness, as well as to reinforce the human electrical field and its connection with the cosmic energy grids of the Divine Design for Wholeness and Harmony. It is no coincidence that the Magi included frankincense and myrrh with the (mono-atomic) gold they brought to the infant Jesus. Remembrance of his divine origins was a vital aspect of Jesus' mission on Planet Earth—just as it is a vital aspect of our own—so they were ideal gifts for the newborn. Frankincense and myrrh are well-known for their ability to profoundly support physical health, but more to the point, they assist in reaching and maintaining higher states of consciousness and a knowing of our connection with the Divine by communication with the pineal gland, or "Cave of Brahma" in the Hindu tradition.The pineal is considered your access point to the higher realms and corresponds to the "third eye chakra." You might call it a downloading site for information from Spirit. At a gross level, sesquiterpenes, chemical compounds found in many essential oils such as frankincense, sandalwood, and myrrh, are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and oxygenating the pineal gland, which is, in itself, a frequency-raising action, and surely leads to a higher ability to commune with Divinity. But perhaps essential oils also affect spiritual communion by imparting other subtle information via the olfactory and amydala gland, thus facilitating the rising up to close the gap between the body-mind and the Spirit. Perhaps they are encoded with a sort of reminder of where we truly belong in the scheme of things and jog our memories of Who We Are. However it works, the knowing that certain oils enhance the capacity to attune with Higher Mind and access the Unified Field of Oneness is a powerful reason to avail yourself of these precious gifts from the Creator.There are a myriad of ways to use essential oils, and even when using them expressly for purposes of physical healing, such as applying lavender to a burn, or inhaling eucalyptus to alleviate symptoms of a cold, you will still be benefiting from their metaphysical properties. However, using oils purposefully for communion with your Spirit is powerful, not only because of the interaction between you and the oils, but because of the intention you are expressing with your actions and thoughts. Before meditating, praying, or shamanic journeying, try putting a drop of your favorite high-frequency oil in your palm, and then use the index finger of your other hand to activate it by stirring it clockwise several times, dab it on your third eye, temples, and heart, or wherever your intuition suggests, before rubbing your palms together, cupping them in front of your face, and inhaling deeply. This will catalyze an instant rise in frequency, so that the "rest of you" is vibrationally closer in frequency to your Spirit. Some of my favorites for this purpose are frankincense, sandalwood, rose, and oils from conifers, as well as blends containing high-frequency oils.It is crucial that we use only the purest, most perfectly produced essential oils we can find for doing sacred work. Adulterated oils or oils produced under compromised circumstances do not carry the high Life Force that is needed for optimal healing and spiritual activation, and indeed, poor quality oils can impede your progress instead of enhancing it. Only oils produced with the conscious intent of maintaining their purity and Life Force are suitable for the highest healing and spiritual communion. These are truly gifts from the Divine!©2005 Julia Rogers HamrickJulia Rogers Hamrick has been a spiritual-growth facilitator for over two decades, and is the author of Recreating Eden: The Exquisitely Simple, Divinely Ordained Plan for Transforming Your Life and Your Planet. Julia writes about and leads seminars on proactive joy, and the relationship between frequency and experience. For more information on Julia, on recreating Eden, visit http://www.recreating-eden.com . For information on obtaining the highest frequency, therapeutic-grade essential oils, go to http://www.recreating-eden.com/energy_tools.html . To read about Julia's own dance with Spirit, ego, and frequency, read Julia's blog, accessible from her website.
