Inspiration Content

My eldest son phoned me the other night to let me know that he and his partner was going to have a baby. When I got the news, I was more excited then he was. He seems to be in a state of shock trying to come to grips with the can of worms that had just opened.

For me the news was a mix of joy and a realization that time was catching up with me and that the *financial* success I have crave for, for so long is still a dream. I, like so many others out there are looking for that pot of gold to make life more comfortable. I use to consider *money* as a gauge to determine my success in life. I and like many of you; have tried over and over again to increase my eaings to provide a better life style for my children. I was determined not to grow up like my parents, always struggling.

Don�t get me wrong, I had I good childhood except I never saw much of my dad. He was always working. I did not realize until I had my own kids the reason he worked so hard. When Justin was bo, I made a personal commitment to provide my children with the quality time that I missed with my dad and at the same time tried to be a financial success.

My wife Tracee and I have seven children, three boys and four girls. We agree early in our relationship that I would be the main bread winner and she would stay home and care for the children. As the kids were growing up, we would encourage them to play sports and I would help coach their team. This would give me the opportunity to spend more time with them.

My pursuit for financial success still eluded me; I have tried nearly everything to be rich. I have tried most of them and still going through the process. It did not occur to me until recently that the efforts I put in raising my children had produced its rewards. My kids are well adjusted, they are healthy. Justin is going to be a dad at the age of 25, when he was bo when I was 20. Jasmin, the eldest daughter is a school teacher. Ashley, my number two son has just settle into an apprenticeship as a panel beater. Sharee, who had just tued eighteen, is a free spirit. She has a job but no ambition, nothing seems to faze her and I worry about her a bit. The other three children, Alysha, sixteen, Crystal, fourteen and Jordan who is our baby boy will tu twelve in September.

I now look at success with different eyes, I might not be rich when it comes to money but I am very rich and very successful and I am going to be a granddad. Hoo! Hoo! Life is wonderful.

Copyright 2005 Nasri Bale

Nasri Bale, novice writer and father of seven children would like to share his life experiences he has had with his kids. He hopes that the articles will touch and inspire, also to let other dads know that they are not alone. You can contact me at, nazri04@hotmail.com

"Now do it!" (2 Samuel 3:18); "Do not leave any of it till moing ..." (Exodus 12:10).

Putting off duties is a shortcoming that brings us up short of the perfection God wants of us. Emerson wrote in his Jouals (1834), "We are always getting ready to live, but never living." Perhaps we can amend that to, "We are always getting ready to work, but seldom getting to work." "Eventually" never becomes "actually" and the sweet by-and-by becomes the bitter never. Procrastination is not only a thief of time but finally a thief of self-respect and a robber of the good we can do for others, as well.

At thirty, man suspects himself a fool;
Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan;
At fifty chides his infamous delay;
Pushes his prudent purpose to resolve;
In all magnanimity of thought
Resolves, and re-resolves; then dies the same.
Edward Young.

Procrastination is a killer of time and motivation. It borrows on tomorrow's time. Today is yesterday's tomorrow, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. When we are inspired to do what we need to do, then we can't waste a minute of irreplaceable time in getting on with what we need to do, while we have time and health to do it. We have many unwarranted reasons to put off what God wants of us, too. Felix told Paul, "Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will summon you" (Acts 24:25). There is no record of Felix ever finding the time to summon Paul!

John Ruskin is said to have taken for his great life-motto the simple word, "Today." In his library he had before him the text, "Work, while it is yet called today." There is a time for everything and it is indeed today, while we have the Light. "The wise heart will know the proper time and procedure, for there is a proper time and procedure for every matter..." Ecclesiastes 8:5,6. We are to redeem God's irredeemable time: "Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 4:15,16)

I remember when I was just a little guy probably about 4 or 5 years old, I was fascinated by snakes. Not any particular type of snake � just snakes in general. I remember being really curious about how they could move around so easily without any legs or feet. I remember liking the colors on the garter snakes that slithered through our Nebraska summer garden.

And � I remember one day picking up one of those fascinating garter snakes and holding it right in front of my face so I could get a little better look at the colorful markings on its head. It was at that moment the unthinkable happened. In mere seconds, that wonderful, fascinating creature had transformed itself into a writhing, ferocious monster with a flickering, forked tongue and hypnotic eyes. What happened next? I dropped it, of course. Actually, it may have been more like a toss � that part gets a little blurry. But I got rid of the monster as fast as I could! I let it go!

Obviously, the poor snake didn�t really change into anything different from what it already was. But my perception told me it had, so I reacted to what I saw as a significant problem. I let it go.

Since then, I�ve leaed that �monsters� � real and perceived � come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Most of them we can�t physically see but we do experience the results of their presence � and they are very, very real.

Our monsters have names � common names. Here are a few: Fear, Guilt, Hate, Self-Doubt, Jealousy, Insecurity, and Anger. They�re all slime-balls. They all have the potential power to control our lives and destroy any chance at a truly happy life. Any one of these monsters can freeze us in our tracks and until we recognize it and get it out of the way, we�re not going to be able to move on toward whatever better life we have waiting for us.

OK, do we need to stop for just a minute here? Yes, I just said �whatever better life we have waiting for us�. No, I�m not talking about only a �special, select few� folks who might accidentally be lucky enough to get doused with one of God�s super blessings. I�m referring to everybody who lives in a reasonably free society and has access to at least a smidgeon of printed or verbal information. That would probably include you, huh?

Yes folks, there is a better life waiting �out there� for every one of us. And this is certainly an oversimplification, but basically all we need to do is visualize it � and then do stuff to get us there. Sure, some of that �stuff� will possibly include doing some personal reprogramming of our thought processes (there�s plenty of information available to help do that), getting assistance and guidance from some experts (plenty of that available, too) and some level of investment of our time and energy.

However (speaking of reprogramming), unless we recognize and take care of any monsters that we may be clutching tightly to our bosom, we�re not going much of anywhere � other than maybe sliding backward into our own personal snake pit. Hmmm, wonder why I just used that analogy? Probably a reason in my background somewhere.

Back to the monsters. How do we get rid of �em? The first step is to recognize that we got �em. Makes sense, huh? If we don�t know one of these stinkers is hanging onto us and dragging us down, there certainly won�t be any way for us to get rid of him. Take another look at their names and then take a close look at your thoughts and subsequent actions. See anything that rings a bell? I know, sometimes it�s really hard to have an objective view of ourselves so get an outside opinion or two from someone who you know will be absolutely honest with you.

Then once you�ve identified your own personal monster(s), the next step of course, is to get it (them) off your butt and out of the way. Now there�s no way in the space of this article to talk about the various techniques for �monster slaying�. But here are a few quick helpful hints. One of the things you�ll likely need to do is take a real close look at your thought processes (there�s that danged programming thing again) and lea how to change them. Again, there is a wealth of information available to you to do exactly that. Books, videos, CD�s, self-improvement programs, and personal help in the form of numerous counselors and coaches. It�s all �out there� waiting for you. All you need to do is just go get it.

Part of the modification in your thought processes will probably include leaing how to face � as in �stand up and confront� � your monsters. You may need to dig deep into your better self to find your personal cache of courage that you�ll be using as your ultimate weapon of monster destruction. OK, let�s be a little more honest. You really don�t need to �destroy� these stinkers and I don�t know that it�s even completely possible to do that. What you will need to do though, is at least take away any power that they have had over you in the past. You see, the only way any of these guys can restrain you is if you give them permission (the power) to do so. Withdraw that permission (let �em go�) and they�re about as much threat as a wad of discarded bubble gum.

One way to neutralize a monster is by leaing to know it by a different name. A name that can be much easier for us to manage. For example, with a bit of mental manipulation, Fear can become simply �Apprehension� or �Uncertainty�. It shouldn�t be a major problem being able to handle either one of those guys. Guilt can be transformed into �Regret� or �Disappointment� (as in past perceived misdeeds). Hate can be downgraded into �Dislike� or �Disapproval�. Self-Doubt can become a productive �Self-Questioning��well, you get the idea.

So if you�ve been stuck in a rut and are about ready to climb out and move on toward your better life, be sure to take the time to check your personal mental wardrobe for monsters. Then let �em go � or at least transform them into a less threatening simple irritant - and move on to the life you truly deserve. It really is there waiting for you!

