7 Keys To Transforming Thought

We've all experienced the popular notion that "our thoughts shape our reality". When life is working well, it's easy to focus on thoughts that feel good and perpetuate success and happiness in our lives. However, what do you do when you are attached to thoughts that clearly don't serve you? Below are 7 Keys to making the shift.

1. AWARENESS - Before we can influence our thoughts, we need to become aware of them. How do you know there is a disempowering thought lurking in your mind? Your EMOTIONS serve as signals to catch your attention. These feelings may be subtle or extreme. A feeling that "something is off", discomfort, anxiety or a mild sense of resistance or depression is worth paying attention to. Some reactions are blatant and obvious, serving as giant clues that the mind has attached to a thought. Become a detective and identify the thought or thoughts that are associated with the feeling. Awareness is the first key. You cannot shift what you are unaware of.

2. Is it true in REALITY? So often, the thoughts that drive our feelings have no basis in reality, leaving us attached to thoughts that are simply fantasy. When an event happens, our minds instantaneously attach a meaning (meaning is a synonym for "thought") to the occurrence. Separating the FACTS (what happened) from the MEANING or interpretation is one way to connect to reality. It's important to recognize the myriad of ways that we distort reality. We EXAGGERATE or MINIMIZE it. We DENY it. We think it SHOULD be different than it is. We ARGUE with it. And, we FORECAST it. Each of these results in stress or anxiety. When the mind recognizes that a thought is NOT true in reality, it often simply releases the thought. Getting in touch with the REALITY of the situation is the second key to shifting thoughts.

3. Identifying Impact - Often times a thought that we investigate appears to be factual or true in reality, yet the resulting feeling is one of stress, anxiety, or sadness. Death, accidents, unmet expectations, annoying sounds, flat tires, and deflating stock markets happen. Some of the feelings associated with these events can become "addictive" in a strange way. We connect with others through sadness or disappointment. The adrenaline rush of anger can also give us a sense of certainty or power. When a thought is true in reality, but you're finding the result is not serving you -- it's time to identify the impact. If you continue to attach to this thought, how will it make you feel? How will you treat others? How will you live your life if you constantly focus on this thought? When the mind comprehends that there is more pain associated to a thought than pleasure, the mind often simply let's the thought go.

It's also helpful to identify the perceived PAYOFF. Typically the benefit we unconsciously believe we're receiving, isn't REALLY giving us what we desire. When the mind realizes this, it lets go of the thought more easily. Identifying the impact is another key to transforming thought.

4. Willingness - In order for any transformation to occur, one MUST be WILLING to shift. Someone can know they have a food, TV or alcohol addiction, but without a genuine WILLINGNESS to shift - NOTHING will disrupt the destructive behavior. Such is the case with thoughts that one is consciously or unconsciously addicted to. That authentic willingness works magic.

5. Just Let Go - Sometimes unresourceful thoughts arise, and we can simply let them go because they don't serve us. The inner critic may say, "Who are you to think you can do that?" or "This isn't going to work", or "What if you fail?" Maybe the thought is trivial negativity or fixated on something that can't change. The most powerful part of you can respond with a simple, "Thank you for sharing", and let it go.

6. Redirect Focus - Our minds are like children. Whatever you place in front of them becomes the focus of their reality. When caught up in addictive thoughts, consciously redirect your focus on something more positive or neutral. If your spouse is running late, embrace the beauty in your environment. If you find yourself frustrated in traffic, focus on your breathing, music in the car or the opportunity to relax and slow down. LANGUAGE is a powerful means of redirecting your focus. Consider shifting your internal dialog. Choose words that empower you over words that deplete your energy.

7. SCRAMBLE the Thought - Tony Robbins and NLP practitioners know of this powerful tool, and it's simple for anyone to use by themselves. You simply must be WILLING to try it. If you've been embracing a negative mantra over and over in your mind, simply recognizing its impact may not be enough. Let's take a mantra like, "I have so much to do". To scramble this sentence, or any other, do the following.

• Say the sentence 5 times really fast in a MICKEY MOUSE voice (yes, I'm serious).

• Say the sentence 5 times really slow in a COWBOY'S voice.

• Say the sentence 5 times is your most SENSUAL and SEDUCTIVE voice.

• Say the sentence 5 times BACKWARDS (i.e. "Do to much so have I").

You must play FULL OUT. If you're playing full-out, you'll find yourself laughing out loud. Just continue until you've made it all the way through the 4 steps above. When you're done, notice how you feel about the original sentence. Most people experience the sentence as neutral or humorous after completing this exercise. The addictive thought has been transformed. Try it!!

8. Replace It. As you loosen the grips on the thoughts that don't serve you, it's important to replace them with something more empowering - so the thoughts don't have a home to return to. Consciously choosing the antithesis of the original thought is a simple solution. Another way to find a replacement is to turn the statement around. Identifying a thought that is "as true" or "truer" than the original statement. Or it may simply align more with what you want to create or attract into your life. In the example above, "I have too much to do", could be transformed into, "I'm on track", or "It's all going to get done". As long as the replacement is more powerful that the unresourceful, you're on track.

Mary Allen, CPCC, MCC is author of The Power of Inner Choice. She hosts Conversations with the Masters interviewing best-selling authors via free, live conference calls. Visit http://www.lifecoachmary.com to learn about coaching, her popular year-long Success and Inner Peace Bootcamp and tap into a wealth of resources including her ezine SoulFULLY Living, and Your Daily Gems.

 

How to Stop Attracting Negative Conditions

By Daniel Hinds

Sadly the world is filled with lots of negativity. Everywhere you look there are stories of sad and depressing conditions. It can be very difficult to maintain a positive outlook in order to attract the better things that you desire.

The law of attraction is quite unforgiving. You may be a very nice person however several things within your environment may very well be killing your changes of successfully applying the law of attraction to your life. Perhaps you are one of the many people who are bogged down by negativity. As you may well already know you attract the things that you focus on, whether consciously or unconsciously. How then do you best apply the law of attraction to your life and attract more positive conditions?

1) The media is a large supplier of horrible, painful negativity. It's a wonder that anyone can leave their homes. You are constantly being bombarded by stories that could frighten anyone. Then there are the doom and gloom health scares. There is always a new medical condition that requires some form of medication and always you are being told that you absolute need it or else. Are you really in danger of every illness or are they programming you for ill health so that they can force feed you their drugs? You be the judge. You may think that those stories do not affect you personally but the reality is that they do seep into your subconscious mind. Whatever enters your subconscious mind begins to control your outer reality. You can begin to monitor the amount of time you spend in front of the tube even best you can be extremely selective about the programming that you watch. Perhaps start by eliminating the news.

2) People are a great source of negativity. You can cancel our all of your hard efforts by spending time around people who complain a lot or whose force tends to be gloomy. Imagine immersing yourself in a good thirty minute program to change your life by applying the law of attraction techniques only to spend the rest of your day listening to someone whose outlook is negative. The moment you do you have just cancelled out your attraction and this keeps you in the never ending cycle of being stuck.

3) Indulging in the past is another common form of negativity that way too many people indulge in. So many people judge their present as well as their future based on poor experiences in their past. You cannot successfully apply the law of attraction techniques if your thoughts are focused on what did not work for you in the past. You can let go of the past negativity if you really want to see success in attracting what you truly desire.

Do you know that there are ancient techniques that can increase your manifesting intentions and attract what you want even faster than ever? Visit http://www.cosmic-wealth.com to learn more about these secrets teachings. Daniel Hinds is the author of the powerful ebook Magic Money.

Four Steps To Increase Your Motivation At Work

Work motivation is all about 'you' putting a lot of energy and time into doing all of your work responsibilities all in a timely manner. You will find that this behavior is something that you need to mutter for you to be a star worker. You will need to have work motivation when it comes to every single task or project so that you can do the project and do it right. You will find that motivation is the key factor in your performance. There is a lot of ways that you can increase your motivation; however, here are four particular steps that will allow you to increase your motivation.

First you will want to think about the Equity theory. This is where you can picture everyone has someone who gets a job and then does it. Everyone at work probably has the same expectations at work; however, you have to make yourself special. You will want to think about how you can stand out among all the other works. This may mean that you will have to change your behavior. You are going to have to find a way that will put yourself above the rest. This is where the motivation will kick in, because you are going to have to motivate yourself to be better. You will get your rewards when the boss pats you on the back or shakes your hand. Then you will work a little harder, and you'll be offered a job with higher respect or you will get your rewards in monetary forms.