Keyword : aromatherapy, essential oils, frequency, pineal, Cave of Brahma, spiritual, Life Force
Brilliant Autumn: Reaping a Bounteous Harvest
Author : Steve Brunkhorst
"But if in your thought you must measure time into
seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons, And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing." - Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)The low afternoon sun cast soft rays through a cool October breeze. Tall maples filled the park with fiery shades of orange and gold. These colorful trees conveyed feelings of strength and peace.Two children darted across a carpet of crackling leaves. They shouted gleefully, pretending to be a prince and princess. They were filled with the bubbly joy of anticipation that children feel during the spring time of life.At the same time, the brilliant maples reminded me that autumn can be filled with anticipation of beauty and strength. In all seasons of life, there are wonderful treasures to expect.What will happen between the spring and autumn of your life? What will you do to experience the peaceful strength and fruitful harvests that an inspired life brings?One of the first things we can do is sow good-quality seeds of faith and action. We can gain skills and knowledge. Then we can keep those skills sharp and polished by continuing to learn.The seasons have no lack of time; each is balanced within a cycle of birth, growth and rest. Likewise, the only time we lack is that which we fail to use for worthwhile purposes.Each of us have different priorities and degrees of discipline for balancing the use of time. When we say yes to one thing, we say no to something else.The harvest will arrive in due season whether bounteous or lean. It can bring satisfaction of a job well done. It can convey contentment and strength as life prepares to rest, anticipating another spring time.Ask yourself, "What seeds will I sow today that will yield a bounteous harvest? What will I say "yes" to today?If you sow quality seeds of thought, faith, and action today, your harvest can be plentiful, and the autumn foliage brilliant. May your autumns bring all the joy, strength, and prosperity that you've ever wanted!Wishing you blessings and success!Steve Brunkhorst© Copyright by Steve Brunkhorst. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve your top potential. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com
Keyword : autumn,havest,seasons of life,strength,peace,faith and action,cycle of birth,sowing,reaping
"But if in your thought you must measure time into
seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons, And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing." - Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)The low afternoon sun cast soft rays through a cool October breeze. Tall maples filled the park with fiery shades of orange and gold. These colorful trees conveyed feelings of strength and peace.Two children darted across a carpet of crackling leaves. They shouted gleefully, pretending to be a prince and princess. They were filled with the bubbly joy of anticipation that children feel during the spring time of life.At the same time, the brilliant maples reminded me that autumn can be filled with anticipation of beauty and strength. In all seasons of life, there are wonderful treasures to expect.What will happen between the spring and autumn of your life? What will you do to experience the peaceful strength and fruitful harvests that an inspired life brings?One of the first things we can do is sow good-quality seeds of faith and action. We can gain skills and knowledge. Then we can keep those skills sharp and polished by continuing to learn.The seasons have no lack of time; each is balanced within a cycle of birth, growth and rest. Likewise, the only time we lack is that which we fail to use for worthwhile purposes.Each of us have different priorities and degrees of discipline for balancing the use of time. When we say yes to one thing, we say no to something else.The harvest will arrive in due season whether bounteous or lean. It can bring satisfaction of a job well done. It can convey contentment and strength as life prepares to rest, anticipating another spring time.Ask yourself, "What seeds will I sow today that will yield a bounteous harvest? What will I say "yes" to today?If you sow quality seeds of thought, faith, and action today, your harvest can be plentiful, and the autumn foliage brilliant. May your autumns bring all the joy, strength, and prosperity that you've ever wanted!Wishing you blessings and success!Steve Brunkhorst© Copyright by Steve Brunkhorst. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve your top potential. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com
Keyword : autumn,havest,seasons of life,strength,peace,faith and action,cycle of birth,sowing,reaping
Living by Design
Author : Ananga Sivyer
Babies soon learn that noticing things and acting in direct response is what gets results. As adults, those of us who keep these two basic principles alive and active are the ones best equipped to go with the flow in life and make some advancing steps come what may.If you've ever seen a potter at work you will notice that he pays very careful
attention to what happens to the clay on his wheel, you may have also noticed that
when maleable clay is spinning at a steady speed the slightest adjustment can have
dramatic results.We're pretty clay-like too, we are maleable and we are in motion and a careful
adjustment will have results on our future shape and usefulness in a very similar
way.If a potter throws a lump of clay on the wheel, plays around with it for a while and
then walks away and turns his attention to other things, will he come back to a
finished pot? In short, no. It's just not going to happen. He needs to be there, to pay
attention and take action, to observe, to feel, to consider and then to do what he
believes to be the best active response to bring that pot into being.We have a choice - we can live by design or by default. In living experience, that
means the profound difference between being an unformed entity at the hands of
others, the elements, the weather, whoever and whatever, as we sit and spin inert
and unattended on the wheel of life. Alternatively, we might be a wonderful pot in
progress, shaped by care and attention to become ever more elegant, ever more
useful, and ever more suited to our chosen purpose.It's never too late to start, it's never to late to change, to pick yourself up and dust
yourself down, try something new, learn something new, do something different.