Oh, and the snake? Just another big ole� worm�

About The Author

Gene, through NuPathz.com, provides an easy reading self-help blog, articles and links along with affordable books and materials written to help folks find the road to a more enjoyable lifestyle, to pass on some of life�s �secrets for survival� in a chaotic world & offer a few smiles along the way. It's a down-to-earth, simple approach to discovering a better life. You can visit Gene at http://www.nupathz.com/

gene@nupathz.com

My friend Hugh Jeffries died. He was a wealthy man. His wealth was of the kind that you can take with you when you go. I do not know what his tangible estate measures. That is unimportant now. This I do know�his contributions to the lives of others were the true measure of his success and wealth.

He was a wise and compassionate man. He offered, in every conversation I had with him, words of encouragement and kindness. When I expressed frustration or anger, he counseled forgiveness and understanding. When I ranted about the mediocrity of people�s lives, he reminded me that every human soul is great and we cannot know the value of another�s daily contribution by their anonymity.

Hugh worked with many of the great and famous personal development teachers. He believed in me and supported my work. I took that as high praise. It was only after my ego got out of the way that I realized that Hugh believed in and supported everyone he encountered.

I think it is important to note that Hugh knew that every word and deed is a causal agent that produces effects. He lived his life accordingly. He believed that everyone has something valuable to contribute and everyone has the potential for greatness.

Each word spoken and deed enacted by Hugh is a measure of his greatness.

We may not be ever be able to know exactly what kind word saved a person�s life or what supportive gesture contributed to someone�s happiness and success.

Hugh often said that each of us could make difference in the world. It wasn�t just a philosophical statement. He set about to do that; and, he succeeded.

Hugh made a extraordinary difference in thousands of lives, who in tu will make a difference in the lives of countless others. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him; but more importantly, his gift of himself to each of us will live on as we lea to live by his example.

Now that is a legacy, an estate to leave behind. Hugh died a wealthy man indeed.

I mou his death. I celebrate his life.

I will always remember his smile. It was in his eyes. It overflowed out of his heart.

�That Man is a Success
Who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men
and the love of children;
Who has filled his niche
and accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better than he found it,
whether by improved poppy, a perfect poem,
or a rescued soul;
Who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty
or failed to express it.
Who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he had.�
�R.L. Stevenson

�We have never come at the true and best benefit of any genius so long as we believe him an original force. In the moment when he ceases to help us as a cause, he begins to help us more as an effect. Then he appears as an exponent of a vaster mind and will. The opaque self becomes transparent with the light of the First Cause.�
�R.W. Emerson

� Leslie Fieger. All rights reserved worldwide.

Leslie is the author of The DELFIN Knowledge System Trilogy: The Initiation, The Jouey and The Quest plus many more success publications. He also the co-author of The End of the World with Hugh Jeffries and Alexandra's DragonFire with his daughter Ashley. Subscribe to his free and ad-free eZine at http://www.ProsperityParadigm.com or http://www.LeslieFieger.com.

Reprinting and republishing of this article is granted only with the above credit included. Permission to reprint or republish does not waive any copyright.

Do you find yourself asking questions when tough times come like, �Why has this come my way?� or �What did I do to deserve it?� It has sometimes crossed my mind, �Why me?� when I�m faced with what seemed like an insurmountable problem.

Never allow negative thoughts to rule when you have the temptation to quit!

I have leat not to dwell on negative thoughts when I am tempted to quit. God knows that the battle for success is first won in the mind. In his instruction book, the Bible, he tells us how to overcome - �Fix our thoughts on what is true and good and right.�

1. The truth is, there is hope

In the first chapter of the Bible we read how God created the world and said, �It was good�. The world was perfect when God created it. He then created man and woman and gave them free will. Our choices brought sin into the world. The perfect world he created was ruined and we now suffer from the effects of rebellion, selfishness and pride.

God didn�t abandon us to our choices. He sent his Son, Jesus, to this imperfect world to rescue us and give us hope of a better future. No matter what problems you are facing there is always hope. We all hurt. We all make mistakes. That�s life. It�s a jouey. God wants to help us in our jouey. God either helps us by removing our mountain or giving us the courage and strength to climb the mountain.

2. The truth is, Jesus understands our struggles

When we don�t know what to do next, we can pray. Why pray? We pray because Jesus understands our suffering and he has told us to ask for his help. He said while on earth, 'Come to Me all who are heavy burdened.' God tells us that He can be 'our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.' He suffered greatly during his time on earth. You can talk to him because he cares about you and knows what you are going through. He knew physical suffering, rejection, betrayal, hunger, cold and sadness. He wept and even questioned God. The Bible describes him as a 'man of sorrows acquainted with grief.'

Never doubt in the dark what you have leat in the light. In a run-down Ethiopian hospital, two days jouey from were we were working, I underwent exploratory surgery and was diagnosed with a large ulcer in the bladder. According to the doctor, who had seen several ulcers in the bladder in Asia, there was no known cure. Remembering to never doubt in the dark what you have leat in the light, I tued to one of my favorite verses. �Who is among you who�walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor in his heart? Let him rely on, trust and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God.� (Isaiah 50:10)

What does it mean to trust or rely on God? Trusting in God is believing that he is big enough to bring good out of what is happening. It's when we wake up in the moing and say, �God, I know you love me and answer prayer, so I thank you for answering my prayer today.� Bill and I called on the name of the Lord to heal me. Three months later I was reassessed and there was no sign of the ulcer!

Never give into temptation Life can be cruel and when we are down we often get beaten the most. We are most vulnerable when going through difficult times. To help you make wise choices, talk over decisions with someone in whom you have confidence. Had someone given us that advice years ago while under pressure, we would not have made an unwise financial choice.

It's a choice to try to see the good in our situation, a choice to trust God even when we don't understand what's happening or why, a choice to respond to Him and not harden our hearts, put up walls and defend ourselves when we are tempted to do just that. It means relying on Him for direction, when we get it, obeying Him and continuing to trust that He knows best.

As we have discovered, staying afloat through hard times is a choice we make, actually a series of choices as we go through our day. The solution to our particular situation may not come in the way we expect. The tough times you are facing may be leading you to what might be your most important choice. Download the 25 minute movie free.

A right relationship with God may be the ultimate answer to many of the problems you face. Would you like to have a relationship with a powerful God who loves you and wants to help you?

Inteational traveller, author, and speaker, Wilma Watson has been helping people overcome life�s challenges for over 35 years. Her encouraging words have helped thousands reach their full potential. Wilma is the producer of a unique website that makes spirituality fun and simple. Visit her site at http://www.ydyc.org

�Rejoice! You have won the jackpot!� Here you are, not knowing where your next meal is coming from, totally exhausted physically and emotionally. Then the phone rings and in an instant you�re up, running and screaming, laughing and crying all at the same time. Your downcast attitude has instantly tued to joy. Your fatigue..... What fatigue? You remember it no more because an outside force has swept you literally off your feet and changed your whole life around.

What happened from one moment to the next? An influx of adrenalin set your feet a-tapping and your circumstances are remembered no more. �Yeah,� I can almost hear you saying, �I would be happy, too, if only I won the jackpot!� If only... then! Are you one of those �if only� people? Is your happiness and joy dependent on exteal stimuli? Then come along with me and let�s see what David did whenever he was surrounded by all his enemies.

David, probably more than any person in the Bible, really knew and loved the Lord. He had come to know the meaning of the Lord�s lovingkindness; His unconditional love poured out on the cross to buy back the debt you could never pay. David walked and talked with God in total trust. In the Psalms we notice that every time he cries out to the Lord, he ends up praising Him for His goodness and mercy!

In Psalm 35:1-8 he begs the Lord to plead his cause and to stand up for him as if in battle. Then, sure that the Lord will do what he had just asked of Him, he exclaims: �my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation. All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?� Then he promises the Lord that when - not if - he is delivered from his troubles, �I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.� (v. 27) and finishes his song of praise (psalm) with: �Let them shout for joy, and be glad..; yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.�

Start praising Him in the middle of your difficulties. Then shift your focus from the trouble and the negative, whining, nagging voices in your head to the Solution. The devil will try to have you focus on the problem and magnify it out of proportion. Put all your energy onto the author and finisher of your faith. He alone has the solution! Trust Him and, like David did, thank Him for the outcome. Have the vision before you of more than what you want the outcome to be. Why? Because He is the God of more than enough. He supplies all of your needs according to His riches in glory. (Phil. 4:19) Then choose to forget your problems and call them � yes speak to them � a thing of the past, and wait expectantly for the solution which He has in store for you. Believe me, His blessings are far better than any temporary jackpot euphoria! While you are speaking your blessings and awaiting your miracle, He will shower you with His Peace.

�How excellent is they lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.� (Psalm 37:7-9) Now go on, put on some praise music and get your feet a-tapping. Sow the seed of praise and reap your harvest of blessings!