Also, think about your competition. They can not be better than you, because then they will end up with all the rewards. You will want to use your competition as motivation. You will want to motivate yourself by using the competition to increase your self awareness of possibilities. You will work harder the moment that you know someone is working harder than you. When it comes to competition, you will find that it is one of the greatest self motivational tools.

Qualifications will also increase your motivation. If you can do a better job that is higher in the ranks, then you need to show others that you can work at levels below you and then scramble to the top. You will want to think about everything that you can do to show off your real talents. If you are able to do more, then why don't you? It's not a question of doing more, but it is a question of whether you would rather have the boss or others perceive you as someone who has low potential or high potential.

Finally, you need to learn how to set goals. Your goals will help motivate you to push yourself forward. Also, you will be able to chart your progression. You will find that there are a lot of benefits when it comes to setting goals and making a path to the top. However, you will find that it is a way for you to work for something just for yourself. The goals are something that you are doing for yourself, and it's not something that you are doing for the company.

You need to think about the raise like you would a manger. What do you think that your manager perceives you to be? Are you a minimum worker? Are you an excellent worker? You need to take the picture that others have made about you and then work hard to change the way that they perceive you. You don't want to allow others to think that you are a no good worker, but a person who really works hard for the company.

Tracy Brinkmann is an goal setting and success coach. Through his company Success Atlas, he provides goal-setting, motivational & educational material, & training via live presentations as well as digital/audio products. Sign up for his free e-Zine http://www.successatlas.com

 

Why Are These People So Closed To The Christian Faith?

Do you ever find in life that some things are hard to see and accept?

After a two year 'delay' Paul finally arrives in Rome. We read all about in Acts Chapter 28, and after only three days, he is hard at work, using every available opportunity open to him.

Paul called for the Jewish leaders in Rome. Why the Jews? He begins first with those who should be able to understand - those of his own background - those who believed in God. He had done this in all the various centres which he has visited over these past twenty or so years.

He needed to know the position of the Jewish leadership. This was his method, and it remained unchanged, even after all that they had said about him and against him. This is God's pattern too - to the Jew first.

Paul explains how he is innocent. He wants them to know the truth. His desire is to put the record straight. They would have heard rumours, tales, stories about this man, and he would tell of his being arrested in Jerusalem - "nothing could be proved and no-one could release me - so I appealed to Caesar - and that is why I am here in Rome." I just want to explain all this to you, so that you may hear it from my mouth. Paul is so open. Of course, there was another reason. Almighty God wanted His man in Rome.

"We have not received any letters about you", was their reply. "Nobody has come and said anything bad about you - no-one has warned us about you - but we want to hear what your views are about this sect which is called 'Christians'. People everywhere are speaking against this group and they are springing up everywhere. This new movement has appeared all over the Middle East."

Thirty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and people are speaking against this strange new faith. It continued to be regarded as a sect, and yet, this was the work of our Creator God. Our loving Father was at work in the world, and in one sense, so very few recognised it. That is also true today.

They agreed to meet for a whole day and hear Paul's reply. Here is an apostle who is eager. He does not have retirement on his mind - no sitting back and leaving it to the others. On he goes witnessing and explaining and teaching and serving as he makes himself available to God.

Look at how he answered. He spoke about the kingdom of God. He spoke about Jesus. He spoke from the Word of God, from morning 'til evening.

The word - this sharp two edged sword was at work. Some believed, and some would not believe.

There are always these reactions. "I'm convinced. I believe that this is true. I surrender and submit to Jesus and His Word." Or the opposite - "I can't accept that. I can't believe that. I'll argue against that. I'll use all my strength to fight against that."

These people then began to argue amongst themselves, and Paul watched these Jews go away. He remembers the words of Isaiah. Go and preach and speak to the people. They shall hear but never understand. They shall see, but they will never come to know what it is all about." This is always so sad to see.

Their hearts were hard. Nothing would go in. Nothing could get in.

They listened to it all. They heard him. They saw so much, but they were spiritually closed and deaf and blind.

Jesus experienced this too. After Jesus healed the man with the withered hand, some went out and planned to kill Him. When the sower went out and sowed his seed, most of it was snatched away. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding on that donkey, only a very few realised the significance of what was happening. Others were furious.

Paul experienced similar reactions. Some believed. Some would not. Some did not. But, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT hindered.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

 

Excellence, Integrity And Standards

By Mary Allen

Human beings are drawn to excellence, integrity and high standards. We know it when we see it. We are naturally attracted to these qualities. They are easy words to say, and sometimes harder words to live, especially consistently. Yet, when we do live these words, there are great rewards -- externally and internally. People admire and trust those who exude these qualities, and want to associate with them and buy their products and services. Yet, perhaps the biggest reward of all is a "deeper and more respectful connection" to ourselves, and a greater sense of personal power and fulfillment. Sometimes the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain.

What is Excellence, Integrity and Standards?

Excellence means calling forth the best from you. That is innately fulfilling. Living in integrity is honoring your personal values and code of conduct, and not compromising them even when persuaded by others. Standards is the qualitative value of degree of excellence that you choose for yourself. There are rewards and consequences associated with our choices to live or deny these values. While each distinct, they are integrally linked and displayed together.

I've been blessed to work with a client base of men and women who exemplify excellence, integrity and high standards. I'm frequently inspired by how they honor this code, rarely needing a nudge back to full alignment. What I see in my clients represents a Universal Truth. Those who strive diligently towards excellence, integrity and high standards are generally happier, more financially successful and well balanced -- especially long-term. Those who compromise excellence, integrity and standards may appear to win short-term, but ultimately face consequences, costs and conflicts -- both inside themselves and in the business world.

We've all seen examples of both in our lives. It's particularly easy to spot those who characterize the extremes. Those demonstrating excellence, integrity and high standards stand out in their fields -- we trust them, and eagerly buy their products and services. Those at the opposite extreme also stand out -- repelling us or giving us an uneasy feeling.

What attracts or repels us to others, also attracts or repels us from ourselves. The more these qualities are cultivated in our lives, the higher our esteem and the more fulfilled we are. When we aren't giving our best efforts, lower our standards or fudge our integrity -- we tend to like ourselves less.

While the world offers benchmarks of excellence, integrity and standards, the real test is INSIDE of you. YOU know inside if you've really given something your all or not. YOU know when you've crossed an integrity line for yourself. YOU know when you've lowered a standard. It all comes down to a FEELING inside. When we compromise our excellence, integrity or standards, the result is a "feeling" inside of us that tells us something is OFF.

However, sometimes we can fool ourselves or be innocently seduced to compromise a value, and we learn to justify our actions by saying, "the end justifies the means," or "others are doing it," or perhaps we feel that we don't have a choice. This can begin a cycle of lowering standards. The cost is that it takes us further away from our true selves, our ultimate purpose, long-lasting success and our sense of fulfillment. This is one of the most essential ingredients to living the life of your dreams. More about this in future articles.

What inspires YOU to strive for excellence? What is that force inside of you guiding you morally and ethically with yes's and no's? Is that signal strong or weak? What standards are you choosing? And, are you choosing them consciously?

Soulful CHALLENGE: Check in with yourself. Where are you exemplifying excellence and high standards, and where are you not? Where are you in full alignment and integrity with yourself, and where are you compromising? What is ONE action you can take today to honor these values within yourself on a deeper level? Take one action today.

Mary Allen, CPCC, MCC is author of The Power of Inner Choice. She hosts Conversations with the Masters interviewing best-selling authors via free, live conference calls. Visit http://www.lifecoachmary.com to learn about coaching, her popular year-long Success and Inner Peace Bootcamp and tap into a wealth of resources including her ezine SoulFULLY Living, and Your Daily Gems.

 

How To Beat Procrastination - Miss This Step And You'll Always Be A Slave To Procrastination

Procrastination effects every one of us. In fact it's one of the biggest obstacles to creating freely that there is. How often do you find yourself caught up in trivial tasks like rearranging your art supplies or cleaning things that don't need cleaning, or surfing the internet one more time for those perfect instructions on how to overcome creative block?

One of the reasons procrastination is so powerful and so destructive is because it's a master of deception and disguise.