And remember that all it takes is to pay yourself some real and valid attention and
then to make small adjustments in direct response - that's all. That and to keep it
going, keep noticing, keep adjusting and know that all else will follow as night
follows day.Ananga Sivyer is a contributing editor and health consultant for LifeScape magazine and the author of the self-help workbook: The Art & Science of Emotional FreedomFor more articles likes this or to sign up for her free "Energy Points" E-zine, visit her web-site at: http://www.ananga.net
Keyword : life, living, inspiration, metaphor, conscious living, positive, design
Babies soon learn that noticing things and acting in direct response is what gets results. As adults, those of us who keep these two basic principles alive and active are the ones best equipped to go with the flow in life and make some advancing steps come what may.If you've ever seen a potter at work you will notice that he pays very careful
attention to what happens to the clay on his wheel, you may have also noticed that
when maleable clay is spinning at a steady speed the slightest adjustment can have
dramatic results.We're pretty clay-like too, we are maleable and we are in motion and a careful
adjustment will have results on our future shape and usefulness in a very similar
way.If a potter throws a lump of clay on the wheel, plays around with it for a while and
then walks away and turns his attention to other things, will he come back to a
finished pot? In short, no. It's just not going to happen. He needs to be there, to pay
attention and take action, to observe, to feel, to consider and then to do what he
believes to be the best active response to bring that pot into being.We have a choice - we can live by design or by default. In living experience, that
means the profound difference between being an unformed entity at the hands of
others, the elements, the weather, whoever and whatever, as we sit and spin inert
and unattended on the wheel of life. Alternatively, we might be a wonderful pot in
progress, shaped by care and attention to become ever more elegant, ever more
useful, and ever more suited to our chosen purpose.It's never too late to start, it's never to late to change, to pick yourself up and dust
yourself down, try something new, learn something new, do something different.
And remember that all it takes is to pay yourself some real and valid attention and
then to make small adjustments in direct response - that's all. That and to keep it
going, keep noticing, keep adjusting and know that all else will follow as night
follows day.Ananga Sivyer is a contributing editor and health consultant for LifeScape magazine and the author of the self-help workbook: The Art & Science of Emotional FreedomFor more articles likes this or to sign up for her free "Energy Points" E-zine, visit her web-site at: http://www.ananga.net
Keyword : life, living, inspiration, metaphor, conscious living, positive, design
Your True Self
Author : Vicki Miller
"A complete life may be one ending in so full an identification with the nonself that there is no self left to die."-Bernard BerensonOur local newspaper ran an article over several days that was titled: "What Price Prosperity?" In the article, one of the surrounding counties was listed as having the highest average income, the highest average home price while at the same time having the largest number of bankruptcies and foreclosures. The premise of the article was that often we are driven to maintain a certain self-image which can lead to over-extending our finances. The article went onto say that sometimes a person is so identified with where they live or what they own that it is difficult to let go of these things even if their financial picture changes.The writer of the article interviewed one man who had recently lost his job and was embarrassed to be driving a Volvo instead of a Mercedes. He told the columnist that he did not want his friends to see him driving a less expensive car. This man believes his identity comes from objects, what Deepak Chopra refers to as "object-referral" in his book - The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.To quote Chopra: "In object-referral, your internal reference point is your ego. The ego, however, is not who you really are. The ego is your self-image; ...your social mask; ..the role you are playing." This ego or social mask thrives on approval; it needs to be in control because it lives in fear of being less than. Your true SELF (spirit/soul) on the other hand feels neither beneath or superior to anyone, because it sees everyone's true identity as the same.If your identity comes from a title, a position, the size of your home, or the amount of your possessions, then this is false power or identity. This object-referred identity lasts only as long as the object is there. What happens when the title, position or possesions go away? Does that mean your identity goes away? NO! Because your true SELF never changes. Your true SELF is permanent, fearless and naturally loving. When your identity is SELF-referred, (coming from your true being), then you are a magnet effortlessly attracting people, events, and support to manifest your desires and purpose. There is no struggle to maintain objects or possessions.What do you currently see as the source of your identity? Are you concerned that people will not like you or think you don't "belong" if you do not wear the "right clothes" or drive the "right car"? Ask yourself: "If I suddenly lost my job or possesions, who would I be? Who am I right now and what is my purpose?" Take time to contemplate these questions and spend time in silence every day - it's the best way to get to know your true SELF!Copyright- Vicki Miller / October 2005As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what's most important to them and to prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute telephone coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com.
