Thank God It's 2006!

Thank God It's 2006!

Word Count:
1167

Summary:
For many of us, me included, 2005 was a year filled with challenges.  In my work as a medical intuitive and intuitive counselor, I have heard horror story after horror story.  Thankfully, 2005 is over, and we can open ourselves up to a new vibration on the planet.

Keywords:
personal growth, self help, inspiration

Article Body:
Happy New Year and Thank God it's 2006!

Energetically speaking, there was a huge shift in the energy on the planet in the end of October 2004; a shift that put all of us through our paces.

I've had clients who became very ill during the past year or had a close friend or family member suffer from some kind of intense health crisis. I've had clients who have lost their jobs, filed for bankruptcy, closed their businesses after years and years of service, while others lost everything they owned. I don't know anyone who wasn't touched by the passing of someone they knew, loved and respected – a number that seemed greater this past year than in any period before it.

And that was just in our personal lives. We watched as the tsunami hit south east Asia, killing thousands. Then there were hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and before we could even catch our breath, a huge earthquake hit the mountainous areas of India. Each of these events devastated the lives and livelihoods of thousands, if not millions, of innocent people.

As the year progressed, I could see clear patterns of our emotional wellbeing emerging, one after another, some good, some not so good. The movement of our consciousness went something like this.

Not much after the year began, as "things" started to happen in our lives, our anxiety rose. Soon after, feelings of hopelessness and the feeling of being beaten down started to emerge. As the days and months went by, we tried very hard to open ourselves up to a new beginning, forgiving ourselves and those around us, personally, professionally and spiritually. As each crisis emerged, we did the best we could and tried to move on. And while we tried with all of our effort and zeal to have peace and harmony in our lives, our success was limited. In fact, I found that the more we tried and the less things seemed to change, the more resentful and frustrated we became about the whole darn thing. And from our pit of darkness and despair, we sat and waited, feeling powerless to do or change anything.

I must say that historically speaking, I'm pretty good at looking at and identifying when shifts are going to occur on the planet; and thankfully, there was a shift. Somehow it got by me and I didn't even notice. It's probably because I too was sitting in the muck and the mire of the planet's energy and was unable to see past what was right in front of me.

So let's talk about this change. Even though 2006 has just started, I have noticed a new surprising quality in people's attitudes. It's interesting, because the planet is still trying to vibrate at the energy of fear and effort, but its effects are having much less of a hold on people. It is as if we have gotten to the point were we have exhausted all our options, and are willing to do whatever we have to do - whatever the cost and whatever the risk.

Let me give you an example. A few years ago when I still had a day job, I got up to go to work. Running a bit late as usual, I decided to pick up my dog by her hind quarters and dangle her around. Well, I guess she really needed to pee because, before I knew it, there as a stream of golden showers covering my hands and clothes.

Now running really late, I jumped back in the shower to clean up, got redressed and ran out the door. I have to tell you that by that time, my level of stress and anxiety was running on an all time high. Speeding to my car, I threw my purse into the car, hoping it would land in the passenger's seat. As it flew through the air, it caught on the rear view mirror and ripped it right off the windshield.

I think I started to laugh at that point in time. I do remember wondering what else could possibly happen to me that day. I knew whatever it was or possibly could be I wouldn't be affected by it at all. The sky could have fallen down around me and I don't think I would have given it a second thought.

In that moment, I found that I had let go of all my fears, all my worries, and all my anxiety. It was like I had transcended my own ego and nothing in the world could bother me again.

I'm sharing this story with you today because this is the energy we are in right now. The line that always comes to my mind when I think about this shift is - we have already been through hell, so what could possibly happen that could make things any worse.

Surprisingly, or should I say thankfully, this shift in energy has the added benefit of opening the door to new futures, new hopes and the manifestation of our hopes and dreams. Instead of fighting, struggling and living in effort, we are open to allowing things to happen as they choose to, in their own time and in their own way. I think last year we were all set and adamant on making things happen in a certain way. Now we are content to have anything happen, good, bad or indifferent.

This energy really and truly is freeing. When I think about the feeling of it, in the back of my mind, I can hear Janice Joplin singing "Freedom's just another word for nothing else to lose" and the reality is, we have come to a place within ourselves where we recognize we don't have anything else to lose, but instead a whole lot we can gain.

Also, with this shift, I have noticed that we are also more willing to take risks and willing to do what needs to be done. It is taking us from a place of fear into a place of power and empowerment and with it, we are gaining strength.

Where we will be going and heading as 2006 continues to unfold, I can't tell you, but I do know this... Take the time, use this time to take a deep breath and let go of all of the hurts, anxieties, frustrations, stress and resentments you experienced last year. Instead, use them to give you strength as you face any new obstacles or challenges in this New Year.

Spend a moment and think about what you want and the direction you would like your life to take you in the future. Be open to receiving it in whatever way, shape or form it may choose to come to you. And most of all, express gratitude for all that you do receive, no matter how big or how small.

 

 

Take Back Your Personal Power, Stop Being Blamed and Start Creating An Incredible Life!

Take Back Your Personal Power, Stop Being Blamed and Start Creating An Incredible Life!

Word Count:
1522

Summary:
Have you ever had a person in your life who literally thrived on playing the blame game? You know the ones that are constantly belly aching that it's your fault? Well it's time to take back your personal power, re-claim your thoughts, re-program your mind and change your life!

Keywords:
empowerment,responsibility,blame,positive thinking,affirmations,mind programming,fault,rescuer,victim,consciousness,problems,beliefs,

Article Body:
Have you ever had a person in your life who literally thrived on playing the blame game? You know the ones that are constantly belly aching that it's your fault? Then you actually believe them, so you play the game of fixing all of their problems! You become the rescuer? I did! I didn't realize it at the time of course because that is a life lesson that I was working on mastering and boy did we play a good game together! We danced in victim consciousness together creating disaster after disaster for ten years! He created, I rescued! He created, I rescued! Then one day he got himself in another situation (and of course this was all my fault!) I was so sick and tired of continually putting forth all my energy into fixing his problems that I threw in the towel. I quit. That's the day the light bulb came on! I realized that I was not allowing him to take responsibility for his own life. I was doing him the worst service possible. I was dis-empowering him! I was taking his power away by fixing all his problems not to mention dis-empowering myself! That's the day I gladly, and I mean gladly, handed him his life back on a gold lined platter! Ahh to peace once again!

Blamers are people that refuse to take any kind of responsibility for their own lives. When things go wrong in their life they tend to blame other people. Whether something goes wrong at home, work or school they try to find someone else to blame. I have found they tend to blame those that love them the most. Why? Because these will be the first people to 'fix' their problems and become their rescuers. Blamers will rarely admit to their own problems. Typically the statements you will hear from them are "It wasn't my fault." "How was I suppose to know?" "It's your fault." etc. Their dialogue usually goes something like this. "If only you had done something differently, then I wouldn't be in the predicament that I'm in. It's your fault."

By blaming other people for the problems in their life, they become powerless to change anything. Their thoughts hold them in victim consciousness. They believe and hold thoughts of:

• I cannot change my life.
• I am a victim of circumstance.
• I am a victim of my past.
• Life is hard.
• There is always more work to be done.
• Plus numerous other ones.

In order to move past this, they must begin to think differently. They must change themselves. We all know by now, that we can't change anyone but ourself, right? We can't change the blamer, we can only work on changing ourself and our reaction to the blamer. I learnt that I needed to stop being the rescuer! We know it's not our fault, so no more fixing it! How far are you willing to sacrifice yourself for someone else's problem? That's a tough question, but how low will you go? Take a tough love stance and let them take responsibility for their own life. They created it. They need to learn whatever it is that they have created so let them experience it themselves! If this is a spouse or child, it's even harder because nine times out of ten, the problem effects your marriage and your family. I'm certainly not saying this is going to be a walk in the park! It isn't easy but you have to stand your ground the second they present their next problem to you. Ask them what 'they' are going to do about 'their' problem. A temper tantrum will likely ensue, leave the room if you have to and don't send negative energy back into the cycle! Come back to it after they have completed their dramatic hissy fit. This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn the limits on your boundaries and also stretch your compassionate detachment muscles! All very empowering tasks and ones that will bring empowerment knocking on your door.

Knowing beforehand that this is a repetitive cycle where both people are getting their desired energy fix, will make it easier to remain de-attached to the blamers problem. Why? Because now you as the rescuer will be taking responsibility for your part in the game! The blamers gets satisfaction for not taking responsibility for their life along with the boost of power and control they feel they have over you when you do fix their problem. The rescuer gets satisfaction for being the hero and solving the problem.

If you are at the point now in your life of rolling your eyeballs in disgust because here comes another problem to be fixed, then you are well aware that it is time to change things! Where do you start? Yourself. You can use positive affirmations. Write them down on some index cards and carry them with you, put them beside your night stand, hang them above the kitchen sink, on the mirror in the bathroom and even stick them in your visor of your car! You can also change your thought pattern by replacing a negative thought with a positive one whenever they creep in. Once you become aware of your thoughts you will be amazed at how much negativity is hanging around up there having a pity party! Another method is going into a slight meditative state and re-programming your mind with positive beliefs and positive thoughts. Visualization is also very effective. You can visualize yourself with the desired outcome of resolving the issue at hand. Not fixing the person's problem, but resolving the issue between yourself and the blamer. Hard feelings, how you will handle it, how you see them re-acting to you, etc.

Throughout our history, there have been many great, wise people from all walks of life that carry the same basic understanding: what we believe we will somehow create. This is so much more powerful and truthful than once thought! We truly are the creators of our life! The continual thoughts flowing through our minds is the projection of our soon to be reality! Regardless if the thoughts are positive or negative, what you think, you will create! James Allen once said, "The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to reflect their inner beliefs." Maitri Upanishad says that everything that happens in our own world is a reflection of how we think. "One's own thought is one's world. What a person thinks is what he becomes."  We are powerful beings, waking up to the true potential of who we really are. Be aware of what thoughts you allow to stay in mind. Your future is being created by you and only you!

I remember reading a study a while ago. In this particular experiment, they had ten 'average' people dress the same and line up in front of a panel of convicted robbers. Five of these 'average' people had low self-esteem, had fears of being attacked by someone and no self-confidence. The other five 'average' people had high self-esteem, didn't carry any thoughts of being attacked and were very confident. The panel of criminals knew none of this information. They were asked to pick three people they would choose to be their next victim by appearance only. Each criminal picked three out of the five low self-esteem category! Why am I telling you this? Your thoughts are energy. What you think is sent out. For these particular people, their thoughts are projecting I am a victim. The criminal picks up the signal and targets that person. Even though these thoughts were fearful and not something they wanted to happen, it happened because they were thinking it. They created it. Powerful! This is what I would classify as a fatal attraction! These attractions occur daily through this hidden language of energy/thought. Granted it goes both ways, negative creation and positive creation. We interact through our energetic body, the invisible field surrounding our physical body. Our thoughts make up a part of this energetic body.