Whenever you feel drawn to one of these tasks we just mentioned it's as if it's the most important thing on earth and your whole life will come to a standstill if you don't do it RIGHT NOW, that's procrastination at work.

Procrastination slips in like a ghost, hypnotises you into believing that checking your email again or washing your socks is the most urgent activity you can possible do, then disappears again just as discretely, it's work done... And you're left wondering how another hour has passed without you creating anything.

Another hour becomes another day, another week, another month, and you start to believe creating is virtually impossible and you're about as likely to finish your novel or painting or album as you are to fly to the moon on a paper aeroplane...

Sound familiar?

In all of this frustrating and demotivating cycle, there's one crucial step you're missing if you want to beat procrastination.

It's as step that, if you continue to overlook it, will mean you'll be a slave to those habits of procrastination that dominate your creative life forever.

So what is this vital first step, this amazing secret to overcoming procrastination?

Quite simply, admit you procrastinate.

Until you recognise and acknowledge that yes you do procrastinate and no it doesn't make you a terrible, weak person, you'll always procrastinate because it will always slide in unnoticed and do its damage.

This step is not about judging or criticising yourself. It's simply about saying: "Yes I do procrastinate. And yes these habits of procrastination prevent me from being the highly creative person I know deep down I can be. Now I'm ready to admit that, and ready to work towards overcoming procrastination and setting my creativity free..."

Then you're in an empowered and informed position.

Procrastination is suddenly thrust from the shadows, a big spotlight shone in it's face, it's hair ruffled as it's told "Ha! I'm on to you now, sunshine!" And it doesn't like it when you do that...

Take this essential first step today. Admit you procrastinate and with this new awareness you can then begin the next step to beating procrastination - recognising when and how you're most likely to procrastinate.

And if you're ready to beat procrastination and set your creativity free in the next 21 days, I invite you to check out the powerful ecourse "7 Steps To Freedom: How To Beat Procrastination And Set Your Creativity Free" at http://www.HowToBeatProcrastination.com For your free 7 article series on the first steps to beating procrastination, head over to http://www.CoachCreative.com/procrastinationarticles.html From Creativity Coach Dan Goodwin

Work-Life Balance - Eliminating Energy Drains

Are you are in plan-your-future mode or just plain doing the best you can to keep all those balls in the air? You might pick up some great traction by doing a tune-up on your energy system.

Whether you are in plan-your-future mode or just plain doing the best you can to keep all those balls in the air, you might pick up some great traction by doing a tune-up on your energy system. Many people have serious energy leaks they are completely unaware of. Intentionally managing your energy can be as powerful as vigilantly managing your time.

As a Work-Life and Career Coach, I know the great boost my clients gain when they start eliminating some of the energy-drains in their lives. Think about the things that drain your energy. How might you eliminate even one of them? Here are some ideas (pick just one to start with!):

Caveat: This list is so long, it can be disheartening. But please do not go there. Read through it only until you find an item you'd like to work on. Or read through it to be reassured that there are always new ways to free up energy. It is not just another task list.

1. Handle an incomplete.
2. Get some help.
3. Lower a standard.
4. Downsize your "To Do" list: 4 D's (do, delegate, delay, ditch)
5. Change your personal email protocol: check less frequently.
6. Deal with a single procrastination.
7. Acknowledge yourself frequently.
8. Review your top 3 priorities.
9. Adjust your "To Do" list to align with your priorities.
10. Monitor and address worrying.
11. Nourish and hydrate for the long haul.
12. Replace " I should" with "I choose."
13. Develop your inner witness.
14. Strengthen and protect your boundaries.
15. Clear some space, either physically or "on your plate."
16. Don't hide from integrity issues; address them.
17. Say "No" in order to say "Yes" to something more important to you.
18. Leverage your work preferences. (If you're a morning person, do your most challenging work in the mornings.)
19. Manage interruptions.
20. Spend sometime every week not rushing, not in "To-Do Brain."
21. Take some time off. Really off.
22. Clean out your car.
23. Be HERE now.

Just pick ONE item. Addressing one item from this list (or from your own list) can free up some bandwidth for you. Start with something that's relatively easy to do and won't create a lot of push back, reaction, or fallout from the people around you.

Copyright 2006 Sharon Teitelbaum. All rights reserved.

Sharon Teitelbaum, author of "Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: Restoring Work-Life Balance," Master Certified Coach, and motivational speaker, helps high achievers re-claim their work-life balance. Her interactive coaching process provides a powerful catalyst towards greater career and life satisfaction. Sharon's work has been featured in national publications including The New York Times, Forbes.com, and Working Mother Magazine. Visit Sharon's website at http://www.stcoach.com and subscribe to "Strategies of Change" to receive practical tips for work-life success.

 

Motivation Is Like Bathing, You Need to Do It Daily

By Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Keeping one's motivation in high gear 24/7 is an incredible challenge given all the obstacles we face traveling the road to success. The lack of motivation appears to continually cross our paths as we grow forward. Recently I read about Zig Ziglar's simple answer as to his own motivation technique. Zig said: People often say, "Zig motivation is great, but it does not last." I just tell them, Bathing does not last either, that is why I recommend it daily.

To stay highly motivated according Zig requires a daily habit. How you construct that daily habit is up to you. Bottom line is that you need to reinforce, reinforce and reinforce your own thoughts and desires so that you stay focused, focused and focused on where you want to be 365 days from today.

Developing a habit is understanding that attitudes are habits of thought (another Ziglar definition). These attitudes are merely reflections of our foundational belief system that holds all of our experiences and knowledge. Much of this belief system has become so internalized that it is subconscious or what some call on automatic pilot.

For it is truly our Beliefs that drive out Attitudes demonstrated through out Actions that create our results. (BAAR) If we belief that we cannot do something, the result will be that it will not be done.

Motivation techniques are essentially the internal fuels that keep our thoughts on the conscious level so that we do not allow unconscious thoughts from years of previous negative conditioning to take over. This is why changing actions or behaviors is so difficult. And why results continue to allude so many.

Not only does our brain respond to conditioning so does our body. After wearing braces for 8 years in junior high, high school and my first year in college, I had them removed. Teeth were straight. Then at the age of 40, I had to wear them again for another year, because teeth have memory and wanted to return to how they were. And we all know about losing weight and how the body is comfortable at certain weight levels no matter how much we do not eat or how much we exercise.

One motivation technique that I use is scheduling time to read and improve myself. Another technique, believe it or not, is Internet article writing. A third motivation technique is the use of belief statements or what are called positive affirmation statements.

Regardless of your motivation techniques, to be successful requires that you use them each and every day as you travel the road to success. Keep that fuel as a constant stream into your conscious thoughts and life will be good for you if not even better.

Where are you going? The M.A.P. for Success, a FREE email course may help you begin to chart a course of business, professional or personal success. Visit http://www.processspecialist.com/action-plan.htm. Did you enjoy this article? Then join the other 1,000 subscribers who receive Power Choices each month. Register at http://www.processspecialist.com/power-choices.htm Please feel free to call me, Leanne Hoagland-Smith, Your Chief People Officer and Business Coach for individuals and organizations that are tired of not being where they want to be and truly want Success. 219.508.2859

 

For Many Men And Women You Might Be The Only Part Of The Bible They Will Every See!

Over these past 2,000 years it has been so interesting to observe and learn that no matter how certain persons have tried, nothing can stop the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In a number of articles, the truths and lessons which I have been writing about, have been based on the authority of the book of Acts. Bible Studies? Dry, dull and boring? Nonsense!

One of the strong messages arising throughout the Book of Acts is, nothing can stop the Gospel, and, no-one can prevent this Word from spreading.

Paul the prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ is now in Rome as Jesus had indicated a few years previously, and he continues to speak and preach and teach. He writes letters to various churches, and to individual disciples. Much of our New Testament is being written during this two year period when Paul is a prisoner in Rome, and written by this powerful man of God who would just not stop working for Jesus Christ. Philippians - Ephesians - Colossians - Philemon - Timothy were all written around this period.

In one sense Acts is an unfinished book. It is a record of the Acts of the Holy Spirit, and as we know the Holy Spirit continues to move and act and speak, and this will continue until Jesus Christ returns.