Achieving financial freedom is not a hundred meters dash. It is a marathon. Financial freedom is much more than quitting your day job. It involves living in a realm above financial worries. If you are still grappling with personal financial issues or still working for money, it does not matter whether you are an employer or self employed, you are yet to attain financial freedom.

There is no easy road to financial freedom. The path is riddled with potholes. Sometimes, things do not go as planned. More often than not, there is a big world of difference between planned and actual. Reality sometimes springs some nasty surprises.

You need to know upfront that things will very likely not go as planned. Sometimes it does. You need to be ready to give all it takes, and to pay the price. If you desire financial freedom hard enough, you will find in yourself the inner strength to rise up each time you stumble. Success does not just happen. If you believe the pop up ads on financial freedom that assault you online, you can believe anything. Nothing valuable and enduring comes easy. There is nothing like increase without labor (physical, mental or both). It is a basic law of nature. If you attempt to violate this principle, you are on your own.

When things go wrong, it is a good time to stop and re-evaluate what you are doing.

You may be doing something wrong. Go over your processes and make amends. Read up some more and acquire more skills and techniques. Work smart. Pure hard work does not take you far these days unless you work smart. Continuous improvement is the key. Get better by the day. A setback is a good opportunity to lea. Success makes you feel cool; you are doing just fine. Failure or setback sends you right back to school. You come out stronger and wiser.

You may be heading the wrong way. No matter how far down the road you go, if you are on the wrong road, the only way home is to tu off and retrace your steps. Get the correct road map before you proceed. If you find out further down the wrong that you are using the wrong map, shut down and begin again. You may have wasted a lot of time, energy and resources on a wrong venture. As painful as it is, your best way forward is to cut your losses and call it a day. Start afresh, on the right path this time. Who you are and where you are going is the major determinant as to what the right path for you is.

It may even be that you are on the right path, doing the right things. Hang on there. Don�t give up. You don�t know how close you are to a breakthrough. Sad stories abound of people who gave up just before dawn. If you are on the right path doing the right things, then keep on keeping on. You may not see the results from where you are standing. It does not mean that you are not making progress; it�s just that it is not obvious to you, or those around you. Keep at it. Your progress curve may be going flat, don�t give up. You have to go through midnight before you hit dawn. When you cannot see beyond your nose, it is quite tempting to throw in the towel and retu home. See it through to the finish line.

Don�t lose sight of your dream, don�t allow circumstance make you lose focus and go looking for a short cut or quick fix. Easy come, easy goes. Stay true to yourself. The experiences you go through in the jouey and the person you become after going through the process is much more important than the destination itself. Nothing satisfies more than being yourself, who you were bo to be.

Usiere Uko is the webmaster of the Financial Freedom Inspiration website and editor of the monthly Financial Freedom Inspiration Newsletter, a free ezine to inspire you to exit the rat race and fulfill your God given dreams. To subscribe or visit the site, please click on the URL below. http://www.financial-freedom-inspiration.com. He is also webmaster of http://www.newdawninspiration.com

Wreaths are like rings. They represent the Universal Circle ("Let the circle be unbroken �" as the song lyric goes) and also the idea of circulating love, wealth and prosperity for yourself and neighbours. Usually they are hung on the front door, over the fire place or over the dining room table to commemorate special occasions or the changing of the seasons.

To make the frame for your wreath you will need strong thread, glue and branches from the appropriate tree. Try to make your wreath from branches you find on the ground, however if you can't, be sure to thank the tree if you end up breaking off any its limbs. However, probably the easiest way is to buy a pre-fabricated frame for it at Walmart or a local craft store. Most craft stores sell very nice circular frames made from vaished grape vines that look very natural and authentic.

A wreath can be complicated and hung with a coucopia of herbs, fruits and flowers or it can be as simple as a bunch of pussy willows braided together and formed into a circle. Below I have made a few suggestions for different wreaths you can make to suit different purposes.

LOVE DRAWING WREATH

For this you all you need is some kind of circular armature, or the above mentioned grape vine wreath. However if you want to make your own circle, the branches from any fruit tree (apple, cherry, or orange) are perfect. Leave as many leaves on the branches you can and make sure they are thin and pliable enough so you twist them into a the circle. Once you have constructed the circle decorate it with dried roses. Pink and red are the best colours. The darker the red, the more sexy the wreathe. You can dry your own roses in advance. However, if you have no dried roses available, fabric flowers will work just as well. Tie the buds of the roses into the wreathe and then decorate it with pink, red and white ribbons, Although kind of lush and girly, it is designed to bring love into your life.

PROSPERITY DRAWING WREATH

This little wreath is beautiful, simple, classy and it smells great. Use a grapevine armature and intertwine sprigs of basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, sage, and bay leaves. All of these herbs draw wealth to the home. You may attach small oranges or kumquats. For an added dash of spice to your life, stick each orange with pins which have been threaded with cloves - an orange stuck with cloves is an ancient way of drawing money to you fast.

CHINESE PROSPERITY DRAWING WREATH

Use dried or fresh red, orange and yellow chrysanthemums, which symbolize autumn, protection and money. With this one you can use a Styrofoam board backing to affix the flowers to the backing. Or you can tie them to a grapevine armature. Decorate with red ribbons.

PROTECTION WREATH

Take long thin branches of holly that still have berries on the vine and braid and twist them into a circle. Holly is known to protect from evil spirits and bring blessings to the home. Decorate with a white ribbon.

CORNOCOPIA OF THE GODS WREATH

Take pine or spruce branches and using wire and players, twist them into a circle. Decorating this is not unlike decorating a Christmas tree, only you are going to attach pomegranates, oranges, walnuts in their shelves, kumquats, pine cones, acos, bay leaves and chocolate covered coins. I like using fresh stuff, but there are many versions of the wreath that could be made using plastic replicas of food such as grapes strawberries and oranges. Finish this masterpiece off with gold, yellow and green ribbons.

MARTHA STEWART'S OSHUN HAPPINESS WREATH

I stole this one off of Martha Stewart who probably didn't realise that she was inventing something that would honour the African Orisha of the Rivers, Love, and Wealth, Oshun. It is Oshun who takes care of love and relationships, money, and all the things that make life sweet.

For this one you will need hundreds of pins, and bags and bags of pink, orange and yellow gumdrop candies. Use the pins (or use glue) to press these candies onto their backing. The effect is a sunburst of joy. Finish it off with a big bow of pink, yellow and orange ribbons, However save this one for the mantelpiece. Oshun is not the only being that loves sugar. You don't want an army of birds or squirrels attacking your front door!

Samantha Steven's articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110 You can meet Samantha Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com

(excerpted from The Challenge to Succeed series)

Two thousand years ago on April 15th one of Jesus' disciples came to him and said it was time to pay taxes (that's how I know it was around April 15th), but they had no money. In response to his disciple's statement Jesus said "no problem". Now why could he say "no problem"? Well, word had it that Jesus was a miracle worker. If you hand a problem to a miracle worker what they are inclined to say is "no problem". You've got to hang out with people like that.

I belong to a small group and we do business around the world. These guys are all miracle workers. What an incredible group. If you hand any of them a problem guess what they say, "no problem". How many books will they read to solve a problem? As many as it takes. If they need to consult - how much consulting will they do? As much as it takes. How early will they get up? As early as it takes. "No problem"... you got to hang out with people like that. You cannot believe the thrill of being associated with miracle workers, people who will do whatever it takes to get the job done and perform miracles.

When asked about paying the taxes Jesus said it was "no problem". In fact, he said it was going to be easy - he told the disciple to just go fishing. Now it couldn't have been any easier than that, especially for this disciple whose name was Peter, because Peter was a fisherman. Now if you can fish and you should fish and you don't fish - then that is why you do not get a miracle. But Jesus told his disciple to go fishing and the first fish that he caught to look in its mouth. Peter, who was used to strange things happening, agreed. Well, the first fish Peter catches, he looks in its mouth and finds coins. Peter then adds up the coins and they are exactly enough to pay his and Jesus' taxes.

"Wow!", you might say, "That is a miracle!" Here is why we call it a miracle - simply because we don't quite understand how it works. That's all. Doesn't mean it doesn't work, it just means we don't quite understand how it works. Which is true of all miracles. In fact, for most of us - our whole life is a miracle.

How about this miracle... God says if you plant the seed I will make the tree. Wow, you can't have a better arrangement than that. First, it gives God the tough end of the deal. What if you had to make a tree? That would keep you up late at night trying to figure out how to make a tree. God says, "No, leave the miracle part to me. I've got the seed, the soil, the sunshine, the rain and the seasons. I'm God and all this miracles stuff is easy for me. I have reserved something very special for you and that is to plant the seed."