If you have the desire to change your life, regardless of what condition you want to change, change your thoughts and your belief system. Thoughts and beliefs that we have about ourselves and the world alter our perception, our hope, our energy, our health, our mood, our actions, our relationships, our entire life! Thoughts are extremely powerful and creative. The example above was a negative one, now imagine how powerful you can be if you change your thoughts to positive ones. Attracting wealth, great health, vitality, love, positive relationships, the list is endless! It is yours to create as you are the creator, so start creating joy and the perfect life you have always wanted today!

What kind of thoughts are you allowing to create your life?

 

Spiritual Poems - Why Read Them?

Spiritual Poems - Why Read Them?

Word Count:
303

Summary:
Spiritual poems are poems that point at the essence of things, and our relation to them. They use words as tools of discovery rather than tools of definition.

Keywords:
spiritual poems, spiritual, poems

Article Body:
What makes spiritual poems different from other spiritual writings? Poetry has a way of pointing more directly at reality, rather than just defining it. It uses words as tools for the transmission of experience. Spiritual poetry then, is more about enlightenment than belief. Here is a classic example from the Tao Te Ching:

Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity.
If you don't realize the source,
you stumble in confusion and sorrow.

When you realize where you came from,
you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.

Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
you can deal with whatever life brings you,
and when death comes, you are ready.

The Christian Bible is full of spiritual poems. Consider this short passage from the poetry found in Corinthians:

When I was a child,
I spoke like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child;
when I became a man,
I gave up childish ways.

Spiritual poems are not necessarily religious poems. They can simply point at the universal values in life, and at our relationship to these. This can be seen in the last stanza of the poem "Lake Superior."

There was the sun on my face,
and this was superior
to any description, idea,
belief or faith.

Spiritual poetry can try to point out some particular truth. It can also be more enigmatic, causing you to investigate an idea more closely to find your own truth. It can be an expression of love, or encourage you to relax and be at peace. Simple enjoyment, though, is enough reason to read spiritual poems.

 

Small Changes = Big Rewards

Small Changes = Big Rewards

Word Count:
435

Summary:
From the minute we are born our brains are being programmed by adults, don't do that, don't do this, that's right, that's wrong, the list goes on. Parents all over the world programming their children's minds with what they believe is right. Like a computer the information is stored in the memory and is repeated day in day out, over and over again. Once programmed it is sometimes hard to change our life we consider normal.

Keywords:
Self help manifesting

Article Body:
From the minute we are born our brains are being programmed by adults, don't do that, don't do this, that's right, that's wrong, the list goes on. Parents all over the world programming their children's minds with what they believe is right. Like a computer the information is stored in the memory and is repeated day in day out, over and over again. Once programmed it is sometimes hard to change our life we consider normal.

However, by looking at ways of improving the mind can only bring the dreams we have one step closer to reality. With small changes we can all improve the way we live. If we sit back and live the life we have been given it will always stay the same.

Achieving can become addictive, as a smoker for most of my life and tried to pack up more times than one can remember. There were plenty of reasons to quit, children, the cost and health were the top ones. However I always could find a good excuse to start again, an argument with the wife, a special occasion, down the pub with other smokers that was good enough reason.

 Then One day and I still don't know why, I woke up and decided I wasn't going to smoke again, there wasn't a last one or last puff I just stopped. I did that 3 years ago, packing up was so easy once I got it into my head.

My head is now programmed to believe that I don't need them, and since stopping I have continued to look for the next challenge. 3 years ago I would have loved to know how to turn on a computer, I now own 3 of them and have a built a number of websites too! I am always on the look out to find ways of improving myself.

 Talking to people is one of my favourite past times but for some reason I get nervous when I have to stand up in front of people and make a speech, that is what I have made my project at the moment, so when I officially marry the woman I already call my wife, I will be able to stand up in front of a crowd and tell everyone how much I love her, without stumbling around for words. 

By slowly changing the way our minds are programmed, it is possible to achieve almost anything in life, with confidence and self-belief more and more people are getting out of life what they have only ever dreamed about before.

 

Sacred Space

Sacred Space

Word Count:
1060

Summary:
We all need space.

A space that allows you to reflect on your life, on your day, on what tomorrow may bring. A small place where you can shed a tear,or breathe a sigh of relief, quieten a troubled mind or savor a few victories.

Keywords:
space for your self, your own private corner

Article Body:
In Exodus3:15- Word of God:When the Lord saw that Moses was coming closer,
he called him from the middle of the bush and said:"Moses, Moses," he answered, "Yes, here I am" God said, " Do not come any closer.Take off your sandals because you are standing on holy ground."

We all need space.

Indeed, one little corner, you allow yourself can do wonders to your being,to get in touch with your  inner self and give expression to your faith.

A space that allows you to reflect on your life, on your day, on what tomorrow may bring. A small place where you can shed a tear,or breathe a sigh of relief, quieten a troubled mind or savor a few victories.

SACRED SPACE

It is a place to reflect and  to contemplate on what is important to you; to allow you to connect with your inner self without interference and in solitude. It could be as simple as a table top, a corner of the bedroom, a place just for you to enjoy few precious moments alone. It does not require a whole room, or many hours.

Is there a small table top, a spot on the dresser, an isolated corner, an idle spot that collects clutter and dust? If you are on the road a lot, would you not want to carry something to evoke that feeling of connectedness?

Joseph Campbell has this to say about sacred time,sacred space:You must have room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what is in the morning paper. A place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are or might be.

At first you might think nothing is happening. But,if you have a sacred space and take advantage of it and use it everyday, something will happen. Where to begin? The word "sacred," evokes a feeling of something holy, serene, worthy of reverence.Any space can be a sacred space, prepare yourself as you stand on Holy ground!

Creating your sacred space

The Elements

Consider incorporating the elements when creating a sacred space. What thoughts, what feelings, what sensations do the four elements evoke in your being?

Earth
Represents foundation, stability, feel the power and beauty of nature, of Mother Earth, the physical world. Clear the debris and clutter of the chosen area , thus removing negative energies that come with clutter and dirt. A small potted plant would be a nice touch.

Water
It influences our conscious and sub-conscious forces that act on our lives. Water seeks to heal and nurture those around it. Consider a goblet or a crystal bowl filled with water. Remember to keep this fresh. This also gives a mild humidifying effect on the room. Or, a water fountain would be an asset for this element.

Fire
It is the element that projects self-expression,creativity and enthusiasm. Without fire, there can be no radiance, no conviction, no passion nor expression.A glowing candle fulfills this element, a white candle
represents all the colors, the color of the candle reflects the energy created in the sacred space. Green candle for luck and finance, red for passion and courage, and so forth.

Air
This element establishes itself in the realm of the intellect. It is through the process of thinking that ideas develop, it is a means of communication.Knowledge is gained and shared through this element.
It enables one to reach out to the mental self. Enjoy the gentle breeze, winter, spring, summer or fall.

Open a window to let some air in, if this is not possible, a mechanical fan would do.

The elements is just one aspect of enhancing your sacred space. No matter how limited the space is, you can make room for an altar, incorporating the  four elements with it.

The surface need not be elaborate, it is the intention that counts. Others will require enough room to draw a sacred " circle," but this is not the intent of this article.

Gathering Materials

Thorough planning to incorporate all the materials needed is important and worth the effort. A small table top covered with an elegant lace, add votive candles, a goblet filled with water and the bottom lined with stones or crystals, fresh flowers, a potted plant, a gentle breeze from a window or electric fan, a statue of your God/dess, or whatever deity you believe in. Picture frames depicting what is precious to you, the smell of burning incense,a water fountain( if there is enough room) This is your sacred space, you can add or remove objects as you see fit.

Celebrate the seasons.

Try to consider the seasons and celebrations that come your way. Pussy willows mark the coming of Spring. Fresh flowers of the season are inviting, a bowl of fresh fruits represents nourishment. These gestures mean paying homage to the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth.

Christmas would a colorful theme for the altar, enhance your altar with objects that define what Christmas means to you.

Do you follow the cycles of the Moon? Offerings vary as the moon waxes and wanes, an added touch as you try to connect with the Universe.

Do you travel often? If there is room for cosmetics, there is certainly room for items to set up a "sacred" space. A votive candle, your favorite crystal, picture of loved ones, prayer beads , your favorite incense or a bottle of aromatic oil. How much room would this take?

Dedicate your sacred space
After setting up the altar, make the dedication of this sacred space. Start using this space at a set time, to  start the day and  make daily affirmations.Spending time in this space raises the vibration of the area, and strengthens the energy around it and  helps clear any negative blocks in the air.

What thoughts come to your family and friends when they look at your altar?

Excerpt: from Twylah Nitach
Make your space very special, a place where you are reminded of your Divinity, your connection to Spirit. Whenever you see it, you will know it is your temple,your sanctuary,where you can relax and take care of yourself. Each of us carries our sacred space within us and our challenge is to live from it throughout our life's journey, throughout our earth walk.

 

Rose Desrochers Thoughts On Taking Responsibility For Our Actions

Rose Desrochers Thoughts On Taking Responsibility For Our Actions

Word Count:
619

Summary:
When do we start taking responsibility for our own actions? It appears that we no longer own our actions. Owning our actions, involves taking personal responsibility for what we do. Why is it that when something goes wrong, we need some place to lay the blame? Part of being a mature, responsible adult is to know that when we make a decision in life we are responsible for the outcome, not someone else.

Keywords:
Rose DesRochers, Motivational, Responsibility, social responsibility, parental responsibility

Article Body:
When do we start taking responsibility for our own actions? It appears that we no longer own our actions. Owning our actions, involves taking personal responsibility for what we do. Why is it that when something goes wrong, we need some place to lay the blame? Part of being a mature, responsible adult is to know that when we make a decision in life we are responsible for the outcome, not someone else.

Let's look at the following examples:
                  
A married man goes out and has an affair. He blames the wife for not satisfying his needs in bed. Did he ever stop to think that maybe his problem lies with him and not with his wife?

Your electricity gets turned off because you didn't pay the bill. Do you blame the mail man for not bringing the bill? Do you blame the electrical company, because you didn't receive the bill? You knew the bill was due. You pay it every month, don't you? It comes down to responsibility.

You join a website and the administrator bans you for breaking the terms of service. You blame the administrator? Why? You knew the rules of the website upon joining and had you not known the rules, you should have prepared yourself better by reading them.

Your daughter gets pregnant at 15. Let me guess you blame Britney Spears for influencing her to dress sexy. Yet you purchased the clothes for her and allowed her to wear them.