We are writing part of Acts Chapter 29. That is no exaggeration. For many men and women in the world, that may be the only Chapter they will ever see. Note carefully there is no "Amen" at the end of Acts 28.

Let me summarise this wonderful Book. We would hardly know what the Church of Jesus Christ was about if it were not for the Book of Acts. This is what the Church was like - should be like - and can be like. These men and women were indeed WITNESSES. They were witnesses to Jesus. They KNEW Jesus was risen and alive. They experienced Jesus Christ baptising them in the Holy Spirit and it was an experience which was very real, and which lasted. They were witnesses to the truth.

These apostles travelled and preached. There were signs and wonders following. They were imprisoned. They experienced suffering. The last eight chapters are taken up with this struggle Paul had with these rebellious Jews.

In the Book of Acts, there is a great absence of organisation. They were simply filled with the Holy Spirit. We see in this book something of the authority of God available to us as we serve in the Kingdom of God - in the Name of Jesus - in the Power of the Holy Spirit. And, we see how the Holy Spirit works and flows and speaks and appoints and chooses people.

This is OUR GOD at work. We have no improved pattern for today. There is no better pattern anywhere.

Paul proclaims the Kingdom of God - Jesus Christ is King. He demonstrates the Kingdom - the rule of Jesus - the government of God - with words and works. People see signs of the Kingdom of God - healing - deliverance - and lives being totally transformed. Look at 1 Corinthians 6 verses 9 to 11. Such were some of you. These Corinthians were rescued and saved out of all that mess.

One thing I see in the life and ministry of Paul - when he met Jesus - he was shaken - his plans were disrupted - he had to move out of what he had been in - and into all that God had for him.

His life was so changed - and for the cause of Jesus Christ - and in obedience to Jesus Christ - and having a concerned for the confused and lost and perishing. Paul flowed in the power of the Holy Spirit - and there were occasions when that even involved floating in the sea.

Wherever you are and whoever you are, know this - you need never feel embarrassed or ashamed or intellectually inferior for believing the whole of the Bible! Nothing can stop the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and no-one can prevent His Word from spreading.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column. His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness. Sandy Shaw sandyshaw63@yahoo.com

 

Success Is a Matter of the Self Selection Smart Choices That We Make Every Day

By Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Do you want success? Most people say yes to what they believe is such an obvious question. However, have you ever thought that your current level of success is a matter of the self selection smart choices that you make?

Just imagine if you would make self selection choices based upon doing your personal best for the next 24 hours or how about the next week? What would happen to your life and the lives of those around you?

Every day we make self selection choices based upon our existing beliefs. Making a self selection choice is a judgement. Unfortunately, society appears to frown upon the word judgement as something negative. Judgements can be very positive because when we are making smart choices based upon our own self-selections judgements, we are actively using our higher order thinking skills or are engaged in what some now call intensive thinking activities.

Many times people opt out so to speak in the self selection process of every day life.

• They choose not to participate in a corporate wide training or change initiative - self selecting - not realizing that there could be one significant gem within that learning experience.
• They choose not to listen to their children upon returning home from school. They self select themselves out of their child's life.
• They choose not to become involved in their community. They self select themselves out of being a part of the solution.
• They choose not to care about others. They self select themselves out of the human race.

Self selection is explained quite well in the book Leadership and Self Deception. The author use the analogy about being in the box (choosing people as objects) or being out of the box (choosing people as people).

Aristotle saw the power of smart choice through self selection when he wrote: For what is the best choice for each individual is the highest it is possible for him to achieve.

Are you where you want to be? The M.A.P. for Success, a FREE email course may help you begin to chart a course of business, professional or personal success. Visit http://www.processspecialist.com/action-plan.htm. Did you enjoy this article? Then join the other 1,000 subscribers who receive Power Choices each month. Register at http://www.processspecialist.com/power-choices.htm Please feel free to call me, Leanne Hoagland-Smith, Your Chief People Officer and Business Coach for individuals and organizations that are tired of not being where they want to be and truly want Success. 219.508.2859

 

Work-Life Balance - Handling the Demands That Speed up Your Pace of Life

I want to offer you one very simple idea that may be useful to you if the pace of your life generally accelerates after Labor Day.

If you're like my clients and the people in my workshops, you probably do a fair amount of thinking on your feet. Your life is probably fast-paced, you're involved in complex projects, and you expect yourself to respond in the moment to a stream of information and demands regularly coming at you.

And like my clients, you may have forgotten one of your options. This option is particularly useful to invoke when you are being asked to do something that you really, on some level, do not feel good about. Perhaps you suspect that you don't have the bandwidth to take this on know. Perhaps you feel that it's not in your projects' best interest, but you're not quite ready to say so. Perhaps in some way it seems out of integrity for you to do this. Perhaps you have no idea at the moment why it feels wrong to you, but it does. Or you just don't know what you think.

Remember at a time like this, you can say something to the effect of, "Let me get back to you on that." Or, "Thank you for thinking of me for this. I have so much coming at me at the moment, I want to be sure I can really manage this. So let me think about it off line and get back to you." THIS BUYS YOU SOME TIME.

Once you have bought yourself this time, you can think about the issue in question, talk about it, sleep on it, do whatever you need to do in order to respond appropriately. Most overcommitments are made on the fly. Save yourself from over committing or agreeing to something you don't really agree with by taking some time and responding later.

It's a fairly conventional option that a lot of highly effective people forget they have, I find. So consider yourself reminded.

Copyright 2006 Sharon Teitelbaum. All rights reserved.

Sharon Teitelbaum, author of "Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: Restoring Work-Life Balance," Master Certified Coach, and motivational speaker, helps high achievers re-claim their work-life balance. Her interactive coaching process provides a powerful catalyst towards greater career and life satisfaction. Sharon's work has been featured in national publications including The New York Times, Forbes.com, and Working Mother Magazine. Visit Sharon's website at http://www.stcoach.com and subscribe to "Strategies of Change" to receive practical tips for work-life success.

 

When to Hire a Coach

Most of the time, when people hire a coach, they don't have a clear, concise statement of what they need. That's one of the reasons to hire a coach -- to get clearer about what's up for you, what your life is requiring of you now, and what you actually need to DO.

Most of the time, when people hire a coach, they don't have a clear, concise statement of what they need. That's one of the reasons to hire a coach -- to get clearer about what's up for you, what your life is requiring of you now, and what you actually need to DO.

I always offer a complimentary initial session if you're considering hiring me as your coach so we can both look at what's going on for you, how I would propose to work with you, and whether we're a good fit to work together. I'm not the right coach for everybody, and I have a number of excellent colleagues I refer to if they're a better fit for you than I am.

Here are some of the situations that a coach can help you with:

• You have been going around and around the hamster wheel with a decision or problem, and just not getting anywhere with it.
• You have become dissatisfied with some aspect of your work, your job, or your work-life balance and aren't quite sure what to do about it.
• There's nothing really wrong, but you're just not feeling the energy and commitment you used to feel.
• You are longing to spend more time with your children and can't figure out how to deal with this.
• You are less successful (by your definition) in some way than you know you could be, and you just don't get what's holding you back.
• For one reason or another, there is no one right now that you can bounce ideas off of, talk things through with, or get a reality check from, and it's holding you back.
• You suspect you've outgrown your job or your career and can't imagine starting over somewhere.

The initial consultation also offers you the opportunity to ask whatever questions you might have about my approach, training, fee structure, how coaching works, and so forth.

Copyright 2006 Sharon Teitelbaum. All rights reserved.

Sharon Teitelbaum, author of "Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: Restoring Work-Life Balance," Master Certified Coach, and motivational speaker, helps high achievers re-claim their work-life balance. Her interactive coaching process provides a powerful catalyst towards greater career and life satisfaction. Sharon's work has been featured in national publications including The New York Times, Forbes.com, and Working Mother Magazine. Visit Sharon's website at http://www.stcoach.com and subscribe to "Strategies of Change" to receive practical tips for work-life success.

Tips for Success When Overdrive Isn't Enough

Many of us spend most, if not all, of our waking hours in ONE gear, "overdrive", characterized by a driven, focused attention to accomplishing items on the To Do list, a "can-do" attitude, and a relentless, linear push for results, completions, and on to the next. But it's not the right gear for every situation.

Albert Einstein once said, "The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them." This point of view is extremely relevant to the way most of us live our lives.