I have found in life that if you want a miracle you first need to do whatever it is you can do - if that's to plant, then plant; if it is to read, then read; if it is to change, then change; if it is to study, then study; if it is to work, then work; whatever you have to do. And then you will be well on your way of doing the labor that works miracles.

To Your Success,

Jim Rohn

Reproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn Inteational. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com

The jouey through life, full of many twists and tus, can at times leave you breathless, wondering where you went wrong. It appears that going wrong is the only obvious explanation for the turmoil that might be face. With the soul parched, struggling to find meaning and purpose, the desolate landscape of a desert saps the life right out of each step. With the heel dragging, the footfall landing on cacti, the hot sand blistering the feet, you don�t remember when the lush landscape of abundance deserted you. Yet, as I have ventured through many a long desert-jouey as part of my life-path, I have discovered the desert to be an important aspect of a well-lived life.

Each person will have a unique life-story to live, a unique life-purpose to manifest, and a unique passion to embrace and share with the world. This is where the desert really does its most miraculous work. The moving dunes, the sun-baked rock, the flash-floods and weathered and shaped terrain beholds a grandiose beauty that is inspiring to the visitor. There is superb and profound strength found in such a place and a beauty that is hard to deny when the observant and disceing eye stops the chattering mind and really takes it in all the detail.

Often times the parched soul will be unaware of the riches that are all around as they travel the road of life this way and that way in desperation. The desperate struggle to survive this blasted fuace and seemingly desolate landscape causes an anxious panic as one mirage after another is chased into oblivion. Each time a mirage is chased, the traveler will come closer and closer to the lesson and leaing that is screaming from within. This inner-voice of wisdom is difficult to hear over the moans of self-pity and cries of anguish and pain.

In time, the traveler�s will begin to settle as the pain of festering blisters and excruciating thirst bring their attention back to the body�s wisdom. Noticing the state of self and a quiet inner-voice, realizations of what is not wanted, the imagination begins to form a vision of what is wanted that will shape a new reality and reveal an invisible path within the desert landscape.

Although weakened and discouraged, the traveler slows the pace and balances the sight between the horizon and self; what is wanted and what is not wanted. As this awareness grows and panic subsides and surrender takes place, the traveler can now begin to see the fruit blooming in the desert. This is what it is to change the focus from an old lifetime of values to a new path to the truest inner spirit.

New values can be formed and discovering the great wealth in the smallest grain of sand, honoring it with gratitude and blessing, more abundance can be found, allowing the trail toward the oasis to reveal itself. Now aware, the senses are heightened and whispers on the wind tell stories of others who have traveled and leaed on this road to inner-truth. Observing the nature of the wild new wisdom is also found and finding that first watering hole bringing temporary relief and refreshment to the weary traveler.

However, the jouey is not over it is soon discovered and leaving the waterhole is a must. Staying too long will only lengthen the duration of the jouey and potentially leads to new calamities as wildlife and other travelers come with their own stories to live. With a courageous step, the traveler ventures forward again back into the wildeess of the desert, momentarily overwhelmed with the inhospitable heat that wants to consume. Focusing the awareness again, remembering the lesson leaed the sight is set back to the present and self, to find the balance between the two worlds so that insight will reveal itself. A personal alchemy is practiced with focus, intention, and attention, showing the way back along the invisible path that reveals itself to the aware. Each step brings many instances to observe and lea, to disce and hone, and the traveler gains clarity of what is wanted and what is not wanted.

The most difficult aspect for some in such an inhospitable landscape is the art of gratitude and yet gratitude is the gift to the teacher within who will grow stronger. Giving in gratitude, the teacher is able to impart the lessons judiciously and expediently, making the hidden path visible and straighter than the meandering wide road of malcontent. The malcontent traveler often finds themselves sitting alone beside the road panting with want while the grateful traveler finds companions that make the jouey light. Even so, there are generous lovers of life who will extend a hand to the malcontent, if only they will pick themselves up after a period of encouragement and compassion.

Part of my life-story also saw me in the midst of struggle, blind and groping for the toilet handle so that I might flush the crap out of my life. With the passing of time, my experience lends to observance as my awareness grows and gains clarity. With clarity increasing in focus I clear out what I don't want in my life and continue to make room for what I do want in my life. With quick refreshing experiences of what success may be, an overwhelming desire to lean into the momentary comfort takes over and I rest. Before long I realize I cannot stay here and must continue the jouey.

On the first leg of the struggle my panic kept me lost, blind, and desperate. Then the observance of wants revealed a path as I watched for what showed up, and my gratitude solidified my vision of who I am and where I want to go. Again I continue, able to trust in the process, weathering the storm, grateful for the shade, the sun, the water, and each piece of fruit discovered on the way. The time arrives when I now see the lush green on the horizon, the desert harshness has lost its� edge, and the truth of who I am blossoms forth bringing riches to the world.

The most miraculous and joyous truth of this jouey is that the blossoming riches for the world are also for myself. The grateful heart, the giving heart, the observant wisdom, all know the intimate balance of the elements and forces of nature; not just the raw laws of the wildeess but also those of humanity and spirit. In honoring these lessons and sharing the bounty is service to humanity and to self, to Spirit and to spirit, to Love and love through the gentle art of generously giving and graciously receiving.

Lee Down is a professionally trained Spiritual Life Coach committed to the development of the human spirit. His vocation and business, One Man Can Human Capital Development has evolved from human resources, to career and life coaching until the inspired writing, also available on his site, paved a new path into the realms of Spirit. Discover power, passion, and purpose. Enjoy abundance, love and fulfillment.

I really like Jack Dempsey's great one liner: "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't."

It summarises, as powerfully and as swiftly as one of his explosive left hooks, the spirit of anyone who refuses to accept limitations and defeat whether they are a boxer or not.

I just quoted the line on the phone to my brother who is temporarily floored by the problem of switching off his new scanner! Dempsey might well have 'solved' the problem by smashing the scanner with a powerful punch.

At times, Dempsey fought from 'pure rage' although he also had great skill. He did not waste time in a fight but just attacked with intent.

Dempsey was bo in Manassa, Colorado in 1895, the 9th of 11 children. The small hut in which his family lived is preserved there to this day. A guide book describes the extensive inspiration people gain from his life: "The people in Manassa still celebrate his greatness, which stimulates them to succeed on their own in many professions, especially the medical."

He left home at the age of 16 and leaed to survive in the mining towns of the West. He had many successful fights and started boxing professionally in 1914. He knocked out the giant Jess Willard in 1919 to win the Heavyweight boxing title. Dempsey was a skilled but ferocious fighter. He didn't believe in sounding out his opponent. Willard was knocked down 7 times in the first round.

Dempsey also had a great champion's one liner for dealing with big men: "Tall men come down to my height when I hit 'em in the body." Dempsey was five inches shorter and 58 pounds lighter than the 6-foot-6, 245-pound champion, Jess Willard. But on July 4, 1919, under the scorching sun in Toledo, Ohio, Dempsey broke Willard's jaw with one of his first punches, an explosive left hook.

He knocked Willard down seven times in the first round and walloped him for two more rounds. When Willard didn't come out for the fourth round, he had four teeth missing, his eyes were closed, his nose was smashed and two ribs were cracked.For good measure,he still had the broken jaw from round one.

Dempsey did not believe in half measures. Pulitzer Prize winner Red Smith described Dempsey in the ring vividly: "In the ring, he was a tiger without mercy who shuffled forward in a bobbing crouch, humming a barely audible tune and punching to the rhythm of the song. He was 187 pounds of unbridled violence. This isn't big by heavyweight standards, yet in the judgment of some, this black-browed product of Weste mining camps and hobo jungles was the best of all pugilists."

Dempsey defended his title twice in 1920 and then, in 1921, knocked out Georges Carpentier, the French light-heavyweight champion, in the fourth round. In 1923 he had a mighty brawl with challenger, Luis Firpo, a 216-pounder from Argentina who was called "the Wild Bull of the Pampas."

Firpo's first punch was a powerful right to the jaw that put the champ down. Dempsey jumped off the canvas before a count could be started and went on to knock down Firpo seven times.

Before the first round ended, an angry Firpo threw a right that sent Dempsey through the ropes and onto a sportswriter's typewriter. The writer and another man helped the champ retu to the ring before the count of 10. I'm not sure what happened to the typewriter. This is the stuff that films like 'Rocky' are made of!