Your son gets suspended from school for fighting, drinking and drugs. You don't take responsibility as the parent. You blame the child. Well don't family values start at home? It is the rules that you set down and enforce that count.

When do we start taking responsibilities for our lives? We all have a responsibility to pay our bills, go to work, follow the rules and bring up our families within societal norms.

It is really unfortunate that we seem to be raising a generation of children that don't take responsibility for their actions either. They blame their friends, they blame their teachers, and they blame everyone around them, but never themselves.

When you feel you are mistreated, why is it that you just can't seem to let go of it, get over it and move on with your life? If you feel someone has wrong you and doesn't want to own up to the fact that they have mistreated you then there isn't much that you can do about it.You need to accept that the person isn't going to see no wrong doing on their part, pick up your bruised ego and move on.

When do we learn as adults to be responsible for our own actions? When do we start living with the consequences of our decisions? Let go of blaming and being a victim. It serves no one. It sure doesn't help you. Has not excepting responsibility for your actions made you happy? It is time to admit your mistakes rather than blame someone else.

Being a responsible adult means that you accept credit when you do the right thing and accept correction when someone tells you that you have made a wrong choice in your life.

We're adults here and we want to be treated as such unless it's not in our favor and then we want to blame someone else, anyone but ourselves.

I think it is time each of us assumed responsibility in life, by being liable for our actions and taking ownership of them. Please for goodness sake, stop making excuses for your life. When you have done wrong, admit to your mistakes and then move on.

 

Powerful Words

Powerful Words

Word Count:
522

Summary:
The Word of God is Truth, and the Truth will set you free. Freedom from fear, despair, suffering, and anxiety is the greatest gift you can get. It fills you with hope, love and faith which transforms into real Power

Keywords:
powerful,words,power,create,word,christian

Article Body:
We have the power to achieve, create and change circumstances in our lives. We are born powerful. Our Creator did not leave us helpless, poor and weak. He gave us all the tools to not only survive but fulfill our destiny to the utmost. We are all born for a purpose. It does not matter where we came from or the circumstances of our birth, youth or present lifestyle.

Let us consider these Words:

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the works of your own hands." (Isaiah 138:8)

"I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works.. My substance was not hid from you, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes did see my substance, yet being imperfect; and in your book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.(Psalm 139:14-16)

"Thus says the Lord, thy Redeemer; the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go." (Isaiah 48:17)

These are just a few Words of Promise that you can stand on and act upon. The Bible is filled with them. Not only is God's Word better than the thoughts and words of great thinking and creative genius, it transforms people! Why? Because they penetrate the heart! They don't merely appeal to your intellect, emotions or common sense, like ordinary words. The Word of God is "Quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body), and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12).

The Word of God is Truth, and the Truth will set you free. Freedom from fear, despair, suffering, and anxiety is the greatest gift you can get. It fills you with hope, love and faith which transforms into real Power..

Jesus is also called the Word of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with of God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1) He came to give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. (Isaiah 61:3) Furthermore, to those who believe in Him He gives the power to become the sons of God. (John 1:12)

That amazing power is not just for us to read about in the Bible. That kind of supernatural power is available to each and every one of us, every moment of every day! God's truth allows you to experience His grace and His power. So, instead of solving your problems by your own minute power, allow me to encourage you to reach out and tap into God's Power. It's available for each one of us, smart or not, rich or poor, happy or miserable - any time we call upon His name.

 

No GPS for Lindbergh

No GPS for Lindbergh

Word Count:
904

Summary:
Although flying from New York to Paris is no big deal today, Charles Lindbergh flew his 3,600 mile, 33 1/2 hour flight in 1927 without a telegraph, radio or Global Positioning System (GPS). In his plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh packed a few sandwiches, a couple canteens of water, 451 gallons of gas and a few maps. Several men had attempted to fly the same distance as Lindbergh, but failed only weeks before he made his record-setting flight. Lindbergh made a seemingly impossible journey come true.

Keywords:
Persistence, Motivation, Inspiration, Success, Patience

Article Body:
Although flying from New York to Paris is no big deal today, Charles Lindbergh flew his 3,600 mile, 33 1/2 hour flight in 1927 without a telegraph, radio or Global Positioning System (GPS). In his plane, The Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh packed a few sandwiches, a couple canteens of water, 451 gallons of gas and a few maps. Several men had attempted to fly the same distance as Lindbergh, but failed only weeks before he made his record-setting flight. Lindbergh made a seemingly impossible journey come true.

In order to maximize gas mileage, Lindbergh traveled as lightly as he could. He wore a light jacket compared to a traditional leather pilot's jacket, which made him more vulnerable to the elements. He used a thinner seat in which to pilot the aircraft, which compromised his comfort. Since he opted to travel solo, he had The Spirit of St. Louis built as a one seat airplane. If he fell asleep, he could crash in the Atlantic. Lindbergh also excluded night flying equipment and a parachute, which sacrificed his safety. Some could argue that Lindbergh literally bet his life on flying from NY to Paris.

Charles Lindbergh proved to the world that someone can succeed without needing to use luxuries. Lindbergh did not use luxuries in 1927 or electronic navigational devices.

How many times have we complained that our desktop or laptop is running slowly? How many of us have said that our office equipment is not the greatest? After what Lindbergh endured with his record flight, just how big do your problems really seem?

Here are some of the great things that Lindbergh taught us:

1. The Spirit of St. Louis was designed and built in 60 days

Many of us complain that we don't have enough time to do things. A single-engine airplane that was going to be flown across the Atlantic Ocean, which was never done before, was built in two months. Lindbergh, Donald Hall and a crew of 35 other men worked on the airplane. Hall worked an average of 90 hours per week. At one point, Hall worked on the plane for 36 and 20 consecutive hours. Many of us think that life was so much easier in yesteryear. History provides the contrary.

Lindbergh knew his time was limited. A $25,000 prize was offered to the first one who could fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Others had perished attempting to set Lindbergh's record. A few weeks prior to Lindbergh's start of his flight from New York, a couple of Frenchmen had died attempting to fly from Paris to New York. Charles Lindbergh was determined enough to have a plane built in two months and fly the plane over the Atlantic Ocean. How determined are we in a time crunch? Although we may not feel the same pressure as Lindbergh did when he attempted to set a flying record, we still have situations where more time would be needed.

Are we asking for help like Lindbergh did? Lindbergh's dream may have been impossible without the help of Donald Hall and the 35 men that built the Spirit of St. Louis. Asking for help is no disgrace. If asking for help was good enough for Lindbergh, it can be good enough for us.

2. "Why shouldn't I fly from New York to Paris?"

Lindbergh was quoted as saying, "Why shouldn't I fly from New York to Paris? ...I have more than four years of aviation behind me, and close to two thousand hours in the air. I've barnstormed over half of the forty-eight states. ...Why am I not qualified for such a flight?" Lindbergh put possibility out there for himself and did it!!

What is keeping us from thinking the same way? There is no reason why we cannot make a trip of our own.

3. Lindbergh did not compromise his goals

Initially, a company offered Lindbergh a plane for $15,000, but the company's president wanted to choose the pilot and Lindbergh was not the president's choice to fly it. Another company offered to build Lindbergh a plane for $6,000. Ultimately, Lindbergh accepted the deal and within 60 days, the plane was completed.

How often have we compromised our goals? Many of us have always wanted to write a book, an article, a poem, prose, fiction or nonfiction. Unfortunately for many of us, we have settled for what we are doing instead of making our dream of what we could be doing happen. What is stopping us from making that dream happen? We give all kinds of reasons as to why we cannot devote a few minutes a day to obtaining our goals. Fortunately, goals do not have to happen overnight. Only three percent of the population writes down their career dreams, goals and aspirations. How many of us are writing down our dreams?

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it." - Goethe

What goals do you have and how determined are you to attain them? What goals have you accomplished that initially seemed impossible? Although the magnitude of your goals may not seem as impossible as Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, they are still your goals. How many of your goals have you compromised and how many goals have you achieved? Lindbergh did not settle for anything less than his goal of flying across the Atlantic. Although some of your goals may initially seem impossible, you also should not settle for anything less than achieving what is important to you.

 

Make Their Day

Make Their Day

Word Count:
224

Summary:
When was the last time someone made your day – or you made theirs? In the national bestselling book, FISH!, by Stephen C. Lundin Ph.D., Harry Paul, and John Christensen, the fishmongers at the world famous Pike Place Fish Company in Seattle do it daily.

Keywords:
joyful,make someone's day,smiling,listening,positive,nice

Article Body:
"Use every man after his desert, and who shall 'scape whipping? Use them after your own honour and dignity: the less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty." – Hamlet, William Shakespeare

When was the last time someone made your day – or you made theirs? In the national bestselling book, FISH!, by Stephen C. Lundin Ph.D., Harry Paul, and John Christensen, the fishmongers at the world famous Pike Place Fish Company in Seattle do it daily. They do it by throwing fish and joking with their loyal customer-fans, and by just having fun.

I made a point recently to look for people I could "treat" this way, and it was really fun. I think I felt better than they did. I realized that when you make someone's day, it bounces back on you. It's a great feeling to witness the joy and surprise on their faces.

It can be little things, like:
• Smiling
• Saying "Good morning"
• Offering your place in line to a harried fellow shopper
• Bringing a cup of coffee to your office mate
• Doing a task for a coworker
• Over-tipping at your favorite restaurant
• Taking time with someone who needs it
• Being a fully present listener

It doesn't take much to create a joyful moment. Look around, and you'll find there are more openings than you think. They're everywhere!

 

Living Profoundly

Living Profoundly

Word Count:
244

Summary:
You want to have an impact in this world. You're consumed by thoughts of achievement, goals, worries, success. So how is your impact? Here's a simple look at the simple truth of what is truly important.

Keywords:
leadership,being present,life,living,make a difference,making a difference,happiness,success,love

Article Body:
When you realize that you really want to have an impact in this world, to make a difference, remember that it is in each moment that you are alive and in the present. When you are too busy worrying about what you don't have, what you have to do, where you've been, and what you don't have, you're not in the present; you're consumed by the past you can't change and the future that has yet to happen. There is no impact in either place.

The impact is here and now. Stop, check in, and connect in relationship with those around you. Be present, make the impact with those you see in your life today. Your future will unfold more powerfully and profoundly than you could ever imagine when you focus on the <b><i>right things</b></i>; relationships, people, love and community.

Being present will engage you in ways that will offer you greater insights into who you are; what others see in you; what gets you excited; and where you are going with your life. Giving time to others in the moment will enrich your experience of living as the energy of two create new possibilities. It's never about what you get; it's always about what you give! With greater awareness, that can only come through the <i>being present</i>, you will experience better decision-making and a much more profoundly lived life.