Many of us spend most, if not all, of our waking hours in ONE gear, "overdrive", characterized by a driven, focused attention to accomplishing items on the To Do list, a "can-do" attitude, and a relentless, linear push for results, completions, and on to the next. It is the mode that our culture applauds and favors, supported by the availability of high-grade, hi-test coffee every quarter of a mile; you don't even have to get out of your car! It's a good gear, don't get me wrong! I personally love being in that gear, and I love getting stuff done!

But it's not the right gear for every situation. We cannot solve our "serious problems" with it, as Einstein observed. It's not the right gear for breakthrough thinking. Creative problem solving requires deeper thinking, a more big-picture perspective, and detachment. It's also not the right gear for spending time with a young child, which requires being in the moment, present, slowed down, and with no To Do list in mind! In this mode, you can relate to the child on his own terms as well as access your intuition and inner wisdom, which will guide you in developing a nurturing relationship with the child.

Over the next months, at times when you feel exhausted and depleted, check in with yourself to see what gear you are in. Chances are you have been spending too much time in Overdrive, and need to use some of your other gears. Try shifting into balanced gear. Do not feel guilty about it! Bottom line, big picture, it will allow you to be more effective in all the arenas of your life.

Copyright 2006 Sharon Teitelbaum. All rights reserved.

Sharon Teitelbaum, author of "Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued: Restoring Work-Life Balance," Master Certified Coach, and motivational speaker, helps high achievers re-claim their work-life balance. Her interactive coaching process provides a powerful catalyst towards greater career and life satisfaction. Sharon's work has been featured in national publications including The New York Times, Forbes.com, and Working Mother Magazine. Visit Sharon's website at http://www.stcoach.com and subscribe to "Strategies of Change" to receive practical tips for work-life success.

 

When Passion Ended

Do you feel lost?

Do you feel uninspired and less energy?

Do you feel that you are at the junction of a crossroad?

When waking up is just something you do because you have to, then you have either not found your inspiration or passion, or you have lost it some where along your journey.

Here's a meaningful story that I would like to share with you. May it enlightens you...

Once upon a time there was a very strong woodcutter. He asked for a job from a timber merchant and he got it. The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that reason the woodcutter was determined to do his best.

His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work. The first day the woodcutter brought down 18 trees. The Boss was very much impressed and said Congratulations Go on that way! Very motivated by the boss words the woodcutter tried harder the next day but he only could bring down 15 trees. The third day he tried even harder but he only could bring down 10 trees. Day after day he was bringing down less and less trees.

I must be losing my strength the woodcutter thought to himself. He went to the boss and apologized saying that he could not understand what was going on. When was the last time you sharpened your axe? the boss asked.

Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut the trees.

Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don't take time to sharpen the axe. In today's world it seems that everyone is busier than ever but less happy than ever. Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay sharp? There's nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But we should not get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life like our personal life taking time to read etc. We all need time to relax to think and meditate to learn and grow. If we don't take time to sharpen the axe we will become dull and lose our effectiveness.

So start from today, think about the ways by which you could do your job more effectively and add a lot of value to it.

Aaron Loh Founder and Director of Wealth Learning International http://www.aaronloh.com Aaron Loh is an avid learner and is always in the pursuit for success in what he's passionately involved in - helping others to constantly learn and upgrade themselves. He faced many setbacks and challenges in this journey. With his strong commitment and determination, plus God's blessing, he successfully changed the lives of thousands and thousands of people.

Truth Telling Game

Intimacy is one of the most fulfilling aspects of relating with another. In opening oneself and revealing your innermost thoughts to another creates intimacy, understanding and deepens any relationship. The feeling of "being known" and "knowing another" authentically is fulfilling.

One fun way to stir up the intimacy quotient is by playing the "Truth-Telling Game". It's simple and easy, but not for the faint of heart. It's about connecting to your truth in the moment, and then sharing that with another. It can be played at any time by simply asking, "What's your truth?" And, it's a great way to connect with yourself, "What's MY truth?". The biggest key is to find the truth in your heart, not your head. That's the difference between a "soul response" versus an "ego response". The soul won't lie, but our egos make up all kinds of crazy nonsense. Go for the heart's truth. Then be open and ready for anything.

It's important to note, that "your truth", isn't always "the truth". We may perceive situations inaccurately. That's not bad. It's simply what is so. "Be with" whatever is so, your "truth" in the moment, or your partner's "truth" in the moment is neither "good" nor "bad". The truth can be messy at times. However, just "being with" another's truth is healing and supportive. Understanding, compassion, curiosity and love are useful tools to support you in this 'game of truth'. In speaking your truth - others can respond and clarify. Also, when we speak the truth about emotions, we're more easily able to "let them go". When you say "your truth is feeling sad", just saying that begins the process of releasing it. And, as each "truth" is spoken to, you can dig for deeper and deeper "truths". And, as the saying goes, "the truth will set you free".

Mary Allen, CPCC, MCC is author of The Power of Inner Choice. She hosts Conversations with the Masters interviewing best-selling authors via free, live conference calls. Visit http://www.lifecoachmary.com to learn about coaching, her popular year-long Success and Inner Peace Bootcamp and tap into a wealth of resources including her ezine SoulFULLY Living, and Your Daily Gems.

 

Winning is Nothing to Fear - Do Not Fear Success!

Have you ever heard of the notion that many people are afraid to succeed? If they succeed then what? Sure, we have all heard this and yet we laugh when we hear it, after all who in their right mind is afraid to succeed?

Well, you might not like the answer to that problem because odds are that you are one of them. To fully understand this paradoxical issue with the human psyche, actually your psyche, I think you should read the following book:

"Overcoming The Fear of Success - Why and How We Defeat Ourselves and What to Do About it" by Martha Friedman - 1980.

Many people out there are actually afraid to succeed, and worse they have no clue, and well my advise is simple, don't be one of them too, don't you dare let it be you. This book explains the human psyche and how most everyone has the tendency to want something and then once they get it, wishes they did not have it.

Sometimes this tendency hits us in advance of succeeding at our goal or dreams, but there is something you can do about this inherent and some say innate characteristic. I realize all this sounds a little crazy and that you are not buying into this "Afraidy Cat Syndrome" at all, but until you read this book, you will not understand or be able to detect why you maybe holding yourself back.

Once you read this work you will be able to spot the signs of this real problem in yourself, in your mirror and in others. Once you do, well overcoming it, that's the easy part, but not until you read the book, buy it online today, it's a classic.

My name is Lance Winslow and I am a semi-retired entrepreneur, retired Franchisor and now I am a consultant brain-4-hire, internet writer and author. I got bored in retirement so I founded the Online Think Tank - http://www.worldthinktank.net If you would like to send me an email just to say hi, discuss an article, send me hate mail or need some advice you can find me at; http://www.carwashguys.com/history/founder.html Have a great day and thanks for reading - tell me about you?

Feelings of the Oneness

Feelings of oneness with the Universe - indeed, with the Omniverse - these feelings are the beginning of the change that occurs when one begins the process of loosening the ties of the world and acknowledging the Oneness that Is All. These feelings may include visions, apparitions, sounds, smells and unusual experiences that have not yet been encountered. Yet, this awareness is only the tip of the iceberg to that which lies underneath the consciousness that is awakening.

As each person moves more and more into the awakened state, more unusual experiences are apt to become part of that individual's life. Energy coursing through the body speaks of its becoming alive - fully alive and sensitive to the frequencies that inhabit the form and flowing out into the formless. There is the beginning of an inkling of remembering how the waves of manifestation work and pulse as the current flows from the field of Source downward in frequency to the dimensions in which the form resides. Such are the feelings and they can be accompanied with thoughts of losing control, impending disaster, even death. Indeed, the ego begins to undergo an egoic death so it is not far off the mark.

During this time, others see the individual as off balance and in a state of chaos. Even medical treatment may be suggested. Yet, the natural course of what is being experienced is so much more profound and there are no words to convey the state of existence that he or she may be experiencing, often changing in each moment. Anger comes; a feeling of desertion, pain and often suffering, physically, mentally and emotionally.

What is this torment that appears to assail those who are letting go of the currents of the mass consciousness while seeking greater heights? Could it be as simple as the evolution of the consciousness itself as it begins to recognize its own spark of Divine Essence? Could it be that mankind is created, destined for exactly this; that life has meaning in exactly these profound moments of trial and pain? Could this ordeal be seen as pleasure and embraced with the love of the Open Heart?