Perhaps Dempsey was thinking of this incident when he wrote: "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't." In Round 2, Dempsey scored two more knockdowns The second knockdown ended the bout after 3 minutes and 57 seconds of non-stop action. No wonder his fights were popular!

Dempsey took the next three years off and fought only a few exhibitions. When he retued on Sept. 23, 1926, the quicker Tunney, the marine, carved up the champ's face. Dempsey kept his sense of humour. Retuing home to his wife Estelle after the defeat, he confessed: "Honey, I forgot to duck!"

Before the Tunney rematch, Dempsey fought Jack Sharkey. When Sharkey complained to the referee in the seventh round that Dempsey was hitting low, Dempsey unloaded a left hook on Sharkey's exposed chin. The fight was over. When asked why he threw the punch when Sharkey wasn't looking, Dempsey said, "What was I supposed to do -- write him a letter?"

Dempsey's retu match with Tunney drew a gate of $2,658,660 (about $22 million in today's dollars) at Chicago's Soldier Field on Sept. 22, 1927 Tunney controlled the first six rounds, but in the seventh a typical blitz from Dempsey floored Tunney.

The timekeeper began his count. The referee, Dave Barry, pointed Dempsey to a neutral coer but Dempsey ignored him and went to his own coer, a few feet behind Tunney. Barry pointed again to the neutral coer and at the count of three, Dempsey started there, arriving about two seconds later. The timekeeper was at five when Barry tued to Tunney. But instead of picking up that count in unison with the timekeeper, Barry called out, "One."

So began the Long Count. At Barry's count of four, Tunney looked up at the referee. When the count reached nine, Tunney, pulled himself to his feet. He had been down about 14 seconds. Perhaps Dempsey was thinking of this incident more than the one when he was knocked out of the ring when he wrote: "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't."

Tunney ran from Dempsey for the rest of the round. In the eighth, he floored Dempsey, and then went on to dominate the last two rounds to win easily. After the fight, Dempsey lifted Tunney's arm in salute and said, "You were best. You fought a smart fight, kid." That was Dempsey's last bout. He retired with a 64-6-9 record, according to The Ring magazine.

Later, he was knocked down with another kind of blow. He lost about $3 million in the stock market crash. But like a true champion he got off the floor again to become one of the most popular restaurant owners in New York. On May 31, 1983, he died of natural causes at the age of 87.

Dempsey was a great champion. He would bounce back after knock out blows both in boxing and in life. He kept his sense of humour and was gracious in defeat. He is an inspiration not only to the people of Manassa and the USA but to the people of the world.

About the author

John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams. They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.

The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! - Acronyms, Stories, And Pictures...Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles"

The book can be found at this URL http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php

The book uses acronyms, stories and pictures to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.

You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine or on your website so long as you do not alter it and keep in the words about the author and the 36 Laws.

Sometimes a random word of kindness is all that�s necessary to transform someone�s entire existence, and it�s so little cost to us. There�s a wonderful story I heard several years ago. The teller, we�ll call him John, claimed that it was true. John had just come from a self-help seminar in which the instructor had recommended that the participants find something good to say to everyone they met. Walking down the street, John encountered a homeless man, dirty, dejected, slumped, and dressed in rags. He asked for loose change, and John obliged him. Then, remembering his instructor�s advice, he sought something nice to say to the beggar, but all he could notice that wasn�t hideous were the man�s socks. They were red and appeared cleaner than the rest of his outfit. John looked the man in the eye, said �Nice socks!� smiled, and walked on.

A couple weeks later, John was walking down the same street, and he saw the same man. But this time, he wasn�t begging. He wasn�t dirty. He wasn�t slumped. And, he wasn�t dressed in rags. He recognized John at once and walked briskly towards him, smiling, with moisture in his eyes. He shook John�s hand vigorously and told him the following story. �For the last few years, my life has been very hard. I fell on bad times. I lost my wife, my family, my job, and my home. I began to drink and lost all sense of pride. Eventually, I sank as low as I could go. The day you saw me, I had decided to kill myself. I�d already gotten a gun and was going to use it on myself that afteoon. I�d reasoned that my life didn�t matter and that nobody would miss me. I was certain that there wasn�t another human being who even noticed me as a person. When you stopped to speak with me, you looked kind. You looked right at me, as if I really mattered. Then, you complimented my socks. They were new and the only thing in which I took any pride. Your words and your kindness made me think that perhaps there was more hope to be had than I realized. Perhaps I did matter. Perhaps I was noticeable. I resolved that day to tu over a new leaf. I got cleaned up. I found nice clothes at the Salvation Army. I stopped drinking. I went to an AA meeting, and I even started looking for a job. I want to thank you � for giving me my life back.�

Then, he hugged John, looked him deeply in the eye and walked away, leaving John in a state of shock, his eyes filled with tears and with a stronger appreciation than ever of the power of a kind word.

How often are we given the opportunity to make a difference in someone�s life and fail to realize the power we possess? How often do we take our words for granted, unaware of their life-changing capabilities? How often do we opt for being curt or dismissive, when it would take no more effort to be empowering and loving? I hope that you, like me, are moved by this story and that you�ll now make the effort to say words of kindness and encouragement � on the chance that they will change someone�s life.

Dr. Steve Taubman is a hypnotist and physician, and the author of UnHypnosis: How to Wake Up, Start Over, and Create the Life You�re Meant to Live. His writings and teachings guide people in the use of tools of transformation, and bring esoteric spiritual principles down to earth. Lea more about UnHypnosis by visiting http://www.unhypnosis.com

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

Anne Dudley Bradstreet (1612-72) English-bo Colonial poet

My diary says that today is the Winter Solstice, the official first day of winter and the shortest day of the year! In the northe hemisphere, the Winter solstice is day of the year when the Sun is farthest south. However, in the southe hemisphere, winter and summer solstices are exchanged, so that the winter solstice is the day on which the Sun is farthest north. (So this may not apply to you!) For many people the Winter Solstice is heralded as a tuing point, and as a reminder that in order for a new path to begin, the old one must end and that spring will come again. In many societies and religions, this tuing point is celebrated with feasting and flames which light up the dark winter nights. It is a time of celebration for what has gone before and a time to look to the future.

Today I am keen to review and reflect on everything that has taken place since the last Winter Solstice. I have had an incredible year, both personally, as well as professionally, and I can look back at even my most testing times and feel satisfied that I have managed to get something from each situation. Sometimes it seemed like I was going backwards, but taking everything into consideration, I can see I have moved forward greatly. I haven�t done this alone, but with the support of the most amazing group of people which include family, friends, my trainer, other coaches, business and networking contacts, business advisors, and not least, my wonderful clients, who certainly keep me on my toes!

What about you? When you look back over the year, what do you see? Take a moment to reflect on what the last 12 months have offered you in the way of challenges and achievements. What were your greatest triumphs, your most challenging moments? How did you handle them? What did you lea from them? And don�t forget the small things that make up everyday living. For some people, just getting through each day is an achievement. Celebrate the little things as well. They may be small, but they should never be overlooked.

Did you actually have any goals at the beginning of this period? If you did, were they SMART � Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-driven? How far have you progressed? What more do you need to do?

What are the things that you find you consistently put off? Is there a patte here? How can you lea from this? What do you need to do to break the patte? Who do you need to get assistance from?

In the last 12 months, how much time did you give to yourself? Without allowing yourself time to recharge and reenergize, you will not be fit to go forward with anything. Like a rubber band that has been pulled tighter and tighter, something will eventually give � SNAP!

How have your stamina and fitness levels held up over the year? Are you full of energy, raring to go, or do you find yourself flagging? Adding activity to your day takes consideration and determination, but it can be done, and in very simple ways. If you need to make changes here then the first step is to look at your daily routines and see where you can add a little more in the way of movement and action.

How many times did you have that conversation in your head? You know, the one that goes like this �Why on earth didn�t I say �no� to that? I can�t believe I didn�t speak up! I do this all the time. I am pushed to the limit and I still accept more work, more commitments. Oh why, why didn�t I say �no�?� Ring any bells? No? Good for you. Yes? We need to talk about assertiveness!

What new things do you do this year? Did you go somewhere you�ve never been before? Did you speak to someone new? Did you lea a new language? How about trying some new food? There are so many new experiences waiting out there for you! Go ahead, if you haven�t tried anything yet! And if you have, please carry on. Each new experience will teach you not only about what is out there, but how you respond to fresh and novel occasions. So, did you write? Paint? Sing? Make music? Cook? In what ways do you enjoy expressing yourself creatively? How can you do more of it in the next 12 months?