 

Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time

Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time

Word Count:
398

Summary:
We're so busy trying to get it all done -- and trying to get it all done right -- that we sometimes miss life in our hurry to get to the goal.

Keywords:
centering,meditation,awareness,life energy,hurry hiking,time management,priorities,power of presence,being in the moment,personal power,presence,taking charge of your life,purpose,values,living on purpose

Article Body:
I just got back from Colorado where I spent a week relaxing, re-energizing and revisiting the key values in my life. The lodge where I stayed is called Peaceful Valley, and it has a chapel on the premises. I've been to Peaceful Valley and to this chapel many times over the years. The chapel is at the end of a steep ten-minute hike, which has become a ritual for me. The view at the top -- a part of the Rocky Mountain range -- is breathtaking.

On the way down one morning I was in a hurry and going too fast for the terrain. I nearly fell. There were lots of rocks, and it was easy to hit a wobbly one and slip.

I slowed down, took a deep breath, and placed my foot down purposefully on the next rock, and then the next. I soon sped up and had to slow myself down again.

I decided that even if I was late, I would place each foot consciously every time I took a step. It took a lot for me to do this. But it turned out to be an amazing centering and meditative practice. One rock at a time -- that's all I chose to think about. And I was suddenly more aware of everything -- the sound of the wind, the chattering of birds and squirrels, and the light of the early morning sun on the golden aspens.

I thought: I could do this more often. Be here now. Feel the touch of my foot on the rock. Feel the steering wheel as I drive. BE at the stop light, instead of minutes or hours ahead at the destination. Hear the birds outside my office window.

I begin to think that multi-tasking is overrated. The really hard thing is to be fully present in one place at a time.

How aware are you of this moment? Does life seem to speed up so much that you miss some of the most important parts? Take a moment right now and breathe. Count to 5 on the inhale, and count 5 again on the exhale. Take the time. It's now that you're alive, not yesterday and not tomorrow. Now.
______________________________________

"Centering is the art of being fully alive. And wherever the art of centering is practiced, things change dramatically."
-- Tom Crum, "Journey to Center"
______________________________________

Wishing you good energy in every moment!

 

Life with Katie: My child with Cerebral Palsy

Life with Katie: My child with Cerebral Palsy

Word Count:
1173

Summary:
I am guessing if you are reading this article you either have child with Cerebral Palsy or know someone who has this condition. If you do not know what Cerebral Palsy is, I will tell you in layman's terms. It means brain damage. The damage can be either so minor that it is hardly noticeable or it can be severe mental and physical damage. My daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy because while in the womb, her intestine twisted causing my wife and her to be under stress.

Keywords:
success, cerebral palsy, willingness, handicapped,never give up

Article Body:
I am guessing if you are reading this article you either have child with Cerebral Palsy or know someone who has this condition. If you do not know what Cerebral Palsy is, I will tell you in layman's terms. It means brain damage. The damage can be either so minor that it is hardly noticeable or it can be severe mental and physical damage. My daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy because while in the womb, her intestine twisted causing my wife and her to be under stress. Katie had six strokes before she was born. The damage caused her to be partially paralyzed on the left side of her body.

Now this article is about how my wife and I dealt with raising her. Recently, I joined a personal development website. As I have been listening and watching some of the audios and videos, I have realized that some of the virtues taught, we have been doing for years. We have just not had any training. Probably like yourself, we had some of these qualities, but did not know how to harness or exploit them.

The first feelings we had were uncertainty for the future. We were both young. But really, no one is ever ready for anything like this. At first, no one would tell us what was wrong or what to do. All we could think was we had the worst situation ever. We did not know if it was a freak accident or genetic. Would this affect any other children we had? But after the shock wore off, we realized God had blessed us. Other babies in the intensive nursery weighted around 2 lbs. Our Katie weighted over 6 lbs. She stayed in the hospital for 51 days. We were told at the beginning that she would be in the intensive nursery for possibly 6 months.

From this uncertainty of the future, my wife and I learned our first lesson when dealing with a handicapped child, which was to realize how blessed we were. We had family members who had helped us get through the initial shock. I had a good job with insurance that paid almost all of the medical expenses. Our child was alive. You really do not understand how strong you are until something like this happens. All you can really do is try to take care of the moment. Abraham Lincoln once said "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time."

The next thing we learned was to make a commitment to our child. A quote I enjoy by Marian Wright Edelman goes like this, "You are not obligated to win. You are obligated to keep trying to do the best you can every day." It was almost a year before anyone would tell us she had Cerebral Palsy. We knew something was wrong, but did not know what it was. She was not doing the things that normal babies could do. After we were told she had Cerebral Palsy, my wife and I had to make a commitment to Katie that we would do whatever we needed to do to help her function in a "normal" world. We could hide her from the world or treat her like our other children. We chose to do the best we could to help her.

After you make the commitment, you have to be willing to follow through. You are going to be the person taking them to the doctors. You are going to be focusing a lot of time on helping this person. Katie could not walk by herself until she was eight years old. But my wife and I decide we would not put her in a wheelchair if she could at least walk with help. They have a therapy called Conductive Education. We sent her to Canada three times for five-week courses. We actually raised the money to send her, and for us to stay with her, by holding garage sales. We would hold one every weekend in different locations for two to three months. We would tell people the garage sale money was being used to help Katie get to the camp. Do you know that people would bring us stuff to sell or tell us to come by and pick up stuff. You may not believe this, but I had a sixteen-foot horse trailer loaded up when I got ready to have the sale. By the end of the sale, we were restocked with new items. Also, sometimes people would donate money. My wife, our family members and I were willing raise the money to get her to the camp. Remember, "Where the willingness is great the difficulties cannot be great." says Niccolo Machiavelli

Now, the most important thing I have learned in my life with Katie is never give up. Now I understand that not everyone has the same circumstance, but set goals. Something always told me that she could walk. Now I knew she would not walk perfect, but she would walk. And through her efforts and the effort of my wife, others, and me, she can walk. We also knew she needed an education like the other kids, so we required her to do the same as other kids. It always took her longer to do everything. But she has ended up graduating early and is now in college working on a degree in accounting. We are still helping her adjust. But our goal is for her to be as independent as she possibly can. Do not hide the person. Try to include them in everything you do. We always took our daughter out in public. When she was in school, we pushed her to do her best. Ruth Gordon once said, "Never give up and never face the facts."

I believe that when facing the challenges of dealing with a Cerebral Palsy person or any person with a handicap, there are three things to remember that can help you through. First, realize when the uncertainty of the future overwhelms you, that you have family and friend to support and help you through these trying times. If you are the one helping the handicap person, you will need to make a commitment and be willing to go the distance. And last, but most important, never give up. There are going to be times when you want to throw in the towel. Take a step back, and grab a breath. Think about what Booker T. Washington once said, "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." I am a firm believer that God does not give a person more than they can handle. If you are a parent of a Cerebral Palsy child, God has given you a special gift. He has entrusted you a special person. Do not be afraid to pray. Sometimes that may be the only thing that will get you through the hard times.

 

Lessons We Can Learn From Jonah and the Whale

Lessons We Can Learn From Jonah and the Whale

Word Count:
748

Summary:
One day when my son related the story of Jonah to Fred the green rabbit I was struck by how close to home the story strikes--for Noah, for me, for all of us.

Keywords:
inspiration, motivation, success, dream, fire, difficulty, challenge, dare

Article Body:
Our church has charged all parents of young children to read a Bible story each day to our children so reading from my son Noah's children's Bible has become a part of our regular bedtime routine. Sometimes I try to hit stories that relate to the current holiday in the Christian calendar and other times we simply pick stories that look interesting to him (there are pictures to help with the choice). There are also stories that he considers to be favorites--Noah and the Ark of course, Zacchaeus (because he loves the song), and Jonah.

I have been very happy with his eager responsiveness to the stories and to reading them. He will even pull out his children's Bible to share the stories with his stuffed animals--or at least some version that he remembers or can guess from the pictures.

One day when he related the story of Jonah to Fred the green rabbit I was struck by how close to home the story strikes--for Noah, for me, for all of us.

Noah's version of Jonah:

God told Jonah to go to a special place but Jonah didn't listen. He went on a boat to another city instead. So God sent a storm and threw Jonah into the water and a giant fish swallowed him up. Jonah was in time out in the fish for three days before God told him he could get out of the fish. Then Jonah went where God told him to go.  The End.

Noah to Fred: "You have to listen to God or you'll get in time out too!"

Noah's story is simplistic but then so is the essence of Jonah's story.  The moral of the story is simply that we must listen to God.

If only it was as simple as that!

Of course we know that. No matter what our religion or creed we know that we must listen to God. We know we must follow the rules and guidelines that God has set down for us.

Children, like Noah, know they must follow their parents' rules and dictates or there will be consequences. Often those consequences involve a time-out for Noah so the story of Jonah strikes home with him.

Obviously as he grows older the rules that he must follow will come from many different sources and many will be unspoken. This is why his father and I now set down rules and boundaries for him. Obviously it makes our home life easier if he follows set rules and other rules are necessary for his protection, but even more important we are teaching him to follow the rules that God and society have set down for him.

We learned rules as children for the same reasons but as we grow up and learn to abide by the rules of God and society the punishments we receive change and become more subtle. We no longer are put in time out but instead encounter punishments that more often come in a social or monetary form.

For many of us it becomes increasingly easy to ignore these punishments without the threat of a big whale to swallow us up.

As a Christian, I think God's message to us is simple. He wants us to love him and to show that love by loving and helping others. All of Jesus' lessons and teachings can be tied to that simple theme.

It is simple and yet so very hard. What have you done this week to love and honor God? What have you done this week to love and help others?

What worries me is that some people get so wrapped up in following other messages they have gleaned from the Bible that they often overlook or directly contradict these essential truths. While the Bible and its teaching are incredibly complex, one can find the truth by simply studying Jesus' teachings and actions. There is truth in the simple question--What Would Jesus' Do?

It is simple and yet so very hard. What have you done this week to love and honor God? What have you done this week to love and help others?

Of course the difficult challenge is the fact that by not doing these things we are just as bad as Jonah. We are not doing what God has told us to do.

Don't look now, but isn't that a big whale coming up behind you?

 

Knowing When I'm Not: 4 Suggestions for Developing a Strong Center

Knowing When I'm Not: 4 Suggestions for Developing a Strong Center

Word Count:
370

Summary:
The more I practice centering, the more I realize that as important as it is to be able to identify and access the centered state, it is equally important to be able to know when I'm NOT centered. Otherwise, how do I choose?