Indeed, this is exactly what is being asked in these moments. As each one comes to the crossing between being earthbound and otherworld-centered, he or she must step across that boundary - filled with uncertainties and fearful anticipations - and touch the farther shore by setting foot on a world that will resurrect him or her into a space that knows no end and had no beginning. It is the end of the hunger and the fulfillment of that yearning which appeared to have no end. The journey has been worth the traveling and now the urge is to bring others to this resting place, this place of Divine Peace.

As each of you step through these doors in your day-to-day life, know that the way is always before you; that what you are seeking is what you already are and that the presence of the Divine Master of your Open Heart leads you surely and safely to the shore that beckons you. Keep your eyes fastened on that shore and you will surely reach it, no matter the obstacles that appear to be in the way of your secure arrival. Your entrance is assured and your path is secure. The path is through your Heart.

Toni Elizabeth Sar'h Petrinovich, Ph.D. is a visionary, weaver of grace, quantum physicist and multidimensional traveler. Born with memory of the etheric worlds intact, Toni uses her gifts to expand the same remembrance within the consciousness of other beings. She is the owner of Sacred Spaces in the beautiful San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State where she conducts personal sessions, retreats and etheric readings for all those drawn to the authentic Self. She is the author of The Call - Awakening the Angelic Human and its accompanying CD, DNA Re-Awakening. Toni is also a direct channel for the Light Orbs who are the Guardians of the Soul. She does long distance healing, spiritual counseling, soul readings, light orb readings and chakra readings by appointment. For more information regarding Toni's work or to contact her by telephone or email, please see her websites: http://www.sacredspaceswa.com and http://www.angelichuman.com

 

Forgive Everyone in Every Way

By Sam Oliver

Forgive everyone, everyday, and in every way. Each person is doing the best he or she can. No one, absolutely no one is perfect. Since no one is perfect, this means that we all need to share more patience and more understanding surrounding all aspects of our interactions with one another. Think of the last time you needed to forgive someone. And, think of the last time you needed to be forgiven. When we need to be forgiven, there is a feeling of lack or something as missing. When we need to forgive, we often feel anger. Anger is a secondary emotion for loss. When we lose something, the need to restore what was lost. This sends us on a search within ourselves for attention in a peace filled direction. If you noticed, to forgive or to be forgiven leads you to the same place. Both paths of awareness lead us on a search. What are you searching for? You are searching to find wholeness. What is wholeness? This is often one's perception of reality created by what one believes to be true. This creation of what one believes to be true is the path of one's soul seeking manifestation in the world of form from the formless.

There is no set way to wholeness. Simply being aware that you have a self-defined understanding of wholeness that is within you is what we simply need to give attention to within us. This continued attention on what we seek the most within us will grow in our awareness until the need to place our attention on forgiveness fades away.

If a person was to believe that forgiveness is something obtained through the human psyche alone, we all would find the journey into such a place within us as something to avoid. In the deepest parts of who we are, we want to connect to what is sacred within us. Therefore, to re-create a past interaction with someone who we feel we harmed or who we feel harmed us is a useless attempt to embrace what cannot be. This is not to say that certain relationships close to us do not need verbal efforts to make up for a past action leading to harm. In fact, a person can find this useful, and even, helpful. The point I want to make is the place one's attention may be at the time such a verbal interaction will become vital in the success of such expressions taking place.

Dying patients remind me that there are countless times in all our lives where the issue of forgiveness was perceived and we become aware of it. There is no way a dying person can retrieve all their past life experiences in physical form, but we can recall these moments in time and visualize how we would have handled them differently. This is our soul seeking to make right a wrong our personality may not allow us to do, or it may no longer be feasible to take place in our current circumstances. People are such a vast array of experiences. There are endless paths of attention within us calling for our attention. Perhaps, the instant we remember who we are and who others are in the deepest parts of our being, we begin to remember the love that brings all our lives together, and into, being. This remembrance of who we are as children of our Creator reminds us of the unconditional spirit reflected within our own selves. The transcendence of flesh and blood inspires us to give our Creator our lives, the lives of others, and our very reason for living into the hands that created us.

For More on this Author: http://www.soulandspirit.org

Midlife Career Change - 5 Easy Steps To Get An Ideal Career

Career change or frequent job changes once bore a negative stigma and raised a red flag to alert prospective employers. No more. According to Department of Labor Statistics, the average person will change career somewhere between four to six times in their lifetime. Additionally, they will make an average of twelve to fifteen job changes.

The red flag has been lowered and these frequent changes now tell prospective employers that the applicant with a variety of careers and jobs exhibits flexibility in the workplace - and that is highly desired. So, if you are contemplating a mid career change, now is the time to take action.

Assess Your Current Position

Take a look at your current position, both professionally and personally. Are you stuck in a rut? Do you feel stifled or held back? Do you feel as if you are going nowhere? A career switch may be in order. If you feel that you are not adequately utilizing your existing skills or that you may have hit a professional plateau, it may be time to think about a new career plan.

Evaluate Your Career Change Options

Think about not only what you can do but also what you like to do. If you are going to make a job change, salary and benefits may be a factor in determining the route you should take, but that should not be the only reason that you make the move. It is important to find a career that you will actually enjoy. Statistics show that people who work in a job that they enjoy are healthier and experience fewer stress related illnesses. You should also take a look at the knowledge, skills and abilities that your prospective career requires. Do some research on your chosen career. Your state's department of labor is a good resource for finding profiles on various careers.

Determine Your Transferable Skills

Once you have taken a good look at your new career, determine what transferable skills you have that you can bring to the table. Transferable skills are those skills that you can bring from one job position to another. When you are pursuing a new career, it is important that you can identify your own transferable skills. This can be very useful in when and how you make your move.

Establish the Educational Track You Need To Take

Depending on the career move that you are making, it may be necessary for you to get some training. With the boom of online schools that allow professionals to take courses online, on their own time, getting an education to boost your career change is now easier than ever. If the online route isn't your thing, though, you can also take classes at your local university or community college. There are also technical schools that offer courses in many different careers. You should also note that non traditional students -- students who are older than 24 years old -- are a rapidly growing population on college campuses throughout the United States.

Get Help If You Need It

As you embark on your ideal career, don't be afraid to ask for help. Find a mentor or life coach who can help you take a good look at yourself and your life, your profession and your goals. They can help to guide you and make your transition from your current career to a new career much smoother. You can find a life coach or if you know someone who is already in the field that you want to enter you can ask them for help. If you are attending school, you can talk to a career counselor there. The point is, if you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it.

A midlife career change can be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. If you keep your head and do it smart, you can enter into a new career that fulfills you in the manner that you need, be it professionally, financially or personally.

Paul Sarwanawadya offers career change advice to help career changers pursue their ideal careers. He runs an informational website that provides tips on making a midlife career change Please visit http://www.career-tests-guide.com/ to get more quality midlife career change information.

 

Prayers, Petitions, and Praises

By Dorette Saunders

Genesis 18:20-32 portrays a poignant glimpse of Abraham petitioning God on behalf of the good people who live in Sodom. God's plan to destroy the city because of its wickedness causes Abraham to beg God to stay his judgment if fifty good people can be found. Although the Lord agrees, Abraham courageously petitions God five more times until God consents to save the city from destruction if only ten good people can be found.

Such unabashed persistence is also found in the example Jesus gives about the man who awakens his friend at midnight seeking food for an unexpected guest (Luke 11:5-8). Despite the sleepy friend's lethargic response, Jesus suggests that the man in need will get what he wants simply because he was not ashamed to be persistent in his request.

In similar fashion, Jesus contends that we, too, need to pray and petition God for the things that we need. "So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you" (Luke 11:9, CEV). Jesus tells us that if we are capable of responding to each other's needs favorably, how much more will God, who has created all things, respond to our requests when we ask (Luke 11:13).

How then shall we ask? In what is commonly known as The Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:2-4), Jesus provides a prayer model which acknowledges God's sovereignty, puts forward a request for physical and spiritual provision, and ends by seeking forgiveness for one's self (in the same manner as we forgive those who have wronged us) and protection against temptation.

By his own example, Jesus shows us that prayer should be consistent communication with God, whatever the circumstances (Luke 9:18-21; Luke 9:28-36; Luke 22:39-46; John 17).