"A complete life may be one ending in so full an identification with the nonself that there is no self left to die."-Bernard BerensonOur local newspaper ran an article over several days that was titled: "What Price Prosperity?" In the article, one of the surrounding counties was listed as having the highest average income, the highest average home price while at the same time having the largest number of bankruptcies and foreclosures. The premise of the article was that often we are driven to maintain a certain self-image which can lead to over-extending our finances. The article went onto say that sometimes a person is so identified with where they live or what they own that it is difficult to let go of these things even if their financial picture changes.The writer of the article interviewed one man who had recently lost his job and was embarrassed to be driving a Volvo instead of a Mercedes. He told the columnist that he did not want his friends to see him driving a less expensive car. This man believes his identity comes from objects, what Deepak Chopra refers to as "object-referral" in his book - The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.To quote Chopra: "In object-referral, your internal reference point is your ego. The ego, however, is not who you really are. The ego is your self-image; ...your social mask; ..the role you are playing." This ego or social mask thrives on approval; it needs to be in control because it lives in fear of being less than. Your true SELF (spirit/soul) on the other hand feels neither beneath or superior to anyone, because it sees everyone's true identity as the same.If your identity comes from a title, a position, the size of your home, or the amount of your possessions, then this is false power or identity. This object-referred identity lasts only as long as the object is there. What happens when the title, position or possesions go away? Does that mean your identity goes away? NO! Because your true SELF never changes. Your true SELF is permanent, fearless and naturally loving. When your identity is SELF-referred, (coming from your true being), then you are a magnet effortlessly attracting people, events, and support to manifest your desires and purpose. There is no struggle to maintain objects or possessions.What do you currently see as the source of your identity? Are you concerned that people will not like you or think you don't "belong" if you do not wear the "right clothes" or drive the "right car"? Ask yourself: "If I suddenly lost my job or possesions, who would I be? Who am I right now and what is my purpose?" Take time to contemplate these questions and spend time in silence every day - it's the best way to get to know your true SELF!Copyright- Vicki Miller / October 2005As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what's most important to them and to prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute telephone coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com.
Keyword : identity, self-improvement, spirit, soul, self-image, prosperity, success,ego,finances,attraction
Learn to Face Up to Difficulty
Author : Deanna Mascle
"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."