Keywords:
centering,the Centered State,how to center oneself,aikido,self-awareness,managing emotions,anger management,deep breathing,conflict management,communication skills

Article Body:
The more I practice centering, the more I realize that as important as it is to be able to identify and access the centered state, it is equally important to be able to know when I'm NOT centered. Otherwise, how do I choose?

When I'm centered I'm in control of my behavior. Centered action is on purpose and by choice. Uncentered action is reactive and out of control, and I end up looking back with regret.

I've spent a lot of time figuring out my personal symptoms of uncenteredness. Physically, my legs tense and knees lock; my jaw locks, my throat closes, and I stop breathing.

Mental and emotional symptoms vary, but I can become self-righteous, depressed, and very self-critical. Without warning, these reactive responses combine into a mind/body state that is powerful enough to overcome all my good intentions and noble purposes.

When something happens that triggers these physical and emotional states, I increasingly notice them at earlier stages. I can then ask myself if I want to go where they will carry me. Sometimes it's a difficult choice. These reactions are "practiced" and seductive. To choose to be centered means to integrate that energy in some new and more useful way in which I'm not as practiced.

This kind of awareness is learned and developed. And, speaking from experience, it can be done. Here's my path, and I urge you to add to it:

• INTENTION. Have a clear intention to develop control over your reactive state.

• DISCOVERY. Begin to notice your symptoms. The next time you start to "lose it," become active in that process and make a different choice.

• JUST DO IT. (Thank you, Nike.) Breathe, relax, or play a mental tape that helps you get centered. Visualize your "happy place," as one of my clients puts it.

• DISCIPLINE. Don't settle for letting yourself be hijacked by your reactions. When you do "lose it" - use it. Go back in your mind's eye, and ask how the situation might have played out had you been centered. It's a great way to reinforce what you want to do next time.

You have more power than you think. Know what you want for your life and go get it.

 

Inspired For Women

Inspired For Women

Word Count:
515

Summary:
Women are unique and powerful beings in this world when wielding the truth of the heart wisdom that lives deep within. This article is a testament and tribute honoring women and calls forth more of the brilliance they have to offer the world.

Keywords:
inspiration,powerful women,woman,love,relationships,empowerment

Article Body:
One man can make a difference. I've been saying this and writing around this subject matter for over a decade now. It is not to the exclusion of women as I originally used the phrase in reference to mankind or society if you prefer. A decade ago, my pursuit of the quest to make a difference, to be involved, to inspire ended up taking a back seat. Survival in the moment and dealing with family and health issues took the front seat. Now, most of that is behind me and to a large degree it has been women who have made the difference in my growth and healing; unique powerful, loving, nurturing women.

This post serves as a reminder, an acknowledgement, a song of praise, if you will, for women. It's important you realize just how powerful and wonderful you are as a woman, as a female, as someone who has a unique blueprint different from the male of our species. Your gift is priceless when used well with integrity and you conduct yourself from this seat of female power. It's not the media's and popular culture's representation of female wiles, cunning, and manipulation. No, it's the power of the nurturer and spiritual values.

I speak partly from my own experience that has a depth and richness that is so hard to explain. It also includes influence from historical perspectives and the recognition that almost every great man in history has attributed a large part of their success to the great woman in their life. I attribute it to the call in my heart and the need in my soul for that connection and healing balm that only the company of a woman can provide. How can words possibly express such complexity and yet such simplicity so that it is understood and owned by all women.

It is my desire to empower each of you to be the greatest woman you can be. If I had any advice for your day-to-day living, I'd say look to women who are mature in experience and who have a healthy perspective on love, life, and relationships. Women who are successful in their relationships and careers without compromising the highest values that ring so true in all of our hearts.

I can also say that I have much to offer in one-on-one coaching as a result of my own life experience with women and my perspective on the unique power of women. I do this with female clients in my coaching business now and it is a huge honor for me. It pains my heart to see women limiting themselves due to poor self image and beliefs developed from family, peers, society, media and boys or men who have caused pain.

Don't hold back, be all that you are made to be.

Yes, one man can make a difference, but the truth is, Women make all the difference!

Peace, love, harmony - it is power.

Be divinely beautiful; it radiates from within.

Best wishes, Lee
 
Make a Difference

 

Inspirational Thought For The Day

Inspirational Thought For The Day

Word Count:
611

Summary:
Your inspirational thought for the day is a simple one, but profound in its implications. Here it is...

Keywords:
inspirational thought for the day, insprirational thought, brain power

Article Body:
Are you ready for your inspirational thought for the day? When you first read it, it may seem too simple. However, if you think about it for even a moment, you'll see that the implications are profound - and inspiring. This is t:

"Whatever goals you have in your life, and no matter where you are start, someone has succeeded at something similar or even more difficult, starting with less than you have."

There may be some of you out of the six billion on the planet for whom this doesn't apply. Perhaps some really want to do things that are far beyond anything a man or woman has ever done, so I apologize to the fifty of you. As for the rest of you, what do you want?

Want a loving partner? Somebody less attractive, charming and intelligent than you is getting happily married somewhere today. Want to create a new food and successfully market it? You probably already have more resources than Harlan Sanders had when he started trying to sell his Kentucky Fried Chicken. Want a big beautiful home? Three or more people in your town have such a home after being poorer than you at some point in their lives.

<b>Is This An Inspirational Thought?</b>

Anthony Hopkin's character, in the movie "The Edge," says "What one man can do, another can do." He goes on to kill the bear that is stalking him. What if you aren't as strong, as rich, or as smart as others? Not all those who have done great things were always stronger, smarter and richer than you. Just like them, you can learn the right things, take the right actions and put in the effort. This is why this is an inspirational thought. See where some people started from, and you'll find yourself saying, "Hey! If he can do it, I can too."

I told a guy he could save money to buy a home, and he claimed he just didn't have any extra to save. He forget that he already knew several people who were making less money than him and surviving just fine. If he lived like those people for a while, couldn't he bank the difference? (Just say yes - finding reasons why you can't do something is a terrible habit to encourage.)

Would you like a date for this Friday? How? Here's a clue: An awkward young man asked a woman friend why he couldn't get a date. She asked if he had asked anyone out. After he thought about it for a moment he said, "No." "That's why," she told him. Better example: I know a jerk who always had a date - after asking twenty women a week out. These are lessons, aren't they? If a geek and a jerk can get a date, you can too, right?

Colonel Sanders drove around in an old van living off his social security check as 900 restaurants told him they were not interested in his recipe. One eventually said yes, and he eventually made millions of dollars. Maybe this could inspire us to try something more than three times?

People come here with little money and speaking little English and end up owning restaurants and stores. If you want to own a restaurant or store, find out how they do it. There are almost three million millionaires in the U.S. If you really want millions, read their stories, talk to them, and learn how to make money. Whatever you want to do, someone has done it, starting from a worse situation than yours. If they can do it, you can too. This is your inspirational thought for the day.

 

Inspirational -The Lessons Of April Fools Day

Inspirational -The Lessons Of April Fools Day

Word Count:
394

Summary:
Who does not know about The First of April? We try to make fools of others on this day to have a hearty laugh.

Keywords:
love,heart,inspirations

Article Body:
Who does not know about The First of April? We try to make fools of others on this day to have a hearty laugh. It is the battle of wits on this day. All of us expect to get fooled, and try to save ourselves from making others laugh at our expense. Are all of us not fools even otherwise? This may sound shocking; so let me tell you why I think so.

How about politicians and leaders? They make fools of us all through the year. Isn't correct? They invent fantastic excuses and give more implausible promises. Many of us get so emotional with the speeches that we get fooled. What of education? The formal education promises us so many things. Each student thinks that he/she will learn something great while getting a degree. Is it really so? Does that happen? In the name of formal education, most of us lose our original thinking and try to learn all those things that are written by those who never received formal education. Think about what I am saying. I may be wrong, but so are so many other writers. The language has to be good, captivating and emotive. And you will get fooled.

Love is the biggest joke of the life. A very good feeling, that results in so much pain for a big majority that in the end, they all feel that they were fooled. They were fooled into giving so much of themselves to someone thoroughly undeserving. The love that promised moons, makes people land in craters. This is no laughing matter, because the hurt is so intense that a heart broken person will never be able to explain it.

Life itself is a process that fools at every moment. We try to work, think, collect money, create masterpieces and preach others inspiring stories. We try to do so much in life and feel that we are making great use of the time. What is the ultimate result? Death. We all die. The ruins of many old monuments, the old manuscripts, the fossils and everything else we can find in a museum tell us about what our forefathers tried. Why and with what result? They got nothing but death in the end, and so shall we get death. Death will make a big fool of all of us in the end.

 

Inspiration…what is it?

Inspiration…what is it?

Word Count:
598

Summary:
What is inspiration? How do we get inspired to try to achieve great things? Perhaps we are asking the wrong question.

Keywords:
Life mastery, success by inspiration, be inspired

Article Body:
"Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?"

No matter how this topic is tackled, the question remains a mystery.

"Do you need to be inspired to aspire or do you need an aspiration to get inspired?"

The same holds true for the second question. Others may argue that in order to have a strong desire to achieve something, you must be inspired. On the other hand, some argue that for you to be inspired, you may need to aspire first.

This is very much like the chicken and the egg question, right? There is no definite answer. Concerning inspiration vs. aspiration, the best course of action is to discover how to get people inspired, rather than focus on which is the right answer. For some people, inspiration helps them stay motivated and become an achiever.

So, how do people get inspired?

The feeling of frustration forces some to seek inspiration. Some need to experience unpleasant circumstances to trigger an inspiration. This path may not be at all pleasant. But who says that the road to greater achievement is always smooth sailing?

Take for instance the case of an average earner. He just earns enough to make a family survive. On his way to work, he could see other people barely having three square meals a day, hardly having anything to keep them warm on a cold night, practically living on a roofless shanty with paper boards as walls. He wanted to help but can't.

He feels helpless for he can't do anything to alleviate their condition. This feeling of helplessness urged him to promise himself that his family will never experience extreme poverty. This feeling of frustration inspired him to aspire for a better life for himself and for his family. His fear that his family might end up like one of the economically challenged people makes him determined to do something about improving his financial stability.

Someone who is successful can be an effective source of inspiration. People tend to look up to somebody who has reached the top. They wonder how it is to be like their idol, so they set themselves on a course headed in their idol's direction. They study their idol's past and how he was able to overcome all adversities.

People who wish to be inspired associate with successful people. Successful people have big ambitions. Being ambitious and dreaming big dreams can keep the inspiration alive. Being ambitious is actually good as long as you do not step on other people's toes and provides inspiration to fellow men.

A strong desire can trigger people to get inspired and aspire for it. Again, stay within the confines of good fellowship, not hurting anybody along the way. Some people desire popularity. They aspire to be well known in society. They set their sights higher and aim to be recognized and respected.