In addition to our petitions and prayers, we are instructed to praise God. The Scriptures say that God delights in the praises of his people. And so, we may join in the elation of the psalmist when he says: With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness (Psalm 138:1,2a, CEV).

Indeed, we serve a mighty God who hears and answers our prayers and petitions even before we utter them (Isaiah 64:24). Let us come before our God with thanksgiving and praise because he is worthy of honor and glory.

This Reflection is drawn from the Bible Resource Center's e-Bulletin Series - an online ministry of the American Bible Society. The Bible Resource Center is also home to an extensive collection of Essential Bible Study Tools. For more Bible Study Resources visit: http://www.bibles.com/bibleresources

 

Steps Of Positive Thinking

By Munyaradzi Chinongoza

Positive thinking is something that everyone should be doing in life so that they may achieve their goals. There are a few steps that should be followed because positive thinking will make you happier and achieve those goals in life.

Step one: Appreciate everything that your body can do for you whether it be breathing, dancing, running, playing, sports, allowing you to drive because although we may think of these things as simple everyday things they are actually luxuries because remember not everyone is able to do them.

Step two: Make a list of things that you like about yourself it can be anything you want because everyone has something special about themselves that they can do or they like that they do.

Step three: Remember that true beauty is not only on the outside, it is also on the inside and when you truly feel good about your self you suddenly gain more confidence.

Step four: When you think about yourself or look at yourself, think about yourself as a whole person and the person that you want other people to see you as. If you want people to see you as being strong and independent tell yourself that you are strong and independent as well.

Step five: Hang out with positive people that have goals and ambitions and do not concentrate on the negative. It is a lot easier to be more driven and positive on a whole when you are with positive people and people that are not getting themselves involved with the wrong things in life.

Step six: Do something good for yourself and rewarding, something that you truly like and enjoy. Finally step seven, use your time more efficiently. Instead of wasting your time worrying about silly issues, use it to help others in need. By helping others you will feel better about yourself. These are just a few of many steps you can use for positive thinking.

If you want more FREE information steps of positive thinking, please visit our website: www.StepsOfPositiveThinking.com/

Setting Powerful Intentions

Intentions Have Power In Them

One of the best ways to tackle a problem in your life is to set powerful intentions. Many people have the desire to be different, yet they do not know how to go about making the changes they'd like to see. Lofty goals are often set and seldom achieved, because of a lack of understanding of HOW to set the intention.

When setting an intention to do something differently, you must be specific and set goals that are measurable and attainable in order to be successful. The more specific you are the better! Resolving to do something differently is basically saying that you will no longer resort to a habitual way of approaching life and will use a whole new set of behaviors instead. This is much like starting a new exercise routine- you'll be excited at first, and then the resistance will start, especially as your muscles ache and you experience pain as you develop your strength in a new area. And you are likely to return to old habits if you don't have a personal trainer to report to, or if you do not have clear, measurable, and defined goals to achieve so that you see ongoing results!

Here's how to set goals that will be successfully achieved: be clear, be specific, and have a way to assess on a daily or weekly basis your progress. And for those who need extra support, having an "intentions buddy" or a life coach can make a world of difference!

Many families I work with express a desire for better communication. This is a general goal. Together we explore ways for them to get very specific. I ask them questions to help them define what they really want -- questions like: What would better communication look like? How would you know that your family is communicating at the level you want? What would be different? How would life in your family change?

Once these questions are answered, then the family comes up with specific, measurable ways to determine their "communication progress" on a regular basis. One family determined that they needed a daily ritual to encourage communication. They started playing a game after dinner where they spend time sharing their wins and challenges for the day. Another family came up with a weekly family event where they passed an ice-cream maker around a circle and whoever was cranking was the one who shared about their week and about how they were doing in general.

In both of these families, they set up a routine, a structure, and a way to determine if the goal was being achieved. If a family member wasn't showing up for the designated family times, then the other family members knew that they needed to check in with that person and find out what was going on for them - communicating more individually.

Another common complaint I hear from couples in blended families is that they get little to no time to themselves. These couples might set a general goal of "We're going to spend more time together alone this year." As their coach, I explore with them how to make their goal clear and specific so that they will actually follow through. Some couples decide to arrange for a weekend away once a month. Others have a date night every Friday night with a regular sitter scheduled months in advance - so it is a given. And, again, if the date night doesn't happen, the couple gets to immediately check in and look at their level of commitment to the intention that they set. They explore what's not working about their original plan and how to adapt it to new circumstances so that their intention of regular, private time together is achieved.

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Emily Bouchard, has over 18 years of experience in working with children and families to deal with problems. Emily is also a loving stepmother to two young women who were teenagers when she entered their lives. She publishes a free Blended Families newsletter. Don't miss her Caring page.

 

Spelling It Out

By Dorette Saunders

In today's pop culture, nothing is left to the imagination; everything is spelled out: violence, sex, inappropriate behaviors. As a child, I grew up in a culture where things were not always spelled out, yet instinctively children knew where the boundaries were. Parents who engaged in adult conversation would often give young eavesdroppers "the eye," followed by a jerk of the head in a particular direction offsite. Sometimes, the foolhardy would feign ignorance of the interpretative message of "the eye" and stay put, only to be told in no uncertain terms to "move on."

Like recalcitrant children, we, too, sometimes look for excuses to wiggle out of being obedient to God. We bide our time in disobedience, waiting for God's commands to be spelled out. In Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Moses tells the people of Israel exactly what God expects of them, and he reminds them of their responsibility to be obedient. Forestalling any excuses, Moses tells them: "You know God's laws, and it isn't impossible to obey them. His commands aren't in heaven, ...No, these commands are nearby and you know them by heart. All you have to do is obey!" (Deuteronomy 30:11-12a; 14, CEV)

Moses had to spell it out. The Old Testament is replete with instances of Israel's continued disobedience, their repentance, and God's forgiveness. It is not enough to know God's Word -- what counts is our obedience to God's Word and our efforts at applying it to our lives.

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus spells it out for a wily expert in the Law of Moses who feigns ignorance and asks Jesus concerning the requirements for gaining eternal life. In his repartee with Jesus, the man eventually answers his own questions, indicating that one should love God and one's neighbors (Luke 10:27). Jesus commends the man for his answer and says, "If you do this, you will have eternal life" (Luke 10:28b, CEV). In an effort to show off his knowledge, the man ignores Jesus' response to "do," and challenges Jesus further on the concept of who is a neighbor. It is here that Jesus introduces the parable of the Good Samaritan.

At the end of his narrative, Jesus asks this expert in Mosaic teachings which of the people in the story acted in a neighborly fashion to the man who was beaten up by robbers (Luke 10:36). Again, the man responds correctly, to which Jesus responds, "Go and do the same!" (Luke 10:37b, CEV)

There is no wiggle room for disobedience. The Word of God clearly spells out that we need to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22, KJV). It is only by actively doing the will of God that we will become obedient and "live a life that honors the Lord" (Colossians 1:10a, CEV).

This Reflection is drawn from the Bible Resource Center's e-Bulletin Series - an online ministry of the American Bible Society. The Bible Resource Center is also home to an extensive collection of Essential Bible Study Tools For more Bible Study Resources visit: http://www.bibles.com/bibleresources

Guardian Spirits - Do They Really Exist or Are They Figments of the Imagination?

A great many people firmly believe in the idea of "Guardian Spirit". They are convinced that in times of extreme danger, a powerful, spiritual force is always close at hand to guard and protect them. Detailed accounts have been written by these people of incidents that occurred when they were completely alone in an isolated area and faced with dangerous situations.

According to these reports, they were conscious of a strange sensation that they were not alone but an "unseen presence" was close by. This mysterious, spiritual force inspired them with confidence and gave them a warm, comforting feeling no harm would come to them. As widespread as this acceptance of the existence of "Guardian Spirits" appears to be, there are certainly as many, practical-minded, pragmatic individuals, who completely reject the idea

They regard it as an example of a superstitious belief held by people with strong imaginations; an illusion conjured up in their minds to relieve their anxiety and counteract their feelings of stress.