Did you do something for nothing? What does this actually mean to you? It can relate to the monetary cost of something or perhaps the cost to you in time and effort. It is such a personal thing that only you can assess how you have achieved in this area. I hope looking back over the year gives you a sense of satisfaction at what you have achieved.

Kate Harper is based in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Check out her website http://www.harpercoaching.com

She works with people who are fed up with moaning about their lives and have decided to do something about it. If that is you, please take a look at Kate's website. Her special interest is in promoting Wellbeing and Self Confidence through coaching. She is happy to work with people from any part of the world.

"The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult." Madame Marie du Deffand

Take your first step today and contact Kate.

God has created human beings to live successfully. He has no discrimination in this regard.

At the same time he has also created certain resources to live successfully.

Of these "number" is the one resource.

It is the known fact that "numbers" occupy each and every activity of everybody.

He/she is first identified with his/her date of birth, month of birth and year of birth.

When we wake up from the bed, the first thing we notice will be the time, which is the reflection of a "number".

He/she is identified with the help of his house number.

His/her living place of city is identified with zip or pin number.

His/her passport is identified with the number.

His/her vehicle is identified with the number.

His/her bank account is identified with the number.

His/her debit/credit card is identified with the number.

Even the computers are the basis of these numbers that is "0's and 1".

Like this we can go on saying with examples, which are identified with the numbers in our routine life.

So we cannot live in this world without the help of �number�.

But how many of us utilize these "numbers" for our welfare and to live successfully.

With the help of this "number" we can identify our exact business partner, life partner, education, job, business, service, etc., in which we can show our excellence, ea and live happily.

No body can be successful, unless he chose his right profession, right education, and right life partner.

Every human being bo in this world is influenced by the power of certain "numbers". It is a scientific fact.

Exact profession, education, Friends, Life-partner, can be identified with the help of �number�.

If anybody go against to this principle or ignore the "number", they face failure.

Not all the "numbers" are best to all. It differs from person to person.

That "number" alone will definitely direct him to choose his exact business, profession, service, life partner, business partners etc.,

If he chose to go along with the "number", he/she can definitely live successfully in this world.

Not all the people can do writing and make public speech and attract others.

Not all the people show their excellence in the field of engineering and medical.

Not all the people show their excellence in the field of scientific and commission basis business.

Not all the people show their excellence in the accounting, and education field.

Not all the marriages, last long.

Not all the business partners last long.

Not all can become a successful joualist.

Not all can excel in the scientific field.

Only certain people under the influence of a particular "number" can excel in the above fields.

Like this everybody can excel in a particular field with the influence of a certain "number".

If you also wish to identify the "number" which does better to you, and to know your exact business, profession, service, life partner, business partners in which you can excel, please visit my homepage www.tncity.biz

C.Krishnan, was formerly a Govement official in a state govement corporation in India.

He has written many articles on motivation, children, parenting, etc.,

Please view more articles in his homepage http://www.tncity.biz/article.html

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

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Lee Down is a Professional Coach, Trainer/Facilitator, Speaker, & Writer of One Man Can Human Capital Development that focuses on relationships, the key foundation to success in business and life. With more than 15 years professional experience and a thirst for truth and understanding, he focuses on the human spirit and human capacity. Working with clients, he facilitates the breaking down of beliefs, barriers or obstacles that bring clients forward on their jouey of discovery with spirit, energy, abundance, passion and purpose, integrating the mind and body experience. Working with business, he brings visionary leadership and relationship skills to the forefront that witnesses an empowered culture evolve and develop directly impacting the improvement to the bottom-line.

If I heard it once I've heard it a million times and this week was no exception. In fact, the words have carelessly tumbled from my lips on many occasions, some of which have been perilously near the conclusion of my sermons. Most preachers never conclude their sermons, they just quit when they cannot indulge the congregation another minute longer.

Someone once asked a famous preacher what it meant when he said, "Now, in conclusion ..." He thought for a moment and then replied, "nothing."

Preachers are not the only ones inflicted with this verbosity virus. Watching a news broadcast lately, I heard a politician tumble headlong into the same abyss; "We're going to make some changes around here," he proclaimed, "and that's my final word on the subject."

It doesn't really matter which politician pontificated thusly, for all of them have said it at one time or another and usually it is never their "final word" on any subject.

Several things are wrong with that statement.

First, when a politician uses the word "we're" he never means to include himself. It's just a word he uses to confuse the subject at hand. Someone once made this observation, "if all the politicians were laid end to end I would not be surprised."

Secondly, the only change most politicians are interested in is the change in my pocket. They have committees devoted to figuring out how they can change the change in my pocket to their pockets. The slickness to which they do this is most remarkable.

Thirdly, there is no such thing as a "final word" among politicians. Every politician insists on having the last word on any subject even though he knows nothing about the subject at hand.

The entire political sorority has one brain, which they share. The Democrats have the left side, the Republicans have the right side and they have one intent; mouth in motion at all times. When a politician has nothing to say you can be sure he will say it most profusely.

Every politician has two sides, before election and after election. What a politician says before being elected has absolutely no relationship with what he or she will say after election. The only thing absolutely certain is the newly-elected politician will have a lot to say, but not much.

Once elected their only strategy is to stay elected. They will do everything and anything to get my vote. I vote they all be elec-tro-cuted. Nothing would be cuter.

One thing that can be said about the political institution in our country, it is an equal opportunity liars club. Women have as much opportunity to join this truth-challenged extravaganza as the men.

I don't know who makes better liars, men or women. The feminine side of this auspicious group has made miraculous progress in catching up to their male counterparts. They both seemed quite adept to the practice.

Many elected officials go to great lengths to keep their constituency from knowing where they stand on the issues. They are seated on committees so they don't have to reveal where they stand. They are good at sitting and pontificating but bad when it comes to standing for anything, which makes them believe their constituency will fall for anything. And we usually do.

The lawmakers of our day are great "change agents," to use a contemporary phrase. Their opinion on important issues changes with every new poll published. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your point of view, for our friendly politicians, opinion polls can be given every hour on the hour.

And of course, the more important the issue the more the politician reforms his opinion. A politician should have the cleanest mind in our country because they change it so much. Unfortunately, the exchange is usually down.

Perhaps the best final words any politician could utter are, "I won't run again." Usually when a politician says this, it means he's currently running from something or someone.

Regrettably, the only change that comes with a new election is the name on the office door of the public servant.

The bolts and nuts of our political system can be boiled down to; the politicians bolt for or from any excuse and we are nuts for electing them to any office.

I sometimes get weary of all this superfluous change. It is true, the more things change the more they remain the same. What I want to change never does and what I don't want to change does.

You can imagine what comfort I get from the Bible that never changes despite the efforts of some people. Two verses are particularly comforting to me.

One from the Old Testament: "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6 KJV.)

One from the New Testament: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 KJV.)

When it comes to final words, I want that word to come from someone who will not capriciously change that word and upset my life. I can always trust Jesus Christ to give me a word I can always count on.

The Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road. He lives with his wife, Martha, in Silver Springs Shores. Contact him by calling 687-4240. His e-mail address is jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is"

http://www.whatafellowship.com

The Reverend James L. Snyder is an award winning author whose writings have appeared in more than eighty periodicals including GUIDEPOSTS. In Pursuit of God: The Life of A. W. Tozer, Snyder�s first book, won the Reader�s Choice Award in 1992 by Christianity Today. Snyder has authored 8 books altogether.

Rev. James L. Snyder has a knack for making fun of daily frustrations and will increase the humor aptitude of your readers so they too can discover that life is less stressful when you�re laughing. Through these essays, your readers will realize that humor and religion belong together and can keep them from taking themselves and others too seriously.

" The fountain of content must spring up in the mind, and he who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief he purposes to remove." � Samuel Johnson

The one person, who is of more importance to you than anyone else in the world, is just - YOU. And it is your conception of yourself that determines your relationship to life, and with everyone else with whom you come in contact.

What do you know about you? The real you, not just your physical body but your mind, consciousness and identity that no one else really knows. What do you know about life? The only thing that most of us really know is that we are alive; but what that life is many of us have not been able to discover.

Disposition as used by Samuel Johnson simply means the natural qualities of a person�s character. Alan Jones once said that " one of our problems is that very few of us have developed any distinctive personal life. Everything about us seems secondhand" What is it about you that makes you different? What is it about your character that makes you stand out from the crowd? What principles do you live by that makes you unique? What are those things that make up your value system?

Are you a principled centered person or are you spouse centered, family centered, money centered, work centered, pleasure centered, possession centered, friend centered, enemy centered or self centered? Whatever is at the center of your life will be the source of your security, guidance, wisdom & power. Security and clear guidance brings true wisdom, and wisdom becomes the spark or catalyst to release and direct power.