Love is a strong motivator. There was once a man who pursued his love interest. He was able to get married to the girl of his dreams. His love for his wife motivated him to do his best in his job to provide for his growing family. Love provided the spark and nurtured his dreams to aspire for the best that life has to offer for him and his family.

Many sources of inspiration can help you in achieving success in life. Arguing about whichever comes first - whether inspiration or aspiration - is not one of them. The important thing is to find your true source of inspiration and to remain focused in the achievement of your goals.

 

Inspiration From The Passion Of Waves

Inspiration From The Passion Of Waves

Word Count:
406

Summary:
Watch the waves. Watch small waves, and watch the large waves. Watch them coming in, on the shore untiringly.

Keywords:
inspiration,motivation,ocean,waves,passion,job,work,attitude,love,success,energy,motion

Article Body:
Watch the waves. Watch small waves, and watch the large waves. Watch them coming in, on the shore untiringly. What do we see? We see the passion. We see the energy. We also wonder about the purpose of the non-stop motion of the waves.

Waves have the undying passion of meeting the shore. They never get tired doing that. One after another, they keep on coming. They keep on smashing on the shore and then subsiding. Then comes another wave. This goes on and on. We have watched the waves so many times that we don't pay attention to this passion. This passion can teach us a lot. Download some screensavers with videos of waves. Watch them from time to time. You will slowly get that visual of waves associated in your mind with unceasing passion.

The first teaching is not getting tired. Waves don't get tired. They have a job to do - meet the shore again and again. So they keep on. When we have a job to do, we must behave like that. Non-stop work without getting tired. We will surely get tired, but a visual of waves will remind us immediately that we have work to do and we will continue despite all the tiredness.

The second teaching is work without any break. Have we seen waves taking a small break? Never. Same way, we are passionately working towards a goal, we have to keep that passion on all the time. Every moment that passion must drive us. No other thought but our passion. Great work is done only with such passion. You can achieve impossible with this kind of passion.

The third teaching is passion itself. Waves are passionate to meet the shores. They think of nothing but the shore. Similarly we must develop passion for something. Love creates such passion. Romantic love can do that and so can the love for human beings, like Mother Teresa had. Develop passion for something. Whatever may be your occupation, if you develop passion for excellence, you will get unbelievable results. Let us develop that passion. Let us say - I will passionately work in a manner so that I am satisfied only with the best results. I will keep this passion on forever in my work. I will do everything with passion and will make sure that I achieve great results.

Take inspiration from the passion of waves and you shall achieve success, great success.

 

metaphysics, philosophy metaphysics, definition of metaphysics,law of attraction,manifesting

Inspiration

Word Count:
510

Summary:
What does the word inspiration mean?  I look at the word and break it into two parts, "in" and "Spirit."

Keywords:
metaphysics, philosophy metaphysics, definition of metaphysics,law of attraction,manifesting

Article Body:
What does the word inspiration mean?  I look at the word and break it into two parts: "in" and "Spirit."  To live an inspired life, then, means to be "in Spirit" all the time – to be in tune with the magnificent presence  of the Higher Self within you.  Where in effect, the mind is open to everything, and attached to nothing.  We are all derived from an organizing  intelligence no matter what religion, nationality, or belief system, that divine spark resides within everyone even if the person is not currently aware of it.

Therefore, this organizing intelligence is the place from which we all derive inspiration – in –spirit.  An inspired life is finding a way to live in harmony with the divine intelligence with every thought you have.  To live at all times in spirit and feeling yourself when you are disconnected from spirit.  The key is being in touch with that divine source within which is inspiration.  Living day in and day out, watching every thought and knowing that you have left spirit when you have a thought that does not include everyone  - when you become ego centered  (Edging-God-Out} 

Being inspired is about changing awareness of yourself as being limited, having no luck, things never working out, etc. into realizing that you are unlimited and have the potential to create whatever you truly desire if it is in alignment with the divine within.  Whatever the mind of man can conceive, the mind of mind man can create.   You are a perfect creation of the Divine.  There is absolutely nothing that you cannot create.  Have a knowing that you can create and attract to yourself anything you need to create your desires.  `

Living an inspired life is realizing that you came from a divine source – you are a piece of this divinity, an expression of unlimited potential.  In truth, you are like what you came from – we are pieces of the divine.  We are spiritual beings having a human experience, not human beings having a spiritual experience.  A drop of the ocean is not the ocean, but the small drop has the same qualities and essence of .the ocean..  Since the source from which we came is love, peace, abundance, unlimited, perfect health, then we also have these qualities inherent in us as humans.  It is actually an insult from which you came to think anything less.

We came into existence from divinity but somehow got separated from our source and developed an ego.  We began to follow the herd and to identify with accumulating things.  Quiet your mind, meditate, and get back in touch with your Higher Self. 

When you are inspired, you discover yourself to be a greater person than you ever imagined.  Realize that your thoughts are energy.  It's all about what kind of thoughts and feelings we offer up to achieve our desires which are aligned with Spirit.

Alan Linde is a student of metaphysics.  Take these concepts to the next level by requesting a free ebook " The Manifesting Mindset" at http://www.manifestwealthnow.com

 

In Search of Self

In Search of Self

Word Count:
502

Summary:
The human self is a temple of the Divine.

You can choose to let life flow or get stuck and just keep spinning your wheels. Each day offers a chance to look at the brighterside of life and enjoy it. Each day is a chance to be connected with your divinity. Each day heralds a new beginning. You have to be part of it.

Keywords:
searching for higher self

Article Body:
The human self is a temple of the Divine.

Life goes on. You can choose to let life flow or get stuck and just keep spinning your wheels. Each day offers a chance to look at the brighterside of life and enjoy it. Each day is a chance to be connected with your divinity. Each day heralds a new beginning. You have to be part of it.

The world never stands still. Time comes when battles that were  once critical no longer top the list of priorities. That is if you learn to reconcile yourself with the past, sort out the precious lessons and move on.

Take control of your life, validate yourself, honor and respect  your being and most of all, love yourself. This is not about being aggressive, domineering and always in control and confrontational. It is not about becoming self-absorbed.

Far from it. It is about offering a more compatible YOU in a relationship. There are inevitable bumps in any relationship, unavoidable falls and pitfalls.No problem lasts forever. There has to be a way to adjust your sails and enjoy the breeze, not get lost in the storm.

Take stock of your life. What are your illusions?What is your reality? How do you  deal with failure, with disappointments and the other elements thatfuel stress? Are you just coping, mostly in a crisis management mode? What can you do?

Sometimes, one's world, one's hopes and dreams come crashing with a big bang, a major shaking up of life. This is a chance to take a great leap of faith, to grow and strengthen your self-trust that is eroding. Move on without fear. Fear can be paralyzing. Move on instead with self-confidence. Have faith in yourself. Faith is enduring.

Grab the chance to harness the power from the river of knowledge already flowing through your being, to take that first step to get up and move on to the next phase. Time to let go and really let go. Hanging on to personal loss builds up powerful negative blocks; these fuel anger, grief, bitterness, vindictiveness, distrust, confrontation, erodes self-confidence- all negative but very powerful energies. Over time, accumulation of these take its toll on your health.

Why allow a negative influence to knock on the door? Hurtful issues tend to get remote and forgotten.over time.Why dwell on these, the negative energy gets very powerful and takes on a life of its own. What purpose does it serve? NOTHING.

Take peace over misery any day, any time. In a world of turmoil, deception, hypocrisy and insensitivity, not to mention fighting with inner demons, peace can be elusive. Believe in the power of love and peace. Loving yourself
first enhances your capability to share that love with others.

Strengthen your personal power. Nurture your spirit,let it bring forth deep insight, thus, perspective. Search deep within, bring out the glitter from within your soul, let it radiate joy and peace. Help make this a better world.

  END

 

Improve Yourself In As Little As 5 Minutes With These 10 Inspirational Quotes

Improve Yourself In As Little As 5 Minutes With These 10 Inspirational Quotes

Word Count:
792

Summary:
10 quotes from Woody Allen about life, the universe - and what you can do to become a better person

Keywords:
selfimprovement, self improvement

Article Body:
Improve Yourself In As Little As 5 Minutes With These 10 Inspirational Quotes

Or "Life With Woody" 10 inspirational quotes than can improve yourself

It might take a little coffee or probably a few rounds of adult beverage you could get your hands on when it comes to relaxing after a hard day's work. Well, yeah I'm guilty about that one as well, unless I'm caught dead wearing a lampshade over my head after a few rounds of vodka… half-naked! Okay, bad example and I apologize to everyone reading this after getting nightmares about me in that state of drunken stupor.

Just don't ask how it happened, please.

But what's really interesting is that how do people go through the usual part of life when faced with vein-popping stress? I mean, the new age thing like Zen or yoga is one of the good things and it actually works. Is there room for the intellectual side of people who can actually smell the roses-in-a-can while on the move? It kind of had me thinking that there really must be something in this 'mind-over-matter' thing.

Humor is indeed the best medicine there is whenever you are. I mean anyone can pay good money to listen to a comedian just to make you wet your pants after laughing so hard. Despite of what's been happening, and to those who has gone though the ordeal, it's better to just laugh while facing the troubles with a clear mind than anger with a clouded vision. One of my favorite celebrities of all time may have to be Woody Allen. Now this is one guy who gives you the in-your-face bluntness that he pulls out with gusto, even without even trying. You can talk just about anything with a man, and he's bound to mock the subject and you'll end up laughing rather than being upset about it.

Woody Allen has this to say:

1. "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." It sounds good to me, I mean the practicality of all things does involve money but it doesn't have to take an arm and a leg to get it.

2. "I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it's the government." 'Nuff said.

3. "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?" This happens to be one of the classic ones. I mean the issue about life's little problems isn't all that bad, until 'he' shows up.

Sure, relationships can get complicated, or does have its complications that probably any author about relationships is bound to discover it soon. We follow what our heart desires, unless you're talking about the heart as in the heart that pump blood throughout your body.

4. "Love is the answer, but while you're waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions." And if you want more, just keep on asking!

5. "A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said 'no'." It sounds, 'practical', I think.

And when it comes to everyday life, he really knows how to make the best out of every possible scenario, and it doesn't involve a lawsuit if he strikes a nerve.

6. "Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats." I never had a boat in my bathtub before. Just staring at it while soaking in hot water makes me seasick already.

7. "I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens." If it rains, it pours.

8. "I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose." It could get worse when you're guzzling on beer… or mouthwash, and it happened to me once!

9. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans." At least he doesn't smite us with lightning, and I'm thankful for that.