Although it is difficult to reconcile these two conflicting points of view, it may be possible to find a common meeting ground, by examining what the term "Guardian Spirit" means to different people. There are many who think of a "Guardian Spirit" in very narrow, easily definable terms. To them a "Guardian Spirit" represents a mysterious, "unseen", supernatural force, always close at hand, that provides them with a warm, comforting feeling whenever they feel threatened.

Others however, interpret the term "Guardian Sprit" in a more rational, less mysterious, more understandable fashion. They see it as powerful, intuitive feelings; similar to an "inner voice", or a certain "gut feeling". The Psychoanalyst Theodore Reik referred to these intuitive feelings as "listening with the third ear". According to him, these are special intuitive powers everyone possesses, but in most instances they remain unused and dormant. He suggested these special powers could be developed and nurtured.

Have there been occasions, in your life, when an important decision you were called upon to make was not based on logic or rational analysis, but on a certain "gut feeling''? Is it perhaps possible this "inner voice" you listen to when critical decisions have to be made, may be your own personal "Guardian Spirit"?

The argument whether "Guardian Spirits" exist or not will never be resolved to everyone's satisfaction but perhaps this may be a reasonable explanation for some aspects of the "Guardian Spirit" idea. On the other hand, perhaps Shakespeare placed the problem in the right perspective with the profound observation expressed by Hamlet "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

Dennis Fisher is managing director of financial and investment Companies. In addition to his involvement in many different fields of business, his interests include an in-depth study of various schools of practical psychology, self-improvement and meditation. To find out more about powerful techniques that will enhance creative power go to two of his websites: http://www.vitalmeditation.com and http://www.creativemindpowers.com

 

Lack Of Motivation - How To Cure The Lack Of Motivation

By Israel Goldman

Lack is motivation is a common problem in our modern world, just look around your environment & it is real obvious that most people lack motivation.

To solve a problem permanently, we don't just look at the problem, we look at the root of the problem, which is also the real cause behind the problem.

Why do most people lack motivation? Simple, there is simply no reason for them to be motivated!

Most people do not even know what they are living for? It is almost like, they have not a good excuse for breathing the oxygen.

First & foremost, motivation does NOT come from self improvement or motivational material. (Not in a form of a book, an audio or even a seminar.)

Motivation comes right from deep within you. Have you asked yourself:

• Who is the real you? (What is your true identity?)

• What is your purpose? (What do you live for?)

• What is your passion? (What keeps you going?)

Take a few moments to think about those 3 questions.

You will notice that I did not share the usual motivation methods that most people teach. In no way am I saying that they are not good.

Just think of it this way, when it comes to gardening, you can cut off the weeds but they will still grow back quickly, when you finally pull them out by the roots, they are gone for a very long time.

That is the reason why we are going to "fix" the roots before going any further.

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Random Acts Of Kindness

By Dianne Lehmann

Off and on there will be a great deal of talk about random acts of kindness. I think that too much attention is given to grandiose actions. What really matters, in my opinion, are the many small kind actions that we can perform on a daily basis.

Why does a self-serving billionaire have to give a young boy a check for $25,000.00 on a national television show to get our attention? Shouldn't we all pay more attention to the little things we can do each day to make our lives and the lives of others better?

In the hurry up world of today, common courtesy is not really so common any more. Standing in line at the grocery store, all too often I see people purposely ignoring the little old lady or the young woman with children in tow who just have a couple items. How much could it hurt to let them go ahead of you? Will the extra couple of minutes spent in line completely ruin your day?

I realize that much of the indifference is due to there being too many people and too many stimuli in our daily lives. The prospect of sensory overload is a real issue. But a little more connectedness with the world and all who inhabit it can go a long way toward healing the spirit. It can improve your life and how you feel about yourself. Don't be ashamed to pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for giving up your place in line.

Try holding a door for someone. Look a stranger in the eyes and smile. Give someone a cheerful hello and a wave as you pass on the sidewalk. Believe it or not, these are all acts of kindness. The Golden Rule has been much talked about for a very long time. To me it is still valid: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Some day when you are feeling really down and a stranger looks you in the eyes and smiles, and suddenly you feel a little better, you will be glad that you, too, have shown others this kindness.

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Obtain Self Confidence With A Positive Attitude

Think about a self confident person that you know and admire. Close your eyes, and really think about them. Think about the things they have recently done or said. Think about how they act when a problem arises. I will bet that the person you are thinking about has a positive attitude that shines through in almost everything they say or do, and especially when there is a problem to be solved.

The self confidence that they have is more than likely a result of the positive attitude. You can not have one without the other, and any person that does have one without the other is more than likely putting on an act. A positive attitude gives you self confidence.

When you have a positive attitude, you think clearly. You react to bad situations more appropriately. People who are negative can rarely rattle your cage. You see situations, life, and yourself in a very different way when you have a positive attitude - and that automatically creates self confidence.

People with good attitudes rarely dwell on the negative - not even the negative things about themselves. When an overweight positive person looks in the mirror, they do not say 'I am fat.' They say 'I need to lose some weight.' Instead of complaining about a problem, they stated a solution to the problem. Something as small as the way something is stated is proof of self confidence. If a positive high school student is not doing well in one of his subjects, he does not say 'I am stupid.' He says 'I need to study.' No complaint - just a solution to a problem.

Try this out with yourself to determine whether you have a positive attitude that already has, or will, create self confidence. Pay attention to the things that you say about yourself, or think about yourself, and write them down each day. After about a week, go back and read the statements. Do not cheat! Be sure to write things down in the exact words you thought them in! Are you positive or negative about yourself?

If you are positive, good for you! If you are negative, it is time to start working on your attitude, so you can build up your self confidence. The beauty of this is that the only thing you really have to work on is your attitude - the self confidence will arrive all on its own!

Gary Miller is the author of "Do not Knock on Wood": How to break Free from the Grips of Negative Thinking." To learn more about the book click here to go to the website at http://www.positivethinkingnow.com Gary Miller was the World's Leading expert on Negative Thinking until he lost approximately $3 Million Dollars because of a lifetime of negative thinking. To learn more about his Journey to a Positive Thinking Recovery and weekly FREE Positive Thinking techniques, you can visit his web site at: http://www.positivethinkingnow.com

How To Overcome Leadership Challenges

Frequently leaders are questioned about the challenges that encourage good leadership. Recent research indicates there are 8 prevalent topics. It is vital you identify with as many as possible so that you meet these challenges and rise like a phoenix to enlightenment.

1. Humility - The courage to admit that you are wrong quickly and move in a positive direction. When Jet Blue was faced with a massive communication breakdown in the winter of 2006, humility enabled the CEO to rise from the ashes.

2. Energy - Professional and collegiate athletes reach competitiveness from the energy and enthusiasm engrained from their leaders. While the general public can condone the antics of professional basketball coach Bob Knight, they cannot deny his energy his players.

3. Intuition - We might all suffer from analysis paralysis. Leadership requires the intuition to make the solid judgments. Intuition does not rely on perfection but rather using prior mistakes for better alternatives.

3. Vision - Vision is what drives leadership. If it were not for vision, Ford, Lincoln, Einstein and Washington would never have made their mark on our ancestry.

4. Perspective - Followers desire leaders that are straight shooters and are candid in their approach.

5. Passion - No one will ever deny the use of passion in leadership. King, Lincoln, Clinton are great examples of leaders that love what they do. Moreover, those that found companies such as Gates and Jobs are even more passionate as they nurture their offspring.

6. Conviction - Articulation is a necessity in our multigender and multicultural society. The power of communication is vital to instill growth and success. Failure to communicate is what destroys leaders.

7. Learning - America is founded on the principle of education and risk. Keep learning and keep growing, never stop. Lack of learning is similar to refrain from watering your plants and garden. Your brain requires educational nourishment.

About Drew Stevens PhD Drew Stevens PhD is known as the Sales Strategist. Dr. Drew creates more revenues in less time. He is the author of seven books including Split Second Selling and Split Second Customer Service and Little Book of Hope and is frequently called on the media for his expertise. Drew's latest book Split Second Selling is available at http://www.gettingtothefinishline.com/products.php Sign up for his monthly newsletter the Sales Strategist(tm) a monthly tool that drastically improves your selling skills it is located at http://www.gettingtothefinishline.com and receive a FREE Finish Line Sales Manual over 130 pages of great information to assist your selling skills. Visit Dr. Drew's Blog located at http://drewjstevens.blogspot.com