Three factors namely: purpose, people and paradigm will go in a long way in determining the principles you have. Your natural qualities-your behavior and character are shaped and reshaped, formed and reformed, created and recreated by these factors.

PURPOSE

We must create a version of our present and future life. It will require spending serious time asking ourselves "Who do I really want to be and how do I get there?" This version and dream must be based on a genuine understanding of your own talents, skills and desires.

When you give yourself the freedom and permission to be true to yourself you come up with important principles that continually takes you towards fulfilling your true purposes.

Due to the fact that so many exteal influences confuse the pursuit of genuine purposes you must draw up principles that do not change regardless of these influences.

PEOPLE

The people factor is one that cannot be over-emphasized in the sense that we were bo and we are still living in a world of people with various ideas, ideals and values.

Some people- friends, parents, bosses, co-workers � may want to recreate you in their own image. They have preconceived ideas of who you should be, what you should be, what you should do and how you should love and all these affect the kind of principles you have about life.

You may allow yourself to be recreated in the image of someone else. The truth is you were already created in someone else�s image, the image of God. Your task is to devote your life to making principles that authenticates your God-given self.

PARADIGM

Your paradigm or your patte of doing things is a bye product of so many factors; such as your cultural and religious background.

The cultural practices and believes you know and sometimes participates in. your religious background � your faith, believe and your understanding of several religious practices will go a long way in determining your paradigm.

Your paradigm is one of the factors that determines your principles and must be based on believes that are well established in your faith. Must be based on your relationship with God and not on a religion.

Realistic living is all about taking time to understand your disposition- the natural qualities of your person, with a view at examining what it is that your life is centered around and afterwards creating principles that will guide you to a life you want bearing at the back of your mind the roles played by these three factors � purpose, people and paradigm.

Is your life based on correct principles that do not change, regardless of inteal conditions, influences and circumstances? Are you guided by a compass, which enables you to see where you want to go and how you will get there? Does your judgment encompasses a broad spectrum of long-term consequences and reflects a wise balance and quiet assurance? Are you a self-aware, knowledgeable, proactive individual, largely unrestricted by the attitudes, behaviors and actions of others?

FROM: Bobola Oniwura

Bobola Oniwura is a student of architecture that believes in the development of a creative universal mind in every young person.

The strength and durability of a building is found in its foundation. The same is true in a life. What we accomplish and the effect we have on those around us is not only in what we do, but also in who we are. In fact, what we do is driven by who we are, what we believe and value and by the principles that we live by.

Principles give us direction in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. They are transferable to any given situation and will determine our direction. Those who do not have permanent principles will find themselves drifting along and making decisions that are personally expedient, short-term oriented and usually bad for their long-term success.

So I thought I would share with you the principles that gove my life. These are the ideas and concepts that drive my behavior, my career, and my family. I would encourage you to sit down and write out your own principles. Those that drive your life, or at least that you want to drive your life!

God first, others second, me third. Gale Sayers, the running back of the Chicago Bears wrote a book titled "I am Third." This is true. If I am to do and be what I want to do and be in this life, I recognize that I must have my priorities right. Some people think that the way to success is to put themselves first. This is short-term thinking. Yes, you may be able to accomplish much in the near-term, but long-term, the best is accomplished by those who live by the above.

Always be completely honest. You really only have your character when it comes right down to it, and honesty is the quickest way to determine your character. Live in such a way that you can be completely honest and be willing to accept the responsibility that being completely honest will bring.

Make it your goal to help others, income will come from that. Zig Zigler is the one who got me thinking about that. If you take care of others and their needs, you will ea your income. If you simply try to ea income, people will stop responding to you and you will have defeated yourself.

You reap what you sow. This is the most common truth on earth. You put an apple seed into the ground, you get an apple tree. An orange seed produces an orange tree. If you invest, your money will grow. If you eat right and exercise you will lose weight. If you are kind to others they will be kind to you.

The true measure of a man's wealth is in the things he can afford not to buy. This is one of my favorite quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Things are great to have and so is money, but true riches are the priceless things we can't buy, like our family, our integrity and the sense of a job well done. Pursue true wealth.

Work smart - and hard. Some say you should work smart, not hard. I say work smart and hard. A good day of hard work is a blessing and ought to be appreciated. Hard work is what changes the world - as long as it is smart, hard work!

Follow through on all commitments. If there is one thing I can't stand it is when someone doesn't do what they say they will. When we don't do what we say we will, we essentially say that the job wasn't important, the people we promised it to aren't important, and that we can't be trusted. This is a good way to short-circuit your success.

Challenge others to greatness. There are enough people who will hold out the low bar for people to step over. I want to be a person who holds up the high bar, causing people to have to run and jump with all their might. And when they clear that high bar, I want to be there celebrating with them!

Find ways to generously give of your resources. The old saying is true - you can't take it with you. But you can spread it around to lots of people while you are here. If we wait until we die to give money away, we don't get any satisfaction in seeing how it is used and enjoyed. Write a few good-sized checks each month!

Treat people right no matter how they treat you. You cannot control another person's behavior. It took me a long time to realize that. I can only control my behavior. And I can choose to do what is right no matter how another person treats me. If everybody retaliated every time someone treated them bad, we would have a mess on our hands. Instead, choose to act appropriately at all times.

When relationships go bad, be the first to hold out the olive branch. Life is too short to leave a relationship broken. As much as it is up to me, I will pursue reconciliation, for their sake, and for mine. I don't want to get to the end of my life and wish I tried harder in my relationships. For this reason I attempt to restore broken relationships.

Regularly try new things. This is what keeps the spice of life going! Try new foods, go to new places, and make new friends. You will be amazed at the joy you receive and are able to give when you make it a habit to try new things. Break out of the mold, do something unusual today!

Treat everyone equally. No one is better than anyone else. I know people with tens of millions of dollars and people who do not have two nickels to rub together. They are both equally valuable and worthy of being treated as such. Don't fall into the trap of treating some people better than others. It doesn't matter what color they are or how much money the have or what country they come from, treat them with the respect and dignity each human deserves.

Use any success you have to help others. What good is success that only helps you? Instead, use the money you make to help others. Use the connections you make to help someone else up. Use the knowledge you achieve to give someone else a leg up. Take what you have and give to others so that they may join you on the jouey of success.

Look down the economic scale more often than up. When I look up the economic scale too often I become greedy and unsatisfied. I become selfish. Looking down at others who have less than me on a regular basis keeps me humble. It reminds me of all of the blessings I have and keeps me thankful for them.

I want to encourage you to sit down soon and write out the principles that guide your life. It is an excellent exercise that will help you refocus and keep your life going in the right direction!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations tu their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

Simplicity. My sister and I have been reflecting on simplicity lately. We both seem to have gotten contemplative on where our lives are leading � and if we really want to pursue that direction!

For me � I am 32 years old. I feel like an � old soul� sometimes. I�ve been through a lot in my life. I am so blessed and thankful to be where I am today, with a loving husband and beautiful, precious children. I am able to pursue my dreams and am growing and leaing each year as I continue to strive to be the woman I am destined, and created to be.

As I do this, I can�t help but reflect on my lifestyle and how it has affected me and continues to affect my family and me. As I have done this, I am starting to shift priorities�

When I was younger I dreamed of being popular, busy, active � the one whom everyone would come to ask for help in his or her activities and functions. Today � I long for a week where I don�t have to prepare treats or goodies, one where I can stay home and not run to and fro.

I used to think being a good mom meant being at every party, function, field trip and activity. Now I know that my presence is important and valued. But I am leaing to start prioritizing because with 3 children in our home, I can�t make it all. If I do, I end up grumpy, irritable, and stressed.

I am leaing. I am leaing that simplicity is more meaningful. It brings more memories because you have the time to enjoy things and relish the moment. It brings rest, joy, laughter, and sometimes lessons.

I continue to battle this world that thinks I need to have the latest, greatest things; the world that tells me I need to be the best mom, the most successful businesswoman, and the most passionate wife (all while staying beautiful and thin in the process!) Those demands are impossible! So I strive to simply be the best �me.� I may be really good at some things and lousy at others � but hey � that�s me! I�m leaing to relax my standards upon myself.

I long for a more relaxing household. One where people come to seek out a haven from the world and not get more of the hustle and bustle inside my four walls. Genuine hearts. Honest souls. Forgiveness. That to me is simplicity.

It�s going to be a fight � me against the world � to stop striving so hard to be and have all that I am told I need. But I know in the end the only thing I really need is love�the simplest and purest gift of all.