-- Seneca the YoungerThis is a great quote to both contemplate and to apply to your life.How often do you hear people complain? Pick a topic-love, friendship, careers, etc. The list of issues that people complain about is endless. You and I are no different. Perhaps we don't complain about each of these things but more than likely there is something that we complain about with great regularity.Now, sometimes complaints are simply a way to vent some frustration at the moment but we don't really want anything to change in this area. However, more often than not, someone regularly complains about one specific problemIf I had a dollar for every time I heard one friend complain about the difficulty of finding a good man I could throw her a huge wedding bash or perhaps simply buy her a husband in some small third-world country. When I thought about my friend Donna's problem and applied Seneca's quote to it a light bulb suddenly appeared above my head just like in the cartoons!It was true! Donna is having difficulty finding a good man simply because she isn't daring enough. Sure she goes out on dates and tries to maintain an active social life, however she holds herself aloof emotionally. She isn't willing to dare much at all when it comes to her heart-so how can she hope that someone else will do so for her? Sure, there might be someone, somewhere, but she is also missing out on relationships, at least friendships, with some really great guys simply because she is too afraid to dare to care.That is sad. We all know that love is marvelous but it is also frightening, however we have to take risks in order to experience it fully. Sometimes we might get hurt however more often than not we will find the rewards outweigh the risks. There is no guarantee that is Donna opens herself up and dares to love that she will find the love of her life-however there is certainly a guarantee that a life filled with love is more rewarding than one that is not.I have another friend who is also afraid to dare. Jeff hates his job. No, that's not exactly right. He loves the work itself but he really hates the company that he works for. He finds the management very difficult to work for (and if even a small percentage of the stories he tells are true then he's right, it is a horrible place to work).However, every time I suggest he look for a job somewhere else he comes up with some excuse about how difficult it would be. True the job market isn't great, but he's a skilled worker in a high-demand field so I'm sure he could find something. He's doomed his job search before he even started it because he's not daring enough.It wouldn't be fair to share my friends' examples without pointing to my own shortcomings. Probably the greatest difficulty in my own life is within my marriage and that is simply because I don't dare enough emotionally there. I have become too complaisant and take my husband and marriage for granted. I need to dare more emotionally.So think about the difficulties in your own life and apply Seneca's rule then decide if you can be more daring! All the best!Deanna Mascle is an inspirational freelance writer. You can find more inspiration at Inspiration by Dawggone and her inspirational ezines Words of Inspiration Online and Daily Quote Online.
Keyword : inspiration, motivation, success, encouragement, dream, difficulty, challenge
"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."
-- Seneca the YoungerThis is a great quote to both contemplate and to apply to your life.How often do you hear people complain? Pick a topic-love, friendship, careers, etc. The list of issues that people complain about is endless. You and I are no different. Perhaps we don't complain about each of these things but more than likely there is something that we complain about with great regularity.Now, sometimes complaints are simply a way to vent some frustration at the moment but we don't really want anything to change in this area. However, more often than not, someone regularly complains about one specific problemIf I had a dollar for every time I heard one friend complain about the difficulty of finding a good man I could throw her a huge wedding bash or perhaps simply buy her a husband in some small third-world country. When I thought about my friend Donna's problem and applied Seneca's quote to it a light bulb suddenly appeared above my head just like in the cartoons!It was true! Donna is having difficulty finding a good man simply because she isn't daring enough. Sure she goes out on dates and tries to maintain an active social life, however she holds herself aloof emotionally. She isn't willing to dare much at all when it comes to her heart-so how can she hope that someone else will do so for her? Sure, there might be someone, somewhere, but she is also missing out on relationships, at least friendships, with some really great guys simply because she is too afraid to dare to care.That is sad. We all know that love is marvelous but it is also frightening, however we have to take risks in order to experience it fully. Sometimes we might get hurt however more often than not we will find the rewards outweigh the risks. There is no guarantee that is Donna opens herself up and dares to love that she will find the love of her life-however there is certainly a guarantee that a life filled with love is more rewarding than one that is not.I have another friend who is also afraid to dare. Jeff hates his job. No, that's not exactly right. He loves the work itself but he really hates the company that he works for. He finds the management very difficult to work for (and if even a small percentage of the stories he tells are true then he's right, it is a horrible place to work).However, every time I suggest he look for a job somewhere else he comes up with some excuse about how difficult it would be. True the job market isn't great, but he's a skilled worker in a high-demand field so I'm sure he could find something. He's doomed his job search before he even started it because he's not daring enough.It wouldn't be fair to share my friends' examples without pointing to my own shortcomings. Probably the greatest difficulty in my own life is within my marriage and that is simply because I don't dare enough emotionally there. I have become too complaisant and take my husband and marriage for granted. I need to dare more emotionally.So think about the difficulties in your own life and apply Seneca's rule then decide if you can be more daring! All the best!Deanna Mascle is an inspirational freelance writer. You can find more inspiration at Inspiration by Dawggone and her inspirational ezines Words of Inspiration Online and Daily Quote Online.
Keyword : inspiration, motivation, success, encouragement, dream, difficulty, challenge
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