And despite of what may happen to all of us in the next ten, twenty, or even thirty years, I guess we all have to see things in a different kind of light and not just perspective. I can't seem to imagine life without any piece of wisdom that could guide us. Whether we're religious or not, it takes more courage to accept your fears and learn how to deal with them is all that matters when it comes to even just getting along.

And to sum things up, here is the last nugget of wisdom to go by… however, whenever, and wherever we may be.

10. "The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."

The universe will give you what you give to the the world.

 

Improve Self Confidence By Being More Care Free

Improve Self Confidence By Being More Care Free

Word Count:
347

Summary:
Many people in life feel that they have a lack of confidence or that they have a low self esteem. In this article, I give free tips on how to imporove your self-confidence and how to increase your self-esteem. I myself have managed to change my whole life by using the information below which I am going to share with you. I hope it also proves beneficial for you.

Keywords:
smile, happy, positive, life, self confidence, confidence

Article Body:
Many people in life feel that they have a lack of confidence or that they have a low self esteem. In this article, I give free tips on how to imporove your self-confidence and how to increase your self-esteem. I myself have managed to change my whole life by using the information below which I am going to share with you. I hope it also proves beneficial for you.

I am Stephen Hill from Birmingham in England. I was always somebody who had many confidence issues as I grew up, from a child, through to adulthood. I would feel very sorry for myself and would often be down and depressed. The issues that I had in my life were:

A bald patch the size of a ten pence piece on my head

A problem with my speech known as a stutter

A weight problem, I was quite fat for my height

I am quite short for a male at five-foot-four

Certain people would take the mickey out of me, and their comments would hurt. I would always make sure they did not see my anger but inside I was crying.

These people were making my life a misery and by the age of twenty-two I had had enough. I decided I needed a big change in attitude and started to read books about life and about positive thinking etc.

These were the things I had to take on board:

It is not important what other people think of you, it is what you think that counts

You need to start to like yourself

There are various things about your person, you do not like but which you can not change. You therefore have to start accepting these things and realising that maybe there are other people in life who are more unfortunate than you.

You need to have respect for yourself

Do not accept second best in life

Be happy

Learn to relax

Treat yourself to some pleasures. Like a regular massage or reflexology

The above tips helped me to become more positive and happier in life.

 

I Wonder Where the Wonder Went

I Wonder Where the Wonder Went

Word Count:
881

Summary:
Seeing the wonder in things around us is one of the ways we make our lives more meaningful and enjoyable.  The key is to add more wonder to life by re-capturing past wonder, and finding new wonder in the things we do each day.

Keywords:
wonder, wonderful, meaningful life, wonderment

Article Body:
I was a fifth grader the first time I flew on a commercial flight. I remember being amazed that I could get all the soft drinks I wanted for free. I remember the wonder of looking out at the clouds and the topography far below. I remember watching us land. The entire thing was a great adventure and I was full of wonder.

In college, as I flew once in awhile, I always got a window seat - I wanted to be able to watch the ground pass below me. The wonderment of it all - the patterns and beauty of looking out the window was overwhelming. Yes, I would sometimes read or do something else, but much of the flight I would sit… and stare… and be in wonder of it all.

Soon after I started working, I found myself flying a bit more, and it became clear that during my business life that I would fly. I mentioned once to my Mom, who loves to fly, that I'd never lose that great feeling that an airplane flight brings - and that I would always get window seats.

Somewhere along the way from flying once every couple months to flying 100,000 miles per year I moved to the aisle. I lost the wonder of it all. Last week, I had a window seat and stopped working or reading long enough to spend some time looking out the window. Today, as I write this, I have just finished 20 minutes of window gazing. Some of the wonder is back!
There are many things in our lives that we once considered wonderful (full of wonder). Many of those things we now take for granted. All of this makes me wonder, where the wonder has gone.

Where's the Wonder?

I believe seeing the wonder in things around us is one of the ways we make our lives more meaningful and enjoyable. This is one of the reasons we go on vacations. Yes, some people's vacations consist of little more than a beach (which can be wonderful in many ways!). But many more people take time to learn new things on vacations, by going to museums and art galleries. Many of us travel to exotic places to marvel at sites, and cultures and foods. Wonder plays a big part in the allure of these trips and the satisfaction gained from the experiences.

You may be thinking, is wonder really such a big deal? I would say a resounding yes! Why? Think about it, the absence of wonder, is often called boredom, or worse, cynicism. These are not things that people aspire to!

While we can all certainly experience wonder in new things - new locations, new experiences, new books, new ideas, I believe I found an important key to a more enjoyable life outside the plane window. That key is to add more wonder to life by re-capturing past wonder, and finding new wonder in the things I do each day.

Re-discovering Wonder

There are several things we can do to add to the wonder in our lives - to make our lives more wonder-full.

1. Look at things with fresh eyes. Think about things that have become habit for you. The next time you do them, do them as if you were a beginner again. Start with your drive or commute to work. Make it an exercise in finding wonder. For example, perhaps you go by a school on your way. Spend some time thinking about things from your kidhood days in school. Then try this "fresh-eyed" approach to other routine tasks.

2. Make a list of things you found wonderful at different stages in your life. If you write a journal do it there. If not, make these lists instead of watching TV one evening. Once you have the list, spend some time reveling in those wonders. Think too about how you could re-experience those things again.

3. Make a list of wonders you find each day or week.Again, a great journaling task, or a great routine to add to your planning for a new week.

4. Plan a mini-vacation or a day trip to someplace wonderful for you. I grew up on a farm, so a drive in the country in spring or fall is particularly helpful in restoring my sense of wonder in the growing process. Others might find your mini day to be boring - help them see your wonder - and in turn you will experience your own at a deeper level. Then go with them when they try to recapture their own.

5. Go to an old event, focused on different things. The next time you go to a ball game, focus less on the action, and more on the spectators, or vice versa. Go shopping and shop for something entirely different than you usually would. You get the idea.

These are just a few ideas to help you re-infuse your life with wonder. This idea is really taking hold in my life, in small ways each day is more wonder-full and more meaningful as well.

I believe when you choose to rediscover your wonder, you'll benefit in the same ways.

You know, the Mississippi River is an awesome sight from 31,000 feet.

 

I Dare You to Challenge God for a Miracle in Your Life!

I Dare You to Challenge God for a Miracle in Your Life!

Word Count:
4119

Summary:
Even though I failed God countless times, and even turned away from Him, He still cared enough for me to give me a miracle. All I had to do was turn back to Him and just ask for His help!

Keywords:
Christian, faith, financial, finances, miracles, testimony, salvation, prodical son, ask for help

Article Body:
I was pretty much raised in church, since the age of 7. When I was 25, I backslid from church, for many reasons. I was hurt by members of the church. The more I tried to understand God and why things were happening in the church, the more doubts and unanswered questions I had. This caused me to drift further and further from God.

Many times, during the next 16 years, I tried to go back to church, but it seemed like every time we attempted, things would happen to remind me why I left in the first place. I don't want to dwell here on the particular reasons why I left my old church, but I do want to say that because of everything that happened, I developed major doubts about the even the existence of God. I started to think that maybe what I experienced was a lie. I mean, how could a loving God, who says that we have a choice to love Him or not, torment those who choose not to love Him? If someone were to do this in our society, we would put them in jail for this crime. Is it really a choice if we choose not to love Him and He tortures us when we choose not to love Him, by sending us to the Lake of Fire for eternity?

During my backslidden years, I spoke to several ministers and friends in the church about my unanswered questions about the "choice" that God has given us, but none could answer to my satisfaction. Nothing ever made sense to me, so I continued turning away from God. Through these years, my family was doing well. My wife and I had really good jobs, making nearly $100,000 a year. We had a nice, big house on a hill, new cars, motorcycle, and some money in our pockets.

Suddenly, in 2002, it all came crashing down! My wife and I both lost our jobs the same year, within 3 months of each other! We hung on for as long as we could, but went through all of our savings and eventually lost the house, cars, motorcycle and everything! My wife is a pharmacy technician with about 15 years of experience, working for Blue Care Network and even U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor, but she couldn't even get an interview for a possible pharmacy technician position, let alone a job. I am a graphic designer/network administrator with about 15 years of experience, as well, and worked for EDS, GM, Delco, Delphi, and other companies, but couldn't get an interview, either.

Finally, when we got to the bottom, and the only direction we could go was up, we turned to God. We asked Him to help us and I was able to get a job. It didn't pay as much as my last job, but was within a few dollars an hour. So I took the job. At least it was a job. It took my wife another year before she got a job. It wasn't in her field, and it was half the pay, but it was a job. Now, with our financial situation at least afloat, we didn't need God and stopped talking to Him. Slowly, things started getting bad. My boss was unbearable to work for. I also started getting sick on a regular basis, causing me to miss work, which caused my boss to make it even more difficult to work for. This is the type of person who doesn't trust anyone and tells you that he doesn't trust you. He even dug through my trash, while sitting next to me, to see what I had written down and thrown away! He would always come around the corner real fast and look at my monitor to see what I was doing. I was never treated like a grown-up, but a child. So I decided to start my own computer business and leave this job. Since my wife was working, and I already had some customers, I decided to take the plunge. At first, things were going well, but then things got bad, and then worse. For nearly 3 months, I got hardly any computer jobs. I design websites and work on computers and networks, but the work just seemed to disappear. Eventually, we were pretty much living on my wife's income, which just barely paid the rent, let alone any food, gas, utilities, etc. Things were looking hopeless.

Finally, we got back to the place where there was nowhere else to turn, but God. So, with my tail between my legs, I turned to God and told Him that we are at the bottom again. I told Him that it seems like every time things fall apart, and there is nowhere else to turn, that I come crawling back to Him. I told Him that we have no food, we can't pay the rent, we have no gas to get to work or get the kids to school (school is a half hour away from our house). The heat was about to be turned off, my business phone was about to be disconnected, without which I couldn't make any money. My landlord was upset that the rent was again 3 weeks behind, and we had nearly two weeks to go before my wife got paid. I didn't know what to do, so I told God that if he got us out of this mess that I would serve Him. I told Him that I had to pay the rent within the next few days, and that I needed to feed my family and had no food. I told Him that if he fixed my immediate need and helped with the long-term need that I would know that He really existed and that he cared about me and my family. I also told Him that if he did this for me that I would be a witness for Him, that God does exactly what He says he will do and that all we have to do is ask and He will provide, even to a sinner/backslider like me, who has turned his back on God and gone back on his word so many times. God still loves us and cares about us. I told Him that I would tell everyone about what He did here, if He would get us out of this crisis. In fact, I challenged God to show me his glory and to impress me with a miracle so that my family and I could see that it HAD to be God who did this, that it could in no way be a coincidence that things just got better.
That night, I got a call from a friend of mine who told me that his girlfriend is a manager of a CPA firm and is having problems with her server and all of her computers and wants my help to fix them. He said that it will probably be a really big job, so I could make a good amount of money from them. He asked if I was interested, of which I said, YES! Within a day, I was asked to come out and help them with a problem that their proprietary accounting software company couldn't help them with, after working with them for days on the problem. I told them that I would give it a shot and that I could probably help them (not even knowing this software or the specific problems that they were having).