Dionna Sanchez writes each month for her Ministry for Moms at http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com - you can find her �It�s the Simple Things� article there as well as other encouragement and warmth for your heart as a mom, wife and individual lady.

Years from now when science finally locates the center of the universe, some people will be surprised to lea they are not it.

If you find yourself in an argument with your spouse and what looks to you like obvious logic does not seem to be making a connection, it's time to stop and regroup. This is usually a sign that there are emotions there that need to be dealt with first. Men often tend to get the correct order of this process reversed. Deal with the feelings first, and then you can talk about what makes sense to you.

Summer is the time of year when kids look for summer jobs as a way to ea some extra money. If you want to avoid the grocery store/fast food world or you are still too young to have a formal job, there are still lots of ways to ea money. Look around for all the things that people have to do but don't like to do. Find a way to do it for them for a fee. One kid who lived in a large apartment complex noticed that his neighbors hated taking their garbage to the Dumpster. He started a service where he would pick up their garbage at their door, charging 50 cents a bag. He cleaned up that summer, figuratively and literally.

While optimism is a good thing, ungrounded optimism is not a good thing. Ungrounded optimism can blind you to necessary realities.

Getting angry is always a choice. No one can make you angry. So saying, and believing, that "so-and-so makes me so mad" is giving someone way too much power over your life.

The January/February issue of Effective Clinical Practice has some interesting information for parents. According to a recent study, in families where there were no restrictions on teens viewing R rated movies, 46 percent had tried alcohol; 35 percent had tried smoking. In families where occasional R rated movies were allowed, 16 percent had tried alcohol; 13 percent had tried smoking. In families where R rated movies were off-limits, 4 percent of teens had tried alcohol; 2 percent had tried smoking. Parenting matters.

Another tip for parents of teens: www.azlyrics.com provides you with lyrics to songs that are being played into the brain of your teens.

You know you are an older parent when you have to put your glasses on while changing a diaper to make sure you don't miss anything.

Best quote I've seen in a while, from one of my favorites, Jim Rohn (www.jimrohn.com):

"What should a child do with a dollar? Here's one philosophy: It's only a child and it's only a dollar, so what difference does it make? Wow, what a philosophy! Where do you suppose everything starts for the future? Here's where it starts _ it starts with a child and a dollar. You say, `Well, he's only a child once. Let him spend it all.' Well, when would you hope that would stop? When he's 50 and broke like you?"

Visit The Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscirbe to our monthly Article Empire Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

Have you noticed the change in your inner awareness? Have you noticed a greater depth to your feelings and awareness?

As we move into the new energy of oneness and expand our awareness and consciousness, we see lots of past issues coming to the surface, again, to be finally released, and our energies are more centred on our inner awareness and inner development.

You may find that your awareness rests on past issues, and you have strong thoughts associated with those events. Take a deep breath and clear*; stay conscious of your breathing for a minute or two, and look again at that thought. See the illusion within it: it is not of this time frame, therefore thank it and then release it and focus your energies with yourself and become aware of your feelings.

Scan your feelings for any tension and release that as well. You may notice a new inner quiet developing; let your awareness be with this for a few seconds and explore its qualities. You may feel an inner joy, a feeling of bliss as you put your attention on the silence within.

Whenever you find yourself thinking thoughts which are not relevant to the moment of Now, take a deep breath and clear. If you find you are thinking thoughts that you are not enjoying and did not consciously create: Think again. Use the field of all possibilities within to create your most perfect thought for that moment.

You have the power to think any thought you desire, so choose the thoughts which bring you upliftment, and release and clear. Through conscious breathing release any thoughts which can be classed as negative.

Focus on what you want. A lot of people put their attention on what is not working and expand that experience in their life. What you put your attention on grows and expands; therefore choose clearly what is your heart�s dream and what your desires are, and consciously breathe your energies into that experience.

Rebalance your energies and allow them to flow freely towards your dreams and aspirations. See the fear drop away as you do this and centre your energies on your heart centre, your feelings, and come from love.

You can now feel the presence of a new reality developing on the Earth, a new world which you are helping to create. Feel your connection to the Earth beneath your feet; stay connected and grounded over the coming year. Welcome the changes that are happening.

Embrace your feelings and follow your heart�s desire; step forward into the new world.

* The term �clear� just has the effect of releasing the energies you have been holding onto. I just feel a release as I use this technique.

Message channelled by George Lockett (C) Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. Read HealerGeorge�s Blog: Jouey into the Self Yes, I can send you absent/distant healing: this will really help. Just follow the instructions on the home page of my web site at: HealerGeorge Web Site and Distant Healing

As you make your donation you will get the opportunity to put in your personal details, so I can focus the healing directly to you. Or ask at question at: Ask HealerGeorge

Waking up one day and realizing your world just isn't working for you is the first step into an incredibly exciting new jouey. That awakening is to be the first of many. Maybe you've been reading self improvement books and feeling like something is missing. That's a sure sign your life may be changing, especially if you are beginning to question your own spirit.

Have you listened to yourself lately? I mean really listened? Did you hear anything? Maybe your inner voice has been quiet and suppressed for so long it forgot how to speak. Maybe it really has wanted to speak but hasn't been given permission.

Recently I saw the result of a study on one of the prime-time news shows. The study showed that by the time a child is five years old, that child will have been told "No!" over 100,000 times! What are the ramifications of this? Just imagine. A child's only job is to just be who they are. That's it! Can you imagine that if 9 times out of 10, the child was just being him/herself and was told "No."? Eventually the child intealizes this simple word into the understanding that being the self is not okay.

The painful truth is that most of society has been raised this way. What does it mean when this child becomes an adult? That adult is shut off from his/her spirit and is living life according to someone else's rules, limitations, ideas, parameters and belief systems. This adult may be unable to make decisions without consulting others, looking to others to make the decisions for them.

This is where that underlying word "No!" setup the outside authority figure that the adult still looks for today. He/she doesn't realize, and was never really taught, that when you become an adult you also become your own authority figure. That may be an implied belief at 18. "You're an adult now and you have to make your own decisions," the 18 year old is told. This statement, however, does not include the words, "You no longer require our (parents') permission. You are your own authority now." Wow, wouldn't that have been nice if it had been spelled out like that. Unfortunately we take some of that authority and dump it into doing things that we've always wanted to do exteally, like drinking, partying and more.

But, how much of that is a rebellion and how much is remembering your spirit and the inner truth of your being? It gives you something to think about.

Maybe you've never rebelled. Many women suffer from the "good girl" syndrome. This may be the worst offender in the case against remembering your spirit and inner truth. The good girl syndrome is so deeply ingrained that the child seemingly lives to please others. Others are the priority, and the self doesn't really matter. In fact, it feels as though the self doesn't even exist. It's been so long since the self had a chance to speak that there is virtually no sense of self left at all. All those times being told "No!" have accumulated into a pliable body, a seeming automaton, a robot who is only here to serve others. Sound familiar?

Is it any wonder why so many people are searching for assistance in this day and age? The book industry is loaded with self-help books. There is a growing discomfort within this world of robots. Like Robin Williams in Bicentennial Man, there is a growing desire within our own lives that makes us stop and say, "Wait a minute, this is not enough for me. I have a voice and somewhere deep down inside of me, I have a self, and it's time I found out who that is."

Being a robot no longer works for us once we have that initial awareness, that one little light bulb that tus on inside that says, "There must be something more to my life than this." That one little sentence begins a domino effect inside, tumbling down the building blocks of denial that formulated the structure of our lives at such a young age.

Once this crumbling begins, it truly is a 'brand new day.' The world begins to look different and feel different. That's because you are different. You asked a question and found a voice. Now is the time to begin the search to find your self. It's in there somewhere, undeeath all those denial blocks, limitations, boundaries and belief systems. A self is waiting to be bo!

Remember, our parents always did the best they could with what they knew how to do. If they had been raised any differently themselves, then they would have raised you differently, but they weren't. So, there's no blame here, plain and simple. It's just finally time to start breaking the generational family patteing. It starts with you.

Your questioning and questing breaks the chain. You know that once you remember your self, you will pass a new way of being onto your children. As you grow, lea and discover your self, you can't help but share that new expression with others. Remember to welcome your self to this world. Remember that it truly is OK to just be your SELF!

� 2001 Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is an Intuitive Counselor who assists clients to create extraordinary transformations in their everyday lives. Her work is uplifting, empowering and success-oriented. You can visit Jodie�s website at http://www.illuminationsnetwork.com for further information and to schedule a private intuitive session. You can also look for weekly updates to her blog at: http://intuitiveinnovations.blogspot.com

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