On the way to the CPA job, I received a call on my cell phone from another friend of mine, who asked if I was still doing graphic design. I told him that I was mainly doing web design now, but could still do graphic design. He wanted to know if I could do some jobs for him and I gladly told him, yes. He said that it will probably be a few jobs and may turn into regular work, and was I still interested. I said, YES! Since he lost his regular designer, he is going to start sending me the work to do, which I will be able to do from home, and not drive one to two hours away to work at their office. Wow! I was really starting to get impressed with what God was doing and I actually laughed out loud in my car!

While driving to the CPA office, I asked God to help me on this job, since I didn't know the software. They were also using an older network protocol that I was only vaguely familiar with, and didn't know if I could help them or not, but since God gave me this job, I knew He would help me figure it out. When I got there, I took a look at what the problem was and had it figured out in 15 minutes. The company who sold them the software had eventually given up on them and told them flat out that they weren't going to be able to fix the problem. God helped me fix it within minutes! In fact, it scared me that I had it fixed too quickly. Now that they were operational, there was no need to keep me there. I was afraid that I wouldn't be making very much money on this job. So I spoke to my friend's girlfriend and told her that I heard that their computers were running pretty slowly and asked if she wanted me to give them tune-ups. She said, yes, and didn't even ask me how much. It took me 2 days to complete the tune-ups. I also quoted converting their network to a newer network protocol and installing a new server, which was approved by the boss within a day (even though she told me that money was tight and it would probably have to wait a couple of months). Within a few days, I made about $1500 from this company, because of the Lord!

While I was at this CPA firm, I overheard one of the workers there say that she was having trouble with her home computers and her Internet. I asked her if she needed help and she said that she would love some help, but it would probably be a nightmare to work on her problems. I told her that it would be no problem and that I could give her a hand. At lunch time that day, I followed her to her home and looked over her computer problems, after which I came back with a network job and a check for $250!
When I got home, I had a message on my business answering machine that someone else needed help with their computer, and I made another $99 fixing his computer.

The next day, I got a similar call about another computer problem, but this one is turning into a regular client. It is a retired rich person who needs ongoing help with their computer and is looking for a local person to keep their computer running and help with computer training.

Within these couple of days after my prayer to God, I also received a call from a guy who is starting a high-speed wireless Internet service for the Columbiaville, MI area (where I live). A month prior, I agreed to be a reseller for this service, since I too live in Columbiaville, and this would be a great service to offer to our community because there is no high-speed Internet access available. Previously, we had met and had hit if off right away. He also has a small computer company, and by all rights, we should be enemies, since we are competitors. However, that wasn't the case. We decided to make it work, so that it benefited both of our small companies. Well, one of the services that his company provides is a specialized service that requires him to travel across the U.S., installing and configuring POS systems in various businesses. While on his way back from Wisconsin, recently, his very large, top-heavy van hit some black ice, which caused him to spin out of control. He was on a small, winding road in the hills, where there was no guard railing and there was a steep drop-off. He told me later that it was only by the grace of God that he didn't roll the van off the embankment, where he would have surely died! If it would have been inches in either direction, the van would have caught in such a way that it would have flipped and went over the cliff! This got him thinking that if he would ever die, that his wife wouldn't be cared for, since there would be no one to continue working the technical end of the business. So he called me (still within a day or so of my prayer to God about providing for my family) and asked me if I would be willing to be his partner and to take over, should he ever die. He wanted to make it legal and to put it in his will, as well as have a legal agreement with me, explaining what my responsibilities would be, and what percentage of the company I would receive while he is alive, and also after his death. He said that he got a certain vibe from me and he trusts me. He wanted to slowly work me into the business full time and would eventually make me a full partner, making a percentage of the businesses' profit, plus a regular salary (without buying into his business). This is NEVER done! You don't just get handed a partnership, where the other partner puts up all of the money. It could only have been the Lord!

One of my promises to God (in return for doing this for me) was that I would tell everyone what He has done. I first told my son. I explained everything that I just told you. Then, I called one of my brothers. I told him that I always wanted to come back to God, but I wanted to do it when things were going well. It seemed like every time things were going badly, I always came crying back to God and he would make things a little better, and then I would drift away. I didn't want Him to think that I only came to Him because I needed something from Him. I wanted to come back to God because I loved Him and wanted to serve Him, not because I messed up again and needed His help out of another jam (well, it made sense to me). After telling my brother about what God had done for me, I told him that I still had a problem with the "choice" thing. I understand that God is real, since there was a dramatic response to my plea for help, but I still had a problem with being forced to love someone who says you have a choice to love Him, but will torture you if you don't. Then I heard a little chuckle over the phone line. My brother said that this might be his fault and my father's. I said that I didn't understand. He proceeded to tell me that since my family and I had left church, he and my father always prayed for us. They used to pray that the Lord would lead us back to church and that He would bless us and help us. And He did. During this time we were blessed with the good jobs, nice cars, and extra money. Then, he said that he and my Dad noticed that things were going so well for us that it seemed like we thought we didn't need God any more. Why ask for help if you don't need it? So, they decided to pray for me in a different way. They started praying for God to do whatever it takes for us to get back into church. After that is when we started losing everything, which caused us to turn back to God and ask for help. It worked, for a short period of time. This was when I got the job after a year of being laid off. And you know the rest.

So, after hearing my brother tell me all of this, it became clear as a bell, and I said, "So YOU are the one! You are the one who is the cause of all of this mess!" And he started laughing. He said that he hoped I wasn't upset, since he and my Dad may have caused the "Job" effect on my family, but it was to get my attention. Actually, it did get my attention. It took a few years, but I turned back to God. But most of all, I now see exactly what is going on and I also understand the "choice" thing. After fighting with the choice vs. torment conundrum, I finally see. I was looking at it all wrong before. What I thought was happening was that since I wouldn't love God, He was causing all of these bad things to happen in my life… loss of jobs, house, cars, motorcycle, money, sanity, etc. But that wasn't the case. It was because I had friends and family praying to God, asking Him to do whatever it takes to get my attention, so that I would turn back to Him. So in reality, it wasn't even God doing it to me, taking away my choice to not serve him, it was the prayers of God-loving people that caused my financial downfall, which in turn, caused me to turn back to God for help. God wasn't taking away my choice, and twisting my arm so that I would love Him. He was answering prayers of people whom He had given a choice, and chose God.
When I realized what was happening, I broke down and cried on the phone, while talking with my brother. I told him that it was the first time in 16 years that I finally understood the "choice" thing, and that we truly did have a choice. And I finally understood that when we don't choose God, he doesn't twist our arm until we choose Him. He twists our arm when people, who chose to love Him, ask Him to do so. He is just answering prayer. So, once I understood this, I told my brother to ask God to let me up now! I told him to tell God that He doesn't have to twist my arm any more, I understand, and am coming back for good. I told him to now start praying that things get better for us, and he did, and they have!

This same brother has also been going through some tough times, financially. His health is pretty bad and he is disabled. His wife has had a hard time finding work, after being laid off from her job last year. I decided to return the favor and ask God to help his family, financially, and to help relieve some of the financial burden that they have. This was during the few days that I was working for the CPA. One of the 3 days that I was at the CPA firm, I overheard them talking about hiring a new girl for a receptionist job and that they needed to find someone right away. I asked the manager what type of person they needed and she told me. I told them that I knew someone looking for a job. They told me to get them her resume right away and they would interview her. So I told my brother, who got his wife's resume over to their office, and she was hired the same day of the interview, making really good money! So not only did God work it out so that this CPA job helped my family, but also turned it into a win-win situation where my brother's family benefited from it as well!
Because of the incredible quickness of the Lord's response, I was able to pay the rent, buy some food, and pay a couple of bills within just a couple of days of my initial prayer for immediate help. I continued to pray and live right every day after that, and it only got better! But remember when I asked for immediate help and long term help? The immediate help couldn't have been much more immediate and everything worked out perfectly. The long term help came from the wireless reseller. Not only is he making me a permanent partner within a couple of months, but while he was at another out-of-state job in Louisiana, he met an investor that was looking for a wireless Internet company to setup an infrastructure in Shreveport, LA, one that could service 60,000 users, including a military base. While talking with my partner, the investor asked if he had a business plan for his wireless business that he was starting here in Michigan. He, in fact, had it in his back pocket at the time, and was able to show it to him. It included cost breakdowns, phases of development and expansion, and so on. He was impressed and told him that he could have the money within a day of whenever he would be ready to get started in LA. So, within 6 to 8 months from now, I am going to be a big part of a very long term project and very large wireless Internet business with a guaranteed client base of 60,000 people, not to mention a multi-city, high speed wireless business here in Michigan! Something like this just doesn't get handed to people. There is NO way that it could be anything else but God intervening in my situation and doing exactly what I asked him to do: provide immediate financial help for my family, as well as meet our long term financial need, and do it in such as way that it would be a miracle that only He could do. Remember when I challenged God to impress me with a miracle? Well, He did EXACTLY that! I get chills just thinking about how he connected all of the dots for me and intertwined each of the miracles together so that everything happened for a reason, and not only benefited me, but when I asked for help for my brother's situation, he combined my miracle with one for my brother!

Oh, I almost forgot… through all of this, I also asked God to heal my Dad of his sickness. He has been ill a very long time, where he has a low oxygen level and gets tired very quickly. For a long time he hasn't been able to do very much of anything for any length of time. Today, he told me that he finally feels human and came out the other side! This is huge! I am thanking God for this miracle and accepting it as a miracle of healing for my Dad. He has been to all kinds of doctors and specialists, both here and out of state, but no one can find the cause or fix the problem. I am claiming this as an answer to prayer and a miracle of healing for my Dad.
Now that I have seen what I have seen, I feel like Doubting Thomas. I needed to see the nail-scared hands and touch His wounds to believe, but at least I believe. Even though it took a little more for Thomas to be convinced that Jesus did what He said He would do, at least he finally believed and was saved. He went on to be a great Apostle for Jesus. I pray that I can be at least a fraction of that for Him.

I hope my testimony has helped you in some way to see that we do have a choice, and that God will do what we ask of Him (if it is in His will), and if we trust in Him and turn to Him. He can and will perform miracles in our lives! God loves us and wants to have a loving relationship with each of us. If God will grant ME a miracle (knowing the state that I was in), then I know He will do the same for YOU! You just have to trust in Him, have faith, and just ask!